bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An exploration of “Working against racism: the role of trade unions”
Authors: Oikelome Franklin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo report on conference deliberations.Design/methodology/approachThe report is generated through general observations, notes, and tape recordings.FindingsRacism is still endemic in british Society. Trade unions risk alienating their black constituency unless they venture out of their comfort zone and rebuild confidence within the black community and improve organisation, participation, and recruitment of black members in the movement.Originality/valueThis report is valuable in exposing the problems the trade union movement in the UK is faced with and the extent to which black members are at odds with trade unions regarding the approach to adopt in fighting discrimination in the work place.
The CEOs' characteristics and their strategy development in the UK SME sector
Authors: Karami Azhdar , Analoui Farhad , Korak Kakabadse Nada 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis research sets out to examine the role of chief executive officers (CEOs) in the development of the business strategy in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe study explores the hypotheses that there is a relationship between: CEOs' age, work experiences, educational background and strategy formulation; and the impact of the strategic awareness on their part upon firm performance, using UK Standard Industrial Classification. The sample consisted of 508 SMEs in the electronics industry using “self‐reported rating” survey questionnaire and interviews which resulted in 132 completed responses and 12 in‐depth interviews.FindingsCorrelation analysis of data showed that: there was no significant correlation between the age of the CEO's and their performance; professionally experienced CEOs placed more emphasis on formal strategy development; CEOs with an educational background are inclined to develop formal strategic plans. Strategic awareness of the CEOs plays a significant part in the formulation of business strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are mostly new though limited to the electronics industry. A future comparative industry‐wide study is recommended.Practical implicationsThe research has far reaching implications for selecting, training and developing CEOs, since they play a significant role in formulation of the business strategy and the firm's performance.Originality/valueThe original contribution concerns the CEO's awareness of the strategic planning process. It has special value for human resource management (HRM) decision processes towards recruitment, selection and training and management development of the CEOs.
Management development in Ireland: justifying the investment
Authors: O'Connor Marion , Mangan John , Cullen John 
Published: July 2006

PurposeDrawing upon survey and interview data, this research paper aims to explore the usage and impact of management development processes and practices in Ireland from an organisational perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines numerous related issues including: the issue of aligning management development needs to business strategy; the usage of management development methods; the development of high potential managers; and the assignment of responsibility for management development. Tbe paper is the result of a study which included a combination of 13 semi‐structured interviews with HR/training managers and the completion of postal questionnaires by 53 respondents from the HR/training management population in Ireland from a cross section of organisations.FindingsThe study suggests that organisations are both concerned for their management population, see their development as a key priority and are willing to invest in them. Organisations are experimenting with the usage of numerous developmental methods and are particularly aware of the benefits achieved from informal methods. Both reactive andad‐hocapproaches to management development were observed.Originality/valueThis paper adds value to management learning and education theory and concludes by highlighting the fact that before initiating management development activities, organisations must question their rationale for investing resources in development. Failing to devote time at the initiation stage of a management development activity will result in organisations trying to “reverse engineer” and justify developmental initiatives upon completion. Organisations must become more acutely aware of the indirect benefits that accrue from management development instead of focusing all attention to the visible direct outcomes.
Developing political intelligence for making feasible decisions
Authors: Adams Susan M. , Zanzi Alberto 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to propose a model for acquiring political intelligence by describing steps for assessing feasibility that can be used to systematically evaluate a situation. The paper also aims to discuss individual and situational biases to acquiring an accurate political feasibility assessment.Design/methodology/approachA pre‐ and post‐test method was used to compare a sample of novice managers who received training with the feasibility assessment model to experienced, politically savvy managers.FindingsAssessing the political feasibility of a decision is a skill that can be developed to acquire the political intelligence necessary for today's politically‐laden, uncertain competitive environment.Originality/valuePolitical intelligence is at the heart of avoiding political blunders and conflict in organizations. When time and money are spent promoting decisions that are unlikely to succeed, managers can derail their careers from backing initiatives from a declining dominant coalition rather than an emerging one. Yet, these blunders are avoidable. While previous authors agree on the need for political intelligence, little is offered about how to acquire it. This paper offers a model that helps managers acquire the information needed to make politically feasible decisions that develops political intelligence.
Consultant's role: a qualitative inquiry from the consultant's perspective
Authors: Kakabadse Nada K. , Louchart Eddy , Kakabadse Andrew 
Published: July 2006

PurposeMany criticisms questioning the role and the efficiency of business consultants have been addressed. However, although a great deal of research has been carried out on business consultancy, little has been written on business consultancy from the consultant's viewpoint. In order to gain a detailed view of the situation from an internal consultant's perspective, an investigation of how business consultants perceive their role and contribution within their clients' organisations was undertaken. Drawing on different perspectives, this study aims to demystify the role of business consultants, and to ascertain how they perceive their role within their clients' organisations.Design/methodology/approachA series of interviews were conducted, where business consultants were asked to comment on issues related to the nature of the relationship with their clients, the pros and cons of their role and also the amount of control and discretion they exercise over the different projects in which they are engaged. Interview data from 17 business consultants from a variety of fields, such as change management, information technology, corporate finance and human resource, are analysed using an interpretive frame.FindingsThe research findings reveal that differences exist between the rather pejorative conclusions of previous research and the conclusions of this study. Whereas previous research highlighted the omnipotence and the more or less deontological practice of consultants, the data analysis from this study concludes that business consultants appear very humble in their approach to their relationship with clients, and believe that moving clients forward is their ultimate goal. The findings also enable the study to demonstrate that business consultants are conscious of the amount of control and discretion that is passed on to them by clients, and do recognise that criticisms of their role can be at times justified.Originality/valueThe study has value for both consultants and clients. The role determinants model presented in the study highlights the main characteristics of the role of business consultants and helps both clients and consultants to rethink their approach to the consulting process.
The integrated competing values framework: its spatial configuration
Authors: Vilkinas Tricia , Cartan Greg 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study seeks to identify the spatial relationships between the managerial roles within the integrated competing values framework (ICVF). The study also aims to identify the central role the integrator performs with its critical observing and reflective learning function.Design/methodology/approachThe current study investigated the spatial configuration of Quinn's original eight operational roles and Vilkinas and Cartan's ninth role to each other. A total of 100 middle managers participated in a 360° feedback program that sought responses from 928 of their “significant others”. Multiple discriminate scaling (MDS) was used to determine the spatial representation of the ICVF.FindingsThe results of the MDS found that the ICVF was a two‐dimensional, four‐quadrant model. However, one of the dimensions from the CVF, stability‐flexibility, was retitled to reflect more truly the roles that anchored this dimension. It was anchored by people‐task focus. The integrator, as predicted, was found to have a pivotal role for managers. In addition, three of the operational roles – producer, director and coordinator – combined to form a consolidated role called the “deliverer”.Research limitations/implicationsThe model needs to be further researched for gender and cultural differences. In addition, the spatial maps of effective and ineffective managers need to be compared.Practical implicationsThe paper assists managers to gain a clearer understanding of managerial roles, their interrelationships to each other and how to apply them more effectively. The paper would also be of value to those charged with the responsibility for the selection and development of managers.Originality/valueThis paper clarifies the relationship between the paradoxical roles in the ICVF. It also further develops our understanding of the role of the integrator with its critical self‐analysis and reflective learning capability and the central role it plays in the development of effective managers.
Turning professionals into managers using multisource feedback
Authors: van Rensburg Tony , Prideaux Geoffrey 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe research aims to examine the impact of a multisource feedback (MSF) program on a group of partners and other senior professionals in a professional service firm providing accounting, finance and law services. It seeks to shows how these people responded to the program and its feedback processes, and the contribution the program made to their development as managers. The purpose of the research was to assess the applicability of the use of the multisource feedback with this group of professionals in the light of literature which points to the unwillingness of many professionals to participate in management activities or cooperate with management systems.Design/methodology/approachThis was case study research undertaken in a single organisation over a period of three years using qualitative methods incorporating multiple sources of data, in‐depth interviews, focus group interviews, the results of a survey, and the personal experiences of a researcher who was a participant observer.FindingsThe MSF program was an effective way of achieving change in the attitudes and behaviour of the professionals, and of improving their leadership and management skills.Research limitations/implicationsThis was a single‐organisation case study. The study relies on qualitative approaches and issues of objectivity needed to be managed.Practical implicationsThe findings contribute to knowledge concerning the nature of professionals in organisations and their response to management systems and to feedback processes. They contribute to understanding of the applicability of the use of MSF as a management system for professionals, as a means of achieving the development of management skills, and of achieving organisational improvement.Originality/valuePrevious research has not addressed the use of MSF for professionals in professional service organisations, or the use of MSF as a management development tool for professionals.
New model of job design: motivating employees' performance
Authors: Garg Pooja , Rastogi Renu 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to identify the key issues of job design research and practice to motivate employees' performance.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model of Hackman and Oldham's job characteristics has been adopted to motivate employees' performance.FindingsThe paper finds that a dynamic managerial learning framework is required in order to enhance employees' performance to meet global challenges.Practical implicationsTraditional outcomes will certainly remain central to the agenda. But some wider developments are to be incorporated within organizational systems so as to motivate employees for better performance.Originality/valueThe paper may be of value to researchers and practitioners in the management development field for offering enhanced jobs to employees leading to improved performance.
Management development: developing ethical corporate culture in three organisations
Authors: Small Michael W. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this investigation was to look at three organisations (a naval shore establishment, a police academy, and a small, family‐owned engineering firm) and see to what extent they had developed a culture that was both ethically and socially responsive.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation was carried out by speaking to key players, observing their organisations and by detailed analysis of the documents which related to this study.FindingsThe findings revealed that the Navy has a set of values (HHCIL) which overlap with the more general values of the Department of Defence (imPLICIT). The Western Australian Police Service has an approach to developing an ethical corporate culture which includes the establishment of a dedicated unit, and running discussion groups and seminars. The family‐owned and operated engineering business relies more heavily on an indirect approach based on following traditional family values.Research limitations/implicationsPursuing the topic of what makes a just war, particularly in today's political climate, was one possibility for further research. There were limitations to the study; these were mainly due to issues of confidentiality and in broaching sensitive topics to both Navy and Police senior officers.Originality/valueThree conditions were essential for developing an ethical corporate culture: CEOs were ultimately responsible for the ethicality of their organisations; formal training programs were necessary to impart the required knowledge; and formal mechanisms were essential to facilitate the reporting of any behaviour of organisational members that was deemed to be wrong, unethical or illegal.
Compressive strength of concrete with polypropylene fibre additions
Authors: Richardson Alan E. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeConflicting claims have been made in relation to the effects of polypropylene fibres on the compressive strength of concrete. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects on compressive strength of various dosages of monofilament polypropylene fibres when used in concrete. Compressive strength is widely used as the key indicator of concrete quality and therefore needs accurate determination. Monofilament fibres and air entrainment provide a similar function in that they provide freeze/thaw protection, they are both compared against a plain concrete sample to determine relative strength and density.Design/methodology/approachTwo different concrete design strengths (medium and high) were examined with varying amounts and types of polypropylene fibre fraction/volume to establish a common link between fibre additions and reduced final compressive strength.FindingsThe findings from the test programme showed a linear reduction in strength which was observed as being directly related to fibre inclusion in concrete. Density was also found to be reduced with the addition of fibres in a similar degree to that of air entrainment.Research limitations/implicationsThe lower density of concrete with polypropylene fibre additions was not scientifically explained and this aspect currently forms part of a long term freeze/thaw research programme, which will examine pore spacing and void formation compared to plain concrete.Originality/valueThis paper is of interest to clients, concrete manufacturers, concrete additive manufacturers, designers, surveyors and specifiers who need to know what effect polypropylene fibre additives have upon the final compressive strength.
Condition monitoring of vibrating steel‐reinforced concrete beams through wavelet transforms
Authors: Carrión F.J. , Lozano A. , Castaño V.M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to show that wavelets are mathematical tools capable of separating vibration data into different frequency components, allowing the study of each component with a resolution matched to its specific time scale. Wavelets have advantages over traditional Fourier methods, particularly when a signal contains sharp spikes, discontinuities, and transients.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a brief description of wavelets and shows their application to the analysis of typical transient signals due to vibrations in a steel‐reinforced concrete beam.FindingsThe research clearly shows that it is possible to evaluate modes and components separately by using the wavelet analysis.Originality/valueThe beam analysed can be used as a simple model of other more complicated structures, such as bridges and other high scale civil engineering constructions, where vibration analysis is a key issue for maintenance and failure assessments, thus representing an alternative mathematical tool for condition monitoring.
Terrorism prevention, preparedness, and response in built facilities
Authors: Khiun Then Siaw , Loosemore Martin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo explore the risk management, crisis management and business continuity management (BCM) practices of facilities managers responsible for a range of major public and private buildings in Sydney, Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe research method involved a survey of facilities managers responsible for the management of 27 potentially vulnerable buildings in the Sydney metropolitan area, Australia.FindingsThe results suggest that facilities managers under estimate the vulnerability of buildings to terrorist attack, may have a misconception about likely targets and may be unprepared for such an eventuality.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings are restricted to the restricted sample of facilities managers interviewed who were responsible for a range of major public and private buildings in Sydney, Australia.Practical implicationsHighlights the security responsibilities of facilities managers in the new security environment and practical measures which can be taken to improve terrorism preparedness, recovery and response.Originality/valueBuildings, infrastructure and public spaces have increasingly become the focus of terrorist attacks. Yet little is known about the level of preparedness to deal with this eventuality. This paper presents a critique of the literature on terrorism applied to building facilities, integrating the literature on crisis management, BCM and risk management.
A legal analysis of the concept of “planning by contract” in non‐statutory planning control in Hong Kong
Authors: Fung Leung Hing 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo study the nature of covenants for planning control from a legal perspective; to examine the legal mechanisms by which different parties may be bound by covenants and to illustrate the better legal meaning for the idea of “planning by contract”.Design/methodology/approachThe legal principles in Hong Kong relating to how land covenants may affect land owners are used in analyzing the concept of “planning by contract”, which conveys a meaning of an origin from the concept of privity of contract. Examples by reference to real life cases are used to illustrate how planning control through covenants has affected land owners.FindingsCovenants relating to planning control in land leases affect not only the original government lessees but also all subsequent owners to the land. The operation of planning control through covenants is more than a concept based on operation of contract.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis is largely based on the law in Hong Kong. The extent to which the analysis may apply elsewhere is a matter depending on the legal framework in the operation of land covenants at different places.Practical implicationsLand owners and facility managers should fully understand the mechanism by which land covenants may bind land owners even if they have never agreed to the covenants and that the development potential of the property may be seriously affected.Originality/valueThis paper will serve as an aid to land owners and facility managers to understand the mechanism by which land covenants may affect the land and its development potential.
Offices of Swedish growth firms: facilities management variables
Authors: Dettwiler Paul 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo discern patterns of property and facilities management (FM) evolution of the offices of growth firms.Design/methodology/approachStatistical analysis with ten variables which are analysed through four perspectives (clusters, industrial sectors, age and size).FindingsThe result consists of characteristic features of three clusters labelled as “low”, “high” and “moderate” FM firms with a ubiquity from all major industry sectors. The studied population reveals that various industry sectors expose more significant differences of FM variables than age and size. However, age is a background factor for discerning the three clusters and it reveals to be the youngest cluster that has the most intense FM activities, which argues for linkage between rapid growth and FM.Research limitations/implicationsRelevant study for predefined Swedish growth firms.Practical implicationsReveals linkage between faster growth and FM.Originality/valueSurvey empery is collected in a primary database of FM variables and analysed.
Community‐based facilities management
Authors: Alexander Keith , Brown Martin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo introduce and define the concept of community‐based facilities management (CbFM) and to identify and discuss processes and responsibilities in practice, in order to explore opportunities for the development of a socially inclusive approach to facilities management. The paper raises issues of governance, empowerment and socio‐economic development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper addresses issues arising from action research in the North West of England and identifies case examples from current practice to illustrate application of the principles. The paper draws upon literature from the fields of facilities management, new economics and sustainability.FindingsThe paper presents the results of an initial exploration, draws tentative conclusions and offers a framework for evaluating the performance of organisations.Originality/valueIntroduces novel concepts, an evaluation framework and tools for the assessment of FM processes for sustainability.