bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of social information as a measure of the ethical behavior of Spanish firms
Authors: Gallego‐Alvarez Isabel 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to verify empirically how some Spanish firms present their social information with regard to labor practices, human rights, society, and product responsibility and how by means of this social information the firms reveal their ethical behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe study of the social information reflected in the sustainability report was carried out by the content analysis method. This analysis technique is based on detecting the presence or absence of information, covering a number of different subjects areas. To accomplish the study, certain companies belonging to different sectors of activity were chosen and all the companies belong to the IBEX‐35, which comprises the main Spanish companies on the Stock Market.FindingsIn light of the results obtained it can be considered that the firms analyzed through the social information they present do manifest and make known their ethical behavior, behavior considered as the good, correct and just actions of firms that seek to improve the quality of life of their workers, as well as their social conditions, in areas that are important for the workers such as employment, health and safety, training and education, non‐discrimination, disciplinary practices, freedom of association, society, etc.Research limitations/implicationsThis work should also be extended to more companies, both nationally and internationally and not just be limited to the largest companies. There is still much to be done to cover the possible gaps in social reporting.Originality/valueThis paper examines the social information of companies belonging to different sectors of activity and how by means of this social information the firms reveal their ethical behavior.
Enhancing the labour market prospects of ICT students in a developing country
Authors: Rabayah Khalid S. , Sartawi Badie 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the evaluation results of a training initiative, undertaken in Palestine, that targeted fresh graduates in information and communication technology (ICT) disciplines. It describes the implementation and results of a practical training model where industry and academia cooperate jointly to develop, upgrade and enhance students' qualifications prior to their entrance into the labour market.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the short‐term results, one to two years from completion, of a newly implemented technology training program which targeted more than 450 students throughout West‐Bank and Gaza Strip. The researchers traced the trainees' endeavours and behaviours through their pursuit of jobs utilizing focus group meetings, individual interviews with stakeholders, and semi‐structured interviews, as well as questionnaires, surveys, observations of on‐going activities and interviewing staff, graduates and students.FindingsThe training program attempted to promote practical training and develop entrepreneurial capabilities. The vast majority of the surveyed trainees felt that they gained valuable knowledge and experience in their field of specialization, and believed that the training was critical to their successful job search. They clearly agreed that the practical training they received via the training program was a necessary supplement to their theoretical technical education in university ICT programs.Practical implicationThe initiative involves the establishment of ICT Centers of Excellence in close proximity to Palestinian universities, which annually graduate large numbers of ICT students. The program serves multiple purposes in that it enables the ICT training centres, the Centers of Excellence, to generate revenues while also providing a needed service within the community, to equip fresh graduates with state‐of‐the‐art technical skills, thus increasing the chance of fresh graduates being hired into positions related to their university degrees, and shortening their job search.Originality/valueThe model and program, presented in this paper describes a modern training framework, where students receive practical training through a third party institute that works in cooperation with universities and industry. The model, when adopted, relieves universities from the pressure of constantly modifying their curricula to comply with the ever‐changing needs of the technology market, allowing them to pursue their stated goal of providing their students with a theoretical technical education. The training program also helps the market to differentiate the large number of ICT students and graduates from one another, based not only on area of study but also on concrete skill sets.
CUT CARBON™. Prepare. Assess. Implement. Notify
Authors: Tang Kenny 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to present a four‐cycle framework for developing a corporate climate risk strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces a four‐cycle framework based on nine key steps.FindingsThe paper suggests that the framework presented is of major strategic benefit if applied methodically and suitably supported by appropriate resources from within and outside the company.Originality/valueThe paper presents a four‐cycle framework suitable for developing a corporate climate risk strategy.
Benefits of a supportive development climate for older workers
Authors: Armstrong‐Stassen Marjorie , Schlosser Francine 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis study aims to test a model of the relationships among older workers' propensity to engage in development activities (development orientation), their perceptions of the development opportunities associated with their job (job development climate), their commitment to their organization, and their intention to remain with their organization.Design/methodology/approachSeparate questionnaires were completed by 395 individuals aged 50 to 70, who were in their career job and 195 individuals aged 50 to 70 who were employed in a bridge job. Both questionnaires included measures of development orientation, job development climate, affective commitment and intention to remain as well as individual characteristics and organizational characteristics.FindingsThe findings supported the proposed model in that development orientation was positively related to job development climate which, in turn, was positively related to affective commitment and affective commitment was positively related to intention to remain with the organization. There were both similarities and differences in the patterns of relationships for career‐job and bridge‐job respondents.Research limitations/implicationsThe question of causality cannot be determined because of the cross‐sectional research design.Practical implicationsTo create a supportive development climate and retain older workers, employers need to foster older workers' development orientation and ensure that their work assignments provide opportunities to learn new knowledge and skills.Orginality/valueThere is little empirical research addressing issues related to the development and retention of older workers. No previous studies have investigated both development orientation and job development climate in the context of older workers.
Resonant frequency of a rectangular patch antenna using asymptotic basis functions
Authors: Boufrioua Amel , Benghalia Abdelmadjid , Bouttout Farid 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate three types of basis functions and their asymptotic forms defined over the patch to model the unknown currents.Design/methodology/approachA rigorous calculation of a microstrip structure that contains isotropic and anisotropic substrates via Galerkin's method is presented. The dyadic Green's functions of the problem are efficiently determined by the (TM, TE) representation.FindingsThe resonant frequency of a rectangular microstrip patch antenna using these different asymptotic basis functions is investigated. The effect of uniaxial anisotropy in the resonant frequency is presented for these asymptotic currents.Originality/valueComparisons are made, and show that the utilization of the asymptotic basis function provides a significant improvement in the computation time over the exact form in the evaluation of the resonant frequency of a microstrip patch antenna. Convergent solutions are in good agreement with the exact sinusoid basis function without edge condition and with those obtained from literature.
The inconsistency of countable infinite sets
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Du Guoping , Gong Ningsheng 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to show countable infinite sets are self‐contradictory non‐sets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a conceptual discussion.FindingsSince, long ago, it has been commonly believed that the establishment and development of modern axiomatic set theory have provided a method to explain Russell's paradox. On the other hand, even though it has not been proven theoretically that there will not appear new paradoxes in modern axiomatic set theory, it has been indeed a century that no one has found a new paradox in modern axiomatic set theory. However, when we revisit some well‐known results and problems under the thinking logic of allowing two kinds of infinities, we discover that various countable infinite sets, widely studied and employed in modern axiomatic set theory, are all specious non‐sets.Originality/valueA well‐known concept is shown to be not as correct as what has been believed.
Creating passion to engage versus enrage consumer co‐creators with agency co‐conspirators: unleashing creativity
Authors: Sasser Sheila L. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a perspective on how new interactive media trends affect the creative process in agencies and engage consumers as co‐creators, based on recently published research and observation.Design/methodology/approachInterviews, participant observation, and secondary analysis of recently published qualitative and quantitative research (1996‐2008) by the author and leading scholars in the field is used in this offering. A review of emerging trends and conceptual thinking in this area prompts the suggested perspective along with an empirical longitudinal global study on what drives creativity in advertising ADCRISP©.FindingsThis contribution illustrates examples of how a passionate approach drives creativity and change for an iconic brand. Ethnographic methods are suggested for reconnecting with changing consumers and environments. This viewpoint recognizes the potential of engaging the consumer and unleashing creativity while pointing out potential pitfalls of misplaced marketing and misdirected creativity.Originality/valueThis paper offers a creative viewpoint and a practical direction on how agencies might be more appropriate in engaging the target consumer. The consumer participates as co‐creator and impacts the agency‐client‐consumer creative development process.
To Beta Test, or Not to Beta Test: Is That the Question?
Authors: Fifarek Aimee 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to help library technology staff understand the process of beta testing software, determine if it is appropriate for them to engage in the process, and provide suggestions on how to the time invested in the process.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains what beta testing is, why it should be used and how to become a beta tester.FindingsThe paper reveals that beta testing is not convenient for everyone, but those taking place in these activities should be thorough, positive and generous in order to maximize the return on investment in this kind of testing.Practical ImplicationsWhile beta testing new software features can take a significant amount of time, the resulting benefits of early access to new features and improved vendor‐staff relations can make it a worthwhile investment.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on beta testing software.
Commitment and vulnerability in B2B relationship selling in the Hong Kong institutional insurance service industry
Authors: Wong Y.H. , Chan Ricky Y.K. , Leung T.K.P. , Pae Jae H. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of the antecedents of the exchange domain (use of coercive influence, ideational favor exchange, calculative resource‐dependence, and decision uncertainty) on relationship building. The paper examines the link between the two mediating dynamics of embedded trust and relationship‐specific customization and loyalty by developing a model of vulnerability‐based commitment.Design/methodology/approachThe links between the model elements are tested using data from a survey of clients in the Hong Kong insurance service. Structural equation analysis is used to test research hypotheses and to examine the extent to which vulnerability‐based commitment leads to the development of loyalty.FindingsThe degree of embedded trust between parties is enhanced by the use of coercive influence, favor, and resource‐dependence. Embedded trust has a negative relationship with decision uncertainty. The antecedents of coercive influence, favor, and resource‐dependence have positive impacts on relationship‐specific customization. Vulnerability‐based commitment is positively affected both by trust and customization whilst commitment has a positive impact on loyalty.Practical implicationsA vulnerability‐based commitment model is developed as an analytical and managerial tool for understanding the benefits and hidden vulnerabilities of client loyalty and for implementing effective service strategies.Originality/valueBy understanding the implications of the benefits/costs in commitment vulnerabilities, the findings can help in the design of a loyalty quality system. A new measurement tool is provided to enable researchers to perform more vigorous scale development of commitment.
LIFENET hospitals (India): developing new services' case study
Authors: Rahman Zillur , Qureshi M.N. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeIndian healthcare is in the process of offering a plethora of services to customers hailing largely from India and from neighboring countries. The Indian hospital sector consists of private “nursing homes” and government and charitable missionary hospitals. Government and missionary hospitals determine their charges according to patients' income levels and treat poor patients freely. Nursing homes charged higher, market‐determined rates. They offer services in just a few medical specialties, owned and operated by physicians who worked with them. Nursing homes cannot afford the latest medical technology, but they provide more intimate settings than government hospitals. This case study aims to demonstrate the various strategic options available to a for‐profit hospital, in an emerging economy with a burgeoning middle‐class population and how it can choose which services that it can best offer to its target population.Design/methodology/approachDiagnosing and treating complex ailments in nursing homes could be a time‐consuming and expensive proposition as visits to several nursing homes with different specialties may be necessary. This paper demonstrates how an hospital can develop new customer‐oriented services and eliminate the hassle for patients needing to run around different healthcare outlets even for minor ailments.FindingsThe paper finds that large government hospitals generally have better facilities than nursing homes, but they were widely believed to provide poor‐quality care. They failed to keep up with advanced equipment, train their technicians adequately and did not publicize their capabilities to doctors who might refer patients. Many missionary and charitable hospitals were undercapitalized and did not offer all services. These conditions left an unsatisfied demand for high‐quality medical care. In 1983, LIFENET opened in Madras, becoming the first comprehensive, for‐profit hospital in India. LIFENET, invested in a cardiology laboratory and clinics with capacity to diagnose heart and lung ailments, which grew through referrals it received from other doctors.Originality/valueOut of promoters' shared vision and the persistence to overcome financial and regulatory hurdles, LIFENET turned into a super specialty hospital. In early 2004, LIFENET promoters considered several options for expansion. In addition to building more hospitals, they considered licensing the brand name and establishing India's first health maintenance organization.
Business process re‐engineering – saviour or just another fad?
Authors: Patwardhan Anjali , Patwardhan Dhruv 
Published: May 2008

PurposePressure to change is politically driven owing to escalating healthcare costs and an emphasis on efficiency gains, value for money and improved performance proof in terms of productivity and recently to some extent by demands from less satisfied patients and stakeholders. In a background of newly immerging expensive techniques and drugs, there is an increasing consumer expectation, i.e. quality services. At the same time, health system managers and practitioners are finding it difficult to cope with demand and quality expectations. Clinicians are frustrated because they are not recognised for their contribution. Managers are frustrated because meaningful dialogue with clinicians is lacking, which has intensified the need for change to a more efficient system that satisfies all arguments about cost effectiveness and sustainable quality services. Various strategies, originally developed by management quality “gurus” for engineering industries, have been applied to health industries with variable success, which largely depends on the type of health care system to which they are applied.Design/methodology/approachBusiness process re‐engineering is examined as a quality management tool using past and recent publications.FindingsThe paper finds that applying business process re‐engineering in the right circumstances and selected settings for quality improvement is critical for its success. It is certainly “not for everybody”.Originality/valueThe paper provides a critical appraisal of business process re‐engineering experiences in UK healthcare. Lessons learned regarding selecting organisations and agreeing realistic expectations are addressed. Business process re‐engineering has been evaluated and reviewed since 1987 in US managed health care, with no clear lessons learned possibly because unit selection and simultaneous comparison between two units virtually performing at opposite ends has never been done before. Two UK pilot studies, however, add useful insights.
The sensory research on the style of women's overcoats
Authors: Wang Ying , Chen Yan , Chen Zhi‐ge 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe research in this paper aims to investigate the perception created by clothing style and semantic space to describe this perception. The results of study could be applied to establish relation between customers' feelings and design elements.Design/methodology/approachWomen's overcoats were chosen as research objects. The technique of sensory engineering was applied to investigate the customers' feelings and demands related to product images. Card system, shape analytical method, and regression analysis were applied in this research.FindingsSix word‐pair were selected to establish the semantic space. The product elements space with seven items and 25 categories was established. The relation between two spaces could be quantified according to the principle of sensory engineering.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings can be applied to women's overcoat and similar clothing for customer‐orientated design.Originality/valueThe theory of sensory engineering was applied for practical application purposes. Some useful parameters were obtained to explain the reliability of the research results and influences of design elements on perception judgment.
Understanding the influence of organizational culture and group dynamics on organizational change and learning
Authors: Lucas Colleen , Kline Theresa 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between organizational culture, group dynamics, and organizational learning in the context of organizational change.Design/methodology/approachA case study was used to examine cultural and group level factors that potentially influence groups' learning in the context of organizational change.FindingsMajor themes that emerged as influencing organizational change and learning were a culture of mistrust, changing psychological contracts, differing occupational cultures, power differential between groups, and leadership.Practical implicationsWhen initiating change efforts, an organization needs to assess and understand what aspects of the culture can be facilitators or hindrances and what aspects of the group structures the organization can use to facilitate learning.Originality/valueThis study extends research in the area of group and organizational learning by identifying group and cultural phenomena that, when manifested, had significant influence on group members' response to organizational change and their capacity to learn. In particular, this study highlights the need to be aware of the characteristics unique to the organization and its culture.
Parent‐subsidiary links under procedural justice in the emerging market
Authors: Chiang Chwan‐Yi , Chang Su‐Chao , Hsu Yu‐Wei , Wang Yaw‐Bin 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to emphasize that procedural justice has a contribution to parent‐subsidiary links within multinational enterprises (MNEs).Design/methodology/approachA mailed survey is adopted in this study. A total of 152 valid and complete questionnaires were returned from the respondents. Structural equation modeling and Chow test are used in this research paper.FindingsBased on structural equation modeling, three significant dimensions of the parent‐subsidiary links are found to contribute to the financial performance of the subsidiaries (resource commitment, information flow, and control flexibility). Based on Chow test, these dimensions can lead to better financial performance under greater procedural justice in the decision‐making processes of MNEs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only collected information from Taiwanese multinational firms in East Asia and the Pacific countries, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Generally, these regions are the emerging market, with structurally volatile but fast‐growing economies. In addition, further studies can extend the research to other countries. Environmental interferences, such as culture and legal rules, were not considered in this study.Practical implicationsIn reality, although the due process is sometimes neglected because of time limitations or lack of patience, superior managers still should pay more attention to the processes of strategic decision making to keep the procedure fair and transparent.Originality/valueThis paper underlines the importance and value of the procedural justice in MNE management. The exercise of the procedural justice motivated subsidiary managers to aim for better financial performance with voluntary effort and their best ability.