bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tacit knowledge sharing, self‐efficacy theory, and application to the Open Source community
Authors: Lee Endres Megan , Endres Steven P. , Chowdhury Sanjib K. , Alam Intakhab 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply the self‐efficacy model to compare knowledge‐sharing activities in the Open Source community versus those in a traditional organization.Design/methodology/approachCurrent literature on tacit knowledge sharing and information about the Open Source community is synthesized in the study with research concerning self‐efficacy formation. The knowledge‐sharing literature is applied in the paper to the self‐efficacy model.FindingsThrough a synthesis of different streams of literature, the paper concludes that the self‐efficacy model serves as a useful framework for better understanding the effects of context on tacit knowledge sharing. Furthermore, it is concluded that the Open Source community may provide an ideal set of subjects to whom the model can be applied.Research limitations/implicationsOnly propositions are offered, and the conclusions are suggestions for future research. The self‐efficacy model has been successfully applied to other areas of research in early stages (e.g. entrepreneurship) and provides a valid, tangible framework that allows many research possibilities.Practical implicationsThe self‐efficacy model is practical and usable in a real‐world situation. A software manager (or other manager) can easily look at the inputs and outcomes of the model and see where he/she could positively affect tacit knowledge sharing.Originality/valueThis paper takes a highly valid and respected model and applies it to individual tacit knowledge sharing, a field in which little cross‐discipline work is done. This paper bridges a central organizational behavior/psychological theory with knowledge management research.
Testing impact of knowledge characteristics and relationship ties on project performance
Authors: Kang Jina 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to empirically test and find the correlation between knowledge characteristics and relationship ties on project performance.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via personal interviews based on a structured survey of project managers in a knowledge‐intensive firm. The data were analyzed using a multiple regression model.FindingsThe results show that project performance was positively related to the frequency and closeness of source, and difficulty of the “knowledge element” described in the survey. Interestingly, against the prevalent view, the source and the level of tacitness of the knowledge element were not found to be significant.Research limitations/implicationsData are limited to specific corporate setting and variables are not exhaustive, despite the fact that this study includes the most theoretically interesting variables. One implication is that strong ties to a knowledge element source are important for project success, but distinctions between internal and external sources, and degree of codification, are not.Practical implicationsThis study also implies that, in this day and age of knowledge management and chief knowledge officers, most of the important knowledge may already have been codified inside the firm, thus alleviating the past focus on transfer of tacit knowledge. This fact also implies that firms that are left behind in terms of managing their knowledge inside the firm stand to lose a lot more since the other firms are managing their own knowledge base better.Originality/valueThis paper incorporates and empirically tests most of the variables considered important to theoreticians and practitioners in the realm of knowledge management and network theory. The latter theory is important in the field of knowledge management because it offers the link and medium in which knowledge travels and transfers.
Achieving best practices transfer across countries
Authors: Perrin Alexandre , Rolland Nicolas , Stanley Tracy 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to take up the challenges of examining the issues of knowledge transfer in an organization operating across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The purpose is directed to understanding whether knowledge management efforts can lead to the improvement of knowledge transfer.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a qualitative analysis based on a case study whose aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of a global knowledge management programme in achieving best practices transfer in sales and marketing practices throughout business units of Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The principal data‐gathering method is a structured interview conducted with senior staff from within 28 markets.FindingsThe study's findings reveal that there is a level of complexity and non‐linear interconnectivity within and between business units, which confirms that knowledge transfer is a complex, multifactor process relying on a number of interacting variables.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of a case study are somewhat limited in terms of their generalizability. Also, reflecting on the findings, it is useful to think of the challenge of achieving knowledge transfer across countries and cultures as a journey.Originality/valueThe value‐added of this paper is to give emphasis to the factors impacting knowledge transfer on a global scale.
Successful performance management? Apply the strategic performance management development cycle!
Authors: de Waal André A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a method which increases the chance of successful implementation and use of a performance management system (PMS). This method should incorporate both the instrumental and behavioral sides of performance management, be based on a solid theoretical foundation, and have been proven in practice.Design/methodology/approachThe method is called the strategic performance management development cycle, which consists of three stages: design a strategic management model; design a strategic reporting model; and design a performance‐driven behavioral model. The workings of the cycle are illustrated with a case study of a publishing company which used the method during the implementation of a new PMS.FindingsApplying the strategic performance management development cycle makes it possible for an organization to create in a short time period a new PMS, which will then improve the organization's results dramatically.Practical implicationsDuring the implementation of a PMS an organization has to expressly pay attention to all three stages of the strategic performance management development cycle, in order to increase the chance of a successfully implemented and used PMS.Originality/valueIt has been reported that 56 percent of PMS implementations fail, meaning that these implementations do not result in a PMS that is used regularly by all people in the organization. This article describes an implementation approach which is based on a solid theoretical foundation, has been proven in practice, and will give organizations a better chance of a successful PMS implementation.
Driving performance in a multi‐agency partnership using outcome measures: a case study
Authors: Atkinson Maurice , Maxwell Valerie 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present the rationale for the adoption of a performance measurement approach within a partnership setting, the process followed to develop a multi‐agency performance measurement framework, the resulting model and the associated challenges and key success factors.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used a case study approach.FindingsThis paper describes the multi‐agency outcomes‐based performance measurement model used by Children's Services Planning in Northern Ireland to monitor agreed outcomes and identifies the key success factors of developing and implementing such a model.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are limited to the analysis of the development of a performance measurement approach within a single partnership.Originality/valueThis paper has contributed to the debate on performance measurement by illustrating a paradigm shift from collecting activity data on an organization by organization basis to managing information on a multi‐agency basis using indicators based on outcomes as part of an integrated performance measurement system.
Dynamic stringing: improving cross‐functional accountability
Authors: Emery Charles R. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis article sets out to examine the common organizational problem of inadequate tracking and follow‐through of cross‐functional corrective actions and strategic objectives. Various solutions were tested to develop a “best practice” for improving the effectiveness and accountability of implementing action plans.Design/methodology/approachProgram audits were conducted on the tracking and effectiveness of strategic objectives and corrective action plans at 24 aerospace‐related companies (e.g. Northrop, Allied Signal) in the USA.FindingsGenerally, strategic objectives and correction actions are performed adequately and on‐time within an organization's function (e.g. engineering). The adequacy of cross‐functional actions, however, was a completely different story. Typically, these actions were delayed past the “need by dates” and often failed to satisfy the internal customer's need. Several solutions were examined and “the dynamic stringing” method proved to be the most effective.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies need to focus on additional methods to insure accountability of cross‐functional requirements to include incentives.Practical implicationsThis study presents the basis for a “best practice” that could help solve inefficiencies and delays in completing cross‐functional actions. The core concept of “paper and string” can easily be upgraded to computerized project management systems. The key, however, is not to lose the power of “visibility.”Originality/valueThis is the only study that has examined the chronic problem or “dirty little” secret of poor cross‐functional support in numerous organizations. The value is to managers that need to insure the accomplishment of strategic objectives and corrective actions.
Demographic predictors of service satisfaction in Greek public organizations
Authors: Dimitriades Zoe S. , Maroudas Theodore S. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe study aims to extend satisfaction research by investigating potential gender and age effects on perceptions of satisfaction in a public service environment.Design/methodology/approachUsing the SERVPERF instrument, responses from a sample of 425 citizen‐customers are examined using factor analysis, reliability analysis, and t‐test to determine whether gender and age differences are present.FindingsResults illustrate that gender and age significantly affect satisfaction, in line with hypotheses. Specifically, the data show that male and older individuals tend to evaluate differently and to rate higher the level of experienced satisfaction, compared with female and younger citizen‐customers.Research limitations/implicationsThis research focused on only one service sector, that of public services. As with any other study utilizing one service setting, this investigation should be replicated to provide validation across other servicescapes and/or national contexts.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into gender and age effects on evaluations of service satisfaction in public organizations.
Customer value as a key performance indicator (KPI) and a key improvement indicator (KII)
Authors: Setijono Djoko , Dahlgaard Jens J. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to develop existing tools or methodologies to measure customer value during acquisition and use, in such a way that the measures concurrently indicate the level of performance and more “accurately” identify the improvement opportunities.Design/methodology/approachThe producer is the entity that creates the products that the customers acquire or consume. This view makes the “general agreement” that customer value is nothing other than customer perception in the market no longer relevant. Therefore, ValMEA (Value Modes Effects and Analysis) offers a “balanced” perspective on customer value, by recognizing that customer value exists in different “modes” in different stages of the product's life cycle. The link between different “modes” of customer value becomes an important basis to understand the contributions of producer activities on customer value.FindingsMeasuring customer value is necessary to capture the essential meaning of quality. However, the existing tools to measure customer value do not adequately manifest the concept of customer value itself. Therefore, the modification of these tools becomes the prerequisite to continuously improve quality performance. The measurement of customer value during acquisition and use is based on intangible aspects (cognitive judgement). Along the value stream, these measures are translated (transformed) into tangible aspects, which comprise aspects such as shorter lead‐time, reduced defects, and lower costs.Originality/valueThe customer value measures complement the existing methodology such as Six Sigma, Lean Production, and Quality Function Deployment (QFD).
The behavioral sequence of information education services industry in Taiwan: relationship bonding tactics, relationship quality and behavioral loyalty
Authors: Liang Chiung‐Ju , Wang Wen‐Hung 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to summarize existing evidence about the behavioral sequence of relationship marketing at the individual customer level, and to offer a conceptual model of the impact of particular behaviors that signal whether customers remain with or defect from the company.Design/methodology/approachBased on the SEM tool of Lisrel (Linear Structure Relation), this study develops and empirically tests a model examining the relations among relationship bonding tactics, perceived relationship investments, customer satisfaction, trust, commitment and customer behavioral loyalty, as relationship duration was used as a controllable variable in a relationship marketing system.FindingsBased on a sample collected from PC school, the largest information services institute in Taiwan, the results show that all three kinds of relationship bonding tactic do have significant influence on perceived relationship investment except for financial ones. Besides, the results show that customer satisfaction is very important in reinforcing customers' trust, commitment and repurchase intentions within the relationship marketing system. Finally, relationship duration does have a positive influence on both customer satisfaction and customer behavioral loyalty.Practical implicationsAccording to this research, managers should effectively segment their customers into several groups and use different marketing programs for customers of various characteristics, so as to get effective and efficient results.Originality/valueThe research suggests that managers of information education services institutes should be serious about targeting investment dollars to improve customer satisfaction, and know why customers buy what they are selling.
A framework for data mining‐based anti‐money laundering research
Authors: Gao Zengan , Ye Mao 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for data mining (DM)‐based anti‐money laundering (AML) research.Design/methodology/approachFirst, suspicion data are prepared by using DM techniques. Also, DM methods are compared with traditional investigation techniques. Next, rare transactional patterns are further categorized as unusual/abnormal/anomalous and suspicious patterns whose recognition also includes fraud/outlier detection. Then, in summarizing the reporting of money laundering (ML) crimes, an analysis is made on ML network generation, which involves link analysis, community generation, and network destabilization. Future research directions are derived from a review of literature.FindingsThe key of the framework lies in ML network analysis involving link analysis, community generation, and network destabilization.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into DM in the context of AML.
Exploring the Greek national business system
Authors: Psychogios Alexandros G. , Szamosi Leslie T. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the Greek National Business System (NBS) in terms of management practices, organizational culture and public administration. Moreover, the need for modernization is analyzed with focus on total quality management (TQM) as the major issue on this agenda.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes a critical literature review approach to draw together and conceptualize the modernization agenda of the Greek NBS.FindingsThis paper supports the idea that there is a need to put promising management practices into the context of the Greek national business system and to study not only the market situation, the industrial relations history and the HR practices used, but also how these practices are understood and used by managers and employees who work in different employment sectors.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study may have a broader impact as Greece attempts to redefine itself as a hub for South‐East Europe.Originality/valueSince most academic studies concerning the application of promising management strategies like TQM have been conducted in Anglo‐Saxon countries, there is a need to remove the blinkers and explore these management initiatives in the context of other than Anglo‐Saxon NBSs.
The development of the corporate bond market in Croatia
Authors: Miloš Sprčić Danijela , Wilson Ian 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe overall purpose of the paper is to examine the factors influencing the speed of development of corporate bond markets and, within that, to investigate the factors that Chief Financial Officers in large Croatian companies consider important in using corporate bonds as a financing method and the barriers they perceive as inhibiting issuing of corporate bonds.Design/methodology/approachA survey was carried out of a sample of Chief Financial Officers from the largest companies in Croatia.FindingsThe paper concludes that a range of macro‐level, industry level, market level and firm level factors influence the rate at which corporate bond markets develop and that, in Croatia, progress can be expected to be inexorable, but slow.Practical implicationsAlthough a range of factors contribute to the speed at which a country's corporate bond market develops, it is clear that, in the case of Croatia, there needs to be more education of chief financial officers about the institutional and legal frameworks already in existence.Originality/valueThe paper contributes new empirical findings as it presents the first research that has been conducted on the Croatian capital market. The paper adds value to the conceptual understanding of the phenomena of bond market development.
Do determinants of online shopping differ for personal shoppers and professional shoppers?
Authors: Bhatnagar Amit 
Published: June 2007

PurposeIndividuals use the web for shopping for both personal and professional objectives. The purpose of this paper is to show that the demographic profile of individuals who shop online for personal reasons is different from that of those who shop for professional reasons.Design/methodology/approachBased on marketing literature, hypotheses were generated regarding the relationships between proclivity to purchase online and demographics. The data were collected through online surveys, and the hypotheses tested with an ordinal regression model.FindingsThis research indicated that individuals with children, high incomes, and large internet experience are more likely to shop online for personal purposes and younger men with large internet experience are more likely to shop online for professional purposes.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of this study is that it focuses on only the demographic determinants, and ignores others, such as reputation and size, service quality, overall ease of use and usefulness of the web site, etc.Originality/valueThis paper would be valuable to online retailers, as it will help them to identify their target customers.
New graduate employment within SMEs: still in the dark?
Authors: Holden Rick , Jameson Stephanie , Walmsley Andreas 
Published: June 2007

PurposeA report conducted for the Government in 2002 concluded that public policy, although rising to the challenges presented in stimulating a stronger relationship between supply and demand in the SME graduate labour market, was essentially “running blind”. SMEs were clearly playing an increasingly important role in the wider graduate labour market, yet the evidence base on patterns of recruitment, deployment and graduate contribution was weak and insubstantive. The purpose of this paper is to revisit this issue and critically review research undertaken since 2002.Design/methodology/approachA decision was taken to critically review the research literature published in the UK on graduate employment in SMEs since 2002 as this was the year that the original report was presented to the Government. The methodological design draws out the main findings from the 2002 report and the associated research agenda. This is then used as a basis from which to evaluate recent research. The methodological design ensures that the key themes of graduate recruitment and utilization are addressed within the context of the overall SME graduate labour market.FindingsThe data suggest that whilst there may be some “glimmers of light”, serious deficiencies remain in relation both to information about the SME graduate labour market in general and to the utilization of graduates in particular. There was an apparent shift in the research agenda, towards graduate enterprise and business start‐up.Originality/valueProvides a timely review of the evidence base in an area which has seen increasing policy interventions. Draws an important parallel with emergent research in the specific field of graduate start‐up.
Creating the reasonable adventurer: the co‐evolution of student and learning environment
Authors: Jones Colin 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to address the issue of how graduate skills are developed. The focus is not on which skills, but rather what type of learning environments are required within higher education to support the development of skills valued and demanded by SMEs within Australia.Design/methodology/approachThis paper takes a step back to consider the underlying issue of how an individual student's habits of thought are altered. In doing so, the past works of Morgan, Dewey, Whitehead, and Tyler are synthesized with the modern work of Baxter Magolda, Heath, and Biggs.FindingsIt is argued that that without the development of a student‐centred learning environment, most graduates will not develop the types of skills demanded by SMEs in a meaningful way. The failure to treat knowledge and skills as equal drivers of curriculum design will result in an imbalance that relegates skill development to a secondary learning outcome.Practical implicationsBy removing the distraction of what skills should be developed, a clearer focus is possible regarding how educators should assist students to develop a broad array of generic graduate skills. From this perspective, skills can be viewed as an essential element of the educational process, rather than a new element that must be squeezed in between content.Originality/valueThis paper extends recent discussion of skills development through the use of an evolutionary perspective. Viewed as a process of creating social change, education becomes increasingly connected to a world that lies beyond institutional boundaries, thus promoting the notion of developing graduates for the world that awaits them.