bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coaching high achievers
Authors: Jones Graham 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis article highlights coaching techniques that are particularly appropriate to use with high achievers.Design/methodology/approachDraws on the author's considerable research and practical experience in the field.FindingsArgues that the coach should have a good understanding of the world of high achievement and empathy for the total commitment required. A coach should be able to provide a steady supply of relevant information that will stimulate thinking around continual improvement. The high achiever's goals should be the clear and central focus of the coaching. The coach needs to portray genuine confidence in his or her own ability. A coach needs to be ready to provide developmental feedback at all times. The coach must have a continual focus on helping the high achiever to identify specific actions that will deliver short‐term as well as longer‐term goals.Practical implicationsDeals in a readable way with a topical subject.Originality/valueStresses that, while there are some important differences between high and lesser achievers that should be taken into account as part of the coaching process, many, if not all, of the factors are common across coaching in general.
Avoiding ageism at Coca‐Cola
Authors: Webb Catherine 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis article describes how Coca‐Cola Enterprises has established forward‐thinking, diverse anti‐ageism policies in order to comply with new UK legislation and achieve age positive “employer champion” status.Design/methodology/approachOutlines the steps the company followed in order to combat ageism in all its forms.FindingsReveals that, over the last six months, 12 percent of the people the company has recruited – mostly on the sales side of the business – are over the age of 40. Not only is the business hiring more people across the age spectrum, but also potential candidates view Coca‐Cola Enterprises as an employer focused on skills, not age.Practical implicationsDeals with a topic that will become increasingly important in countries where the average age of the workforce is increasing.Originality/valueHighlights the fact that age diversity is not something that can be introduced to a company overnight. It involves a complete change in culture, with a real understanding from across the organization that it is an individual's skills and abilities that count, not his or her age.
Undergraduate students' performance: the case of University of Malaya
Authors: Alfan Ervina , Othman Nor 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the undergraduate students' performance in the Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya and the factors influencing the performance of the undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approachThe performance of the undergraduate students in this study is measured by their cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in the final semester. In this study, the students' demographic profile, entry qualifications and the subjects taken by the students in pre‐university level are used as the predictor variable for the students' performance in the degree programme.FindingsThe result of the study shows that the predictor variables do explain the variance in the students' final CGPA. In addition, it was found that knowledge prior to entering the university such as economics, mathematics and accounting is crucial in assisting the students in undertaking the courses in both business and accounting programme. The study also found that female students perform better than male students; whilst Chinese students perform better than Malay and Indian students.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications of this study for the academics in universities and schools are also discussed in the paper. This paper, however, does not look into variables other than students' past performance prior to entering the university that may have an influence over the students' performance in the university. Hence, this aspect may be examined in future researches.Originality/valueThis paper will be useful to the academic communities, the public and other interested parties who are interested in improving students' performance during their periods of study in the universities.
TQM‐based self‐assessment in the education sector
Authors: Svensson Magnus , Klefsjö Bengt 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a self‐assessment project, the steps taken and the tools used, and above all, focus on the evaluation made after the decision to discontinue, learning and acquiring knowledge about self‐assessment as a methodology in educational organizations.Design/methodology/approachIn order to investigate the experiences of the project, interviews were conducted with the Upper Secondary Education Officer and with ten School Principals and a questionnaire was administered to gather opinions among the other staff members. The analysis mainly consisted of searching for potential patterns among the respondents' answers studying their own words by use of three different criteria.FindingsIt is important how an organization enters a self‐assessment project, or even any quality project. Many people do not seem to have thought very much about what is considered to be quality in the environment in which they operate, and even less have a shared view within the organization. Too often organizations tend to start working with self‐assessment without sufficiently thinking of “why” and “how” to accomplish the project. The work is performed without preparing all those who are to participate in the project and without discussing the core values that constitute the work. If the organization has not reached the necessary maturity level it is probably a waste of resources to start a comprehensive self‐assessment project.Orginality/valueAs a synthesis form the analysis, a model for how an organization should start self‐assessment is presented, as well as a number of guiding points. Also, the new tool “Lärostegen” is described.
Improving management education
Authors: Emiliani M.L. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo present an outsider's view of how management education can be significantly improved.Design/methodology/approachFocuses on correcting several obvious deficiencies in courses and degree programs to create highly differentiated educational experiences that are more relevant to student's needs and the organizations that employ graduates.FindingsProposes a suite of 11 interconnected improvements as well as a fundamental re‐structuring of the MBA program designed to simplify it, provide greater focus, improve relevancy, and impart needed thematic consistency.Practical implicationsPresents 11 practical improvements individual faculty or schools can readily incorporate into existing courses or degree programs. The proposed curriculum for a completely re‐structured MBA program can add distinctiveness and expand the value proposition for students and their employers.Originality/valueThe suite of 11 improvements and proposed MBA program curriculum changes offers an alternate route for preparing students for future global business challenges. The proposed improvements are intended to serve as a foundation for discussion and debate, and hopefully future action as well.
Quality assurance of multiple‐choice tests
Authors: Bush Martin E. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide educationalists with an understanding of the key quality issues relating to multiple‐choice tests, and a set of guidelines for the quality assurance of such tests.Design/methodology/approachThe discussion of quality issues is structured to reflect the order in which those issues naturally arise. It covers the design of individual multiple‐choice questions, issues relating to the question bank as a whole, choice of test format, and what can be learned through post‐test analysis. The paper offers practical advice, with an emphasis on maximising test reliability.FindingsIt is recognised that considerable expertise and effort is required to undertake a thorough post‐test statistical analysis, but pre‐test quality assurance is relatively straightforward, if labour‐intensive. The question of which is best amongst the various alternative test formats is left open.Originality/valueThe general issue of quality assurance of multiple‐choice tests is surely an important one, yet the author is not aware of any other publication that deals directly with this topic.
An integrated identity verification system for mobile terminals
Authors: Mazhelis Oleksiy , Markkula Jouni , Veijalainen Jari 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo report the work on the design of an integrated identity verification system architecture aimed at approaching high verification accuracy, continuous security, and user‐friendliness.Design/methodology/approachThe reported research corresponds to the building process in the design science research paradigm. The requirements to an identity verification system are defined and used in the selection of architecture components. Furthermore, various issues affecting the suitability of component distribution between a terminal and a remote server are considered.FindingsIn order to meet the stated requirements, in the proposed architecture static and dynamic identity verification is combined. The use of the dynamic part enables continuous and user‐friendly verification, while the static part is responsible for accurate verification. A suitable distribution of architecture components between the terminal and the remote server is proposed.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed architecture represents a specification that corresponds to the computational viewpoint of the reference model for open distributed processing. Other specifications, such as engineering or technological specifications, which are needed for successful implementation of the system, are not provided in the paper.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a specification of the integrated identify verification system architecture that can be utilised during further design and subsequent implementation of the system.Originality/valueWhile available approaches to identity verification in a mobile environment concentrate mainly on connectivity identity verification (employed in accessing communication services), the proposed architecture focuses on application‐level identity verification needed to access application‐level resources, remotely or locally on the terminal.
A modular approach to ERP system selection
Authors: Ziaee Mohsen , Fathian Mohammad , Sadjadi S.J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to study an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software selection problem. The primary goal of this paper is to propose a two‐phase procedure to select an ERP vendor and a suitable ERP software.Design/methodology/approachIn the first phase of the proposed method the preliminary actions – such as constructing a project team, collecting all possible information about ERP vendors and systems, and identifying the ERP system characteristics – are established. In the second phase, the authors present a modular approach to ERP vendor and software selection and propose a 0‐1 programming model to minimize total costs associated with procurement and integration expenditures.FindingsThe proposed approach and the model are considered to be more useful for small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs).Originality/valueIn using the model for analyzing the data about a real case study that is a commercial SME and based on obtained results, some parameter values of the model for all SMEs are suggested.
Consultants: love‐hate relationships with communities of practice
Authors: Pastoors Katja 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to explores consultants' experiences of communities of practice (CoPs) in one of the world's largest information technology companies against organisational strategies. The research focus concerns experiences of formal top‐down and underground CoPs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is an exploratory case study. Following a subjective approach the it draws on individual experiences of ten consultants. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted alongside documentary analysis to gain understanding of the organisation's approach to CoPs.FindingsThe paper finds that the one size fits all organisational approach to CoPs does not address the specific knowledge requirements of the consultancy unit where the majority of consultants work widely dispersed from clients' sites. The consultants report mistrust of top‐down CoPs and remain committed to underground CoPs. Since the skills and knowledge of the consultants are the unit's only asset, the top‐down approach to CoPs should be revisited in order to enable knowledge creation and continuous improvement of these assets, vital for future success of the consultancy business.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses on the consultancy unit; wider research exploring experiences of top‐down CoPs elsewhere in the organisation is an area of future research, as is exploring membership of bootlegged CoPs as resistance to organisational change.Practical implicationsThis research is useful for practitioners, especially the management of consultancies, whose business success is reliant on their employees' skills and knowledge.Originality/valueThe researcher is a member of the organisation under exploration and is therefore able to include an inside view. The research was undertaken following the acquisition of an international consultancy by the information technology organisation.
Managing intentionally created communities of practice for knowledge sourcing across organisational boundaries
Authors: Garavan Thomas N. , Carbery Ronan , Murphy Eamonn 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore strategies used by communities of practice (CoPs) managers when managing intentionally created CoPs.Design/methodology/approachFour intentionally created CoPs in Ireland are explored, using a qualitative research design with data from observation, interviews and analysis of documents.FindingsThe study identified a number of specific strategies CoP managers use to develop trust, facilitate collaboration, facilitate the negotiation of shared meaning and manage power issues within the CoP. These strategies were shared by the four managers who participated in the study.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a small sample of managers in Ireland. The context and process imposed constraints and the findings are context specific which implications for the application of findings to other CoPs.Originality/valueThe study highlights the concept of CoP is not confined to traditional understandings but includes intentionally created highly structured time‐bound groupings of individuals who work in a collaborative manner to share knowledge. The paper offers learning from CoP managers and highlights the practical implications of their experiences.
Knowledge management practices in large construction organisations
Authors: Robinson Herbert S. , Carrillo Patricia M. , Anumba Chimay J. , Al‐Ghassani Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how large UK construction organisations manage their knowledge assets. It then proposes STEPS, a mechanism for benchmarking organisation's knowledge management maturity.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a case study methodology using four large UK construction organisations.FindingsThe investigation shows that the UK‐based companies with international operations are ahead of their national counterparts in their KM implementation efforts. The paper concludes that construction organisations are likely to be successful in implementing KM if appropriate considerations are given to strategy formulation, implementation issues addressed and the link between KM and business strategy is strengthened.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a mechanism, entitled STEPS, for benchmarking the maturity of large construction organisations' knowledge management practices. It then uses case study organisations to demonstrate how the STEPS model should be used.
Current practices in building project contract price forecasting in the UK
Authors: Fortune Chris , Cox Owen 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe selection and use of the most appropriate building project contract price forecasting model contribute to the provision of strategic advice that clients can use to make value‐for‐money business decisions. This work seeks to provide a snapshot of current practice in model selection by practitioners based in large‐sized quantity surveying, project management and multi‐disciplinary practices based in the UK.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was used to capture data from a sample of 300 such organisations in 2004. An initial and follow‐up administration of the postal survey generated an overall response of 54 per cent.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that the traditional types of forecasting model continue to be in widespread use irrespective of organisational type. Lifecycle cost models and in‐house knowledge‐based systems were also found to be in use, but not on such a widespread scale. Newly developed models such as artificial neural nets, fuzzy logic nets, as well as environmental and sustainability cost models were found, as yet, to have only very limited application in practice. Practitioner assessment of model accuracy and value in‐use provided statistically insignificant levels of variance between the organisational types and the models found to be in use.Research limitations/implicationsThe work is limited due to the size of the sample frame and the measuring instrument used which could not uncover reasons for the selection of particular types of models.Originality/valueThe outcomes of the work provide benchmarks that can be used to evaluate organisational approach and future research. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge available on the process of building project contract price forecasting that is fundamental to the assessment of project value.
Performance of engineering consultants in ISO 9000‐based quality management systems implementation
Authors: Ng S. Thomas 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAs many construction clients now require their consultants to seek accreditation under ISO 9000:2000, demonstrating customer satisfaction and continual improvement as required by the latest standards will become an important aspect for consultant practices. However, consultants seldom attempt to uncover the expectations of their clients, and this may hinder the improvement when their quality management systems (QMSs) are implemented and hence affect the satisfaction of their clients. The purpose of this paper is to examine the satisfaction of clients to the overall quality performance of engineering consultants in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachTo assist engineering consultants to realise the clients' expectation, the expected benefits that construction clients would like to attain through the implementation of ISO 9000‐based QMSs and the perceived actual benefits the clients had received are identified through a postal survey.FindingsThe results indicate that the actual benefits were generally lower than that expected by the clients.Originality/valueThis paper is of value to those wishing to obtain accreditation under ISO 9000:2000 and improve their QMSs with respect to improving the satisfaction of their clients.
A knowledge capture awareness tool
Authors: Hari Subashini , Egbu Charles , Kumar Bimal 
Published: January 2007

PurposePopularity in knowledge management has, unfortunately, not been matched by parallel empirical research on the processes, challenges and benefits of knowledge capture in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry, given the fact that 99 per cent of firms in the UK construction industry can be classified as SMEs. This paper aims to discuss the output of a research study, which is focused on knowledge capture in SMEs in construction industry. The paper also aims to present and discuss a computer‐based awareness tool on knowledge capture underpinned by Kolb's experiential learning theory.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical study involved a total of 51 professionals from 26 SMEs in the construction industry. Grounded theory approach was adopted. Also, a content analysis was considered.FindingsThe results show that there is lack of awareness of complex issues associated with an effective knowledge capture process as well as ensuing benefits for SMEs in the construction industry. The effective implementation of knowledge capture in SMEs is partly dependent on the vision and flair of the owner/partners of the organisation. It is also determined by culture, structure, people, finance and technology, which warrants a coherent and structured approach.Originality/valueA computer‐based awareness tool which is underpinned by Kolb's experiential learning theory.
Private Finance Initiative in the healthcare sector: trends and risk assessment
Authors: Akintoye Akintola , Chinyio Ezekiel 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe UK Government has now adopted Private Finance Initiative (PFI) as a major vehicle for the delivery of additional resources to the health sector in order to achieve a greater investment in healthcare facilities. The purpose of this paper is to examine the trends and risk assessment of the PFI in the healthcare sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employed secondary data and interviews of key participants in two hospital PFI projects to highlight developments in healthcare PFI and the risk management of hospital projects.FindingsThe results show that the use of PFI in the provision of healthcare is increasing in terms of number, capital value and size of projects. What emerged in the healthcare PFI project was a usage of a plethora of risk management techniques, albeit to varying degrees. Experience appeared to be the prime risk assessment technique employed, while risk avoidance was first explored before pricing and allocating any residual risks. “Risk prompts”, such as using checklists and risk registers were also useful in the identification of risks. Among all participants, insurance cover and sub‐contracting appear to be the most prominent strategies employed for managing out the risks.Originality/valueThe negotiations that precede the signing of a healthcare PFI project contract had an impact on the final choice of facilities or their specifications. The two contracting parties sought a balance between an optimal allocation of risks, choice of facilities and project price. Although the risk management techniques being used are generic in nature, there is still no evidence at the moment to show that these are appropriate for PFI projects. It is important that further investigation is undertaken to assess the level of current skills in risk management techniques to deal with PFI projects and the extent to which these techniques are appropriate to tackle complex healthcare PFI projects.