bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconciling the theory and practice schism in educational administration through practitioner‐developed theories in practice
Authors: Keedy John L. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the international debate over the university as the service provider for school administrator preparation programs from the United States perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe author's approach is that of using historical analysis in developing a conceptual position: the author argues that the university professoriate in the United States now has little choice but to heal the historic rift between theory and practice if it wants to survive this current ideological era characterized by accountability for public schools to improve student outcomes and by the competitive marketplace.FindingsThe author's analysis consists of four separate explications. He first explains the genesis of the schism between theory and practice endemic to all professional schools: 19th century Positivism and early 20th century Technical Rationality. Second, he points out that the university, which traditionally protected education administration programs from constituency attacks, can no longer do so in large part because the field's weak knowledge base is perceived by many reformers and practitioners alike as counter‐productive to improving schooling's core technology: teaching and learning. Third, based primarily upon the work of Culbertson, Willower, and Schon, the author draws on over a century's rich counter tradition to the forces of Positivism and Technical Rationality in advocating that practitioners should develop and test their own theories of practice.Practical implicationsThe last explication infers the practical value to this concept paper.Originality/valueThe author suggests how professors can exploit the university's institutional advantages in adopting practitioner‐developed theories in practice as a curricular centerpiece.
The effect of demand visibility in product introductions
Authors: Lehtonen Juha‐Matti , Småros Johanna , Holmström Jan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to examine the value of manufacturer access to downstream demand information in managing product introductions and to Identify factors affecting this value.Design/methodology/approachSimulation based on actual data on 19 product introductions is used for comparing different types of demand information and their usefulness to a manufacturer. Two metrics are introduced. Bias indicates if there is a consistent difference between demand information from two sources. Delay in demand synchronization measures how long it takes for demand information from two sources to start conveying demand similarly in a transient situation.FindingsFinds that, in the supply chain examined, demand variability is mainly induced by distributors, whereas bias and delay in demand synchronization are mainly induced by retail outlets, especially for products with large wholesale packages compared with their sales.Research limitations/implicationsThe simulation model is simple and does not enable realistic examination of how a manufacturer could best use downstream demand data in managing its operations. Further research including such mechanisms as forecasts and stock‐outs is needed.Practical implicationsProvides a means for manufacturers to assess when they should invest in gaining access to downstream demand information and to estimate when their traditional information sources start to accurately convey end‐customer demand for new products.Originality/valueAlthough it has been suggested that the value of access to downstream demand information could be greatest in situations with transient or irregular demand, such as product introductions, this claim has not yet been thoroughly examined. This study is a first attempt at filling this gap in the theory.
Organization of packaging resources at a product‐developing company
Authors: Klevås Jenny 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe outcome of product development, i.e. the product design, together with the packaging solution, has a great impact on the logistics performance of supply chains. Despite this, packaging has traditionally been given a very modest role in the product development literature as well as in the logistics literature. The aim of this paper is to show how logistics performance and product design can be affected, and improved, by the packaging organization within a company.Design/methodology/approachA single case study has been conducted at IKEA, including on‐site interviews and review of internal documents. Along with the case study, a literature study has been conducted within the areas of product development, packaging and logistics.FindingsThe IKEA case suggests that the packaging function should have a strong link to both the logistics functionandthe product development function within a product‐developing company to be able to improve the logistics performance.Research limitations/implicationsAs the evidence is collected through a single case study, the results are not to be seen as generalizable but should be regarded as a first step to future research within the interface of product development, packaging and logistics.Practical implicationsPackaging and logistics are usually considered late in the product development process with the result that possible logistics solutions are constrained. Through considering “the whole package” – i.e. the product, the packaging and the supply chain characteristics – at an early stage in the product development process, savings can be made.Originality/valueThis paper includes the aspects of product development, logistics and packaging, an interface with very limited research contributions.
Are female supervisors good for employee job experiences, health, and wellbeing?
Authors: Moore Sarah , Grunberg Leon , Greenberg Edward 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to investigate managers’ reports of their job experiences, wellbeing, and health outcomes as a function of whether they had either a male or a female supervisor.Design/methodology/approachSelf‐report survey data were collected from male (n =328) and female (n =222) managers; these managers, in turn, had either a male or a female supervisor.FindingsConsistent with the hypothesis, two (gender of participant) by two (gender of supervisor) analyses of covariance revealed that all managers with female supervisors reported significantly higher levels of mastery and social support at work, and lower levels of work to family conflict and depression. Women with female supervisors also reported significantly higher levels of job autonomy and work absences than did women with male supervisors or men with either male or female supervisors. In an effort to explain these outcomes, the mediational role of work‐based social support was explored as well as the gender ratio of the subordinate's work environment. Findings suggest that, for both men and women, there are some modest benefits associated with having a female supervisor and with working in a more female‐dominated environment.Originality/valueThe study is one of the few to focus on possible work‐related outcomes associated with the gender of the supervisor and the first to examine if there are any associated health and well‐being effects for their subordinates.
E‐learning – offering opportunity
Authors: O'Leary Vicky 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo share the experiences of RRC in developing and delivering e‐learning programmes to individual learners and corporate clients.Design/methodology/approachRRC have been delivering e‐learning courses for several years now and this experience has enabled them to discover by trial and error what works and what does not. Reviewing the experiences of both individual learners and corporate managers has allowed us to assess the circumstances in which maximum benefit can be gained from choosing e‐learning as a delivery mechanism for professional training.FindingsE‐learning can be a highly‐effective delivery mechanism for training courses, but only under the right circumstances. These include where: there are a limited number of students spread over a large geographical area; the qualification is international in nature; a corporate client requires confidential discussion among learners; and managers not directly involved in the training want to track (and record) effectively the progress of individual learners. However, despite these benefits, it is not suitable for all learners in all situations, and consideration must be given to the individual needs of specific learners to ensure that the mode of delivery is chosen for the benefits it can offer rather than its position as the latest training trend.Originality/valueE‐learning is often seen as the “next big thing” and as such, is sometimes recommended to all learners on all programmes, irrespective of whether this makes educational sense. RRC's experiences in delivering such programmes will help those requiring training to think more carefully about the mode of delivery chosen.
Can I get a witness?
Authors: Dawes Graham 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of the article is to introduce readers to a novel way of utilizing experts to assist learningDesign/methodology/approachThe article is based on significant experience of using the witness approach over many years.FindingsWe have found that managers and others like using the witness approach. It clearly enhances learning and this has been identified in evaluation studies.Practical implicationsThe article shows how organizations can use the witness approach in practical situations.Originality/valueMost people have never heard of the witness approach and so it will be seen as quite an original contribution to the field.
Presence or PowerPoint
Authors: Ellwood John 
Published: July 2006

PurposeDuring the 12 years that I have specialized as a trainer in presentation skills, I have witnessed the erosion of the most powerful presentation tools i.e. presence and passion. PowerPoint has become the dullard's crutch, giving some the illusion that they are adequate presenters.Design/methodology/approachThe article illustrates that PowerPoint is most often used inappropriately. This is an observation based on the author's experience of thousands of presentations made by individuals from a wide range of organizations in the public and private sectors. The paper suggests the best ways to use PowerPoint and suggests alternatives. It also indicates the most important considerations a presenter should have when designing a presentation.FindingsFrom my experience and observations it is clear that speakers who seek to enthuse and entertain are those who gain the best results. Regrettably, continual use of PowerPoint rarely has this impact.Practical implicationsSpeakers need to relegate PowerPoint to a subordinate role when planning their presentations. They may find it a useful tool for illustrations and to reinforce a bold fact or statistic, but the author's advice is to avoid bullet points and consider more inventive ways to make key points, e.g. props, stories, demonstrations and, especially, audience involvement.Originality/valueThe article is invaluable to all who are required to communicate via presentations. It is a wake‐up call to ask them to consider their reliance on PowerPoint and alternatives that may help them to be more effective. The article confronts the commonly held belief by the majority of employees and teachers, that PowerPoint is a sine qua non during the delivery of information to groups.
Positive leadership yields performance and profitability
Authors: Tombaugh Jay R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTraditional management techniques and change management interventions are deficit‐based. That is, they often focus on “fixing” what is wrong in our organizations by solving problems. Maintaining a committed and motivated workforce, open to learning, growth and positive change, is difficult, however, when the daily focus is on what's not working.Design/methodology/approachGrowing evidence suggests that positive leadership and a strengths‐based approach to long‐term organizational change have a greater impact on performance and profitability.FindingsPositive leaders develop such traits as optimism, self‐confidence, compassion, emotional intelligence, loyalty, and trustworthiness. Moreover, they promote a strengths‐based organizational culture that emphasizes possibilities rather than problems.Practical implicationsWe need to develop leaders who can identify the organization's “root causes of success”, and build on those strengths for future performance.Originality/valueThe article will be of value to all those involved in leadership development.
Impact of urban effluents on intestinal helminth infections in the wastewater discharge zone of the city of El Jadida, Morocco
Authors: Lamghari Moubarrad Fatima‐Zahra , Assobhei Omar 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis work evaluates the risk of wastewater in transmitting intestinal helminths to a population living near an urban effluent.Design/methodology/approachThis study is a copro‐epidemiological evaluation of the school‐age children of Sidi Daoui, a neighbourhood in the discharge area of the main sewer of the city of El Jadida and a control group from Sidi Moussa, a district far from the discharge area.FindingsIntestinal helminths are more prevalent among the children of the study group of Sidi Daoui by 43 percent, compared with 20 percent in the control group, mainly caused by ascariasis and hymenolepiasis. Enterobiasis is an intestinal vermin present with similar expansion in both zones. Polyparasitism, which cannot be found in the control group, is 6 percent in the discharge area. A total of 22 percent of helminthiasis cases among these children are attributed to wastewater, in particular ascariasis (17 percent) and hymenolepiasis (11 percent). It was found that boys are the most vulnerable, mostly between the ages of seven to nine.Originality/valueProvides some useful information concerning the risk of wastewater transmitting intestinal helminths.
An application of a new extreme value distribution to air pollution data
Authors: Hurairah Ahmed , Akma Ibrahim Noor , Bin Daud Isa , Haron Kassim 
Published: July 2006

PurposeExtreme value model is one of the most important models that are applicable in air pollution data. This paper aims at introducing a new model of extreme value that is more suitable in environmental studies.Design/methodology/approachThe parameters of the new model have been estimated by method of maximum likelihood. In order to relate to air pollution impacts, the new extreme value model was used, applied to carbon monoxide (CO) in parts per million (ppm) at several places in Malaysia. The objective of this analysis is to fit the extreme values with a new model and to examine its performance. Comparison of the new model with others is shown to illustrate the applicability of this new model.FindingsThe results show that the new model is the best fit using the method of maximum likelihood. The new model gives a significant impact of CO data, which gives the smallest standard error and p‐values. The new extreme value model is able to identify significantly problems of air pollution. The results presented by the new extreme value model can be used as an air quality management tool by providing the decision makers means to determine the required reduction of source.Originality/valueThe new extreme value model has mostly been applied in environmental studies for the statistical treatment of air pollution. The results of the numerical and simulated CO data indicate that the new model both is easy to use and can achieve even higher accuracy compared with other models.
The consumer's changing role: the case of recycling
Authors: Anderson Helén , Huge Brodin Maria 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe emerging material flows of recycled goods have effects on roles, responsibilities and positions of a range of industrial actors, but also on the consumer as a part of the industrial recycling process. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the changing role and position of the final‐product customer, the consumer, as recycling is introduced into the supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper, building on theory and concepts from literature on marketing channels, industrial actors and material flows. Those concepts were developed basically for traditional forward material flows, while recycling complicates their application and further development.FindingsThrough recycling the consumer is given a new role; as a supplier, however, not as a seller in traditional terms. This new nature of its role complicates the conception of the consumer's position, vis‐à‐vis the recycler. It also addresses the consumer seen as an economic entity vis‐à‐vis other actors.Originality/valueIncluding recycling in the concept of material flow structures and the consumer as an actor in industrial processes becomes more and more vital; both for theory development where this is still novel, and for practice, as the mechanisms of recycling and consumer behaviour need to be better described and understood for both industry and authorities.
Environmental costs and benefits in life cycle costing
Authors: Steen Bengt 
Published: July 2006

PurposeFrom a methodological point of view, life cycle costing (LCC) is well developed with respect to conventional costs. However, when it comes to costs related to environmental issues, neither the items nor their estimation have been well developed. This paper aims at investigating the possibilities of using life cycle assessment (LCA) results to identify and estimate environmental costs or benefits in an LCC.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins by looking at the driving forces for introducing environmental costs in companies, continues by identifying external and internal environmental cost issues, and concludes with an attempt to estimate the internal costs.FindingsSome of the items of an LCC have to do with increased/decreased sales, others with good will. Both are difficult to estimate, but LCA or LCA‐like investigations may be helpful in identifying relevant issues. Future costs to the product system may also be estimated, for example, with a distance‐to‐target type of weighting. LCA may be helpful in roughly estimating risks, especially together with those LCA impact assessment methods that model damage. Such an item in LCC can be dealt with as an insurance fee or, if the risk is too high, as a way of including necessary preventive actions.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature on the subject is limited and not sufficient to aid in estimation of environmental costs and benefits for a company. It seems reasonable to begin an improvement of the methodology by looking at future costs and benefits.Practical implicationsThis paper may help in structuring the task of using LCA information for estimating environmental costs in LCC.Originality/valueThere has been increased interest recently in the integration of LCA and LCC, such as in the SETAC (Society for Ecotoxicology and Chemistry) working group on LCC. This paper contributes with new outlooks and structures for that work.
LCC application in the Polish mining industry
Authors: Góralczyk Małgorzata , Kulczycka Joanna 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a tool to evaluate the economic and ecological feasibility of new and existing mining projects using a combination of environmental goals expressed in life cycle assessment (LCA) results with economic goals expressed within life cycle costing (LCC).Design/methodology/approachSustainability is developing into a target for an increasing number of industries and governments. As a consequence focus has shifted from the production process to the entire life cycle. LCA is a tool that can help producers make better decisions concerning environmental protection, whereas the aim of LCC analysis is to create a cost‐effective model for environmental impact assessment.FindingsStudy of the influence of the environmental cost of projects should be based on long‐term analysis of environmental investment. Using the life cycle net present value (LCNPV) method it is possible to compare different investment options, and this method can be treated as a tool that can help producers to make better decisions pertaining to environmental protection.Research limitations/implicationsInternalisation of external costs and valuation of environmental costs are the biggest problems for LCC calculations.Practical implicationsMining producers can reasonably expect that implementation of LCA and LCC will lead to minimisation of environmental impact of their activities and to more effective environmental, cost and waste management. This means savings through reducing the amount of waste emissions and a decrease in fees and fines.Originality/valueThe use of the tools described in this paper will increase the efficiency of the decision‐making process, demonstrating the connection between activity and devastation of the environment.
Integrating LCIA and LCM
Authors: Brent Alan C. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeEvaluations of environmental performances are of increasing importance for environmental management systems. In the automotive sector of South Africa, suppliers of components lack the ability to provide customers in the value chain with the necessary information to assess and compare environmental performances. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in South Africa have systematically commenced to obtain limited process information from first‐tier suppliers. However, the information is not an accurate reflection of the true environmental burdens associated with the supplied components. Based on the available process information, this paper introduces a performance evaluation methodology that is applicable for South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe LCA methodology, as stipulated by ISO 14040, has been applied to obtain quantified environmental performance resource impact indicators (EPRIIs) associated with limited process parameters in the South African context. Three first‐tier suppliers of an OEM are used as a case study to demonstrate the application of the indicator methodology.FindingsThe EPRII procedure considers the spatially differentiated ambient environmental state of the South African natural environment for normalisation factors of typical LCIA categories. The procedure further incorporates costs in order to compare supplied components (and companies) equally.Originality/valueThe EPRII procedure provides the means for OEMs to obtain a first approximate of environmental concerns in the supply chain, based on three basic process parameters. Thereby, tiers can be prioritised to determine where assistance is required to improve environmental performances.