bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The woman question? Gender and management in the Russian Federation
Authors: Dawn Metcalfe Beverly , Afanassieva Marianne 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper will be to examine the social and economic changes that have shaped women's work identity in the USSR and Russian Federation. Based on interview research with 30 female professionals in St Petersburg, Russia, we unravel the complexities of the “woman question” in soviet discourse and explore the individual subjectivities of managing gender and managing transition.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a life‐history qualitative research approach. We examine how transition from a Marxist system to a free market economy has impacted employment experiences of women.FindingsIt is shown that women have traditionally progressed in managerial and professional fields in Soviet society but that this advancement is being reversed during transition stages. Emphasising the socio‐political legacies of the Soviet gender order, we highlight how dominant gender roles are being reinforced along essentialist lines. The results highlight how women's work identity is being reconstructed along stereotypically feminine lines. This feminisation of work identity however, focuses on the aesthetic qualities of being a professional woman rather than on personal managerial qualities. We argue that the construction and reconstruction of a feminine professional self is an important aspect of managing gender and transition. The results also highlight an increase in discriminatory practices in HR systems and that women face both cultural and organisational barriers to their career advancement.Originality/valueThe paper argues that socialist ideology did not solve the woman question, but rather produced different forms of gendered inequalities. It suggests that equal opportunities will only be achieved when organisations comply with employment legislation. The research provides important insights into the gendered management processes within transitional contexts, which have previously remained uncharted.
Dance‐based exercise and Tai Chi and their benefits for people with arthritis: a review
Authors: Marks Ray 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe first aim of this review article is to systematically summarise, synthesise, and critically evaluate the research base concerning the use of two art forms, namely, dance‐based exercises and Tai Chi, as applied to people with arthritis (a chronic condition that results in considerable disability and, particularly in later life, severely impacts the life quality of the individual with this condition). A second is to provide directives for health educators who work or are likely to work with this population in the future.Design/methodology/approachThe material specifically focuses on examining the efficacy of dance therapy and Tai Chi as intervention strategies for minimising arthritis disability and dependence and improving life quality. The paper includes a review of all relevant articles published in the English language on the topic.FindingsCollectively, these data reveal that dance‐based exercises and Tai Chi – practiced widely in China for many centuries as an art form, as well as a religious ritual, relaxation technique, exercise, and self‐defence method – may be very useful rehabilitation strategies for people with different forms of arthritis.Originality/valueWhile more research is indicated, health educators working with people who have chronic arthritis can safely recommend these two forms of exercise to most people with arthritis with the expectation that both will heighten the life quality of the individual with this condition.
BP on the level with its leaders
Authors: Beal Brian 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to review the latest management‐training development at energy‐company giant BP.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his own impartial comments and places two articles in context.FindingsWho are the most important people in a business? Those at the very top, making the big, important decisions that affect everyone in the organization, its customers and its performance? Or those at the “sharp‐end” – the ones who come into direct contact with the customers or suppliers either face‐to‐face or on the telephone and whose performance can give an immediate and long‐lasting good or bad impression of the company? Maybe the answer is neither.Practical implicationsProvides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced BP.Originality/valueSaves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting the best, most pertinent information on the BP First Level Leaders development program and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
Process models implementation in the construction industry: a literature synthesis
Authors: Tzortzopoulos Patricia , Sexton Martin , Cooper Rachel 
Published: January 2007

PurposeDifferent process models have been developed by academia and industry to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the design and construction activity in response to the need for improving performance. However, the effective and widespread adoption and use of process models have been limited, and the benefits resulting from these endeavours have been ambiguous at best and non‐existent at worst. This paper synthesises the key general and construction‐specific literature related to process model implementation around a generic model, providing a systematic picture on the current knowledge on implementation.Design/methodology/approachSecondary data sources were reviewed, criticised and synthesised. The books and academic papers identified focused on the areas of process management in construction and manufacturing, change management and knowledge/technology transfer.FindingsThe paper concludes that the body of literature related to process model implementation lacks an integrated focus and cohesion, and the need to appropriately locate and operate the implementation strategy within a visible organisational context is not adequately addressed.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper review and synthesis are limited to relevant literature within the context of implementation of process models.Practical implicationsGaps in the literature are identified and discussed, and a set of questions proposed to stipulate future research.Originality/valueThe paper originality relates to providing a broad, systemic perspective on the complexity of process models implementation, analysing it from different but interrelated conceptual lenses.
Worker safety issues in night‐time highway construction
Authors: Arditi David , Ayrancioglu Mehmet , Jingsheng Shi Jonathan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe research presented in this paper aims to investigate highway construction/maintenance professionals' perceptions of the effects of night‐time construction conditions on worker visibility and of issues associated with safety vests in night‐time activities.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted by administering a questionnaire survey to Illinois Department of Transportation operations personnel, resident engineers, contractors, and construction/maintenance professionals involved in night‐time construction in the Departments of Transportation of states other than Illinois.FindingsIt was found that most accidents in night‐time construction work areas are caused by the condition of the vehicle operator, that accidents are caused by through‐traffic and construction equipment operating inside the work area, and that the poor visibility of the workers plays an important role in accidents.Research limitations/implicationsA national survey (rather than mostly Illinois personnel) would certainly increase the sample size and therefore allow researchers to validate the findings of this study and to conduct extensive statistical analyses.Practical implicationsNight‐time construction/maintenance operations on highways may be hazardous for both drivers and construction personnel because of poor visibility at night. It is recommended that the design of safety vests adhere to existing standards issued by the American National Standards Institute and the International Safety Equipment Association. It is particularly important to ensure adequate performance in wet weather conditions.Originality/valueIf safety vests are perceived by workers to be effective, the frequency and severity of night‐time accidents can be reduced and labor productivity can be enhanced.
When Hershey met Betty: love, lust and co‐branding
Authors: Askegaard Søren , Bengtsson Anders 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to present a cultural approach to co‐branding. The purpose here is to discuss issues concerning the phenomena of brand and branding with particular focus on the mythological narratives that are at stake in a brand.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducts a case analysis of a co‐branded product. Provides both a managerial and a cultural reading of the co‐brand in question, before proceeding to make a “neo‐Freudian” analysis of the potentially transgressive meanings involved in the co‐branding in question. This is done not so much to produce an authoritative reading of the cultural and commercial sign of the co‐brand as to make a bold leap and provide a daring reading of a seemingly innocent co‐branded product.FindingsThrough the case study of the co‐branded product, the vast amount of cultural meanings that goes beyond the sets of brand identities proposed by the brand managers is explored. Discusses the limitations of traditional strategic branding models and suggests a certain degree of humility towards the mysterious and spiritual forces when trying to exploit mythological levels of social meanings and narratives in the branding process.Practical implicationsFor brand managers who seek to co‐operate with other brands in the marketplace, this paper offers an argument for the almost limitless potential of symbolic dimensions that are inextricably linked to combining brand universes. By doing so, a more comprehensive understanding of the meaning management for co‐branded products and potentially a more successful outcome of the branding process may be achieved.Originality/valueIn addition to existing research, this paper illustrates that the practice of co‐branding involves a play with symbolic forces that can be unpredictable and difficult to control for a brand manager. This finding has implications for the degree to which one can expect to be able to manage the social communication processes generated from a co‐branded product.
An empirical analysis of the brand personality effect
Authors: Freling Traci H. , Forbes Lukas P. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeSeeks to provide empirical support for the “brand personality effect”, that is, the direct influence that brand personality will have on a variety of consumer‐driven outcomes.Design/methodology/approachTests a series of hypotheses using experimental research design with 192 subjects.FindingsSupport is found for all proposed hypotheses. These findings indicate that brand personality will have a positive influence on product evaluations and that subjects exposed to a brand's personality will have a significantly greater number of brand associations; significantly greater proportion of brand associations; significantly greater unique brand associations; significantly greater proportion of congruent brand associations; and significantly greater proportion of strong brand associations.Practical implicationsThis paper conceptually establishes brand personality and empirically demonstrates the brand personality effect on consumer‐based outcomes. This finding strengthens the brand personality literature and establishes a baseline study for future empirical research.Originality/valueBrand personality has received levels of research from academics and practitioners alike, but this research presents the first empirical test of the direct effect of brand personality and how it drives consumer behavior.
Does brand loyalty influence double jeopardy? A theoretical and empirical study
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Subir , Gupta Kunal , Dube Laurette 
Published: January 2007

PurposeCompared with the large brands, not only do the small brands attract fewer customers but also their customers buy them less frequently. This twin disadvantage of the less popular brands is termed “double jeopardy” (DJ). Earlier studies on the DJ effect have generally explained this as a behavioral phenomenon relating to the size structure of the market. This article aims to argue that the DJ effect is also influenced by the relationship between consumer choice antecedents and consumer buying behavior.Design/methodology/approachUsing consumer attitudinal and behavioral data on various toothpaste brands collected by a leading consumer goods company, it is shown that small brands are jeopardized in terms of individual‐level choice antecedents of both loyal and switching consumers. In particular, small brands are further jeopardized for brand=switching consumers in terms of weaker attitude‐choice relationship.FindingsThe research findings have significant managerial implications. the research suggests that double jeopardy of small brands may not be as irreversible phenomenon posited. A more in‐depth understanding of the individual‐level antecedents of consumer choice should help small brands to develop innovative offensive and defensive strategies aimed at favorable individual choice antecedents of loyal and switching consumers. For example, it may be prudent for a small brand to concentrate on a selected few segments (such as brand‐loyal segments) instead of spreading scarce brand resources across scattered promotion and distribution strategies.Originality/valueExamines the choice antecedents of consumers who either are loyal to a brand or are brand switchers.
Technological congruence and perceived quality of brand extensions
Authors: Story John , Sue Loroz Peggy 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose and test a series of precepts which explain the role of technology and technology congruence in consumers' perceptions of brand extensions.Design/methodology/approachA series of relationships between technological congruence and consumer evaluations of brand extensions is proposed. Regression analysis and a series of planned contrasts are employed to test these relationships.FindingsIn general, extensions that are higher in overall technology content are perceived as being higher in quality. Higher technology brands benefit from a superordinate brand technology effect. However, this technology content effect is moderated by the congruence/incongruence of the levels of technology of the brands, products, and attributes.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary limitations of this research are that it focused on a relatively small and homogeneous segment of the population (average age 24) and it tested the effects of technological incongruence only on perceived quality.Practical implicationsThese results have extensive implications for designing and positioning brand extensions in the market. The implications are particularly salient for brands that are perceived as employing relatively low technology.Originality/valueThese results improve one's understanding of customers' responses to brand extensions, particularly when the product or associated attributes are technologically incongruent with the brand.
Web site accessibility and usability: towards more functional sites for all
Authors: Yates Ross 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore both accessibility and usability and examine the inhibitors and methods to evaluate site accessibility. Design techniques which improve end‐user access and site interactivity, demonstrated by practical examples, are also studied.Design/methodology/approachAssesses various web sites for accessibility and usability.FindingsCriteria are determined by which to assess accessibility and usability of web sites.Originality/valueDisability is an important consideration in the development of contemporary web sites. By understanding the needs of all users, not only those with disabilities, organisations may begin the process of advancing both accessibility and usability and integrating these elements into their web development strategies.
Usability training
Authors: Cervone H. Frank 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide a model for implementing an on‐going program of training in usability topics for staff throughout the organization.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on best practices and thinking of industry leaders, a model for implementing an on‐going training program is developed based on learning theory, training practices, and the unique issues related to usability engineering.FindingsProvides a model for developing a localized training program for usability.Originality/valueThis paper addresses an area of usability, training in usability, which has not been addressed directly. It fills a vacuum in the literature by offering a practical model for beginning an on‐going program of usability training for staff.
Consumers' attitudes toward regulation of internet auction sites
Authors: Yang Kenneth C.C. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purposes of this study are to examine internet users' perception of potential harm among a list of products available on internet auction sites, to discuss the influence of the third‐person effect on internet users' pro‐regulatory attitudes, and to investigate the effects of users' characteristics and perceived harm on their attitudes toward regulation of online auction industry.Design/methodology/approachAn online questionnaire survey was designed and employed to collect information about internet users' third‐person effect perception, pro‐regulatory attitudes toward internet auction sites, and control variables such as demographics, internet usage, and innovative characteristics. A convenience sample of 592 internet users was recruited to take part in this study.FindingsInternet users' perceptual differences are statistically significant between the estimated influence on self, teenagers, and other adults for each product. Perceived harm to self consistently predicts internet users' pro‐regulatory attitudes, but not for teenagers and other adults. Perceived harm to self also predicts pro‐regulatory attitudes toward these web sites, even after controlling for potential confounding variables.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by its convenient sampling method and measurement of internet users' actual and intended behavior. Nevertheless, because internet users play a complex role of buyers, sellers, and possible victims on auction sites, it is important to examine perceptions and motivations underlying their support for regulating online auction industry.Originality/valueThe integrated approach of mass communication, electronic commerce activities, and public policy‐making perspectives ensures that future regulatory proposal of online auction industry will be comprehensive.
International networks in higher education: realising their potential?
Authors: Ottewill Roger , Riddy Paul , Fill Karen 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo illustrate the nature, range and variety of international networks linking individuals and institutions and reflecting the globalisation of higher education and desire of educators with common interests to shed their parochialism and communicate and collaborate on aspects of academic practice across national boundaries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw on their personal experiences of securing European Union funding for establishing a network of tertiary level educators and some targeted online research, to inform their review and analysis.FindingsInternationals networks in sphere of higher education can be either subject‐specific or thematic in their aims and either global or restricted to one part of the world in their membership. Some are the outcome of activities at grass roots level while others are a response to policy initiatives from inter‐governmental organisations.Practical implicationsAlthough widespread, international networks in higher education are by no means unproblematic and questions inevitably arise as to their contribution and role in facilitating innovations in academic practice. The authors identify a number of issues concerning their modus operandi and roles that need to be addressed if they are to play a full part in contributing to academic practice in higher education.Originality/valueBy highlighting the nature and contributions of international networks faculty are alerted to this mode of academic communication and collaboration and the steps that need to be taken if the full potential of such networks is be realised.
Universities without “quality” and quality without “universities”
Authors: Dator Jim 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo review what “quality” meant to universities historically and might mean in the future.Design/methodology/approachWritten as a keynote talk for The Australian Universities Quality Forum 2004, this paper problematizes “universities” and “quality” by reviewing the way changing communication modalities have changed the meaning of the two terms over time.FindingsAfter reviewing some of the literature forecasting alternative futures of universities, the paper settles on a preferred future in which all education, higher and lower, is driven by the logic, best practices, and evolving technologies of electronic games.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper reveals that researchers who compare word‐based educational systems with electronic, interactive sound‐and‐image‐based systems should use measures appropriate for the latter, rather than derived from the former.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that educators should take interactive electronic game methods more seriously in thinking about and planning for the futures of universities and their curricula.Originality/valueThis paper provides a contribution to the growing emphasis on making learning interactive, engaging, effective, and fun.