bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How top‐level managers develop: a field study
Authors: Longenecker Clinton O. , Fink Laurence S. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine how top‐level managers continue their development/performance improvement, once they have reached the highest levels of their organizations.Design/methodology/approachInterviews were conducted with 106 of senior‐level managers who were asked to identify the specific things they did to continue their development.FindingsThe top ten practices identified by executives included: seeking out honest/accurate performance feedback from a wide variety of sources; reading relevant material; self‐reflection/self‐appraisal; recruiting, hiring, and promoting talented people attending formal continuing education programs, workshops and/or seminars; membership in professional/trade organization associations; mentoring and coaching others; benchmarking and observing the practices of other leaders/organizations; working at knowing the current needs of your own organization and the demands of your job; always knowing the current needs of your own organization and the demands of your job; and having a mentor and/or coach.Research limitations/implicationsThe research limitations of this study include a limited executive sample from large US organizations that makes generalizing these finding difficult. Future research should focus on the barriers that prevent executive development and whether these same development techniques are used by executives all over the world.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this research make it clear that executive development is a complex and critical organizational/personal process.Originality/valueMost research has focused on management development techniques of middle and lower‐level managers. This study determines how top‐level managers continue their development once they have reached the highest levels of their organizations.
Thinking outside the bun: the manager's role in sensemaking
Authors: Wheeler Linda 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to alert managers to the importance of managing employee sensemaking during organizational change.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses her personal experience as a manager to discuss the importance of managing employee sensemaking during organizational change.FindingsManagers and employees must learn to understand their sensemaking assumptions, biases, and perceptions to do a better job of implementing organizational change.Practical implicationsBy understanding and managing employee thought processes and communicating the story of an organizational change to meet employee needs, managers can make organizational change less risky.Originality/valueThis study informs managers about how employee perceptions can inhibit organizational change success.
Market failure and public policy on training: some reasons for caution
Authors: Keep Ewart 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine market failure and public policy on training.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents four categories for market failure. It also examines evidence for the incidence of market failureFindingsThe study finds that there is weak evidence for market failure, but that it has featured prominently in policy thinking because of policy makers tendency to compare stocks of skills between countries.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on market failure and public policy on training.
It's the system that matters
Authors: Denton Keith 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight the importance of creating an effective work system.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows the benefits of systematically incorporating good work practices.FindingsThe paper illustrated that a systematic work system can unify work efforts. Several different work systems are described within the text.Practical implicationsThe paper describes what is needed so everyone is knows “Who we are” and “Where we are going”.Originality/valueThis paper makes the case that it is more important to create a systematic approach to work than it is to implement any particular high performance work practice.
Personal development plans: evidence from research on their use
Authors: Bennett Ben 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe article aims to investigate personal development plans (PDPs), which have become increasingly popular in organizations as perceived demands for staff to become more adaptable, flexible and empowered have grown in response to internal and external organizational change. The adoption of PDPs is seen to be in tune with the times.Design/methodology/approachThis article draws from research into work based learning by Strategic Developments International.FindingsThe study shows that, despite their popularity, PDPs are used patchily and only a few organizations use them well. One problem is that “Personal” can come to mean disconnected from work or from the organization's strategy. Second, we see too often that these plans stay as interesting plans that do not get actioned. A third concern is that the PDP is often very short term. However, just because many people and organizations use PDPs badly does not undermine the value of planned learning. It just means that learners and their managers need to manage the process well so that they and their organization get the maximum value from it.Originality/valueThe article provides guidance on how to get the best from the PDP process.
Designing an appropriate ESCOs' environment in the Mediterranean
Authors: Patlitzianas Konstantinos D. , Doukas Haris , Psarras John 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo contribute to the design of the energy service companies (ESCOs)' environment in the Mediterranean countries, mainly focusing on the constraints this company's environment face and the actions that can fulfil its needs and aims, taking also into consideration the opportunities and threats emerging from the energy liberalization and climate change.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology that was followed (based in a large part on the context of two projects targeted to the Mediterranean region and funded by the European Commission) incorporated four steps, the desk analysis for energy efficiency potential in the Mediterranean, the data collection, the assessment of the constraints and the final assessment of the ESCOs' environment.FindingsProvides information regarding the current status of ESCOs' development, in the dimensions of the ESCOs' environment (political/legal, economical/financial, social/cultural and technological), both in the European Union (EU) (Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain) and non‐EU (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey) Mediterranean countries.Originality/valueThere are no papers investigating the activation environment of ESCOs in a coherent and integrated way in the Mediterranean. This paper provides to decision makers a supportive framework for policy design and formulation of policy priorities for ESCOs development in the region.
From the traditional to the contemporary Cycladic sustainable house
Authors: Sinou Maria 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to compare traditional and contemporary architecture in terms of their environmental performance. It will demonstrate that the traditional constructions create much more stable and comfortable environments than the contemporary ones.Design/methodology/approachThe case study used for the analysis is the medieval settlement of Kastro in the Island of Siphnos in Greece. Five representative houses were examined; three traditional and two contemporary. They were measured and monitored for five days in terms of temperature, air movement, illuminance, and surface temperatures; however, this paper will focus on the temperature results.FindingsThe research showed that traditional houses are primarily environmental shelters, as opposed to the contemporary constructions, which failed to provide such an optimum microclimate. The contemporary need for more spacious residences with wider openings, large facades and views to the outside cannot co‐exist with the microclimate created by the heavy mass, compact, with small openings traditional dwellings.Practical implicationsThe paper does not suggest that architects should recreate former techniques and morphology, but argues that in the quest for the sustainable building, traditional architecture can offer valuable information.Originality/valueTraditional climate responsive constructions are proving to be sustainable throughout the centuries, since even today with the new technology and knowledge they perform better than the contemporary constructions.
The HQE approach
Authors: Bidou Dominique 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to present the concept and dynamics of building environmental quality (the so‐called “high environmental quality” in France) as it has been initiated in France and as it is being actually implemented. It is also aiming at showing how the Haute Qualité Environnementale (HQE) can be a tool towards sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses the concept of the HQE method, its dynamics, the implementation results and its perspectives. It is showing how the HQE can contribute to sustainable development in the construction sector.FindingsThe first results obtained from the implementation of the HQE method show that, well beyond the environment, interesting results are reached in the social field (health, control loads of dwelling, reduction of the accidents on the building sites, etc.) as well as in the economic one (controlled total cost, dynamics of the professions, search and development for new materials, etc.). On the basis of the environment, the HQE thus initiates a true step of sustainable development.Practical implicationsIn France, it is the step HQE which federates the initiatives around environmental quality in buildings. It is founded on the search for performances touching at the same time the interior environment, for the users, and the environment in general from the interior space scale up to the planet. It is an environmental management which is thus put in practice, rendering responsible and mobilizing the actors for obtaining at the same time personal and collective performances. It is a systemic approach, accounting for the complexity and lifespan of a construction, and creating a synergy among the actors.Originality/valueThe paper is a conceptual one. It is trying to present the approach of high environmental quality as ex‐post project methodology and the management character of the operation. It is rather original in the analysis of the dynamics and perspectives of the HQE method.
Sustainable management and urban space quality in the Mediterranean
Authors: Kyvelou Stella , Leal Filho Walter 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to present some challenging issues concerning urban space management in the Mediterranean region, with a special focus to sustainability.Design/methodology/approachIt is structured around the outcomes of the SB05MED International Conference titled “Sustainable Construction: Action for Sustainability in the Mediterranean Region,” held in Athens in June 2005, which is the main subject of this special issue. It will present the main outcomes related to existing approaches of environmental quality in buildings as well as methodologies, policies and standards for environmental quality in buildings and cities. Furthermore, it will present future trends and explore the current situation of projects, systems and operations, as well as performance assessment tools and financial instruments and mechanisms towards sustainable construction in the Mediterranean region. Each major scientific topic is presented and analysed. Finally, a synthesis of outcomes is presented.FindingsThe paper demonstrates the links between developments in the field of sustainable building in the Mediterranean region and relates them with future developments and perspectives at a macro‐regional level.Originality/valueThis overview paper can be used as the starting point of future research as well as a reference paper.
Credit‐default swap rates and equity volatility: a nonlinear relationship
Authors: Abid Fathi , Naifar Nader 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to study the impact of equity returns volatility of reference entities on credit‐default swap rates using a new dataset from the Japanese market.Design/methodology/approachUsing a copula approach, the paper models the different relationships that can exist in different ranges of behavior. It studies the bivariate distributions of credit‐default swap rates and equity return volatility estimated with GARCH (1,1) and focus on one parameter Archimedean copula.FindingsFirst, the paper emphasizes the finding that pairs with higher rating present a weaker dependence coefficient and then, the impact of equity returns volatility on credit‐default swap rates is higher for the lowest rating class. Second, the dependence structure is positive and asymmetric indicating that protection sellers ask for higher credit‐default swap returns to compensate the higher credit risk incurred by low rating class.Practical implicationsThe paper has several practical implications that are of value for financial hedgers and engineers, loan market participants, financial regulators, government regulators, central banks, and risk managers.Originality/valueThe paper also illustrates the potential benefits of equity returns volatility of reference entities as a proxy of default risk. These simplifications could be lifted in future research on this theme.
When does cross‐border acquisition of insurance firms lead to value creation?
Authors: Elango B. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on international acquisitions that took place in the insurance sector by US‐based firms in the years 1997‐2003 and their impact on shareholder wealth.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample is based on 52 international acquisitions in 24 countries undertaken by US firms in the insurance industry during the years 1997‐2003. The event‐study methodology is used to verify the impact of international acquisition announcements on an insurance firm's shareholder wealth. Cross‐sectional regression analysis is used to determine the importance of host country factors.FindingsOverall results of this study show that firms undertaking overseas acquisitions face statistically insignificant negative market returns, indicating the market neither rewards nor penalizes such firms. The market returns faced by firms during such acquisitions tend to vary by the degree of wealth of the host country, amount of bilateral trade between host and home country, extent of potential liabilities of foreignness (LOF) faced by the firm, and economies of scope.Originality/valueAn important contribution of this study is that it indicates how these returns in insurer acquisitions are influenced by country characteristics. Insurers are likely to face relatively higher positive returns while seeking entry into countries with large size markets and which have extensive trade relationships with the US insurers are also likely to face negative returns when entering markets that have potential pitfalls of LOF. The market does see higher risk in acquisitions made in countries characterized by greater differences in culture, environment, legal systems, and geographic distance. Additionally, there is limited evidence indicating that firms gaining scope economies might be able to reduce the negative impact of LOF. Therefore, the conventional phrase, “look before you leap” would be apt for insurers planning acquisitions in overseas markets.
Pricing credit risk through equity options calibration
Authors: Fabio Delzio Marco 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo implement the model described in the companion paper, “Pricing credit risk through equity options calibration, part 1 – theory,” and show how to calculate the price of a set of coupon bonds issued by a US telecommunications and media company, AOL Time Warner, based on the information retrieved by the AOL equity derivatives market.Design/methodology/approachThe risk‐neutral density function of AOL Time Warner's stock is inferred from options volatilities; from there, the AOL assets risk neutral density function is calculated together with the default probabilities at different dates in the future. Finally, a set of AOL coupon bonds are priced accordingly and compared to market prices.FindingsThe AOL model‐theoretical prices are close to market prices, meaning that it is possible to perform relative‐value analysis in the risky bonds market based on the equity markets information.Originality/valueThe paper shows how easily the model can be used as a tool for performing relative‐value analysis between the equity options and the credit markets by using real market data.
Multiple response optimization using Taguchi methodology and neuro‐fuzzy based model
Authors: Antony Jiju , Bardhan Anand Raj , Kumar Maneesh , Tiwari M.K. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo provide a good insight into solving a multi‐response optimization problem using neuro‐fuzzy model and Taguchi method of experimental design.Design/methodology/approachOver the last few years in many manufacturing organizations, multiple response optimization problems were resolved using the past experience and engineering judgment, which leads to increase in uncertainty during the decision‐making process. In this paper, a four‐step procedure is proposed to resolve the parameter design problem involving multiple responses. This approach employs the advantage of both artificial intelligence tool (neuro‐fuzzy model) and Taguchi method of experimental design to tackle problems involving multiple responses optimization.FindingsThe proposed methodology is validated by revisiting a case study to optimize the three responses for a double‐sided surface mount technology of an electronic assembly. Multiple signal‐to‐noise ratios are mapped into a single performance statistic through neuro‐fuzzy based model, to identify the optimal level settings for each parameter. Analysis of variance is finally performed to identify parameters significant to the process.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed model will be validated in future by conducting a real life case study, where multiple responses need to be optimized simultaneously.Practical implicationsIt is believed that the proposed procedure in this study can resolve a complex parameter design problem with multiple responses. It can be applied to those areas where there are large data sets and a number of responses are to be optimized simultaneously. In addition, the proposed procedure is relatively simple and can be implemented easily by using ready‐made neural and statistical software like Neuro Work II professional and Minitab.Originality/valueThis study adds to the literature of multi‐optimization problem, where a combination of the neuro‐fuzzy model and Taguchi method is utilized hand‐in‐hand.
A new heuristic approach for a computer‐aided facility layout
Authors: Rawabdeh Ibrahim , Tahboub Khaldoun 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to apply a heuristic approach to solve the facility layout problem and the description of a new computer‐aided layout design system.Design/methodology/approachThe system utilizes a new approach for computing the adjacency scores, stacking of departments, and reserving or changing the department's shapes and dimensions. The system algorithms are based on calculating the minimal distance between departments and modified departmental closeness rating.FindingsThe research addressed in this paper has resulted in developing FLASP (Facility LAyout Support Program) software. FLASP could reduce the number of iterations needed to reach the optimal solution of the layout problems by restricting the location for each department depending on the relationships between them.Practical implicationsThe system is built on a set of algorithms that are concerned with stacking, calculating the shortest rectilinear distances between departments, adjacency matrix system, modifications capabilities, and plans main aisles surrounding each department.Originality/valueThe program gathers the importance of both the adjacency relationships and the distances between departments in a way that depends on the concept that the adjacency score should not be nullified just because the two departments are no longer strictly adjacent. It rather considers that the adjacency score fades away gradually with the increase of distance between the two departments which leads to a main difference in distance consideration.
Evaluation of overall line effectiveness (OLE) in a continuous product line manufacturing system
Authors: Nachiappan R.M. , Anantharaman N. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe total productive maintenance concept provided a quantitative metric – overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), for measuring the effectiveness of individual equipment in a factory, which is significant but insufficient since world class manufacturing (WCM) system focus on product line involving machines in series. This paper aims to present an approach to measure the overall line effectiveness (OLE) in continuous line‐manufacturing system.Design/methodology/approachSystematic methodology, based on OEE metrics, is developed to model the productivity of a line manufacturing system in terms of OLE. The general and step‐by‐step method of OLE measurement in the line consisting of n number of processes is explained using a flow chart.FindingsComputer simulation has been carried out for the evaluation of OLE in product line manufacturing system with n number of machines. It also identifies the bottle‐neck machines and the effect of specific contributing parameter for improvement.Practical implicationsThe result of this research makes it possible to represent the overall product line effectiveness as a benchmark for WCM to compare the performance of the various continuous product line manufacturing‐based industries.Originality/valueThis paper presents a successful and effective evaluation of OLE which will provide a useful guide to aspects of the production process where inefficiencies can be targeted for doing improvements in the product line.
Do women in top management affect firm performance?A panel study of 2,500 Danish firms
Authors: Smith Nina , Smith Valdemar , Verner Mette 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relationship between management diversity and firm performance in the case of women in top executive jobs and on boards of directors. Corporate governance literature argues that board diversity is potentially positively related to firm performance. This hypothesis is tested in the paper.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper with the use of data for the 2,500 largest Danish firms observed during the period 1993‐2001 various statistical models for firm performance are specified and estimated. The main focus in the models is the estimated relationship between the proportion of women in top management (CEOs and on boards of directors) and firm performance.FindingsThe results in this paper show that the proportion of women in top management jobs tends to have positive effects on firm performance, even after controlling for numerous characteristics of the firm and direction of causality. The results show that the positive effects of women in top management strongly depend on the qualifications of female top managers.Originality/valueThis paper provides solid statistical evidence of the effects of women in top management on firm performance. The use of a large sample and the panel nature of the data set make it possible to properly control for direction of causality and, furthermore, much firm and individual information is included to estimate genuine effects of women in top management.