bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Training in British industry
Authors: Jackson Willis 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the need for, and development of, further education and practical training for recruits into industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses how, at the time of writing, many firms were developing and operating training schemes for industrial personnel. Firms benefit themselves from training individuals, and this also raises the levels of skill and experience throughout industry, enabling British industry to compete on a global scale.FindingsThe paper outlines developments in industrial training schemes, and suggests that whereas once, personnel progressed from being craft apprentices through to being technologists, supervisors and technicians, now it is possible to train specifically in these areas. Group Training Schemes and local and county technological colleges are beginning to offer industrial training, as well as general education related to vocational interests. Senior industrial representatives need to work with technical colleges to establish a partnership and to ensure that courses are oriented towards the needs and developments of industry.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on training in British industry in the 1950s.
Technical subjects in secondary schools
Authors: Howard A.E. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine technical education in various types of secondary schools, and suggests three levels of technical courses to be taught in secondary schools.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the differences between technical schools and colleges, and vocational technical courses taught in “academic” secondary schools; it recognizes that technical schools also attract students of a high academic quality. With a wider range of abilities, there need to be courses offered in secondary technical schools that suit a range of levels. Three technical courses are suggested here, which are aimed at the different levels of education parallel to secondary schools – for the potential craftsman, for the potential technician, and for the potential technologist.FindingsIt is suggested that great care must be taken to ensure that the vocational subjects develop naturally from more general academic studies – the aim of the courses outlined in this paper is to provide a fundamental general education alongside an understanding of vocational studies. The course for the potential craftsman takes the student towards suitable City and Guilds certificates, and involves some designated time for industrial visits. The course for the potential technician aims for four “O” level subjects in the General Certificate of Education (GCE), and the course for the potential technologist aims for pupils to gain two subjects at “A” level.Originality/valueThe paper suggests a hierarchy of technical courses for integration into secondary schools in the 1950s.
The work of the careers master
Authors: Longland C.P. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the skills and responsibilities of a careers master in the late 1950s.Design/methodology/approachSchools were becoming more businesslike, and training was becoming more specialised and developed. Schools needed to have an “Officer of Information” or a “Careers Master” in order to make sure that students had the appropriate qualifications in order to follow a career path with a particular firm. The author suggests that schools needed to do more for the students than simply provide an encyclopaedia of different occupations. This paper lists the practical steps a careers master needed to take, in terms of useful literature, notices and advertisements and also in terms of giving vocational guidance to students.FindingsThis article outlines the main responsibilities of a careers master and details some of the methods he/she should be able to use.Originality/valueThis paper suggests ways in which the role of a careers master in schools can aid students to gain the appropriate qualifications and to gain further information regarding potential future careers.
Co‐operative training in the Sheffield forging industry
Authors: Duncan R. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give details of an operation carried out in Sheffield to increase the recruitment of young men into the steel forging industry.Design/methodology/approachThe Sheffield Forges Co‐operative Training Scheme was designed to encourage boys to enter the forging industry and to provide them with training and education to become skilled and knowledgeable forgemen. The scheme would last two years, and the boys would spend three days per week at their recruiting company, one day per week receiving specialised training at a forging hammer at a separate site, and one day a week at the Sheffield College of Further Education, where he would take a general course including English, social studies, calculations, elementary science and metal work. The boys also studied the general section of the City and Guilds Iron and Steel Operatives' Course and the Forgings, Pressings and Stampings section of the course, in order to receive training specifically for employment on hammer forging.FindingsThis scheme shows recruits that a production job in forges can be interesting, and it can be one in which they progress. It gives them a status which had never before been present when entering forge work. Following the successful beginnings of this scheme, similar schemes are being investigated in melting shops and rolling mills.Originality/valueThe Sheffield Forges Co‐operative Training Scheme was created to solve recruitment and training problems in the forging industry.
Reflections on 50 years of Education+Training
Authors: Rhodes Liz 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to offer a personal view of the changes that have occurred regarding the transition from education into the world of work during the past 50 years.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is that of contrasting how this transition was made in the 1950s to how things happen now in a much more competitive world.FindingsThe transition from any level of education into the world of work is becoming increasingly important in a competitive world and needs to be taken much more seriously.Originality/valueThis paper is one of a series commissioned by the journal on its 50th anniversary. Its originality stems from the personal view of the author.
Revisiting “technical” education
Authors: Roodhouse Simon 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reconsider “technical” education on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the journal Education + Training.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted is that of providing a historical perspective on technical education and higher education engagement with vocationalism, skills and employers. It draws from this the key developments and places these in the recent contemporary policy setting with the new skills agenda.FindingsThe findings are that the government has substituted technical education with “the skills agenda” and is applying it relentlessly across the whole education system, including schools, which in turn is leading to confusion, overlaps and needless competition. There is a need for a national debate on an integrated approach to practical learning wherever it takes place, while recognising that liberal education has its place in a developed society.Originality/valueThis paper is one of a series commissioned by the journal on its 50th anniversary. Its originality stems from the subject matter and the author's interpretation of past technical education and contemporary practice.
Reflecting on the skills agenda: a construction industry perspective
Authors: O'Donnell Hugh , Karallis Takis , Sandelands Eric 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a perspective on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the journal Education + Training.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted is that of providing a viewpoint, reflecting back on papers first published in the 1950s and relating them to current issues in the international construction industry.FindingsWhile the context in which skills debates are conducted have changed (e.g. through greater internationalism) many concerns from the 1950s remain current (e.g. how to attract and develop apprentices and graduates).Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides a perspective and does not represent empirical research. It seeks to compare and contrast industry concerns 50 years apart.Originality/valueThis paper is one of a series commissioned by the journal on its fiftieth anniversary. Its originality stems from the subject matter and the construction industry perspective.
Celtic Tiger found in education jungle
Authors: Cooney Thomas M. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeWhile the growth of the Irish economy (“Celtic Tiger”) has been well documented, not enough attention has been given to the role of education as a cornerstone for the success. This paper seeks to review education policy in Ireland over the past 50 years and to identify the significant educational initiatives that helped shape modern Ireland.Design/methodology/approachPrimarily utilising history books and governmental papers with specific reference to education policy in Ireland, the paper is a review of the relevant literature offering an insight into a variety of schemes instigated by various Ministers for Education over the past five decades.FindingsThe key finding was that the consistent education policies of the preceding decades bore fruit: during the 1990s, there was growing demand for educated human capital in all developed countries, and its ready availability in Ireland helped to attract foreign direct investment and to promote the development of indigenous companies.Originality/valueThis paper uses education policy in Ireland to create a link from mass emigration in the 1950s to the “Celtic Tiger” boom years of recent times.
Recent trends in UK cross‐border mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Faisal Ahammad Mohammad , Glaister Keith W. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to outline the driving forces behind the acceleration of cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (CBMAs) and to review the recent trends involving United Kingdom (UK) companies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on data available from Thomson One Banker and the Office of National Statistics, to examine the trends in CBMAs between 1996 and 2005.FindingsThe driving forces underlying the trend of CBMAs are complex and vary by sector. One of the most significant driving forces is technological change. In addition, changes to government policies influence CBMAs by opening up opportunities and increasing the availability of favourable targets for mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Other forces are market drivers, industry‐level drivers and firm‐level drivers. The scale of CBMAs involving UK companies has increased rapidly in recent years. The area analysis shows that European Union (EU) companies are the most significant target for UK companies followed by the USA and Canada. In terms of distribution within sectors, UK companies tend to acquire more manufacturing companies in the EU, the USA and Canada than in the Asia‐Pacific region. In contrast, UK companies tend to acquire more service sector companies in the Asia‐Pacific region than in the EU, the USA and Canada.Originality/valueThe paper provides an accessible account of drivers of CBMAs and considers in detail the value and scale of activity relating to UK CBMAs. The paper will be of value to academics and practitioners interested in CBMAs as an important element of firm strategy.
Strategic question in Indian banking sector: are Indian bank managers achievement oriented?
Authors: Kunnanatt James Thomas 
Published: February 2008

PurposeDavid C. McClelland attributed India's slow economic development to the lack of people with the need for achievement (n‐ach). His argument is simple: if a nation develops a large number of people – especially managers, leaders and entrepreneurs – who are driven by motives to achieve, to build and develop things, then that resource (achievement‐oriented people) will generate economic development. India today is on a growth trajectory. It has a vast repertory of engineering, technical and managerial talents. But does the country have the so‐called achievement‐oriented managers to lead its enterprises to excel and compete in the emerging world order? This study is an inquiry into this phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws a national sample of managers working in the banking sector and attempts to measure the distribution of achievement among them. The linkage between the achievement orientation of managers and their performance effectiveness is also explored.FindingsThough limited by the size of the sample, the study findings reveal that Indian managers possess achievement orientation in considerable degrees and that the highest performers among them are the ones possessing the highest levels of achievement orientation. Furthermore, the study provides insights into how the attribute of achievement orientation operates in the Indian managerial work environment.Originality/valueThe findings make it possible to prognosticate that a transformation has occurred in the social fabric of India, equipping the country to be psychologically and entrepreneurially resourceful with achievement‐oriented managers. Evidence on the distribution of an achievement orientation among Indian managers could be a vital input for strategic managers and top management planning for business expansion and diversification in India.
The role and impact of leadership development in supporting ethical action in organisations
Authors: Van Velsor Ellen , Ascalon Evelina 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to argues that effective and well‐designed leadership development can help successful managers stay on the right path, in terms of ethical behaviour. In addition to reviewing key research findings on the factors that lead to success and derailment in European organisations, the paper discusses key aspects and outcomes of well‐designed leadership development initiatives and how those relate to the ethical issues and problems posed as “successful” managers move into more senior levels with the attendant demands and pressures.Design/methodology/approachThe paper involves a qualitative analysis of data on learning and goals set and achieved as part of an international leadership development programme held in Europe. Also included is a summary of previously published research on European success and derailment factors, to provide context for the programme data.FindingsWhat managers report learning in a leadership development programme, and the goals they set and achieve, are very much in line with theory on avoiding ethical failure in leadership roles. Leadership development supports ethical action by providing participants with opportunities for rich and comprehensive feedback, enhancement of self‐awareness, time to reflect on personal and professional relationships, and improved understanding of the nature of strategic processes.Research limitations/implicationsIt was not possible to track actual ethical/unethical behaviour before or after the programme, a significant direction for future research.Practical implicationsWell‐designed leadership development may play a more important role than previously thought in supporting ethical action.Originality/valueEthical violations are often committed by people who have a history of good behaviour, but who are generally not well prepared to face complex issues and the increased power and privilege of the upper ranks. There is little known about the relationship between leadership development and ethical action, and this paper presents results that are provocative of what further research along these lines may produce.
Assessing managerial skills in SMEs for capacity building
Authors: Pansiri Jaloni , Temtime Zelealem T. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to identify perceived critical managerial factors (PCMFs) affecting the performance of SMEs, show the direction and extent of relationship between PCMFs and firm characteristics, and forward some research and policy implications.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a survey questionnaire to collect data on SMEs' perceptions of the degree of impact of selected managerial issues on their performance. The data were factor analyzed (principal component analysis), purified (Varimax rotation) and validated for reliability (Cronbach's α values) to identify the PCMFs. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present and analyze the data.FindingsThe paper identifies and ranks four PCMFs affecting the performance of SMEs in a developing African economy. Important relationships are found between PCMFs and firm characteristics, and among the PCMFs themselves. The paper forwards some research and policy implications.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows the need to replicate the study in other places to see whether the findings remain consistent. Although based on a mixed sample and limited to examination of perceptions rather than actual problems, the findings are highly relevant in designing business support initiatives and training programmes for SMEs.Practical implicationsFuture research should develop a framework for conceptualizing and operationalizing the managerial construct in the context of SMEs. Small business support providers, policy makers and practitioners should identify, prioritize and customize the most influential managerial problems in designing entrepreneurial training and assistance programmes.Originality/valueResearch in the study of PCMFs in SMEs in developing African economies is scarce and lacking. The findings in this paper serve as an addition to the existing limited research output in the area. Moreover, the study adopted a systematic approach to identify, factor analyze, test and validate the measurement instrument for the managerial construct.
Are supermarket shoppers attracted to specialty merchandise rewards?
Authors: Miranda Mario J. , Kónya László 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe aim is to examine whether supermarkets may be losing the opportunity to increase customer purchase outlays by means of loyalty points, convertible to acquire specialty goods and services provided by “bonus partners”.Design/methodology/approachTwo econometric models were constructed from data collected from 470 supermarket shoppers in one major Australian city, to predict mechanisms for making shoppers aware of loyalty points accrued on their credit card purchases and for inducing them to pay for purchases with specific credit cards linked to loyalty programmes of which they were members.FindingsShoppers who are aware consider specialty merchandise in exchange for loyalty points to be a significant reason for joining a loyalty programme. However, when they actively seek to pay with specific credit cards because of loyalty points do not rank the conversion into specialty merchandise as a significant reason for membership.Research limitations/implicationsNo insight was sought on the relative importance of attitudes and implications of social influences on attitude formation and behavioural intention with respect to the accumulation of loyalty points.Practical implicationsSpecialist retailing planners can configure product offerings attractive to customers' lifestyles and broader interests on the basis of shared insights into buying patterns and personal details captured during their enrolment in affiliated loyalty programmes with “bonus partners”.Originality/valueThe paper offers an actionable strategy for customer retention and enhancement.
Radio frequency identification (RFID)
Authors: Rundh Bo 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to show how product coding by radio frequency identification (RFID) can provide better benefits with respect to supply‐chain management than barcode reading, and to discuss important practical obstacles to adoption of the new technology, particularly the high set‐up and implementation cost.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses feasibility studies of RFID systems in relation to the structure and application of the technology in an industrial supply chain.FindingsRFID technology offers the prospect of improved efficiency by more sophisticated inventory management, delivering lower costs and improved results. It also offers opportunities to reduce theft and counterfeiting. More accurate demand analysis furthermore improves marketing planning. However, a main disadvantage is the high set‐up and implementation cost. Other technical concerns are reliability and electronic interference. Perceived obstacles thus militate against adoption.Originality/valueThis paper evaluates the implementation of RFID from a managerial point of view, balancing benefits against challenges.
The Singapore Infopedia: evolution of an online encyclopedia
Authors: Tan Bonny 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an overview of the development of the Singapore Infopedia since its inception in 1998 as the InfoXpress until its relaunch in 2006. It seeks to look at some of the challenges faced in design, content creation and data migration.Design/methodology/approachThis paper derives data from unpublished surveys, project papers, user feedback and studies of similar online encyclopedias. It also draws from the author's experience and involvement in the project development between 1998 and 2005.FindingsThe paper is a case study describing the conceptualization and user requirements for an online encyclopedia with guidelines on content management and delivery. The project also involved several surveys which provide invaluable insights to user preferences. Learning lessons gleaned in developing an online encyclopedia on Singapore were derived from early prototype design, studying existing online encyclopedias and user needs surveys of the InfoXpress.Originality/valueThe development, migration and re‐establishment of the Singapore Infopedia were followed closely by surveys of users and studies of existing online encyclopedias. Although not all user preferences were incorporated, the survey data and online encyclopedias studied give indication of preferences, design issues and content development strategy that can be applied to similar platforms.
Preserving scientific electronic journals: a study of archiving initiatives
Authors: Galyani Moghaddam Golnessa 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to review the archiving initiatives of scientific journals created and supported by various organizations or institutions.Design/methodology/approachA review of nine archiving initiatives including JSTOR, Portico, E‐Print Repositories, Open Access Model, LOCKSS, OCLC Digital Archive, JISC PubMed Central and KB e‐Depot was carried out. The paper focuses mainly on the initiatives by employing an analytical approach.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a wide range of archiving initiatives around the world, making it difficult for the author to carry out a comprehensive review. Nevertheless, limiting its focus to the nine existing initiatives, this paper provides a useful overview.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful starting‐point to anyone who wants to know about the archiving for posterity of scientific electronic journals and enables people to quickly achieve an overview of the existing archiving initiatives to date.