bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transition and transparency in the employment contract
Authors: Lenaghan Janet A. , Seirup Holly J. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo suggest a counseling model for human resource professionals, firmly based in providing complete transparency, which will assist employees and organizations in adapting to changes in the psychological contract.Design/methodology/approachThe authors posit that as the psychological contract between employers and employees undergoes a metamorphosis reflecting the fundamental changes in the exchange of work and rewards, human resource professionals would be well served to include a counseling approach to employee communication.FindingsThe authors suggest that the counseling model will support a culture of transparency and yield positive outcomes for all concerned.Research limitations/implicationsThe co‐authors relied on their research and own experience in the field of human resource management and student counseling to develop this paper. The suggested model needs to be subjected to the rigors of academic scrutiny before it can be applied. The implications for human resource professionals are important as any tool to help further assist in the organization's staffing efforts, specifically retention of knowledge workers, as well as providing support to the overall success of the organization.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies in the interdisciplinary approach of combining some basic tenets of the counseling field with the human resource management function in the organization.
Dave Delaney's useful advice for your development as a manager
Authors: McManus Tom , Delaney Dave 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to convey useful and practical advice on one's development as a manager from the perspective of a successful entrepreneur.Design/methodology/approachBased on lessons learned from founding and leading a $300 million business.FindingsBeware of the transition from school to business. Take jobs that offer real experience. Showing up is 90 percent of the battle. If you are not in a job that you consider to be as much fun as what you do when you are not working, then you should go and try to find that job. The best decisions you make will be the mistakes you avoid. If it doesn't make sense it can't last. When you are explaining you are losing. Hire people who care. Break down barriers to communication. Embrace humor. You can't lead when your pants are too tight. Never ignore the last mile problem. Big egos destroy companies.Originality/valueValuable for managers at every stage of their development, and especially for those just entering the work force.
Through the looking glass: illusions of transparency and the cult of information
Authors: Drucker Susan J. , Gumpert Gary 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that transparency is a two‐sided concept associated with openness and surveillance.Design/methodology/approachA position is asserted arguing the need to examine the fact that both transparency and surveillance are management tools in an information society. It is argued that from transparency, to translucence to opacity there are degrees of openness with technical and policy filters imposed intentionally and unintentionally in between those who observe and those who are observed. The illusion of transparency is considered along with the notion that gatekeeping or filtering is associated with making relevant information available.FindingsTransparency and filtering the flow of information are considered as essential to the governance of organizations' rooted social contract theory.Practical implicationsTransparency and limits on transparency should be proactively addressed in organizational structure and policy and must be communicated effectively for both pragmatic and symbolic purposes. This further suggests the need for media literacy training within organizations.Originality/valueThe authors conclude that the perceived right of access cannot be underestimated as a fundamental management tool. This paper proposes the publication of an organizational “Bill of Rights” to demonstrate a commitment to transparency.
The best of the best: lessons from the top performing American corporations, 1954‐2005
Authors: Neelankavil James P. , Comer Debra R. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo derive and apply a new composite performance metric to top performing US companies in order to identify consistently excellent performers and explain their success over the last half‐century. The ten firms topping the list for this new composite performance metric represent the “best of the best” of American corporations during the fifty‐one years of Fortune magazine listings.Design/methodology/approachData for this analysis were gleaned from the annual lists of the top 500 companies reported by Fortune from 1954 to 2005. Using Fortune's annual rankings of companies according to the four performance criteria of return on investment/equity, net profits, total assets, and revenues dimensions, the authors firstly computed, for each of these four performance dimensions, an average ranking based on a company's particular rank each year and its total number of appearances during the 51‐year period; and then, secondly, by assigning each of the four performance criteria a weight reflecting its importance, derived a composite (total) score based on a company's average ranking on all four criteria.FindingsFor a modern US based company to be successful year after year it must consistently achieve two of four performance criteria included in the composite metric. The results of the longitudinal analysis illustrate the significance of using a variety of metrics, or a composite metric, to gauge corporate performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the findings are that assigning different weights to the four performance criteria would yield a somewhat different composite ranking.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to derive and present a composite performance metric, compiled from Fortune's annual rankings of four critical performance variables and representing an aggregated weighted ranking of American companies over a half‐century.
A role‐based perspective on leadership decision taking
Authors: Sheard A.G. , Kakabadse A.P. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis monograph seeks to summarise the key influences of a role‐based perspective on leadership when making decisions as to how organisational resources can best be deployed.Design/methodology/approachApplication of new frameworks provides insight into the leadership roles executives can adopt when part of formal, informal and temporary groups within the organisation's senior management team and those parts of the organisation for which they are responsible. The methodology adopted is qualitative, focusing on application of previously developed frameworks.FindingsAdoption of an appropriate leadership role, and the timely switch from one role to another as circumstances change, are found to facilitate improvement in the ability of executives to mobilise organisational resources, and in so doing effectively address those challenges with which the organisation is faced.Research limitations/implicationsA one‐organisation intensive case study of a multinational engineering company engaged in the design, development and manufacture of rotating turbomachinery provides the platform for the research. The research intent is to validate two frameworks in a different organisation of a similar demographic profile to those in which the frameworks were developed. The frameworks will require validating in organisations of different demographic profiles.Practical implicationsThe concepts advanced, and implications discussed, provide an insight into the role‐based nature of leadership. The practical steps individual executives can take to develop their ability to adopt different leadership roles are highlighted.Originality/valueThis monograph is an investigation into, and study of the contribution of theory that provides insight into, the process by which executives effectively mobilise organisational resources. This differs from the original contributions to theory, which focused on methodology, data gathering and validation in contrast with the current study that is focused on practical application.
Thatching in the Outer Hebrides
Authors: Scott Alan W. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to report on the surveying of three vernacular thatched properties in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, all run as Youth Hostels.Design/methodology/approachThe case study buildings are compared with 42 Arnol, the blackhouse on North Lewis cared for by Historic Scotland. The paper compares plan form, roof structure, thatching material and securing methods using data collected during extensive field investigations in 2004.FindingsThe paper concludes that the more northerly property Garenin most closely resembles 42 Arnol and can be classified as “Hebridean” in structure, while Howmore to the south is typical of the “Skye” pattern. Berneray, the central of the three properties, exhibits construction techniques of both types, indicating that it defines the boundary between the two types.Originality/valueThe findings of this research will be useful to surveyors, owners and maintenance managers responsible for these unique vernacular structures.
Binder loss in traditional mass masonry: a cause for concern?
Authors: Forster Alan 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to highlight issues relating to binder migration in traditional lime mortars and the potential consequences of this phenomenon. The paper focuses on traditional mass masonry construction and will be of special interest to those surveying, maintaining and repairing historic ruinous structures and heavily exposed masonry bridges.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on literature pertaining to the repair of traditional mass masonry structures and the somewhat limited science of binder dissolution and migration in saturated conditions. The paper also draws on the author's practical and academic knowledge of writing specifications for the repair of mass masonry structures and utilises examples of binder migration from several case study buildings.FindingsThe degree to which binder migration in traditional mortars occurs is little understood. It is, however, evident that migration of the binder occurs when saturated conditions are present and is exacerbated by prolonged moisture ingress. The effect of binder migration on the stability and performance of mass masonry structures is also little understood and requires greater attention. In addition, the nature of the repair mortars specified and the degree to which these materials have set will have a bearing on the potential for binder migration.Originality/valueAn assessment of binder migration in traditional lime mortars and its effect on the stability and performance of mass masonry structures has never previously been undertaken. This paper is the first to highlight the problem.
The use of virtual tours for cognitive preparation of visitors: a case study for VHE
Authors: Widyarto Setyawan , Shafie Abd. Latiff Muhammad 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of using virtual tours to improve health and safety through preparatory familiarisation for visits to the swarming area. The main objective of the virtual environment system is path finding by commanding spatial skills.Design/methodology/approachProvides a case study of the area of Jamarat. One of the main ritual sites during the Hajj, in which Muslims stone the devil during the annual pilgrimage, will be unveiled from a virtual reality perspective and visual analytics.FindingsThe virtual environment built may help people interested in a virtual tour of the environment but have no opportunity to go due to limitations or may facilitate participants in pre‐departure preparation of a dangerous environment.Practical implicationsThis paper's main issue is using virtual environments for virtual tours and discusses the principles of virtual environment creation and information extraction from available sources using a case study.Originality/valueThe development of the case study environment will be used for training purposes of the Hajj pilgrim candidates to avoid any possible fatal distraction.
Developing key performance indicators for airport safety and security
Authors: Enoma Aghahowa , Allen Stephen 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the findings from a research project seeking to develop and test a set of key performance indicators for airport facility management, with particular focus on safety and security.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was adopted for this project and data was collected from a series of interviews, workshops, the internet and other media.FindingsThe need for airport security and safety is paramount, post 9/11. Airports generate revenue from the facilities they provide so they seek to maximise their potential revenues but must do so with safety and security foremost in the operators' minds. In the UK a system for boosting security at the airports termed “multi‐agency threat and risk assessments” has been developed jointly by the Department for Transport and the Home Office after Sir John Wheeler's report on airport security and policing in 2002. This provides a framework for this research and enables the evaluation of current practice to be undertaken.Originality/valuePrevious research has not directly measured the relative performance of airport safety and security and the role of facility management in achieving that level of performance and this is the focus of the study. This paper concludes by presenting a potential list of key performance indicators for airport safety and security that emerged from the interviews and workshops.
Physics envy
Authors: Tapp Alan 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify and discuss a phenomenon with a hidden but severe impact on the conduct of research and teaching in marketing.Design/methodology/approachSolicited as a viewpoint contribution, with permission to think aloud.FindingsPhysics, as the archetypal “proper” science, has exerted an undue and malign influence within universities on perceptions of scholarliness in “soft” sciences such as marketing, and hence on the applicability of its research and teaching. But the anti‐science commentators may protest too much; the key question is how science is applied. Physics envy could therefore have a positive outcome, if debate is encouraged.Practical implicationsThere are obvious implications for the structure of research and teaching in university departments and sub‐departments of marketing, in the UK and elsewhere.Originality/valueA polemic, but one with a balanced conclusion.
Can theoretical knowledge and application yield competitive advantage?
Authors: Grønhaug Kjell , Grundvåg Ottesen Geir 
Published: June 2007

PurposeGiven that marketing practitioners often perceive theory as something abstract, with little relevance to their work, the objective is to explain why and how competent application of theory can be highly useful and even lead to competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachConceptualisation and personal interpretation, with real‐world case examples.FindingsKnowledge of relevant theoretical principles, if combined with thorough contextual knowledge and applied in a competent manner, can lead to competitive advantage based on better judgement and decisions.Originality/valueThe arguments and conclusions presented in the paper improve understanding of the potentially vital role of theory in practice, and provide a credible alternative to the common misperception that theory is of little value to the practitioner.
Is your doctorate really necessary?
Authors: Thomas Michael J. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo respond to, endorse and elaborate the Viewpoint, “Academia, marketing myopia and the cult of the PhD” in the issue preceding this one.Design/methodology/approachAccepted as a Right‐to‐Reply paper, with permission to “think aloud”.FindingsThe classic PhD degree does not belong in an applied social science such as marketing, but the less well‐known Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) does. Those who pursue it will emerge better qualified to teach this real‐world subject, without compromising their second role as researchers into the knowledge base. Every institution calling itself a “business school” should therefore prefer the DBA as the route to establishment/tenure and promotion.Research limitations/implicationsA personal opinion, but based on broad and deep experience of marketing education.Practical implicationsThe hegemony of the “scientific” PhD needs to be challenged, if academic marketing is to have a meaningful future.Originality/valueA persuasive argument for an authoritative source.
The relationship between marketing strategies and performance in an economic crisis
Authors: Haluk Köksal Mehmet , Özgül Engin 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo examine how companies are affected by economic crises, to assess the effects of marketing strategies on company performance in such conditions, and to identify those that can help companies to maintain successful performance despite turbulence in the operational environment.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire contained questions relating to 21 marketing strategies, associated with the elements of the marketing mix, plus a “general marketing strategies” category. It was completed by 172 Turkish companies, drawn from a national frame of 1,000. Data were analysed by factor analysis, with performance criteria set as the dependent variable. Results are reported for each of the elements of the marketing mix.FindingsCompanies that modify their strategies appropriately can maintain or improve their performance in times of crisis. Conclusions and recommendations identify the strategic changes most likely to achieve that outcome, measured mainly in terms of sales, market share and profitability.Research limitations/implicationsSubjective measures of performance were used because of practical obstacles to obtaining objective financial data from the sample, which would have severely reduced the response rate. Future studies should include such data in the analysis. They might also cross‐index findings by company size, industry sector and market scope, and take account of company resources and skills.Practical implicationsThe findings provide valuable insights for decision makers and marketing planners in times of economic crisis, specifically in the Turkish context but potentially in general.Originality/valueAdds a specific focus on marketing strategies to existing studies of general measures taken by companies during economic crises.
A new approach to customer targeting under conditions of information shortage
Authors: Yu You‐Ping , Cai Shu‐Qin 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo present a new model for customer targeting when the information in customer databases is limited.Design/methodology/approachAn original conceptual framework is proposed, the customer targeting funnel model, supplemented by a composite mathematical model for optimizing decisions related to customer targeting for marketing initiatives and a flowchart to guide its implementation by marketing planners, all in the business‐to‐context and under conditions of information shortage. This “toolkit” facilitates the targeting of customers most likely to enter into closer relationships with the company, even when a significant proportion of their key characteristics have to be estimated.FindingsA case example from China, describing a computer‐based support system for the implementation of the model, shows that the user company strengthened its customer service strategy, won higher satisfaction and loyalty levels, and achieved sales growth 50 percent above the industry average.Research limitations/implicationsThe model is at an early stage of its development, and such additional features of customer behaviour as churn should be incorporated in future. The effectiveness of the model and system needs to be tested in a wider range of cases and situations..Practical implicationsTechniques of customer targeting based in consumer marketing need to be adapted appropriately for transfer to industrial marketing, and this paper offers one case in point. Shortage of customer intelligence is common in various sectors worldwide, and especially in developing countries such as China.Originality/valueAn innovative approach to customer targeting in the special conditions of industrial or business‐to‐business marketing.
The influence of culture and size upon inter‐firm marketing cooperation
Authors: Felzensztein Christian , Gimmon Eli 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo investigate the influence of national or sub‐national culture and company size on inter‐firm cooperation in marketing among cluster‐based firms, with specific respect to the salmon‐farming industry.Design/methodology/approachCase study analysis of data collected from semi‐structured personal interviews with senior managers in two samples of different sized companies, located in industry clusters within Scotland and Chile.FindingsSmall firms in this industry in Scotland are more proactive in building inter‐firm cooperation, for international marketing activities. National culture has only a limited effect on the level inter‐firm cooperation, but sub‐national culture in distinctive communities can enhance it.Research limitations/implicationsThough the samples were representative and the data rich, this was designed to be a qualitative, exploratory study. Further research is indicated.Practical implicationsThe findings shed light on strategies for the enhancement of formal and informal social networks as a route to effective inter‐firm cooperation in marketing, of particular value marketers in small‐and‐medium sized enterprises. They may also be of interest to public bodies, with respect to the role of trade associations.Originality/valueThis industry makes a substantial contribution to the rural and regional economies of both the countries. The findings and conclusions are potentially useful to marketing researchers and planners in aquaculture, and may be transferable to other industries and locations.
RFID based ubiquitous commerce and consumer trust
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Park Sang‐hyun , No Yoon Seong , Yeon Seung‐jun 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate processes of how RFID‐enabled systems affect consumers' trust and acceptance of u‐commerce, emphasizing a feedback loop where consumers' post‐transaction trust affects their initial trust.Design/methodology/approachA simulation model using system dynamics (SD) is developed to show the importance of trust issues involving RFID technology, decomposing complex processes of trust building in u‐commerce into a set of feedback loops with a causal‐loop diagram.FindingsThe results of simulation runs indicate that well‐established policies, especially for current privacy issues, should be in place to increase consumers' acceptance of u‐commerce.Originality/valueThe research provides insights into the development of RFID‐based consumers' trust in u‐commerce, and policies to increase consumers' trust in u‐commerce. The research model was developed and verified using SD.