bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discourses of change ownership in higher education
Authors: Boxer Lionel 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper demonstrates how the positioning of self and others affects change in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe discourse of various educators was collected during various interviews and discussion groups. A positioning theory framework was used to analyse the data and derive conclusions.FindingsIt is shown that if individuals are understood in terms of their agendas in relation to the organisational context that they can be better led.Research limitations/implicationsThe quantity and quality of data available has limited the integrity of conclusions drawn from this paper. Further research is proposed that will provide a more robust understanding.Practical implicationsAn approach to understand how to deal with various stakeholders is presented for leaders. There is a need to deal with each person as an individual depending on how their personal agendas influence their priorities.Originality/valueThis paper introduces a social constructionist perspective to leading academics.
Use of process maps to develop a management briefing sheet for a design consultancy
Authors: Matsumoto Isao T , Stapleton John , Glass Jacqueline , Thorpe Tony 
Published: January 2007

PurposeProcess mapping can lead to a more holistic understanding of how an organisation works. This paper seeks to discuss how an engineering design consultancy, which had developed a series of process maps on the design of steel frame buildings, developed a powerful management tool, the Management Briefing Sheet which has yielded numerous additional benefits enabling practice to be improved and quality procedures more easily accessed.Design/methodology/approachTo maximise the knowledge and expertise of its supply chain partners and to better understand how it designed steel‐framed buildings, the engineering design consultancy undertook a process‐mapping exercise. Various techniques for documenting the process were considered, but a modified IDEF notation was chosen for its ability to capture the iterative nature of the design process and its methodical approach for deconstructing complicated activities.FindingsProcess‐mapping exercises can change the way organisations work and make them more efficient, but to do this the changes that would lead to improvements need to be implemented successfully. Carrying out a process‐mapping exercise in isolation from the end‐user can lead to complications.Research limitations/implicationsThe key obstacle to implementing change identified by the engineering design consultancy, with whom the MBS was developed, was delivering the knowledge acquired from the process analysis in a format that end‐users could understand easily and adopt effectively.Originality/valueThis article will be of significant use to any organisation wishing to maximise the knowledge and expertise of its supply chain partners and identify inefficient working practices.
Changes in the Danish construction sector: the need for a new focus
Authors: Kristiansen Kristian , Emmitt Stephen , Bonke Sten 
Published: January 2007

PurposeIt was the aim of the analysis to draw an overall picture of the trends towards change in the construction industry, thereby forming a foundation for further analysis and appropriate future research.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐method approach was taken to the data collection exercise comprising data collection from published sources, interviews with knowledgeable representatives of the Danish construction industry and direct observation of what was happening on construction projects in Denmark.FindingsThe work reported here has shown that there is some benefit in looking at the internal changes in the construction sector from the point of view of the various actors, an approach that has provided contrasting information to the government‐sponsored reports. The understanding of the industry as being backward and locked‐in does not provide an accurate description of the Danish construction sector. The research has shown a dynamic industry that is changing relatively quickly as it responds to competition and new opportunities.Originality/valueThe results of this research are reported and comparisons made with the less positive reports. From this a number of questions are raised about the scope of reports and the focus of future research into the Danish construction sector.
Are hypermarket prices different from discount store prices?
Authors: Rondán Cataluña Francisco Javier , Sánchez Franco Manuel J. , Villarejo Ramos Angel Francisco 
Published: January 2007

PurposeSeeks to effect a comparison of the pricing strategies followed by hypermarkets, compared with those that discount stores carry out.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from the direct observation of the supermarket shelves of nine frequent purchase product categories in several hypermarkets and discount stores. Diverse statistical analyses were applied to these picked up data, such as mean comparisons, ANOVA and correspondence analysis.FindingsThe article concludes that the hypermarkets tend to have higher mean prices, and use promotional tools more profusely than the discount stores.Research limitations/implicationsFor future research, it would be very important to examine consumer price evaluations based on a theoretical approach in the same formats, and in this way consumer reactions to price changes could be understood. Also, examining the cross‐country differences in retail stores may be quite interesting.Practical implicationsRelationships between hypermarkets and hi‐lo pricing, plus discount stores and EDLP pricing, have been found. Therefore, retail managers of both formats have to know all about these pricing strategies. In this way, the managers of these firms would know the kind of customers that can be attracted and the signals and image that can be projected in the market.Originality/valueThis paper directly compares the pricing and promotional activities of hypermarkets versus discount stores. Researching into whether price and promotional differences exist between the two format retailers will help consumers and managers to know the true price level of each format.
Moderating effect of type of product exchanged in long‐term orientation of firm‐supplier relationships: an empirical study
Authors: Polo Redondo Yolanda , Cambra Fierro Jesús J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTaking the Spanish agro‐food sector as reference, the current work seeks to examine the moderating effect of the type of input exchanged; specifically, to analyze the potential differences in temporal orientation of the relationships established between companies and suppliers of “core” and “auxiliary” inputs.Design/methodology/approachThe information was obtained by means of a postal survey of managers responsible for the supply function from a random sample of Spanish agro‐food companies, specifically wine producers. The reason for approaching these professionals was to obtain responses from individuals who are directly in contact with the firm's suppliers, and who negotiate the purchasing agreements.FindingsThe findings show that, although communication, trust and satisfaction are always important as evaluated elements, their importance is higher when “core” products are considered. The data also indicate that for the case of products that are considered “core”, the relation between commitment and the long‐term orientation of the relationship is not significant. In this way, the more relevant the input is, more important are communication, trust and satisfaction, and the less important is commitment.Originality/valueAlthough many studies have analyzed the long‐term orientation of buyer‐seller relationships, very few have considered the influence of the type of product exchanged. And furthermore, no previous works have analyzed the moderating effect of product type on the factors determining this long‐term orientation.
Redirecting under‐utilised computer laboratories into cluster computing facilities
Authors: Atkinson John S. , Spenneman Dirk H.R. , Cornforth David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide administrators at an Australian university with data on the feasibility of redirecting under‐utilised computer laboratories facilities into a distributed high performance computing facility.Design/methodology/approachThe individual log‐in records for each computer located in the computer laboratories at the university were investigated. The log‐in data were investigated over a 24‐hour/seven day a week period between June 2001 and August 2003. The data were analysed in terms of student access to the computer facilities during “normal” business hours, weekend times, and the semester breaks.FindingsThe computer laboratories were hugely under‐utilised, with less than 10 per cent of all log‐ins occurring during off peak times (7 pm‐8 am). Similarly, only weekends were likewise under‐utilised. This strongly suggests that this spare computer capacity could be used for alternate means during these times.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research needs to determine whether the needs of the general computer laboratory user who requires a stable and secure system can coexist with the users of a high performance computer facility where different software and differently configured computer systems are required.Practical implicationsThis research has the potential for universities to utilise more effectively their computer laboratory resources by allocating under‐utilised resources into other projects, such as to a high performance computing facility (HPCF). The cost of these re‐allocated resources would be a fraction of the cost compared to a scenario in which a separate dedicated HPCF had to be provided.Originality/valueThis paper suggests an alternate utilisation of the spare computing laboratory resources available at many universities.
Cognitive task analysis
Authors: Li Ping 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo introduce a cognitive approach – cognitive task analysis (CTA) – for the usability evaluation of evidence‐based nursing (EBN) websites.Design/methodology/approachWith the justification of the need for new evaluation methodologies for the usability of EBN websites and the provision of the theoretical framework and implications of CTA, the author proposes detailed steps for the usability evaluation of EBN websites.FindingsCTA is a new approach that can be used for the evaluation of the usability of EBN websites. It has the advantages that conventional evaluation methods lack in characterizing the aspects of websites useful to nurses in carrying out evidence‐based practices.Originality/valueThis paper, with the introduction of a new cognitive approach, helps ensure the effective evaluation of the EBN websites, which can then be improved to adequately meet the requirements and information processing needs of the nurses practising evidence‐based nursing.
Issues in moving from web services to service orientation
Authors: Phippen A.D. , Taylor J. , Allen R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo carry out a practical experiment into the feasibility of service orientation to achieve a dynamic, late‐binding service architecture.Design/methodology/approachLiterature view to provide a foundation in standards and measure anecdotal opinion regarding service orientation. The review informed an architectural design based on real world requirements from a multinational mobile telecommunications organisation moving toward portal‐based services. The architectural implementation took place in a lab‐based setting and tested with third‐party services that were integrated into the architecture dynamically to test the late bound requirements of the infrastructure. The experimental approach also enabled the testing of the opinions formed regarding service orientation.FindingsThe main outcome of the study related to the open, standards‐based nature purported to be possible with service orientation. The findings on the study highlighted some major problems in interoperability and operational efficiency of service‐oriented technologies when applied to a complex architecture framework.Research limitations/implicationsCurrently this represents the findings of a single study based on a specific set of requirements. In order to generalise, further study is needed and currently ongoing.Practical implicationsThe study has high implications for people wishing to approach service orientation as a means to integrate both new and legacy systems. The work raises a lot of questions about the supposed ease of integration.Originality/valueThe work contributes to a growing body of work examining and evaluating the usefulness of service orientation.
A process model for educonsulting
Authors: Dunn Steven C. , Jasinski Dale , O'Connor Matthew 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe rapid rise of corporate universities, online degree programs, and the explosive growth in executive education all serve as signals to universities that the concept of a learning organization continues to gain momentum in the business community. This paper has the objective of describing a new model for academic/industry partnerships that utilizes traditional professional aspects of higher education (research, teaching, and consulting) to assist individual businesses in their quest to build a sustainable competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first describes the model, discusses implications for business and the academy and then describes its application in an organization.FindingsThe educonsulting (EC) model gives businesses a method linking their investment in education programs to their business strategy, in turn providing a potentially greater return on the investment in human capital development. In addition, the model provides a school of business with a systemic means of professionally developing its faculty and improving its stakeholder relationships.Originality/valueThe EC model described in this paper provides a blueprint for innovative colleges of business and their business partners to link individual development and organizational development to achieve their respective strategic goals.
Reflection as a key component in faculty development
Authors: Clayton Patti , Ash Sarah 
Published: January 2007

PurposeReflection is key to learning from experience, including the experience of teaching. Aims to investigate whether critical reflection is as important in faculty development as it is in student learning.Design/methodology/approachOffers the authors' experience with a service‐learning program as a case study of the benefits and challenges of structuring faculty development around reflection.FindingsReflection on their teaching both deepens faculty's understanding of their roles as educators and allows them to model those abilities and perspectives they want their students to develop. Further, collaborating with our students in the reflective process promotes a strong sense of learning community, positioning students and faculty alike as engaged in collaborative inquiry.Originality/valueProvides useful information on reflection as a means of development for faculty.
Serendipity or strategy? An investigation into entrepreneurial transnational higher education and risk management
Authors: Shanahan Peter , McParlane Jenny 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide a past, current and future perspective of transnational higher education for academics and managers engaged in this area of education provision, to heighten awareness of the current trends and issues involved.Design/methodology/approachAn Australian/Hong Kong case study and reference to current literature are used to highlight the main issues concerning this rapidly expanding phenomenon in the provision of higher education.FindingsIdentifies and discusses the main issues for consideration when planning new transnational activities, including the need for strategic approaches and risk management.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses on Australia and the Asian region, although material related to the UK and the USA is included in some sections. Whether a country is the provider or the receiver of transnational education, the issues raised will be relevant.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a very useful source of information for those currently involved in or planning to become involved in a transnational higher education activity.Originality/valueThis paper is timely in that it addresses the recent proliferation of transnational higher education activities by considering the past and present, as well as providing discussion of potential future directions.
The MBA is dead – part 2: long live the MBL!
Authors: Blass Eddie , Weight Pauline 
Published: January 2007

PurposeBuilding on part 1 of this series, this paper aims to look at alternative ways in which business schools can develop the future managers and leaders needed by organisations. It draws attention to an emerging gap in the marketplace and suggests one possible model for addressing it.Design/methodology/approachA year‐long future study was undertaken at Cranfield School of Management combining a range of traditional research methods and samples including literature review, surveys of alumni, academics and futurists, interviews with recruiters and human resource (HR) managers, a Delphi study with international participants, and interviews and a focus group with business leaders. The results were then analysed and combined to form the pictures developed in this article and its counterpart.FindingsFollowing on from Part 1, this paper proposes a new “élite” qualification for senior managers and leaders to replace the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the marketplace. This would allow the MBA to become the graduate conversion course in business necessary as an entry point into management. The Master's in Business Leadership (MBL) focuses on the individual rather than curriculum, and is a personal development journey rather than a functional knowledge‐based experience, as there is an assumption that this knowledge base is already there prior to the course being undertaken. This paper concludes with a comparative analysis of the MBA, the MBL and the International Master's in Practising Management which Mintzberg has proferred as his alternative to the MBA.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comparison of MBA offerings and potential substitutes. It also suggests a new curriculum for senior management education to prepare people for leadership in the future, while repositioning the MBA as a mass graduate conversion programme. By putting forward one possible way forward in the management education market, this paper hopes to open discussion for further development of the international management education sector.
Visible options
Authors: Linder Jane C. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeEvaluating the potential payoff of an individual project in a portfolio, especially an innovative product development initiative, is a chronic problem with no satisfying solution. Because the commonly used tools to measure such opportunities provide limited insights, executives need better decision support technology.Design/methodology/approachExecutives making difficult portfolio funding decisions must answer such questions as which of their projects seem to be most promising, whether they should act now or bide their time, and how much they should pay to stay in the game.FindingsExecutives can use the visible options approach to manage initiatives by taking the following steps: review the composition of the project portfolio; crosscheck the announced initiatives with the company's future value; don't leave upside‐intensive initiatives on the back burner; and use failure‐avoiding management to limit downside risk.Research limitations/implicationsThe visual options method has yet to be extensively field‐tested and researchers need to collect feedback from early adopters.Practical implicationsUsing visual options techniques, executives can scan a set of initiatives and quickly spot projects inspired by opportunities and those developed in response to threats; the projects with big potential future outcomes and those that have only modest prospects. They can now see urgent opportunities with windows that are closing rapidly as well as the proximate threats that are often easier to recognize.Originality/valueFirst full description of the visible options technique. A visible options tool that displays the potential benefits of projects more graphically and gives a more complete picture of possible results over time could help managers make more effective decisions.
Different leadership skills for different innovation strategies
Authors: Deschamps Jean‐Philippe 
Published: January 2007

PurposeCEOs facing the challenge of stimulating innovation must select one or more champions to entrust with that critical mission. Selecting the right manager who will have the leadership skills, charisma and determination to lead a major innovation initiative is one of the most important decisions a CEO has to make. But innovation comes in many different varieties – new product category, new business model, improved customer solution, improved product, process or service offering. So it's appropriate to also ask, “Is a different leadership profile needed for each particular type of innovation?” And also, “How do we choose the best person to lead a particular innovation effort?”Design/methodology/approachThe question, “What qualities does our innovation initiative leader need?” can be addressed in four steps: define innovation leadership and offer a simple classification of innovation leaders based on the focus of their contribution; suggest a broad typology of innovation that reflects both the strategic objectives pursued and the way innovation occurs; describe a number of broad leadership imperatives implicit in each generic innovation effort; and identify some key leadership skills, qualities and styles required for success in each generic type of innovation effort.FindingsThis article defines four generic innovation strategies with distinct leadership imperatives. Each of these four strategies requires a different emphasis by management in at least four areas: enabling process, organizational mechanism, cultural trait and people profile.Research limitations/implicationsBased chiefly on the author's lengthy experience. Needs analytic study.Practical implicationsExplains why top management plays the vital role of hiring the right people to manage each kind of innovation effort. Shows how to match specific types of innovation projects with executives with specific skill sets. By starting with a classic typology of innovation according to its objectives, scope, intensity and boundaries, it defines four generic innovation strategies with distinct leadership imperatives.Originality/valueShows why top management must fully understand the importance of matching the skills of innovation leaders with the specific tasks and roles they will face in specific situations. Ultimately, it is up to top management to ascertain that it has the necessary cadre of innovation leaders with profiles matched to the company's innovation efforts.