bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid prototyping in South Africa: past, present and future
Authors: Campbell R.I. , de Beer D.J. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the development of rapid prototyping (RP) within the Republic of South Africa (RSA).Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a general review of the RP research and development effort within South Africa. It begins by looking at the progressive development of RP in the RSA to date. Next, the current situation is appraised in terms of the facilities that are now available, important emerging research areas and the development of human resources. Future prospects are then evaluated through a SWOT analysis.FindingsThe main lessons have been learnt in South Africa are as follows: it is never too late to get involved in RP; strong governmental support can enhance the growth of RP; an effective RP association can help to co‐ordinate HE and industry activities leading to a pooling of scarce resources rather than wastage through duplication of efforts; research must be aimed at local priorities to ensure industrial support and government funding; human resource development is crucial and can be promoted through international partnerships.Practical implicationsReaders from several backgrounds (industrial, academic and governmental) will be able to learn important lessons from the experiences and successes of South African RP practitioners.Originality/valueThe authors believe that the development of RP in RSA represents good practice in both the application of RP and also the national strategies introduced to promote the technologies.
Managing internal communication: an organizational case study
Authors: Robson Paul J.A. , Tourish Dennis 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe primary objective of this article is to explore what senior managers think they should be doing to improve communication in their organization, what they actually do in communication terms, and the high work load which senior managers undertake.Design/methodology/approachThis understanding is advanced by using the results of a communication audit which was conducted in a major European health‐care organization (HCO) undergoing significant internal re‐organization. A communication audit can be defined as: “a comprehensive and thorough study of communication philosophy, concepts, structure, flow and practice within an organisation”. It assists managers by “providing an objective picture of what is happening compared with what senior executives think (or have been told) is happening”.FindingsFirst, senior managers who over‐work are even less likely to have the time for reflection, followed by behaviour change. Second, the absence of adequate upward communication may blind managers to the full nature of their problems, which in turn guides the search for solutions.Research limitations/implicationsClearly there is a need to examine other types of organizations to establish the universality of the communication issues and problems that were found in a large HCO in Europe, using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.Practical implicationsThe data suggest that attempting to cover up communication weaknesses by managers working even longer hours only has the effect of further disempowering people, and so accentuating rather than alleviating the underlying difficulty.Originality/valueThe article has value to fellow academics and managers in practice and contributes to the debate on upward communication and the workload of managers.
The future of work: careers, stress and well‐being
Authors: Cooper Cary L. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to assess the future of work, focusing on careers, stress and well‐being.Design/methodology/approachAssesses the future of work, which will focus on small to medium‐sized enterprises, self‐employed portfolio careers and outsourced workers in virtual organisations.FindingsThe future of flexible working does not have to be a “doom and gloom” scenario; it can prove to be a liberating experience, giving choice and control to the individual – but individuals have to arm themselves with the right skills and attitudes, and engage in a constant programme of personal development.Originality/valueThis paper outlines how individuals in the future will have to take responsibility for their own personal development in regard to their work towards balancing work and the family, and better utilising disposable personal time.
E‐learning at work: theoretical underpinnings and pedagogical challenges
Authors: Tynjälä Päivi , Häkkinen Päivi 
Published: August 2005

PurposeFirst, to explore the application of e‐learning as a medium for workplace learning, as a form of adult learning and organisational learning from a theoretical point of view, second, to review empirical studies on recent solutions to pedagogical problems encountered in workplace learning in general and in e‐learning in particular, and finally, to consider the challenges facing the further development of e‐learning solutions targeted at the workplace.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews theories of adult learning, workplace learning and organisational learning and brings out main pedagogical implications of these theories from an e‐learning point of view. Some empirical studies in which electronic networks and communication tools have been utilised in workplace learning are also described.FindingsThe development of successful e‐learning solutions for the use of work organizations requires integrating research knowledge from different sources: theories of the learning organization, sociocultural theories of learning, and cognitive theories of learning.Practical implicationsBased on empirical examples and the literature review pedagogical challenges and theory‐based guidelines are presented for the design of e‐learning environments for the workplace. These include integration of theoretical knowledge with participants' practical experience, support for the explication of implicit knowledge, and encouragement of collaboration and knowledge exchange between different groups of people.Originality/valueThis paper integrates different theoretical approaches for the design of e‐learning environments of work organizations.
Virtual learning environments for time‐stressed and peripatetic managers
Authors: Jones Sandra , McCann Jackie 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe paper argues that virtual situated learning environments (VSLE), designed as authentic learning experiences, can provide managers with broader learning opportunities while also cater for the learning needs of the increasing number of peripatetic managers.Design/methodology/approachAn action learning methodology, using first person observation of practice, was used. This first person observation is inclusive of the designers and facilitators of the VSLE (the authors), and of the managers participating in virtual professional practice activities as students. This methodology was chosen in recognition of the need to qualitatively demonstrate the effectiveness of the VSLE for management education.FindingsThe findings suggest that on‐line learning environment has, when designed to supplement rather than replace face‐to‐face (F2F) learning, significant advantages for the peripatetic manager.Research limitations/implicationsIt is recognised that there are limitations in generalising from particular case studies, particularly when a first‐person action methodology is undertaking. However, this needs to be weighed against the opportunity provided to present the qualitative depth, particularly important when dealing with the intangibility of knowledge.Practical implicationsThe implications are that the on‐line learning environment has significant potential for augmenting the F2F environment for managers, particularly in providing the flexibility required by the increasing number of managers working in a global workplace.Originality/valueThe research has significant value for both peripatetic managers seeking to engage in learning environment and universities and academics seeking to provide learning opportunities that are both accessible to, and relevant for, managers, particularly the newly emerging, geographically flexible managers.
Developing design principles for an e‐learning programme for SME managers to support accelerated learning at the workplace
Authors: Moon Suzie , Birchall David , Williams Sadie , Vrasidas Charalambos 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThis paper reports on the development of a workplace‐based e‐learning programme for small and medium enterprise (SME) managers in five European countries. The course is designed to address the specific needs of SME managers who, it has been noted, represent a significant proportion of the EU workforce but often experience difficulty in finding time or resources to undertake relevant training. The aim of this paper is to present the design principles developed to underpin the programme. These principles were developed specifically to address the need for greater pedagogic structure in the design of e‐learning courses.Design/methodology/approachThe course design was informed by a literature review of e‐learning and management learning and by a set of focus groups conducted to identify the specific concerns of SMEs with regard to accelerating their learning in the workplace. The course structure was further refined through trial workshops in all five partner countries.FindingsThe paper presents a pedagogic framework and a structured set of design features, both of which were built into the course as a result of the research undertaken. It also provides reflections on the efficacy of the design process that resulted in the formation of the design principles, and also the prospects for e‐learning programmes in supporting accelerated learning in the workplace.Practical implicationsThe design process and reflections may usefully be extracted to inform other cross‐national or SME‐focused e‐learning programmes.Originality/valueThe paper draws on theory and research data to demonstrate the importance of thorough research in e‐learning course development.
Corporate strategic decision making
Authors: Roulac Stephen , Adair Alastair , McGreal Stanley , Berry Jim , Brown Louise , Heaney George 
Published: August 2005

PurposeSeeks to explore recent studies in corporate real estate and to provide a comparative analysis of industrial corporations in Ireland and those in the non‐industrial sector with respect to their corporate real estate management objectives.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical investigation reports on a study undertaken in Ireland and compares results from companies in the industrial sector with companies in the non‐industrial sector. The methodology is based on a behavioural questionnaire targeted at the top 150 companies operating in Ireland and classified on the basis of number of employees.FindingsThe findings indicate that significant differences are apparent between companies in the industrial sector and companies not in the industrial sector in the use of real estate assets. In particular companies in the industrial/manufacturing sectors have weakly developed corporate real estate strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations derive from a relatively small sample size, a function of targeting the survey at senior executives. There are implications for companies in the under‐utilisation of real estate assets and the effects of this on corporate balance‐sheets requires further investigation.Originality/valueHighlights that companies in Ireland, notably those in the industrial sector, have some significant way to go in utilising their corporate real estate assets more effectively.
Hindsight and the delusion of control
Authors: Hadfield Linda 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo draw attention to a philosophical vacuum underlying the current emphasis on risk assessment.Design/methodology/approachDefinitions of chance, probability and risk are drawn from the literature and the development of risk assessment is surveyed historically. A critique of the philosophical basis of risk assessment is outlined.FindingsThe paper argues that emphasis on numerical risk assessment disguises the underlying complexity and uncertainty of modern life and leads to a false sense of control. This has implications for the assignment of responsibility and accountability when unintended consequences arise.Originality/valueThe paper raises questions concerning the meaning of “risk” and “uncertainty”, and asks whether “risks” can truly be assessed and managed in a meaningful way. It is intended to provoke thought and debate, and should be of interest to policy makers, academics, business professionals and a general readership.
The future of higher education and professional training
Authors: Buchen Irving H. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo identify emerging education alternatives to traditional higher education.Design/methodology/approachTo survey and examine three types of alternative providers.FindingsTo demonstrate that there are now at least two major providers of professional development in the market.Originality/valueTo posit a more complicated and competitive future for higher education but also to note the prospect of convergence.
A roadmap for the elicitation of business rules in information systems projects
Authors: Kardasis Panos , Loucopoulos Peri 
Published: August 2005

PurposeIn this paper we present a roadmap for the elicitation of business rules based on different stakeholders' perspectives, in order to facilitate the processes of structuring, organizing and expressing business tactic and policy in a way that it is close to the business milieu and stakeholders' viewpoints.Design/methodology/approachThis paper has derived from a combined research practice. Initially, the development of a roadmap for understanding different stakeholders' perspectives and for identifying their views on business tactics and policies was based on well‐grounded work on enterprise goal modelling, combined with a theoretical study of business rule – related concepts. The outcome of this work was tested against a real business case dealing with the development of an electronic procurement system in the pre‐fabricated construction sector.FindingsAs a conclusion, the paper put forward a comprehensive methodological framework for dealing with rule‐intensive projects. The proposed roadmap can help IT practitioners in collecting and organizing business rule statements that apply within a particular organization, either towards the implementation of change on a business level, or in the context of specifying the (existing or future) functionality of supporting information systems (IS).Research limitations/implicationsThe rule roadmap presented here has been coupled with a modelling approach for expressing rules in a structured, consistent manner and for organizing them in a rule repository. Future work includes the extension of this approach to cover design and implementation as part of rule‐centric information systems engineering.Practical implicationsTherefore, the overall contribution of this work relates to the provision of guidance for identifying business policy and tactics at an intentional level (through the investigation of the rationale behind them) and for transforming relevant models to the operational level, where business rules are linked to business processes, information and systems.Originality/valueAlthough the business rule concept has been examined from different points of view over the past years, the paper attempts to bridge the gap between approaches that see rules as extensions of business goals, other approaches that consider rules as limitations on the way business activities are performed, and finally, approaches according to which rules constrain the creation, modification and deletion of information entities.
Accounting “gets real” in dealing with virtual manufacturing
Authors: Tayles Mike , Webster Margaret , Sugden David , Bramley Andrew 
Published: August 2005

PurposeOf relatively recent origin is the virtual organisation where companies are able to marshal the necessary competencies from a range of independent external agents through the strategic use of outsourcing mechanisms. The paper discusses the challenge of accounting for intellectual capital (IC) and intangible assets and presents a financial analysis and background of companies exhibiting different levels of virtuality, from traditional manufacturing to virtual manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the interaction of the researchers with three companies examining their positions on the continuum from traditional to virtual manufacturing. Case studies of the companies and some key financial results for a period of years are presented in order to explore implications and inform strategic decisions.FindingsIt concludes that conventional financial reporting for IC and intangibles has limited scope. This is elaborated through contrasts in a number of conventional accounting measures and some others, less conventional, to highlight the implications of the intellectual capital employed. The results are reported and implications of these discussed in the context of the companies whose background and activities are briefly outlined.Practical implicationsThe measurement and management of the intangible assets and intellectual capital of organisations has been the focus of recent research in accounting and finance. This has applied to the corporate reporting of financial results involving its impact on the balance sheet, managerial accounting concerned with decisions and the internal use of various financial and non‐financial performance measures and finance where market values of companies have been shown to differ significantly from their book values as shown in published accounts.Originality/valueThe content will be of interest to academics studying issues surrounding the reporting and decision making concerning intellectual capital and intangibles. Additionally, managers and consultants whose companies are engaged in outsourcing and or virtual/semi‐virtual manufacturing should find the results informative.
Human capital indicators, business performance and market‐to‐book ratio
Authors: Sáenz Josune 
Published: August 2005

PurposeFor many authors, the difference between the market value of companies' shares and their book value is the consequence of intellectual capital (IC). To test this, this paper suggests a methodology to study the relationship between IC indicators and the market‐to‐book ratio (MBR). In addition, it presents an exploratory application of that methodology in the field of human capital (HC) and within the Spanish banking industry. In this research, the relationships between HC, MBR and other business performance indicators are measured.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology mentioned above creates a score for each of the three main IC components: human, structural and relational capital. These scores try to measure the relative position of companies in the same industry in each of the IC blocks. Then, a global score is set, combining the scores of the previous blocks. For these calculations to be done, a common set of indicators in the companies studied is needed. The lack of balance nowadays between showing strategy uniqueness and delivering comparable information across firms, when preparing external IC reports, has limited the empirical application of the proposed methodology to HC indicators.FindingsPreliminary results show a clear positive relationship between HC indicators and MBR, and almost a non existent one between HC indicators and banks' efficiency and financial return. In any case, the highest correlations found are between, on the one hand, banks' efficiency and financial return and, on the other hand, MBR.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies mainly in the methodology it provides for external IC benchmarking
Intellectual capital disclosure and market capitalization
Authors: Abdolmohammadi Mohammad J. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a descriptive framework of the components of intellectual capital in annual reports. The paper also aims to investigate the effects of disclosure of intellectual capital on market capitalization.Design/methodology/approachThe components of intellectual capital are used as units of analysis to content analyze the annual reports of a sample of 58 Fortune 500 companies over the five‐year period of 1993‐1997.FindingsThe frequency of disclosure of information about brand and proprietary processes has increased over the study period. The results also point to significant differences between the “new” and “old” economy sectors with respect to intellectual capital categories of brand and partnerships where there is more disclosure by “old” economy sector and information technology and intellectual property where there is more disclosure by the “new” economy sector. Finally, the results show a highly significant effect for the intellectual capital disclosure on market capitalization.Research limitations/implicationsThe time period is limited to the years before the market excesses of the late 1990s and the market decline of the 2000s. The results have significant implications for setting standards of disclosure of intellectual capital in annual reports.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to provide information on disclosure of intellectual capital by fortune 500 companies in the USA. Its results have value for various users of annual reports who seek to understand the ways in which companies disclose information about their intellectual capital.
A temporary filling material may cause cusp deflection, infractions and fractures in endodontically treated teeth
Authors: Laustsen M. H. , Munksgaard E. C. , Reit C. , Bjørndal L. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractAim  To test the hypothesis that Coltosol F might cause infractions and cusp fracture in root‐filled teeth because of material expansion.Methodology  Thirty‐two extracted human molar teeth were root filled and prepared with mesial‐occlusal‐distal (MOD) cavities with or without undercuts. The specimens were filled proximally with glass–ionomer cement and then occlusally with either Coltosol F or zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE). The tooth specimens were kept in water at 37 °C for a period of 20 days, and every second day the intercusp distance (ICD) of each specimen was measured in a travelling microscope, and the number of infraction lines as well as fractures were noted.Results  The number of infraction lines increased in teeth filled with Coltosol F. Between day 8 and 16, seven of 16 teeth filled with Coltosol F showed fracture and exhibited a mean increase in ICD of 316 ± 156 μm. Teeth filled with ZOE did not show an increase in number of infraction lines or in ICD, and none showed fracture.Conclusions  The hygroscopic expansion of Coltosol F in a cavity may lead to cusp deflection, infraction development and fracture. Masticatory forces will in vivo aggravate this unfavourable condition. The material is not recommended for temporary filling in root‐filled teeth except for a few days.