bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconfiguring Finnish welfare service workforce
Authors: Henriksson Lea 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis study seeks to examine the reconfiguration of professional groups in welfare service work through the lens of gendered inequalities in order to develop an inclusive research horizon that extends to the middle grade of care workers.Design/methodology/approachThe research design positions workforce change within a wider social and cultural context by highlighting occupational, educational and unionist orders from the viewpoint of Finnish practical nurses.FindingsA weakening anchorage in the welfare state and a differentiation of the patterns of recruitment, employment and industrial relations create segmentation, particular forms of exclusion, and identity instabilities. The article identifies the special vulnerability of the practical nurses institutionally embedded “in‐between” the upper and lower grades, the social and health sector, and the union traditions.Research limitations/implicationsThe national policy agenda on workforce change mainly follows the sectoral split and focuses on the established health professions. The unionist agenda of practical nurses in turn reflects interprofessional relationships and tribalism.Practical implicationsThis analysis of welfare service work provides insight into social and cultural transformations related to workforce change in a segmented and culturally diverse labour force and offers reflections on the changing nature of craft unionism.Originality/valueThis article argues for the added value of historicised, gender and culture sensitive analysis of the tensions between policy aims, educational, occupational and unionist orders for understanding reconfiguration through inequality‐producing processes.
Gendering social work in Russia: towards anti‐discriminatory practices
Authors: Iarskaia‐Smirnova Elena , Romanov Pavel 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis article seeks to uncover the gendered nature of discourses in social services and social work textbooks and their impact on the professional identity of social workers in Russia.Design/methodology/approachIt is based on qualitative methodology, referring to interview material, and discourse analysis of the Russian textbooks used in social care education. It addresses three dimensions of gender: labour market policies and women's work/low wages; identity constructions of the social workers; and the discourse of gender in teaching material and textbooks.FindingsThe research shows that, by setting up inadequate wage policies for social workers, the state has reinforced the societal assumption of cheap women's labour. In addition, power relations in social work practice reinforce social inequalities. The ideology of a specific female work‐capacity is reproduced in social work, as in other forms of care work.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings highlight that gender differences are represented as biologically materialised substances, while social conditions of their construction are not taken into account. Single mothers are often portrayed as immoral or unfortunate and considered dangerous for their own children and society as a whole.Practical implicationsIn the education and professional development of social workers, major emphasis needs to be given to anti‐discriminatory practice and critical thinking.Originality/valueThe lack of professionalisation of social work is explained in terms of gender inequality in the social order, which is mirrored in the conditions of labour market and therefore especially in “female work”.
Who staffs the US leaning tower? Organisational change and diversity
Authors: Leicht Kevin T. , Fennell Mary L. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to argue that US colleges and universities resemble a “leaning tower” with ever expanding layers of administrators and managers who control and dominate university life. This set of institutional changes has altered the way that college administrators are recruited.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses recent developments in institutional theories of organisations to explain the changing environment facing US colleges and universities and the role that college administrators play in this environment. The paper matches data from a sample of administrative positions advertised in the 2004‐2005 Careers section of the Chronicle of Higher Education with web‐based data on incumbents subsequently hired for each position. These data are supplemented with aggregate statistics provided by the Chronicle and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).FindingsResults suggest that only a small number of administrative positions advertised involve academic appointments with tenure and that the educational qualifications advertised span a surprisingly wide spectrum of credentials other than academic PhD's. Ethnically underrepresented groups and women are most likely to hold jobs requiring PhD's while whites and men occupy most of the positions where qualifications are ambiguous or classic academic qualifications are not called for.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to discuss the growing distinctive labour market for college administrators while providing preliminary data on the diversity effects of this labour market.
Construction contractors integrating into facilities management
Authors: Bröchner Jan 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse why certain construction contractors engage as facilities management (FM) service providers.Design/methodology/approachAgainst a background of theories of vertical integration, information asymmetries and service innovation, a questionnaire survey of the 50 largest construction contractors in Sweden has been conducted.FindingsOf 44 respondents, eight were engaged in FM, and these differed by being more diversified both into a broader range of services and also upstream from traditional construction. Those engaged in FM were more innovative in general, and they tended to have employees with a high level of formal education.Research limitations/implicationsThe Swedish situation may differ from that in other countries. Competence‐based views of service innovation are supported by patterns identified in the survey data.Practical implicationsConstruction contractors entering the FM supply market need to develop a competence strategy that transforms a project view into a broader understanding of support services, continuously delivered.Originality/valueThis is the first study of any national market for the purpose of determining characteristics of construction contractors who integrate into FM.
The evidence of value enhancement resulting from rehabilitation
Authors: Hui Eddie C.M. , Wong Joe T.Y. , Wan Janice K.M. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe long‐standing urban decay problem in Hong Kong continues to receive attention from the government and concerned organisations. However, little attention is paid to the financial benefits that can be achieved after old buildings are rehabilitated. This study seeks to evaluate and quantify the value enhancement of aging buildings resulting from rehabilitation.Design/methodology/approachUsing the direct sales comparison method, the study critically examines over 80 sample buildings across Hong Kong. Residential properties with rehabilitation completed in the public sector are chosen as samples for numerical analysis.FindingsThe results show that: the capital value of the sample buildings after rehabilitation increased by an average of 35.6 percent; the overall appreciation rate of the sample buildings (35.6 percent) exceeds that of other buildings in the same district (20.8 percent); the average price increase of the sample buildings (25.7 percent after adjustment) is greater than that of Type B (40‐69.9 square meters) buildings (18.9 percent) in Hong Kong; positive growth in transaction volume is evidenced from the sample buildings in four districts; and, on average, the benefit to cost ratio of rehabilitation per unit is 10.9 and the net benefit per square foot is HK$461.4 (or US$59.2).Research limitations/implicationsThere are potential risks of error arising from the use of assumptions, price adjustments, limited sample size and data from the secondary source.Practical implicationsThe analysis is of relevance in confirming the value enhancement arising from rehabilitation and the findings provide a motive for the industry and public for rehabilitation.Originality/valueThe significance of this study is the quantification of the positive effect of rehabilitation.
Influence of total building performance, spatial and acoustic concepts on buildability scores of facilities
Authors: Pheng Low Sui , Ying Liu Jun , Hiong Oh Kok 
Published: February 2008

PurposeWhile the buildability concept and habitation comfort have been studied extensively, these have so far been examined separately. In particular, the implications which the total building performance (TBP) concept, as part of habitation comfort, may have on buildability are as yet unknown. Arising from this lacuna, the objective of this study is to develop an understanding of the relationship between buildability and the two TBP concepts of spatial and acoustic performance.Design/methodology/approachIn studying the relationship between the spatial and acoustic performance concepts and buildability, a base model was used to establish the baseline for comparison. This base model was adopted from the Code of Practice on Buildable Design implemented by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore. The incorporation of spatial and acoustic performance guidelines on the base model was examined to assess their influence on the buildability score.FindingsAnalysis for the spatial performance concept yielded a slight decrease in the buildability score after the incorporation of the guidelines. This was also the case in the acoustic performance concept, where there was a slight decrease in the buildability score. Nevertheless, the reductions do not affect the buildability score so significantly. The minimum buildability score requirements set by the BCA were still met after the incorporation of the guidelines. This seems to suggest that there is minimal effect on the buildability score arising from the implementation of both the spatial and acoustic performance concepts.Practical implicationsThe study determined that the two TBP concepts of spatial and acoustic performance do not seem to have any significantly adverse effect on buildability. Building professionals can therefore incorporate appropriate spatial and acoustic performance guidelines in their architectural layout designs without compromising on buildability.Originality/valueThis study presents a better understanding of the relationship between buildability and the two TBP concepts of spatial and acoustic performance.
Organizational information systems
Authors: Peslak Alan R. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe overall purpose of this paper is to analyze variables that influence how top financial executives view their return on information technology (IT) investment in their organizations. Specifically, relationships between a series of independent variables are measured against the dependent variable overall return on its technology investment. The goal is to determine what contributes to IT success in an organization so that all organizations can focus attention where needed and improve their IT operations.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of secondary data obtained from the 2003 Financial Executives International (FEI) comprehensive survey‐based research on technology issues for financial executives was conducted. The study was carried out by the FEI and Computer Sciences Corporation. Regression analysis and other statistical methods were used.FindingsThe findings suggest that overall information return is rated medium to high by top financial executives. Variables that significantly and positively affect return include: progress on number one IT issue, seeing IT as a competitive advantage, and IT as a core competency. In addition, though just having an information systems (IS) strategic plan is a significant variable, if there is a plan and it is aligned with the overall corporate strategy, then this variable is positive and significant as well. Most view outsourcing as successful but outsourcing per se does not add to success.Research limitations/implicationsThe study can be used as a basis for further exploration on the influences on technology success as well as serve as a preliminary model to analyze firm IS. Limitations of the study include that the only group included in the survey were financial executives. Non‐response bias is also possible.Practical implicationsThe findings can be used to guide management teams in emphasizing control of the important variables in implementing IS and IT that influence overall corporate returns.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes a large current sample set that empirically reviews a cross‐section of major corporations' IS departments and their returns. In addition, it begins to explore the variables influencing overall IS returns.
Technical isomorphism at work: ERP‐embedded similarity‐enhancing mechanisms
Authors: Batenburg Ronald , Benders Jos , van der Blonk Heico 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the mechanisms inducing a user organization to conform with enterprise resource planning (ERP)‐embedded organizational logics and accompanying implementation procedures.Design/methodology/approachBased around the notion of technical isomorphism, the authors describe and analyze how ERP‐embedded mechanisms work out in a Dutch utility company. Interviews and document analysis were conducted with key informants over a number of years.FindingsThe company intentionally and unintentionally self‐enforced its steering towards conformation with its ERP‐system (SAP) through a number of strategic decisions during the adoption and implementation phases.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study is the first empirical analysis of an ERP implementation through the lens of technical isomorphism. Further validation of this perspective and these case study results can be used to study other ERP vendor industry combinations.Practical implicationsPrior to adoption, ERP users and their “implementation partners” should analyze intended as well as unintended consequences for their operational processes and organizational design. ERP‐embedded organizational logics may be at odds with organizational preferences. If detected early, such mismatches may be corrected.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the role of an ERP‐provider in enhancing inter‐organizational similarities.
Exploring managerial flexibility: determinants and performance implications
Authors: Verdú‐Jover Antonio J. , Gómez‐Gras José‐María , Lloréns‐Montes Francisco J. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a model to assess managerial flexibility and its determinants.Design/methodology/approachThe authors perform a literature review to identify the main dimensions of managerial flexibility. Flexibility as a firm capability to co‐align the firm and the business environment permanently is deeply related to the notion of fit. The proposed model integrates different approaches to fit. Based on an empirical, transnational study, the research proposes a model for managerial flexibility.FindingsThree types of flexibility are measured: managerial flexibility, financial flexibility and metaflexibility. Financial flexibility and metaflexibility determine the degree of managerial flexibility, which in turn has positive implications for performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe variables included in the model are not exhaustive. The concept of fit implies a static perspective of flexibility.Practical implicationsThe results are useful both for researchers and for practitioners. Researchers can benefit from a review of managerial flexibility and a methodology that combines different approaches to fit: matching, covariation and profile deviation. Practitioners can learn that managerial flexibility, articulated in some managerial practices, has positive effects on performance when they are in line with the requirements of the environment. In order to activate these practices, firms should maintain a commitment to learning capabilities and financial resources.Originality/valueThree contributions are important for research. First, the paper proposes a model for explaining the nature of managerial flexibility. Second, it shows that flexibility and fit are interrelated concepts and that fit improves the measurability of flexibility. Third, managerial flexibility has positive implications for firm performance.
An empirical evaluation of key factors contributing to internet abuse in the workplace
Authors: Chen Jengchung V. , Chen Charlie C. , Yang Hsiao‐Han 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis study seeks to synthesize theories from communication, psychology and criminology to examine the factors that influence the two most popular topics in industry – internet abuse and addiction at the workplace.Design/methodology/approachThe survey results of 351 responses were analyzed to test the proposed hypotheses and research model using structural equation modeling. Data were collected in Southern Science Park in Taiwan.FindingsIt was found that personality factors such as locus of control and self‐esteem significantly influence employees' internet addictions; and internet addiction significantly impacts employees' internet abuse at the workplace.Practical implicationsEmployers should pay special attention to employees' personalities because they play important roles in internet addiction and internet abuse. Also a good internet policy will be useful especially to a panoptic working environment, which is becoming popular.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation to better understand the two controversial issues in industry. The empirical study validates the important theories of locus of control, self‐esteem, use and gratification, control, and containment in workplace surveillance and deviant behavior research.
The physical environment and a “sense of neighborhood” in residential communities in Hong Kong
Authors: Hin Li Ling 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand how design of housing development affects a sense of neighbourhood.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire surveys were carried out in two residential communities in Hong Kong with very different design concepts and the results were analysed by ANOVA model.FindingsThe residential community with substantial open space allocation creates a greater sense of neighbourhood, even though this community is located in a rather remote part of the city.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size is relatively small and in the future more communities should be included. In addition, international comparison can be made, especially with other Asian cities.Practical implicationsThe findings provide a new perspective to the private developers in their design practice. To the government, more encouragement should be given to the private sector in promoting good community design,Originality/valueThis is one of the few papers that looks at the correlation between housing design and residents' feelings of their neighbourhood in Asia.
Innovation in the construction and property management industries
Authors: Wynn Martin , Jones Peter , Roberts Carolyn , Little Edward 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this practice paper is to examine how the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme has been employed to introduce change and deliver business benefit in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with an introduction to the KTP scheme and its context within the University of Gloucestershire which serves as an introduction to three case studies, each one covering a 21‐24 month time span. The cases draw their empirical material from the experience of managing the KTPs, interviews, meeting minutes, board papers and final reports.FindingsAll three case studies have been successful in the introduction of new thinking or new ways of working in different areas of business. In one case study, a new marketing strategy was developed and implemented; in another, a new consultancy capability has been developed and embedded in the company; and in the third, new information systems were introduced to support corporate growth.Originality/valueThe value of the case studies lies in their originality and the paper highlights the value of the KTP scheme as a catalyst for the introduction of new ideas and initiatives in three different sectors of the construction industry. The paper also illustrates how academics can work productively in a commercial environment with industry partners
Basic values and objectives regarding money
Authors: Raich Margit 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe study seeks to identify basic values and objectives from different bank retailing customers by asking them about their views on topics that deal responsibly with money. Based on their experiences, perceptions and expectations, those values and objectives that are of utmost relevance for them regarding their money life are identified.Design/methodology/approachThe study is of a qualitative nature, using a total of 60 surveys with open‐ended questions to acquire data that are evaluated by the qualitative rule‐based method GABEK® (GAnzheitliche BEwältigung von Komplexität), a tool for analysing textual qualitative data.FindingsThe results show a holistic picture of people's views concerning money and the role of retail banks. Three main topics are identified: banks' and customers' responsibilities; trustworthiness; and support service. These issues are discussed based on the basic values and objectives discovered in the context of customer relations.Research limitations/implicationsThe study adds to the discussion of customer relationship management. A more detailed analysis of the results will bring additional illuminating information concerning the main topics identified. The use of a representative sample would allow a precise comparison of sub‐categories.Practical implicationsAlternative research approaches can be useful in identifying the value systems of customers that can be transformed into a company's strategy and its marketing activities.Originality/valueIn a descriptive account of customers' values and objectives concerning money the study shows how this can help us to gain new insights for the management of continuing customer relationships.