bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing the risk aspects of the product development process at the Upjohn Company
Authors: Prevel Katsanis Lea , Pitta Dennis 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to describe an innovative practice that has implication for new product developers within and outside the pharmaceutical industry.Design/methodology/approachThe case describes an approach to managing the risk inherent in marketing drugs. The organization's original name has been retained, although individual managers' names have been changed at its request. Interviews with former company employees and publicly available data were used to write the case study.FindingsThe paper provides information and action approaches to new product developers that may reduce the risk of losing products to regulatory action. The subject company devised a risk management response to its product development. Their results offer direct implications for new product development teams in the drug industry. By extension, the implications may aid traditional companies outside of the pharmaceutical industry.Research limitations/implicationsAs in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn in the case may have limited applicability.Practical implicationsThe case depicts an innovative application of the risk minimization to the new product development process. Other organizations may find the technique of value in their own efforts.Originality/valueThe case is the first to describe a successful application of risk management to the product development/product management process. It offers the potential of improving the lifetime of pharmaceutical products in the marketplace, allowing the company a longer time to reap profits.
Using polarisation to identify variations in behavioural loyalty to price tiers
Authors: Jarvis Wade , Rungie Cam , Goodman Steven , Lockshin Larry 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper has two purposes: to use polarisation to identify variations in loyalty and to apply polarisation to an important non‐brand attribute, price.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive revealed preference data set of wine purchases is used to apply polarisation. Polarisation was defined in two ways: as a function of the beta binomial distribution (BBD) to give a measure of loyalty for an alternative; and as a function of the Dirichlet multinomial distribution (DMD) to give a baseline level of loyalty. Variations were identified by analysing the differences between the BBD and DMD.FindingsPolarisation was shown to be one way of identifying variation across price tiers. In the empirical example used, the DMD model is violated with the price tiers not being directly substitutable with one another. Buyers show excess loyalty towards the lowest and highest price tier levels. One tier shows “change‐of‐pace” loyalty. Small brands do better when they focus on high loyalty tiers, middle brands compete in the change‐of‐pace tier and large brands do well across all tiers.Originality/valueVery little work has been undertaken into price tier loyalty and no known empirical research has been undertaken into behavioural loyalty to price tiers in wine. Very little empirical research has considered the association between excess loyalty for attribute levels (such as price tiers) and the existence of niche, change‐of‐pace and reinforcing brands.
Improving training needs assessment processes via the Internet: system design and qualitative study
Authors: Tao Yu‐Hui , Rosa Yeh C. , Sun Sheng‐I 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe goal of this research is to demonstrate how web‐based applications improve the effectiveness of a very important human resource (HR) function. It proposes a framework of a web‐based training needs assessment system for HR professionals to effectively assess employee needs for competency‐based training.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework of a survey‐based training needs assessment using the Internet was developed. A use case detailing a walkthrough of a prototype system developed under this proposed framework was created to illustrate how this system works. A two‐phased operation test of the prototype system was then conducted to assess how well human resource (HR) managers would accept and adopt this technology to develop organizational competencies. The first phase involved demonstrating the use case to a group of experienced HR managers and polling their opinion toward the system. The second phase involved one‐on‐one interviews with three select HR managers who were asked to experience the prototype system hands‐on.FindingsHR managers from both phases of validation demonstrated positive acceptance of both the needs assessment model and the process improvement generated from the web‐based prototype system.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative validation test was conducted to a small sample of Taiwan's HR managers. Caution is advised when generalizing the positive results to other regions or countries with more advanced IT applications in HR practices.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to the HR practice in several ways. First, it qualitatively confirms that HR professionals accept a competence‐based approach to build company's training curriculum. Second, it observes a lack of effective tools to help HR professionals in the task of training needs assessment. Third, it shows that HR professionals do recognize the power of web technology in helping them become more efficient.Originality/valueFormal competency‐based training programs are rarely implemented in the real world because the process required is both tedious and time‐consuming. This paper adopts Internet technologies in a conceptual model for effective competency‐based training needs assessment, and presents an efficient web‐based tool to assist HR professionals in the needed analysis.
Factors motivating people toward pirated software
Authors: Kin‐wai Lau Eric 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe costs of software piracy are enormous. According to Business Software Alliance, it was estimated that the software industry lost $34 billion globally due to software piracy in 2005. The present study was an exploratory attempt to analyze software piracy at individual level, using a qualitative approach.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research study with few, if any, theoretical preconceptions would seem to be justified in the Asian context. An internet online survey and a content analysis of internet newsgroups were conducted. Data were transcribed, coded and interpreted so as to generate main predictors of the reported leniency toward software piracy.FindingsUsing extensive qualitative data from two studies, marketing, individual and situational variables are examined as a set of predictors of respondents' reported leniency towards software piracy. The results of the content analysis suggested that the cost of original software was extremely important in software piracy. Respondents commented that excessive price of original software was the key factor pushing them to commit piracy.Originality/valueThis is the first piece of qualitative research to study software piracy. The results of the content analysis suggested that the cost of original software was extremely important in software piracy. It provides new insights to software companies and government officials who are developing programs to promote the concept of anti‐piracy.
Maintenance management: literature review and directions
Authors: Garg Amik , Deshmukh S.G. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the literature on maintenance management and suggest possible gaps from the point of view of researchers and practitioners.Design/methodology/approachThe paper systematically categorizes the published literature and then analyzes and reviews it methodically.FindingsThe paper finds that important issues in maintenance management range from various optimization models, maintenance techniques, scheduling, and information systems etc. Within each category, gaps have been identified. A new shift in maintenance paradigm is also highlighted.Practical implicationsLiterature on classification of maintenance management has so far been very limited. This paper reviews a large number of papers in this field and suggests a classification in to various areas and sub areas. Subsequently, various emerging trends in the field of maintenance management are identified to help researchers specifying gaps in the literature and direct research efforts suitably.Originality/valueThe paper contains a comprehensive listing of publications on the field in question and their classification according to various attributes. The paper will be useful to researchers, maintenance professionals and others concerned with maintenance to understand the importance of maintenance management
The workaholism phenomenon: a cross‐national perspective
Authors: Snir Raphael , Harpaz Itzhak 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the workaholism phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachWorkaholism was defined as the individual's steady and considerable allocation of time to work, which is not derived from external necessities. Subsequently, it was measured as time invested in paid work, controlling for the financial needs for such an investment. Workaholism is examined from a cross‐national perspective through representative samples of the labor force in Belgium, Israel, Japan, The Netherlands, and the USAFindingsThe Japanese worked more hours per week than all other nationalities. The following findings have remained stable across nations: respondents with a high level of work centrality worked more hours per week than did those with a low level of work centrality. Men worked more hours per week than women. Married women worked fewer hours per week than unmarried women, while married men worked more hours per week than unmarried men. Private‐sector employees worked more hours per week than public‐sector employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross‐national comparisons are based on aggregated self‐reported data obtained from individuals. However, the present study makes three major contributions: applying a non‐biased definition of workaholism, indicating that the existing conceptualizations of workaholism as an attitude have underestimated the importance of sex‐roles in shaping work patterns and behaviors, and findings of similarities as well as of differences across nations on the phenomenon of workaholism.Practical implicationsDeveloping awareness of cultural variations concerning workaholism.Originality/valueThis is perhaps the only empirical study so far making a cross‐national comparison of workaholism, which also has high external validity.
Career‐related continuous learning
Authors: Rowold Jens , Schilling Jan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeWithin the framework of learning in organizations, the concept of career‐related continuous learning (CRCL) has gained increasing attention from the research community. The purpose of the present study is to explore the combined effect of job‐ and career‐related variables on formal CRCL activities.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on a longitudinal framework with multiple sources of data. A total sample of n=106 call center agents provided information about job‐ and career‐related variables. Subsequently, their CRCL activities within their first 18 months in one of 11 call centers were assessed from company records.FindingsRegression analysis revealed that job involvement predicted subsequent CRCL. Interestingly, women engaged in more CRCL activities than their male colleagues.Research limitations/implicationsIn addition to objective measures of formal CRCL activities, future research should include subjective measures (i.e. survey methodology) of informal CRCL.Practical implicationsVia interventions such as active participation in decisions, and in task and work design, organization might want to foster employees' job involvement to ensure high degrees of subsequent CRCL behaviors.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a phenomenon (i.e. CRCL) that receives increasing attention from both practitioners and researchers; objective, longitudinal data provide evidence for the proposed relationship between job attitudes and CRCL and thus, causal inferences can be drawn.
The discriminatory impact of non‐adherence to leadership selection criteria
Authors: Moss Gloria , Daunton Lyn 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis research aims to fill a gap in the literature concerning the extent to which recruitment interviewers may substitute leadership capability sets (CSs) differing from those in the job specification (JS).Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with senior personnel involved in senior staff selection in a higher education (HE) institution.FindingsThe interviews reveal that the majority of respondents select candidates against transactional capability sets (TcCSs), ignoring the largely transformational capability sets (TfCSs) laid down in the JS.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is anchored in a single organisation and in a single sector, HE. It would be useful to extend the research to another institution in the public sector within both the public and the private sectors. It would furthermore be useful to identify the practical measures needed to overcome the problems identified here.Practical implicationsOrganisations pursuing diversity initiatives or attempting to influence the culture of an organisation and its leadership style need to be aware of the extent, hitherto unrevealed, to which the leadership CSs laid down in the official selection criteria can be disregarded in favour of CSs substituted, consciously or unconsciously, by recruiters. If the practice identified here is representative across the HE sector, then a failure to follow the leadership CSs contained in a JS can serve as a barrier to the appointment of women who may favour the deployment of TfCSs. It may also serve as a barrier to the introduction of transformational leadership and cultures.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on CSs laid down in the official selection criteria and whether they can be disregarded in favour of CSs substituted, consciously or unconsciously, by recruiters.
Online learning dialogues in learning through work
Authors: Bosley Sara , Young David 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to describe a study of online, asynchronous dialogues between tutors and nine work‐based postgraduate learners on learning through work (LtW) programmes.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a constructivist perspective and using a qualitative approach, 670 messages were segmented into semantic units and categorised by activity and content. Analysis borrowed from content and discourse approaches and categories were grounded in the data.FindingsOnline exchanges were found to mirror those of effective face‐to‐face learning encounters. Learners asked questions, reported on their progress and plans, sought and gave feedback, and disclosed personal information and feelings. Tutors gave direct answers, advised and made suggestions, explained and elaborated, offered signposting and referral and provided feedback. Dialogue content was categorised as administrative/organisational, technical, affective, social, academic or relating to programme design.Research limitations/implicationsLearners embarking on undergraduate level study may raise different issues from those working at postgraduate level.Practical implicationsThe individual categories and the framework as a whole may help new online tutors to anticipate and prepare for their role.Originality/valueThe study is unusual in focusing on one‐to‐one online dialogues between university tutors and work‐based learners. The unique contribution is a hierarchical analytical framework of dialogue topics in which “hard” and “soft” topics underpin academic dialogue.
Virtual learning communities as a vehicle for workforce development: a case study
Authors: Allan Barbara , Lewis Dina 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits and challenges of using a virtual learning community (VLC) as a vehicle for workforce development. This paper argues that VLCs provide a flexible vehicle for workforce development. However, workplace realities may lead to unexpected challenges for participants wanting exploit the flexibility of e‐learning technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe case study is located in a strategic healthcare organisation in the UK. The study used a multi‐method approach to develop a rich picture of the VLC. Data were collected from a variety of sources (programme evaluation questionnaires, learning logs, discussion group messages and VLE tracking system) and analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods.FindingsThe findings indicate that while membership of a VLC offers new opportunities for collaboration, learning and working at a time and place that suits individuals it also offers many challenges. The following issues were identified as having an impact on effective participation in the VLC: motivation; time management; public/private boundaries; work/life balance; and access to ICT.Research limitations/implicationsThere are limitations in generalising from a particular case study. The use of a case study provides a depth to the study that helps to illuminate the experiences of individual e‐learners.Practical implicationsThe findings have strategic implications for organisations planning to use VLCs to support workforce development. The study indicates the need for facilitators to enable participants to explore time and work/life balance issues. It highlights the importance of involving the managers of e‐learners in the negotiations involved in establishing a VLC. Finally, the study identified that employers need to provide protected time for e‐learners and that access to technology is an issue.Originality/valueThe research has value to managers who are considering using VLCs as a means of enhancing workforce development.
Use of analytic network process in vendor selection decisions
Authors: Bayazit Ozden 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo provide a good insight into the use of analytic network process (ANP) that is a multiple criteria decision‐making methodology in evaluating supplier selection problems.Design/methodology/approachSupplier selection problems are multi‐objective problems which have many qualitative and quantitative concerns. In this study, an ANP model is proposed in evaluating supplier selection process as a framework to help managers.FindingsIt is shown that ANP can be used as a decision analysis tool to solve multi‐criteria supplier selection problems that contain interdependencies.Research limitations/implicationsANP is a complex methodology and requires more comparisons than the traditional AHP and it increases the effort.Originality/valueProvides an effective framework to guide managers for evaluating suppliers.
Fiscal incentives and urban regeneration in Dublin 1986‐2005
Authors: Williams Brendan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the critical role fiscal incentives have played in urban regeneration in Ireland since 1986, focusing on the role of such incentives, their impact on development and implications for the market of their termination.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is structured as a periodised chronology where real time is divided into analytically defined phases linked to policy shifts. In this way features of urban regeneration policy can be discussed within the economic context and policy constraints within which their decisions were shaped. Policies have evolved from blanket subsidisation of development in designated areas towards a more selective approach. The paper reflects the results of structured interviews of policymaking, planning and development interests on the operation and effectiveness of the schemes. Quantitative analysis of the costs and benefits of a selected number of property developments in Dublin is included and can be compared with similar schemes internationally.FindingsThe findings of this paper are that urban regeneration policies as operated over the period have had a significant role in the physical rejuvenation of previously derelict areas and that the role of incentive based policies requires continual monitoring to avoid market distortion effects and to achieve wider regeneration objectives in terms of social and economic aims.Originality/valueDespite the importance of the subject there has been a noticeable lack of evidence‐based research in the area and this paper provides quantitative and qualitative evidence based material upon which further research on the costs and effectiveness of the schemes can be based.
Catalyzing mass production of solar photovoltaic cells using university driven green purchasing
Authors: Pearce Joshua M. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the use of the purchase power of the higher education system to catalyze the economy of scale necessary to ensure market competitiveness for solar photovoltaic electricity.Design/methodology/approachThe approach used here was to first determine the demand necessary to construct “Solar City factories”, factories that possess equipment and processes sized, dedicated and optimized to produce only solar photovoltaic systems. Inexpensive solar cells from these factories could produce solar electricity at rates comparable to conventional fossil‐fuel derived electricity. Then it was determined if sufficient demand could be guaranteed by green purchasing from the international university system.FindingsA focused effort from the university community to purchase on‐sight produced electricity would make it possible to construct truly large‐scale dedicated solar photovoltaic factories rather than follow the piecemeal production increases currently observed in the industry.Practical implicationsDirect economic competitiveness of an energy source having markedly lower environmental, social and health externalities would have a positive‐spiral (virtuous cycle) effect encouraging the transition of the global energy infrastructure away from polluting fossil fuels to green solar energy.Originality/valueDespite significant commercial progress in the conversion efficiency of sunlight into electricity with solar photovoltaic cells, their widespread adoption is still limited by high costs relative to conventional fossil fuel‐based sources of electricity. The concept outlined and critically reviewed in this paper represents a novel and economical method of transitioning the electric supply system to renewable solar energy.