bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technology, innovation and post‐bureaucracy: the case of the British Library
Authors: Harris Martin 
Published: June 2006

PurposeIn recent years it has been argued that the widespread adoption of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) presages the “end” of bureaucracy and its replacement by new and more flexible organisational forms. The purpose of this paper is to question contemporary accounts of “the network enterprise” and “the virtual organisation”, arguing that these are founded on a logic which abstracts innovation from its institutional and organisational context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a case study analysis of the British Library to explore the relationship between ICTs and new organisational forms.FindingsThe case study evidence suggests that there is a need to go beyond the binary opposition of “bureaucratic” and “post‐bureaucratic” forms. The evidence also shows that the bureaucratic form was associated with the institutional legacies, expertise and practices that are crucial in fostering innovation.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the bureaucratic context offers a more propitious environment for innovation than has been suggested by managerialist accounts of the “post‐bureaucratic organization”.
Sustainable quality management: a strategic perspective
Authors: Svensson Göran 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe topic is restricted to the components of total quality management (TQM), in which a set of values, tools and techniques unites the descriptions of TQM. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact on an additional core value of the components of TQM, namely the sustainability of values, tools and techniques.Design/methodology/approachA strategic perspective of sustainable quality management is applied, rather than tactical and operative ones. The term “sustainable quality management” is used.FindingsThe paper contends that quality management (in general) and TQM (in particular) should be scrutinised by stressing the sustainability of values, tools and techniques.Research limitations/implicationsSustainable quality management provides a potential to improve and extend the theory generation and the best practices of TQM in the future. An important area for further research is to examine the extent of sustainable quality management practices beyond the organisational boundaries and traditional channel structures. Sustainable quality management is complex to implement and evaluate.Practical implicationsThe paper provides theoretical and managerial ideas and insights in order to anticipate and avoid the non‐sustainability of TQM practices.Originality/valueOne contribution is a model of a circulation approach to TQM. Another contribution is a model of the sustainability of TQM, which connects and reconnects corporate values, tools and techniques in quality management.
Quality and risk management: what are the key issues?
Authors: Williams Roger , Bertsch Boudewijn , Dale Barrie , van der Wiele Ton , van Iwaarden Jos , Smith Mark , Visser Rolf 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the field of risk management in relation to the connection to quality management. It poses and attempts to answer three questions. What can quality teach risk management? What can risk management teach quality? What must both risk and quality management still learn? This is an area which has so far not been explored by the quality management fraternity.Design/methodology/approachThe examination is built on more than 20 years' experience in the area of quality management and extensive involvement in recent developments around risk management (e.g. the Australian/New Zealand standard for risk management – AS/NZ4360, the development of a risk management model by the European Foundation for Quality Management, and the launch of risk‐based instruments by a number of private companies).FindingsAmongst the major findings are that there are three types of risks: predictable risks that organisations know they face; the risks which an organisation knows it might run but which are caused by chance; and the risks which organisations do not know they are running.Practical implicationsIt is pointed out that in the past the challenge for quality management professionals was to support process and design improvements, but the challenge of the future is to improve relationships in order to reduce and manage the most important risks.Originality/valueThe paper outlines how the quality management discipline can help with the management of these types of risks.
Quality management in a modular world
Authors: Arnheiter Edward D. , Harren Hendrik 
Published: June 2006

PurposeCompanies are emphasizing modular designs and manufacturing approaches, but to stay competitive and retain market share they must continue to offer products and services of the highest quality. Therefore, since modularity is increasingly popular and product quality is always critical, the purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of modular strategies on key quality dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper first presents an overview of modularity, and then outlines eight commonly used dimensions of quality. Each dimension is then examined in terms of how it can be affected by modularity.FindingsIt is shown that modular product design has a significant impact on key attributes of product quality. Six of the eight quality dimensions examined are potentially affected in a positive way by modularity, while five of the eight attributes are affected in a potentially negative manner by the use of modularity.Practical implicationsSince modularity can have both a positive and negative impact on quality, managers must proceed with caution when adopting modular strategies.Originality/valueThis is a seminal work because it considers the impact of modularity on the dimensions of quality. It is argued that the use of modularity should not be considered a panacea by companies searching for a quick solution. That is, there are potentially significant negative side effects associated with modularity.
Teaching self‐efficacy, stress and coping in a major curriculum reform
Authors: McCormick John , Ayres Paul L. , Beechey Bernice 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe main research aim was to investigate relationships among teachers' occupational stress, coping, teacher self‐efficacy and relevant teachers' perceptions of curriculum changes in a major educational reform.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework that included the attribution of responsibility for stress model, aspects of social cognitive theory and perceptions of the changes to the HSC, was used to guide the study. Multilevel variance decomposition and structural equation modelling were employed.FindingsStress attributions to personal and organizational domains were associated with the teachers' perceived stress from implementation of the new curriculum. Furthermore, results suggested that these teachers may have coped with stress associated with the changes using palliative strategies rather than direct problem solving. Teachers' greater understanding of what the curriculum changes entailed was associated with lower teacher self‐efficacy.Practical implicationsEmphasises that curriculum reform cannot be carried out in a vacuum, and that teachers' mental models or schemata of the education system within which they work are likely to influence their interpretations of the reform and its implementation. Analyses provide insights into teachers' cognition in relation to stress and self‐efficacy during curriculum change.Originality/valueThe nature of the reform, which was the focus of this study, is relatively rare, for both the magnitude of the curriculum change and the size of the education system (750,000 students) involved.
Customer satisfaction in a retail setting
Authors: Burns David J. , Neisner Lewis 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo examine the relative roles played by cognition and emotion in the development of customer satisfaction in a retail setting.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental design was employed. Study participants were exposed one of two expectation scenarios depicting past experience with an unnamed retail store, with one developed to build high expectations and one developed to create low expectations. Study participants were then exposed to one of two performance scenarios depicting a new experience with the unnamed retail store, with one depicting a successful pleasurable experience and one depicting a performance failure. Participants were also asked to complete scales measuring their cognitive evaluation of the perceived performance and their emotional reaction to the perceived performance.FindingsBoth cognitive evaluation and emotional reaction were found to explain the level of satisfaction experienced in a retail setting. As opposed to a service setting, however, cognitive evaluation was found to be more important than emotional reaction in explaining customer satisfaction. When the individual treatment levels were examined, anger/delight and shame were observed to be significant only for the third treatment level (high expectations/poor performance).Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that retailers whose customers possess high expectations will need to place explicit attention on their customers' emotions. If a performance is deemed as negative, not only will the negative performance affect level of satisfaction, but also the negative emotions associated with the poor performance will also likely affect level of satisfaction.Originality/valueThe paper examines the role of emotion in developing customer satisfaction in a retail setting.
Efficiency measurement among hypermarkets and supermarkets and the identification of the efficiency drivers
Authors: Pestana Barros Carlos 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse a representative sample of hypermarkets and supermarkets working in the Portuguese market, using a benchmark procedure to compare companies that compete in the same market and thereby deriving managerial and policy implications.Design/methodology/approachA two‐stage procedure to benchmark the companies was adopted. In the first stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used and in the second stage a Tobit model is employed to estimate the efficient drivers.FindingsFirst, that, on average, the efficiency of hypermarket and supermarket retail companies is high compared with that to be found in other sectors. Second, larger retail groups are, on average, more efficient than the smaller retailers, and third, that national retailers are on average more efficient than regional retailers. Finally, scale plays an important role in this market. The efficiency drivers are market share, number of outlets and location. Finally, regulation has a negative effect on efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has two limitations. The first is in relation to the data set, and the second in relation to the DEA method. With reference to the data set, the homogeneity of the retailers used in the analysis is questionable, since retailers of different sizes, production characteristics and locations are compared, which may face different restrictions and therefore might not be considered to be directly comparable. However, it can always be claimed that the units are not comparable and that it would consequently be equally impossible to undertake a ratio analysis. Moreover, the data set is short, so that the conclusions are limited. For the conclusions to be generalised, a larger panel data set would be required.Practical implicationsThese can be separated into managerial and competitive – more importantly, the latter with its implications for the retailing industry and its future evolution.Originality/valueClarifies two issues: the changes in the fortunes of the retail companies, as observed in their sales volume ranking, and the need to look for the causes of retail efficiency, apart from internal managerial procedures.
The hierarchical structure of service quality: integration of technical and functional quality
Authors: Kang Gi‐Du 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo extend understanding of service quality by empirically examining the conceptualisation of service quality (both technical and functional).Design/methodology/approachBecause the popular service‐quality instrument, SERVQUAL, concentrates on functional quality, a model incorporating both technical quality and functional quality is employed here. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is utilised to examine empirically a two‐components model of service quality.FindingsA two‐component model yields better fit than a model concentrating on functional quality alone (such as SERVQUAL).Research limitations/implicationsBecause the present study tests the model using a single service industry, an exhaustive description of technical quality could not be provided. This could be overcome in future studies by employing multiple service industries.Practical implicationsA useful foundation whereby practitioners can appreciate the importance of technical service quality (in addition to functional quality).Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified information and resources need, and offers practical assistance to academics and practitioners in the field.
The effect of radiation on the laminar natural convection induced by a line heat source
Authors: Ayani Mohammad B. , Esfahani Javad A. , Sousa Antonio C.M. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo show the effect of radiation from the heat source and the variation of fluid properties on the laminar natural convection induced by a line heat source.Design/methodology/approachThe governing equations – Navier‐Stokes and energy equation are discretized in a staggered grid by a control volume approach, and they are solved using a segregated technique. The equations for the fluid and solid (line heat source) phases are solved simultaneously. The three sides of the computational domain are open boundary. Some of the physical and thermo‐physical properties of the fluid (air) such as density, thermal conductivity and viscosity were considered to vary with temperature.FindingsThe present predictions are compared with those using the Boussinesq approximation, with the results for the boundary layer equations, and with the experimental results. The present predictions reveal considerable departure from the Boussinesq‐based solution and from the boundary layer results. This study also shows the radiation exchange between the heat source and surrounding has major effect in the results. Thus, the departure between the experimental and analytical results can be explained by the effect of radiation exchange.Research limitations/implicationsIn this work, just studied steady‐state laminar thermal plume with the effects of radiation from heat source and the variation of air properties with temperature while it is propose to extend this work to transient and/or turbulent flow.Originality/valueThe effect of radiation from a line heat source on the flow filed around the source and offers enhancement of design to thermal engineers.
Networking your way through the organization
Authors: Hetty van Emmerik IJ. , Euwema Martin C. , Geschiere Myrthe , Schouten Marieke F.A.G. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to focus specifically on formal and informal networking and their relationship with career satisfaction. It was expected that men would engage more in networking and that men are able to use networking effectively than women, which will be shown in the achievement of greater career satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses were tested with hierarchical regression analyses, using a sample of 180 (69 percent) female and 80 (31 percent) male employees from a Dutch bank.FindingsResults show that the female respondents engaged more in both formal and informal networking than male respondents. However, hierarchical regression analyses showed that the association between participating in network activities and career satisfaction is significantly stronger for men than for women.Research limitations/implicationsThere is certainly a need for longitudinal data to resolve issues concerning differential dropout of women and the development of effective social networks.Practical implicationsThe female employees profit less from networking in terms of career satisfaction. One possible solution may be to try to develop especially the networking competences of women.Originality/valueElaborating on the social network perspective this study of the participation in formal and informal networks examined gender differences in the association of networking with career satisfaction. Although the female employees in this study engage more in networking, they profit less from it in terms of career satisfaction.
Ten promises to Terry: towards a social marketing manifesto
Authors: Hastings Gerard 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to present the problem of obesity and associated ill health in the UK. It seeks to show how marketing by major companies contributes to this problem.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses the case study of “Terry” to illustrate the issues involved.FindingsThis paper finds that life expectancy is predicted to fall in the UK unless action is taken against the growth of obesity. The marketing of fast foods needs to be curtailed.Originality/valueTen pledges are made to “Terry” to improve his health, pledges that can be applied to the whole nation.
Health‐related effects of creative and expressive writing
Authors: Lowe Geoff 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of some health‐related effects of creative and expressive writing.Design/methodology/approachReviews some of the main research studies exploring links between expressive writing and aspects of health, including two new experimental studies showing effects of poetry on mood and immune system indices.FindingsResearch studies have involved standard writing tasks and have shown a good range of physiological and behavioural benefits. Example findings include improvements in health and well‐being and enhanced levels of host defences in immune system functioning. Other notable findings include reduced severity of symptoms in arthritis and asthma sufferers. However, writing disclosure may also have negative effects on clients with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The cognitive‐behavioural bases of “writing therapy” include the informative function of emotions, self‐regulation, re‐framing, and dealing more effectively with negative feelings.Originality/valueProvides health professionals with an overview of research into health‐related effects of creative and expressive writing, and may encourage sensitive approaches which include writing therapy. The studies of poetry and immune function report some of the first empirical biological evidence for the poetry‐health link.
Irreverent approach to HR puts Pareto among the prizes
Authors: Longden Kate 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to highlight the policies that helped Pareto Law, a “slightly wacky and highly sales driven” graduate‐recruitment organization, to win the 2005 Sunday Times Best Small Company to Work For award.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores the background of the company's founders and how this influenced the Pareto Law business model. It also describes the successful model in detail.FindingsThe paper describes Pareto's “high earnings, high achievement” and extremely open culture. Emphasises the importance of setting challenging but achievable goals, the generous incentives scheme, and gives examples of the practical support offered by the company's founders.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights a business model that has succeeded in getting the best out of today's graduates.Originality/valueThe paper shows how being open with people, stretching them, rewarding them well and ensuring that work is a fun place to be has helped to achieve a dynamic and committed workforce.
Things are not always what they seem
Authors: Lucas Leyland M. , ogilvie dt 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illuminate the question ”given all that we know about knowledge transfer in organizations, why do problems persist?” This is achieved by examining the challenges confronting organizations in developing an effective knowledge transfer strategy.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was administered to a Fortune 500 company actively engaged in pursuing a knowledge management strategy that emphasizes intra‐organizational knowledge transfer. Data were analyzed using a hierarchical regression to assess the relative importance of reputation, culture, and incentives to organizational efforts at knowledge transfer.FindingsIt was found that culture and reputation have significant positive effects on knowledge transfer. However, the study found no support for the role of incentives. The findings lend credence to the notion that knowledge transfer is a social activity in which employees must willingly engage and is one that cannot be incentivized.Research limitations/implicationsMore research is needed on issues related to knowledge transfer. While this study did not exhaust all possible factors affecting knowledge transfer, it does note that identity, knowledge structures, and the upsurge in contingent employment need to be researched because they may play a role in knowledge transfer.Practical implicationsThe findings reinforce the idea that knowledge transfer is not a socially neutral process. It is a social activity occurring within a social context, the success of which is largely influenced by who employees see as their partners in this process, how well do they know one another, and whether or not they view knowledge as something to be shared with their colleagues. Therefore, managers need to pay careful attention to the social context within which knowledge transfer efforts are taking place.Originality/valueThe study uses an interesting framework of social information processing theory on which to base the arguments presented here. Moreover, it provides a look at a unique set of factors that, we think, are assumed away when dealing with knowledge transfer issues.
Linking shared organisational context and relational capital through unlearning
Authors: Cegarra‐Navarro Juan G. , Dewhurst Frank W. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe environment provided by an organisation to facilitate learning and create knowledge has been defined as the shared organisational context. The value to an organisation of knowledge created by the shared organisational context is called intellectual capital, of which one key component is relational capital. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the aspect of learning concerned with challenging the basic beliefs or processes that companies take for granted, which is embodied in the concept of unlearning.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews the literature to identify relevant measures and present a structural equation model, which is validated through an empirical investigation of 139 small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Spanish optometry sector.FindingsThe results indicate that companies need to support unlearning as a prior step, otherwise unlearning does not have any significant effect on the creation of relational capital.Research limitations/implicationsFew, if any, studies of the shared organisational context have considered the relationship between unlearning and the creation of intellectual capital.Practical implicationsPrevious studies, particularly in knowledge management, have focussed on knowledge management systems in large world‐class organisations rather than the underlying learning process in SMEs.Originality/valueThis study examines three key constituents of the shared organisational context (the individual context, management and teamwork) and their effects on the process of unlearning.