bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful school principalship in Danish schools
Authors: Moos Lejf , Krejsler John , Kasper Kofod Klaus , Brandt Jensen Bent 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims at conceptualizing and investigating the meaning of good school principalship within the space for manoeuvring that is available within the context of Danish comprehensive schools. The paper aims to present findings from case studies of two Danish schools within the frame of reference.Design/methodology/approachOutlines the educational context for the Danish schools and gives a short account of the point of departure for the analysis. The perspective in this study is that leadership is about communication, decision making and community building at several levels in schools. In the beginning of the project a series of interviews with stakeholders in those schools was conducted. That formed the basis for the accounts of the first two schools. Later on a number of key stakeholders in the schools were observed and interviewed and that is the basis for the account of the third Danish school.FindingsThe findings show that whilst there is a high degree of consensus amongst the schools and the stakeholders, there are also different points of view. Also shows a pattern of successful leadership communication and community building.Originality/valueAn investigation of the importance and contribution of the principal to the quality of education in Denmark.
Sustaining success in challenging contexts: leadership in English schools
Authors: Day Christopher 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to report multiperspective research on ten successful, experienced headteachers working in a range of urban and suburban schools of different sizes (with different school populations and free school meals indices of between 20 and 62 per cent).Design/methodology/approachA discussion combining narrative and analysis.FindingsThe research revealed that the headteachers sustained their success by the application of a combination of essential leadership values, qualities and skills and that these enabled them to manage a number of tensions and dilemmas associated with the management of change.Originality/valueIllustrates that successful headteachers are those who place as much emphasis on people and processes as they do upon product: all had raised the levels of measurable pupil attainments in their schools and all were highly regarded by their peers. A key characteristic among the heads was that all revealed a passion for education, for pupils and for the communities in which they worked that this was recognised and appreciated by them, that they had translated their passion into practice, and that pupils' achievements had increased over a sustained period of time.
Successful school leadership: the Norwegian case
Authors: Møller Jorunn , Eggen Astrid , Fuglestad Otto L. , Langfeldt Gjert , Presthus Anne‐Marie , Skrøvset Siw , Stjernstrøm Else , Vedøy Gunn 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to identify what counts as successful school leadership within a Norwegian context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses multi‐site case study methods as a methodological approach. In selecting cases the first strategy included schools appointed as “good practice schools” by the Ministry of Education and Research. The second strategy was to obtain a desired variation based on different factors like school size and structure, rural/urban representation and principals' gender.FindingsLeadership in the case schools are almost entirely practiced through collaboration and team efforts, and a learning‐centered approach is the focal point for the schools' philosophy as well as for its practice. Respect of the individual student and colleague in the building of professional communities of practice seems to be a guiding norm of conduct. In addition, school leaders that are successful in fulfilling a moral enterprise based on democratic principles and values, manage to deal with the types of dilemmas that are at the core of working with people in a school.Originality/valueThe study shows how successful leadership is an interactive process involving many people and players.
Consumers' perception of risk: the case of beef purchases in Irish supermarkets
Authors: Hornibrook Susan A. , McCarthy Mary , Fearne Andrew 
Published: January 2007

PurposeFor supermarkets in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, the strategic importance of own label or retail brands is crucial, with sales of fresh beef almost exclusively sold under the retail brand. Given safety and quality issues, this study seeks to understand pre‐pack consumers' perceptions of risk associated with beef in the Republic of Ireland.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on previous qualitative research, and using a survey methodology and adopting a perceived risk theoretical framework, face‐to‐face interviews with purchasers of pre‐pack beef from supermarkets were conducted in Cork, Waterford and Limerick.FindingsThe results confirm that for these particular beef purchasers, food safety and health issues are still the main concerns. However, perceptions of risk are reduced through loyalty to supermarkets, confirming that the investment by retailers in supply chain policies and strategies has paid off in terms of reducing customers' perceptions of risk associated with food safety.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of the research is that perceptions of risk and coping strategies are specific to the product category; therefore, results cannot be generalised to other categories.Practical implicationsThe findings demonstrate that a more focussed approach to marketing beef could include strategies based upon understanding particular aspects of perceived risk.Originality/valueA deeper understanding of consumers' risk perceptions and risk reducing strategies is necessary as consumers' perceptions of risk can both respond to and influence the strategies adopted at both firm and industry level. In particular, an understanding of perceived risk is particularly necessary for retailers following an own brand strategy in general.
Marketing communications in planned shopping centres: evidence from the UK
Authors: Warnaby Gary , Bennison David , Davies Barry J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper investigates brand‐level marketing communications decisions of town centre‐based planned shopping centres in the UK.Design/methodology/approachFollowing exploratory semi‐structured interviews with town centre‐based shopping centre managers, the main stage of the research comprised a postal questionnaire. This investigated two main areas: the nature of the process by which marketing/promotional activities were planned; and the actual “marketing” activities used by respondents (and their perceived importance), with particular reference to marketing communications activities. The questionnaire was administered to shopping centre managers in urban shopping destinations classified as major city, major regional, regional and sub‐regional in the Management Horizons Europe UK Shopping Index – 173 destinations in total across the whole of the UK.FindingsThe results are structured using Shimp's categories of general choices, specific choices and programme evaluation. Regarding general choices (i.e. targeting, objectives budgeting), centre positioning was regarded as very important and key target audiences were general public and media at the local/regional level. Objectives focused on raising centre profile and improving footfall. Centres spent an average of 13.6 per cent of operating budget on promotional activities. With regard to specific choices (i.e. mixing communication elements, creating messages), the most widely used promotional elements were found to be press and radio advertising, events and festivals, leaflets and other promotional literature and also public relations. Evidence of integration between communications elements existed although there is potential for greater synergy.Originality/valueResearch into the marketing of planned shopping centres has been somewhat lacking in comparison to other aspects of their operations. As centres face a more intensely competitive environment, the need for effective marketing and promotion is increasingly acknowledged, and this paper provides evidence of the current use of marketing activities in this context.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) in China: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Lai Fujun , Hutchinson Joe , Zhang Guixian 
Published: January 2007

PurposeRFID has fundamental influences on today's retailing and supply chain management. This article seeks to formulate the opportunities and challenges of RFID adoption in China.Design/methodology/approachField interview and panel discussion were used to explore the opportunities and challenges of RFID adoption in China. An example of successful RFID deployment in China is presented.FindingsAlthough Chinese companies are exposed to several challenges in the adoption of RFID, there are numerous opportunities for RFID deployment. Challenges include China's standards, costs, business environment, business models, and untested market. The opportunities include China's huge market size, advances of several industries, a rapid increase in logistics demand, and China's role as a world‐class manufacturing center.Originality/valueThis article represents a pioneer study of RFID adoption in China. Opportunities and challenges of RFID adoption in China were identified, which provide valuable guidance for RFID adoption for Chinese companies and foreign companies operating in China.
The social shaping of electronic metals exchanges: an institutional theory perspective
Authors: Cousins Karlene C. , Robey Daniel 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the structures and business models of electronic metals exchanges between 1995 and 2003.Design/methodology/approachA dialectical institutional analysis is applied to understand the exchanges’ responses to competing pressures for efficiency and legitimacy.FindingsAlthough efficiency is enabled by internet technologies that provide greater information transparency and access, public metals exchanges exhibited less ability to survive than private exchanges. It is argued that private exchanges survived because traders regarded them as more legitimate. Private exchange models allowed existing traditional relationships involving trust and privacy to continue, whereas public exchanges did not.Originality/valueThe institutional analysis complements economic analyses of the role and structure of intermediaries in B2B electronic commerce.
Early determinants of women in the IT workforce: a model of girls' career choices
Authors: Adya Monica , Kaiser Kate M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo develop a testable model for girls' career choices in technology fields based on past research and hypotheses about the future of the information technology (IT) workforce.Design/methodology/approachReview and assimilation of literature from education, psychology, sociology, computer science, IT, and business in a model that identifies factors that can potentially influence a girl's choice towards or against IT careers. The factors are categorized into social factors (family, peers, and media), structural factors (computer use, teacher/counselor influence, same sex versus coeducational schools), and individual differences. The impact of culture on these various factors is also explored.FindingsThe model indicates that parents, particularly fathers, are the key influencers of girls' choice of IT careers. Teachers and counselors provide little or no career direction. Hypotheses propose that early access to computers may reduce intimidation with technology and that same‐sex education may serve to reduce career bias against IT.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the model is multidisciplinary, much of research from which it draws is five to eight years old. Patterns of career choices, availability of technology, increased independence of women and girls, offshore/nearshore outsourcings of IT jobs are just some of the factors that may be insufficiently addressed in this study.Practical implicationsA “Recommendations” section provides some practical steps to increase the involvement of girls in IT‐related careers and activities at an early age. The article identifies cultural research as a limitation and ways to address this.Originality/valueThe paper is an assimilation of literature from diverse fields and provides a testable model for research on gender and IT.
From government to e‐government: a transition model
Authors: Davison Robert M. , Wagner Christian , Ma Louis C.K. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo develop a model that can explain the “government to e‐government” transition process.Design/methodology/approachReviews the literature on and practice of e‐government, as well as the related literature of strategic alignment and maturity models for technology adoption. Offers evidence for the model's validity through case‐type material from the web sites of e‐governments worldwide.FindingsSix transition paths can be identified, four of which are more likely to result in effective e‐government transition.Research limitations/implicationsFurther work is needed to test the validity of the model. This could involve historical and longitudinal studies of the government to e‐government transition process in different governments around the world.Practical implicationsThe transition model should be of value to e‐government strategic planners who are seeking possible transition paths towards the effective development of e‐government.Originality/valueThe paper tackles the little investigated topic of the transition process through which governments must go as they shift from traditional government to e‐government.
Making sense of e‐commerce as social action
Authors: Janson Marius , Cecez‐Kecmanovic Dubravka 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide a social‐theoretic framework which explains how e‐commerce affects social conditions, such as availability of information and equality of access to information, influences actors' behavior, shapes e‐commerce business models, and in turn impacts industry structure.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical investigation based on one‐hour interviews with owners/managers of nine vehicle dealerships and six vehicle buyers in a large US metropolitan region. The hermeneutic method of understanding was used, involving a circular process from research design and attentiveness to data, to data collection and interpretation. This circular process exemplified the dialectic relationship between the theoretical framework (derived from Habermas'sTheory of Communicative Action) and empirical data, through which interpretation and theoretical explanations grounded in the data emerged.FindingsDemonstrates that e‐commerce gives rise to increasing competition among the dealers, decreasing prices and migration of competition to price, decreasing profitability of the average dealer, and erosion of traditional sources of competitive advantage. Moreover, e‐commerce emancipates and empowers vehicle purchasers while reducing the power of automobile dealers.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings focus on the effects of e‐commerce on the automobile distribution industry. However, one could argue that a number of the findings extend to other retailing‐based industries.Practical implicationsThe paper illustrates a research methodology that may be useful to study other e‐commerce applications.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates the application of Habermas'sTheory of Communicative Actionto studying the effect of e‐commerce.
Emphasizing technology: socio‐technical implications
Authors: Berg Elisabeth , Mörtberg Christina , Jansson Maria 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis article aims to focus attention on users of information technology (IT), especially mobile telephony. It focuses on what people actually say about mobile technology but also aims to pay attention to what they do not talk about, what is found in the silence, especially with new technology when much can be taken for granted. This latter is, according to Foucault, even more important to understand.Design/methodology/approachThe research draws on empirical research through 11 semi‐structured interviews and interviews with five focus groups, comprising between four and eight care assistants in each group. The interviews were with three women and three men between 25‐70 years old, five female public sector middle managers and care assistants from five focus groups at social services departments in the north of Sweden. A Foucauldian approach is adopted to interpret the findings and explore how their locations within the circuits of socio‐technical networks engender uncertainty with mobile technology. The present spread of IT reinforces a belief that people are integrated into the circuits of socio‐technical networks.FindingsThe findings suggest, on the one hand, that new technologies like mobile communication can be used to organise our everyday lives, whilst, on the other, there are risks with the new technologies, which can discipline discourses.Originality/valueThese issues are discussed from a sociological and informatics perspective.
Diffusion – or delusion? Challenging an IS research tradition
Authors: McMaster Tom , Wastell David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to critique the notion of diffusionism.Design/methodology/approachThe notion of diffusionism provides a general way of understanding innovation and human progress. It is pervasive within IS research and practice. Generically, diffusionism denotes an asymmetrical view of innovation as originating exclusively in “progressive” centres, from which it spreads through an essentially passive recipient community. This model is pernicious, as it privileges an élite few over the majority, with the innovator/imitator dichotomy presented as natural, moral and inevitable. This paper analyses the notion of diffusionism in information systems (IS).FindingsThe failure to find any empirical support for diffusionism reveals both its mythical character and its ideological rationale in lending moral legitimacy to colonialistic projects. Empirical examples demonstrate both the ubiquity of the diffusionist mindset in IS research and practice, and its linkage to pseudo‐colonial activities in the home domain.Originality/valueThe paper concludes by arguing for a more critical approach within IS research on innovation, the use of richer, process‐based theories, and greater partnership with practitioners in order to close the research/practice gap.
Global boundaries, task processes and IS project success: a field study
Authors: Espinosa J. Alberto , DeLone William , Lee Gwanhoo 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to better understand how global boundaries affect global information system (IS) project success and which mediating process variables increase the chance of success.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature on IS success and global teams, an input‐process‐output framework is adopted to develop the research model for the study. This research is based on semi‐structured interviews with 22 global IS project managers. An attribution analysis is used to identify common themes and patterns of the interview results.FindingsGlobal IS project managers identified time separation and cultural differences as the most significant barriers to project success. Our findings suggest that effective teams were able to overcome these barriers to achieve success, but this success was achieved through the implementation of special coordination, communication and cognitive processes tailored to help teams overcome global barriers and through considerable additional cost and effort.Practical implicationsThis study furthers understanding of the global boundaries affecting global IS project success and the most effective processes that teams use to overcome global barriers.Originality/valueDespite the increasing attention to global IS work, there is limited understanding of why and how global IS projects succeed or fail. The present study, investigates not only how multiple global boundary variables (e.g. geographic dispersion, time separation, language differences, cultural differences, etc.) affect IS project success, but also which processes teams use to cope with the challenges presented by these global boundaries.
Pubwatch: questions on its validity and a police response
Authors: Pratten John , Bailey Nigel 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to raise some of the criticisms that have been made of the Pubwatch scheme, and seeks to address them.Design/methodology/approachThe criticisms have all been made by licensees. The responses are the personal views of Inspector Nigel Bailey, a member of the National Pubwatch Steering Committee.FindingsThe dialogue indicates that the scheme has a clear logic, but is still in the process of development.Research limitations/implicationsIf Pubwatch is going to assist in the control of anti‐social behaviour, more research is needed to discover what has been achieved around the country.Practical implicationsAnyone involved in the licensed trade, including customers, may feel relieved at the answers to some of these questions, and may feel more inclined to support Pubwatch.Originality/valuePubwatch is a recent development, and is largely under‐researched. In addition, the public is often unaware of its existence. Papers such as this are intended to increase awareness and the assess ways of addressing drink‐related ant‐social behaviour.
Hotel management in Cuba and the transfer of best practices
Authors: Cerviño Julio , Bonache Jaime 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to analyse the management challenges faced by international hotel operators when applying universally accepted management principles to the Cuban hospitality market.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use both secondary and primary research sources based on fieldwork carried out in Cuba during the first semester of 2003 and a later visit during the months of December 2003 and January 2004. Eight in‐depth interviews were conducted with senior executives of Cuban, Spanish and French hotel corporations.FindingsThe paper presents a scenario where the state's role in the protection of the socialist revolutionary principles, combined with the need to adopt some market‐based management practices, constitutes a singular case in the world of hotel management. In the current Cuban institutional context, the implementation of some western best management practices can produce significant results, while others produce negative outcomes, and therefore, should be held back until the institutional context is changed.Practical implicationsThe paper has implications for managers in suggesting that from a hotel perspective, the application of universally accepted best management practices must be carried out practice by practice and country by country.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to increased knowledge about the dilemmas of managing hotels in a still highly centralised socialist country but with an increasingly market‐based economy.