bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engaging workers in simulation‐based e‐learning
Authors: Slotte Virpi , Herbert Anne 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate learners' attitudes to the use of simulation‐based e‐learning as part of workplace learning when socially situated interaction and blended learning are specifically included in the instructional design.Design/methodology/approachResponses to a survey questionnaire of 298 sales personnel were collected and analysed. Additionally, quantitative and qualitative data from 37 sales directors were obtained to further address the research question.FindingsIt was found that a majority of the participants conveyed improvement in their overall level of customer service skills applied in their own work tasks. In addition to the on‐line simulation being an engaging and fun way of learning, the socially situated interaction and blended delivery of the training program encouraged and facilitated discussion and fruitful debates about customer service in the workplace.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited by its potentially non‐representative sample, representing those who voluntarily participated to improve their sales and customer service skills in one chain bookstore.Practical implicationsA high rate of positive participant responses is attributable to the proper opportunity to supplement learning with practice, achieved through the design features of the program. The work has relevance for other corporate training providers considering incorporating live facilitation into on‐line simulation solutions.Originality/valuePreviously, not much attention has been paid to the use of a coach physically present working with learners using on‐line simulation‐based training, nor to differential benefits such arrangements may provide. Nor were many practical examples of socially situated e‐learning found in the literature. Feedback from both sales personnel and their directors provided a unique opportunity to analyse a work‐based training program using such arrangements.
Sharing practical knowledge in hostile environments: a case study
Authors: Guzman Gustavo 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an empirical contribution towards the understanding of the process of sharing practical knowledge (PK) in a hostile work environment. The particular focus is an instance of the process of sharing PK between experienced and non‐experienced workers in a bio‐pharmaceutical industry.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretive perspective was applied in the inductive and qualitative empirical study. Case study methodology was applied in order to analyse the sharing of practical knowledge.FindingsResearch findings from this study have unravelled characteristics of this process that to date have not been discussed in the literature. First, Learning‐by‐observing has limitations in promoting PK sharing in hostile environments. Second, because there is a wide range of alternative solutions for performing a specific task, sharing PK lends itself to political uses. Third, socialisation is important in order to facilitate the sharing of PK, but it is not enough. Political issues surrounding PK sharing shape socialisation processes and therefore provide a better explanatory base for PK sharing. Fourth, the use of standard work processes to share PK is limited in complex tasks. Thus, it is argued that the main features of PK support high levels of uncertainty that in turn favours the use of political behaviour in the process of sharing PK.Originality/valueFocussing on sharing PK in hostile environments is important since the literature has mainly focussed on organisations in which consensus and participation were either implicitly or explicitly assumed.
Knowledge, management, and knowledge management in business operations
Authors: Gao Fei , Li Meng , Clarke Steve 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to help knowledge managers systematically grasp “knowledge about management knowledge” and get a “deep and full” understanding of the nature, scope and methodologies of knowledge management.Design/methodology/approachThrough presenting a variety of perspectives on knowledge, management, and knowledge management, the article explores the essence of knowledge management in organizations from a perspective of critical systems thinking.FindingsKnowledge management in business organizations has the task of managing the activities of knowledge workers or the transformation and interaction of organizational “static substance knowledge” and “dynamic process knowledge” for “products, services, and practical process innovation” and, at the same time, “creating new or justifying existing organizational systematic knowledge”. Knowledge management is not simply about recording and manipulating explicit knowledge, but needs to address that which is implicit, and from which benefit can therefore be derived only through process rather than content.Originality/valueThe comprehensive review and classification of various management theories will expand both knowledge managers' and knowledge workers' understanding of the subject and provide a foundation for building a knowledge management toolkit in practice.
A holistic view of knowledge management strategy
Authors: Jasimuddin Sajjad M. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to seek to address the way in which knowledge is being transmitted among the members of a large corporation and suggests a realistic strategy that promises to be most appropriate for effective knowledge transfer in the new knowledge economy.Design/methodology/approachThe research involves an in‐depth case study of knowledge transfer strategies used in a UK‐based group within a high‐tech global corporation. which was purposively selected for data collection. A semi‐structured instrument was developed based on the review of the knowledge management literature. The data analysis procedure within the case study employed in this research was based on the approach proposed by Miles and Huberman.FindingsDrawing on an empirical work in a large high‐tech corporation, this paper suggests a hybrid strategy which recognises the interplay between the soft and hard mechanisms, and falls somewhere between the rather divergent mechanisms.Research limitations/implicationsSince the paper is based on a single research setting the findings have potential limitations in terms of generalisability and transferability.Practical implicationsTo date it seems that the soft and hard mechanisms are being employed for knowledge transfer. There is considerable variation in the researchers' views about the role of the two approaches to knowledge transfer in an organisation.Originality/valueThe proposed hybrid approach to knowledge transfer provides powerful arguments for a more holistic view in terms of knowledge transfer which is crucial for the succesful implementation of knowledge management.
Knowledge domains and knowledge conversion: an empirical investigation
Authors: Byosiere Philippe , Luethge Denise J. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present evidence of how different domains of knowledge (basic, experiential, emotional and innovative knowledge) relate to knowledge conversion processes (socialization, externalization, combination and internalization) in the firm.Design/methodology/approachConfirmatory principal component analyses were performed on knowledge domain and knowledge conversion variables. Path analyses, based on stepwise multiple regressions, were performed in order to determine the strength and directionality of the relationships between the four processes of knowledge conversion and the four knowledge domains.FindingsThe results indicate that knowledge based on experience impacts the conversion of tacit knowledge within an organization, leading to innovative knowledge and competitive advantage. Emotional knowledge impacts the knowledge conversion process similarly. Only basic knowledge impacts the explicit components of combination.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the results of this study are drawn from a fairly large sample in only one firm, and hence, one industry. Not all of the middle managers who participated in this study are equally familiar with knowledge creation and dissemination within their organization.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that investing in basic training of employees and managers in order to reach a basal level of knowledge can act as a precursor to fuel other types of knowledge conversion as well as the innovative and experiential knowledge domains.Originality/valuePast research has not examined how the domains of knowledge (the content) are related to the conversion of knowledge. In addition, little research in the area of knowledge conversion has taken place in a European setting. This paper addresses the deficits.
Knowledge creation in small‐firm network
Authors: Balestrin Alsones , Vargas Lilia Maria , Fayard Pierre 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to aim to understand how the dynamic of knowledge creation takes place within a small‐firm network (SFN).Design/methodology/approachThe research, qualitative in nature, was developed through the case study of the Clothing Industries Association, called AGIVEST, formed by 35 small clothing industries located in southern Brazil. This article attempts to offer a more comprehensive approach towards the creation of organizational knowledge, by shifting from an endogenous process of the individual firm to a multidirectional exogenous process within networks.FindingsThe research presents evidence that the context of a cooperation network may provide an environment of collective learning, represented above all by the interaction dynamic that occurs between the firms through the creation of several types of ba (specific context in terms of time, space and relationship), which support the process of knowledge creation.Originality/valueThis approach should consider the tacit, complex, interdependent and contextual nature of knowledge, overcoming the eminently IT‐oriented view defended by the Western perspective of knowledge management. It is intended that the evidence presented encourages debate and a critical attitude concerning the concepts of knowledge creation, cooperation and SFN in the academic community.
Life as an entrepreneur: leadership and learning
Authors: Pitts Grahame 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide experienced insights to help entrepreneurs to maximise organisational change and achieve long term business growth and success.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on personal experience ‐ as a mentor/coach for over 15 years ‐ working directly with entrepreneurs who are looking to make breakthroughs with their business or for themselves as individuals.FindingsBecause so many businesses fail, the impact of the entrepreneur ‐ the business leader ‐ is critical. The transition from entrepreneurial control to business management is crucial and if not well handled can result in missed opportunities, failure or even sabotage.Originality/valueThe paper will interest entrepreneurs and SMEs, but is also targeted at larger organisations which invest in organisational change. The paper emphasises the key link between leadership, personal development and business growth.
Facing the elements: analysing trends in Antarctic tourism
Authors: Lamers Machiel , Haase Daniela , Amelung Bas 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTourism in Antarctica is rapidly growing and diversifying, which raises concerns about its impacts and the robustness of the current regulatory regime. Focusing on the analysis of past developments and trends of Antarctic tourism, this paper aims to describe the future opportunities for tourism in Antarctica.Design/methodology/approachUsing literature on the recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) and ecotourism opportunity spectrum (ECOS), the paper analyzes the future opportunities of Antarctic tourism and the key factors that determine the window of opportunity for Antarctic tour operators.FindingsThe analysis shows that tourism opportunities in Antarctica are defined by a combination of factors, which the authors integrate into an Antarctic tourism opportunity spectrum (ATOS). The paper argues that the opportunity settings for tourism in Antarctica vary from operations of increasing scale and efficiency to the continued development of smaller scale niche products, both of which will continue to diversify and drive the development of tourism in Antarctica.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is an attempt to transfer the concept of ROS, originally designed for the operational level of national park management, to the more strategic level of tourism trends in Antarctica. The research findings are based on stakeholder interaction within a limited number of countries.Practical implicationsThe paper is a potential source of information and advice for policy makers and managers of Antarctic resources, as well as scholars interested in Antarctic tourism issues.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the regulation of tourism in Antarctica.
Threshold of tolerability: the impact of management changes to recreational fishing in Ningaloo Marine Park
Authors: Northcote Jeremy , Macbeth Jim 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine a model for conceptualizing the impacts of environmental management strategies on travel and recreation choice making behavior that considers tolerance thresholds in visitor responses to destination change.Design/methodology/approachA survey involving a sample of 347 regular campers and fishers in the Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia, is analyzed to discern the effect of tolerance thresholds.FindingsDespite widespread dissatisfaction with enlarged sanctuary zones and negative impacts on recreational activities, visitors indicated a high level of satisfaction with their stay. This apparent contradiction is, it is argued, best explained by the threshold of tolerability concept.Research limitations/implicationsIt is argued that recreational users, planning authorities and other stakeholders have a threshold of tolerability in terms of decision‐making concerning management changes. These thresholds mean that changes in management policies, modes of activity and destination travel choices are rarely predictable in their effect, but are bounded by minimal and ideal expectations of destination appeal.Originality/valueThe paper introduces an important concept for tourism research that will aid tourism planning and management authorities in the face of growing environmental pressures caused by overpopulation and climate change.
Do general indexes mask sectoral efficiencies?
Authors: Benjelloun Hicham , Squalli Jay 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to attempt to shed light on whether the use of general indexes may mask sectoral efficiencies by investigating the random walk (RW) and weak‐form efficiency (WFE) hypotheses in the equity markets of Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies the multiple variance ratio test and the runs test to each equity market's weekly general and sectoral indexes.FindingsThe paper provides evidence of inconsistencies in three of the five analyzed equity markets when testing the RW hypothesis and in four of the five analyzed markets when testing the WFE hypothesis.Originality/valueThe findings in this paper provide empirical evidence supporting the use of sectoral indexes in lieu of general indexes in equity market analyses. These results have important financial and policy implications and would be of interest to investors, financial managers, and policy makers.
Determined: a system with novel techniques for XML query optimization and evaluation
Authors: Che Dunren , Hou Wen‐Chi 
Published: April 2008

PurposeEfficient processing of XML queries is critical for XML data management and related applications. Previously proposed techniques are unsatisfactory. The purpose of this paper is to present Determined – a new prototype system designed for XML query processing and optimization from a system perspective. With Determined, a number of novel techniques for XML query processing are proposed and demonstrated.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology emphasizes on query pattern minimization, logic‐level optimization, and efficient query execution. Accordingly, three lines of investigation have been pursued in the context of Determined: XML tree pattern query (TPQ) minimization; logic‐level XML query optimization utilizing deterministic transformation; and specialized algorithms for fast XML query execution.FindingsDeveloped and demonstrated were: a runtime optimal and powerful algorithm for XML TPQ minimization; a unique logic‐level XML query optimization approach that solely pursues deterministic query transformation; and a group of specialized algorithms for XML query evaluation.Research limitations/implicationsThe experiments conducted so far are still preliminary. Further in‐depth, thorough experiments thus are expected, ideally carried out in the setting of a real‐world XML DBMS system.Practical implicationsThe techniques/approaches proposed can be adapted to real‐world XML database systems to enhance the performance of XML query processing.Originality/valueThe reported work integrates various novel techniques for XML query processing/optimization into a single system, and the findings are presented from a system perspective.
Attitudinal, normative and demographic influences on female students' alcohol consumption
Authors: O'Hara Rebecca , Harker Debra , Raciti Maria , Harker Michael 
Published: April 2008

PurposeRisky and high‐risk alcohol consumption is prevalent amongst young females and university students. Relatively little research in Australia has focused on these groups. This study aims to use social marketing and consumer behavior principles to examine the attitudinal, normative and demographic factors which influence alcohol consumption amongst 18‐24‐year‐old, female university students.Design/methodology/approachA total of 230 female students in this age group were surveyed utilizing a personally administered, self‐report questionnaire. These participants were categorized as either low risk alcohol consumers (n=122) or high‐risk alcohol consumers (n=108).FindingsThe findings from this research indicate that a mixture of attitudinal, normative and demographic factors influence alcohol consumption amongst young, female university students.Originality/valueThis study aids in the development of targeted interventions to mitigate risky and high‐risk alcohol consumption amongst this cohort.
The influence of public self‐consciousness and materialism on young consumers' compulsive buying
Authors: Xu Yingjiao 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis study aims to investigate young consumers' compulsive buying tendency from the perspective of psychological motivation. Specifically, this research aims to study the influence of public self‐consciousness and materialism on young consumers' compulsive buying.Design/methodology/approachA self‐administered survey was distributed to a class at a Mid‐Western university. LISREL 8.7 was employed to assess the validity and reliability of the constructs by using confirmatory factor analyses and to test the hypotheses by using structural equation modeling.FindingsMaterialism was found to have a strong, significant and direct influence on young consumers' compulsive buying tendency. Public self‐consciousness was strongly related to young consumers' compulsive buying tendency. However the influence of public self‐consciousness on compulsive buying tendency was mediated by materialism.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on young consumers' compulsive buying. Not only is the influence of materialism confirmed, but this study also provides an insight into the motivation behind compulsive buying by investigating the relationship between public self‐consciousness and compulsive buying.
Collaborative academic/practitioner research in project management
Authors: Walker Derek H.T. , Anbari Frank T. , Bredillet Christophe , Söderlund Jonas , Cicmil Svetlana , Thomas Janice 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a cost‐benefit interpretation of academic‐practitioner research by describing and analysing several recent relevant examples of academic‐practitioner research with a focus on doctoral theses carried out at universities and business schools in clusters of research centred in North America, Australia and Europe.Design/methodology/approachUsing case study examples, a value proposition framework for undertaking collaborative research for higher degree level study is developed and presented.FindingsValue proposition benefits from this level of collaborative research can be summarised as enhancing competencies at the individual and organisational level as well as providing participating universities with high‐quality candidates/students and opportunities for industry engagement. The project management (PM) professional bodies can also extend PM knowledge but they need to be prepared to provide active support.Practical implicationsA model for better defining the value proposition of collaborative research from a range of stakeholder perspectives is offered that can be adapted for researchers and industry research sponsors.Originality/valueFew papers offer a value proposition framework for explaining collaborative research benefits. This paper addresses that need.
The beauty and the beast – on the creativity/project management encounter
Authors: Lundin Rolf A. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the creativity/project management (PM) encounter in TV production.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is prompted by several questions. Does the project work form constitute a threat to creativity, inventiveness or innovation in problem solving? Is it also indirectly a threat to development? Is PM the beast killing off much of the creativity, the beauty that exists in the world? Is it the other way around? Or what is the character of the encounter? Is there even an encounter? An ongoing study of TV production companies provides empirical illustrations to our reasoning.FindingsFirst, the PM focus on time performance in TV production can trigger innovative and creative responses to challenging targets because deadlines are good inspirations for creativity when time has to be compressed. Second, developing formats for TV production programs and series requires different PM creativity skills. Third, strategic development might be helped by a more strictly formulated PM procedure in order to activate attention to strategic issues in the turbulent industry.Originality/valueIt is rare to obtain deep insights of the lived experience of PM in the TV industry in general and more recently evolving TV cases such as in Sweden. This case study adds to our knowledge base in a PM sector viewing itself as highly creative. It also introduces readers to the idea of developing TV formats as a project product and contrasts creativity in design or TV shows with creativity in producing them. Considering the ongoing “projectification” and the commonly held views on the needs for creativity in project work, the questions are more than relevant and need to be explored further and beyond mere lip service.