bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A framework for e‐government: privacy implications
Authors: Belanger France , Hiller Janine S. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe paper proposes a conceptual framework of the stages of electronic government that describes and integrates the unique relationship between the government and its varied constituents, and identifies and applies the global constraints that affect the implementation of e‐government at each stage.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on and expanding stages of e‐government suggested in prior literature, a framework is designed to recognize that the five stages of e‐government will have differing impacts when considering six different categories of constituents. In addition, the framework considers three global constraints superimposed on these stages and relationship; laws and regulations, technical feasibility, and user feasibility. The paper then provides an example of implementation of the framework by exploring the issue of privacy in electronic government.FindingsThe relationships mapped the stages of e‐government, affected by global motivators and constraints, are unique and complex. Policy and implementation of e‐government should take account of these complexities. Privacy in e‐government issues differs significantly when global motivators and constraints are viewed across the complex framework of government stages by constituency.Research limitations/implicationsThe relationships between constituents and stages of e‐government, together with the global constraints, should be incorporated into the process of decision‐making when government is considering the movement from one stage of e‐government to another. The framework provides new lenses through which e‐government implementation can be studied by researchers.Practical implicationsThe framework can be used to guide planning and decision‐making for electronic government and aid in the identification of issues unique to each stage and constituency.Originality/valueThe use of framework allows researchers and practitioners to identify issues that may not be highlighted in a general discussion of e‐government that does not take into account the complexities of the e‐government environment.
A procedure model for process oriented e‐government projects
Authors: Becker Joerg , Algermissen Lars , Niehaves Björn 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo provide guidelines in the form of a procedural model for e‐government‐indicated business process reengineering (BPR) projects in public administrations.Design/methodology/approachA range of recently published works, which aim to provide practical advice for process‐oriented e‐government projects, were analysed. Additionally, experiences from several practical e‐government projects were taken into account. The procedural model developed was then tested and evaluated.FindingsThere is a lack of process orientation in public administrations. Additionally, existing processes are regularly not applicable to e‐government. Therefore, e‐government projects in practice are not always able to fully implement transactional processes. Part of the value potentially added by e‐government is hence not exploited. One of the main reasons for the lack of process orientation is that there are few BPR methodologies applied and verified in public administrations.Research limitations/implicationsThe procedural model has not been tested for all different political and administrative systems. Certain national characteristics might lead to additional adaptations of the model which have been suggested.Practical implicationsThe procedural model is very useful and has been validated in several practical projects.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need for BPR methodologies in public administrations, especially in the move towards e‐government.
The role of business process redesign in creating e‐government in Ireland
Authors: Hughes Martin , Scott Murray , Golden Willie 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo investigate the role of business process redesign (BPR) in creating citizen‐centred e‐government.Design/methodology/approachIt is argued in this paper that the evolutionary‐based development of BPR is better positioned to expand the use e‐commerce technology in the public sector. The Venkatraman model of IT‐enabled change is used in order to investigate the extent to which BPR was instrumental in the movement to e‐government in Ireland. A case study is presented detailing how the Irish Government's e‐government strategy was devised and implemented.FindingsThis paper details how 50 government authorities were co‐ordinated in an effort to provide a single point of access (portal) to government e‐services. However, as the infrastructure for the portal is to be developed around existing government structures, a full and complete process redesign is unlikely, as the existing authorities must remain in place.Research limitations/implicationsTo investigate the unique nature of processes within the public sector so that IS platforms can be developed that accommodate less efficient processes rather than platforms that require unobtainable process redesign.Practical implicationsThe establishment of a specific government entity, whose sole purpose is to oversee and implement the e‐government strategy, has contributed greatly to the success achieved to date.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need for research in BPR in the implementation of e‐government and provides a valuable insight into the successful attainment of citizen‐centred e‐government in other jurisdictions.
Guest editorial
Authors: O'Donnell David , Bo Henriksen Lars , Voelpel Sven C. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this brief introductory editorial is to introduce the background and rationale to the special issue, “Intellectual capital: becoming critical”. This is based on a selection of papers presented at the 1st Intellectual Capital (IC) Stream at the 4th International Critical Management Studies Conference at Cambridge University, UK, in July 2005.Design/methodology/approachCritical management studies (CMS) is not just about theory but demands action; its purpose is to make a difference for the better. Following an introduction to the idea of what “critical management studies” (CMS) entails the main ideas of the seven papers selected are then presented. Each paper is accompanied by a commentary from leading authors in the IC and knowledge management (KM) fields.FindingsKey themes emergent in this “critical” issue include a decisive turn to language, uncertainty and risk, not‐knowing, ambiguity and complexity, scepticism towards simplistic mechanistic models, ownership rights, and the dynamics of situated IC practice. The conclusion reached is that there is much that further work from a CMS perspective can contribute to the IC field.Originality/valueThis special issue is one of the first applications of critical management thinking to the intellectual capital field.
Conceptualising intellectual capital as language game and power
Authors: Mølbjerg Jørgensen Kenneth 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper, drawing mainly on insights from Foucault and Wittgenstein, is to conceptualise intellectual capital (IC) in very generalist terms as both language game and power in order to initiate a critical understanding of IC.Design/methodology approachIC is viewed as knowledge about knowledge, knowledge creation and how such processes might be leveraged into value. It is argued that a critical understanding of IC requires a historical, contextual and linguistic understanding of how IC has emerged and how IC is used. Perceiving IC as language game and power is one way of initiating such critical understanding.FindingsIC is perceived as a social construction and the genealogical focus is on how actors, positions and interests influence this process of social construction.Practical implicationsThe paper offers concepts and methods that facilitate historical and contextual research on how IC emerges and how IC is used. Further historical studies are necessary in order to reflect upon and improve extant IC concepts and methodsOriginality/valueThe paper offers a critical understanding of IC by introducing concepts from the organisational discourse literature. Further it offers practical methodological guidelines for conducting critical genealogical research.
On the “essential condition” of intellectual capital: labour!
Authors: O'Donnell David , Tracey Mairead , Bo Henriksen Lars , Bontis Nick , Cleary Peter , Kennedy Tom , O'Regan Philip 
Published: June 2006

PurposeFollowing Marx and Engels' identification of the “essential condition of capital”, the purpose of this paper is to begin an initial critical exploration of the essential condition of intellectual capital, particularly the ownership rights of labour.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a critically modernist stance on unitarist HR and OB discourse, and contextualised within a background on the stock option phenomenon and recent accounting regulation, the paper argues that the fundamental nature of the capital‐labour relation continues resiliently into the IC labour (intellectual capital‐labour) relation.FindingsThere is strong evidence that broad‐based employee stock options (ESOPs) have become institutionalised in certain firms and sectors – but the future of such schemes is very uncertain (post 2005 accounting regulation). Overly unitarist HR/OB arguments are challenged here with empirical evidence on capital's more latently strategic purposes such as conserving cash, reducing reported accounting expense in order to boost reported earnings, deferring taxes, and attracting, retaining and exploiting key elements of labour.Research limitations/implicationsResearch supports the positive benefits of broad‐based employee stock ownership schemes. Further research on the benefits of such schemes and the reasons why they are or are not implemented is now required.Practical implicationsFrom the perspective of labour, nothing appears to have really changed (yet) in terms of the essential condition of intellectual capital.Originality/valueThis paper explicitly raises the issue of the ownership rights of labour to intellectual capital.
Analyze this! Diagnosing the relationships of clients and consultants
Authors: Rayle Martha G. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeEveryone has a client. Too often clients complain about their service providers and yearn for people who are just like them. This paper focuses on understanding the differences between clients and consultants, and applying methods for bridging the differences.Design/methodology/approachWhy do end‐user representatives, facility managers, corporate real estate executives, architects and interior designers have difficulty working together? Do factors like education, experience, role and behavior explain conflicts? Focus groups, interviews, case studies, and published research/literature review lead to personality type and role to articulate and ameliorate differences.FindingsSpecific roles for the end‐user representative (internal client), the facility manager/corporate real estate executive (both service provider and client), and the design consultant (outside service provider) are described, along with each “point of view.” The Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI), based upon Carl Jung's personality type theory, provides a vocabulary for explaining obstacles to teamwork. There are large differences between many service providers and internal clients in the S (sensing) – N (intuitive) dichotomy.Research limitations/implicationsAvailable MBTI data is limited by sample size and date. Larger scale studies of each role should be conducted.Practical implicationsRole and personality differences create obstacles to effective team work. Multi‐level (individual, team and organizational) intervention with structured information exchange and shared experiences can provide a foundation for building constructive relationships.Originality/valueFew stakeholders in the client/consultant relationship know why there are difficulties, what the difficulties are … or, how to fix them. This paper provides insight into why the problems occur, along with specific methods for solving the problems.
We need more than competence: what about excellence?
Authors: Cunningham Ian 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this viewpoint is to discuss lists of competences that have been developed by organizations.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses the theory of excellence.FindingsThe challenge for learning and development professionals is how we develop excellence. The starting point has to be striving for excellence in ourselves; competence is not enough.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is a better understanding of excellence.
Branding of learning and development: evidence from research
Authors: Cunningham Lucy 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe paper shows how branding is a crucial part of the strategy for a learning and development function.Design/methodology/approachResearch was conducted across a range of organizations. There was also an in‐depth study in one organization.FindingsBranding is important but often badly done.Research limitations/implicationsFollow‐up research on the pay‐off from branding would be useful.Practical implicationsThe research suggests some practical steps that learning and development can undertake to improve their image in the organization.Originality/valueThere has been very little work done on the branding of learning and development. The research is original and unique.
Implementing organizational learning initiatives: insights from Singapore organizations – Part II
Authors: Yeo Roland 
Published: June 2006

PurposeFollowing from part I, this paper further explores key issues in organizational learning and their contributions to practice and policy. It elucidates the various critical factors that influence each stage of learning.Design/methodology/approachFour Singapore organizations were studied, from which a total of 24 organizational learning practitioners representing both the private and public sectors were interviewed.FindingsQualitative data was presented in the form of excerpts from the respondents in support of the key research objectives as well as key factor variables ranked in order of importance based on the number of mentions, an uncommon technique useful for an exploratory study.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited by the single geographical context that might not be totally representative of the Asian perspective. However, the paper provides room for continuation as the author introduces part III (for subsequent issue) that will further detail implications for practice and policy based on the same study.Practical implicationsData revealed that the three factors common to all levels of learning are: a reward and recognition system; clear understanding of goals; and clear direction from leaders.Originality/valueOf considerable value to practitioners is the list of comprehensive factors that affect each level of learning. They are given a ranking order to help practitioners prioritize their organizational learning action plans more effectively.
Critical incident technique: a learning intervention for organizational problem solving
Authors: Davis Paul J. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis article promotes the versatility and usefulness of critical incident technique (CIT) as a method for addressing organizational problems and challenges.Design/methodology/approachA brief overview of CIT is provided and a worked example is given from the author's professional experience. A process map is outlined to assist organizations plan the course of a CIT intervention.Practical implicationsCIT is a practical tool that can be used by organizational members to resolve a diverse range of issues across any industry.Originality/valueCIT has tended towards a three‐question approach to guide the intervention process and analyze the issue at hand. This paper proposes that practitioners need to address a fourth question. The fourth question is designed to help organizations prioritize a proposed CIT intervention.
Coaching for performance improvement: the “COACH” model
Authors: Champathes Michita R. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to offer a simple and usable framework for coaching.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on experience in Thailand.FindingsThe model is a convenient approach.Practical implicationsThe model is a practical and usable framework.Originality/valueThe paper will help those new to coaching.
Eco‐costing of construction waste
Authors: Yahya Khairulzan , Halim Boussabaine A. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the key issues to be addressed in developing a framework for the eco‐costing of construction waste.Design/methodology/approachBased on an analysis of the literature, original thinking and the use of a case study, the key issues to be included in an eco‐costing framework in the construction industry are discussed.FindingsThe relationship between process, policy, technology, impact and cost is discussed. The relationship between environmental cost and construction site activities is introduced. A mathematical model for eco‐costing wastes from construction site activities is also presented.Originality/valueThis paper provides a first attempt to conceptualise eco‐costing issues in relation to waste from building site activities, and also provides practical modelling for implementing an integrated strategy for the eco‐costing of construction waste.
Ethical challenges in ecological policy
Authors: Ushedo Benedict O. , Ehiri John E. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo determine the human and environmental values that need to be protected at every ethical decision‐making point, given that resources are finite and that the needs of future generations have no upper limit.Design/methodology/approachA search was made of the Humanities and Area Studies Databases and Articles, the Philosophers' Index, RenDa Fuyin Baokan Ziliao (People's University reprints series), the Arts and Humanities Citation Index on ISI Web of Knowledge, the Arts and Humanities Data Service, the British Philosophy Database, Dissertation Abstracts International, the Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy (REP Online), ZETOC (Electronic Table of Contents) through MIMAS, and Academic Search Elite. Relevant arts and humanities journals were hand‐searched, and reference lists examined for further relevant reports.FindingsAlthough decision making in environmental policy relies on logic, empirical fact and intuition, it does not make sense to have a “universal master plan” covering living persons, the unborn, and the non‐human world when designing an environmental policy. Environmental policy options are meaningful in specific contexts; since each context has its own underpinnings and specific preferences on the basis of its own peculiar socio‐cultural and economic circumstances, the necessity of narrative ethics in decision making becomes evident.Practical implicationsAs this review demonstrates, the initial concern in environmental matters may centre on the preservation of human health, clean health, clean air and water, endangered species, jobs and the needs of future generations. Decisions may then be reached through cost benefit analysis, which tends to be whether or not the chosen course of action produces greater balance, the greatest happiness to the greatest number. But there are difficulties in determining what constitutes “cost” or “benefit”.Originality/valueIt became evident from this study that, to stand the test of time, context‐sensitive environmental paradigms should be capable of enriching themselves with ideas from other approaches to decision making such that, although problems may have a global dimension, the solutions to them must be context‐sensitive.
Managing water losses in Amman's renovated network: a case study
Authors: Decker Christian W. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo provide water utilities operating under rationing conditions with some insight into issues related to managing non‐revenue water (NRW).Design/methodology/approachReviews general theories associated with pressure, surges and water leakage, and compares them with real data in a rationed water distribution system.FindingsIn water networks there is a strong relationship between rationing hours and rationing surge pressures and NRW levels. These relationships mean that traditional ways of benchmarking NRW are not useful in rationed systems.Originality/valueThis paper identifies key NRW issues for utilities operating under rationing and gives them help in identifying options for their NRW strategies.
Performance measurement practices in manufacturing firms: an empirical investigation
Authors: Gomes Carlos F. , Yasin Mahmoud M. , Lisboa João V. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe objective of this study is to shed some light on performance measurement issues relevant to current practices.Design/methodology/approachThe performance measurement practices in terms of utilization, relevance, and availability of information are studied for a sample of 92 Portuguese manufacturing executives. Several statistical instruments were used namely multiple regression analysis, cluster analysis and gap analysis.FindingsThe results of this study underscore consistent patterns pointing to a lack of a broad perspective on manufacturing performance measurement. Conclusions and their implications to the theory and art of performance measurement are presented.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample used in this study is specific in nature (Portuguese executives). Thus, the results should be interpreted accordingly. Future research should test the applicability of the obtained results using other sample frames.Practical implicationsThis study provides practicing managers with useful information regarding performance measures and measurement practices.Originality/valueThis study represents an important step toward refining the theory and practice of performance measurement in manufacturing organizations.
Operations and logistics issues in modular assembly processes: cases from the automotive sector
Authors: Fredriksson Peter 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo identify operations and logistics issues which are critical for the operational performance in modular assembly processes.Design/methodology/approachBased on case studies of Volvo Cars, Toyota, and Saab, the paper identifies operations and logistics issues that are critical for the operational performance of modular assembly processes. The issues are used for extending our understanding of the design and operation of modular assembly processes.FindingsThe issues identified concern production planning, deviation handling, assembly flow balance, small unit disadvantages, and module flow control. They reveal that a modular assembly process design brings structural disadvantages related to the dispersion of activities and resource needs. The issues also demonstrate the need for extensive coordination across the interfaces of the decoupled parts of the process.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings will mainly be relevant for firms that design and produce complex products involving several technologies and that use company‐specific modules as is the case in the automotive industry, for instance.Practical implicationsOperations and logistics managers may use the findings in order to design and operate modular assembly processes, provide input to the design of modular products, analyze operations and logistics issues before the firm decides to go modular, or not.Originality/valueComplements existing research on modular assembly processes by outlining structural disadvantages and explaining the need for extensive coordination in such processes.