bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A framework for assessing organisational culture of Chinese construction enterprises
Authors: Liu Anita M.M. , Shuibo Zhang , Meiyung Leung 
Published: July 2006

PurposeIn recent years, China is exerting effort to improve the performance effectiveness of its construction industry. This paper aims to report a preliminary study on organisational culture of five selected construction enterprises from different geographical locations in China and to discuss a framework for developing effectiveness measurement criteria for Chinese construction enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach focuses on the culture profiles of the selected enterprises which have similar size, number of employees, general reputation (in terms of quality of construction), business type (building works) and tax bracket. The measuring instrument of organisational culture is adopted from previous tested research.FindingsIt is found that the hierarchy culture is dominant in four cases; Shantou in the Special Economic Zone is the exception. The Shantou enterprise has a market culture and Shantou was one of the first regions to embark on economic reform. Further analysis is required of the spread of the culture profiles in terms of geopraphcial regions and developmental stages of the construction enterprises in China.Originality/valueThe result of the five case studies is indicative of the presence of the dichotomy in hierarchy – market culture dominance. Evaluation of operational effectiveness of such organisations must depend on their developmental stages in line with their stated objectives, and a framework for effectiveness measurement is proposed.
Public hearings in Thailand's infrastructure projects: effective participations?
Authors: Manowong Ektewan , Ogunlana Stephen O. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to report the results of research on whether the public hearing in Thailand's infrastructure development projects can be an effective vehicle for the project's public participation and conflict resolution on projects.Design/methodology/approachThe performance of public hearing depends on factors such as the structure of the process, participation, management, and resource required by the process. A case study approach is used to assess the performance of public hearings conducted in infrastructure development projects in Thailand by examining the project stakeholders' attitude by means of questionnaire survey and interviews. Evaluation by hearing participants and their level of satisfaction are interpreted to derive the effectiveness of the hearings. The extent to which satisfaction effects on evaluation is also considered.FindingsIt is shown that the hearings had moderate to low effectiveness primarily because the participation and management performance aspects did not meet the participants' expectations. The relationships of evaluation and satisfaction indices were examined. The hearing participants focus both on the process and outcome of hearings.Originality/valueThe research reported the results of scientific assessment of public hearing performance, constituting a significant step towards understanding and implementation of public hearings in the Thai context as well as their influence on the efficiency and effectiveness of the project management concerning the stakeholder values.
Disputing the existence of a dispute as a strategy for avoiding construction adjudication
Authors: Ndekugri Issaka , Russell Victoria 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide a critical analysis of court decisions on what amounts to a dispute that may be referred to adjudication under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.Design/methodologyapproachLegal research methods were followed. The first stage entailed a review of relevant literature. Reports of court decisions were then studied to identify cases involving litigation on what amounts to a dispute. A total of 26 cases, going back to 1965, were identified. Each case was then analysed to extract the applicable legal principles, particular attention being paid to clarity and consistency with not only other cases but also the policy underlying the relevant legislation.FindingsUntil only recently, first instance judges adopted the one or the other of two opposing approaches to the question, thereby causing considerable litigation. The Court of Appeal has twice approved a flexible approach based on the principle that a dispute arises only after a party has been given reasonable opportunity to consider the other party's claim and has rejected it expressly or by implication.Originality/valueThe novelty and global spread of adjudication lends the article considerable originality and value. Its main value is in the guidance it provides as to the principles that the court is likely to apply in answering the question whether a dispute capable of being referred to arbitration or adjudication exists. It is hoped that knowledge of these principles will reduce litigation on this issue.
Open‐planning concepts and effective facilities management of commercial buildings
Authors: Ilozor B.D. , Ilozor D.B. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effect coefficients of the complex connections between selected open‐plan office and effective facilities space management variables.Design/methodology/approachData on offices, management control and effective facilities space management measures were collected through questionnaires administered to 102 facilities space managers of 102 randomly selected open‐plan offices in Sydney.FindingsSome open‐plan attributes were found to have direct impacts on several effective facilities space management variables, while others exhibited indirect effects through management control aspects. In most cases, management control considerably reduced the effect coefficients.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the study is limited to discrete effective facilities space management aspects of only selected open‐plan commercial offices in Sydney, the research implications though far‐reaching, may not be universally applicable. However, a better understanding of the associations provides directions to where attention would be fruitfully focused in future research replications and practice.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of this result is for re‐engineering of work environments to consider aspects of management that invariably moderates and/or intervenes in the relationship of space, people and work process. This paper concludes that, with dedicated management control, the impact of open‐plan on facilities space management may be less extensive.Originality/valueThe paper's utilization of this quantitative approach is novel to understanding the connections between office attributes and effective facilities management. This approach offers a veritable alternative to examining and validating these constructs that are useful to space providers, designers, managers and users in understanding the interactions between space, people and process.
Optimum house delivery decision model from the Government's and recipients' point‐of‐view
Authors: Mahdi Ibrahim M. , Al‐Reshaid Khaled , Fereig Sami M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look into the mass production of dwelling units and the conflict encountered when the economics versus quality, sometimes resulting in a waste of public funding resources and extra re‐building time.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a decision model for deciding the optimum house delivery alternatives for both the recipients and the Government. The decision model is designed using the analytical hierarchy process. Where multiple criteria are incorporated for such as waiting time, citizen satisfaction, and quality of work, house delivery‐time, cost, losses and finally, management responsibility.FindingsPartially constructed houses enable the possibility of many alternatives by the recipients, which in turn avoids the drawbacks of rebuilding and at the same time, maintains work quality. The partially constructed housing system is proved to be effective in making a trade‐off between the government purposes and recipients desires, but with a variable percentage of partial construction.Originalty/valueThe analysis of the surveys stresses the importance of different alternatives within the partially constructed housing system in order to reduce waiting time and construction cost thus increases the satisfaction of occupants. The validity of this study continues to be effective to this date, as the Government's housing policies have not yet changed or streamlined, consequently re‐building continues to be the theme of many public houses after hand‐over to recipients.
Toolpath generation for layer manufacturing of fractal objects
Authors: Chiu W.K. , Yeung Y.C. , Yu K.M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeFractal geometry can be used to model natural objects which cannot be easily represented by the euclidean geometry. However, contemporary computer‐aided design (CAD) and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) systems cannot be used to model a fractal object efficiently. In a general layer manufacturing (LM) workflow, a model described by the euclidean geometry is required in order to generate the necessary toolpath information. So this workflow cannot be applied for a fractal object. In this paper, to realize the fabrication of a fractal represented object by the LM technology, a methodology is proposed.Design/methodology/approachIn the proposed methodology, a slab grid is generated in each layer of the object and it consists of a number of pixels. The interior property (corresponding to the fractal object) of each pixel in the slab grid is checked so that slab models of the fractal are created. The boundary of each slab is traced and refined so that the toolpath of the object can be generated from these boundaries.FindingsApplying the proposed methodology, the LM toolpath information can be extracted from the mathematical model of the fractal and the tessellating or slicing processes are not needed to be performed. The problem of representing a fractal in a CAD platform can be eliminated.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed methodology can be applied to iterative function system (IFS) or complex fractal. However, for some fractals constructed from more than one kind of fractal objects, such as multi‐IFS fractals, the methodology must be further developed.Originality/valueThe proposed methodology is a novel development for realizing the fabrication of fractal objects by the LM technology.
Simulation of ideal grounded tunable inductor and its application in high quality multifunctional filter
Authors: Parveen T. , Ahmed M.T. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to present a simple circuit for the realization of electronically tunable ideal grounded inductor, which consists of two current controlled conveyors along with a grounded capacitor. Also its application for realization of multifunctional filter is demonstrated.Design/methodology/approachMultifunctional filter (low pass, band pass and high pass filters) is designed using proposed grounded inductor realization which provides standard responses without any constrains in terms of matching conditions.FindingsThe multifunctional filter designed using the proposed realization has many attractive features such as low component count, high‐Q, low sensitivity performance, independent Q‐tuning of the filter without affecting its pole frequency.Originality/valueSimulation results show excellent performance with low power consumption of 1.87 mW at ±2.5 supply voltage.
“Are you the weakest link?” The FSA's financial crime review
Authors: Burger Richard , Hatt Samantha 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe FSA Financial Crime Sector Leader, Philip Robinson, outlined the FSA's new policy on fraud within the regulated sector in his October 2004 speech. The FSA subsequently undertook a review of 16 regulated firms and how to prevent and detect fraud. This paper considers the findings of the FSA's Firm's High‐Level Management of Fraud Risk Report and the reference to financial crime in the FSA's recent Financial Risk Outlook 2006 and Business Plan 2005/2006.Design/methodology/approachThe topic has been approached to consider the development of the FSA's policy on fraud with reference to speeches and policy documents.FindingsThat financial crime is a significant threat to the financial services sector. Firms have taken proactive steps to tackie fraud, but more can be done. The 2006 may see greater focus by the FSA on firms' anti‐fraud measures.Originality/valueIn examining the FSA's policy on anti‐fraud management this papers seek identify what the FSA requires from firms in terms of anti‐fraud measures. This paper should be of interest to compliance officers, MLRO Officers, fraud investigators and regulatory lawyers.
Treating customers fairly
Authors: Edwards Jonathan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a practical insight into the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) “Treating Customers Fairly” (TCF) initiative for financial services firms endeavouring to implement such an approach.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative paper subjectively considers the TCF initiative in the context of the wider ethical approach to financial services by drawing an analogy with the FSA's earlier initiative in seeking to establish an ethical framework for financial services. Reference is made to recent practitioner literature and supported by key academic literature where appropriate.FindingsThe paper highlights the FSA's aim of adopting a high‐principled regulatory approach to TCF as a real alternative to highly prescriptive rules. It consider the scope of TCF and the inherent practical implications for firms seeking to implement such a policy by drawing an analogy between TCF and the ethical framework for financial services.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is a useful insight into TCF from a critical, practical perspective and is part of a wider organizational cultural change debate which may be developed as the experience of the FSA and those it regulates matures.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that TCF is part of a greater need for the FSA and financial services firms to review their business in terms of an ethical approach, which in turn requires them to consider organizational cultural change.Originality/valueThe paper questions the FSA's strategic approach to embedding fairness in a firm's value system as part of TCF, rather than recognizing the TCF is a major component of the broader and more beneficial goal of changing a firms's ethical culture.
Setting the research agenda for governmental communication
Authors: Vos Marita 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo discuss topics that need future research in governmental communication; setting the research agenda.Design/methodology/approachBased on two studies by the Research Group for Governmental Communication.FindingsThe development of this field would benefit from research on monitoring methods, accountability and return of investment.Research limitations/implicationsFocuses of governmental organisations.Practical implicationsPriorities to professionalise communication.Originality/valueBased on two studies that are unique in Europe: trend study governmental communication and development of a balanced scorecard for communication in this field.
Culture and science
Authors: Sivak Leda 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis research investigated ideas regarding the concept of culture in contemporary New Zealand by critically evaluating the formal consultation processes surrounding the issue of genetic modification. Such analysis provides a basis for advising those who work within public relations on subtle forms of marginalisation and exclusion, which could be reduced with increased awareness of the dynamics of privilege.Design/methodology/approachThe research design involved a multi‐sited ethnographic approach drawing on three bodies of empirical data: participant observation within the Royal Commission of inquiry into genetic modification, textual analysis of the written submissions by Interested Persons to the inquiry, and interview material from people who were involved in the inquiry to varying degrees.FindingsThe main findings indicate that “culture” is often used in bureaucratic structures to describe the knowledges and practices of minority groups, where “minority” refers to those with less power, rather than those of smaller number. Lack of acknowledgement of the implicit privileging of dominant rhetorics allows for the further marginalisation of less‐dominant viewpoints. Insofar as policymakers have a responsibility to incorporate moral legitimacy and social justice within legislation, the findings encourage alertness to the dynamics and implications of unintentional exclusion.Practical implicationsI aim to assist in providing a language with which to better articulate subtle dynamics of power and privilege, exclusion and marginalisation, both generally and within discussions of best practice in public relations.Originality/valueBy providing a critique of a particular consultative process, this research highlights some of the limitations of bureaucratic consultation and discusses these theoretically as well as descriptively. It is hoped that these critical observations (from within a consultation setting that was remarkably inclusive and egalitarian by most standards) will assist consultative and advisory bodies, as well as policymakers, to design more inclusive processes for democratic participation and deliberation, particularly in relation to controversial technologies.
Jamaica: “shhh…it's secret money”: lawyers, money laundering and terrorist financing
Authors: Ali Shazeeda 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight to lawyers the need for concern about the source or destination of their clients' wealth, in light of the serious legal implications.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of the Jamaican legislation dealing with money laundering, terrorist financing and forfeiture. Also, an examination of relevant case law.FindingsThe potential liabilility of lawyers for money laundering and terrorist financing was examined. The investigative tools that may affect lawyers whose clients are being investigated was reviewed, and the implications of such laws for legal professional privilege.Originality/valueMuch of the emphasis on money laundering and terrorist financing controls is on the financial services industry. By emphasising the impact of these laws on lawyers, this paper should be of value to practising lawyers.
The significance of money laundering
Authors: Simser Jeffrey 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine money laundering generally and the response of one jurisdiction, the Philippines, to international pressure for anti‐money laundering measures.Design/methodology/approachMoney laundering is examined and described. The source of international consensus around the problem is considered. The multilateral response, including the pressure placed on the Philippines as a formerly non‐compliant jurisdiction is examined. The initial measures of the Philippines were rejected. Finally the Philippine solutions that ultimately met with international approval are discussed: the establishment of a financial intelligence unit, the regulation of financial intermediaries and the provision of criminal and remedial measures are considered. Civil or non‐conviction based forfeiture as a remedial device is given particular attention. Finally the limited jurisprudence on topic is examined.FindingsThe Republic of the Philippines has put forward anti‐money laundering provisions that hold the prospect for success. Implementation will be challenging.Research limitations/implicationsJurisprudence is still developing. This type of litigation takes time. As the financial investigation unit, the intermediaries and the courts respond to cases, there will be developments worthy of further research.Practical implicationsThis paper looks at an international problem, money laundering, the multi‐lateral response (only Nigeria and Myanmar are non‐compliant) and the impact on the Philippines, their financial institutions and laws.Originality/valueThere is no comprehensive overview of the Philippine anti‐money laundering law currently available. There is a book published out of Manila (quoted in the paper) but it is out of date and has not caught up to recent developments.
Terrorist fund raising through criminal activities
Authors: Hardouin Patrick , Weichhardt Reiner 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how terrorist funds are raised through criminal activities and NATO's role in the international fight against terrorism.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the more general context of NATO's overall role in the international fight against terrorism, the link between terrorist financing and organised crime and issues involved in confronting terrorism through the rule of law and democracy.FindingsDeficiencies in democratic development, a weak state, a lack of civil society and the absence of sound economic institutions can be fertile bases for terrorist and criminal organisations. Even if terrorists can flourish in developed societies (and organised crime as well) it is a fact that the rule of law is a major obstacle to the development of terrorist activities.Originality/valueThe paper offers the opinion that sound democratic institutions remain the best answer to terror.
Science‐based innovation as systematic risk‐taking
Authors: Styhre Alexander 
Published: July 2006

PurposeResearch on innovation and knowledge management practice would benefit from examining science‐based innovation work, that is, innovations derived from the ability to exploit scientific know‐how, in greater detail. While much engineering innovation work may be predetermined through rational breakdown analysis, there is always a factor of chance and luck in scientific work. Scientific work is never linear and predictable but must always be envisaged as the outcome of a combination of rule‐governed activities and a certain degree of unconditioned discoveries. The purpose of this paper is to report on how practicing laboratory researchers in a major pharmaceutical company regard their innovation work as being what is always of necessity inherently indeterminate and therefore put demands on top management to allow for a reasonable amount of risk‐taking.Design/methodology/approachCase study methodology based on interviews with 36 laboratory scientists and managers in a major pharmaceutical company.FindingsThe paper concludes that innovation research and knowledge management studies need to regard science‐based innovation as a specific form of innovation not wholly capable of being managed through rationalist management control systems.Originality/valueThe paper bridges studies of innovation work in pharmaceutical industry with the perception of risk‐taking among the practicing researchers.