bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organizational transparency drives company performance
Authors: Berggren Erik , Bernshteyn Rob 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo explain the logic of value creation through increased organizational transparency of human capital.Design/methodology/approachThe authors compare the status of today's organizations with other areas of life where transparency has been a fundamental driver of efficiency. Further, the authors break transparency down into logical steps of value creation. Insight is based on hands‐on experience working with several companies on these issues as well as designing software to support the logic.FindingsModern companies are taking steps to drive company performance through increased efficiency delivered by increased transparency but few take it all the way. No universal model is prescribed but a clear sequence of foundations that need to be in place is discovered.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on the authors' research and learning from working in this field. Further research in the field of organizational transparency as a means to drive company performance is suggested.Originality/valueThis paper takes a different angle than the traditional view.
Challenges in achieving transparency, simplicity and administering of the United States tax code
Authors: Holtzman Yair 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the issues of simplicity, transparency, equity and effectively administering the United States tax code.Design/methodology/approachBased upon a literature study and discussions with leading tax professionals.FindingsTax systems that are difficult to comply with and administer may lack transparency. A nontransparent tax system could be difficult to administer because tax administrators may have difficulty consistently applying the law to taxpayers in similar situations. In this sense, transparency is closely linked to the simplicity and effectively administering the United States tax system.Originality/ valueProvides for a non‐technical read for managers who seek a high level overview of the subject and are non‐tax professionals.
Working from the inside out
Authors: Smith Charles 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an insight into the relevance for managers and leaders of what Huxley termed the “perennial philosophy”, a commonality of teachings found within the spiritual and indigenous traditions of all ages and all parts of the world.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes the use of a thought experiment to explore the subjective experience of the individual who works in a way that is aligned to the perennial philosophy. The purpose of the experiment is to assess the value of the philosophy to the practical dimensions of management.FindingsThe thought experiment uses an account of an ancient craft worker, working in a manner prescribed by perennial wisdom, as the basis for extrapolating, to a modern situation, the potential fruits of such work. Greater mental clarity and a greater ability to see potential and “unimpededness” are recognized, as is a natural elegance in the products and services that result.Research limitations/implicationsThe “thought experiment” suggested only speculates on the possible results, and therefore can only provide a working hypothesis which must be tested in one's own experience.Practical implicationsThe potential implications to a manager or leader of such an approach to work are very significant. If the effects of adopting the perennial philosophy are true, they result in a radically different understanding of effectiveness and how to produce the highest quality work.Originality/valueThe use of a thought experiment and the specific application of the perennial philosophy to the situation of the modern workplace are unique.
Retirement – an unaffordable luxury
Authors: McManus Tom , Anderberg Johan , Lazarus Harold 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo show that retirement is no longer a given, but that not being able to retire may not be a bad thing. Remaining in the workforce might end up being a win‐win situation.Design/methodology/approachThe reader is given an introduction of some of the issues related to retirement, such as demographic, economic, and legal factors. The article discusses how these and other factors affect our ability to retire at 65. Some of the positive aspects of not retiring, including better physical and mental health for the individual and a stronger society, are also introduced.FindingsRetirement as we know it is very likely to soon be a thing of the past. Changes in demographic, economic, and legal factors are forcing us to look at retirement from a different point of view. Studies have shown that people who remain in the workforce at an older age are better off, both physically and mentally. In addition to improved health, being an active contributor to the community will serve the society as a whole.Practical implicationsThe article can serve as an eye‐opener to some people who take retirement for granted. It can also help people that fear not being able to retire, to look more favorably upon the fact that they may have to work additional years before retiring.Originality/valueInstead of only discussing the negative aspects of an aging population, the authors take a different approach and present no retirement as an opportunity, not a problem. Don't fear it, prepare for it.
Was Waldram wrong?
Authors: Defoe Peter S. , Frame Ian 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to continue the debate started by M. Pitts and P. Chynoweth in previous issues of Structural Survey and examine some specific areas of concern regarding the methodologies used for calculating loss of daylight in Rights to Light cases.Design/methodology/approachEight specific areas of concern are identified and each of these is analysed in turn, first to establish, where possible, the origin of the current methodology and then to test this against available current thinking.FindingsThere is a reasonable justification for adopting a value of 500 foot‐candles, although this is not in fact the minimum value. The only justification for using a Uniform Sky appears to be mathematical and another, more accurate, sky model could be used. The Waldram Diagram can legitimately be adjusted to any suitable dimensions provided that the measurements are always taken as a ratio of the chart area. There is no justification for using a work surface height of 850 mm, nor is there any evidence of justification for assuming that 1 foot‐candle of light is adequate for normal use but there is justification in legal terms for ignoring window frames, glazing and internal reflectance.Practical implicationsIt can be shown that there is a case for reassessing the methodologies currently accepted by the Courts and therefore that there is scope for further research to establish a new more accurate method.Originality/valueWhilst many are questioning the validity of daylight calculations in Rights to Light cases, this paper takes some of those questions and establishes whether there is in fact cause for concern.
Layout evaluation of large capacity warehouses
Authors: Huertas José Ignacio , Díaz Ramírez Jenny , Trigos Salazar Federico 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to present a model to estimate and evaluate the operational costs of alternative layouts for large capacity warehouses or distribution centers with a large variety of goods.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model is based on time and resources studies per each of the basic activities on a warehouse operation. For validation purposes, the proposed model was applied on a perishable goods warehouse in Mexico. The output data was compared to actual data. Performance measures were operational costs and average picking time.FindingsIt was found that the proposed model is robust, flexible, simple and easy to be implemented. The model was used to evaluate two new alternatives of layout and operations of the same warehouse. It was found that the option with the layout with docks on long opposite sides of the warehouse and the operation without a separate picking zone minimizes operational costs.Research limitations/implicationsThe richness of the model is strongly supported by the information the warehouse has about its operation. With knowledge of the process, it is required to distinguish deterministic from stochastic basic activities and develop distance computations that depend on the layout being studied.Practical implicationsThe approach used to model warehouse operations was to estimate the movements and resource consumption per commodity. This allows the model to be used in every operational context when the complexity of the system is strongly dependent on and proportional to the volume of operations. In addition, it is particularly adequate as a tool to compare average performance measures of different scenarios for the same system.Originality/valueThe model proposed here provides a simple way to estimate particularly operational resource consumptions and picking times as proxy measures for efficiency and efficacy of a warehouse. It uses distance computations, time information and unit occurrence frequencies of basic activities over a single commodity in the system.
Implementing race equality within the procurement process in Wales
Authors: Duncan Rosanna , Mortimer Julianne , Hallas Jane 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe UK Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 places a statutory duty on all public authorities to promote race equality throughout all their functions. The purpose of this paper is to discuss steps being taken by social landlords in Wales and contractors and consultants to promote race equality within the construction procurement process.Design/methodology/approachThe principle methods of data collection were focus groups with social landlords and postal questionnaires and semi structured telephone interviews with construction contractors and consultants.FindingsLittle action is being taken by social landlords in Wales to promote race equality within the construction procurement process. Furthermore, construction contractors and consultants that undertake work on behalf of social landlords are doing little to ensure race equality within their own organisations.Research limitations/implicationsA relatively small sample of construction contractors and consultants took part in the research.Practical implicationsIn order to meet their obligations under current legislation social landlords need to ensure that they promote race equality within the procurement process. Construction companies including maintenance and minor works contractors that aspire to be engaged by social landlords will need to demonstrate that they are committed to race equality and its implementation and have the appropriate policies and procedures in place to ensure this.Originality/valueThis research is the first to evaluate the procurement practices of social landlords in Wales and how these practices may impact on race equality within the procurement process. The research also examined the steps being taken to promote equality by construction contractors and consultants operating within the social housing sector in Wales.
The potential effect of end‐users on energy conservation in office buildings
Authors: Junnila Seppo 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to estimate the potential of end‐user effect on energy conservation in office buildings. The study quantifies the energy conservation potential and estimates the current level of energy management in four banking organisations in the Nordic countries.Design/methodology/approachThe multiple case study employs quantitative scenario analysis for estimating the energy conservation potential of office equipment and lighting, and uses a qualitative model for estimating the current level of end‐user energy management in the organisations.FindingsThe study found that noticeable potential for energy conservation exists in the end‐user energy consumption. The tested scenarios significantly decreased the yearly electricity consumption of office equipment, for some 70 per cent, from 21 kWh per m2 to 6 kWh per m2. The electricity consumption of lighting was also noticeably improved, for some 30 per cent, from 38 kWh per m2 to 27 kWh per m2, equalling a 29 per cent reduction there. Altogether, the identified savings equal an improvement of roughly 20 per cent in the overall electricity consumption of the organisations. At the same time, the evaluation of current energy management showed that the management practices implemented represent only a rather modest level of end‐user energy management.Research limitations/implicationsThe multiple case study focused on four Nordic countries and banking organisations only. As the banking sector tends to be more conservative than some other industries, the results are not necessary valid in all industries. The simulation tools used, especially for lighting, only give estimation of the “best case” type of situation for tested scenarios, in which it is assumed that all end‐users would start to behave according to the scenario.Practical implicationsThis study implies clearly that end‐user‐energy‐management services are needed in FM. Although the user behaviour is more challenging to manage than pure technology, it can be quite profitable. For example, in the studied organisations, the savings found in end‐user energy would equal yearly profits of roughly 1.7 million €, i.e. some 20 per cent of the overall electricity budgets of the companies.Originality/valueMost of the quantitative energy conservation studies in the offices have concentrated so far on new constructions and building system improvements. This study quantifies the potential influence of good facilities management with the end‐user activation on the energy efficiency of office buildings.
The obstacles to marketing thinking
Authors: Hill Mark E. , McGinnis John , Cromartie Jane 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the pivotal guiding role of “marketing thinking” in an organization, to identify the obstacles to marketing thinking, explaining how they hinder its implementation, and offering strategies to minimize those negative effects, and thereby, to enable improved marketing thinking and enhanced performance.Design/methodology/approachRelevant literature is synthesized, to derive a definition of marketing thinking before a conceptual framework is developed, on the basis of which to discuss the potential obstacles.FindingsIn viewing marketing thinking as type of questioning, potential obstacles are found to be: what is “familiar” typical questioning practices, and a “static” orientation. Identification and examination of the source and impact of each obstacle can in turn allow for enhanced understanding of both the detrimental effects and the potential benefits of effective counter‐action.Research limitations/implicationsThree types of obstacles to marketing thinking are identified and discussed, but there is no intended implication that only those three exist. If marketing planners will treat marketing thinking as a type of questioning behavior, the identification of additional obstacles is not only possible but likely. Future research can move the agenda in that direction.Practical implicationsUnderstanding marketing thinking as a special type of questioning is key to developing strategies and plans which allow for maintaining a meaningfully differentiated position in a constantly changing environment of continuously differentiated products and services. Confronting the obstacles to marketing thinking will facilitate that objective.Originality/valueNew strategies are offered to enable practitioners to work around the obstacles to marketing thinking, thereby improving its value as a tool in marketing intelligence and planning.
Ethnocentricity in academic marketing journals
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine and compare a set of key characteristics of ethnocentricity that influence the policy of academic marketing journals, and hence the provenance, authorship and nature of articles in academic marketing journals.Design/methodology/approachThe “fundamental” characteristics of three major marketing journals, published in the USA, the UK and New Zealand, were examined for the six‐year period from the start of 2000 to the end of 2006. Data were collected from editorials and web homepages. Analysis was conducted of 811 articles, 1,676 authors, three editorial teams and three sets of reviewers.FindingsThere is a challenging academic ethnocentricity in the management and implied policy of the three journals. The extent varies, but the inescapable conclusion is that the world‐wide research community in marketing is not properly represented by leading journals.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was intentionally small, and unrepresentative of any category except “leading quality”. The findings are intended to add momentum to a debate and point ways forward, not to provide generalisable answers.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that: the editorial boards and reviewing teams should be made more representative geographically; editorships should be organized around the concept of a team of geographically differentiated editors; editorial and review teams should be ethnographically representative of individuals who do research and wish to publish it, particularly beyond the English‐speaking world. In general, the world‐wide research community in marketing would benefit from less ethnocentricity in academic journals, and these leading examples should strive to reduce it.Originality/valueThe impact of ethnocentricity is underestimated in this context. The issue needs to be discussed, because of paradigmatic influences that it can have on a journal and the profile of its authors, and hence on journal ranking and perceptions of journal quality.
What are the essential capabilities of marketers?
Authors: Gray Brendan J. , Grundvåg Ottesen Geir , Bell Jim , Chapman Cassandra , Whiten Jemma 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper sets out to identify the knowledge and skills that marketing practitioners need to possess and use, to improve marketing management and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe data from a survey of marketing managers, academics and senior students in New Zealand, relating to the skills essential to work as a marketing manager, were analysed by analysis of variance to assess the extent of convergences or divergence among the responses of the three groups.FindingsThe essential skills are an ability and willingness to learn about product‐markets, to solve marketing problems, to communicate with internal and external stakeholders, and to work in teams, plus the knowledge of a wide range of marketing subject areas needed to set these skills in context. To progress from junior to senior posts, marketing graduates need to develop strategic thinking, leadership and management skills, and must demonstrate knowledge of strategic planning, product and brand management, communication and promotion, and consumer behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThis study extends previous research by incorporating the views of three stakeholder groups about a broad range of knowledge and skills. Further, research is required to assess the generalisability of the results from these relatively small samples located in only one institution (albeit large and influential), and to investigate whether experience alone is a sufficient basis for junior marketers to acquire the knowledge and skills to become effective marketing managers and planners, or whether academics should help them to fast‐track their careers by means of targeted courses for intending practitioners.Practical implicationsBroad agreement between practitioners and academics suggests that relevant knowledge and skills are probably being taught. However, the differing view of students suggests that the effectiveness of university courses must be questioned.Originality/valueThe study reports the opinions of three stakeholder groups on a vital aspect of marketing education.
Factors affecting the utilization of the internet by internationalizing firms in transition markets
Authors: Nguyen Tho D. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis study investigates key factors that influence the utilization of the internet by internationalizing firms in one transition market, Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachA systematic sample of 306 internationalizing firms in Ho Chi Minh City was surveyed to test the theoretical model. Structural equation modelling was used to analyze the data.FindingsThis study finds that the two key concepts in the technology acceptance model (TAM), perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the internet, can be used to predict internet utilization by organizations. Market orientation is also a predictor of internet utilization. Learning orientation facilitates perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the internet by internationalizing firms, and hence its utilization.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed to investigate other antecedents as well as outcomes of internet utilization by internationalizing firms.Practical implicationsThis study suggests that programmes for the assistance and training of internationalizing firms should promote the usefulness and ease of use of the internet, and foster market orientation and learning orientation, in order to stimulate them to use the Internet effectively in the pursuit of marketing success in international markets.Originality/valueThis study expands the explanatory power of the TAM in predicting the utilization of the Internet by internationalizing firms.
Effect of team diversity on software project performance
Authors: Liang Ting‐Peng , Liu Chih‐Chung , Lin Tse‐Min , Lin Binshan 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis research seeks to investigate the relationship between knowledge diversity (KD) in software teams and project performance. Previous research has shown that member diversity affects team performance; most of that work, however, has focused on diversity in personal or social attributes, such as gender or social category. Current research targets at the knowledge level aim to facilitate the implementation of knowledge management in organizations.Design/methodology/approachA research framework was developed based on conflict theory and empirically tested on software teams in Taiwan.FindingsIt was found that KD increases task conflict, which in turn has significant positive effects on team performance and that value diversity (VD) increases relationship conflict, which in turn negatively affects team performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate that task conflict can enhance team performance, while relationship conflict can reduce team performance. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy relationships among team members.Practical implicationsThis research concludes that KD is beneficial and that VD is harmful to project outcome in software development. It is, therefore, useful for managers to form teams whose members encompass a broad knowledge base.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a novel way to measure knowledge and VD in teams and reports the effects of these attributes on team performance. The work also shows that a proper level of task conflict in a software team is necessary for achieving high performance.