bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A kaleidoscope of possibilities: strategies for assessing human capital in libraries
Authors: Nash White Larry 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of paper one of the two‐article series exploration of human capital assessment is to examine the strategies by which library administrators can assess and benefit the human capital performance of their library and to lay the groundwork for the discussion of the strategic challenges of assessing and valuing human capital in article two.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a literature review to identify potential strategies and metrics for library administrators to assess human capital productivity.FindingsHuman capital is an increasingly essential element of organizational performance assessment. Effectively assessing library staff expenditures (which generally receives the largest expenditure allocations within the library's budget) and the resulting performance generated by the staff, who are the primary knowledge tools and providers of the library's services, is an ever increasing possibility to account for greater amounts of tangible and intangible organizational performance. Library administrators have multiple options for developing effective strategies and metrics by which to assess their libraries human capital performance.Originality/valueDeveloping an effective human capital assessment process as a standard component of the library's performance and budgetary assessment processes would benefit libraries and their administrators by increasing the organizational performance information available for resource allocation decisions regarding library staff development, recruitment, and retention in the larger overall management decision making and planning processes.
What is the quality in your quantity?
Authors: Noel Jennings Karlene 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo outline the potential hazards of a purely numerical approach to evaluating development professionals and development programs.Design/methodology/approachNarrative paper outlining various means used to assess a library development program.FindingsLibrary development assessment that utilizes quantitative analysis alone without substantive analysis of the underlying numbers will likely yield incorrect conclusions.Originality/valuePractical suggestions for utilizing qualitative techniques when assessing a library development program or development professional.
Wanted: the next generation of nurse and midwifery managers
Authors: Wise Sarah 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo explore whether ward management is an aspiration for junior nurses and midwives in the National Health Service in Scotland (NHSS) in the context of service redesign that is expanding career options in clinical practice.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are drawn from research conducted in a large acute NHSS Trust. The fieldwork involved face‐to‐face interviews with 64 nurses and midwives and 1,084 survey returns (29 per cent response rate). Logistic regression was used to predict the characteristics of those who wanted to move into their line manager's role.FindingsMoving into their line manager's job was a career aspiration for only 10 per cent of nurses and midwives and current managers reported there were already difficulties recruiting to senior posts. Those who wanted vertical progression preferred the clinical specialist/advanced practitioner route. By comparison, the ward manager (charge nurse) role was perceived to be very unattractive because of: too little patient contact; the stress involved in meeting the workload demands of multiple roles; and poor pay and rewards.Research limitations/implicationsThe research and policy review covers the devolved NHSS though similar trends have been noted elsewhere in the UK and internationally. The paper is of broader interest to those interested in the impact of managerial responsibility on healthcare professionals.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the need for reform in the ward leadership role since it is pivotal in the operation of hospital services.Originality/valuePrevious research has examined the role of nurses in managing healthcare services. The paper extends this retrospective work by exploring the perceptions and career intentions of the nurses and midwives serving under the current generation of nurse managers.
Approaches to commissioning home care from the independent sector
Authors: Drake Paul R. , Davies Bethan M. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper is the sequel to the authors' earlier paper in this journal and aims to present the “future research” outlined in that paper.Design/methodology/approachThe approaches being employed by Welsh local authorities in commissioning home care from the independent sector are surveyed to see how a mixed economy of care is being implemented. The observed differences are analysed to see what can be learnt for the benefit of public sector managers concerned with the development of commissioning practices. Semi‐structured interviews have been performed with home care managers and commissioning officers in 13 (60 per cent) of the local, unitary authorities in Wales. Managers at independent home care providers have been interviewed also. The study has been ongoing since September 2004. For comparison, Barnet in England has been included because, unlike any Welsh authority, it has implemented 100 per cent outsourcing of home care. Croydon has been included as it has a good practice brokerage that has helped it to expand its provision from the independent sector.FindingsGreat diversity is seen in the approaches adopted by the Welsh local authorities when commissioning home care from the independent sector. They differ in the proportion of home care that is commissioned from the independent sector, what is commissioned, the number of independent providers and the contractual arrangements. These features are used to develop a taxonomy of home care strategies that reveals high levels of diversity. It is seen that in Wales there has been less political drive and compulsion to outsource home care than in England, but the natural desire to reduce costs in the face of a growing need for home care is now driving outsourcing in Wales.Practical implicationsThis paper provides guidance to public sector managers in local authorities seeking best practice in the commissioning of home care from the independent sector.Originality/valueThe existing literature contains little research into good practice in the commissioning of home care by local authorities from the independent sector. This paper is a timely contribution to addressing this shortfall.
Emerging distribution systems in central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Lorentz Harri , Yew Wong Chee , Hilmola Olli‐Pekka 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the research is to shed light on the evolution of distribution structures and its consequent implications for supply chain management (SCM) in the context of the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).Design/methodology/approachA structured literature review followed by two case studies, which combine qualitative and quantitative analysis. Mainly in‐depth interviews were used, with company sales data analysis in terms of variation and forecast accuracy.FindingsIt was found that CEE distribution structures are overlapping, and along complex traditional structures there exists a possibility for a more direct approach. This modern key‐account approach improves supply chain performance, mainly due to echelon elimination and information sharing. The case studies also illustrate that supply chain demand distortion originating practices create uncertainty in demand, even in the case of modern key accounts. The findings therefore suggest that general SCM approaches of the “West” are evident and appropriate also in the “East”.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the limited number of case studies, this research is considered exploratory. The presented two case studies are essentially illustrative examples of the distribution operations of two international companies in CEE markets.Practical implicationsFor practitioners, the two case studies provide important insight on the nature of alternative distribution structures in CEE, and what the level of forecast accuracy and the demand fluctuation may be expected. It is proposed that the emerging opportunities for supply chain partnership development should be carefully reviewed.Originality/valueThe paper draws upon real‐life data from emerging CEE markets with an approach that is not commonly used in distribution and SCM studies on CEE.
Prioritizing service quality dimensions
Authors: Chowdhary Nimit , Prakash Monika 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe study was undertaken with a purpose to investigate if any generalization in importance of service quality dimensions is possible. Service providers are often not sure of the amount of tangibilisation necessary and the right mix of other service quality dimensions – reliability, assurance, empathy, responsiveness, and the role of price‐added by researcher.Design/methodology/approachA two stage analysis was deployed. First free listing of important service quality concerns for 16 services across the four service types (as suggested by Lovelock) was done to see if any rank correlation was possible. This was followed by two‐step cluster analysis to reveal natural grouping (or clusters) within a data set for each service quality dimension that would otherwise not be apparent.FindingsGeneralization of quality dimensions was not possible among all types of services taken together, however important insights were available pertaining to each service type.Practical implicationsSome generalizations within the service types were possible for different services. Thus, service providers can consider these finding when designing service delivery.Originality/valueConsidering the two important dimensions – tangibility of service act and whether such an action is targeted at the customer or their possessions, the paper details what service quality issues are important for which service type.
Adopting internet banking services in a small island state: assurance of bank service quality
Authors: Jenkins Hatice 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the factors affecting the adoption of internet banking services by domestic commercial banks in a sparsely populated small island.Design/methodology/approachBeing one of the smallest island economies in the world, North Cyprus was chosen as a case study to explore the factors that affected the penetration of internet banking services in North Cyprus over a two year period. The managers of 23 banks operating in North Cyprus were interviewed first in 2004 and later in 2006. Furthermore, the web sites of these banks were also examined both in 2004 and in 2006 in order to measure the progress made in adopting internet banking services between these periods.FindingsEvidence from survey studies and from banks' web sites indicated that banks in North Cyprus have been consistently moving towards providing internet banking services despite a very small potential market to share. In 2004, the majority of commercial banks claimed that the potential market was too small to adopt internet banking services in North Cyprus. Yet, in 2006 the same banks were in the process of introducing internet banking as an assurance to their customers that they would be able to maintain a competitive quality of service in the future, hence avoid losing their customers to the branches of foreign banks.Research limitations/implicationsThe implication for domestic banks is that if they wish to complete with foreign banks they must embrace internet banking.Originality/valueContributes to the literature on internet banking services in small islands.
“Ethnocentricity” in top journals of services management
Authors: Svensson Göran , Slåtten Terje , Tronvoll Bård 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe objective is to describe the “ethnocentricity” (i.e. geographical affiliation of editor(s), editorial board(s), editorial review board(s) and author(s)) of selected journals in services management.Design/methodology/approachThe sample is restricted to the examination and comparison of five top journals in services management during a six‐year period. In total, the content analysis consisted of 1,189 articles.FindingsThe authors contend that there is in part a troublesome and challenging “ethnocentricity” in some of the examined journals.Research limitations/implicationsThe impact of “ethnocentricity” is underestimated in the examinations of academic journals in the field of services management. It is an important issue that needs to be raised and discussed in literature, due to the paradigmatic influences that it may have on the journal and its characteristics – in extension, the journal ranking and the journal quality.Practical implicationsThe authors provide some suggestions, all of which are troublesome to implement. If done, it has to be done progressively and it will take time to not lose the current editorial scope and success of the journal.Originality/valueThis paper fills a knowledge gap in the literature by examining specific aspects of the “ethnocentricity” of “top” journals in the particular area of services management.
Factors affecting service companies' satisfaction with ISO 9000
Authors: Calisir Fethi 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study has been to determine the level of difficulties/obstacles associated with the implementation of ISO 9000, the importance of achieving expected improvements and the level of success in achieving expected improvements. The overall aim is to specifically explore the influence of these factors on service companies' satisfaction with ISO 9000.Design/methodology/approachA survey methodology was used to gather data. Simple t‐ and Tukey tests, principal components analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses of this study.FindingsThe results suggest that service companies may be more than satisfied with ISO 9000 if they lay greater emphasis on considering alternative approaches to educating the top and medium level managers and receiving support from top management. They also need to focus on enhancing the enterprise's quality in terms of reputation, inter personal relations, and motivation on the part of employees.Research limitations/implicationsThere are several limitations. First, the fact should not be ignore that these relationships may not apply to all businesses because the data have been collected from service companies. Second, a large percentage of the satisfaction remains unexplained suggesting the need for additional research incorporating potential unmeasured variables in the current study.Practical implicationsEducating top and medium level managers must increase in importance as a competitive priority. Personnel must be provided with extensive training particularly in communication and quality skills. Activities aimed at increasing personnel motivation must be given a high priority.Originality/valueThis study presents a thorough understanding on a model of service companies' satisfaction with ISO 9000, and how various factors moderate several paths of the model.
Modeling for management of variations in building projects
Authors: Manzoor Arain Faisal , Sui Pheng Low 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to present research into the development of a theoretical model for making more informed decisions for the management of variations in building projects. Primarily, the study proposes six principles of effective variation management, which would be helpful for building professionals in assessing and taking proactive measures for reducing the adverse impact of variations.Design/methodology/approachBased on the principles of effective variation management, a theoretical framework for management of variation orders was developed. The stages presented in the theoretical framework were grouped into three main phases – screening, choice of promising alternatives, and dominance building. Based on the theoretical framework, a model for management of variations was developed.FindingsThe theoretical model presents a structured format for management of variation orders. The model will enable the project team to take advantage of beneficial variations when the opportunity arises without an inordinate fear of the negative impacts. By having a systematic way to manage variations, the efficiency of project work and the likelihood of project success should increase.Originality/valueThe study would assist building professionals in developing an effective variation management system. The model emphasized sharing the lessons learned from existing projects with project teams of future projects. The lessons learned should be identified throughout the project life cycle and communicated to current and future project participants. The system would be helpful for them to take proactive measures for reducing variation orders. Hence, the study is valuable for all professionals involved with building projects.
Built‐in resilience to disasters: a pre‐emptive approach
Authors: Bosher Lee , Dainty Andrew , Carrillo Patricia , Glass Jacqueline 
Published: September 2007

PurposeProfessions involved with the construction industry need to become more aware of disaster risk management (DRM) activities if lessons are to be learned from the past and a resilient built environment attained in the future. This study aims to focus on identifying which construction‐associated stakeholders should be involved with DRM initiatives in the UK, and when these stakeholders should be involved. This research is thereby unique and a key step in the longer‐term aim of identifying how stakeholders should be involved and what issues they need to address regarding the integration of DRM into construction decision making.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the findings of a UK‐wide questionnaire survey, semi‐structured interviews and a validation exercise involving a range of professionals from construction, planning, insurance, emergency management and local/national government agencies.FindingsThis research identifies the key construction stakeholders that should be responsible for ensuring that resilience issues become integrated and ensuring the key stages of the design‐construction‐operation process where their inputs are required.Originality/valueThe finding presented are an important and logical step in the longer term aim of identifying how stakeholders should be better involved and what issues they need to address regarding the integration of DRM into construction decision making.
Interview with innovation guru Geoffrey Moore: seeking solutions to intractable problems
Authors: Davidson Alistair , Leavy Brian 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis is an interview with innovation guru Geoffrey Moore, the author of five books that have gained an enthusiastic following among corporate managers pursuing market development. It offers a wide range of insights on innovation management.Design/methodology/approachTwo Strategy & Leadership contributing editors, one a CEO of several startups and the other a senior academic who often writes about innovation, asked Moore about his experiences advising high tech companies.FindingsMoore believes the best way of thinking about innovation is to put your company in service to an attractive target market to work on a solution to a seemingly intractable problem.Practical implicationsMoore believes the biggest innovation mistake large firms make is to have amodel for “childhood” (the incipient innovation) and “adulthood” (the mature innovation) but no model or patience for adolescence (the struggling innovation). Most innovations are killed during their adolescent stage.Originality/valueMoore believes that Job #1 for a CEO is to declare what is core (that will contribute to long‐term competitiveness). The stronger that declaration, the easier it is to manage the execution effort downstream. CEOs are naturally reluctant to pursue this course because they want to maintain a portfolio of options. But large organizations become impossible to steer when there is insufficient commitment to taking a specific course.
Implementing a corporate career lattice: the Mass Career Customization model
Authors: Benko Cathleen , Weisberg Anne 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis article introduces mass career customization, a system that encourages a continuous collaboration between employer and employee to design customized career paths, taking into account both the changing needs of the business and employees' changing lives. mass career customization is an adaptive model of career progression that offers employees career‐long options for keeping their work and personal lives in sync and employers the long‐term loyalty of their best and brightest.Design/methodology/approachMCC was first introduced through a 120‐participant implementation pilot that began within Deloitte Consulting LLP in 2005 and then continued through a year‐long second round pilot with approximately 300 participants in 2006.FindingsSatisfaction with career‐life fit improved, in some case sharply. Nearly 90 percent said MCC positively influenced their decision to remain with the organization. Team leaders said the ongoing MCC process was an advantage in staffing new projects with top talent. Client service standards were maintained. Significant savings were achieved, primarily driven by positive impact on retention and associated revenue. Positive correlation between MCC and retention was identified. Improved employee satisfaction, morale and productivity.Practical implicationsThe MCC framework lays out a definite set of options along each of the four core dimensions of a career – Pace, Workload, Location/Schedule and Role – with specified tradeoffs for each choice, allowing for choices to change over time.Originality/valueCustomizing careers within a corporate lattice system offers significant benefits over the traditional corporate ladder. Deloitte's MCC model has the power to inspire greater employee productivity, reduce the costs of turnover and generate greater loyalty through a collaborative approach to designing careers.
Considering the utility of Altman's Z‐score as a strategic assessment and performance management tool
Authors: Calandro Joseph 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide commentary on the utility of Altman's Z‐score as a strategic assessment and performance management tool. This possibility is suggested in the recently published book Measuring Organizational Performance – Metrics for Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management Research (Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar, 2006) by Robert B. Carton and Charles W. Hofer.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a corporate manager's analysis of the utility of Altman's Z‐score as a strategic assessment and performance management tool based on published research, with suggestions for further research.FindingsThe analysis supports Carton and Hofer's findings with respect to the utility of the Z‐score as a strategic assessment and performance management tool.Practical implicationsWhile the Z‐score is both popular and widely used in the fields of credit risk analysis, distressed investing, M&A target analysis, and turnaround management it has received relatively little attention as a strategic assessment and performance management tool. The findings of Carton and Hofer's study, in conjunction with the impressive results achieved by GTI Corporation, suggest that applying the Z‐score in strategy and performance management may also be warranted, especially after more research is undertaken.Originality/valueThis article offers a manager's perspective on new research that indicates the potential of a popular financial distress metric to provide insight in the areas of entrepreneurship and strategic management.