bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The digital library: a case study in intelligent content management
Authors: Warren Paul , Alsmeyer David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper describes the application of semantic knowledge technology to a case study in intelligent content management, specifically the BT digital library. The intention is to test the technology being developed within semantically‐enabled knowledge technology (SEKT) and provide feedback to the development process. This will verify the viability of our technology and verify that we are using semantic knowledge technology to satisfy the real requirements of users. The case study will also serve as a shop window for the technology.Design/methodology/approachDuring the initial stage of the project, user requirements were collected by means of a questionnaire and also an in‐depth focus group. Combined with a study of the existing literature on digital libraries, this enabled an enhanced digital library system to be designed using SEKT technologies.FindingsWork so far has verified that semantic knowledge technologies can be used to enhance the value of digital libraries. During the later stages of the SEKT project detailed trials will enable the SEKT functionality to be fine‐tuned for the precise needs of users.Practical implicationsTo be of value, semantic knowledge technologies must take into account the needs and behaviour of users. For example, a strong lesson from our focus group was that users wish to feel in control of the technology.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates how semantic knowledge technology can be used in a specific application. This application is valuable in itself, and will provide feedback to help understand how semantic knowledge technology can be used to provide user benefit in general.
Effects of transformational leadership and organizational position on knowledge management
Authors: Crawford C.B. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research report is to empirically explore the relationship between transformational leadership, organizational position, and knowledge management.Design/methodology/approachAdult subjects (n=1,046) were asked to complete a survey battery consisting of questions about their leadership abilities, organizational position, and knowledge management behaviors.FindingsKnowledge management behaviors were significantly predicted by transformational leadership accounting for 19.5 percent of the variance. Organizational position was a significant predictor of knowledge management and, with transformational leadership, accounted for 21.1 percent of the variance of knowledge management.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research needs to more clearly focus on the specific aspects of transformational leadership, position, and knowledge management in a variety of contexts, but the results of this study clearly support the basis for a relationship between these variables. Furthermore, future research should continue to clarify the causative details surrounding leadership and knowledge management such that more specific cause and effect relationships might be exposed.Practical implicationsTransformational leaders are better suited to handle even the most technical aspects of the modern workplace than are transactional or laissez‐faire leaders. Additionally, as individual leaders move up in an organization they are better suited to engage in knowledge management, at least partially, because they are more transformational in leadership style.Originality/valueThis paper reveals that the relationship between knowledge management and effective organizational management is not just theoretically sound, but, in fact, empirically proven. This report has applicability to any leader, or aspiring leader, in an organizational setting seeking to improve their abilities.
Tacit knowledge: philosophic roots and role in KM
Authors: Mooradian Norman 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and clarify a central concept of knowledge management, tacit knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the philosophical roots of the concept of tacit knowledge and compares its core elements with current uses of the concept in contemporary knowledge management research. Different interpretations of the concept are identified, analyzed and clarified. A more explanatory and useful interpretation is developed and applied to current issues in knowledge management. A new KM implementation model is described based on a fuller understanding of the tacit/explicit distinction.FindingsThe main conclusion of the paper is that the concept of tacit knowledge as it appears in the literature is vague and ambiguous. This vagueness creates confusion that, in turn, makes developing and implementing KM strategies more difficult. However, by understanding the philosophic roots of the concept of tacit knowledge it becomes possible to develop a clearer and more useful interpretation of the concept that can be used to guide KM implementations.Practical implicationsA new KM implementation model is described based on the analytical findings of the paper. An implied model based on a confused understanding of the tacit/explicit distinction is identified and rejected.Originality/valueThe paper clarifies and develops one of the most important concepts in KM. It provides a fuller description of its role in KM and disentangles it from related but distinct concepts. The paper reframes the tacit/explicit distinction and provides a set of guiding principles to be used by researchers and managers.
Forget value‐based management and the balanced scorecard! An interview with Professor Ken Merchant
Authors: de Waal André A. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo elicit the views of Ken Merchant regarding management control and performance.Design/methodology/approachAn interview with Ken Merchant before his keynote speech during the lustrum congress of the Dutch Controllers Institute in November 2004.FindingsProvides an overview of the pros and cons of present performance‐measurement techniques and discusses the possible future directions performance measurement and management control may take.Originality/valueOf interest to academics and professionals in the field of performance measurement and management.
A human resource accounting transmission: shifting from failure to a future
Authors: Theeke Herman A. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to present the positions and conclusions of scholars to support a proposition that the asset approach to human resource accounting has failed.Design/methodology/approachReviews the history of human asset accounting.FindingsThe paper offers an alternative “liability approach” to account for and report human resources.Originality/valueThe paper provides an argument and rationale to demonstrate that a liability paradigm would be compatible with normal accounting and reporting procedures.
The context of entrepreneurship in Hong Kong
Authors: Man Thomas W.Y. , Lau Theresa 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe context of Hong Kong has nurtured numerous small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in which the owner/managers have exhibited rather consistent set of characteristics over decades despite shifts in the industrial structure. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how such characteristics can sustain in different industrial environments.Design/methodology/approachBy using the competency approach on a sample of 153 SME owner/managers in the wholesale trade and IT services industries, we conducted hypothesis testing on comparing first, the overall rankings of ten competency areas for SME owner/managers, and second, the ratings of individual competency areas between the two industries.FindingsWhile there are consistent patterns of competencies across these two contrasting industries in Hong Kong, the owner/managers in IT services industry have significantly higher ratings in innovative, strategic and learning competencies than those in the wholesale trade industry.Research limitations/implicationsEntrepreneurial competencies are not only stimulated or sharpened by the requirements of different industrial environments, but also rooted in the common socio‐cultural background of the owner/managers.Practical implicationsWith the ever closer economic and socio‐cultural integration with China, a completely new pattern of entrepreneurial competencies may be required in a new context of entrepreneurship in Hong Kong.Originality/valueThe application of the competency approach allows us to investigate the respective impacts of industrial and socio‐cultural factors in the development of entrepreneurial characteristics, particularly those about Chinese SME owner/managers in Hong Kong.
Climbing the mountain: management practice adoption in growth oriented firms in Wales
Authors: Packham Gary , Brooksbank David , Miller Christopher , Thomas Brychan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper proposes that owner‐managers of growth firms are more likely to have developed or acquired managerial practices that facilitate such expansion. The paper, therefore, examines how growth oriented firms in Wales have adopted management practices to build the necessary entrepreneurial capacity to sustain growth.Design/methodology/approachA group interview technique was utilised to examine the management development process in 18 growing firms across the manufacturing, construction sectors.FindingsThe research highlighted that whilst firms argued that the management practices they had implemented were to facilitate further growth, the relative importance of practices such as marketing, financial management and planning varied across sectors. Furthermore, it was apparent that growth firms identified in this study were more inclined to look at the adoption of management practices from a strategic perspective.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory nature of this study means that it is difficult to generalise these findings outside the boundaries of the adopted research strategy. In addition, links between performance and managerial action are always very difficult to demonstrate conclusively as this process is often dependent on owner‐managers recounting and recognising cause and effect relationships. Nevertheless, the study does strengthen existing academic argument that key management practices outlined in this paper are regularly adopted by growing firms.Practical implicationsThe findings will assist policy makers and owner/managers with regard to identifying and understanding why certain management practices engender small business growth.Originality/valueThe paper adds its support to the growing literature which examines the process of management development in small growth firms. Moreover, given Wales' current dearth of growth oriented firms, the paper implies that policy makers should support training and initiatives that develop entrepreneurial and managerial competencies that are industry specific.
Lessons from benchmarking environmental performance at automobile assembly plants
Authors: Rothenberg Sandra , Schenck Brian , Maxwell James 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better understand benefits and problems with different approaches to benchmarking environmental performance in manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThis paper shares the experience of a research program developing environmental benchmarking measures for the automobile industry.FindingsIn this paper, we categorize these options into four general categories: regulatory, gross emissions, efficiency, and life cycle. We found that firms emphasized different approaches to benchmarking depending upon regulatory context and company strategy. Product type, corporate and national culture, resource costs, stakeholder demands also all played a role in influencing their preferred benchmarking approach. Overall, the most robust environmental programs will incorporate elements of all four approaches.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary limitation of this study is that it draws its data from only one industry. Another limitation of this paper is that it is focused primarily on performance benchmarking. Additional research needs to be done to understand the factors that influence a firm's choice of benchmarking metrics, the relationship between the different aspects of environmental performance benchmarking, and the relationship between performance and managerial benchmarking.Practical implicationsFirms must supplement strong environmental management systems with their benchmarking strategy. Using all four provides a more balanced benchmarking effort, and minimizes limitation that single measure of environmental performance present.Originality/valueFor manufacturing firms, this paper offers a framework to think about the costs and benefits of a range of environmental benchmarking strategies. For researchers, it outlines a number of areas for future research.
Cross‐national evaluation and benchmarking of manufacturing SMEs using an expert system based assessment tool (QuickView)
Authors: Ochoa‐Laburu Carlos , Simons Gene R. , Trachtenberg R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo determine whether: QuickView, that is a primary assessment and business planning tool that was designed in the USA in the 1990s, could be usable out of USA; and manufacturing SMEs outside of the US could be evaluated against the 3,400 US SMEs on the QuickView database.Design/methodology/approachThe project consists of a survey of a sample of SMEs in different overseas regions, Northern Spain being one of them: revise and translate questionnaire to local language; train local agents; conduct a survey of a sample of 50 SMEs using the local agents; and review the results and draw conclusions as to the applicability of the model.FindingsWe think that we have demonstrated that QuickView is a valid tool to use on non‐US SMEs to help build local databases containing local companies. What is not so evident is how to establish direct comparisons between the two databases. To make this, the USA database should be partitioned by year of survey or by industry sector. We can draw some initial conclusions about the Spanish sample.Research limitations/implicationsThe USA database should be partitioned by year of survey or by industry sector, to make direct comparisons. A further continuation of this project is, obviously, an in‐depth analysis of the Spanish sample. Another issue is whether an open structure can be developed for QuickView that would allow it to be modified into specialized questionnaires for service companies, for example, or a questionnaire dedicated to the SMEs in a particular country.Practical implicationsTo create a database of spanish companies based on QuickView methodology to serve as a reference of management practices.Originality/valueThere are currently several projects trying to develop standard European benchmarking tools and databases. Our project presents an adaptation of another different tool already in use in the USA and proves its validity in an European context. This tool should be useful either for companies trying to evaluate themselves and compare with a local, though still small, database or for external agents trying to compare one particular company against the database.
The impact of information and communications technology on commercial real estate in the new economy
Authors: Dixon Tim 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to critically review the conceptual frameworks that have been developed for assessing the impact of information and communications technology (ICT) on real estate.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a critical review of existing literature and draws from examples of previous empirical research in the field.FindingsThe paper suggests that a “socio‐technical framework” is more appropriate to examine ICT impact in real estate than other “deterministic” frameworks. Therefore, ICT is an important part of the new economy, but must be seen in the context of a number of other social and economic factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on a qualitative assessment of existing frameworks, and by using examples from commercial real estate, assesses the extent to which a “socio‐technical” framework can aid understanding of ICT impact.Practical implicationsThe paper is important in highlighting a number of the main issues in conceptualising ICT impact in real estate and also critically examines the emergence of a new economy in the information society within the general context of real estate. The paper also highlights research gaps in the field.Originality/valueThe paper deconstructs the myths of the “death of real estate” and “productivity increase means jobs loss”, in relation to office real estate. Finally, it examines some of the ways in which ICT is impacting on real estate and suggests the most important components for a future research agenda in the field of ICT and real estate impact, and will be of value to property investors, facilities managers, developers, financiers, and others.
The ageing population and knowledge work: a context for action
Authors: Jorgensen Bradley 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate a workforce policy response to the ageing workforce, emerging social and demographic trends, ongoing and rapid change, the growth in complexity and the changing nature of work.Design/methodology/approachThe main method for constructing this paper is analysis of selected texts rather than the more conventional empirical studies. The approach is that of scenario construction, guided by the criteria established by Nowotny et al. Evidence is gathered of emergent trends that affect management practices and structures now and in the foreseeable future. These trends are identified and woven into a commentary that links them in a focus on the priorities for Australian organizations.FindingsThe findings from this research suggest that “command‐based” management structures of the bureaucracy, given emergent trends, present as an impediment to organizational success. Rather, a workforce policy reform agenda for both understanding and managing noted historical conditions in a coherent way is proposed.Practical implicationsThe conclusions of this paper are significant for large organizations faced with the dynamism of the modern era and the difficulties associated with emerging demographic and social trends. They suggest a workforce policy reform agenda for both understanding and managing these historical conditions in a coherent way.Originality/valueThis paper deals with a topic that is exercising policy makers in all the developed economies. It offers practical advice to assist the development of workforce policy to better manage emergent trends.
Biotechnology and foresight
Authors: Erik Solem Knut , Gaivoronskaia Galina 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo analyze several complex issues which are being addressed by biotechnological research and identify possible solutions to some concrete problems.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives are achieved by the use of detailed data and literature search, decision analysis, case studies and personal involvement in research conferences on this and closely related problem areas. The approach to the topic is critical and constructive based on own work and that of colleagues and other analysts.FindingsSignificant issues are waiting to be properly addressed in decision making within the field of modern biotechnology; this applies to the USA as well as Europe. However, controversies about insufficient risk assessments, inadequate risk management or ethical acceptability in different applications of biotechnology co‐exist with controversies about their needs. Technology, politics and values must be integrated. Inadequacies in decision making may be at least partly resolved by proper planning mechanisms, the use of think tanks and applied foresight analysis.Research limitations/implicationsBetter understanding of a more general problem, i.e. gaps in the framework in the introduction of biotechnology into the food sector must be pursued, as public reactions to this new technology and its usage will likely increase, as will fears associated with it. New ideas are needed. Future work must identify ways and means for assessment and evaluation of “think tanks” and their proper use if these are to be applied.Practical implicationsThis paper will provide a very useful source of information on a complex and increasingly important subject for a target audience consisting of: decision makers in government, biotech companies, international and national experts, researchers and graduate students. It will broaden the practical understanding in the use of biotechnology.Originality/valueThe paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and offers insight and practical help to organizations and individuals involved with biotechnological research, applications and decision making.
Competitiveness between public, private and non‐profit organizations in the promising market for the elderly in France
Authors: Smida Ali 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo cover the main trends in health care for the elderly and the issues regarding the competitiveness between public and private organizations that are mainly small to medium‐sized enterprises.Design/methodology/approachA three‐dimensional longitudinal study: the social policy of public authorities; the ageing process of the French population; and the behavior of the elderly toward retirement homes.FindingsProvides a better understanding of the competition between different modes of accommodation for the elderly. Underlines the crucial role played by non‐profit organizations in the French health sector, i.e. to act as a regulator and buffer between the public sector, which lacks flexibility, and the private sector, which gives a free hand to private interests.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to France. It would benefit from being enlarged to cover larger geographical areas, e.g. Europe.Practical implicationsFor academics, this method could be replicated in different other fields and sectors. For public decision makers, this work shows how non‐profit organizations could improve cohabitation between public and private organizations in the health‐care system. For managers, this paper contributes toward a better understanding of the accommodation market for the elderly.Originality/valueThis paper deals with the care of the elderly that is nowadays a world‐wide problem. However, opportunities are emerging with a new market for the care for the elderly.