bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managerial cognitions of competitive environments: a strategic group analysis
Authors: Panagiotou George 
Published: September 2006

PurposeIn the field of strategic management, the majority of studies analyse competitive environments from an economic standpoint, based on the implicit notion that business environments are formal and objective. As such, the human element is assumed and the role that managers play in creating and changing competitive environments is neglected. However, given that people take business decisions and drive organisations, to ignore such an important dimension of the competitive landscape is a considerable limitation to developing more holistic understandings about competitive landscapes. This study examines how managers perceive competitive terrains and discusses the impact of managerial cognitions on decision‐making, competitive strategies and industry dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThe research is cross‐sectional and based on primary research. It involves semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews with the sample size near to the sampling frame of the research. The industry examined is the mainstream UK foreign package holidays industry and the investigation occurred between March and August 2003.FindingsIt was found that managers view industries and competitors subjectively and that the social construction of competitive environments as well as the process of competitive enactment both influence managerial perceptions of competition. Consequently, similarities about competitive challenges are formed. Subsequently, such perceptions affect strategic decisions on competitive strategies and resource allocation. As a result, these actions affect industry dynamics and contribute to the evolution of the industry. Originality/value The study investigates an industry that has not been previously examined in the context of either strategic groups or from a cognitive perspective. Consequently, it provides fresh findings in the field to enable greater generalisation of results since cognition represents only a minor portion of the body of literature in the wider area of strategic management.
Give me back my empties or else! A preliminary analysis of customer compliance in reverse logistics practices (UK)
Authors: Breen Liz 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis research aims to conduct an exploratory analysis into current industrial reverse logistics practice in business‐to‐business (B2B) and business‐to‐customer relationships (B2C), and determine the financial and operational impact of customer non‐compliance in returning distribution equipment back to their source.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis was conducted over multiple industry sectors using qualitative research techniques. The research sample included seven industry sectors, providing a response rate of 72 per cent (53 sources approached). The focus was on both B2B and B2C relationships to determine similarities and differences in financial and operational repercussions.FindingsThe research findings indicate that the efficacy of the reverse logistics system can be undermined by lack of customer compliance, with losses of up to £140 million (B2B).Research limitations/implicationsIn both B2B and B2C relationships, there is evidence of suppliers suffering financial loss due to customer non‐compliance. Due to the small scale of the analysis and the breadth of the industry sectors investigated, these results are not generalisable, but do indicate that this is an area, which could undermine supply chain effectiveness.Practical implicationsNon‐compliance of this nature carries a direct and highly applicable cost for manufacturers and distributors in the practitioner arena. Suppliers within industry need to acknowledge this issue and manage their reverse logistics more effectively.Originality/valueThis paper adopts an innovative focus on an understated feature of the reverse logistics cycle, i.e. the recycling of distribution equipment used to transport outbound and returned products. The paper identifies a range of options, which practitioners can use as guidance when managing the returns system.
The valuation relevance of non‐financial information
Authors: Flöstrand Per 
Published: September 2006

PurposeResearch has called for increased relevance of business reporting. A step towards that goal is an increased disclosure of non‐financial information. At the present time, non‐financial information is mostly provided on a voluntary basis.Design/methodology/approachValuation relevance of non‐financial information is studied by examining the information content of 200 analyst reports written on a respective number of firms listed in the S&P 500 index, while simultaneously performing a disclosure study of non‐financial information by the same 200 firms in their annual reports.FindingsWe found the valuation relevance of non‐financial information to be related to the size of the target firm. Further, analysts’ use of non‐financial information is related to the level of non‐financial information in the 10‐k report of the target firm. Finally, analysts tend to rely more heavily on forward‐looking non‐financial information than on historical non‐financial information.Practical implicationsThe findings in this paper have implications for policy makers, preparers of business reporting, and others having to make judgments on information usefulness.Originality/valueThis study looks at the valuation relevance of non‐financial information, as opposed to earlier studies that have judged the usefulness of non‐financial information by measuring its value relevance. Information is regarded to have valuation relevance if it is used by analysts in the valuation process. Hence, valuation relevance offers an alternative way of measuring information usefulness.
State of the psychological contract
Authors: Winter Richard , Jackson Brent 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo identify and describe work environment conditions that give rise to a shared or different state of the psychological contract for managers and employees.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews conducted with seven managers and 12 employees within an Australian credit union. Questions relate to the causes (work environment conditions) and content (salary, recognition and rewards, trust and fairness, open/honest communication) of the psychological contract. Comparative analysis techniques identify and contrast psychological contract categories of managers and employees.FindingsAlthough managers and employees shared similar responses as to the state of the psychological contract, they attributed different causes to these states. Managers tended to construct rational explanations and emphasise resource constraints and financial considerations, whilst employees constructed emotional explanations and attributed this situation to an unfair, uncaring or distant management. Employees regarded the Staff Consultative Committee and open‐door policies as “symbolic acts” rather than genuine attempts to give employees a voice in the company.Practical implicationsAligning the psychological contract espoused by management more closely with that upheld by employees requires managers to adopt more personal, face‐to‐face communication strategies. The removal of status‐related barriers to communication places managers in a better position to explain to employees how the organisation can meet (or not) specific contract expectations and obligations.Originality/valuePaper provides interesting insights into how contracts form within the context of work environment, HRM policy and practice, and cultural factors – work context factors largely ignored by psychological contract researchers.
Gender change? Locked into industrial relations and Bourdieu
Authors: Sayce Susan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to seek greater academic discussion of gender and gender change within industrial relations. It attempts to move the theoretical discussion of gender away from universal systems theories of analysis to a more micro multi‐layered approach that can accommodate what is a complex and subtle situation, gendered industrial relations. It commences to theorise why women in certain institutional frameworks progress whilst women in others do not.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative empirical case study approach has been taken to uncover the nuances of women's daily experiences of work relationships including industrial relations in Keylockco, a lock manufacturer.FindingsThe findings indicate that Bourdieu's theory can be successfully used to analysis gender change within industrial relation and to explore how women's differing access to capital can facilitate their positional progress within hierarchical gender‐stratified industrial relations. While the paper does not offer solutions for improving the position of women within industrial relations it does seek to stimulate discussion around the positional requirements of industrial relations actors where greater social, economic, cultural and symbolic capital has accrued to men.Originality/valueThe analysis of empirical data with Bourdieu's theory of habitus and capital has the potential to be extended to other sites of industrial relations than the Keylockco case study. It offers us the possibility to evaluate empirically the progression of women, for example, in female‐friendly unions such as Unison. It is also possible to apply the theory to both national and international experiences of gendered industrial relations.
Unfair dismissals in Australia: does arbitration help employees?
Authors: Chelliah John , D'Netto Brian 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo determine the factors associated with arbitration awards in unfair dismissal complaints under Australian federal legislation and to assess whether employees benefit from arbitration.Design/methodology/approachThis research involves an empirical analysis of 342 decisions in 17 industries by arbitrators in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission over the four year period 1997‐2000. Logistic and ordinary least squares regression are used to analyse the data.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that 50.6 per cent of arbitration decisions were in favour of employees and only 10.8 per cent of complainants were reinstated. Independent variables which are significantly associated with each of the three dependent variables are identified.Research implications/limitationsThe results of this study enable researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the arbitration process and recognise independent variables that are associated with the arbitrator's decision in unfair dismissal cases.Practical implicationsEmployers lose half the unfair dismissal cases that go to arbitration. To reduce legal and associated costs, employers may need to look at ways of creating a more harmonious workplace. Employees do not benefit much from arbitration and have little chance of reclaiming their jobs. Reaching a settlement through mediation may be a better option.Originality/valueThis is the first study to assess arbitration decisions in Australia. By developing a conceptual model based on arbitration outcomes and structuring the analysis on this model, the paper presents a logical understanding of the factors that drive arbitration decisions and remedies.
The role of library media services in the University Distance and Distributed Education
Authors: Gu Fang 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis article aims to outline the functions and activities performed by California State University, Sacramento Library Media Center in the University Distance and Distributed Education (DDE) program, with an emphasis on the unique role of the library media services in partnership with other campus units in the system‐wide integrative DDE service.Design/methodology/approachThe article observes and examines the effectiveness of the library media services through the framework functions of the University DDE Program.FindingsThe article finds that faculty and librarians may share benefits of information resources and university technologies through a well‐organized collaboration program in an environment of learner‐centered service.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the library cooperative efforts in expanding access to library media resources in serving DDE educators and students, and the exceptional role of the library media services in collaboration with other campus units in handling consistent change, sharing fund and achieving successful alliance in the University Distance and Distributed Education program.
Benchmarking human resource development: an emerging area of practice
Authors: Smith Ian 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the potential for the application of benchmarking to human resource development (HRD) practice in the LIS sector.Design/methodology/approachThis paper outlines the principles of benchmarking, examines dimensions which may be useful in benchmarking HRD and focuses in particular on the potential for the application of benchmarking principles to HRD activity in the library and information services (LIS) sector. Several examples of emergent HRD benchmarking practice in the LIS sector are used to illustrate the application of benchmarking principles and methodologies.FindingsThe paper finds that HRD benchmarking has significant potential to become a powerful tool in ensuring good and improving HRD practice in the LIS sector.Practical implicationsThe paper offers practical information and advice to those considering the application of benchmarking principles and practices to HRD.Originality/valueThe paper examines an emergent area of professional practice in the LIS sector. As such it has particular relevance and applicability to those responsible for planning and managing in that sector.
Corporate culture in libraries and information centers to promote “knowledge‐based business” in IT era
Authors: Panda K.C. , Mandal Manik 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe phrase, “corporate culture”, refers to a company's values, beliefs, business principles, traditions, ways of operating, and internal work environment. In the perspective of corporate culture, the paper attempts to trace the changes in some libraries round the world.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a conjectural approach to corporate culture and how the same could be applied to contemporary libraries and information centers and to show how the five laws of Library Science coupled with the evolution of IT have not only made the library services more competitive, but also profoundly influenced the ethics of twenty‐first century librarianship.FindingsThe paper finds that contemporary libraries will have to adapt corporate culture to promote knowledge‐based business so as to make their services customer‐friendly.Originality/valueThe paper portrays the different aspects of corporate culture and cites the contributions of well‐known authors on “organization culture”.
What can we learn from performance assessment?
Authors: Pan Junlin , Li Guoqing 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to promote a better understanding of performance assessment (PA) as a managerial means via analyses and discussion of the system and practice in an academic library.Design/methodology/approachOne existing PA system of a university library is presented. Descriptive analyses of two specific system‐inherent problems, respectively: weighting scheme of the evaluated criteria and disqualification of the immediate supervisor as rater, are conducted. The purpose of PA is addressed with reference to PA and pay linkage. Circular supervision as an effective element to ultimately eliminate individual errors in an administration is discussed.FindingsThe PA system and practice of CL are flawed. First, the weighting scheme of the evaluated categories is so allocated that the least measurable category has the overriding power. Second, the most qualified evaluator (the direct supervisor) is deprived of the numeric rating vote. Third, the end ratings from the PA lead to unfair merit compensation decisions and salary inequity. Finally, the system lacks a circular supervision mechanism to eliminate undefeatable power in the administration.Originality/valueWith concrete examples and data, this study brings to light some serious problems that exist in a PA system. Via in‐depth analyses and discussion of specific issues, it touches upon circular supervision, a core element in a sound administration that needs to be adequately addressed.
Developing corporate culture in the Indian university libraries
Authors: Malhan I.V. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper discusses the problems and challenges of change management in the university libraries to facilitate their growth, resources management and service performance similar to the work culture of the corporate sector.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses the changing face of Indian university libraries. Describes the developing corporate culture in the university libraries and explores the ways the university libraries can manage change. Presents a case study of managing change at the University of Jammu Library.FindingsThis study reveals the complexities of change management in the university libraries and indicates that the university leadership, the library manager, and the professional staff play a key role in affecting change in the university libraries. Highlights that change management and staff development go hand in hand. The paper points to the fact that evaluation and review processes of the universities for accreditation, grading, and certification also help to a great extent to facilitate and manage change. The university libraries may adopt the work culture of the corporate sector for building their collections, managing their finances, training their staff, upgrading their technologies, ameliorating their operations, but for rendering their services they must ensure humanism in practice.Originality/valueProblem areas identified and strategies tested provide an important input to the university librarians for effectively managing change in the university libraries.
The challenges and opportunities of marketing academic libraries in the USA
Authors: Spalding Helen H. , Wang Jian 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the value of marketing in academic libraries and how the marketing concept is applied in practice to marketing academic library services through the experiences of academic libraries across the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on using marketing as a managerial tool to accomplish strategic organizational goals and objectives, discusses challenges and opportunities in academic library marketing, presents examples demonstrating innovative methods that academic libraries have used to market their images and services, and offers suggestions for developing marketing plans and strategies.FindingsThe paper finds that market research allows libraries to understand better the points of view of their student and faculty library users, as well as the perspectives of campus administrations and the community external to the college. The result is that the library is more successful in gaining visibility and support for its efforts, and library users are more successful in making the best use of the services available to them to meet their academic and research goals.Originality/valueThe paper offers practical solutions for academic libraries in the global community.
Technical services and user service improvement
Authors: Huang Jie , Wong Katherine 
Published: September 2006

PurposeFrom the cataloging librarians' point of view, this paper aims to present how technical services, especially the cataloging department, can play important roles in the improvement of user services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the practices of the University of Oklahoma Libraries.FindingsThe paper identifies several aspects in which technical services can enhance the quality of user services, especially in the cataloging department. A library's online catalog becomes the first point of access to the library's information resources. Its quality can be improved and enriched in many ways to raise users’ satisfaction. Aside from the improvement in technical aspects, efforts should also be made to promote collaboration between technical and public services so as to ensure efficient processing of materials and to meet the needs of library users.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in showing that the quality of an online catalog and the cooperation between public and technical services are two of the key factors in achieving high quality of user services.
Still a wedge in the door: women training for the construction trades in the USA
Authors: Berik Günseli , Bilginsoy Cihan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the variations in the entry and exit of women apprentices in the USA, overall and by race/ethnicity, over the 1995‐2003 period. Also aims to examine how women's representation among new apprentices and their attrition and retention rates vary with individual, training program, and occupational characteristics.Design/methodology/approachAn individual‐level dataset from the US Department of Labor is used to estimate econometrically women's representation in apprenticeship programs and women's odds of completing programs.FindingsWomen's representation among new trainees is very low and deteriorating. The results confirm previous findings based on data for the early 1990s that program sponsorship has significant impact on women's representation and retention. Women have better chances of joining the high‐skill construction workforce if they enroll in union‐contractor joint programs. Joint programs feature higher shares of women in the incoming classes and higher odds of graduation in comparison with the unilateral contractor programs. While White women have higher completion rates than Latinas and Black women, the union impact on shares of enrollees is the largest for Black women and the lowest for White women.Research limitations/implicationsThe dataset is not nationally representative. It covers 31 states or about 65 percent of all apprentices.Practical implicationsUnion sponsorship is necessary but not sufficient to enhance women's integration in the trades. Increasing participation of women in apprenticeship and the trades requires major changes in policies, priorities, and behavior of contactors, unions, and the government to actively recruit women and improve working conditions at the construction site.Originality/valueThis is the first systematic analysis of performance of women apprentices that utilizes the most recent data from the USA.