bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leveraging which knowledge in the globalization era? Indian facet
Authors: Pillania Rajesh K. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeIn this era of globalization, knowledge has emerged as a critical resource. India has high expectations from her knowledge industries. Though it is difficult to classify knowledge into watertight compartments, this paper is an attempt to study whether Indian firms have identified the most crucial knowledge and what is the importance they give to various types of knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThis study is comprehensive as it takes into account both macro and micro aspects as well as covers both private (software and pharmaceutical) and public (petroleum marketing) sectors of Indian economy.FindingsThe results reveal that knowledge about customers is given the most importance and firms need to put serious effort into identifying the most crucial knowledge and then leveraging that knowledge for sustainable competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis paper represents the first of its kind in an Indian context.
A model for resource allocation using operational knowledge assets
Authors: Andreou Andreas N. , Bontis Nick 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to develop a business model that shows the impact of operational knowledge assets on intellectual capital (IC) components and business performance and use the model to show how knowledge assets can be prioritized in driving resource allocation decisions.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative data were collected from 84 high‐tech federal contractors in the Washington DC metro area. Respondents in the target population were middle‐level and operations managers of business sectors holding positions as presidents, vice‐presidents, directors, engineering managers, operations managers, and analysts. Partial least squares (PLS) analysis was performed to develop a structural model between operational knowledge assets and IC components that maximizes explained variance for business performance. Operational assets were specified as formative constructs and IC and business performance were specified as reflective constructs.FindingsA parsimonious conceptually sound model with significant measured variables and path coefficients was developed that explains almost 40 percent of the variance in business performance. The model shows both the interrelationships between the IC components that drive performance and the operational assets as levers for each IC component, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the study was focused on the high‐tech federal contractors in the USA. However, the model can be applied and tested in different industry sectors. This would provide evidence of the different operational knowledge assets used as levers in different industry sectors.Practical implicationsSenior executives and chief financial officers in particular are constantly challenged with making the optimum investment decisions given their budget constraints. The model offers a tool for developing and evaluating different resource allocation decisions based on an organization's strategic intent. In addition, the model can be useful in evaluating merger and acquisition decisions. In evaluating target companies the model can be used to identify the core capabilities or competency areas that the target company is leveraging and assess the impact or integration potential for the acquiring company.Originality/valueThis is the first study in the field of IC that has adopted the use of formative indicators in specifying operational knowledge asset constructs. Previous research has focused on developing models with the use of proxy measures as reflective indicators. Therefore the emphasis so far has been on scale development. The use of formative items in this study fills both the business need and theory gap to understand better the causal relationships that exist between work and knowledge assets.
Communities of practice or communities of coping?
Authors: Raz Aviad E. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the formation of CoPs (communities of practice) in three call centres of cellular communication operating companies in Israel.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a qualitative methodology including observations, interviews and textual analysis.FindingsIn all three call centres, customer service representatives (CSRs) turned to each other in order to produce situated knowledge that combined compliance with organisational procedures alongside subversion so as to increase individual availability while compromising professional goals. These CoPs were formed during training, on‐the‐job learning, and off‐the‐job informal social activities. The resentment expressed in these CoPs was found to be related to standard HRM policies (low pay, stringent control, lack of career prospects) as well as to cultural contradictions involving efficiency and service quality, which CSRs had to handle and absorb.Research limitations/implicationsThe research provides ethnographic evidence regarding the formation of subversive CoPs in call centres but, as with all case study research, the findings cannot be reliably generalised to other companies. Similarly, the case generates grounded theory that needs to be tested in other organisational contexts.Practical implicationsThe study raises the issue of how CoPs can become both enablers and barriers to knowledge flow in the organisation. To increase the potential of such CoPs to improve rather than inhibit service performance in call centres, practical implications are suggested in terms of HRM practices (e.g. strategic segmentation, the modification of monitoring), and in openly confronting cultural contradictions.Originality/valueThe article offers an ethnographic analysis of CoPs in call centres, focusing on their formation in the context of HRM practices and cultural contradictions, and highlighting their potential to constitute subversive workgroup cultures, rather than their conventionally perceived functional role in the organisation. As an inductive research using covert methods the article offers fresh insights in relation to CoPs and counter cultures.
Measuring achievement of learning organizations in construction
Authors: Chinowsky P.S. , Molenaar K. , Bastias A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to the LEONARDO diagnostic tool which assists organizations in determining their current level of achievement towards a learning culture.Design/methodology/approachUsing a combination of the analytical hierarchy process and the Delphi technique, the research obtained the critical questions for evaluating an organization's investment and progress towards achieving a learning culture. The questions are categorized based on five areas of a learning culture and three levels of learning within an organization. These questions are translated into a web‐based diagnostic that is validated and released for use by engineering and construction organizations.FindingsThe paper provides an overview of the LEONARDO diagnostic tool including the mathematical weighting system employed for scoring organization progress and investment, the web‐based availability, and the evaluation report card provided to users. The paper also provides a summary of the validation process including how organizations used the tool to determine internal learning progress.Research limitations/implicationsThe study obtained input primarily from large organizations and may not fully represent the entire engineering and construction industry perspective.Practical implicationsThe study provides a tool that assists any organization in advancing towards a learning culture that is a requirement for remaining competitive in a changing engineering marketplace.Originality/valueThe paper provides an introduction to how to achieve a learning organization as an advance over collecting and managing knowledge. This is the beginning of a movement toward the next stage in achieving success within the knowledge era.
Perceptions of workplace vibration hazards among a small sample of UK construction professionals
Authors: Edwards David J. , Holt Gary D. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (CVWR) became law in 2005. They are of particular relevance to construction – which by nature of its activities – presents abundant whole‐body, and hand‐arm, vibration hazards. The principal aim of this research was to assess perceptions among a sample of UK construction professionals; regarding workplace vibration hazards generally and the CVWR specifically.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire survey was carried out among a small but carefully targeted sample of professionals drawn from construction. These included health and safety managers, production managers and designers. A total of 88 useable responses were received. Data were analysed principally using the mean index technique.FindingsGenerally, a realistic view of hazards was observed; although some significant misperceptions were noted. Self‐confessed levels of knowledge regarding the subject were typically “low”. This appeared something of a paradox, in that “training workers” was cited as the most commonly used risk control method for both whole‐body, and hand‐arm vibration risks, respectively.Practical implicationsDisparity was observed between what respondents knew about the subject and the purported (extensive) use of training as a risk control method. This indicates that a degree of introspection may be beneficial on the part of employers, regarding their training design and delivery mechanisms. Differences in perceived degrees of vibration risk, exist between health and safety professionals and construction managers; implying that there is a need for improved communication between those responsible for planning vibration management controls, and those charged with implementing them at the workplace.Originality/valueThe paper presents research that assess perceptions among a sample of UK construction professionals; regarding workplace vibration hazards generally and the CVWR specifically.
Nonlinear optimisation and rational cash flow
Authors: Beran Václav , Dlask Petr 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe problem of diverse cash flows associated with a construction “project” appear in four progressive cycles. These are the initiating construction cycle and closing deconstruction cycle (devaluation cycle). The effectiveness of any project is given by capitalisation cycle. The optimisation of payback (credit return) cycle is critical for any project.Design/methodology/approachFor calculate of activity durations, cash flows and even we may use the spreadsheet table as a tool for expression of calculation formulas. This approach may offer a mechanism for answers regarding the sensitivity of manageable parameters (say changes in costs, construction speeds, duration of activity). The problem of optimal capacity expansion of construction work as a time dependent problem is studied in many different applied contexts. Traditional capacity planning usually begins with a forecast of demand on the basis of organisational or technological needs.FindingsThe implementation of a technical project carried out in conditions of high production speeds and low time reserves requires changes in technologies, organisation and preparation of construction. In each specific case, a civil engineer needs to know the economic impacts (the capability of applicable calculations).Originality/valueIt is obvious from the given example, which has the same features as the execution of a series of construction projects in recent years, that the myth of the importance of executing works in large volumes ahead of the deadlines has significant financial consequences.
Family as a source of consumer‐based brand equity
Authors: Bravo Gil R. , Fraj Andrés E. , Martínez Salinas E. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe main purpose of the current work is to analyse the role played by the family on consumer‐based brand equity. In the proposed model, information of a brand provided by both the family and the firm (via price, promotion and advertising spending) is analysed as a source of consumer‐based brand equity and its dimensions.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was conducted in young adults (18‐35) via structural equations model. Brand equity is analysed in six different brands of milk, toothpaste and olive oil.FindingsResults prove that positive brand information provided by the family has effects on the formation of brand awareness‐associations and perceived quality, and this may lead in turn, to brand loyalty and overall brand equity. The effects of the information provided by the family are higher than those of the marketing variables studied. Results also show that brand loyalty is much closer to the concept of overall brand equity than brand awareness‐associations and perceived quality.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size does not allow to analyse differences in the effects between types of products and consumers.Practical implicationsDue to the importance of the family on the formation of the consumer‐based brand equity, firms should analyse how to take advantage of this factor to approach new generations of consumers. Actions to foster family associations and brand recall may ease the transfer of brand equity from one generation to another.Originality/valueFamily has been usually considered as an external influence factor of consumer behaviour, however, its importance as information provider had not been analysed in the process of brand equity formation.
Price endings and consumer segmentation
Authors: Harris Christine , Bray Jeffery 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo investigate the area of price endings to determine which groups of consumers are more likely to use odd‐endings as opposed to round‐endings.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was developed that tested respondents' use of odd‐endings as opposed to round‐endings dependent on classification by gender and age. Respondents were required to estimate the price they would be expected to pay in stores for six products. This methodology enabled the researchers to generate a large sample size and to encourage accuracy of response.FindingsThe main finding was that there was a difference between gender groups; women were more likely to respond with odd‐endings than men and hence segmenting the market is the way forward when investigating price endings.Research limitations/implicationsThe research only considers segmentation by gender and age. Further research needs to be undertaken to fully understand the consumer responses.Practical implicationsAlthough the difference between 99 cents and a $1.00 is small, for high volume items this can have a significant impact on gross profit and margins, particularly for low value items. If retailers understand which groups of consumers were more likely to be attracted to the round‐endings they could use this knowledge to determine the most effective prices.Originality/valueThis research follows on from a price trial conducted into price endings and is the second phase of an investigation into whether odd‐endings are effective. It proposes a theory that has been empirically tested and points the way forward for future research in this area.
SHERPA‐LEAP
Authors: Moyle Martin , Stockley Rebecca , Tonkin Suzanne 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to introduce SHERPA‐LEAP, a model for the consortial development, population and support of e‐prints repositories.Design/methodology/approachThe organisational and technical structures of the consortium are described, including a brief summary of central and local resource responsibilities. Some positive and negative aspects of a consortial approach to institutional repository development, and of the SHERPA‐LEAP model in particular, are identified. Outstanding issues and future plans for the consortium are outlined.FindingsSHERPA‐LEAP is shown to be succeeding in its aims of developing and supporting e‐prints repositories within the federal University of London. Some lessons learned from the SHERPA‐LEAP approach are identified, but the SHERPA‐LEAP consortial model is found to have been mostly beneficial to the participating institutions. In particular, the networking and experience‐sharing opportunities which any consortial solution will facilitate are highly‐valued by the SHERPA‐LEAP partners.Originality/valueThe paper is intended to help to inform the decision making of institutions and consortia, which are considering consortial solutions to the establishment, and maintenance of institutional repositories.
ALADIN Research Commons: a consortial institutional repository
Authors: Hulse Bruce , Cheverie Joan F. , Dygert Claire T. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits and challenges of creating a shared institutional repository and to, describe the process by which a consortium was able to establish such a service.Design/methodology/approachA case study is presented outlining the process through which the Washington Research Library Consortium selected and implemented the DSpace institutional repository software in a shared information technology environment. The issues confronted in dealing with a multi‐institutional implementation are examined through both a detailed description of the implementation and a generalized description of the challenges the consortium faced.FindingsThe paper finds that while a shared implementation of an institutional repository does present significant challenges that would not be present for a single institution, the collaborative approach also presents significant benefits in drawing on the breadth of expertise available among the Consortium and utilizing a shared information technology infrastructure.Originality/valueInstitutional repositories have generally been implemented within the context of a single institution. An alternative model is described that draws on the experience and expertise of multiple institutions to achieve a common goal.
PEPIA: a Norwegian collaborative effort for institutional repositories
Authors: Magnus Elvenes Joki Sverre 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on Project for Electronic Publications and Institutional Archives (PEPIA), which is a government‐sponsored Norwegian effort, to provide institutional repositories to multiple Norwegian universities, university colleges and other research institutions through a consortium managed by BIBSYS.Design/methodology/approachSome aspects of the project are headlined to give a brief introduction to the PEPIA project and the problems associated with creating a consortium with multiple institutions on one software platform.FindingsThe ongoing project PEPIA has shown that it is possible for multiple organizations to join forces and create a consortium to develop an institutional repository on one software platform. After an initial requirements specification phase it was found that most institutions have the same basic requirements, even though they may seem different. The requirements, besides basic registration and searching, are mostly centered on integration with library systems, research documentation systems, national OAI harvesters and preferably learning management systems. The experience with the freely available DSpace software is mostly good, but the work of integrating the software into an already existing software development platform and production environment was more complex than estimated. The user management mechanisms in DSpace is too simplistic but the development of a more advanced rule‐based access mechanisms for collections has resulted in a lot easier management by users, and can further lower the operating costs for the members of the consortium.Originality/valueThe paper provides an overview of the PEPIA project, which enables more and more institutions to see the benefits of working together towards better solutions.
Expanding roles for the institutional repository
Authors: Wise Marie , Spiro Lisa , Henry Geneva , Byrd Sidney 
Published: June 2007

PurposeRice University has adopted the DSpace platform for its institutional repository, but has pushed the traditional limits of how that is defined. To accommodate a wider range of scholarship that includes digitized multimedia source materials integrated with educational modules and geospatial resources, the technical infrastructure of DSpace has been enriched. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the developments and decisions required to support this range of scholarship beyond born‐digital scholarly pre‐prints and reports.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the Travelers in the Middle East Archive (TIMEA), a digital archive that makes use of DSpace to preserve and present images and texts, as a case study in using DSpace as both a repository and archive framework. TIMEA integrates two additional systems for presenting digital content, Connexions, which focuses on educational modules, and ArcIMS, which makes available dynamic GIS (Geographic Information Systems) maps.FindingsAlthough DSpace was originally intended to be an “institutional repository” for born‐digital materials such as scholarly reports, it can also serve as an archive for digitized items such as XML‐encoded texts and digital images. However, making DSpace work as a digital archive for TIMEA has required customization, including building‐in XML support, working with DSpace's flat metadata structure, implementing a customized, XML‐driven user interface using Manakin, and performing additional programming to integrate functionality for GIS and educational modules.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of using DSpace as both institutional repository and digital archive have required a number of modifications, including additional functional software development, reworking the metadata structure, redefining repository policies, format access modifications, and customizing the look and feel of the repository.Originality/valueThe discussion in this paper, of the challenges and decisions inherent in using an institutional repository with a digital archive will assist other institutions working to integrate resources as will the portal structure to facilitate harvesting from multiple relevant repositories and direct users to digital resources independent of their native repositories. Likewise, enhancements to DSpace, such as support for XML document presentation, are contributions to the institutional repository community.