bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovation types and performance in growing UK SMEs
Authors: Oke Adegoke , Burke Gerard , Myers Andrew 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe objective of this study is to explore the types of innovation that are predominant in UK SMEs, whether they are predominantly radical or incremental, and to investigate the impact of these innovations on performance.Design/methodology/approachA web‐based survey instrument was used to administer survey questionnaires to a sample of UK SMEs in manufacturing, engineering, electronics, information technology and telecommunications industries. The response rate was 13.8 percent. Relevant statistical analytical techniques including regression for analysis was then used.FindingsIt is found that the SMEs tend to focus more on incremental than radical innovations and that this focus is related to growth in sales turnover.Practical implicationsIt is not such a bad idea for SMEs, particularly those operating in high technological industries, to focus on incremental innovations as these are actually related positively to sales turnover growth.Originality/valueAn investigation of the types of innovation that SMEs pursue is pioneering in the field as previous studies of this type have been based on large firms. The contention that the raison d'etre of SMEs is to develop radical innovations is not supported empirically, at least for the sample of SMEs. In addition, it is found that the age of an SME is not related to its focus on either incremental or radical innovation. These are the contributions of this paper.
Implementing supply practice at Bridgend engine plant
Authors: Howard Mickey , Lewis Mike , Miemczyk Joe , Brandon‐Jones Alistair 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper investigates the stalled adoption of a supplier park at Bridgend Engine Plant in the UK. It starts from the position that not all firms can or should implement the same set of practices.Design/methodology/approachCritical incident technique and semi‐structured interviews over five years were used to understand the influence of institutional and strategic choices during the implementation of a supplier park. A conceptual framework was developed to incorporate practices broadly associated with parks, i.e. improving supply stability, supply coordination, redefining the OEM/supplier boundary and enhancing interaction between co‐located firms.FindingsThe findings demonstrate a limited implementation of supply practices at Bridgend with only one component supplier brought onto the site. The original plan was to create a supplier park that would “grow” to an industrial park, creating an automotive sector in the area. However, a combination of operational, processual, and contextual factors have conspired against the plan.Research limitations/implicationsThe combination of a broad range of theoretical and practical elements means there are associated discussions that could be more fully explored. Condensing the interview notes has resulted in the researchers' own interpretation of events becoming a significant reality filter. Whilst single case studies raise inevitable concerns over comparability, our focus is on theoretical generalizability through richness of empirical data.Originality/valueAs firms continue to use best practice as a core ingredient of strategy, researchers must respond with robust theoretical concepts explaining adoption and implementation. This paper integrates disparate perspectives across multiple levels in order to build a richer and more believable picture of a stalled initiative. Three key conclusions can be drawn: the contingent nature of “bundles of practice” implications of political ambiguity over the efficiency argument and the effect of isomorphic or bandwagon responses by firms.
Unemployment hysteresis in EU countries: what do we really know about it?
Authors: Christopoulos Dimitris K. , León‐Ledesma Miguel A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to re‐examine the stationarity properties of unemployment rates in 12 European Union (EU) countries over the period 1988: I‐1999: IV.Design/methodology/approachThis paper applies a battery of second‐generation panel unit root tests that allow for cross‐sectional correlation.FindingsThe study shows that, contrary to previous empirical literature, hysteresis does not characterise EU unemployment.Originality/valueThis paper uses recent advances in the econometrics of panel unit root tests. The new tests have more power than the traditional ones in detecting the null hypothesis of a unit root.
Consumer over‐indebtedness in the EU: measurement and characteristics
Authors: Betti Gianni , Dourmashkin Neil , Rossi Mariacristina , Ping Yin Ya 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to measure and characterise the extent of consumer over‐indebtedness among the European Union (EU) member states.Design/methodology/approachThe study evaluates alternative measures of over‐indebtedness on the basis of the permanent‐income/life‐cycle theories of consumption behaviour and adopts a subjective approach in identifying over‐indebted households on the basis of European household survey data. It then investigates the main characteristics of over‐indebted households.FindingsThe empirical results reveal that over‐indebtedness was a significant problem across EU member states in the mid‐1990s. Moreover, an inverse relationship emerged between the extent of the over‐indebtedness problem and the extent of consumer borrowing across EU countries.Research limitations/implicationsAnecdotal evidence seemed to suggest that some main factors behind over‐indebtedness could be “market failure” on the credit market, the existence of liquidity constraints and lack of access to formal credit markets. However, a comprehensive and rigorous investigation of the extent and determinants of over‐indebtedness can only be achieved through analysis of more extended household data sets, particularly panel data.Practical implicationsThe EU credit markets exhibited certain symptoms of “market failure”, on the one hand, and there was also need for further financial liberalisation in the Southern European countries, on the other hand.Originality/valueThe paper provides a first systematic evaluation of existing measures of consumer over‐indebtedness as well as the first EU‐wide empirical investigation of the problem. It should provide valuable information to the credit industry as well as financial regulatory bodies.
The dynamic relationship between the federal funds rate and the Eurodollar rates under interest‐rate targeting
Authors: Zhou Su 
Published: June 2007

PurposePrevious literature for the relations between the market interest rates and the targeted or target rate of the Federal Reserve paid little attention to Eurodollar market rates. The present paper attempts to fill this void.Design/methodology/approachThe study investigates the dynamic relationship between the federal funds rate and three short‐term Eurodollar deposits rates. Cointegration analysis is utilized to examine the long‐run relationships between the short‐run dynamics of the market and targeted rates through a vector error‐correction mechanism.FindingsThe study shows strong evidence that, while the Eurodollar rates and the federal funds rate move together over time regardless of procedural differences in targeting, how they co‐move, especially how they adjust toward long‐run equilibrium, appears to be related to the targeting procedural changes.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should be conducted for the theoretical analysis of strategic interactions between the monetary authority and market participants in the domestic and external financial markets.Practical implicationsThe result suggests that the Fed may affect the market interest rates through a policy of changing the federal funds rate target by a “fixed” amount for the foreseeable future. Such a policy has improved the market's ability to predict the size and timing of the changes in the target rate.Originality/valueThe results of the paper give some new insights into the interactions between monetary policy operations and market interest rates, which is of interest to researchers, monetary authorities, and financial market participants.
Level sensing of liquids and solids – a review of the technologies
Authors: Hunt James A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeExamines the wide range of liquid and solid level sensors, their technologies and commercial application.Design/methodology/approachProvides background information on trends in level sensing, on how each type works and the various applications. Some selection criteria are given.FindingsThere is a wide range of level sensors for every target liquid and solid sensing application, but the sector is technologically mature. There are some new application areas deriving from legislation and climate change.Originality/valueProvides information of value for those involved with sensor applications.
pH measurement of dirty water sources by ISFET: addressing practical problems
Authors: Khanna Vinod Kumar 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo expose the gate of ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistor (ISFET) to filthy and muddy water, suspended algae, etc. investigate the influence of these conditions on device performance and suggest measures for using the device in applications where suspended soil particles are present.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, cleaning procedure to make the blocked ISFET operative has been described. The effect of dirty water on pH sensitivity factor of ISFET, after it restarted functioning, has been measured. ISFET package has been modified. A relatively simple disposable nylon mesh with openings of size 100 μm for filtering bigger particles and lower for smaller particles, has been proposed for dirty applications to minimize device failures. This sieves away any dirt and thereby avoids failure.FindingsThe device action is frequently blocked by deposition of dirt on the gate. Generally, it is recoverable by proper cleaning action although with reduced sensitivity. This necessitates recalibration. But a protective filter helps in reducing failures. It is more advantageous to prevent clogging of ISFET than to revive a clogged device, sacrificing sensitivity.Research limitations/implicationsAfter recovery, the original sensitivity of the device is not achieved, and the device has to be used with degraded sensitivity.Practical implicationsMeasurement of pH of actual sources of water, whether clean or dirty, is important.Originality/valueProblems of pH measurements of dirty samples have been studied. The study helps in understanding device behaviour in these samples and provides suitable corrective measures. Further, the pH survey of dirty and clean water samples provides useful information about the pH distribution and balance in nature.
Exploring the policy and research implications for the British National Health Service and its customers
Authors: Fearfull Anne , Kamenou Nicolina 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to explore tensions around race, ethnicity, culture and religion and discusses the potential impact on the delivery of quality health care in the UK through the National Health Service (NHS).Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper that examines how individual and collective resistance may compromise the provision of quality care and performance targets in the NHS with regard to equality and change. Existing literature and previous empirical work by the authors are utilised in order to discuss pertinent issues and propose further research in the area, suggesting appropriate methodologies and research designs.FindingsThe performance measurement agenda does not address issues of racism and discrimination faced by NHS staff and customers, effected by both colleagues and the public, which impact upon the delivery and receipt of care within the NHS. Performance measurement methods that do not take into account socio‐cultural conditions for those delivering and receiving care are futile. To make such measurement meaningful it is necessary for the NHS to acknowledge and challenge the racism inherent in its service delivery.Research limitations/implicationsProblems or limitations of conducting primary research in this field are discussed. Nevertheless, key issues around the need and type of further research in this under‐researched area are presented.Practical implicationsThe paper challenges current performance management practices and suggests alternative ways forward.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on an under‐researched area and examines the performance measurement literature through “equality lenses” and investigates how racism and stereotyping can affect the delivery of quality care.
Provision of public services in an age of managerialism: looking better but feeling worse
Authors: Chaharbaghi Kazem 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the masculinist assumptions and effects of managerialism on public services through a trifocal model that considers their provision along professional, bureaucratic and managerial dimensions.Design/methodology/approachFor the purpose of this examination, this paper uses the arguments put forward in a recent public debate on the audit culture which enjoyed the participation of a significant number of academic professionals who have experienced it and question its legitimacy, and those in the position of authority who promote and reinforce it. The evidence from this debate suggests that understanding managerialism requires not only an analysis that defines its factor but also a story, because understanding managerialism comes from experience that can be conveyed through accounts of how it feels and not simply by theorising it.FindingsThe paper finds that managerialism, by elevating management to an “ism”, has shifted the focus from performance, which is about results, to conformance with an emphasis on norm‐following behaviour rooted in masculinist ontology. In other words, it has shifted the focus from what professionals can do to what professionals cannot do. It demonstrates that audit, as a symptom of managerialism and as one aspect of managerialist practice, has its origin in the Utopian craving for an imagined ideal public sector. However, when they crystallise into a culture, they can be distorted to such an extent that they conceal more than they reveal with the result that the actual policy pursued is the exact opposite of the professed ideal.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper identifies opportunities for innovation, research and reflection by establishing the need for balancing the professional, bureaucratic and managerial dimensions and considering ways in which these dimensions can be located on their strengths.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that managerialism cannot be sustained indefinitely as it transforms public sector management from a moral endeavour to a self‐undermining amoral undertaking.Originality/valueThis paper introduces a radical shift in thinking, arguing for an end to managerialism not through a return to what preceded it but with an alternative that represents a way forward.
Contested terrains within the neo‐liberal project
Authors: Ellison Marion 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper sets out to explore the relationship between gender, New Public Management (NPM), citizenship and professional and user group identities and relationships within child care social work practice.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises findings from a major comparative survey undertaken in Denmark and the UK as part of Doctoral research. In addition the paper draws upon more recent empirical research carried out by the author in Sweden.FindingsParadigms imported from the private sector have led to the adoption of NPM, fiscal austerity and the reorganisation of childcare social work throughout Europe. This paper illustrates the connectivities between NPM, gender, citizenship and the contested terrains within which professional and user group relationships and identities are being forged. The paper offers a unique insight into the operationalisation of NPM and gender within childcare professional social work practice in different European settings.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper's findings may be used to contribute to existing theoretical and empirical knowledge within the field of professional childcare social work and practice.Originality/valueThe paper offers a unique insight into the operationalisation of gender equality as a normative ideal premised on the development of organisational and legal settings which embrace an awareness of the duality of public and private spheres and the impact of different European welfare settings on the articulations of notions of gender and citizenship, which in turn operationalise processes of inclusion and exclusion of women as citizens, workers and parents.
Women's movements: abeyant or still on the move?
Authors: Barry Jim , Chandler John , Berg Elisabeth 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to offer a consideration of the adequacy of the concept of abeyance in accounting for women's movement processes in non‐social movement organisations in periods characterised by quiescence rather than insurgence.Design/methodology/approachThe article is primarily conceptual.FindingsBy extending the political process school of social movement theory, which relies heavily on visible activism to explain movement success, to include the new social movement approach, it is contended that underlying processes of change, associated with the values and affiliations of those involved in non‐social movement organisations, become clearer. Less visible processes are identified through the variable rhythms and multiple, discontinuous experiences of women's movement supporters characterised as concealed adherents, informal networkers, and fellow travellers who can include male supporters.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations: as the paper is primarily conceptual, there is a need to develop the practical implications beyond those mentioned below. Implications: there is a need to reorient research into organisational change to take fuller account of social movement processes.Practical implicationsIt is recognised that the literature on organisational and managerial change in non‐social movement organisations needs to take account of the differing experiences and potential strategies of those likely to be affected.Originality/valueOriginality of the paper lies in the use of insights drawn from the field of political sociology to enrich understanding of gender and organisational change.
Breaking‐out‐of‐the‐box in organizations
Authors: Cangemi Joseph , Miller Richard 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe authors share the observations of a combined 70 years of consultation with organizations, and input from tens of thousands of worldwide employees, to explore conventional barriers encountered in the work environment and how to “break‐out‐of‐the‐box” to find more creative solutions to organizational problems.Design/methodology/approachNarrative based on over 70 years of consultation with organizations on a wide variety of related managerial subjects.FindingsCertain behaviors must precede any attempts to create a fulfilling, stimulating, and freedom‐to‐think, creative work environment. Formulation and fulfillment of a psychological contract, especially on the part of the organization's leaders – but also including employees – seems to be an effective process for the development of an open, healthy climate which is encouraging and conducive to the development of creativity. In the larger view of the organization, such freedom which comes from clear understanding and expression of expectations within the company significantly increases its transparency. With increased clarity of understanding of the work environment and supportive leadership, employees will go beyond the job minimums and offer creative, “out‐of‐the‐box” contributions.Originality/valueA creative new look at an old but very critical subject.
Entrepreneurship in Egypt and the US compared: directions for further research suggested
Authors: Farid Mamdouh 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine entrepreneurship in Egypt, an Islamic society in transition to a free market, and makes general comparisons with entrepreneurship in the United States, a secular society with a highly developed market economy.Design/methodology/approachAmerican and Egyptian entrepreneurial differences are discussed within a number of themes related to cultural and environmental factors: the transition to a free market including transparency; money and its cultural meanings; locus of control; attitude towards risk; and work‐life equilibrium.FindingsThis paper argues that social and economic changes and environmental adversity, such as competition, which accompany the transition to a free market, create pressure on the emergent market (Egypt) to adopt a model of environment that is hospitable to entrepreneurs who seek to create new organizations or implement change through new organizational and programmatic initiatives.Practical implicationsManagers in an emergent market who are trying to improve competitiveness and efficiency should be aware of how most people from specific cultures value money, and also be aware of cultural differences with regard to the importance and the role of money.Originality/valueIt may be that insufficient attention is given to the relationship between entrepreneurial characteristics and national culture, as well as structural elements influenced by or directly related to culture. This paper attempts to bring some light to this issue.
An equation of health
Authors: Jaffe Russell , Nash Robert A. , Ash Richard , Schwartz Norm , Corish Robert , Born Tammy , Lazarus Harold 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis article aims to present an equation of health to allow measurement and more precise comparison of what is more or less effective in promoting health or managing ill health. It builds upon and extends a prior report (JMD, Volume 25 Number 10, 2006, pp. 981‐995).Design/methodology/approachApplying basic scientific methods and empiric observations, the equation proposed in this article is a state of the current science. Such an equation allows for more systematic and predictive comparison of health initiatives.FindingsThe pace of scientific progress is outstripping our institutional adaptive response mechanisms. An approach to the causes of ill health appears more promising than re‐configuration of current disease reactive, symptom treatment care. This paper starts from first principles and builds a model that results in an equation of health.Research limitations/implicationsRefinement of the model and replication by others are needed to fully determine the predictive value of this approach.Practical implicationsThe opportunity to reduce costs while also reducing adverse events, healthcare morbidity and morality.Originality/valueThis article calls attention to areas of opportunity to fund out of savings the transition from our current “sick care” system to a health promotion/proactive prevention approach to caring.