bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New perspectives on labour market intervention
Authors: Lange Thomas , Georgellis Yannis 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo introduce the papers which make up a special issue of IJM on labour market intervention.Design/methodology/approachBriefly describes each of the five papers which comprise this issue of IJM.FindingsNotes that the study contexts of the papers are New Zealand, the UK, Sweden, West Germany, and 14 member countries of the EU.Originality/valueThe papers provide an international overview of contemporary, empirical findings on the effectiveness of various types of labour market intervention.
Evaluating active labour market programmes in New Zealand
Authors: Perry Geoff , Maloney Tim 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe aims of this paper are to measure the impacts of subsidy, work experience and training programmes on New Zealand male registered unemployed, and to examine the sensitivity of these estimates to the amount of time that participants are followed after an intervention.Design/methodology/approachThe impact of an intervention on those who participate in an active labour market programme is the key question addressed in this paper. A New Zealand panel data set is used, which includes both intervention and individual characteristics of the unemployed. Both a potential outcomes and single nearest‐neighbour difference‐in‐differences matching approach are used to estimate the impact of participation.FindingsThe key findings are that work experience programmes are the most effective in the short‐term. Training programmes are the least effective. Programmes are more effective for the long‐term unemployed than for short‐term unemployed. The results are sensitive to the point of time examined in the post‐intervention period, with short‐term benefits disappearing completely three years after the intervention.Originality/valueThis paper examines the relative effect of active labour market programmes in New Zealand using a consistent evaluation framework. The sensitivity of the results to different time periods, and matching estimator specifications are examined.
Active labour market policy in Scotland: does it make a difference?
Authors: Adams John , Thomas Ray 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to show that active labour market policies in Scotland over a nine‐year period have failed to meet key policy objectives.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the UK national online manpower information system (NOMIS) to conduct a detailed statistical analysis of the spatial differentials in exits from and entry to unemployment across 72 Parliamentary constituencies. The analysis is conducted by reference to the concepts of convergence, NAIRU and hysterisis.FindingsThe findings suggest a presence of hysterisis and absence of spatial convergence such that some areas in Scotland have become worse off in terms of the risk of unemployment and despite active labour market intervention.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research needs to be undertaken at the micro‐spatial level to confirm these findings and to focus on the weaknesses in the design of active labour market policies.Practical implicationsActive labour market policies in Scotland do not work in terms of reducing the risk of unemployment. Policy needs to focus on creating demand for labour rather than an almost exclusive reliance on “promoting” the supply‐side.Originality/valueThe key contribution of this paper is that it is the first to provide a detailed analysis of the Government's own data on unemployment distribution – it should be of value to both academicians and policy makers in terms of both analytical approach and policy design.
Intervention at the level of the firm
Authors: Georgellis Yannis , Lange Thomas 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to assess the determinants and impact of employer sponsored further training on wage growth in West Germany over the period 1992 to 2002.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a descriptive narrative on further training and wages in Germany, data derived from the West German sub‐sample of the German Socio‐Economic Panel is being utilised, which has the main advantage of providing detailed information about the respondents' labour market histories prior to and after 1992. The information provides powerful predictors, controlling for the endogeneity of the training participation decision when estimating a wage growth equation. To assess the impact of training on wages, Heckman selectivity corrected wage equations are used, with the selection being based on a probit model for the probability that an individual receives firm‐sponsored training.FindingsThe analysis provides details of significant gender differences in both, the incidence and earnings impact of further training. The results show that further training has a strong positive effect on wages. However, gender inequality issues remain a salient feature of the German training system, which further training only reinforces. The analysis also suggests that the economic conditions during Germany's post‐unification period may have mitigated some of the potential benefits of further training on wage growth.Originality/valueDespite its growing importance, the determinants and earnings impact of employer‐sponsored, further training have attracted little attention in the empirical literature. Even less is known about the impact of further training during Germany's post‐unification period. This paper adds value by contributing to this fledgling field of investigation.
A new integrated robot vision system from FANUC Robotics
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo report on developments in robotic vision by a particular robot manufacturer.Design/methodology/approachExamines FANUC Robotics' philosophy and history of integrated vision, describes its latest offering, and looks at the specification of the new robot controller.FindingsThe new robot controller incorporates image processing hardware and software, including calibration procedures. The intelligent robot responds to changes in its surroundings, eliminating the need for jigs and part‐alignment devices and broadening its capabilities.Originality/valuePresents the intelligent robot as a practical tool in factory automation.
Robotics Industry Forum – 2006
Authors: Wilson Mike 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo review the Robotics Industry Forum, held in November 2006 in Orlando, Florida.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews some highlights of the forum.FindingsThe format of the event provides for various presentations on a range of topics from robotics in the automotive industry to advances in the development of robot technology, analysis of economic trends and their influences on the robot industry to the opportunities and challenges of new markets such as China.Originality/valueProvides information of value to all those involved with robotics in manufacturing.
Improving the mechanical design of new staircase wheelchair
Authors: Gonzalez RodriÂguez Antonio , Morales Herrera Rafael , Feliu Batlle Vicente , Pintado Sanjuan Publio 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present a new stair‐climbing wheelchair that tries to solve adaptability problems of previous prototypes.Design/methodology/approachA new prototype has been built using a new strategy. The climbing process is splint into two subproblems: climbing a single step and positioning the wheels on the staircase.FindingsAn optimized solution has been found for each subproblem, due to this the presented prototype is able to climb any staircase built according to standards, has a high capacity load and its stable equilibrium is always guaranteed.Research limitations/implicationsThe presented prototype is able to climb a parallel staircase; future works will try to solve the non parallel staircase climbing problem.Practical implicationsThe practical application is to build an industrial new model of wheelchair that allows handicapped people to increase their mobility.Originality/valueThe principal value of the paper consists in using two independent mechanical solutions to solve the subproblems that appear when the stair‐climbing problem is split.
Robot prototyping in the design of food processing machinery
Authors: Davis Steve , Casson John W. , Moreno Masey Rene J. , King Martin , Gray John O. , Caldwell Darwin G. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeAims to show how robots can be used to prototype and prove key handling operations during the design of food processing machines. This can reduce both development time and costs.Design/methodology/approachA number of examples of the use of robots during the design of food processing machinery are presented in the areas of product handling, product manipulation and product packing. In each example simple grippers were mounted to robots allowing complex manipulations to be performed and rapidly tested allowing a favourite to identified.FindingsFinds that robot prototyping and proving allows mechanisms to be assessed rapidly and at low cost and reduces the number of design modifications needed before final production.Research limitations/implicationsProvides examples of how the technique can be used in all stages of food production, particularly the grasping of products considered difficult to handle.Practical implicationsProvides a method of reducing the development cost of new food processing machinery and allow key operations to be proved without the need to construct full prototype machines.Originality/valueIntroduces the concept of using robots to prototype and prove operations found within food processing machinery. The paper is of value to both researches investigating the handling of food products and manufacturers of automation for the food industry.
Towards a new mobility concept for cities: architecture and programming of semi‐autonomous electric vehicles
Authors: Rocha Rui , Cunha António , Varandas Joaquim , Dias Jorge 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on cybernetic transportation systems (CTS) due to their effectiveness for solving mobility problems in cities. A new mobility concept is proposed which allows to attain the same flexibility of the private passenger car but with much less nuisances. It is based on small semi‐autonomous electric vehicles, which may be used to complement mass public transportation, by providing passenger service for any location at any time.Design/methodology/approachA set of automatic guided vehicles for public transportation are described. Two different control paradigms of the fleet are compared: centralized vs distributed control.FindingsThe pros and cons of both control approaches are highlighted so as to support decisions about the configuration of a CTS for people transportation on public places.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new offer of transportation for people in short path cities downtown or public gardens, in order to move people based on sustainable and efficient public transportation systems.
Routes towards supplier and production network internationalisation
Authors: Camuffo Arnaldo , Furlan Andrea , Romano Pietro , Vinelli Andrea 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate routes towards supplier and production network internationalisation.Design/methodology/approachMultiple case‐study analysis has been applied to a sample of 11 Italian footwear and apparel companies with headquarters located in the North‐east of Italy. Within and cross‐case analyses illustrate and compare how these firms relocated one or more segments of their supplier and production networks to Romania.FindingsThe findings support theories that view internationalisation as an incremental process of experiential knowledge accumulation. The case studies suggest that firms undertake three different routes towards supplier and production network internationalisation: traditional subcontracting; co‐ordinated subcontracting; and supply system relocation. These routes' typology is grounded on an original model, which is the theoretical contribution of the paper, which elaborates Johanson and Vahlne's framework adding two variables: the nature of the technological knowledge that needs to be transferred to run the foreign operations and the nature of the customer‐supplier (CS) interaction context of the focal firm.Research limitations/implicationsThe characteristics of the model proposed set the boundaries of the research approach and suggest new avenues for further research. First, the model rests on the idea that no firm can fully control the dynamics of its international network, since these are an emergent process. Consequently, the study does not provide practitioners with a rigid set of normative indications about what factors to consider when designing international supply networks. Secondly, the model does not consider all the factors that impact on the internationalisation of the supplier and production network. Finally, the model is not evolutionary and does not assess the relationships between the internationalisation process (its timing, speed, etc.) and firms' performance.Practical implicationsThe typology can support managers when framing the problem of choosing among different routes of supplier and production network internationalisation. Furthermore, the findings suggest that these decisions are influenced by the nature of the technological knowledge involved and the CS interaction context.Originality/valueThe paper extends the theory of the supply network internationalisation process, proposing a model that captures the variables actually involved in such a process and their dynamic relationships.
Mentoring minority graduate students: issues and strategies for institutions, faculty, and students
Authors: Thomas Kecia M. , Willis Leigh A. , Davis Jimmy 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine mentoring relationships involving minority graduate students in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe authors take a multifaceted approach to providing strategies to improve the opportunities of minority students to acquire mentors by directing attention to institutional practices, faculty development, and the behaviors of students themselves.FindingsMentoring relationships provide critical personal and professional development opportunities throughout one's career. These relationships are especially important for racial minorities who often lack access to informal networks and information that is required to be successful in academic and professional environments in which they are under‐represented. The lack of mentors for minority graduate students is important to consider given the potential impact of this experience for minority graduate students’ retention and subsequent success, but also for the future diversity of the discipline (especially its instruction and research). This article identifies the challenges that minority graduate students confront in establishing healthy mentoring relationships, and the unfortunate outcomes of when minority graduate students lack productive mentoring relationships.Originality/valueThe paper provides a multilevel analysis of mentoring of minority graduate students.
The influence of gender role on negotiation development and outcome
Authors: Canet‐Giner M. Teresa , Carmen Saorín‐Iborra M. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe main aim of this paper is to analyze the effect of gender differences on negotiation behaviour choice and, consequently, on its outcome. The analysis undertaken is first defined by distinguishing between sex and gender role. It gender role and not biological sex the factor that can have a direct impact on behaviour. With a contextual perspective, we have chosen the negotiation processes of strategic alliances as our contextual framework of analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a qualitative methodology, particularly case study analysis.FindingsA higher degree of complexity increases the perception of ambiguity, which then leads to the influence of gender in the negotiation. Androgynous profiles act favourably in nurturing clearly integrative behaviour, whilst when the profile more closely resembles the masculine stereotype, behaviour tends to be more competitive, though attenuated. Acting in the best interests of the firm, and the fact that negotiators normally belong to the higher echelons of management, favours the adoption of this integrative behaviour. Lastly, it can be observed that competitive behaviour results in less favourable outcomes than an integrative approach in a cooperation agreement.Originality/valueThe proposal bring to the attention of managers the importance of choosing the individuals that are going to negotiate the strategic alliance correctly, in order to achieve better outcomes and to smooth the path towards good performance in the future.
A conversation with Joan Acker on her work, motivations, and suggestions for future researchers
Authors: Bell Myrtle P. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeJoan Acker's scholarship and activism has affected the study of equality, diversity, and inclusion in many ways. The purpose of this paper is to present an interview with Joan Acker in which she shares some of the individual and societal influences on her work.Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on an interview with Joan Acker conducted on 22 September 2006.FindingsJoan Acker's observations of and questioning of inequality began when she observed racial inequality as she grew up in the Midwestern USA in the 1940s. As she matured, Acker continued observing and questioning inequality based on race, gender, and class. As a scholar and activist, and now Professor Emeritus at the University of Oregon (USA), Acker's work continues to influence scholars and activists.Originality/valueThis article provides insights into the influences that have shaped Acker's work on gender, race, class, and inequality and should be inspiring to others working in the field.
The Southern Management Association looks at gender and diversity
Authors: Gayle Baugh S. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this report is to review research on gender and diversity issues that was presented at the recent meeting of the Southern Management Association in Orlando, Florida, USA.Design/methodology/approachThe Southern Management Association, a regional affiliate of the Academy of Management, draws participants primarily, although not exclusively, from the southern states in the USA. The papers covering topics relevant to gender and diversity are summarized.FindingsThe diversity related papers presented at this conference were included in a number of tracks other than the diversity track, suggesting an increasing acceptance of diversity research in “mainstream” management research. The forms of diversity investigated included age, ethnicity, and gender, leaving out “invisible” forms of diversity as religion, sexual orientation, or some types of disability.Originality/valueThe research presented at this conference gives some insight into the issues of gender and diversity as they are perceived and investigated by researchers who generally are attached to smaller colleges and universities, rather than the major research institutions, in the USA.
Masculinities at work
Authors: Besen Yasemin 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overall review of the literature on masculinities and work and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing research in understanding men's work as well as pointing to new direction for work.Design/methodology/approachExtensive, in‐depth review of the literature on men and work.Findings– Findings identify three main strands of research on men and work. The existing research focuses on the role of men as breadwinners, the effects of work for masculine identity and the economic benefits of men's work.Research limitations/implicationsThe in‐depth survey of the literature provides the unique, empirical opportunity observe the strengths and weaknesses of existing literature. While extensive studies exists on adult men, teenage boys’ labor has rarely been problematized.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a very useful source of information on masculinities and work and offers a new direction for future research on the topic.Originality/valueThis paper offers a comprehensive review of the existing literature of masculinities in the workplace. It identifies the general sub‐areas of research, and offers a neglected yet crucial part of the workforce: teenage boys as a virtually unexplored area for future research.
Workload factors impacting managers
Authors: Marsh Robert F. , Blau Shawn 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to identify elements of lean production that may be applicable to managers.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to 125 middle and lower level managers to assess perceptions about level of workload and amount of workload control. Principal components analysis was employed to identify primary factors.FindingsFive primary factors accounted for 56 percent of total variance. The principal factors corresponded to the lean production concepts of work in process level, empowerment, and non value‐added time.Originality/valueThese middle and lower level managers identified five primary factors that accounted for 56 percent of the variance in their self‐reported levels of workload and control. Three of these factors correspond to existing metrics that have been utilized in lean production in industry.
Characteristics associated with CEO success: perceptions of CEOs and their staff
Authors: Wood John , Vilkinas Tricia 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to identify the characteristics that successful CEOs possess and demonstrate, as perceived by both the CEOs and their staff.Design/methodology/approachTwenty CEOs and 38 staff members who reported directly to them were involved. There were two parts to the research – questionnaire and interviews. The leadership questionnaire was completed by both groups, who were then interviewed to further explore the characteristics these successful CEOs did possess and demonstrated.FindingsCharacteristics identified as important for success were a humanistic approach, achievement orientation, a positive outlook, a sense of integrity, inclusiveness and learning and self‐awareness. Both the CEOs and their staff agreed that the CEOs did possess all these characteristics, some to a greater extent than others. They also agreed that the six characteristics were effectively demonstrated by the CEOs.Research limitations/implicationsTo date, research on the characteristics that CEOs need to possess has been very limited. This study was the first to take a comprehensive approach to identify the characteristics CEOs need to possess and did demonstrate. It is also one of the few studies that has involved both CEOs and their staff. As this was an exploratory study, it is important that it be replicated in a larger population of CEOs.Practical implicationsThe characteristics identified in this paper can be used to select and develop CEOs.Originality/valueThe paper would be of value to future CEOs and to those charged with the responsibility for the selection and development of CEOs.