bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contradictions in “reputation management”
Authors: Campbell F.E. , Herman R.A. , Noble D. 
Published: July 2006

Purpose“Reputation management” is widely used as a rationale for public relations, although the public relations practice has problems with its own reputation. Public relations is presented in textbooks as a mature management discipline, yet the term “public relations” is rejected by many practitioners and academics. “Reputation management” may have been introduced to counter negative associations and to gain status for the practice. The purpose of this paper is to use critical theory to question the ideas and assumptions underlying “reputation management” and to examine contradictions within the term.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews what this theory has to say about public relations and its claim to be a mature management discipline. It examines how public relations practitioners explain their role to internal and external publics.FindingsAn initial literature review suggests that the contradictions within “reputation management” mirror contradictions within public relations practice.Originality/valueThe paper encourages debate in the public relations field.
Towards relationship management
Authors: Phillips David 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline concepts that explore and extend the significance of public relations as a relationship management discipline.Design/methodology/approachThe paper postulates practice through which value is created to meet organisational objectives from the known or latent potential of tangible and intangible assets. In doing so, a definition and early research findings into the nature of relationships is put forwards and a definition of organisations as the nexus of relationships is proposed. The differentiation between organisational and interpersonal relationships is explored through a concept that organisations' tangible and intangible tokens are limited by a concept of materiality in a cultural setting.FindingsThe paper posits that material value is released through a process of relationship change and a public relations practice of relationship management is put forward as a management discipline that can create value when the process of relationship management acting on material tokens is deployed.Originality/valueThe paper explores how public relations is an agent for changing the value of organisations.
Expectations of, and satisfaction with, the South African police service in the North West Province
Authors: Rothmann Sebastiaan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to assess the expectations of policing of citizens and police members in South Africa and to determine citizens' perceptions of the police.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows a cross‐sectional survey design was used. Stratified random samples of both the police (N=677) and the community (N=2,153) were taken in the North West Province of South Africa. The measuring battery for the community contained two sections, namely a section with biographical questions and items about contact with the police, neighbourhood concerns and confidence in the police, and a section about expectations. The measuring battery for police members also included two sections, namely a section with biographical questions, and a section with questions about their (police members') perceptions of the community's expectations.FindingsThe paper finds that regarding community expectations, a principal component analysis with a direct oblimin rotation resulted in four internally consistent factors, namely crime prevention, crime investigation, control, and assistance. The results showed that members of the community and the police differ regarding perceptions of present policing priorities. Most police members reported that their performance in serving the community was good, while a total of 47 percent of community members who had contact with the police showed little confidence in the police, and 44 percent felt dissatisfied with the service they received from the police.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper researches the relationship between what the community expects of the police and the perception police members have of their functions in only one province in South Africa. More research into expectations in other provinces is needed.Originality/valueThe results of this paper can be used as a baseline for future studies of the expectations of, and satisfaction with, the police in South Africa.
Understanding the risk of going missing: estimating the risk of fatal outcomes in cancelled cases
Authors: Newiss Geoff 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve the police, policy makers' and researchers' understanding of the likelihood of fatal outcomes befalling missing persons.Design/methodology/approachData on the age, sex, duration missing and outcome (fatal or non‐fatal) of over 32,000 cancelled reports of missing persons were extracted from a police database of missing persons in the London metropolitan area. The analysis highlights the risk of a cancelled missing person report resulting in a fatal outcome by the same variables.FindingsShows that the risk of a cancelled missing person report resulting in a fatal outcome is overall very low, though it does increase with the age of the person reported missing and the duration they remain missing for. Males face a higher risk of being found dead than females.Research limitations/implicationsThe risk estimations use a base rate of all cancelled missing person reports, therefore excluding persons who have never being found. The estimations are based on missing person reports rather than individuals. Insufficient detail was available to analyse the fatal cases by type of death (e.g. suicide, homicide, accident, etc.).Originality/valueThis paper provides new empirical evidence on what happens to people reported missing. The findings provide an actuarial context in which clinical risk assessment by police officers can take place.
The Rosetta video approach: an overview and lessons learned so far
Authors: Zender J. , Schwehm G. , Wilke M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeBesides the technological challenge of flying a space probe for ten years before arriving at the final mission destination, one is confronted with a potential loss of knowledge during this period. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the general knowledge management applied for such a mission. It aims to give details for a new approach, the video approach, to capture expertise knowledge of engineers and scientists.Design/methodology/approachThe video approach included the visit of all instrument teams for several days, executing interviews with engineers, technicians and scientists. During the interviews a table of content (/toc/) with attached keywords was generated. The final video was transferred into a computer‐readable form and connected with the table of content. The methodology that was used to prepare and execute the interviews, the final video material and the storage and structure of the table of content and keywords is presented.FindingsThe experimenter interviews and the follow‐up work are finished. The paper finds that feedback received so far is positive and some experimenter teams use the approach for internal work.Research limitations/implicationsThe existing videos are not integrated into the existing standard office environment. Another technology step needs to integrate video capture, search and play into the existing, e.g. document processing, environment. The quality of the approach is difficult to estimate as the captured information might only be used in the years to come.Practical implicationsProof of concept is given and lessons‐learned listed.Originality/valueAn new approach is documented giving technical implementation, setup, execution and approach details. Suitable as a reference paper for any organization with similar knowledge management requirements.
Toward understanding inter‐organizational knowledge transfer needs in SMEs: insight from a UK investigation
Authors: Chen Shizhong , Duan Yanqing , Edwards John S. , Lehaney Brian 
Published: July 2006

PurposeExternal knowledge is generally believed to be of prime importance to small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). However, a review of the literature shows that no empirical research has looked at knowledge management issues at the inter‐organizational level in SMEs. This paper seeks to report on an empirical investigation with UK SMEs in the service sector to identify their needs and practices regarding inter‐organizational knowledge transfer, and thus provide empirical evidence to support the above belief.Design/methodology/approachA two‐tier methodology (i.e. using both questionnaire survey and interview approaches) is deployed to address the main research objectives. A questionnaire survey of SMEs is carried out to investigate their current inter‐organizational knowledge transfer situation and managers' perception on various relevant issues. Then 12 face‐to‐face interviews with SME managers are conducted to further validate key findings drawn from the questionnaire survey.FindingsThe empirical evidence collected from the survey and interviews confirms the general belief that external knowledge is of prime importance for SMEs, and demonstrates that SMEs have very strong needs for external knowledge and inter‐organizational knowledge transfer.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings provide very strong underpinning for further theoretical research on inter‐organizational knowledge transfer in SMEs. However, this study has certain limitations: its results may not be applicable to other industrial sectors or the same sector in other countries; or to micro or large companies; nor does it involve cross‐cultural issues.Originality/valueBy adopting a two‐tier research methodology, this study provides more reliable understanding and knowledge on SMEs' inter‐organizational knowledge transfer needs and practices, and fills the gap that exists in the empirical investigations on the subject.
A study of knowledge internalization: from the perspective of learning cycle theory
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Ten , Lee Kuo‐Wei 
Published: July 2006

PurposeIn an age of rapid knowledge expansion, external knowledge sources are available in abundance. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the way in which firms can effectively internalize explicit knowledge and direct it into the tacit knowledge of employees, thereby enhancing the organization's competitiveness (knowledge internalization).Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory research is adapted to discuss the issue of knowledge internalization based on learning cycle theory. A theoretical framework is developed which provides an analytical perspective on the knowledge internalization.FindingsThe results of this study reveal that an “incomplete learning cycle” is one of the reasons why explicit knowledge could not be successfully converted into tacit knowledge. Hence, when a more complete learning cycle is followed, explicit knowledge is more easily converted into tacit knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThis study's results can be considered as a stepping‐stone for future rigorous theoretical and empirical investigations.Originality/valueThis paper seeks to develop a framework of knowledge internalization based on learning cycle theory that will serve as reference for both the academic and business communities.
Knowledge‐based systems: a re‐evaluation
Authors: Syazwan Abdullah Mohd , Kimble Chris , Benest Ian , Paige Richard 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe goal of this paper is to re‐evaluate the role of knowledge‐based systems (KBS) in knowledge management (KM). While knowledge‐based systems and expert systems were widely used in the past, they have now fallen from favor and are largely ignored in the knowledge management literature. This paper aims to argue that several factors have changed and it is now time to re‐evaluate the contribution that such systems can make to knowledge management.Design/methodology/approachThe role of KBS in KM is explored through a comprehensive analysis of both the management and the technical literature on knowledge. The literature on KBS and expert systems is reviewed and some of the problems faced by them are highlighted. Some of the probable causes of these problems and some of the solutions that might be used to overcome them are indicated. The paper describes how knowledge systems (KS) could be used as an effective tool for managing knowledge.FindingsThe lack of success of KBS technologies for managing knowledge is mainly due to organizational and managerial issues. These problems can be solved through feasibility studies before system development activities. KS technology is now being successfully applied in a variety of newer domains that exploit its capabilities.Practical implicationsSome conclusions are drawn concerning integration of knowledge systems with knowledge management, problems of the early implementation of knowledge systems technology, and possible solution to overcome these problems.Originality/valueThe main contribution of the article is in re‐evaluating the role of knowledge‐based systems as a tool for knowledge management.
Communicating six sigma's benefits to top management
Authors: Freiesleben Johannes 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to construct a basic profit model of quality so as to highlight the economic implications of process quality in an accessible way.Design/methodology/approachEconomic evaluation of the four profit parameters (price, unit costs, sales, fixed costs) using microeconomic analysis. For each parameter, the effect of better quality is described and a general logic to assess its profit impact developed.FindingsFor all four examined parameters, it can be shown that better quality results in better financial performance. Profit and quality are therefore positively correlated.Research limitations/implicationsThe presented research is of conceptual nature, based on the objective to establish a general profit model of quality. The single parts of the described economic logic of quality might be subjected to empirical examination.Practical implicationsThe arguments presented in this paper can help quality practitioners to better understand the economics of striving for best possible quality.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified research gap by combining the disciplines of economics and quality management and tries to advance a profit perspective on quality which is suited to replace the still dominant cost perspective.
Terrorism PLC
Authors: Leivesley Sally 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo describe anticipatory risk as a fundamental pillar for a framework of international law in relation to global terrorism.Design/methodology/approachEconomic terrorism and global terrorist transactions are used as a case study to demonstrate asymmetric financial crime and vulnerabilities of financial districts, economies and populations.FindingsThe act of anticipation of risk is quantifiable and imposes a duty to manage foreseeable catastrophic consequences. Such a duty in turn creates a proportionate reaction that can be recognised in law.Practical implicationsRecommendations are made for international discussions by jurists, global agreements through the United Nations and the G8 and for national laws, corporate governance standards and regulatory measures to become a seamless extension of the international framework.Originality/valueCommercial law, criminal law and the international laws and conventions of war require a framework that defines foreseeability, catastrophic risk, uncertainty, adequacy and proportionality.
Nigeria's Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004: a tighter noose
Authors: Chukwuemerie Andrew I. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo show that the new Money Laundering Act 2004 is tougher on criminals than previous legislation in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachExamines the Act in detail.FindingsDespite its new toughness, the Act still needs further enhancements in order to achieve 100 per cent success in view of Nigeria's present social dynamics.Originality/valueProbably the first comprehensive examination of the 2004 Act.
Firm‐specific determinants of intangibles reporting: evidence from the Portuguese stock market
Authors: Oliveira Lídia , Lima Rodrigues Lúcia , Craig Russell 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify factors that influence the voluntary disclosure of intangibles information in annual reports of Portuguese listed companies.Design/methodology/approachAn index of the voluntary disclosure of intangibles is constructed based on analysis of the Management Report and Chairman's Letter of all 56 companies listed on Euronext Lisbon at 31 December 2003. Several hypotheses about associations between that index and eight firm‐specific variables are tested.FindingsThe voluntary reporting of intangibles is found to be influenced significantly by size, ownership concentration, type of auditor, industry and listing status in univariate analysis; and by size, industry, type of auditor, and ownership concentration (and listing status to a lesser extent) in multivariate analyses.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on annual reports only, and is cross‐sectional. The use of content analysis and the subjective judgment involved in constructing the index cannot be view uncritically. The small sample size is inevitable because of the small Portuguese capital market.Practical implicationsAccounting regulators will be better able to understand the factors that explain the voluntary disclosure of intangibles by firms and use this in developing future recommendations.Originality/valueThe paper validates some previous research and also provides insights to the firm‐specific factors that explain voluntary disclosure of intangibles by companies operating in the small share market of a European country in which capital market fund raising is not regarded to be an important source of financing.
The strategic planning process: evidence from Turkish firms
Authors: Dincer Omer , Tatoglu Ekrem , Glaister Keith W. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeFindings on the nature and practice of strategic planning are presented from a sample of 135 large companies based in Turkey. Attitudes towards a range of strategic planning issues and the use of a variety of tools and techniques of strategic planning are reported.Design/methodology/approachEconomic forecasting models, strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, scenario construction and financial analysis of competitors are the most frequently used tools/techniques of analysis.FindingsRespondents indicate a very favorable attitude towards strategic planning which is seen as important by firms in the sample. Comparison of foreign‐owned firms and local firms indicates that the foreign‐owned firms adopt a broader and deeper repertoire of tools and techniques of strategic planning than do local firms, and they tend to believe that the strategy process is more deliberate than do local firms.Research limitations/implicationsNeed to look at the relationship between strategic planning and organizational performance.Practical implicationsIndicates a need for longer‐term planning horizons and more emphases on the implementation and evaluation of strategy.Originality/valueOne of few studies to examine strategic planning of firms in a transitional economy.
Teleworking and new product development
Authors: Martínez‐Sánchez Angel , Pérez‐Pérez Manuela , de‐Luis‐Carnicer Pilar , José Vela‐Jiménez Ma 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo develop a model that assess the feasibility to telework new product activities.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review of innovation and telework to find criteria relevant to use telework in new product development activities.FindingsThe first stage of the model assess the feasibility of telework in new product development activities according to four criteria: importance of teamwork, need of using equipment and laboratories, intensity of data processing, and frequency of meetings. The second stage assess the level of knowledge in each new product development activity. The model analyses the knowledge tasks according to four basic knowledge processes: generation, codification, storage and transfer. The third and final stage assess the distribution of productive work time of new product development employees to obtain groups of new product development activities suitable to be teleworked.Research limitations/implicationsFirstly, to enlarge the taxonomy of variables that define each one of the four basic knowledge management processes included in the model. Secondly, to test empirically with case studies and surveys the working time requirements of knowledge tasks. The number of knowledge tasks included in the analysis could also be enlarged in future studies.Practical implicationsThe framework provides an aid to research and managerial application of telework in new product development activities. The methodology developed in the paper may be useful for preliminary analysis of teleworking implementation projects. It may also help to the adoption of information and communication technologies for the company's new development processes.Originality/valueThe adoption of teleworking among knowledge processes arises the question whether teleworking may be used in the company's innovation activities. The methodology proposed in the paper wants to contribute to this topic by developing a framework adapted to the different activities in the new product development process.
Development of Chinese small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Chen Jia 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis article aims to present an overview of the historical development and current status of Chinese small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) examine major political initiatives contributing to SMEs' development and draw out some experience from SME development practices in China.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is exploratory in nature, using archives of government documents and related statistics.FindingsThe article argues that the fundamental role of the market in allocating resources and the self‐operation status of SMEs should be respected, that it is imperative to encourage SMEs to optimise industrial structure, and that it is important to properly handle the government‐enterprise relations and bring the role of the government in macro control into full play so as to create a fair competitive environment for SMEs.Practical implicationsThe Chinese experience of SME development is of great interest to policy‐makers and academics alike.Originality/valueThe article explores entrepreneurship and SME development in China from a policy‐making perspective.