bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An entrepreneurial‐directed approach to teaching corporate entrepreneurship at university level
Authors: Heinonen Jarna 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe aim of this article is to explore the entrepreneurial‐directed approach to teaching within one university‐level course in corporate entrepreneurship (CE) for Master's‐level students, and to gain a deeper understanding of the viability of the pedagogical methods used in teaching CE. The paper seeks to describe and examine the approach in the light of the theoretical concepts behind it, the pedagogical methods and applications used to reach the course objectives, and the learning outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA combination of qualitative research methods and observation techniques were used during and after the course in order to explore the learning outcomes of the students and to evaluate the applicability of the approach in achieving the learning objectives. All of the research material was analysed in the context of the entrepreneurial‐directed approach.FindingsThe results reveal that the approach is well suited to teaching CE in a university setting, perhaps even better suited than it is to entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial‐directed approach may be a constructive, educational and fruitful experience for students and teachers.Research limitations/implicationsLongitudinal research is needed in order to trace how the entrepreneurial‐directed approach has succeeded in fostering entrepreneurial behaviour in students.Practical implicationsThe case study gives some practical ideas on how the approach could be used in teaching CE.Originality/valueFew researchers have discussed and analysed how entrepreneurship is taught, and research on teaching CE is almost non‐existent. This study attempts to fill both of these gaps.
Experiential learning and journalism education
Authors: Steel John , Carmichael Bill , Holmes David , Kinse Marie , Sanders Karen 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to detail research into experiential learning and journalistic practice in the Department of Journalism Studies at the University of Sheffield.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores a range of themes and issues stemming from the application of an experiential learning approach to postgraduate journalism education at the University of Sheffield. Following the experiential learning exercise, a number of semi‐structured interviews were conducted with students and teaching staff in order to get an insight into their perceptions and experiences of the learning exercise.FindingsThe development of experiential learning programmes within journalism education provides valuable experiences that simulate the real world of journalism practice. Further reflective research work would be required to embed such learning approaches within journalism practice modules across the UK.Practical implicationsEmbedding experiential learning exercises within vocationally orientated MA programmes requires reflective and ongoing curriculum development. Moreover, the establishment of more reflective elements within programmes will aid the research process in future explorations of this type.Originality/valueResearch on experiential learning on postgraduate journalism programmes within a British context is minimal. The research hopes to stimulate further work in this area.
Productivity improvements: understand the workforce perceptions of productivity first
Authors: Chan Paul W. , Kaka Ammar 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo establish the differences between the perceptions of white‐collar managers and blue‐collar workers with respect to the factors that affect construction labour productivity, and to show that integrating the differences could lead to productivity improvements.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey administered to a purposive sample of 400 project managers and a convenience sample of 152 construction workers, eliciting current trends of their perceptions towards 59 factors that were extracted from an extensive literature review and exploratory study. This was followed by the identification of good practice examples from site observations across two project sites.FindingsThe study found distinct differences between the two groups, with white‐collar managers being more concerned with resource planning issues and the blue‐collar workers placing more value on the utilisation of resources. Furthermore, the site observations demonstrated that integrating these differences through employee involvement could lead to productivity improvements.Originality/valueThe study should extend previous productivity research, which had hitherto focussed on shorter‐term work content and work environment factors from a managerial perspective, with relatively lesser focus on the perspective of the general workforce.
Determinants of halal meat consumption in France
Authors: Bonne Karijn , Vermeir Iris , Bergeaud‐Blackler Florence , Verbeke Wim 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of halal meat consumption within a Muslim migration population using the theory of planned behaviour as a conceptual framework. The role of self‐identity as a Muslim and dietary acculturation in the host culture is explored.Design/methodology/approachCross‐sectional data were collected through a survey with 576 Muslims mainly originating from North Africa and currently living in France. Data were analysed by means of independent samples't‐tests, correlations and stepwise multiple regression.FindingsA positive personal attitude towards the consumption of halal meat, the influence of peers and the perceived control over consuming halal meat predict the intention to eat halal meat among Muslims.Research implications/limitationsLimitations include the use of a convenience sample and the focus on only two individual characteristics related to religious food consumption, namely self‐identity and dietary acculturation. Additional individual characteristics such as trust, values or involvement could improve the predictive power of the model.Practical implicationsPractical implications extend to food policy decision‐makers and food marketers who might pursue identity – and/or acculturation‐related strategies in their distribution and communication efforts targeted at the growing halal food market segment in Western Europe.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first studies investigating the determinants of halal meat consumption in general and a first application of the theory of planned behaviour within a food, religion and migration context, i.e. halal meat consumption decisions in a Muslim migration population in France. In general, this study indicates that the predictive power of the classic TPB in this very specific context is limited.
The paradoxical food buying behaviour of parents
Authors: Noble Gary , Stead Martine , Jones Sandra , McDermott Laura , McVie Danielle 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis article aims to explore the apparent paradox between the nutritional knowledge of parents of pre‐school children and their actual food purchase and preparation behaviour.Design/methodology/approachTwo separate qualitative data collection exercises were conducted, an exploratory focus group study in the UK and a projective technique study in Australia.FindingsThe UK study found that, despite believing that vegetables were good for children's health, mothers also perceived that it was extremely difficult to encourage children to eat them. The results of Australian study suggest that the purchase of unhealthy “treats” or “bribes” is explained through the concept of “expediency” whereas what this study labels as “good parenting” emerged as the main motivational force leading to the purchase of healthy food.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors caution on any inappropriate generalisations being based on the findings of this study. Further qualitative and quantitative empirical research is suggested in settings different to those of this study.Practical implicationsThe authors suggest that information‐ and education‐based campaigns, which simply emphasise the benefits of “healthy” food and the disbenefits of “unhealthy” food for children will have limited impact on childhood obesity. Instead, future interventions need to acknowledge the complex reality of parenting and the barriers and competition to healthy food choices, and to offer parents meaningful help in food purchasing and preparation. An approach suggested by the authors that acknowledges this complexity is that of social marketing.Originality/valueThis paper provides new insights into the food purchase and preparation behaviour of parents and suggests alternative strategies for addressing the current childhood obesity epidemic.
Assessing information literacy skills using the ACRL standards as a guide
Authors: Emmett Ada , Emde Judith 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to obtain preliminary evidence over a three‐year period on the efficacy of a curriculum designed to foster information literacy skills in graduate students in a chemistry bibliography course.Design/methodology/approachSpecifically, the researchers examined the application and results of an assessment tool and its connectivity to instructional strategies for improving literacy outcomes. ACRL's “Information literacy competency standards for higher education” provided the basis for the construction of the assessment tool. The instrument was given to chemistry graduate students enrolled in the course at the beginning and at the end of the semester.FindingsThe assessment results from all three years indicated marked improvements in the average student score from the pre‐ to the post‐test. The assessment provided evidence of skill development over the course of the semester for specified outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe research would have been strengthened by the use of a valid control group of graduate students in related chemistry majors who were not enrolled in the class. The extended study would have supplied rates of improvement in the control group over a given period of time compared with rates of improvement of students enrolled in the class.Practical implicationsThe paper provides methods for approaching the assessment of information literacy skills by focusing on tool development based on desired learning outcomes.Originality/valueThe study developed, refined and applied a methodology to assess student information literacy skills based on learning outcomes over a three‐year period. The literature lacks reports of studies looking at the assessment of information literacy development of graduate students in the sciences as well as the use of “backward design” in creating evaluative tools.
Using audience response technology to teach academic integrity
Authors: Bombaro Christine 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the successes and challenges associated with teaching first‐year students a session on plagiarism avoidance through the use of an audience response system.Design/methodology/approachAn audience response system was used to test first‐year students' knowledge of plagiarism. Quiz questions about academic honesty and plagiarism were administered, and were answered anonymously with hand‐held remote control devices. The reporting feature of the technology was used to gather results of the answers to these questions, which will be used to improve the session in future years.FindingsData gathered from the sessions indicated that this session helped students retain knowledge of plagiarism rules. Comments solicited about the session indicated that the students enjoyed the lesson, that they were better able to recognize problem areas in their own writing, and that the interactivity kept them focused on the lesson.Research limitations/implicationsThe session will have to be repeated over a number of years to determine whether there is a link between it and the number of plagiarism incidents on campus.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a practical and relatively inexpensive approach for teaching academic integrity to large groups of students. An undertaking of this magnitude requires dedicated involvement from an institution's administration. Any correlation between the session and the number of plagiarism cases may never be able to be proved conclusively.Originality/valueAudience response technology is not yet widely used in small academic libraries. This paper offers a suggestion for implementing this technology to teach academic integrity in a consistent and effective way to large groups of first‐year undergraduate students.
The Johnson Center Library at George Mason University
Authors: Gibson Craig , Lockaby Dorothy C. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis article sets out to discuss the Johnson Center Library, a gateway library in a multipurpose academic commons building first opened in 1996 at George Mason University, to identify the successes and limitations of this type of library concept, particularly in the context of more recent thinking about various types of information commons in libraries.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive information is provided about the architecture and layout of the library, its collections and services. The final part of the article uses a lessons learned approach to identify key experiential and consensus‐based observations of library staff, library administrators, and others about the changing mission of the library over a decade (1996‐2006).FindingsThe key findings of the authors focus on the need to revitalize the mission of the Johnson Center Library in order to move beyond the original gateway library concept. The findings also focus on the need to develop programmatic linkages with other stakeholders when a library facility is located in a multipurpose building; to create better architecturally defined spaces in order to enhance collection security; to design more flexible spaces that can be repurposed for changing needs in the networked environment.Originality/valueThe paper discusses a different approach to library services, a variation on the information commons concept, and shows how library‐as‐place is still very significant because of the blending of the social and the academic lives of students, when a library is part of a blended social and academic student center such as the Johnson Center itself.
Rebels without applause: time, politics and irony in action research
Authors: Badham Richard , Garrety Karin , Zanko Michael 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to raise for discussion and reflection some of the key dynamics of action research projects‐in‐practice. It focuses in particular on how action researchers broker academic and client interests, and how this brokering shifts over time.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on participant observation, drawing on the reflective and processual accounts of action researchers involved in a collaborative academic–industry–government project.FindingsThe paper argues that the scope of action research projects to effectively address the needs of both audiences is compromised by managerialism in universities and organizations. However, the emergent and chaotic nature of action research provides opportunities for researchers to overcome some of these limitations.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides a model and case analysis to support critical reflection amongst action researchers.Practical implicationsIf the argument of the paper is accepted, then action researchers are required to pay greater attention to the dangers of managerialism in universities, and explore how such dangers can be overcome.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper lies in its self‐critical sociological reflexivity. Its value depends on whether or not this is found to be valuable by action researchers.
The effects of previous episodes in business‐to‐business interaction
Authors: Biggemann Sergio , Buttle Francis 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to analyse the effects that previous episodes have on business‐to‐business relationships and how these episodes can influence the parties’ responses to a particular act. This investigation uses a network approach to investigate this relational situation.Design/methodology/approachA single case study was used based on dozens of semi‐structured interviews to explore this phenomenon. Qualitative information was gathered. In addition to interviews, review of documents and observation were also completed.FindingsIt was found that varied outcomes occurred in the relationships and are a consequence of the contexts brought to bear on the dealers’ interpretations of the act of introducing a new agreement. New dealer relationships were strengthened, while established dealer relationships may have been weakened.Practical implicationsA long‐term relationship, built through exchanging acts over time, conditions the counterpart's response to the focal company's act. This research shows that this can happen even in cases in which the relationship could be reasonably classified as Customer partnership. The dealers’ reactions suggest that different network positions were occupied by the two different types of dealers, established and new. Even though their roles in the supply chain could be deemed as identical, it appears as if the parties’ obligations and rights were different.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates the importance of good business relationships.
Impact of shared beliefs on “perceived usefulness” and “ease of use” in the implementation of an enterprise resource planning system
Authors: Ramayah T. , Lo May‐Chiun 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis article seeks to examine the impact of shared beliefs concerning the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) among executives and engineers in the northern region of Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachRespondents comprise managers in the departments of production control, production, materials, engineering and information technology, and executives within the organization, who are cognizant of the ERP implementation. A questionnaire was sent to managers in 113 manufacturing organizations. A total of 69 responses was received, all of which were used in the analysis.FindingsThe findings support the notion that systems or technologies, which are perceived to be easy to use and understand, will be viewed as more useful from the end‐user's perspective. In addition, perceived ease of use (PEU) was found to mediate partially the effects of shared beliefs concerning the usefulness of the ERP system.Practical implicationsThis study provides evidence that the level of managerial support, in terms of shared beliefs about the benefits of ERP, is critical in increasing the level of PEU and perceived usefulness.Originality/valueThere is a gap in the literature concerning what influences these two salient beliefs. Thus, this paper examines the impact of shared beliefs on the perceived usefulness and ease of use of an ERP system in a developing country.
Theory, research and practice in library management 2: the balanced product portfolio
Authors: Walton Graham 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to bring together theory, research and practice to inform library management.Design/methodology/approachExplores the library context using CD‐ROM based services. Analyzes the product life cycle and portfolio matrix concepts.FindingsMost library and information services function in an entirely different context so there needs to be caution when extrapolating between sectors is not straightforward. Despite these challenges, the ideas and concepts have resonances that can be used by those managing library and information services.Originality/valueReflects on how the concepts of product life cycle and portfolio matrix can be applied in library management.
Effects of temporary hiring on the profits of Spanish manufacturing firms
Authors: Rodríguez‐Gutiérrez César 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of the proportion of temporary workers on the profit‐to‐sales ratio (or price‐cost margin) of Spanish manufacturing firms in the 1990s.Design/methodology/approachThe relation between the proportion of temporary workers and the profit‐to‐sales ratio is estimated using the information provided by the “Encuesta Sobre Estrategias Empresariales” (Entrepreneurship Strategy Survey), a panel data set for the Spanish manufacturing sector carried out over the period 1990‐1999. The model is estimated in logarithmic first differences in order to remove fixed effects. To correct endogeneity problems, the instrumental variables method has been used.FindingsThe outcomes show that the rise in the proportion of temporary workers reduces the price‐cost margin of Spanish firms. It also leads to a fall in labour productivity and in the hourly average wage, and to an increase in the total cost of production.Research limitations/implicationsThe dataset refers only to manufacturing industry. It would be interesting to extend the analysis, if possible, to the service sector of Spanish economy.Practical implicationsThe outcomes show that those policies oriented to reduce the high proportion of temporary workers (which has been over 30 per cent since 1990) by means of stimulating permanent labour contracts are expected to be positive for Spanish firms.Originality/valueThis article is the first empirical work aimed at assessing the impact of the proportion of temporary workers on the profit‐to‐sales ratio.
Workplace interactions and the polymorphic role of e‐mail
Authors: O'Kane Paula , Palmer Mark , Hargie Owen 
Published: June 2007

PurposeOne of the principal organizational developments in the last decade has been the pervasive influence of computer mediated communication (CMC) tools. The purpose of this paper is to closely interrogate the day‐to‐day role of e‐mail in explicating, influencing and shaping social and information interactions within an organization.Design/methodology/approachA series of in‐depth interviews (n=29) were undertaken to elicit employee opinions on their e‐mail adaptation, experiences and practices.FindingsThe paper provides insights into the polymorphic role of e‐mail, particularly the way in which it is adapted by individuals within the organization. Specifically, it shows how this tool interacts within day‐to‐day work activities and tasks.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper investigates only one CMC tool, e‐mail, although it is envisaged that this initial work will be used to raise a new understanding of the socially skilled adaptation of other CMC tools by employees as well as leaders.Practical implicationsPreviously unreported insights into employee opinion are delineated in order to provide a focus from which organizations can train and develop their employees and leaders to maximise knowledge creation within the organization.Originality/valueThis study assesses CMC from an under‐researched “real‐life” perspective in which everyday interactions are used to understand employee reactions to e‐mail communication and hence foster an atmosphere in which these interactions assist organizational development.