bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of a management training program for university administrators
Authors: Lennox Terrion Jenepher 
Published: June 2006

PurposeManagement training is perceived as one of the most effective ways to improve management skill, increase productivity and change corporate culture. To reap these perceived benefits, the University of Ottawa has delivered, since 2001, a Management Leadership Program (MLP) to better hone the core competencies of senior directors of administrative units at the University. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of this program on the participants in terms of learning, behavioural change and achievement of core competencies.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured in‐depth interviews.FindingsThe study found that informal learning strategies are the primary means by which University directors develop core competencies. However, the MLP provides a forum for informal learning through greater self‐awareness, the establishment and maintenance of social networks or social capital, for discussion and problem solving by senior managers and for the development and reinforcement of skills.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the time that has passed since the first training modules were completed, it is likely that internal validity will be affected by maturation. Further, because the number of subjects is small, semi‐structured interviews were used to elicit rich, highly informative data. Using multiple coders enhanced reliability.Originality/valueThis article provides insights into the particular development needs of university administrators and emphasizes the role of informal learning in management development and the importance of formal training as a forum for learning to occur. Also, the article highlights the critical role of social capital in management effectiveness
An assessment of the impact of the sensory environment on individuals' behaviour in special needs schools
Authors: Shabha Ghasson 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the relationship of a few sensory environmental parameters, mainly visual and acoustical stimuli, with childrens' behaviour and performance in special needs schools.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of teaching layouts and the sequence of activities in ten selected special needs schools have been conducted using questionnaire directed at carers and teachers. The findings were cross‐validated via open‐ended interviews with teachers and carers to glean more in‐depth understanding about sensory influences.FindingsSeveral sensory parameters were observed in the teaching environment: bright colours and light, pattern glare, echoing, higher and low‐pitch sound and background noise level. The study identified numerous factors having a negative effect on children's behaviour.Practical implicationsThis paper provides further understanding of the key factors contributing to the quality of teaching environment consistent with user's need and expectations. It provides suggestions regarding the briefing and design to support childrens' performance. This can assist in developing alternative design guidelines based on users‐centered approach to schools design.Originality/valueThis paper will highlight issues for open discussion amongst all those involved in the process of planning, design and management of school environments which further reduce the undesirable consequences of the aforementioned parameters towards improving their operational efficiency in use.
Changes in asset valuation in the UK health service
Authors: Andrew Anthony , Pitt Michael 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo help facilities managers understand the origins and aims of the National Health Service (NHS) asset valuation and capital charging system, of the depreciated replacement cost (DRC) approach to valuation, its strengths and weaknesses and how under devolution the Scottish Health Service is adapting DRC assumptions to meet multiple policy priorities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines the history of the system since inception in 1989, as an accounting and FM tool, subsequent debates on problems arising from DRC valuation methodology and recent developments in the Scottish NHS.FindingsThe original aim of the capital charging system in 1989 was to adapt a primarily financial accounting system of asset registers to create a dynamic management system to inform facility managers of the opportunity cost of their assets, encourage them to sell obsolete assets and drive modernisation of the estate. In Scotland much modernisation has now occurred. Other issues have emerged to preoccupy managers such as sustainability, preservation in use of historic buildings and concern not to overburden health bodies with an inherited older estate with onerous charges.Practical implicationsThe paper presents new historic material identifying trends in the health service and professional thinking. It continues the debate between FM and valuation professionals, central government clients and researchers. The debate has implications for other specialised public sector estates such as prisons, courts, roads and defence and specialised private sector estates valued on DRC.Originality/valueThe paper explains recent developments in the UK's NHS asset valuation methodology in Scotland, and the historic roots of the capital charging system.
Longitudinal analysis of corporate real estate practice
Authors: Gibson Virginia , Luck Rachael 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo report on longitudinal change in corporate real estate (CRE) practice in the last two decades, in particular, monitoring significant changes in CRE policy, function and activities through the statistical analysis of annual survey data.Design/methodology/approachA literature review revealed the major themes that have influenced CRE practice in the last 20 years. Applying principal components analysis the annual survey of CRE practice dataset was analysed to identify significant tends in the CRE practices reported by organizations.FindingsA significant overlap was observed between the activities used in practice and the CRE literature, and new working practices were identified as a significant theme. Based on these analyses comment is made on the impact of changes in CRE practice over the timescale of the survey and it was predicted that new working practices will continue to influence CRE practices in the future.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils a need for evidence‐based monitoring of CRE practices to give insight into the relationship between past, present and indicative directions for future CRE practice.
The lessons of history
Authors: Baker Michael J. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo examine the lessons that may be learned by both academics and practitioners from a dispassionate review of the history of the marketing profession.Design/methodology/approachOne of the founding fathers of marketing as a subject for academic study in the UK thinks aloud about what he has observed during more than 30 years in a leading UK business school.FindingsThe conclusion is that marketing academics exhibit one negative feature of scholarship: failure to take the historical perspective. A mutated variety of the notorious “marketing myopia” causes them to disregard anything written in what they regard as the distant past, and, therefore, to fail to see the larger picture.Research limitations/implicationsAcademic researchers in marketing need to look for more basic principles and better rules of thumb, rather than esoteric irrrelevances fit only to grace the pages of the Journal of Obscurity.Practical implicationsIf academics thus take a narrow and currently fashionable view, future marketing strategists, at present their students in graduate business schools, will in all probability do likewise.Originality/valueA “viewpoint” from a privileged vantage point on the high ground.
Measuring service quality in higher education: HEdPERF versus SERVPERF
Authors: Abdullah Firdaus 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to test and compare the relative efficacy of three measuring instruments of service quality (namely Higher Education PERFormance (HEdPERF), SERVPERF and the moderating scale of HEdPERF‐SERVPERF) within a higher education setting. The objective was to determine which instrument had the superior measuring capability in terms of unidimensionality, reliability, validity and explained variance.Design/methodology/approachAfter a pilot test, data were collected from students in two public universities, one private university and three private colleges in Malaysia between January and March 2004, by the “contact person” route. From a total of 560 questionnaires, 381 were usable: a response rate of 68.0 per cent. This sample of nearly 400,000 students in Malaysian tertiary institutions was in line with the generalized scientific guideline for sample size decisions. Data were subjected to regression analysis.FindingsA modified five‐factor structure of HEdPERF is put forward as the most appropriate scale for the higher education sector.Research limitations/implicationsSince this study only examined the respective utilities of each instrument within a single industry, any suggestion that the HEdPERF is generally superior would still be premature. Nonetheless, the current findings do provide some important insights into how these instruments of service quality compare with one another.Practical implicationsThe single dominant factor on this study is “access”, which has clear implications for institutions' marketing strategies.Originality/valueThis is believed to be the first study of its kind carried out among consumers of the higher education service.
Intention to e‐collaborate: propagation of research propositions
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Love Peter E.D. , Standing Craig , Gharavi Hosein 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose the examination of the importance of firms' intention to e‐collaborate in facilitating e‐collaboration for an informal alliance.Design/methodology/approachA rigorous review of the existing literature is undertaken for the purpose of developing a contingency framework that determines firm boundaries.FindingsThe conceptual framework posits that three decision contexts (the threat of opportunism, the threat of commercial failure, and the opportunity for sustainable advantage) are predictors of selecting the governance mode between e‐collaboration and arm's‐length relationship, and that an intention to e‐collaborate moderates the governance mode choice.Originality/valueTestable propositions are offered to examine the proposed relationships in the framework. The paper concludes by suggesting that firms which would like to implement e‐collaboration in a group of companies must initiate and strengthen their intention to form the desired governance mode.
Antecedents and consequences of organizational innovation and organizational learning in entrepreneurship
Authors: García‐Morales Víctor J. , Llorens‐Montes Francisco J. , Verdú‐Jover Antonio J. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo analyze a series of strategic capabilities/factors that affects organizational innovation (OI) and organizational learning (OL) (personal mastery, transformational leadership, shared vision, proactivity and environment) and demonstrate that OL and innovation are positively related to organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on prior research, the paper develops a number of testable hypotheses. It examines how personal mastery, transformational leadership, shared vision, proactivity and environment influence improvements in performance. The paper uses inter‐factor correlations matrix and multiple regressions analyses and empirically tests these hypotheses using a sample of 408 Spanish organizations.FindingsConsiders OI and OL jointly to promote organizational entrepreneurship and to increase competitive advantages. Empirically reflects the need to strengthen different strategic capabilities to achieve an adequate level of both organizational issues and thus improve performance and encourage entrepreneurship.Research limitations/implicationsSurvey data based on self‐reports may be subject to social desirability bias. The external validation of some of the variables from the archival data of a subset of respondents increased confidence in self‐reports and reduced the risk of common method variance. The paper needs to concentrate on other sectors. Future studies should place greater emphasis on longitudinal studies and should be based on a larger sample, preferably in more than one country. It would be interesting to analyze other strategic activities for entrepreneurship.Practical implicationsOrganizations' managers must encourage the organization's members to achieve high levels of personal mastery. This environment can be provided by continually encouraging personal vision. The style of management must be more transformational. They must foster shared vision. The leader must prepare the organization and shape the mental models. Specific actions must be taken to overcome the internal and external obstacles to shared vision. The leader will play an important role in linking the organization and the environment and generate proactivity.Originality/valueThis paper is fundamental to promote strategy capabilities that are necessary to entrepreneurship (OL and OI).
Social and ethical considerations in virtual worlds
Authors: Kerbs Robert W. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe computer has evolved from a tool used solely for business, research and governmental purposes to an instrument characterized by social interaction invirtual worlds. In this context, like‐minded people can converse and interact online in ways that are both enjoyable and satisfying. However, virtual worlds also bring with them cause for concern. These concerns include – but are not limited to – the loss of one's privacy, the fear of being exploited, and the loss of identity. This paper seeks to investigate the current state of affairs of online virtual worlds in terms of what many people deem acceptable and unacceptable forms of behavior.Design/methodology/approachA study is presented that explores the unmonitored distribution of electronic materials through the internet. Available technologies are surveyed and recommendations made based on these analyses.FindingsThis paper has shown that effective enforcement of online behavior is, at least, a very complicated undertaking – not one that will be quickly or easily solved. However, it demonstrates a number of techniques people may use today to protect themselves and those around them.Originality/valueA number of techniques are described to help people traverse virtual worlds in a safe, secure and confident manner. This includes recommendations for people of all ages, from children through to adults.
The use of internet service providers by cybercafés in Nigeria: an update
Authors: Adomi Esharenana E. , Oghenevwogaga Adogbeji Benson , Oduwole A.A. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper sets out to investigate cybercafés' change of internet service providers (ISPs) in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachEmploys a survey design using questionnaires to collect data from 89 cybercafé entrepreneurs/managers in four states of Nigeria (Delta, Edo, Lagos, and Ogun), and analyses the data using frequency counts and percentages.FindingsThe findings reveal that most cybercafés were established between 2002 and 2003. The majority of the cybercafés have ten PCs connected to the net, while a greater number of them are connected to the net via wireless means. A good number of cybercafés have changed ISPs once. The lack of or poor technical support and frequent loss of contact/signals with the ISP were two of the reasons reported for cybercafés changing their ISP. Cybercafés would like ISPs to increase their speed of transmission, etc., to serve them better. It is recommended that cybercafés should obtain adequate information before engaging ISPs, and that ISPs should conduct periodic customer assessment of their service in order to improve on their services.Originality/valueThis research and its findings will assist Nigerian (and other) ISPs to improve their services to their clients. Using the results of this study, cybercafés and other ISP clients will know what to take into consideration before signing up with any ISP.
An approach to mapping CCF to Dublin Core
Authors: Chandrakar Rajesh 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe efforts in the area of converting bibliographic records into Dublin Core from the Common Communication Format.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides examples of two mappings, one for unqualified Dublin Core metadata elements, and the other for qualified Dublin Core metadata elements.FindingsSome difficulties may occur during the conversion of bibliographic records, and these difficulties are stated along with possible solutions.Originality/valueThe paper provides a methodology which would enable an algorithm to be developed for converting CCF‐based bibliographic records into Dublin Core metadata elements.
SME retailer internationalisation: case study evidence from British retailers
Authors: Hutchinson Karise , Quinn Barry , Alexander Nicholas 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe internationalisation of large multinational retailers is well documented and much research attention has been given to their motives and strategies for expansion. Yet, no research in this field has specifically addressed the internationalisation of small‐ to medium‐sized companies (SMEs) operating in the retail industry. The theoretical insights from the literature revealed important gaps in extant research, which relate to the barriers, stimulants, drivers, facilitators, process, and market entry strategy of retail SME internationalisation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper aims to fill these gaps. Since the intention of this study was not to describe, but rather to build theory from an unexplored area of research, an in‐depth case approach was deemed most appropriate. Therefore, the paper presents the findings from a number of case studies of SME retail internationalisation operating from the UK.FindingsKey findings from this study not only confirm that smaller British retailers have both the potential and capability to enter international markets successfully, but provides initial insights into how they overcome the constraints of size and establish an international market strategy. The findings from this study also offer insights into the SME sector of the retail industry in the UK in terms of their experience and adoption of government exporting programmes, and details the main implications for managers of small international firms.Originality/valueAlthough knowledge on SME retailer internationalisation, as it stands, is at a very early stage of development, this analysis of actual company activity in the UK retail industry provides important insights into a neglected area of international retail study and should help to develop the body of knowledge on SME internationalisation in general.
Foreign diversification vs concentration strategies and firm performance
Authors: Mas Francisco J. , Nicolau Juan L. , Ruiz Felipe 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact on firm performance of foreign concentration vs diversification strategies, as well as the moderating role played by market, product and firm characteristics.Design/methodology/approachModerated regression analysis is used.FindingsDistribution and cultural distance (CU) moderate the relationship between foreign concentration‐diversification and stock market performance; while the non‐repetitive character of product purchase moderates the relationship at an accounting performance level.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the lack of information prevented us from examining other groups of determining factors. Second, the possible existence of bias in the results due to the selection of stock market quoted firms.Practical implicationsManagers must realise that CU, distribution channel, and the product factor of non‐repeat purchase, play an important role in the choice of a concentration vs diversification strategy when explaining business results. Government authorities should develop training programmes for firms located in middle‐income countries in order to detect the CU with target markets, as well as the development of effective distribution channels and of product strategy in these markets.Originality/valueThe findings of this study and the implications proposed show the relevance of this topic. The paper focuses on a middle‐income country (Spain) and uses two measurements of firm performance: an accounting rate and a market measure based on the event‐study (excess returns on the stock market generated by the announcement of a foreign expansion).
Successful new‐to‐the‐market versus “me‐too” retail financial services
Authors: Papastathopoulou Paulina G. , Gounaris Spiros P. , Avlonitis George J. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of marketing, sales, EDP/systems and operations in the ultimate success of new‐to‐the‐market vs “me‐too” retail financial services.Design/methodology/approachTo collect the data, the “dropping off” method was followed using a self‐administered questionnaire. Respondents were new service development project leaders. The unit of analysis was the service innovation project. After two follow‐up contacts, 114 usable questionnaires were returned from 64 companies, yielding a company response rate of 76 per cent and a project response rate of 68 per cent.FindingsThere are significant differences in the involvement of marketing in the stages of business analysis and marketing strategy, technical development, testing and launching, and the involvement of EDP/systems during technical development between “me‐too” and new‐to‐the‐market retail financial services. Further, in the case of new‐to‐the‐market projects, the involvement of marketing and sales positively influences performance. By contrast, the performance of “me‐too” retail financial services is positively affected by the involvement of the technical‐related functions, namely EDP/systems and operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe study offers only indirect evidence of a strong link between market orientation adoption and performance of innovative retail financial services. Future research attempts should incorporate a measurement of market orientation and examine directly its relation with the performance of major innovations. Also, the development process is only one of the many factors, which may explain variations in the performance of different new services. Future research is again needed in order incorporate in the analysis measures of such factors and refine the links that this study has revealed.Originality/valueOn the basis of the study's findings, middle and top management may reconsider their new service development process and possibly reassess their practices regarding the different roles that various functions hold during the development process.