bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using social identity to explore the link between a decline in adolescent smoking and an increase in mobile phone use
Authors: Cassidy Simon 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe study seeks to further explore the hypothesised link between the increase in mobile phone ownership and use and the reported decline in adolescent smoking. Evidence for the link was gathered by examining perceptions of mobile phone use in the context of social identity and adolescent smoking.Design/methodology/approachThe study developed and employed a questionnaire‐based survey design asking a sample of student participants to characterise mobile phone users using a semantic differential scale. Data were also collected in relation to individual levels and patterns of mobile phone usage. The sample consisted of 172 undergraduate students studying in the Faculty of Health based in a UK university.FindingsFindings show first that mobile phone use is associated with a number of positive, desirable personal and social attributes relating to concepts of social identity and image formation, and that many of the attributes associated with mobile phone use are those commonly associated with smoking behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe association between mobile phone use and social identity theory provides a theoretical framework which helps explain the prolific rise in mobile phone use and can be used to support the viability of a link between a decline in levels of adolescent smoking and a rise in mobile phone ownership. Further evidence needs to be gathered which examines both behaviours in a single cohort of adolescents to establish the direct impact of mobile phone use on smoking behaviour in this particular group.Practical implicationsMobile phone use may serve as a displacement behaviour for smoking in adolescents and may provide an example of a positive – as opposed to a negative – addiction, given that it is a potential alternative to smoking in adolescents.Originality/valueThe paper provides an examination of the health implications of a modern‐day social phenomenon. It draws on and draws together established theory and empirical work to further advance a previously proposed link between smoking and mobile phone use. Establishing such a link has important implications for health education and promotion activities.
Evaluation of a certification process for community nurses involved in sex and relationship education
Authors: Chalmers Helen , Aggleton Peter , Tyrer Paul 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAlongside teachers, community nurses have been identified as having an important role to play in the provision of school‐based personal, social and health education (PSHE) and sex and relationships education (SRE). However, there currently exist few programmes of preparation for this work that recognise the specific contribution of community nurses to SRE. This paper reports on findings from a formative evaluation of a pilot certification scheme for community nurses involved in SRE provision and recently implemented in England. The evaluation sought specifically to access views about the value of the educational experience in preparing school nurses to better fulfil their SRE role.Design/methodology/approachDuring the implementation of the pilot scheme, 124 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders, including national players, local scheme support leads, nurses participating in the pilot scheme, nurse managers and other colleagues. Data gathering adopted a close‐focus, largely qualitative approach. Partial transcription took place and a thematic analysis was carried out using constant comparative method.FindingsFindings suggest that a well‐designed scheme of the type described is likely to be well received by community nurses, but that ways need to be found to ensure good synergy between local health and education services in the support of SRE in schools. At the same time, there is a need to respect the unique contribution of community nurses and the skills that they bring to this work.Originality/valueThis paper raises awareness and highlights issues surrounding a pilot certification scheme for community nurses involved in sex and relationships in education.
Keep in touch, say Australian police
Authors: Beal Brian 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis article describes the management of an A$20.5 million three‐year capital‐works program to develop and support radio communications for Australia's New South Wales Police Service.Design/methodology/approachDraws on information provided by the project manager.FindingsShows that, because of the vast area, the distances involved and remoteness of some of the sites, it was decided to use the existing human resources in a virtual‐team environment. Describes the establishment and operation, benefits and limitations of using a virtual project team, in addition to explaining how a benefit‐management plan was developed to provide a structured way to demonstrate achievements.Practical implicationsConcludes that virtual teams are cost‐effective, but managing them requires skills over and above the management of co‐located project teams.Originality/valueContains plenty to interest anyone involved in managing a large project, covering a wide geographical area.
Achieving excellence through innovative approaches to student involvement in course evaluation within the tertiary education sector
Authors: Gapp Rod , Fisher Ron 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe paper presents a new paradigm for implementing action learning in a key subject area in a program.Design/methodology/approachAn action research‐based course evaluation methodology was linked to course design and development at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Involving students via effective communication provided a sense of connection and greater understanding for instructors in terms of engagement through direct insight into relevant issues of student learning and knowledge management.FindingsThe use of this and a wide variety of other relevant information via the application of action research provided an innovative platform that embedded the desire to innovate and improve the learning outcomes by combining course evaluation with a continuous course design process. This has been shown to be a far more effective method than the narrow measurement process of student course evaluation questionnaires.Research limitations/implicationsAs with all action research this is a continually evolving process and the data provided are from early iterations of the cycle.Practical implicationsThe research provides a platform for ongoing investigation of learning while improving and assuring outcomes for those involved in the process.Originality/valueThe study presents a new paradigm in action via a case study set within core management and human resource management courses. The new evaluation methodology, together with its implementation, has proved beneficial in terms of innovation through the action research cycle.
Workplace stress and the student learning experience
Authors: Stevenson Anne , Harper Sarah 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo investigate the possible effects of workplace stress in academics on the student learning experience.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires were designed and distributed to all academic staff at a Scottish Higher Education Institute. This measured perceived levels of stress amongst academic staff and the possible impact of this on the learning experience of students.FindingsStress can be seen to impact both negatively and positively on the student learning experience. However, over half of respondents considered themselves to be considerably or extremely stressed and similar levels perceive that stress causes their teaching to be “below par” thus impacting negatively on the student learning experience.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was carried out in one institution and hence results cannot be generalised to cover the whole higher education sector.Practical implicationsThe findings, together with a growing awareness of the impact of employee stress on organisations, emphasise the need for the institution, and individuals within it, to control stress levels to ensure the student learning experience does not suffer. The paper does not address the growing phenomenon of e‐learning which may act as a stressor: further research is recommended in this area.Originality/valueThis paper highlights that the detrimental effect of stress does not only impact upon members of staff; stress may also impact negatively on the student learning experience.
Distributed database damage assessment paradigm
Authors: Zuo Yanjun , Panda Brajendra 
Published: July 2006

PurposeDamage assessment and recovery play key roles in the process of secure and reliable computer systems development. Post‐attack assessment in a distributed database system is rather complicated due to the indirect dependencies among sub‐transactions executed at different sites. Hence, the damage assessment procedure in these systems must be carried out in a collaborative way among all the participating sites in order to accurately detect all affected data items. This paper seeks to propose two approaches for achieving this, namely, centralized and peer‐to‐peer damage assessment models.Design/methodology/approachEach of the two proposed methods should be applied immediately after an intrusion on a distributed database system was reported. In the category of the centralized model, three sub‐models are further discussed, each of which is best suitable for a certain type of situations in a distributed database system.FindingsAdvantages and disadvantages of the models are analyzed on a comparative basis and the most suitable situations to which each model should apply are presented. A set of algorithms is developed to formally describe the damage assessment procedure for each model (sub‐model). Synchronization is essential in any system where multiple processes run concurrently. User‐level synchronization mechanisms have been presented to ensure that the damage assessment operations are conducted in a correct order.Originality/valueThe paper proposes two means for damage assessment.
Laws and regulations affecting information management and frameworks for assessing compliance
Authors: Luthy David , Forcht Karen 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to consider a number of key laws and regulations that have implications for information management and internal control systems.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a discussion of the key laws and regulations. It also considers a number of frameworks that may be useful for assessing compliance with applicable laws and regulations.FindingsOrganizations worldwide are impacted by an increasing number of laws and regulations. Many of them have important implications for information management and internal control systems even though they may lack explicit references to information management. This is because information technology (IT) has become pervasive in modern organizations, and it is self evident that awareness of applicable laws and regulations, along with their potential impacts on information management systems, is critical for compliance.Originality/valueThe paper shows how the increasing number of laws and regulations impact on the information management functions of organizations in a variety of ways.
Achieving automated intrusion response: a prototype implementation
Authors: Papadaki M. , Furnell S.M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe increasing speed and volume of attacks against networked systems highlights the need to automate the intrusion response process. This paper proposes a means by which such automation may be achieved, and presents details of a practical implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the architecture of a flexible and intelligent automated response system that is able to adapt response decisions according to the context in which a detected incident has occurred. The discussion presents details of a prototype implementation that has been used to evaluate the concept in practice, and demonstrates the feasibility of assessing contextual factors associated with detected incidents.FindingsA series of worked examples are presented to show how the same incident occurring in different contexts will trigger different decisions from the response system.Originality/valueThe paper contributes towards the domain of intrusion response, and proposes an approach that would enable automation of the response process to be more acceptable to security administrators.
Practices and problems in managing electronic services using SLAs
Authors: Fitsilis Panos 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present the key areas of activity to be used for drafting service level agreements (SLAs) for electronic services and, at the same time, to present best practices and problems that arise from the application of this discipline.Design/methodology/approachA range of recently published (2000‐2005) works has been reviewed, in order to: a) analyse how an SLA has to be defined and applied b) identify the applicable best practices and c) identify the problem areas.FindingsProvides guidance for the business and the Application Service Provider (ASP) when they want to engage in an outsourcing agreement by presenting best practices and problems that occur from the application of SLAs.Research limitations/implicationsSuggests further research is needed in a number of research areas such as: development of semantic models for SLAs, development of flexible pricing models in relation with SLAs, definition of SLAs in cases of dynamic service creation, etc.Practical implicationsA useful source of information both for academia and the business.Originality/valueProvides practical insight on a specialized topic and guidance to researchers.
Action and organizational learning in an elevator company
Authors: De Loo Ivo 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo highlight the relevance of management control in action learning programs that aim to foster organizational learning.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review plus case study. The latter consists of archival analysis and multiple interviews.FindingsWhen action learning programs are built around singular learning experiences, it can be questioned that organizational learning will materialize. This may be overcome by using action learning as a form of management control.Research limitations/implicationsThe issue whether organizational learning can be achieved by connecting management control and action learning has as of yet not been acknowledged in the action learning literature, even though it is in line with the goals of the approach. Alas, it may be that our results are not easily applicable in other organizations. More research is necessary to assess this.Practical implicationsWe show that when action learning is used as a form of management control, organizational learning may be facilitated.Originality/valueHardly ever are management control issues considered in action learning programs. This paper takes a “lessons learned” perspective to do this, and provides valuable input for further research.
The role of culture on knowledge transfer: the case of the multinational corporation
Authors: Lucas Leyland M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to look at the issue of culture's role in knowledge transfer within multinational corporations (MNCs). Studies of MNCs have hinted at the importance of culture to the performance of subsidiaries. Using Hofstede's cultural dimensions of power distance, individualism/collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity/femininity, it is argued that the location of subsidiaries along each of these cultural dimensions will significantly impact the possibility of knowledge transfer occurring between subsidiaries.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives were achieved by providing additional insights into the complex nature of knowledge transfer efforts in MNCs. To do so, a discussion of the challenges associated with the dimensions of culture is presented. These challenges are further complicated by the degree to which the home office is involved in the strategic decision‐making process surrounding inter‐subsidiary knowledge transfers.FindingsThe paper suggests that managers should pursue knowledge transfer activities cautiously. Although these efforts may be supported by the home office, resistance to change and sharing must be carefully managed. Furthermore, knowledge transfer efforts are most likely to be successful if the parties are culturally aligned. And, when this is missing, success is highly dependent upon home office directives and support.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper forces us to address a critical question: how do subsidiaries deal with the challenges to knowledge transfer efforts posed by cultural differences? While research has looked at various aspects of culture and its impact on MNC activities, more research is needed on these issues. As knowledge continues to be emphasized as the basis for performance differences, more thorough examination of the issues affecting it is necessary. In addition, variables such as spatial distance, native origin, and language differences, all of which make translation difficult, are not considered.Practical implicationsThe ideas presented here reinforce the notion that national context and its impact on culture has major consequences for inter‐subsidiary knowledge transfer efforts. This is particularly the case when these transfers involve subsidiaries with different cultural dynamics. Since, knowledge is contextual, this helps subsidiaries identify their partners in this process, what are there benefits to be gained from engagement, and how involved the home office needs to be in these transfer efforts. Therefore, managers need to pay careful attention to contextual issues that affect knowledge transfer efforts.Originality/valueIt reinforces the notion that subsidiaries have access to confidential information regarding developments in other subsidiaries. This access to inside information allows for the speedy pursuit of knowledge transfer opportunities. However, such pursuits must be tempered by understanding that cultural differences may inhibit success.
Adopting non‐privately funded public‐private partnerships in maintenance projects
Authors: Ng S. Thomas , Wong Yoki M.W. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish whether this type of approach is suitable for maintenance schemes from the perspective of both the public agent and the service provider. Until recently, non‐privately funded public‐private partnerships have been adopted for the maintenance of infrastructure facilities.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, stakeholders involved in a trial of a non‐privately funded public‐private partnerships project were invited to express their opinions on the success and pitfalls of this type of scheme. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 12 management and front‐line staff of the public and private partners to capture their opinions on the project. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to uncover the views and standpoints of other stakeholders on PPP. A total of 33 respondents completed the questionnaire.FindingsThe results indicate that the non‐privately funded PPP approach is more cost‐effective and efficient in the delivery of maintenance services when compared with the traditional term contract. The performance‐based payment mechanism adopted could help improve the quality of maintenance services performed by the contractor. The inspection and programming tasks are transferred to the service provider relieving the workload of the public agency. Most stakeholders who participated in this study agreed that the non‐privately funded PPP approach can allow higher flexibility, encourage innovation, enhance cost‐effectiveness and improve the efficiency of work when compared with the traditional term contract in the delivery of maintenance services.Originality/valueThis paper provides a general introduction to the method adopted in the non‐privately funded public‐private partnerships approach with particular reference to the maintenance of infrastructure schemes. More important, the potentials and pitfalls of using this type of mechanism with maintenance projects are examined, which helps enhance understanding of this rather unexplored topic.
The 4Cs model of exemplary construction projects
Authors: Barrett Peter , Barrett Lucinda 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the key characteristics of the highest‐performing construction projects, so that future procurement, briefing, design and construction management processes can be improved in the light of these experiences.Design/methodology/approachWorkshops were carried out in Australia, Singapore and the USA involving 40 senior participants, representing a good cross‐section of the stakeholder interests around construction. These individuals were each asked to identify the best construction project with which they had been involved at any point in their careers and to identify the major reasons for its success.FindingsA synthesis is provided of the characteristics that characterise the exemplary projects cited by the workshop participants. These are typified by the “4Cs”, namely constraints driving collaboration and creativity, ideally leading to community benefits. The 17 exemplars provided by the participants show project teams facing demands that act to break the dysfunctional paradigm of normal practice, so allowing refreshing and motivating actions to follow. This schema is reinforced by the three case study vignettes that illustrate in more detail the factors at work and their interactions. Linkage to prominent issues apparent in the literatures related to procurement, briefing, design and construction management are shown, together with pointers as to the connections between these issues as experienced in specific real world, project situations. In particular, the potentially pervasive impact of selective priority‐setting is highlighted.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a glimpse of how construction operates at its best, the industry explicitly contributing to, and getting credit for, adding value to society economically, but also culturally, socially and environmentally.Originality/valueThe work reported on here covers 17 mini‐cases and three fuller cases, all drawn from three countries. Further work to build additional cases from a wider range of countries would test the broad outline of the 4Cs model and increase one's understanding of the dynamic mechanisms at work.
Internet‐based database management system for project control
Authors: Li Ji , Moselhi Osama , Alkass Sabah 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to develop an efficient project management system to track and control construction activities for contractors and/or project managers.Design/methodology/approachThe work package model is utilized to break down project data into activities and work tasks. The data structure of a project is represented using the entities‐relationship methodology. A relational database stores all of the project data. The earned value method calculates the cost and schedule variances. The internet‐based platform with three‐tier client‐server architecture is chosen for system implementation.FindingsThe developed project database stores all of the project data necessary to perform project control functions. The implementation of the project database management system is efficient. The developed system provides real‐time data sharing and a collaborating environment in support of project control.Originality/valueTime and cost control are essential management functions for achieving successful delivery of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects. The developed system can assist contractors and/or project managers in tracking and control of their construction projects in a real‐time manner.