bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competency management in support of organisational change
Authors: Vakola Maria , Eric Soderquist Klas , Prastacos Gregory P. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeCompetitive advantage depends largely on the ability to activate and use organisational resources. As a result, the focus in the strategic management, organisational behaviour and human resource management literature has turned to the internal capabilities of organisations including a particular focus on employees' competencies. This paper seeks to analyse and discuss a forward‐looking, dynamic and proactive approach to competency modelling explicitly aligned with strategic business needs and oriented to long‐term future success.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a longitudinal research project sponsored by a leading Greek bank, currently undergoing fundamental corporate restructuring. This paper describes how the competency model was developed and how it facilitated strategy implementation and change by supporting communication, employee understanding of business goals, and the incorporation of new behaviours, roles and competencies in operations.FindingsA forward‐looking and proactive approach to competency modelling is presented and discussed in the context of a large‐scale organisational change. The organisational core competencies required for a business to compete successfully in the banking sector are defined and discussed. The right mix of skills and behaviours that the individuals would need to possess in order to produce and support those core competencies is also analysed and discussed.Originality/valueTraditional approach to competency management, which is analogous to job analysis, focuses on competencies of successful individuals, rather than on competencies that are needed to support an organisation to meet its short‐ or long‐term objectives. It is important to realise that there is a need to shift toward a forward‐looking and proactive approach to competency modelling and present a competency methodology that supports this need.
E‐business through knowledge management in Spanish telecommunications companies
Authors: Cegarra‐Navarro Juan G. , Angel Martínez‐Conesa Eusebio 
Published: July 2007

PurposeE‐business requires small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to seek both external and internal knowledge and to establish external and internal relationships with partners, such as customers and suppliers. This paper aims to describe a model that examines how knowledge management has an impact on the adoption of e‐business, particularly in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews literature to identify relevant measures through a structural equation model, which is validated through an empirical investigation of 107 SMEs in the Spanish telecommunications sector.FindingsThe results show that, in order to implement e‐business systems, companies need to provide and support the acquisition, sharing and application of knowledge as prior steps.Research limitations/implicationsOther factors that have not been included in this study are also likely to affect knowledge acquisition.Practical implicationsOrganisations that engage in learning from their customers and suppliers not only test the effectiveness of a new direction of e‐business, but also have the potential to design their e‐business around what customers truly need and want, and as such gain a sustainable competitive advantage.Originality/valueThese results have implications for e‐business managers in formulating policies and targeting appropriate organisational capabilities to ensure the effective adoption of e‐business systems.
Leadership development: learning from best practices
Authors: Leskiw Sheri‐Lynne , Singh Parbudyal 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of the literature on best practices and propose a series of steps or practices that practitioners can use in developing and assessing their leadership development strategies and programs.Design/methodology/approachThis is a review paper. An extensive literature review was conducted (by searching texts and business databases, such as ABIInform/Proquest, for “leadership development best practices”). Once an organization was identified, several criteria were used to decide whether it would be included in this study: independent analysts classified the practice as “best” in the leadership development area; leaders were “made” through integrated, multi‐mode programs that included top management support, systematic training, etc.FindingsSix key factors were found to be vital for effective leadership development: a thorough needs assessment, the selection of a suitable audience, the design of an appropriate infrastructure to support the initiative, the design and implementation of an entire learning system, an evaluation system, and corresponding actions to reward success and improve on deficiencies.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper identified “best practice organizations” by reviewing the literature. While this is an acceptable method, it resulted in wide range of determining criteria.Practical implicationsThe most important implication of this paper is practical in nature. Essentially, organizations can use the six stages identified in the paper to help them develop and implement effective leadership development strategies.Originality/valueLeadership development has become a key strategic issue for contemporary organizations. There is considerable evidence to suggest that organizations that do not have properly structured leadership development processes compete in the marketplace at their own peril. Several organizations have reported successes with particular approaches, yet an examination of the literature reveals that the lessons emanating from these success stories are generally not presented in a holistic manner. This is the need that we address in this paper.
Towards a contingency approach to performance measurement: an empirical study in Scottish SMEs
Authors: Garengo Patrizia , Bititci Umit 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe literature emphasizes the important role performance measurement systems (PMS) play in supporting organizational development in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, there are very few empirical and theoretical studies on the factors that influence performance measurement practices in SMEs. This paper aims to contribute to filling this gap using both theoretical and empirical approaches.Design/methodology/approachA literature review and interviews were used to identify four key contingency factors for PMS in SMEs. A qualitative research design involving a multiple case study methodology was carried out to investigate how these factors influence performance measurement.FindingsThe relationship between the contingency factors and performance measurement were formalized in four theoretical propositions. First corporate governance structure is one of the main factors influencing performance measurement adoption and use. Second, advanced information practices and advanced behaviours on the part of the people involved appear to be a necessary condition for the effective implementation and use of PMS in SMEs. Third, a change in a firm's business model seems to lead to the development of an improved PMS. Finally, the successful implementation of a PMS seems to be driven by an authoritative management style.Research limitations/implicationsContingency factors were studied independently. Future research might investigate how these factors collectively influence performance measurement practices to make interdependence more explicit.Practical implicationsThe theoretical propositions provide useful knowledge for defining a methodology and managerial tool to support performance measurement in SMEs.Originality/valueThis paper defines key contingency factors influencing performance measurement in SMEs; it contributes to clarifying how these factors could influence performance measurement practices in companies.
Leadership: emotional intelligence, passion and … what else?
Authors: Marques Joan F. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the outcome of a business and management cohort's contemplations on leadership qualities that can be considered applicable under practically all circumstances.Design/methodology/approachThe subject scope was organizational leadership. The methods used were written interviews. The topic was approached by: explaining the general disconformities of leadership qualities, depending on situations and followers; examining leadership students' perceptions on generally applicable leadership qualities; clustering the listed qualities; and presenting a model.FindingsThere are some leadership attributes that are generally applicable, regardless of situation and followers. The findings listed in this paper are not exhaustive but should rather be used as a pragmatic tool for further research on the topic.Research limitations/implicationsThe population used for data was limited, as it consisted of business and management students with a leadership emphasis. The themes to be collected were also limited, due to the pre‐set restriction for each student to list only one additional leadership quality. The findings were only gathered from one cohort, later enriched with additional interview findings, and might provide increased themes when extended over multiple courses in multiple semesters, or when applied in additional qualitative or quantitative studies on the topic. Applying this study on other populations for a greater foundation in findings.Practical implicationsThere are some qualities that work in leadership all the time and everywhere, and leaders could use this list as an encouraging reflection onto their practices.Originality/valueIn these times when all leadership sources claim that successful leadership is as dispersed as the situations and natures of followers, this paper provides a refreshing viewpoint that there are qualities in existence that will enhance a leader's performance, regardless of the nature of the constituents.
Building public service‐oriented government in China
Authors: Knox Colin , Qun Zhang 
Published: July 2007

PurposeLegislative hearings are a relatively new way of encouraging citizen participation in administrative law making within China. The first such hearing in Liaoning Province (Dalian City) was held in April 2005. The purpose of this paper is to examine the detail of the hearing process and attempts to assess its effectiveness as a mechanism for engagement between citizen and the state.Design/methodology/approachThe authors consider both the practicalities of running a public hearing and its influence on the legal regulations under scrutiny. More generally, and within the limits of one case study, we consider whether hearings have the potential to shift the balance of power away from the state and its officials towards a more inclusive form of decision‐making.FindingsLegislative public hearings appear to offer the opportunity for public engagement. The out‐workings of these in practice, if the Dalian case study and secondary evidence from five other Chinese cities is typical, suggests practical limitations, some of which are bound up with the cultural origins of a paternalistic public sector in China and deference to authority.Originality/valueThis paper examines whether citizen participation has been influenced by the wider global reform process of new public management and modernisation, synonymous with developed countries and offers insight into a more inclusive form of decision making for other public services.
An exploratory study on the value of service learning projects and their impact on community service involvement and critical thinking
Authors: Joseph Mathew , Stone George W. , Grantham Kimberly , Harmancioglu Nukhet , Ibrahim Essam 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis exploratory study attempts to capture some of the principal benefits/factors attributable to service learning/community service projects, from a student perspective.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 67 males and 83 females (16 graduate, 71 seniors, and 63 juniors) participated in the study.FindingsStudents believe that their college experience is preparing them for the job market, that critical thinking has been enhanced, and that their college academic experience has emphasized community service upon graduation.Practical implicationsThe results increase one's knowledge of the benefits of service learning since so much emphasis is currently being placed on improving the critical thinking and problem‐solving ability of undergraduate business students.Originality/valuePractitioners would be interested in understanding the impact that service learning can have on the problem‐solving ability of potential employees. If additional research could advance the proposition that students with service learning experience are generally superior in terms of their problem‐solving skills to students with no similar experience, then evidence of a service learning component on a student résumé suddenly adds value to the employer.
Conflict, arbitration, and dispute resolution in the German workplace
Authors: Behrens Martin 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper investigates the role of arbitration panels in German employment relations. It is the main aim of the analysis to improve our knowledge of the ways through which employment related conflict is formalized within a transparent procedure.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses are generated from a review of relevant publications on German arbitration panels. To test the hypotheses with evidence, the paper uses data from the 2006 WSI works council survey and applies binary logistical regression analysis.FindingsThe statistical analysis reveals that works councils oppose management hostility by way of making more frequent use of arbitration panels. While in a multivariate model the use of arbitration panels could be positively associated with certain attitudes of works councils and management, results for a number of institutional variables were other than expected. While foreign ownership of a particular establishment did not have a significant impact on the use of arbitration panels, firm‐level agreements, as negotiated by unions without the direct involvement of works councils, are associated with a more frequent use of such panels.Research limitations/implicationsThe model applied in the article could not verify establishment age because data on this subject was not available. Future surveys should fill this void.Practical implicationsThe findings of this paper suggest that arbitration panels are a valuable tool in the process of conflict resolution. Because there is little evidence for an excessive use of such panels, future debates on the reform of the Works Constitution Act should consider strengthening this instrument rather than restricting it.Originality/valueWhile data on the use of arbitration panels had already been documented about 20 years ago, the author presents a unique set of data, which for the first time allows the analysis of the use of arbitration panels in all industries within the private sector and is also significant in making it possible to statistically test relevant hypotheses on the usage of such panels.
Advance fee fraud: trends and issues in the Caribbean
Authors: Akinladejo Olubusola H. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the trends and issues involved in advance fee fraud in the Caribbean.Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers a definition of advance fee fraud, describing its practice in the context of the Caribbean. The paper outlines the current state of the law in the region, the need for action and the legislative and enforcement strategies required.FindingsInternational and regional efforts have been geared towards drug trafficking and money laundering and, in more recent times, terrorism. The time is now ripe for these international and regional efforts to add to their focus advance fee fraud in all its versions and variations. The need to take proactive and decisive measures against advance fee fraud is even more evident in the context of the growth in the use of technology in commerce due to the obvious economic advantage. Advance fee fraud is not just a trick or reward for greed, it is an economic crime and there must be a drastic response from the region. The region should not be complacent towards the fraud in light of far reaching negative effect that the fraud is likely to have in the region.Originality/valueThe paper adds insight into the practice of advance fee fraud in the Caribbean and the need for action to combat it.
The early‐adolescent female clothing consumer
Authors: de Klerk Helena M. , Tselepis Thea 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore and describe the early‐adolescent female consumer's expectations and evaluation, as well as satisfaction relating to the fit, as a dimension of the quality of her clothes.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research style was followed and a structured questionnaire was used as data‐collecting method. A total of 120 13‐year‐old young female consumers, also known as the early‐adolescent female, participated in the study.FindingsThe results suggest that the early‐adolescent female consumer is not only concerned about the functional aspects of the fit of her clothes, but also about the emotional effect. Results further suggest that this consumer group probably does not have the expertise, knowledge and cognitive skills that can enable them, during the evaluation phase of the decision‐making process, to realistically evaluate this very important dimension of the quality of clothes, with the main purpose of giving functional comfort and emotional pleasure during the post‐purchase experience. This then contributes to the fact that, when wearing the clothes, they are, especially as regards the emotional and cognitive dimensions, mostly dissatisfied with the fit of their clothes.Originality/valueWith the buying power of this young market in mind, the main implication of the above is that brands that are specifically aimed at these young consumers should specifically be sized according to the measurements and figure proportions of the young consumer.
Socially responsible property investment (SRPI)
Authors: Rapson Daniel , Shiers David , Roberts Claire , Keeping Miles 
Published: July 2007

PurposeSocially responsible investment (SRI) is now a well established part of equities investment. Questions are now being raised over property investment and whether similar attempts to be “socially responsible” should be incorporated into investment practice. This paper aims to examine the investment practices of large fund managers for both equities and property in order to identify products and activities which are contributing to the progress of SRPI.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis was conducted of equities SRI, and potential SRPI activities, for the top ten UK property fund management using publicly available company literature. This was analysed using simple matrices to understand common activities, industry application, and market‐leading innovations. Relationships between progress in SRI and SRPI, are also explored, along with the consideration of SRPI actions in the context of SRI concepts.FindingsMarket leaders were established in terms of their equities SRI products and services, though this did not necessarily equate to progress in the field of SRPI. Only one potentially SPRI product was identified. However this does not represent the overall consideration of sustainability issues in relation to property investment practices. Half of the companies studied were found to be taking actions which demonstrate attempts to consider the impacts associated with property investment.Originality/valueThis paper reflects a call from key SRPI thinkers to assess the current extent of SRPI practices, which will be a useful starting point for further analysis/debate of the most appropriate SRPI methods. It should therefore be of interest to both SRI and general property investors alike.
New scintillation detector of backscattered electrons for the low voltage SEM
Authors: WANDROL PETR 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe new scintillation detector of backscattered electrons that is capable of working at primary beam energy as low as 0.5 keV is introduced. Low energy backscattered electrons are accelerated in order to generate a sufficient number of photons. Secondary electrons are deflected back by the energy filter so that the true compositional contrast of the specimen is obtained. The theoretical models of the detector function are described and first demonstration images are presented.
Consequences of the background in piezoresponse force microscopy on the imaging of ferroelectric domain structures
Authors: JUNGK T. , HOFFMANN Á. , SOERGEL E. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe interpretation of ferroelectric domain images obtained with a piezoresponse force microscope (PFM) is discussed. The influence of an inherent experimental background on the domain contrast in PFM images (enhancement, nulling, inversion) as well as on the shape and the location of the domain boundaries are described. We present experimental results to evidence our analysis of the influence of the background on the domain contrast in PFM images.
Distribution and Characteristics of
Listeria monocytogenes
Isolates from Surface Waters of the South Nation River Watershed, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Lyautey Emilie , Lapen David R. , Wilkes Graham , McCleary Katherine , Pagotto Franco , Tyler Kevin , Hartmann Alain , Piveteau Pascal , Rieu Aurélie , Robertson William J. , Medeiros Diane T. , Edge Thomas A. , Gannon Victor , Topp Edward 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Listeria monocytogenes
is a facultative intracellular pathogen thought to be widely distributed in the environment. We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of
L. monocytogenes
isolates from surface waters derived from catchments within the South Nation River watershed (Ontario, Canada). This watershed is dominated by urban and rural development, livestock and crop production, and wildlife habitats. From June to November 2005, a total of 314 surface water samples were collected biweekly from 22 discrete sampling sites characterized by various upstream land uses. Presumptive
Listeria
spp. were isolated using a selective enrichment and isolation procedure, and 75
L. monocytogenes
isolates were identified based on colony morphology, hemolytic activity, and amplification of three pathogenicity genes:
iap, inlA
, and
hlyA
. Thirty-two of 314 (10%) surface water samples were positive for the presence of
L. monocytogenes
, but detection ranged between 0 and 27% depending on the sampling date. Isolates belonging to serovar group 1/2a, 3a (50%) and group 4b, 4d, 4e (32%) were dominant.
L. monocytogenes
populations were resolved into 13 EcoRI ribotypes and 21 ApaI and 21 AscI pulsotypes. These had Simpson indexes of discrimination of up to 0.885. Lineage I-related isolates were dominant (61%) during the summer, whereas lineage II isolates were dominant (77%) in the fall. Isolates were, on average, resistant to 6.1 ± 2.1 antibiotics out of 17 tested. Half of the
L. monocytogenes
isolates exhibited potential virulence linked to the production of a functional internalin A, and some isolates were found to be moderately to highly virulent by in vitro Caco-2 plaque formation assay (up to 28% of entry). There was a statistically significant link between the occurrence of
L. monocytogenes
and proximity to an upstream dairy farm and degree of cropped land. Our data indicate that
L. monocytogenes
is widespread in the studied catchments, where it could represent a public health issue related to agricultural land use.