bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant location, ISO 9000 certifications and quality management practices
Authors: Youssef Mohamed A. , Al‐Ghamdi Salem M. , Koch James V. , Dolan Tom 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the country in which a manufacturing plant is located on its ability to achieve one or more of the ISO certifications, and the extent to which six other quality management practices have been implemented. It also examines the impact of achieving world class manufacturing status (WCM) on product quality. Product quality was measured by finished‐product first‐pass yield, scrap and rework costs, and warranty costs as percentages of sales.Design/methodology/approachThe analyses are based on empirical data collected from more than 2900 manufacturing plants in the USA Canada, and Mexico.FindingsThe results show that there are significant differences in the plants' efforts to achieve quality certifications. Significant differences were also found in the extent to which six other quality management techniques are implemented. More important, our results show that there are significant differences in product quality performance among plants with different levels of progress toward achieving WCM status.Originality/valueThe findings of this study have many implications for both academic and practitioners who are interested in studying the impact of ISO 9000 and Quality Management practices.
Organizational culture and transformational leadership as predictors of business unit performance
Authors: Xenikou Athena , Simosi Maria 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe aim of the study was to examine the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational cultural orientations, as well as the joint effect of transformational leadership and organizational culture on business unit performance.Design/methodology/approachAbout 300 employees of a large financial organization in Greece filled in a number of questionnaires measuring organizational culture orientations and transformational leadership. The measurement of business unit performance was obtained by the organization under study.FindingsA path analysis showed that the achievement and adaptive cultural orientations had a direct effect on performance. Moreover, transformational leadership and humanistic orientation had an indirect positive impact on performance via achievement orientation.Research limitations/implicationsA research limitation is that the causal direction of the relations between the predictors and the criteria has been partially established by controlling for the effect of past performance on the perceptions of organizational culture and leadership.Practical implicationsOn a practical level the findings suggest that constructive and positive social relations at work need to be accompanied by goal setting and task accomplishment if high organizational performance is to be achieved.Originality/valueThe originality of this study concerns the finding that organizational culture mediates the effect of transformational leadership on business unit performance.
Investment in marketing: the allocation conundrum
Authors: Bradbury Mike , Kissel Neal 
Published: September 2006

PurposeEver‐rising marketing budgets are becoming an explosive issue. On advertising alone, companies spend fortunes: Nestlé, $11 billion; Unilever, $8 billion; General Motors, $4.7 billion; Procter & Gamble, $3.8 billion; Sony, $3.4 billion; and Coca‐Cola, $1.7 billion. With no end in sight to escalating marketing outlays, many executives are asking two questions: “Is our company spending the right amount on marketing?” and “Are we spending it in the right places and on the right activities?” To get more bang for your buck, the authors suggest setting aside the first question and focusing on the second.Design/methodology/approachIn this article, the authors explore the limitations of current approaches to setting marketing budgets and then outline five factors that should drive how companies allocate their marketing budgets, namely: the profitability that new revenue from a business unit or product would generate; the responsiveness of customers to marketing; the revenue growth potential of a market; the marketing responses of competitors; and the degree to which a particular type of investment builds longer‐term growth in addition to near‐term impact.FindingsThe new approach described in this article produces four main benefits: It provides a more objective, factual basis for determining annual marketing budgets; it improves the quality of discussions and decisions around marketing allocations; it can be applied at all levels throughout the organization; and it can identify the new marketing capabilities a company needs.Originality/valueThe article offers a new, simpler approach to thinking about marketing allocation that helps big companies shift their marketing budget debate from “how many dollars to spend altogether?” to “where to spend those dollars?” While companies should continue their quest to answer the first question with rigor, until they get there, answering the second question can create substantial value.
Hierarchy as a learning platform
Authors: Bennet Alex 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to build a new frame of reference for exploring the value of hierarchy as a learning platform as organizations move away from bureaucracies and toward complex adaptive behavior.Design/methodology/approachObservations of the behaviors of horses and the hierarchical structure within which they function are introduced to explore the value of hierarchy as a learning platform. The concepts of bureaucracy and hierarchy are juxtaposed based on a literature review. Moving to individual learning, functioning space is introduced and then extrapolated across to organizations. Finally, these interwoven ideas are used to pose questions.FindingsThe paper posits that recognition of the distinction between hierarchy and bureaucracy places us in a framework to reap the benefits of hierarchy in our thinking, talking and acting as our organizations move toward complex adaptive behavior.Originality/valueThis paper discusses important distinctions between hierarchy and bureaucracy in support of a learning framework. It also introduces the relationship of thinking, talking and acting to our functioning space.
Providing against the worst
Authors: Breuer Thomas 
Published: September 2006

PurposeMaximum Loss was one of the risk measures proposed as alternatives to Value at Risk following criticism that Value at Risk is not coherent. Although the power of Maximum Loss is recognised for non‐linear portfolios, there are arguments that for linear portfolios Maximum Loss does not convey more information than Value at Risk. This paper argues for the usefulness of Maximum Loss for both linear and non‐linear portfolios.Design/methodology/approachThis is a synthesis of existing theorems. Results are established by means of counterexamples. The worst case based risk‐return management strategy is presented as a case study.FindingsFor linear portfolios under elliptic distributions Maximum Loss is proportional to Value at Risk, and to Expected Shortfall, with the proportionality constant not depending on the portfolio composition. The paper gives a new example of Value at Risk violating subadditivity, using a portfolio of simple European options. For non‐linear portfolios, Maximum Loss need not even approximately be explained by the sum of Maximum Loss contributions of the individual risk factors. Finally, is proposed a strategy of risk‐return management with Maximum Loss.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is restricted to elliptically distributed risk factors. Although Maximum Loss can be defined for more general continuous and even discrete distributions of risk factor changes, the paper does not address this matter.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes an intuitive, computationally easy way how to improve average returns of linear portfolios while reducing worst case losses.Originality/valueOne is a synthesis of existing theorems. The counterexample establishing result is the first example of a portfolio of plain vanilla options violating Value at Risk subadditivity, an effect hitherto only known for portfolios of exotic options. Furthermore, the strategy of risk‐return management with Maximum Loss is original.
Risk, capital requirements, and the asset structure of companies
Authors: Krause Andreas 
Published: September 2006

PurposeFinancial institutions have been subject to minimum capital requirements for considerable time while other companies do not face any such regulation. This paper investigates the capital requirements of companies and how it should relate to the assets of a company.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical approach in this paper integrates aspects of liquidity, asset characteristics and capital requirements into a single setting to address the problem of capital requirements for non‐financial companies.FindingsThe paper develops a framework in which the impact losses have on the future performance of the company are used to develop three categories of capital and suggest a measure for each category. The paper then relates these categories to properties of the assets the capital should be invested in, which include aspects of liquidity as well as the source of this capital. It is finally pointed out how cost considerations can be used to obtain the optimal asset and capital structure of a company.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents the conceptual basis for the determination of capital requirements of companies and future research is needed to formalize the ideas presented here more thoroughly and gain additional insights into the relationship to the asset structure.Practical implicationsThe results of this paper can be used by companies as a first guide towards deciding on their capital requirements, taking into account the properties of the assets they invest their capital in and how to optimize their capital structure.Originality/valueThe paper provides a first insight into the relationship between capital requirements, asset structure, and risks for non‐financial companies.
Finance: on earth as it is in heaven?
Authors: Steen Todd P. , VanderVeen Steve , Voskuil Julie 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore a Christian perspective on the field of finance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper begins by examining the theoretical underpinnings of finance and how finance is practiced today. The paper then considers the implications of a reformed Christian worldview for finance, with special attention to the implications of the Biblical description of heaven for the practice of finance. The paper concludes by offering suggestions for the practice of finance.FindingsFinance as it practiced today is overly concerned with short‐term considerations, shareholder interests over those of other stakeholders, and contractual relationships over other types of relationships. A model based on the Christian Scriptures that utilizes the themes of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation can be used to critique both the theory and practice of finance. This model suggests that finance is part of God’s intended structure for the world, and that it should contribute to the promotion of shalom, that is the universal flourishing of both humankind and the earth.Practical implicationsAn examination of the Christian Scriptures provides a model for the practice of corporate finance. The authors assert that finance should be covenantal, long‐term oriented, inclusive, and stakeholder‐driven, and that it should promote the cause of justice.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is that it develops a Christian perspective on finance based on the reformed tradition of Christianity; it also offers suggestions for the practice of finance.
US copyright law: the challenge of protection in the digital age
Authors: Long Sarah Ann 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show the background on copyright law in the USA and how potential orphan works and broadcast flag laws may affect it.Design/methodology/approachHistorical overview of copyright law, including why fair use is important, and shows how changing technology may affect how library and school work with copyrighted materials.FindingsGrowing digital technologies have changed the way people use copyrighted materials, and copyright law should reflect that. However, considerations should be made to ensure that the public's interests in the form of fair use are still protected.Originality/valueThe article emphasizes the importance of intellectual property, as well as the importance of people being able to have access to copyrighted materials.
The development and evaluation of an information technology support system to facilitate inter‐organisational collaboration in HRD
Authors: Ford Norma J. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to evaluate the diffusion of and user response to an information technology support system (ITSS) which was designed to facilitate inter‐organisational coordination and collaboration in the professional development of officers employed by local authorities (LAs).Design/methodology/approachAn action research strategy was adopted reflecting the tightly coupled nature of the design and evaluation of a training coordination model. The evaluation comprised a preliminary questionnaire survey and analysis of focus group discussions.FindingsThe ITSS was regarded as having the potential to fulfil key training coordination functions; nevertheless, there was a low usage of it within its first eight months of operation. There was no evidence of overt organisational or cultural barriers but there was a failure to appreciate the usefulness and benefits of the collaborative tools provided by the ITSS.Research limitations/implicationsITSSs have the capability to facilitate coordination and collaborative workplace learning for professional officers across local government boundaries but factors influencing organisational support may need further investigation.Practical implicationsSimilar projects should incorporate initiatives to inform users and managers of the benefits of full engagement with the ITSS.Originality/valueWeb‐based systems, such as the one developed for this project, present a real opportunity for employers to work collaboratively to address specific professional development needs through sharing knowledge and resources
Christmas gift giving involvement
Authors: Clarke Peter 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe act of giving a gift at Christmas is a form of consumption that invokes different levels of involvement. The purpose of this paper is to explore and measure involvement in parental Christmas gift giving and giving branded items as gifts.Design/methodology/approachThe required information was gathered via a self‐administered survey method distributed to parents with at least one child between the ages of three and eight years. A questionnaire package was delivered to five participating schools and seven kindergartens for children to take home to their parents. As a result, 450 acceptable cases were subjected to a process of exploratory factor and confirmatory analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate that there is no significant relationship between involvement in giving gifts and involvement in giving brands as gifts, which suggests that it is important for parents to give gifts but not involving for parents to give popular brand names as gifts. In addition, the findings indicate that traditional measures of involvement require modifications that reflect semantic issues as well as reliability and validity issues.Research limitations/implicationsChildren between the ages of three and eight years are most likely to be concerned with the Santa myth; it is also a time of concern for parents and has implications for promotional and marketing activities of brands targeted at children.Originality/valueThis research offers insights into involvement within the intangible context of gift giving and giving brands as gifts. It also contributes to the semantic differences between two forms of involvement and contributes to the ongoing involvement‐importance debate.
LOEX‐of‐the‐West Conference
Authors: Tran Allison , Babayan Tom , Christion Chris , Palmer Cathy 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo share conference highlights and introduce new speakers.Design/methodology/approachA conference report of the LOEX‐of‐the‐West Conference held in June 2006 in Hawaii demonstrating trends and techniques in library instruction while addressing the use of current and emerging technologies in library instruction.FindingsLibrary instruction must be relevant to students and compliment the academic programs in which they are enrolled. The theme of “Information literacy for a lifetime,” suggests how fluid the library landscape is and how necessary it is to incorporate appropriate technologies that are commonly used by students in their daily lives to support the goals for instruction.Originality/valueIntroducing sessions and presentations that utilized different instructional technologies this conference report suggests some rather creative strategies for teaching and offering bibliographic instruction.
Rethinking market connections: mobile phone recovery, reuse and recycling in the UK
Authors: Canning Louise 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an application of network literature that can be used for teaching and learning purposes.Design/methodology/approachThe information used to present the case study is drawn principally from documentary evidence as well as discussions with a phone manufacturer, retailer and waste management company.FindingsDescribes the role of key actors in the development of “circular” supply chains for mobile phones and outlines two recovery and reuse/recycling schemes, one which operated as a trial (having been initiated by mobile phone manufacturers) and one which has functioned as a commercially viable arrangement since 2002 and is led by waste management and retail firms. The two schemes demonstrate ways in which various parties seek to influence the behaviour of others as well as changes (both temporary and permanent) in the activities performed by and connections between parties.Research limitations/implicationsWhichever way various companies choose to deal with electronic waste, one factor remains constant, namely that collection schemes are of little value without consumer involvement. The case study would have benefited from empirical research of consumer awareness of and propensity to contribute to phone collection schemes.Practical implicationsA valuable illustration for teachers and students of “markets as networks” using a problem which is prevalent in any geographic location. The case could also be used as a vehicle for students to design and conduct research into consumer disposal of discarded phones and awareness of/propensity to make use of available recovery and reuse/recycling schemes.Originality/valueRequires the reader to think beyond linear supply chains and shows how network literature can incorporate consumers and organisational actors alike. The UK perspective provides a useful teaching/learning tool by describing how discarded mobile phones are handled. In addition to this, the case study could be used as a starting point from which to investigate how networks are organised in other geographic locations for dealing with this same problem.
Customer‐initiated influence tactics in sales and marketing activities
Authors: Leila Borders Aberdeen 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe supplier coordination of sales and marketing activities to manage customer relationships.Design/methodology/approachSix propositions are suggested that examine the drivers dictating how customers initiate influence tactics for their benefit in dealing with their suppliers.FindingsIllustrations are provided to show how and when the marketing and sales functions come close to synergistic efforts and what hinders them from doing so.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough influence tactics have a rich history in social psychology and organizational behavior research, more influence tactics must be tested using various samples and multiple methods in the customer‐supplier realm of selling and marketing activities.Practical implicationsUnderstanding trust, commitment, and cooperation from the supplier's perspective, enhances one's ability to understand why the sales and marketing functions must work together to program a defense mechanism against customers that are initiating influence tactics against them.Originality/valueThe study presents useful information for the coordination of sales and marketing activities.
Inclusive learning communities: the real challenges facing reform in Malta
Authors: Bezzina Christopher 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe school environment in the islands of Malta is experiencing important changes that need to be critically addressed if school improvement and, more importantly, student learning is going to be enhanced. This paper aims to present the education authorities with an introductory review which aims to contextualise the potential networking of schools within the nurturing of inclusive learning communities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper argues that unless the principles of hope, faith, commitment, individual and collective worth are nurtured, networks will not on their own work to bring about desired change.FindingsWhilst a networking reform process has been introduced no review has yet been undertaken in Malta to understand the implications, both positive and negative, that such a reform brings with it.Practical implicationsImplications for policy and practice include a thorough understanding of the six components behind the inclusive learning community, the various benefits, tensions and concerns that networks and networking bring with them.Originality/valueThis paper presents an introductory review and contextualises the network reform policy within the principles of the learning community.
New pay in European civil services:is the psychological contract changing?
Authors: Willems Ingrid , Janvier Ria , Henderickx Erik 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis research paper analyses the extent to which national systems are following “new pay” trends, or whether there are still traditional features, which reflect the specificity of employment in the public sector and the psychological contracts of public servants.Design/methodology/approachThe data used in this paper was based on an online survey of six countries and was completed by pay experts in each case.FindingsPrevious comparative research on civil service pay systems has focused mostly on specific aspects of pay but this paper looks at a wide range of pay characteristics. It finds that although there have been changes in pay systems in the six countries studied, the “new pay” model has not been fully adopted and traditional reward systems are still strong, with the exception of Sweden and to a lesser extent the UK and Denmark. This is related to the importance that civil servants attach to their psychological contract in which equity and collectivism remain central valuesOriginality/valueThe paper demonstrates that cultural factors and psychological contracts are important in influencing both practices and attitudes towards change in reward systems across countries and that traditional identities of public service are still evident.