bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic incentives for improving mango quality in Costa Rica
Authors: Zúñiga‐Arias Guillermo , Ruben Ruerd , Verkerk Ruud , van Boekel Martinus 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to present an integrated methodology for identifying effective economic incentives to enhance quality performance by mango producers in Costa Rica.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyses the relationship between intrinsic product quality attributes and socio‐economic characteristics of mango producers in the Central Pacific zone of Costa Rica. Data are derived from a representative sample of 35 mango producers. A mango quality index for local and export market outlet is constructed and quality performance is subsequently related to farm‐household characteristics and contractual delivery parameters. Categorical regression methods are used to identify the relationships between farm‐household characteristics, production system features, marketing relationships and quality attributes weighted by consumers' preferences.FindingsKey attributes of the quality index – related to dimensions of ripeness, appearance and variability – appear to be strongly related to farm‐household characteristics like the producers' age and experience, input use intensity and family labour availability. Preferences for certain contractual regimes and marketing arrangements give rise to differentiation in quality performance. Long‐term delivery relationships and non‐price attributes appear as key factors for quality improvement in mango.Research limitation/implicationsAlthough the study is based on a modest sample, the significant relationships between the constructs in the model are found to be sufficiently robust.Originality/valueThe research approach enables the estimation of a model where quality performance is related to technical and institutional aspects related to the organisation of mango delivery chain.
Towards a European qualifications framework: some cautionary observations
Authors: Young Michael 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a critical analysis of the European Commission's and the member states' attempts to introduce a European Qualifications Framework and national frameworks respectively.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a review of policies and substantive desk research in countries that have applied a qualification framework approach.FindingsThe analysis shows that qualifications frameworks (QFs) are resisted partly from inertia and conservatism and partly because important educational purposes are being defended. NQF experiences suggest that hopes associated with QFs are unrealistic (e.g. accreditation of prior learning).Research limitations/implicationsThe paper draws mainly on conceptual and secondary analysis. In future primary empirical analysis would be desirable.Practical implicationsThe findings are extremely relevant to policy makers on the European and national levels. The lessons from NQFs suggest incrementalism, building blocks, supporting policies, consensus and staying as close as possible to practice are important.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few attempts to evaluate current initiatives based on prior experiences.
Ways toward a European vocational education and training space: a “bottom‐up” approach
Authors: Blings Jessica , Spöttl Georg 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to concentrate on bottom‐up approaches in order to promote a European vocational education and training (VET) concept. The overall aim of this article is to demonstrate that sophisticated approaches still have a chance of becoming common practice in European countries.Design/methodology/approachThe centre of the article is the discussion of a core occupational profile called ECO‐recycler, which tends to be an alternative to the discussion of a uniform European Qualification Framework. The method of participatory discourse is applied in order to shape a VET space jointly with European partners. However, the partnership should not only discuss an abstract level because the implementation of the ECO‐recycler is the main target of the discourse and it will be demonstrated how it works.FindingsAfter the clarification of a bottom‐up approach, the implementation process of a core occupational profile in the partner countries is described.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical approach for the creation of work process based core occupational profiles will be offered.Practical implicationsEuropean policies must be changed if these approaches are pursued.Originality/valueThis article offers an alternative to existing European policy and will be of interest to those in the field.
VET in the European aircraft and space industry
Authors: Bremer Rainer 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis article aims to take up a mirror image‐oriented position of the EQF and the announced ECVET system. It seeks to be concerned with the effects that the EQF transformation process into the respective NQF might have on the underlying systems of vocational education and training.Design/methodology/approachA comparison is drawn between the competence development the four different VET systems in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK initiated by the identical qualification demands of the sector of aircraft industry (AIRBUS plants in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK). This serves as a finding for the evaluation of the EQF and the effects it will could on the sector of the European aircraft industry.FindingsThree hypothesises on: convergence of skill requirements because of the technologies and procedures tend to become the same all over the world if the same products are manufactured; divergence of the national VET systems as a consequence of adaptation such requirements; and a structural reference between requirements and the development of competence, are tested and validated.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was confined to the aircraft and space industry and one enterprise co‐operating in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK.Practical implicationsIt was possible to establish two European occupational profiles for this sector (aircraft mechanic and avionic). The applicability of a method for depicting competence development based on Havighurst's theory of developmental tasks, is expected to be improved.Originality/valueA method of evaluating competence development was applied that can be used, despite some differences.
Design, materials, and assembly process of high‐density packages with a low‐temperature lead‐free solder (SnBiAg)
Authors: Lau John , Gleason Jerry , Schroeder Valeska , Henshall Gregory , Dauksher Walter , Sullivan Bob 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the design, materials, and assembly process aspects of a study, conducted by The High Density Packaging Users Group Consortium, into process development and solder joint reliability of high‐density packages on printed circuit boards using a low‐melting temperature lead‐free solder (Sn‐57 wt%Bi‐1 wt%Ag).Design/methodology/approachThe components studied include several SMT package types and various lead configurations. The assembly process addresses the low‐temperature lead‐free assembly process, inspection and analysis of these boards and packages.FindingsIt was found that, the assembly process of the SnBiAg lead‐free test boards is very robust and the assembly yield is almost 100 percent.Originality/valueThe paper is of value by presenting a description of the rationale and material set used for an experiment to test SMT assembly and reliability characteristics using the 57Bi‐42Sn‐1Ag alloy, which has a melting point of 139°C.
Product development for a stigmatized segment
Authors: Franzak Frank , Little Mike , Pitta Dennis 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe an innovative practice that has implications for new product developers.Design/methodology/approachThe case study describes an approach to new product development for a product that satisfies a need, which is fraught with social stigma. Childhood obesity is growing to epidemic proportions in the USA. The problem is the result of a confluence of factors, including a more sedentary lifestyle and pressures on parents to work and spend less time interacting with their children. For its victims, the problem seems intractable.FindingsThe case demonstrates the need for a comprehensive and systematic approach to product development that provides a workable solution that a target segment will embrace. The product described required careful market segmentation beyond the basic economic analysis of who could afford it. The main issue was to portray the benefits in a way that the target audience would accept.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 conclusion drawn in the case may have limited applicability.Practical implicationsThe case depicts an innovative application of a behaviour modification device to a public health problem. Other organizations may find the technique of value in their own efforts.Originality/valueThe case describes a successful application of a medical device to address the childhood obesity problem. The work necessary to ensure that the PARS product was effective represents a new area of investigation in new product development.
Ageing and careers: European research on long‐term career development and early retirement
Authors: van der Heijden Beatrice I.J.M. , Schalk René , van Veldhoven Marc J.P.M. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce a collection of papers about “ageing and careers” that contributes to the literature on two career‐related topics, i.e. long‐term career development and early retirement.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explains the topics, provides background and discussion of the main concepts.FindingsThe paper briefly introduces the six papers in this special issue, their main findings, and the future directions for research that they suggest.Originality/valueThe paper frames the issues and extends the overall knowledge in the field.
Why do small enterprises participate in a programme for competence development?
Authors: Kock Henrik , Gill Andreas , Erik Ellström Per 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to increase our understanding of why firms, specifically small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), participate in a programme for competence development and why firms use different strategies for competence development.Design/methodology/approachA study of 17 SMEs that all received support from the European Social Fund, Objective 3 programme. The collection of data is based on semi‐structured interviews with management/owners, internal project leaders, employees and union representatives, feedback seminars with representatives from the studied enterprises, and on analysis of documents.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that all SMEs reported driving forces for competence development relating to both external organizational conditions and internal organizational conditions, to at least a certain degree. Furthermore, there appears to be a strong relationship between observed patterns of driving forces and the strategy for competence development used by the firm.Practical implicationsThe SMEs that experience a relatively stronger driving force for competence development initiate problem‐solving efforts to design and implement more elaborated strategies for competence development. The SMEs that experience a lesser degree of driving force for competence development implement less elaborated strategies for competence development.Originality/valueThe paper finds that both external and internal organizational conditions are important in understanding why SMEs undergo competence development programme. Furthermore, the importance of external and internal organizational conditions is not only limited to why the companies participate in a programme for competence development, but also for how they participate, i.e. the strategies used for competence development.
An integrated architecture for an effective knowledge organization
Authors: King William R. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of an integrated architecture in creating an effective knowledge organization (EKO).Design/methodology/approachDevelopment of a conceptual model of the architecture of an EKO.FindingsManagers should strive to develop an integrated EKO but be careful to recognize the many differences in its key elements in doing so.Originality/valueProvides an EKO concept and an understanding of the limitations that exist in operationalizing this concept.
Successful knowledge management implementation in global software companies
Authors: Mehta Nikhil 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and evaluate a concise framework to examine how global software companies with successful knowledge management (KM) programs create KM‐enabled value.Design/methodology/approachThe framework was evaluated at three global software companies with successful KM programs. Data were generated based on 20 interviews with various individuals involved with the KM programs of three companies. Interviews were content analyzed by four coders who sorted the data into meaningful categories. Inter‐coder agreement was significant.FindingsThe paper provides evidence of various strategic, technological, and cultural issues influencing the success of KM programs in global software firms. Firms with successful KM programs typically develop three specific capabilities to address these issues. These capabilities, namely, Articulating the KM Strategic Intent, Facilitating the Knowledge Flows to Enable Innovation, and Assessing KM Value, when developed simultaneously, help firms create KM‐enabled value.Research limitations/implicationsInterviews were limited to three companies in the software industry. Future interpretivist studies would benefit from a larger and more diverse sample.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that software firms develop specific capabilities to create KM‐enabled value. To provide clear benchmarks for developing these capabilities, a “KM implementation worksheet” is provided.Originality/valueKM‐enabled value creation is discussed from a unique perspective developed by integrating literature on knowledge‐based view and knowledge management. The paper conducts initial evaluation of the new perspective and provides a roadmap for future research endeavors. Also provided is practical help in the form of a worksheet for practitioners.
Cognitive understanding of knowledge processing and modeling in design
Authors: Fu Qiu Yuan , Ping Chui Yoon , Helander Martin G. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to aim to improve the cognitive understanding of knowledge processing and provide a cognitive knowledge modeling method in product design.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a cognitive model of knowledge processing is described. A cognitive knowledge modeling method is presented. Suggestions on cognitive support for knowledge based systems are provided.FindingsThere is often a fundamental mismatch between the way human process knowledge and the way it is processed by technology for supporting product design. It is necessary to develop tools, methods and technology which integrate seamlessly with the design process. This study focuses on the internal human activities and explores knowledge management research from a human factors perspective. Cognitive knowledge modeling will result in a natural integration of knowledge‐based systems into the design process.Research limitations/implicationsThis study uses an experimental approach and hopefully the research can therefore be generalized to other situations.Practical implicationsThis study provides guidelines for cognitive support for knowledge‐based systems.Originality/valueCognitive knowledge processing is described and a cognitive knowledge modeling method is presented. The paper explores knowledge management research by analyzing human activities, in combination with the study of management and engineering technologies.
Enhanced business reporting: international trends and possible policy directions
Authors: Boedker Christina , Mouritsen Jan , Guthrie James 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine contemporary trends in enhanced business reporting (EBR) and the development of a policy agenda for EBR. The paper aims to build on a submission to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) advisory committee on improvements to financial statements (Pozen Committee).Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a literature and policy review of intangible assets and intellectual capital.FindingsDevelopments in the area of EBR will require to stand the test of practice, policy and research. The paper identifies five areas where recommendations would be welcome. First, the vast diversity in international EBR practice indicates that producers and users struggle with its implantation, suggesting concerns for international harmonisation. Second, the vast diversity in measurement and reporting models also suggests ambiguity about the content of EBR, raising questions as to how EBR techniques might be consolidated. Third, while experimentation with EBR has been increasing in several countries, limited practical insights have been derived from US companies. Fourth, greater visibility needs to be given to EBR, to increase its practical uptake. Fifth, research needs to be focus more on harmonisation. There is a need for further research about the barriers to, and consequences of, harmonisation including analyses of how the diverse frameworks “actually” differ.Practical implicationsThis paper informs contemporary debate about EBR and especially the US SEC advisory committee on improvements to financial reporting (Pozen Committee).Originality/valueThis is a study into the contemporary international initiatives and relevant research into EBR, specifically from Europe and Australia.
The future of leadership: the art of leading people in a “post‐managerial” environment
Authors: Karp Tom , Helgø Thomas 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the future concept of leadership. The paper argues a view of leadership in organisations as a shared social influence process of relating, thus challenging mainstream approaches to leadership and the emphasis on leadership as a specialized role.Design/methodology/approachConceptual discussionFindingsIt is suggested herein that the central acts of leadership in the future will be to focus on the emergence of identity and relationships. It is contended that current paradigms of leadership are limited as they assert leadership as a role with fundamental influence over command and control enabling the design of appropriate interventions for future organisational success. This is not consistent with reality in most organisations today, and will be even less consistent in a near future with added complexity. Therefore a future view of leadership is proposed by paying attention to how leadership may be better understood as an emergent phenomenon when people interact.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is conceptual in its nature, and not grounded in empirical evidence. Further research work is needed in order to formalize a full leadership theory.Practical implicationsLeaders must then take better account of how identity and relations emerges to understand what constitute leadership – by viewing leadership as a shared social influence process of relating. For a leader this necessitates acknowledging feelings of not being in control as crucial to the leadership process; enables followers to experience their ability and find their way to act in the moment.Originality/valueThe article challenges the current mainstream paradigm of leadership and its powerbase. Its primary value lies in how one thinks of leadership – as position or as something being emergent/dynamic/not in control.
4L tourism (landscape, leisure, learning and limit): responding to new motivations and expectations of tourists to improve the competitiveness of Alpine destinations in a sustainable way
Authors: Franch Mariangela , Martini Umberto , Buffa Federica , Parisi Gerardine 
Published: April 2008

PurposeMost Alpine destinations are currently in the mature phase of the development life cycle, placing them near the precipice that leads toward a period of irreversible decline. After describing the principal reasons for this phenomenon, the paper aims to set forth a strategic response, within the logic of destination re‐engineering, that is based on recent changes in the motivations and behaviors of tourists. A new market segment has emerged that shows a heightened sensitivity to environmental protection, local cultural preservation and to the overall authenticity of the vacation experience. This segment, defined with several terms (eco‐tourism, nature‐based tourism, responsible tourism …), is potentially a very important market in terms of both quantity and quality, on the condition that the destinations should be able to compete by maintaining originally and authentically attractions.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on field research with the administration of about 1,000 questionnaires to tourists in one of the main valleys in the Dolomites.FindingsThe paper presents a definition (including the diverse approaches emerging thus far) and a set of descriptive variables of the tourist segment identified as “4L tourism” (landscape, leisure, learning and limit), which could provide the mature destinations to innovate the offering in a sustainable way.Practical implicationsThe results make it possible to identify some elements of a behavioral and motivational profile of a new segment of tourist, and to identify new offerings.Originality/valueThe paper presents identification and analysis in the logic of destination marketing of an emerging segment of tourist.