bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the suitability of the self‐organizing map for analysis of the macro and firm level competitive environment
Authors: Länsiluoto Aapo , Eklund Tomas 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to present and compare the results of an evaluation of two self‐organizing map (SOM) models' suitability for financial environment analysis. The models are constructed for analyzing the macro‐ and firm‐level environments in the international pulp and paper industry.Design/methodology/approachThe data for the evaluation were collected through a field survey in 13 publicly‐noted Finnish companies, with a total of 36 respondents. All the respondents were involved in business intelligence or corporate development related tasks.FindingsThe results indicate that, the respondents appreciated the capabilities of both SOM models. All of the factors relating to accuracy, content, format, timeliness, and usability for strategic decision making received ratings higher than neutral. Respondents also concluded that the SOM models have additional benefits compared to currently used methods. Finally, the respondents were willing to utilize the SOM as a complement to other tools for analyzing the competitive environment. Some subfactors of the firm level SOM model received statistically higher averages than the macro‐level SOM model.Originality/valueDespite the SOM having been utilized in thousands of different applications, user satisfaction with the SOM and its information products has not previously been widely evaluated, especially not by potential end‐users.
Managing healthcare performance in analytical framework
Authors: Dey Prasanta K. , Hariharan Seetharaman , Despic Ozren 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to develop an integrated framework for performance management of healthcare services.Design/methodology/approachThis study develops a performance management framework for healthcare services using a combined analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and logical framework (LOGFRAME). The framework is then applied to the intensive care units of three different hospitals in developing nations. Numerous focus group discussions were undertaken, involving experts from the specific area under investigation.FindingsThe study reveals that a combination of outcome, structure and process‐based critical success factors and a combined AHP and LOGFRAME‐based performance management framework helps manage performance of healthcare services.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework could be practiced in hospital‐based healthcare services.Originality/valueThe conventional approaches to healthcare performance management are either outcome‐based or process‐based, which cannot reveal improvement measures appropriately in order to assure superior performance. Additionally, they lack planning, implementing and evaluating improvement projects that are identified from performance measurement. This study presents an integrated approach to performance measurement and implementing framework of improvement projects.
Business process management in a Brazilian public research centre
Authors: Fernando Sentanin Odemilson , César Almada Santos Fernando , José Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how a Brazilian public research centre implemented business process management (BPM) highlighting the challenges of change that have to be dealt with in the stage developed by this organisation.Design/methodology/approachThe first author of this paper accompanied the implementation of BPM in the research centre for 33 months in order to analyse documents and reports and have interviews with various managers and employees.FindingsThe studied organisation developed an intermediate stage towards BPM. The progressive approach favours a better understanding of the challenges that have to be overcome in order to improve BPM in an organisation. Thus, the BPM approach can be effectively assimilated and practised by the centre's staff.Research limitations/implicationsThe depth of the analysis carried out in the case study make more structured research possible.Originality/valueThe challenges of implementing BPM in a Brazilian public research centre are investigated. This case study is based on a theoretical, empirical and maturity level approach. Thus, a particular case of implementing BPM which took place in a very specific context, not explored in the literature, is presented to the community interested in BPM.
Eyes, ears and technology
Authors: Carr James , Gannon‐Leary Pat , Allen Bernadette , Beattie‐Huggan Patsy , McMurray Anne , Smith Nishka 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of video‐conferencing as a suitable technology for business process reengineering (BPR) training of 12 health sector participants located in Prince Edward Island, Canada.Design/methodology/approachAn action research was adopted. The participants received training from a remote BPR consultant located in Northern Ireland (UK), with the assistance of local moderators. The focus of the study is concerned with the quality of the learning experience and the important role played by local moderators.FindingsOverall, the use of video‐conferencing technology provided a valuable learning experience. It was also cost effective and an efficient use of both the consultant's and the participants' time. A key part of the success of the exercise was the role of one of the local moderators who acted as the “eyes and ears” of the consultant.Originality/valueA general contribution to knowledge is the positioning of the argument developed within the technology diffusion literature. The paper offers important insights into the effective use of video‐conferencing technology for BPR training purposes; and Knipe and Lee's evaluation of a video‐conferencing experiment in terms of the relationship between the human actors at the remote and local sites is discussed and extended.
Teaching sustainability to business students: shifting mindsets
Authors: Stubbs Wendy , Cocklin Chris 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe a framework used to help MBA students understand and reconcile the different sustainability perspectives.Design/methodology/approachA review of the corporate sustainability literature is undertaken to develop the sustainability framework.FindingsThe sustainability framework relates basic concepts and assumptions within the ecocentric, ecological modernization and neoclassical paradigms to organizational practice and behavior. For the most part, the MBA students have only been exposed to neoclassical economic thinking within the other MBA subjects. The aim of the sustainability framework is to shift the students' thinking by engaging with sustainability from different perspectives, rather than presenting one version of sustainability to them. The framework has proven to be useful in developing critical and reflective thinking and discussion.Originality/valueThe paper provides a summary of sustainability concepts as applied to business practices and describes how this is used in teaching sustainability to business students.
Capacity building: a course on sustainable development to educate the educators
Authors: Lozano‐García Francisco J. , Gándara Guillermo , Perrni Orietta , Manzano Mario , Elia Hernández Dora , Huisingh Donald 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present information about a team‐teaching course on sustainable development (SD) for educators in an institution of higher education, Monterrey Campus of ITESM in México.Design/methodology/approachFour faculty members were invited to work together with the Sustainable Campus Programme coordinator in the process of developing the “Educate‐the‐Educator's” SD course. The course was structured using lectures, readings, class role play activities, homework, and general discussion. Additionally, a workshop‐format was woven throughout the course; its function was to help the educators incorporate SD issues within their own courses.FindingsIt was found that a multi‐disciplinarily developed and delivered course is an effective vehicle for educating educators on SD. Documentation of some facets of the learning process further helped the “students” and the course leaders to better understand the whole learning process.Originality/valueThe paper's value rests on the interconnected structure, showing resonance with the triple bottom line, as well as many other dimensions linked with sustainable development. This structure increased the course participants' comprehension of sustainability. Furthermore, the use of concept maps and digraph theory to evaluate “faculty participants'” comprehension of the interconnections and dimensions of SD proved to be a successful innovation.
The current state of sustainability in bioscience laboratories
Authors: Wright Hazel A. , Ironside Joseph E. , Gwynn‐Jones Dylan 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis study aims to identify the current barriers to sustainability in the bioscience laboratory setting and to determine which mechanisms are likely to increase sustainable behaviours in this specialised environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study gathers qualitative data from a sample of laboratory researchers presently conducting experimentation in the biological sciences. A questionnaire, regarding sustainability in the laboratory, was developed and distributed to all bioscience researchers at Aberystwyth University.FindingsAlthough the majority of respondents had favourable attitudes to sustainability, almost three‐quarters (71 per cent) stated that they were not conducting their research in the most sustainable way possible. The factors most likely to hinder sustainable behaviour were lack of support, lack of information and time constraints. However, monetary costs and benefits, closely followed by “other” costs and benefits, were most likely to encourage sustainable behaviour in the laboratory.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to extend the present research to other types of biological research, such as field‐based studies. Different biological disciplines may have different consumable requirements and waste streams, thereby changing the barriers to sustainability observed.Practical implicationsThe findings have immediate practical implication for higher education institutions wishing to adopt researcher‐approved mechanisms to reduce the environmental impact of biological laboratory research.Originality/valueThis is the first study to design a sustainability questionnaire which is specific to research scientists and laboratory users. The paper is therefore of immense value to the numerous global higher education institutions with working laboratories which seek to minimise the environmental impact of research.
The cat's pyjamas? Performance indicators for national libraries
Authors: Poll Roswitha 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the new Technical Report ISO 28118 “Performance measures for national libraries”.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports on the mission and main tasks of national libraries as defined by the technical report, and describes some 30 performance indicators including indicators that are specifically relevant to national libraries. The paper also explains the process by which indicators were selected and tested.FindingsThe rationale for the establishment of a new standard is examined and perspectives offered on its envisaged application and further development.Originality/valueThis paper gives an informative preview of the Technical Report which, at the time of writing, is in the process of being published. It serves as a useful introduction to the report for those who may wish to adopt the standard in future, and whilst primarily aimed at national libraries it is potentially relevant for regional libraries with similar tasks and missions.
A qualitative assessment of the Kindle e‐book reader: results from initial focus groups
Authors: Clark Dennis T. , Goodwin Susan P. , Samuelson Todd , Coker Catherine 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess initial user perceptions and use of Amazon's Kindle e‐book reader.Design/methodology/approachThirty‐six participants were provided with a Kindle e‐book reader and $100 to spend at Amazon. After one month of use focus groups were conducted to elicit user feedback about their experiences and overall first impressions.FindingsAnalysis of the discussions indicates overall interest in the Kindle as a basic reading device for fiction. However, its use in an academic setting is limited due to content availability and licensing issues, graphic display capabilities, organizational issues, and its prohibitive cost.Originality/valueThis is the first research paper of its kind to report on qualitative research conducted on user perceptions of the Kindle e‐book reader.
Negotiation of on‐site buffer stocks
Authors: Ng S. Thomas , Fang Yuan , Skitmore R. Martin 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility of applying non‐structural fuzzy decision support theory in modelling the negotiation between various participants with conflicting objectives so as to establish the optimum buffer stocks for a construction project.Design/methodology/approachIn view of the divergence in objectives between various decision makers when determining the amount of materials to be delivered to site, the concept of integrating the non‐structural fuzzy decision support system (NFDSS) to multi‐attribute decision making is reviewed. With the help of a case study example, the process involved in the NFDSS and the methodology of evaluation are illustrated. Finally, the paper proposes the use of the Nash criterion to measure the utility of various decision makers so as to identify an equilibrium solution on the quantity of materials to be supplied.FindingsThe results indicate that the requisite number of on‐site stocks can be determined by referring to the utility of the parties involved in decision making.Research limitations/implicationsThe NFDSS systematically evaluates each scenario under different affected factors such as cost, schedule, quality, safety, etc. Finally, a scenario utility is computed to establish the preference of each party.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in showing how NFDSS can systematically analyse human judgements to generate relative weightings for the decision factors and elements. The NFDSS model can be applied to real‐world cases to determine the frequency of delivery and the amount of buffer stocks that would meet the interest of various project participants.
Performance loss in open‐plan offices due to noise by speech
Authors: Roelofsen Paul 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how the performance of the personnel can be negatively affected by conversations, adjacent to the working space, in an open‐plan office environment.Design/methodology/approachUsing two scientific mathematical models it is possible to quantify the performance losses, as a result of adjacent conversations, with various desk layouts in an open‐plan office.FindingsThe results obtained from the underlying Finnish study can be improved by applying a regression analysis to the recorded research results. The modified deviation formula not only corresponds more closely to the research results, but also produces a better translation of the speech intelligibility index to the intelligibility qualifications, as shown in the guideline NPR 3438.Originality/valueIt is reasonable to conclude that performance loss, as a result of a poor acoustic situation, can be related to the speech intelligibility in a space. The relationship between the speech intelligibility index and performance loss makes it possible to design on the basis of productivity improvement, resulting in a comfortable acoustic working environment and a consistent financial advantage for the organisation.
Managing and sustaining a world of workplace diversity: the Accenture experience
Authors: Amla Ismail 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how Accenture's commitment to diversity is reaping benefits for the business and its people on a global and a local level.Design/methodology/approachThe article explores global initiatives and leadership behaviors that demonstrate this commitment, as well as the experiences of individuals who benefit from them, in order to combine global and individual perspectives.FindingsThese perspectives show that a deep commitment to diversity can reap the benefits of retaining experienced employees, maintaining employee satisfaction and attracting new talent.Originality/valueThe ultimate outcome is a better service to customers through consistency of quality service and high levels of innovation, in addition to mirroring the diversity of communities in which an organization lives and works.
The steady rise of CSR and diversity in the workplace
Authors: Emmott Mike , Worman Dianah 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to show how two specialist advisers from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) provide practical advice on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and diversity.Design/methodology/approachThe article includes two best practice guides based on the experience and quantitative and qualitative research of the CIPD. The first half focuses on CSR, what it means in the workplace and how HR professionals can implement or encourage its take up in a strategic and meaningful way. The second half tackles diversity, explaining its role in the workplace and its importance to HR professionals in helping organizations gain competitive advantage.FindingsThe strategic importance of both issues provides HR with an opportunity to demonstrate its strategic value to the organization. People policies and people management are at the heart of CSR and diversity.Originality/valueCSR and diversity are similar, in that they both have to be approached with serious intent that results in effective delivery. Purely paying lip service, or poor implementation, is most likely to have negative implications for the business. There are also differences between the two, a key one being that there are best practice approaches to guide HR professionals in approaching CSR, whereas diversity is a more complex concept that relies on approximate reasoning.
Workplace diversity: developing a win‐win‐win strategy
Authors: Marques Joan 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose if this paper is to alert readers that successful application of workforce diversity only happens with proper evaluation and in‐depth guidance: by treating diversity as an end onto itself and not merely as a means toward an end.Design/methodology/approachThis is a review paper, first commenting on common mistakes companies make in applying workforce diversity. It offers some attention points for implementing diversity in the right way, and reviews some implications for organizational learning strategies if they decide to take the here‐discussed approach to diversity.FindingsThe paper finds that diversity as a topic earns more attention today than it has ever received before, and the reasons are easily understandable: global migration is increasing; the internet is enabling communication on a worldwide scale; and business leaders are continuously in search for less expensive resources and lower wages to pay. All these trends result in progressively diversified workforces locally and internationally. Increasingly, companies allocate special room for diversity practices on their web sites. Yet, the application of workplace diversity does not always happen for the right reasons. Companies that apply diversity responsibly ensure larger, lasting, and happier customer bases, continuous reinvention through mutual learning and a more stable workforce with fewer turnovers.Originality/valueThis paper is of particular importance for human resource and other hiring officers and departments in the organization.
Rethinking Master's degrees in business and management: a more diverse offering?
Authors: Gray Harry 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to make a broad assessment of the proliferation of Master of business administration (MBA) degrees and to consider comparative value.Design/methodology/approachThere is brief description and analysis of what MBAs are and are intended for, with best and worst kinds of provision discussedFindingsThe conclusion is that the whole concept of MBA needs to be rethought bearing in mind the wide variety of careers and ages of students.Originality/valueThe conclusion is that there should be more specialist masters degrees for mature professionals and better consideration should be given to real career needs of younger students.
Low level mobility in Hungary: advantage or disadvantage to learning and competitiveness?
Authors: Csath Magdolna 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to test whether the observations of foreign managers about the low mobility level of the Hungarian workforce can also be verified on a sample drawn from among young professionals. Second the paper aims to prove that a low mobility level is not necessarily a disadvantage for the economy in which small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are playing a significant role in creating new jobs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a questionnaire, which is based on the mobility pyramid developed by Quelch and Bloom, to survey two groups of students in two institutions.FindingsThe paper finds a strong correlation between the observations of foreign managers and the opinions of the participants in the samples. Although the sample size is not too large, the arguments of the students about why long‐term and far‐away foreign assignments are not very desirable for them are powerful and convincing. They prove how slowly society characteristics are changing.Originality/valueThe present low mobility level corresponds with the earlier Hofstede's findings on Hungary being a strong uncertainty avoidance society. However in the paper's view the low mobility is not necessarily a disadvantage, as people still can continuously learn, create new knowledge and strengthen local social capital, which are all important ingredients of national competitiveness.
Risk identification on community‐based construction projects in Zambia
Authors: Mañelele I. , Muya M. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss and highlight the results of a study that identified critical risks involved in the procurement of community‐based infrastructure projects in Zambia.Design/methodology/approachBrainstorming was chosen as the method for identifying risks in the study. It was applied in the form of group discussions with project management committees at community level to identify potential risks affecting their particular projects.FindingsThe identified critical risks were classified into six categories: project initiation; community contribution and participation; budget and finance; skilled labour; materials procurement and technical supervision; and quality control. Several significant risk factors were identified in all these six categories in community‐based construction projects. The paper concludes that indeed there are critical risks in community‐based construction projects that require forward planning, assessment and mitigation.Originality/valueThe consequences of not assessing and managing construction risks in both conventional and community‐based procurement systems are that projects may experience time and cost overruns and lead to poor quality structures. It is therefore important to identify risks in community projects.