Cameron, R. (2009) "A socially inclusive and holistic model for those targeted by welfare reform", pp. 1-13.

Abstract

Title: A Socially Inclusive and Holistic Model for those targeted by welfare reform
Keywords: welfare reform, unemployment, social inclusion, career transitions, mixed methods, labour market programs
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the research/paper: The purpose of this research was to develop a socially inclusive and holistic model for career and learning transition for those considered disadvantaged within the labour market and/or disengaged from formal learning.
Methodology: The research utilises a sequential mixed model research design which consists of two phases. Phase one of the research involved a Learning Survey of approximately 250 labour market program (LMP) participants in which quantitative data analysis techniques were used. Phase two involved the development of the model and its testing in the field. A formative evaluation of the model in the field was undertaken and utilised a combination of both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
Findings: The research developed a socially inclusive and holistic model for those targeted by welfare reform. The model has wider applications and could be tested in the future with those groups experiencing retrenchment, outplacement, post injury rehabilitation, re-skilling and major career and employment changes.
Implications for theory: The research design provides an example of the utilisation of a mixed methods research design and presents a model with an interdisciplinary theoretical framework.
Implications for practice: The research is significant in terms of recent Australian welfare reform where specific groups of welfare recipients are being targeted to enter/re-enter the paid workforce. The research resulted in the development of a socially inclusive and holistic model designed to assist in the developmental processes associated with building the individual efficacy and capacity needed to navigate the welfare to work transitions expected of these target groups.
Value of the paper: The research informs welfare reform policy and practice and would be valuable to organisations and practitioners involved in the delivery of Labour Market Programs. The paper may also be of value to HRM practitioners involved in the human resource management functions related to redundancy, outplacement, rehabilitation and re-skilling. The paper also provides researchers with an example of a mixed methods research study.
Number of pages: 13
Number of tables/figures: 2 figures
Section headings: Introduction; Welfare to Work; Methodology; Theoretical underpinnings of the model; Career and learning transitional model; Conclusions and summary.

Forester, G. & Ellis, A. (2009) "A new approach to analyzing the decay of corporations", pp. 14-39.

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Abstract

Title of paper: A new approach to analyzing the decay of corporations
Keywords: corporation decay, business risk parameters, corporate lifecycle, creative destruction, Fortune 100 analysis, theta the half life of a business, tau the mean life of a business, business fitness landscape modeling.
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the research/paper: Creative destruction, as measured by overall corporation decay rates, whether the corporation decay results from mergers, acquisitions, privatization, nationalization, bankruptcy, technological obsolescence, or competitive disadvantage, appears to be alive and well in today's dynamic and competitive business environment. The analysis, confirmation, extension, or falsification of such trends is of critical importance to business analysts, portfolio managers and investors. This paper details a new approach to analyzing the decay of corporations.
Methodology: Quantitative and empirical methods were used to analyze the U.S. Fortune 100 rankings over the history of the rankings, namely from 1955 to 2008.
Findings: The findings show that the corporation decay rate trend is one in which the decay rate is increasing significantly. The study reveals that in 1955, the decay rate trend line indicates that 3.8% of Fortune 100 corporations would become extinct in a given year. This translates to a mean life or tau (Forster and Ellis, 2008) of 26.4 years and a half life or theta of 18.3 years. Further, the study shows that by 2008, the corporation decay rate had increased significantly to 9.5% per annum, resulting in a mean life tau, of 10.5 years and a business half life theta, of 7.3 years. These results reveal a significant trend in which the mean lifetime for our largest corporations, has decreased by 15.9 years during the period 1955 to 2008, that is, over the last 54 years, the mean lifetime of our largest, most successful corporations has declined by a compound rate of 1.72% per annum.
Value of the paper: The paper will be of interest to business analysts, executives, corporate directors, and researchers in the area of strategic business management. It provides new historical insight into trends associated with the rate of decay, or decline, of the largest corporations in the United States .
Number of pages: 26
Number of tables/figures: 4 tables and 5 figures.
Section headings: Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Business, or corporation?, A definition of corporation decay, The analysis, A review of the 1995 Fortune 100 peak decay rate event, Conclusions, References.

Gandolfi, F. (2009) "Where did downsizing go? A review of 30 years of a strategic business phenomenon", pp. 40-65.

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Abstract

Title: Where did downsizing go? A review of 30 years of a strategic business phenomenon
Keywords: downsizing, strategy, literature review
Category of paper: Literature review
Purpose of the research/paper: The article is based upon an analysis of the downsizing literature and a summation of secondary sources.
Methodology: Literature survey
Findings: While acknowledging the empirical and theoretical contributions that have been made, the concept of downsizing remains problematic and its theoretical base disconnected from much of the change management literature.
Value of the paper: academics, practitioners, managers, consultants, and students of business and management
Number of pages: 26
Number of tables/figures: 1 table
Section headings: Introduction; history, definition, and scope; downsizing causes; downsizing implementation; downsizing consequences; the paradox of downsizing; contemporary downsizing practices; concluding remarks.

Rahman, S. & Ng, K.Y.N (2009) "Sustainable Differentiation or Simply Marketing Myopia – The case of Airlines meeting the needs of the Physically Challenged Persons", pp. 66-77.

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Abstract

Title: Sustainable Differentiation or Simply Marketing Myopia – The case of Airlines meeting the needs of the Physically Challenged Persons?
Key Words: Differentiation, Airline Industry, Physically Challenged Individuals
Category of paper: Research Paper
Purpose of the Research: It has long been acknowledged that service differentiation ensures the survivability of the firm. The objective of the paper is to identify the physically challenged individuals as a viable group requiring segmentation and service differentiation from the Airline Industry.
Findings: This paper will contribute significantly to understanding the needs of the physically challenged individuals and suggest that meeting the needs of these individuals provide sustainable competitive advantage for the airline industry.
Implications for practice: T his study is beneficial from a managerial perspective given the implications in assisting the airline operators and marketers to better understand this group of customers and their needs. Particularly specific features identified in this paper help increase the overall positioning of airline operators that would appeal to this growing segment.
Value of paper: The paper will be of interest to academics, airline operators and marketing practitioners.
Number of pages: 12
Number of tables/figures: 2
Section headings: Abstract, Introduction, Who are the Physically-Challenged Individuals?, Why the need for Differentiation in the Airline Industry?, Is there a sustainable market for the Physically Challenged?, What are the Needs of Physically Challenged Individuals?, Why are Airlines not meeting the needs?, Conclusion.

Cameron, L. & Miller, P. (2008) "Improving HRM practice in SMEs: How to apply relationship marketing concepts", pp. 1-22.

Abstract

Title: Improving HRM practice in SMEs: How to apply relationship marketing concepts
Keywords: Relationship marketing; HRM; SME's; personal relationships.
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the paper: This paper seeks to demonstrate an increased understanding of the importance of the creation of sustainable performances through the development of enhanced employee relationships that impact on small business outcomes in Australia .
Methodology: A literature review and pilot study led to the development of a comprehensive survey instrument. The data from the survey was analysed and ten constructs identified, all relating to the relationships of recruitment, selection and retention. The final phase of the study focused on the confirmation of four significant constructs which were firstly pilot tested and then validated by semi-structured interviews.
Findings: A series of relationships similar to that found in “relationship marketing” were identified as contributing to enhanced sustainable small business outcomes. This in turn has laid the framework for entrepreneurial activities to be improved through ongoing relationship development.
Implications for theory: The paper demonstrates that the theory of relationship marketing may be utilised in disciplines other than marketing, notable in this case, in human resource management.
Implications for practice: The study demonstrated an approach in which the use of the characteristics of relationship marketing when applied to the recruitment, selection and retention of employees in small entrepreneurial businesses can enhance sustainable performance.
Value of the paper: The study will be of interest to academics and the owner managers of small to medium enterprises.
Number of pages: 22
Number of tables/figures: 3
Section headings: Introduction, literature review, recruitment, selection, orientation, development and continued employee involvement, retention through development of trust, methodology, results and discussion, relationship marketing, conclusion.

Haig, B. (2008) " Credibility based logo design: a new perspective for planning and designing successful company logos", pp. 23-41.

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Abstract

Title: Credibility-based logo design: a new perspective for creating successful company logos
Keywords: Credible, source/company-oriented, classic communication model, credibility-based logo design.
Category of paper: 2006 Ph.D. thesis paper.
Purpose of the research: Company l ogos are usually designed with little basis for their planning, creation or judgment. The author presents a new way of creating logos based on source credibility principles in communication persuasion. The author contends that logos must be studied as part of the communication persuasion process, rather than artwork per se. Classic communication persuasion models are cited as the context for study: source>message>channel>receiver . The author points out that planning and creating the company logo is on the ‘source' end of the model, and is, therefore, defined by the company's unique credibility traits. The company logo is the embodiment of these traits. Looking at the company logo as credibility-based will produce an effective logo design. Proper planning of the company's unique credibility traits always precedes the design phase. Logo design testing for proper use and weight of credibility traits can follow the design phase if desired.
Methodology: Multiple case study/quantitative.
Findings: Company logos which are credibility-based will be more successful in supporting company messages compared to logos which are non-credible.
Implications for practice: The findings enable managers to plan and design company logos based on rational not artwork or creative intuition. The research methodology enables logo design alternatives to be tested for customer action prediction before a costly launch.
Number of pages: 19
Number of tables/figures: 3
Section headings: Introduction; Literature review; Logos are communication persuasion, not artwork or creative inspiration; Source credibility: the company as an expert/trustworthy source; Applying the logo as non-verbal communication of source credibility; Recent logo design research; Branding philosophies; Need to define company specific credibility traits; Research methodology; Research methodology model; Major contributions; Examples of credibility-based logo design; Major implications from the research for managers and logo designers. Conclusion; Future research.

Nguyen, T.N.Q., Neck, P.A. & Nguyen, T.H. (2008) "Western model versus Eastern culture: Developing organisational knowledge management capability and competitive advantage - Think globally, act locally", pp. 42-61.

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Abstract

Title: Western model versus Eastern culture: Developing organisational knowledge management capability and competitive advantage - Think globally, act locally.
Keywords: Resource-based view, knowledge-based view, dynamic capability, knowledge management capability, competitive advantage.
Category of paper: Literature review/Conceptual paper.
Purpose of the paper: It is proposed that an absence of knowledge management processes may hinder a valuable integrated contribution of the two major components that constitute knowledge management capability, namely infrastructure and process, to organisational competitive advantage. This paper aims at filling this perceived gap in the literature by adopting the resource-based theory of the firm blended with knowledge and dynamic capability-based approaches.
Findings: The paper developed a holistic theoretical model of knowledge management capability-based competitive advantage of the firm. While most studies in this area were grounded in Western developed countries, the next stage of the research project will empirically examine this newly constructed model in the context of Vietnamese Confucian culture and socialist market economy that are strongly influenced by high power distances and strong risk avoidance attitudes.
Value of the paper: The paper will be of interest to academics, executive managers, and knowledge management practitioners.
Number of pages: 20
Number of tables/figures: 3
Section headings: Abstract, Introduction, Literature review, Research questions, Conceptualisation of variables, Inter-relationships among variables, Theoretical model, Discussion and conclusions.

Robson, M. & Cooksey, R. (2008) "Towards the Integration and Contextualisation of Perspectives on Managerial Intuition", pp. 62-84.

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Abstract

Title: Towards the Integration and Contextualisation of Perspectives on Managerial Intuition
Keywords: Intuition, leaders, managers, decision-making context
Category of paper: Literature review, research proposal, theoretical framework
Purpose of the paper: The aim of the paper is to provide a conceptual framework within which future research into the context and use of intuition in organisational environments can proceed.
Methodology: Literature review, theoretical analysis
Findings: Despite the increase in interest and research concerning intuition in the last few decades, a critical review of the literature reveals vague, multifarious, confusing, contradictory and sometimes paradoxical definitions and findings across a range of disciplines. This is partly due to the complexity of the phenomenon and its elusive nature, but also because few studies adopt an integrative approach. To address this problem, we present a conceptual framework for approaching the study of intuition, which interrogates and integrates the various disciplines culminating in a model of judgement and decision making that synthesises perspectives. We highlight the paucity of research focusing on the context and circumstances that surround the use of intuition by leaders and managers and, through a discussion of their impact, argue for a future research agenda.
Implications for theory and research: The findings have important implications for judgment and decision making theory and research in managerial and other contexts.
Value of the paper: The paper will be of interest to academics and researchers.
Number of pages: 23
Number of tables/figures: 7
Section headings:Introduction, Perspectives on intuition, Contemporary psychological constructions of intuition, Reconciling the philosophical and the psychological, Intuition in relation to analysis, Context and perceptions of intuition, Conclusions and future research

Introduction

Drew , M.E. & Tharenou, G. (2008) "Retirement Wealth Decisions in Australia 's Superannuation System: Part 1, Accumulation", pp. 2-23.

Abstract

This is the first in a series of three papers examining retirement wealth decisions in Australia 's superannuation system. The work seeks to introduce a holistic approach to examining decision making across the key stages of retirement wealth provision, namely: accumulation; conversion; and, decumulation. The central idea considered in this study relates to the final superannuation benefit achieved during the accumulation phase. Using a sample of 245 Australians over the age of 45, we consider three areas, under the following sub-headings: attitudinal (budget; funding priority; and, adequacy); financial market (estate planning; and, financial advice); and, demographic factors (gender; retirement status; household income; employment status; and, accumulation contribution type) and their respective impacts on accumulated balance.
Title: Retirement Wealth Decisions in Australia 's Superannuation System: Part 1, Accumulation
Keywords: Retirement Wealth Decisions, Accumulation, Superannuation, Australia
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the research/paper: To investigate the drivers of retirement wealth decisions, with a particular focus on the accumulation stage.
Methodology: Survey and stepwise regression.
Value of the paper: Identify for academics, practitioners (particularly superannuation product developers), and policy makers the drivers of decisions in the accumulation stage of retirement wealth.
Number of pages: 22
Number of tables/figures: 5
Section headings: 7

Drew , M.E. & Tharenou, G. (2008) "Retirement Wealth Decisions in Australia 's Superannuation System: Part 2, Conversion", pp. 24-49.

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Abstract

This is the second in a series of three papers examining retirement wealth decisions in Australia 's superannuation system. The work seeks to introduce a holistic approach to examining decision making across the key stages of retirement wealth provision, namely: accumulation; conversion; and, decumulation. The central idea considered in this study relates to the conversion of superannuation savings into retirement income. Using a sample of 365 Australians over the age of 45, we consider three areas, under the following sub-headings: attitudes to annuity market features and products (especially the perception of the public pension as an annuity); financial market factors (such as bequest motives and estate planning, and adverse selection and valuations resulting in the need for financial advice); and the influence of demographic characteristics and their respective impacts on conversion decisions.
Title: Retirement Wealth Decisions in Australia 's Superannuation System: Part 2, Conversion
Keywords: Retirement Wealth Decisions, Conversion, Superannuation, Australia
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the research/paper: To investigate the drivers of retirement wealth decisions, with a particular focus on the conversion stage.
Methodology: Survey and Multinomial regression.
Value of the paper: Identify for academics, practitioners (particularly superannuation product developers), and policy makers the drivers of decisions in the conversion stage of retirement wealth.
Number of pages: 26
Number of tables/figures: 14
Section headings: 7

Drew , M.E. & Tharenou, G. (2008) "Retirement Wealth Decisions in Australia 's Superannuation System: Part 3, Decumulation", pp. 50-74.

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Abstract

This is the final study in a series of three papers examining retirement wealth decisions in Australia 's superannuation system. The work seeks to introduce a holistic approach to examining decision making across the key stages of retirement wealth provision, namely: accumulation; conversion; and, decumulation. The central idea considered in this study relates to the decumulation of superannuation savings. Using a sample of 365 Australians over the age of 45, we consider three areas: financial market factors (the integration of the public pension with superannuation), attitudes to superannuation and annuity market features (the lack of financial advice/knowledge, and the skewing of savings towards housing), and the influence of demographic characteristics (gender and income) in light of decumulation outcomes.
Title: Retirement Wealth Decisions in Australia 's Superannuation System: Part 3, Decumulation
Keywords: Retirement Wealth Decisions, Decumulation, Superannuation, Australia
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the research/paper: To investigate the drivers of retirement wealth decisions, with a particular focus on the decumulation stage.
Methodology: Survey and Multinomial logistic regression.
Value of the paper: Identify for academics, practitioners (particularly superannuation product developers), and policy makers the drivers of decisions in the decumulation stage of retirement wealth.
Number of pages: 25
Number of tables/figures: 17
Section headings: 7

Meredith, G.C. & Cunneen, D.J. (2008) "Analytical case methodology: measurement of entrepreneurial behaviour", pp. 1-18.

Abstract

Title: Analytical case methodology - measurement of entrepreneurial behaviour.
Keywords: Case study; entrepreneurship; founding episode; gazelles; methodology.
Category of paper: Case study paper.
Purpose of the paper: This paper outlines a highly analytical case study methodology that uncovered subtle, systematic patterns within complex and diverse activities undertaken by entrepreneurs to create a group of new high growth firms, known as “gazelles”.
Methodology: The case study methodology adopted involved theoretical replication selection of ten independent new firms, that satisfied strict selection criteria to control for environment, type of entrepreneur and age of firm beyond startup. Data was gathered in individual interviews with each firm's founding entrepreneur, using an interview instrument containing 71 largely numerically-scaled interview questions that measured key founding activity variables.
Findings: This highly analytical case study methodology provided sufficiently fine-grained, rigorous data that highlighted systematic differences in the behaviour of entrepreneurs who created gazelles, compared to entrepreneurs who created lower growth new firms.
Implications for theory: The findings indicate a potential for a highly analytical case study methodology to help build theory in complex behavioural fields such as entrepreneurship. The findings also add to theory about which founding activities entrepreneurs should pursue and how they should pursue them, to create gazelles.
Implications for practice: Findings may improve the ability of practising entrepreneurs and their advisors to successfully create gazelles.
Value of the paper: For practising entrepreneurs, plus academics, researchers and students of entrepreneurship and academics researching in similar areas of complex human behaviour.
Number of pages: 19
Number of tables/ figures: 3
Section headings: Introduction, Literature review, Methodology, Results and discussion, Conclusions, References

Gandolfi, F. (2008) "Corporate downsizing and executioners' reactions to downsizing-related layoffs". pp. 19-29.

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Abstract

This case study explored how downsizing executioners experienced their responsibilities. The results derived from one of Australia 's largest banks demonstrate that the work of executing downsizing activities is emotionally taxing. It was shown that executioners had a tendency to distance themselves from the tasks emotionally, cognitively, and physically. These strategies were seen as coping mechanisms for self-protection and self-preservation. Previous downsizing experience enabled executioners to stay on task. Relational proximity and closeness with individual victims further impacted the emotional state of executioners. This study relied upon Clair and Dufresne's (2004) empirical work generating a conceptual framework depicting various facets of executioners' reactions to downsizing-related layoffs.
Title: Corporate downsizing and executioners' reactions to downsizing-related layoffs
Keywords: Downsizing, executioners, Australia , bank
Category of paper: Research paper based on case study
Purpose of the paper: To test, verify, and extend Clair and Dufresne's (2004) empirical work generating a conceptual framework depicting various facets of executioners' reactions to downsizing-related layoffs.
Methodology: Case study research
Findings: The work of executing downsizing is emotionally taxing. It was shown that executioners had a tendency to distance themselves from the tasks emotionally, cognitively, and physically. These strategies were seen as coping mechanisms for self-protection and self-preservation. Previous downsizing experience enabled executioners to stay on task. Relational proximity and closeness with individual victims further impacted the emotional state of executioners.
Value of the paper: The paper will be of interest to academics, practitioners, managers, consultants, researchers, and students of business and management.
Number of pages: 11 pages
Number of figures: 1
Section headings : Introduction, Downsizing executioners, Methodology, Findings and discussion, Conceptual framework, Conclusion, Implications for practice and theory, Limitations, References

Piggot-Irvine, E. (2008) "An Action Research Based Leadership Professional Development with Depth: Hidden Challenges for Organisations and Facilitators", pp. 30-49.

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Abstract

Title: An Action Research Based Leadership Professional Development with Depth: Hidden Challenges for Organisations and Facilitators
Kewords: Effective professional development; leadership; action research
Category of paper: Practice paper
Purpose of the research/paper: This paper provides a retrospective reflection on a leadership programme that theoretically conformed to current perceptions of effective professional development, had positive evaluation results and yet had thwarted outcomes. It includes a review of effective professional development with current perceptions pointing to deep, collaborative, active and on-going features as important, with improvement to leadership practice as a key outcome.
Findings: The leadership programme was positively evaluated by participants. Such optimism is seductive and could have led to a sense of complacency over the success of this programme. However, the longer term low participant completion rate of a significant report associated with the programme signalled limitations that could be facilitator, programme and/or organisation linked.
Implications for practice: The attributes of effective professional development are far from commonplace in site-based public sector programmes where short-term, one off, development programmes still abound. An action research based leadership programme was distinctly designed for such a sector in order to provide depth of development.
Value of the paper: The limitations highlighted in the findings provided opportunities for reflection and challenges for future programme design and they are shared with the intent of enhancing development more generally. Academics, practitioners, managers, consultants and students of business and management may find these reflections useful for their own leadership programme design.
Number of pages : 21
Number of tables/figures : 2
Section headings: Introduction, Literature Review: Effective Development, Summary of Features of Effective Professional Development, Application of Features of Effectiveness in a n Action Research Based Leadership Programme, Action Research Further Elaborated, Example of an AR Project on the Leadership Learning Programme, Results: Evaluation of the Development Programme, Facilitator Reflections, Limitations, Conclusion.

Podensen, M. & Ellis, A. (2008) "Towards a ‘digital ecosystem': Data integration issues within an E-Business environment", pp. 50-71.

Abstract

Title: Towards a ‘digital ecosystem”: Data integration issues within an E-Business environment
Keywords: Data Integration, Decision Support Systems, Semantic Web, Morphological Analysis
Category of paper: Research Paper
Purpose of the research/paper: This paper outlines the problem of data integration and examines the limitations of the traditional approaches as well as the effectiveness of emerging semantic approaches.
Methodology: Survey and analysis
Findings: The findings are presented as research propositions comprising a morphological approach to data integration and a logical design of the theoretical Morphological Decision Support Model to highlight the value of an integrated approach to integrating Web data, in order to enable system interoperability within the framework of an integrated ‘digital ecosystem'.
Value of the paper: This paper will be of value to managers and IT professionals who manage information systems.
Number of pages: 17
Number of tables: figures: 1
Section headings: Abstract, Introduction, Issues relating to data integration, Quantitative approaches to data integration: Structural and Relational Modelling, Evaluation of Quantitative approaches, Evaluation of Qualitative approaches, Extensible Markup Language, Semantic Web, Evaluation of Quantitative Approaches, The Concept of Morphological Analysis, Theoretical Model of Morphological DSS , MDSS Development Methodology, Integrated Perspective, Capability Maturity Integration, Summary and Conclusion.

Cameron, L., Miller, P. & Tucker, M. (2007) "Small Business Mentoring in an International Context: A preliminary study", pp. 1-10.

Abstract

Title: Small Business Mentoring in an International Context: A preliminary study
Keywords: small business, mentoring, family business
Category of paper: research paper
Purpose of the research: This paper presents the findings of a preliminary study of owner/managers of small family owned businesses in rural and regional areas of Australia.
Methodology: Mixed methods design with quantitative survey instrument
Findings: The lack of communication in relation to opportunities to participate in developmental programs offered by Commonwealth Government bodies and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to small business in rural and regional areas was found to be minimal. Recommendations were made that a regional mentoring program be established to facilitate access to the global market place by small business.
Implications for practice: This study has practical significance for family owned small businesses and for government departments endeavouring to assist small business owners.
Value of the paper: The paper will be of interest to academics and small and emerging producers/firms wanting to access government development programs.
Number of pages: 10
Section headings: Introduction, Workplace demands for small business in an international context, Adaptation to an international context, Education of small business owner/managers an international context, Mentoring an International Context, Methodology, Results and discussion, Research support/indicators from case studies, Formal Mentoring as a Facilitator of Access to International Business Programs. Conclusion, References
Number of tables: 2

Fuller, M. & Ellis, A. (2007) "The Indonesian Financial Sector Restructuring and Reform Program 2004 - 2010: Technology Threats and Opportunities", pp. 11-29.

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Abstract

Title: The Indonesian Financial Sector Restructuring and Reform Program 2004 - 2010: Technology Threats and Opportunities
Keywords: banking reforms, enterprise-wide architectures, IT outsourcing, competitive edge, strategic decision making
Category of paper: Research informing change management and best practice
Purpose of the research/paper: Provide advice to banking and financial services managers and consultants
Methodology: literature review and interviews
Findings: recommendations for managing change, responding to policy settings
Implications for practice: information on best practice and change management issues
Value of the paper: Of value to managers and consultants in the banking and financial industry
Number of pages: 19
Number of tables/figures: 6
Section headings: Background, Financial Services Trends, Organizational Impact, Operational Impact, Strategic Approach, Outsourcing, Conclusions.

Gibbs, A. (2007) "Cultural risk management in international engineering projects", pp. 30-40.

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Abstract

Title: Cultural risk management in international engineering projects
Keywords: Culture, risk management, international management, project management
Category of paper: research paper
Purpose of the paper: Increasingly, engineering consultancy businesses in developed countries such as Australia have to look for work overseas as a means of growing their businesses. Engineering rules of design and construction are similar throughout the world; however, non-technical aspects of the engineering business place the largest barriers in the way of undertaking business across cultural boundaries. This paper seeks to describe ways to manage such cultural issues in international engineering consultancy projects based on experience and case studies. The case studies are drawn from projects in Eastern Europe, Africa and South America .
Findings: The research findings show that to ensure that an international engineering project is successful it is important to recognise that there are differences in the way business is undertaken in different countries. Risks associated with international projects need to be identified and particular note taken of the significance of risk in working across cultures. These cultural risks must be identified and management strategies put in place through the lifecycle of the project.
Implications for practice: This paper will have implications for organisations that are considering undertaking international engineering projects.
Value of the paper: This paper will be of interest to academics and project managers.
Number of pages: 11
Section headings: Introduction, context of culture in projects, project risks, cross-cultural communication, concept of time, use of technology, concept of commercialisation, management of cultural risks, conclusion

Machengate, G. K. (2007) "How can small producers/firms compete in established export markets? A model for exporting beef from Zimbabwe to Malaysia", pp. 41-56.

Abstract

Title: How can small producers/firms compete in established export markets? A model for exporting beef from Zimbabwe to Malaysia
Keywords: strategic market management, sustainable competitive advantage, positioning, small producer, globalization
Category of paper: research paper
Purpose of the research: This research investigated how small producers can compete in foreign markets controlled by highly scientific and established producers, with a special focus on the case of Zimbabwe beef producers' attempts to penetrate the Malaysian beef market using non-traditional strategic approaches to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
Methodology: case study
Findings: The study shows that the model for exporting beef from Zimbabwe to Malaysia should contain the classic components of a strategic marketing management approach since this process of systematically exploring, analysing and planning for exports is believed to be a powerful discriminator between successful and unsuccessful exporters. It also shows that consumer perception is the most critical factor in developing a strategic market management model for those too small to compete by other means.
Implications for practice: This study has practical significance since it investigated how and why Zimbabwean exporters should develop a strategic export model at a time when exports from developing countries to the European Union (EU) are under threat from the Common Agricultural Policy reform and increasingly strict EU hygiene standards, and World Trade Organization negotiations on market access, export subsidies and export distorting domestic support have not been resolved.
Value of the paper: The paper will be of interest to academics and small and emerging producers/firms trying to compete with established firms in the global market.
Number of pages: 16
Section headings: Introduction, Background, Research problem, Methodology, Results , Discussion, Conclusions, References
Number of figures: 1

Gonuguntla, S. 2006, “ APEC's Impact on New Zealand 's Export Performance”, pp.1-12.

Abstract

Title: APEC's Impact on New Zealand 's Export Performance
Keywords: APEC, Trade Liberalisation, Export Growth, Merchandise Exports, Trade Intensity, New Zealand
Category of Paper : Research paper
Purpose of the research : New Zealand is a founding member of Asia – Pacific Co-operation (APEC). APEC is important to New Zealand economy as the former accounts for 70% of the latter's merchandise exports. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there has been any significant improvement in New Zealand 's export performance as a consequence of being a member of the APEC.
Methodology: Quantitative using secondary data.
Findings : The results of the research indicate that New Zealand is in a comfort zone in so far as its merchandise exports to the APEC group is concerned. The trends are mixed with regard to the individual member economies. Overall, the APEC membership has not yet resulted in a significant boost to New Zealand 's merchandise exports.
Implications for practice : New Zealand has to pursue further trade liberalisation among the member economies.
Value of the paper : The paper will be of interest to academics.
Number of pages : 12
Number of tables/figures: 2
Section headings : Abstract, Introduction, Gains from trade liberalisation, Importance of APEC to New Zealand economy, Objectives and methodology, Data analysis, Discussion, Conclusions

Lynn, R. & Earles, W. 2006, “‘Futures' of home-based business: A literature review” , pp.13-38.

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Abstract

Title: ‘Futures' of home-based business: A literature review
Keywords: home-based business, sustainability, viability, growth, family life
Category of paper: Literature review
Purpose of the research/paper: There are three key concerns for the home-based business sector: viability; sustainability; and the potential for growth. Major indicative studies are used to discuss available evidence.
Findings: There is general agreement that this sector is growing. Varying views exist on the capability of home-based businesses to generate employment. Studies of performance of home-based business and the relationship of financial and non-financial matters to performance have received little attention. There has been some identification of factors associated with size and profitability. Research into the relationship between home and business has focused on the effect of the family on the business.
Implications for practice: Research to date suggests there is a strong need to develop an overall framework for appropriate policies and programs for home-based businesses.
Implications for theory: Research is needed on factors that affect home-based businesses as a site of growth for employment; the way in which the home and family support the business; and the viability and sustainability of household livelihood practices.
Value of the paper: This examination further highlights the fragmented and limited nature of knowledge about this sector. It suggests the need for a more coherent information base and theory development to inform policy.
Number of pages: 16
Number of tables/figures: 3 Tables
Section headings: Abstract, Introduction , The potential for growth, Measurement of performance, Employment patterns and potential, Sales performance, profit performance and profit to sales ratio, Impediments and barriers, The home-based business and family life, Regulations, policies and programs, Conclusions.

Nogare, L.D. 2006, “Micro to small-sized firm survival and growth: a three-step decision framework”, pp. 29-42.

A$27.50
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Abstract

Title : Micro to small-sized firm survival and growth: a three-step decision framework
Keywords : Micro enterprises, survival, growth
Abbreviations : Micro to small-sized enterprise (MSE)
Category of paper : Research paper
Purpose of the research : The purpose of this research is to assist micro to small-sized firms in determining their propensity and potential for growth.
Methodology : Action-oriented research within a soft system
Findings : The outcome of this research is a three-step decision framework, designed to be used by owner/managers of micro to small-sized firms to assist them to determine their propensity and potential for growth.
Implications for practice : The findings will have implications for micro enterprises and small organisations that are interested in further growth. It is hoped that via ongoing, real-world trial and testing the framework will be evaluated and improved continually. This is in line with the objectives of the study and its outcomes based upon action-oriented research philosophies.
Value of the paper : The paper will be of interest to academics and managers of micro to small-sized businesses.
Number of pages : 14 (including references)
Section headings : Introduction, Literature review and background, Method, Outcome, Finding 1, Finding 2, Finding 3 (Step 1: inherent issues, Step 2: external issues, Step 3: internal issues), Conclusion

Robson, M. & Miller, P. 2006, "Australian Elite Leaders, Intuition and Effectiveness", pp. 43-61.

Abstract

Title: Australian Elite Leaders, Intuition and Effectiveness
Keywords: Decision-making, Intuition, Leadership, Australia
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of research/paper: This paper examines the relationship of the use of intuition in decision making and judgements by senior leaders in major Australian organisations.
Methodology: Qualitative: semi-structured interviews
Findings: The findings suggest that intuition is commonly used by these senior Australian leaders and that they consider it very important to effective decision making especially where the environment is complex and/or where the decision/judgement involves people
Value of the paper : Academics, practitioners, managers, consultants, researchers and /or students of business and management
Number of pages: 19
Number of tables/figures: 2
Section headings: Introduction, research issues/literature review, methodology, findings, discussion and conclusions

Abbott, K. 2006, The impact of management style on the employment relations of different sized organisations, pp. 1-22.

Abstract

Title: The impact of management style on the employment relations of different sized organisations 
Kewords: managerial style; industrial relations; human resource management; employment relations; organisation size
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the research/paper: The views and values of managers are typically noted as being wedded to unitarist or pluralist ideals. This paper disaggregates these views and values by looking at the impact of various managerial styles on employment relations in different sized organisations.
Methodology: Conceptual with applied support from the secondary literature.
Findings: The paper concludes that large organisations confront conditions and contingencies which allow them to make certain choices about employment relations in ways that are not always available to small to medium sized organisations.
Implications for theory: Adds to theoretical understandings about the nature of management styles in different sized organistions.
Implications for practice: Adds to practioneer understanding about the nature of management styles in different sized organisations.
Value of the paper: The findings should be of interest to academics, practitioners, researchers and students.
Number of pages: 22
Number of tables/figures: 1
Section headings : Abstract, Introduction, Defining organisational size, Management styles and employment relations, Organisational size and employment relations , SMEs, Large organisations , Conclusion, References

McLellan, 2006, Six Sigma and management control systems, pp. 23-48.

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Abstract

Title: Six Sigma and management control systems
Keywords: Six Sigma, management control system (MCS), continuous improvement
Category of paper: research paper
Purpose of the research: This study focuses on the introduction of a Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Program and the extent to which an organisation's MCS supports this new corporate strategy.
Findings: The research findings show that the sustainability of a Six Sigma program requires the organisation's MCS to expand and fully support this strategic initiative. The financial returns from the upfront investment of implementing a Six Sigma program can only be realised over a number of years. The maximisation of those returns will be reached only when Six Sigma improvement tools and techniques receive rapid, organised deployment and are in everyday use by all employees. That is, when Six Sigma is no longer viewed as a standalone quality initiative but is an integral part of the corporate culture.
Implications for practice: The findings will have implications for organisations that are considering investing in a Six Sigma program.
Value of the paper: The paper will be of interest to academics, accountants and senior managers.
Number of pages: 26
Section headings: Introduction, Six Sigma philosophy, Six Sigma and costs, Six Sigma and zero defects, Six Sigma methodology, Management control systems, Six Sigma and the MCS, Research methodology, Data analysis, Results not anticipated from literature review, Final questions, Conclusions, Implications for theory, Implications for policy and practice, Implications for further research

Sweeney, D. 2006, Cleo's (white) cover story, pp. 49-63.

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Abstract

Australian women's magazines appear to adhere to an unofficial white Australia policy which assures an over-representation of white women on the covers. For example, in its thirty-two years of production, Cleo magazine has never had a black cover-model. In this paper I utilise Cleo magazine covers as a window into the construction of everyday racism in Australia . The discussion revolves around the practices of racial inclusion and exclusion evident on the covers, both in the choice of model and photographic style. The paper aims to highlight a mode of Australian white/ness, one which continually positions white as dominant, non/white as other and black as unseen.
Title: Cleo's (white) cover story
Keywords: women's magazines; Cleo; white/ness; racism
Category of paper: research paper
Purpose of the research/paper: To reveal the practice of everyday racism, specifically on women's magazine covers.
Methodology: content analysis
Implications for practice: The paper challenges the reader to unpack her/his everyday assumptions regarding racist practices.
Value of the paper: The point of white/ness research is to identify the inequities in society which result directly from the dominant white paradigm. This line of inquiry has relevance for anyone in the public domain, especially those in positions of authority.
Number of pages: 15 (including title/author and structured abstract pages)
Number of tables/figures: none
Section headings: Introduction; Introducing Cleo; Method; An overview of styles and themes; So, what is the actual racial makeup of Cleo's cover-models?; Some conclusions.

Thomas, G. 2006, Lies, damned lies and E-business: can evaluation save Australian organisations from the IT cowboys?, pp. 64-83.

Abstract

Title: Lies, damned lies and E-business: can evaluation save Australian organisations from the IT cowboys? 
Keywords: Information technology, E-business, evaluation
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the research: Information technology (IT), in particular, E-business, continues to be one of the fastest growing areas of revenue expenditure in the private sector. Often the success of E-business projects is associated with whether the project was delivered on time and to budget. However, estimates suggest that as many as 60-70% of IT projects deliver no business benefit. Without robust evaluation models and practices it is difficult to determine if benefits have been achieved, and to learn from the successes and failures of the past.
Findings: The research findings show that there is a need to develop a multifaceted, yet highly adaptable, whole lifecycle evaluation model for E-business projects.
Implications for practice: The findings will have implications for organisations that are considering investing in the next-generation E-business platforms.
Value of the paper: The paper will be of interest to academics, accountants and IT/IS managers.
Number of pages: 20
Section headings: Introduction, literature review, the role of evaluation, current evaluation practices, barriers to effective evaluation, evaluation methods, the case for evaluation, further research, conclusion

Chirawatthanangkoon, S. & Kelly, S. 2006, Identifying Successful E-branding Strategies in Thailand, pp.1-17.

Abstract

Keywords: Internet, B2C, E-commerce, Strategies, Thailand
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the research/paper: This paper examines the use of Internet marketing strategies and the process of building a successful B2C brand for e-commerce businesses in Thailand .
Methodology: Case study
Findings: The findings suggest that the choice of branding strategies underpins the success of online businesses. The study also found that successful companies placed significant emphasis on developing a customer focus; designing attractive, user friendly and interesting websites; establishing long term partnerships and relationships; providing quality communication; ensuring convenience; and differentiating from competitors
Value of the paper: academics, practitioners, managers, consultants, researchers and/or students of business and management
Number of pages: 17
Number of tables/figures: 2
Section headings: Introduction, literature review, research method, results, discussion and conclusion

Gandolfi, F. 2006, The Relevance of Personal Development and Growth During the Downsizing
of an Australian Banking Organisation

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Abstract

Keywords: Downsizing, Personal Development and Growth, Bank , Australia
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the paper: This study examined managerial and non-managerial participants' perceptions of the role, relevance, and prevalence of Personal Development and Growth (PEDG) during the most recent downsizing endeavour of a large Australian banking organisation. The study found that the bank was perceived to have failed to provide adequate levels of training and development (T&D) in the area of PEDG. This was in stark contrast to the abundant provision of Professional Development and Growth (PRDG). The provision of PEDG to employees did occur, but was largely confined to a selected few. Organisational and individual benefits of PEDG were established and three distinct categories of PEDG emerged – lifestyle, mental capacity, and emotional growth. Participants stressed the perceived importance of PEDG in the context of downsizing and emphasized that PEDG had the potential to prepare the workforce for downsizing, to positively impact individuals during a downsizing activity, and to enable the workforce to cope with downsizing successfully. Participants also asserted that PEDG should be introduced prior to downsizing and that a proactive approach to PEDG should be embraced. PEDG was seen as generic and its substance was not perceived to be affected by the magnitude, severity, depth, and breadth of the actual downsizing.
Methodology: Case study
Value of the paper: academics, managers, consultants, and business students
Number of pages: 18 pages
Number of table/figures: 1 table
Section headings: Introduction; professional and personal development and growth, the nature of personal development and growth, methodology, results and discussion, conclusion, further research, autobiographical note, references, appendix

James, P. & Sankaran, S. 2006, Development of a research model of knowledge asset management in the Australian Public Sector, pp. 36-59.

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Abstract

Keywords: Knowledge management, knowledge assets, knowledge asset life cycle, organisational learning
Category of paper: Literature review
Purpose of the research/paper:
Implications for theory: The research will identify the links between strategic management and knowledge management
Implications for practice: The research will identify the links between strategic management and knowledge management
Value of the paper: academics, practitioners, managers, researchers and students
Number of pages: 24 (total)
Number of tables/figures: Tables = 1, figures = 2
Section headings: Introduction , Knowledge management , Organisational learning , The KM framework , The Australian Public Service , Knowledge asset management , Knowledge strategy , Knowledge asset lifecycle , Theoretical model , Conclusion

Mankelow, G. 2006, What motivates small enterprises to participate in corporate
social responsibility?

Abstract

Kewords: corporate social responsibility, small enterprises, Australia
Category of paper: Case study
Purpose of the research/paper: Determine small enterprises motivations to particpate in corporate social responsibility
Methodology: Qualitative case research
Findings: Corporate social responsibility participation was a proactive decision by small enterprise owners. Participation was primarily in the form of stock and cash which was focussed on secondary stakeholders such as community groups and associations.
Implications for theory: The findings confirm the literature relating to the extent and form of small enterprise corporate social responsibility. However, the findings challenge the limited literature which suggests operational stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers) are the main benficiaries of small enterprise corporate social responsibility.
Value of the paper: An Australian small enterprise corporate social responsibility study based on actual participation rather than owner's intentions to participate. A stakeholder framework provides practitioners and consultants information to advise clients, small enterprise owners and potential recipients as to how best achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Number of pages: 13
Number of tables/figures: 4
Section headings: Introduction and background , Research methodology , Form and extent of small enterprise CSR participation , Motivations for small enterprise CSR participation , Implications and conclusions

Drew, M.E., Stanford, J.D. & Stanhope, B. 2005, Sustainable retirement: a look at consumer desires, pp. 1-23.

Abstract

Retirees face a number of risks in retirement, particularly relating to retirement income streams. Using logistic regression, consumer preferences toward various risks (income flow; investment; longevity; inflation; and default risk) and retirement income product stream choice are investigated. The research finds that privately provided products, such as allocated pensions and immediate annuities, face competition from Government provided annuities (age pensions). The study concludes with policy recommendations for future consideration in the area of retirement incomes.

Kewords: Retirement Income, Risk, Consumer Preferences
Category of paper: Research paper
Purpose of the research/paper: To investigate consumer preferences towards various risks to income streams in retirement and income product stream choice.
Methodology: Survey and logistic regression.
Value of the paper: Identify for academics, practitioners, and policy makers consumer preferences towards retirement income stream risks and consider various policy alternatives.
Number of pages: 23
Number of tables/figures: 12
Section headings: Introduction, Findings of 'Drivers and Desires', The Private Annuities Market, Retirement risks, Empirical Study, Retirement Income Policy.

Gandolfi, F. & Neck, P.A. 2005, Organisational downsizing revisited, pp. 25-46.

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Abstract

Keywords: Downsizing, consequences, drivers, objectives, alternatives
Category of paper: Literature review
Purpose of the paper: In a previous article the authors conducted a literature review of the current status and background to organisational downsizing in which the consequences of downsizing were shown to be persistently negative and largely failed to accomplish their highly anticipated objectives. Moreover, the results of downsizing have profound effects on the entire workforce and are not confined to economic and organisational consequences. In this subsequent article the authors examine the stated objectives, driving forces, and alternatives to the downsizing process and describe the economic, organisational, and human implications that have emanated from such exercises
Methodology: Literature review
Value of the paper: academics, practitioners, consultants, researchers, and business students
Number of pages: 21
Number of tables/figures: 8 tables, 1 figure
Section headings:Introduction: drivers, objectives and alternatives: economic and organisational implications: human implications: public opinion: conclusion: bibliography.

Gardner, J. & Ellis, A. 2005, An individual level innovation diffusion model incorporating a social network accounting for heterophily: examination by computer simulation, pp. 47-66.

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Abstract

An individual level diffusion model incorporating the dynamics of a heterophilous social network is presented. This model is implemented using a computer simulation methodology, and the results compared to the principals described in the diffusion of innovation tradition. The model is found to be structurally sound compared with these theoretic predictions.

Keywords: individual level diffusion models, forecasts, computer simulation, social networks
Category of Paper: Research Paper
Purpose of Paper: An individual level diffusion model incorporating the dynamics of a heterophilous social network is presented with testing of its structural integrity against the theoretic predictions of the diffusion of innovation tradition.
Methodology: The model is implemented using a computer simulation methodology based on monte-carlo methods.
Findings: The model is found to be structurally sound compared with the predictions of diffusion theory.
Implications for Theory: Incorporation of a social network accounting for heterophily may add predictive power to individual level diffusion models although this comes at the expense of adding multiple new parameters to the model.
Number of Pages: 17
Number of Tables/Figures: 14
Section Headings: Introduction, Literature Review, Model Development, Methodology, Results, Conclusion, References.

Husnan, L.H. & Kouzmin. A. 2005, Strategic management: what is wrong? pp. 67-88.

Abstract

Keywords: Strategic management, strategy formulation, SMEs, cross-cultural, governance
Category of paper: Literature review.
Purpose of the research/paper: To review literature of strategic management toward SMEs.
Findings: The possibility of developing strategy formulation capabilities of SMEs which link to cultural and governance issues.
Value of the paper: The values of this paper are: (a) contribution of knowledge for academics, researchers and students, (b) contribution to practice for practitioners, managers and consultants of business and management.
Number of pages: 20
Number of tables/figures: 1
Section headings: Introduction; Culturally-blind strategic management theory and praxis; Human-resource-based view of strategy; Contextualizing strategic management for SMEs; Porter's (1980) blind spots: the roles of culture, governance and international agencies; Towards cross-cultural tolerance: modifying Storey (1994) and Mazur (1990); New directions for strategic management research; Conclusion; References.

Editorial - Dreyer, W. & Kouzmin, A.

Latornell, J. 2005, A Clash of Rights: Managerial Prerogative and Employee Rights in New Zealand

Abstract

The debate surrounding the shifts in employment relations legislation in New Zealand during the past two decades has highlighted the often extreme positions taken regarding managerial prerogatives and the rights of employees. This paper discusses the changes in legislation and examines the support for and opposition to the most recent change in legislation, the Employment Relations Act 2000. It then uses this support and opposition to highlight views on managerial prerogatives and employee rights as well as the role of Government in balancing these rights. This paper argues that the Employment Contracts Act 1991 was a repudiation of the traditional view that employment relations should balance efficiency and equity in the workplace, instead focusing solely on the pursuit of efficiency. It also argues that the Employment Relations Act 2000 is an attempt to make employee rights a positive right which management must act upon.

Keywords: employment relations, managerial prerogatives, employee rights, government role, New Zealand

Kelly, T.T. & Dreyer, W. 2005, Listen to the taniwha: the challenge of lore

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Abstract

This article is a result of many years of observation of päkehä (Caucasian New Zealanders) ignorance and Mäori intransigence with regard to definitions and understandings around tikanga (customs). Tikanga Mäori aims to provide guidelines and standards of behaviour through lore, which is followed even today on a daily basis both at work and in non-work situations by Mäori. These standards of behaviour are so entrenched in the minds of Mäori that, to a large extent, they have survived and continue to flourish, although somewhat modified, despite the overwhelming influence of Western ideals and values. This paper uses the taniwha (a mythical creature in Mäori lore) and compares tradition to current safety and health legislation to illustrate the difference between the lore of indigenous people and the law of the white settlers in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Fisher, C., McDonald, J. & Ritchie, K. 2005, Narrowing the gap: the challenge of teaching tax in a multicultural classroom

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Abstract

Recent changes in the student cohort in many New Zealand tertiary institutions have resulted in a gap that lecturers have to bridge and narrow when presenting taxation courses to classes with an ever-increasing multicultural mix. This paper explores the challenges faced by lecturers in a medium-sized tertiary institution in New Zealand, where class size determines the style of delivery – too small to allow students to ‘sink or swim’, too big for lecturers to be able to bridge the gap for each individual. The paper describes some of the teaching practices and assessment methods incorporated in the taxation classes at this tertiary establishment in order to narrow the gap.

Keywords: multicultural, taxation teaching, teaching

Gomez, F. 2005, Good faith and employee surveillance: can they coexist in the New Zealand workplace?

Abstract

We consider privacy to be a core element of democracy and, even more, a part of the personhood that belongs to each individual. Privacy has a special value in society; indeed, it underpins, sustains and supports liberty. It is the natural source of political authority, and society knows that a negation of this fundamental concept is against the existing understanding of political states. This paper tries to demonstrate that privacy in the workplace exists only in theory in New Zealand; that employers collect information about employees using technology, often surreptitiously. The employer’s right to supervise has become a powerful instrument for surveillance in the New Zealand workplace. This paper argues that employers are acting illegally when they use technology to observe and supervise employees. First, this conduct is against the structure of New Zealand’s democracy. Second, surveillance is a breach of the contract of employment because it goes against the concept of good faith in the New Zealand Employment Relations Act.

Keywords: democracy, employer and employee relationship, good faith, intimacy, liberty, political authority, privacy, privacy doctrine, surveillance, workplace

El-Kafafi, S.2005, Quality in water supply management: the Waikato experience

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between total quality management (TQM), an approach to effective organisational management, and the changing requirements of the New Zealand water industry with special reference to developments in the Waikato Region. TQM has been used extensively in business sectors, such as the hospitality and manufacturing industries. At first glance, TQM may not be expected to be of use in the water industry. However, the notion of quality can be re-conceptualised and used in the water industry. This article provides initial evidence of how the water treatment and supply industry in New Zealand is adapting the general principles of quality management to the specific circumstances of the New Zealand water treatment and supply sector. It is based on research in the Waikato Region. The further contribution of the TQM approach to addressing some of the managerial and economic issues facing the water treatment and supply industry are also discussed.

Keywords: total quality management, new concept of TQM in New Zealand water supply industry, conceptualisation of TQM in water industry

Quilty, T. 2005, Text sales promotions: a marketing technique or a step on the road to problem gambling?

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Abstract

Sales promotions facilitated with technologies such as cell phone texting have seen significant growth. Providing significant revenues coupled with instant mass communication and ease of entry, they are intensely attractive to the promoter of a product and their marketing advisors. The advent of the Gaming Act 2003 saw a review of gaming within New Zealand. As part of this review, the position of sales promotions and technology-based gaming was considered with sales promotions continuing as a legitimate form of gambling. The definition provides a platform for numerous arrangements which allow an individual to bet on an outcome. With no limits on the prize value, such promotions represent a significant gambling opportunity. The public health effect of sales promotions as a form of gambling on the population was also briefly considered but was negated by the commercial considerations. It is suggested the consideration of the public health issues were made without realistic commercial information on the scale, distribution and impact of technology-based sales promotions on population gambling behaviour, and that reporting systems are needed to assess this impact. This discussion focuses on text promotion examples; however, the comments apply to all technology-based promotions.

Keywords: cell phone text messaging, gambling, legislation, text sales promotions

Lucas, T, 2005, Structural considerations in becoming an Australian good corporate citizen

Cunningham, R. & Lamberton, G. 2005, Industrial ecology and the development of eco-industrial estates

Abstract

Clustering of business organisations within industrial estates emerged towards the end of the nineteenth century as a policy motivated by the potential for reducing costs of infrastructure and stimulation of local economies. Rapid growth in industrial estates has led to widespread environmental damage as well as health and safety problems. In this paper the industrial ecology metaphor of designing industrial systems in the image of nature is applied to the development of eco-industrial estates, and illustrated using the case of Cellulose Valley Technology Park, a unique vision of cooperation between organisations in the natural plant product and therapeutic industries in regional New South Wales.

Keywords: Industrial ecology, eco-industrial estate, technology park

Benton, I. & Sankaran, S. 2005, Mentoring women in acquiring small business management skills & minus; gaining the benefits and avoiding the pitfalls

Abstract

Mentoring has gained increased credibility as a skills-transfer mechanism in business in recent years. Already recognised for its effectiveness within larger corporations, the benefits must be attainable for those seeking to acquire small business management skills. In order to answer the specific question ‘How can women be more effectively mentored in the acquisition of small business management skills?’, this paper reviews and synthesises the literature on the parent discipline of mentoring and the immediate disciplines of relationship nature, benefits and risks of mentoring, and the effect of mentor gender as applied to the female mentoree. It concludes by presenting the key research issues revealed as gaps in the literature.

Key words: business mentoring, women in business, management development, skills transfer, benefits of mentoring, risks of mentoring

Speedy, S. 2005, Emotions and emotionality in organisations

Abstract

Organisations are not emotion free, nor are workplaces emotion free zones. Yet it is readily apparent from reviewing the organisational theory literature that emotions per se are only now being recognised as having a vital contribution to our understandings of the functioning of organisations.This paper will examine reasons why the study of emotions and emotionality in organisations, both positive and negative, has only relatively recently become a feature of organisation theory.

Jones, S., Singleton, M. & Awamleh, R. 2004, The Impact of socio-political context upon the efficacy of customer service training: a United Arab Emirates case study

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of socio-political context upon the effectiveness of customer service training in the United Arab Emirates. The hypothesis is that specific cultural (or socio-political) contexts can significantly influence the desired outcomes of training programs that have been formulated utilizing international – and predominantly ‘western’ - customer service standards. A case study of 54 UAE bank trainees supports the notion that customer service training outcomes can be significantly compromised by the cultural context within which that training takes place. The research measures the attitudes and beliefs of a group of UAE bank trainees after substantial customer service training activities. These attitudes and beliefs are then compared with international benchmarks (Cooke & Lafferty 1990); significant differences are discovered between these and the customer service values held by the trainees. The paper then explores the implications for customer service training in the Arab world and identifies areas for further research.

Keywords: cross-cultural management; socio-political context; customer service; quality management; training efficacy

Speedy, S. 2004, Organisation violations: contexts, causes, consequences

Abstract

This major aim of this paper is to explore the range of organisation violations that disrupt organisational functioning, as identified in the research literature. This paper defines the concept of organisation violations and considers some of the contextual issues such as culture, perceptions, interpretations and ‘meaning making’, all of which impact on these. Some of the causes of organisation violations are then discussed, including abusive leaders, abusive work settings, trust betrayal, sexual harassment and reactions to sexuality. Strategies for resisting organisation violation are then considered, namely whistle blowing, stress reactions and various forms of resistance behaviour. Finally, the question of whether humane work environments can be created is examined.

Keywords: Organisation violations resistance culture trust violation power sexual harassment

Wallace, M. & Dunn, L. 2004, Career development and the supply chain management professional: An explorative case study from Singapore

Abstract

This case study explores the career development of some Singaporean supply chain management professionals within the context of Singapore’s people development policy framework and the human resource development (HRD) practices in their own organizations. The study contributes knowledge about the HRD and career development of a specific group of workers thus offering a qualitative dimension to the broad statistical data provided by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower. It also contributes to the body of scholarship relating to HRD in Singapore and to the broader debate regarding skills development of supply chain management practitioners. Participants in this qualitative study were ‘earner-learners’ (Spender 2000) as they were both full-time supply chain practitioners drawn from a wide range of industrial settings and also part-time students or alumni of a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management. Their accounts of their educational backgrounds, formal learning and workplace learning experiences offer a detailed account of the relationship between HRD and career development for this group of workers. This study has identified specific HRD practices that have most contributed to the professional learning and career development of these practitioners. The paper does not presume to generalize form this study but offers a tentative model for the professional learning of supply chain professionals in Singapore that can be tested in a wider study and in different contexts.

Keywords: Human Resource Development (HRD), professional education, supply chain management, Singapore, workplace learning.

Xu, J. & Quaddus, M. 2004, Exploring the Factors Influencing the Adoption and Diffusion of a Knowledge Management System in Organisations: Development and Partial Test of an Integrated Model

Abstract

This paper first develops an integrated model, which combines Rogers’ (1995) innovation stages model with two very important social psychology theories– Ajzen and Fishbein’s (1980) theory of reasoned action and Davis’s (1986) technology acceptance model, to examine and identify the factors affecting the diffusion of knowledge management systems in Australian and Chinese companies. An empirical study is then undertaken to partially test the model via a questionnaire-based survey in Australia. Results of the Australian study unearth some interesting findings. The results have both theoretical and practical implications.

Keywords: Knowledge Management Systems, Adoption, Diffusion, Survey Research, Innovation, Theory of Reasoned Action, Technology Acceptance Model

Vitartas, P., Sangkamanee, S. & Scott, D. 2004, Cultural Influences on Internet and Media Use: A Comparison of Thai and Australian Student Usage

Abstract

This research investigated student use of the Internet, television and print media in two countries with different national cultures namely an Asian country, Thailand, and a western country, Australia. The results indicated that most of the anticipated differences attributable to national cultures did not occur in the case of Internet use and only minor differences in Internet use were noted between Internet users in the two countries. In the case of television and print media use, the nature of media consumption did reflect most of the anticipated effects of the cultural differences between the two countries.

Keywords: Internet behaviour, media use, Thailand, Australia, culture.

Featherstone, M., Ellis, A.H. & Borstoff, P.C. 2004, The Role of E-Commerce in Business Education

Abstract

Educational programs in e-commerce and e-business are still very much in an embryonic stage. In an effort to provide some context for the discipline as it exists today, this paper first presents a review of the literature describing e-commerce and e-business academic programs and various roles in graduate and undergraduate business schools. We provide an initial categorisation of issues discussed in e-commerce higher education. Finally we structure the major issues into a framework for describing e-commerce programs. The purpose of the framework is to provide a foundation for development of further research in e-commerce education, to more accurately describe the role of e-commerce in business schools, and to facilitate further theory development.

Keywords: e-commerce, e-business, e-commerce education, business school, internet

Hudson, P. 2004, Mentoring for developing employees' professional practices: An educationalist's perspective

Abstract

This literature review provides a perspective for mentoring employees’ professional practices. Five mentoring factors have been identified from the literature that may have applications for induction and recruitment of employees (mentees). These mentoring factors (namely, personal attributes, system requirements, professional knowledge, modelling, and feedback) may have associated attributes and practices to facilitate the development of professional practices. Mentoring can aid critical and creative thinking by facilitating possible solutions to problems and promoting the analyses of situations from different perspectives. Although there are some negative aspects to mentoring, mentors can act as agents of change but need to be current and active with professional knowledge in order to adequately assist their employees.

Rowell, D., Scott, D., Barnett, L., Beard, J., Sloan, K. & van Beurden, E. 2004, Measuring the Economic Impact of Falls Prevention Interventions

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to assess the appropriateness of available health economic models and concepts in the development of a best practice model to assess community-based multifactorial falls prevention programs. To this end, a critical review and synthesis of contemporary published and unpublished methodological approaches to economic evaluation of health initiatives in general and falls prevention initiatives in particular, has been carried out. The review indicates that costs, time and utility all need to be taken into consideration when economically evaluating a falls prevention program . A recommended approach that takes into account a full consideration of relevant costs and benefits associated with falls prevention programs is outlined. This approach can help demonstrate the true relative efficacy of preventing falls over the treatment of their consequences.

Kiriri, P. N. 2004, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Validating Life Cycle Stage Determinants

Abstract

Over the years studies have examined life cycle stages with a bias towards large organisations and high-technology firms in growth industries. However, studies on SME life cycles are limited and most of those available have had a theoretical underpinning in determining life cycle stages and their determinants. Organisations and business enterprises are presumed to face different crises and managerial problems and issues at different stages of growth. It is therefore imperative that in order to address such crises, problems and issues, entrepreneurs and management should understand how to determine the life cycle stage of their enterprises. In research conducted in Northern New South Wales, Australia using a sample of 156 small and medium enterprises, life cycle stage determinants are evaluated in an effort to empirically validate the determinants as ideal for indicating/deriving enterprise life cycle stages. Enterprise age, size and rate of growth emerge as ideal life cycle stage determinants.

Keywords: Life cycle stages, stages of growth, stages of development, stage determinants, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Australia.

Holdsworth, L., Sweeney, D. & Pollard, D. 2004, Welfare, neo-liberalism, and the tough business of being a consumer

Abstract

In this article we are primarily concerned with the disparity between the ‘mental health consumer’ label which carries implications of consumer power and consumer rights, and the reality underlying consumerist societies which presupposes a level of choice and spending power. The consumer label, while attempting to free the patient/client from an unequal relationship to her or his doctor or health care worker, has merely traded one inequity for another. For persons with a chronic mental illness who are either unemployed and/or welfare dependent, the consumer label has potentially negative consequences. Not only does it fail to address the sometimes involuntary nature of mental healthcare, but within the current political climate, the neo-liberalist user-pays philosophy is imposed onto a group whose spending power and freedom of choice is already heavily compromised.

Keywords: Mental health, consumer, neo-liberalism, consumerism, labelling

Hase, S. Phelps, R.A., Saenger, H.M. & Gordon-Thomson, J. 2004, Sun, surf and scrub: dimensions of social disadvantage in communities in the Northern Rivers region of NSW

Abstract

This study describes an investigation of social capital and social disadvantage in five communities on the north coast of New South Wales. Using a qualitative approach based on grounded theory enables our understanding of these phenomena to go beyond statistics and tap the rich sources of data to be found in community members and community workers. A perception is described of growing disadvantage and neglect at a governmental level fuelled by the rise of neo-liberalism and a growing imbalance between the market, government and community. Against this ‘big picture socio-economic causation, a number of key community problems and potential solutions are also discussed.

Keywords: Social Capital; Neo-liberalism; social disadvantage; community development.

Kakabadse, N.K. Kouzmin, A. Chatham, R. 2004, IS/IT professionals' personality difference: A case of selection or predisposition?

Abstract

In the increasingly wired economy, organisations are progressively more dependent on Information Technology (IT) and relevant professionals to achieve competitive advantage. However, IS/IT professionals are still perceived as "different" from other professionals and are poorly integrated. This paper explores similarities and differences of IS/IT professionals with their administrative and management peers. It also looks at some selection practices of IS/IT professionals. The paper concludes that there is a need for more research in the area of IS/IT professionals' cognitive-profile impact—in particular, impact on both virtual and real teamwork.

Keywords: Myers-Briggs; personality type; IS/IT professionals; business needs; IS design needs

Adam, J.D. 2003, Factors influencing migrant and local entrepreneurial networking

Abstract

This study examines factors influencing migrant and local entrepreneurial business networks. These factors include: market accessibility, capital accessibility, business focus or business specialization in manufacturing, trades and services as well as economic conditions, degree of tolerance towards migrant and local entrepreneurs, support networks, business experience, educational background, and entrepreneurial personal characteristics and initiatives. Study findings have significance for business owner/managers in creating business networks and also are important for government in designing programs and policies supporting development of entrepreneurs as well as for academic institutions designing appropriate courses to train entrepreneurs.

Keywords: Entrepreneur, migrant entrepreneur, local entrepreneur, business networking and joint ventures.

Harrison, J.L. 2003, Perceived environmental uncertainty: validation of a measure from the accounting literature

Abstract

Responding to calls for assessment of perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) measures, this paper applies confirmatory factor analysis in the validation of a frequently applied measure of PEU from the accounting literature. Initial results indicated that the hypothesised measurement model did not fit the data. Two alternative models were then tested and the final selected model was found to be multidimensional and to reflect both market and institutional uncertainty. This model also satisfied criteria for reliability and convergent, discriminant and predictive validity. Several improvements and extensions are suggested in subsequent discussion and it is argued that these need to be integrated into future research.

Keywords: perceived environmental uncertainty, pharmacies, reliability, confirmatory factor analysis, validity

McMurray, D. 2003, Promoting communities of practice online

Abstract

Since first semester 1999 when five undergraduate units were offered to students completely online at Southern Cross University, there has been a steady increase in demand by traditional distance education students wishing to utilise this communication technology. Currently half of all the University’s units are offered online. This paper reports on attempts to foster a community of practice concept amongst students studying business related units completely online by first identifying key elements of ‘community’ and then developing specific activities to promote these in online settings. Evidence suggests that the opportunity to interact and collaborate contributes to a feeling of community, which in turn leads to richer learning experiences. The key appears to be the establishment of a flexible learning environment that allows easy access to a wide range of resources along with the opportunity to interact and collaborate with people who are in pursuit of similar goals.

Keywords: Collaborative online learning, Communities of practice, Learning communities

Miller, P. & Yu, H. 2003, Organisational values and generational values: a cross cultural study

Abstract

Value statements are a relatively recent addition to the corporate public face of many organisations and are made to clearly articulate the fundamental beliefs of the leaders and members of the organisation. However, the individual values of employees of organisations are rarely uniformly shared and congruence with the organisation's espoused values is problematic at best. To complicate further the values issue in organisations, Western researchers conclude that generational groups of employees have different work values. The objective of this study is to investigate if Western research, concerning values, applies equally to generational groups in Taiwan’s workplaces, specifically in the higher education sector and manufacturing industry. The research found that generational groups in the manufacturing industry have different work values, while there were no differences in work values for generational groups in the education sector.

d'Ambrosio Strom, J. & Wallace, M. 2003, Organisational change in a regional local council

Abstract

The 1993 Local Government Act called for greater accountability and client service and has been an impetus for changes in local government structures and work processes. A number of issues are identified that impact on such transformational change (Dunphy & Stace 1991), including leadership, empowerment, organisational learning and workforce diversity. It is argued that the interconnectedness of these issues has not been fully addressed in the literature. Furthermore, it is maintained that these issues have been more often addressed in relation to councils in metropolitan areas rather than in regional Australia, where circumstances may be somewhat different. A case study of Our Town council analyses these factors in the context of an ongoing and current change process, illustrating the benefits for Council and the community. A number of questions are also raised that problematise elements of the change and suggestions are made that would facilitate ‘mainstreaming’ of the change in this and other organisations facing similar change scenarios.

Keywords: Organisational change, Local government, Structure, Leadership, Empowerment, Diversity

Buultjens, J. Howard, D. & Moffat, S. 2003, Labour markets in Regional Australia: Recent evidence of national policy effects

Abstract

When compared to metropolitan areas, rural and regional Australia is commonly perceived as having difficult labour markets, with higher levels of unemployment supposedly resulting from difficulties in adjusting to the restructuring taking place in industries across the globe. Initially, this paper shows that there has been a change in regional labour market performance over the past 25 years, noting a significant improvement in the pattern in the recent census data. This pointed to a need for more detailed analysis at the regional level. Accordingly, the north eastern area of New South Wales was selected for case study. The analysis revealed precisely when significant improvement in the region occurred. The evidence suggests that, rather than structural change to industries inside the region generating the positive employment outcomes, it may have been the presence of national labour market programs that were the source. Either way, more recent data from the north east area of New South Wales reveals a reversion to the old pattern of unemployment rates at substantially higher of levels than the national rate.

Keywords: Regional economics, Regional development, Regional policy, Labour markets

Foster, J. & Bloemhard, A. 2003, Pastoral care: A role for universities

Abstract

A pilot study set out to explore how pastoral care was experienced by staff and students at Southern Cross University on the mid north coast of New South Wales in Australia. The notion of pastoral care itself was found to be a debated concept within the University community. Through focus groups and questionnaires, involving staff across various disciplines and administrative structures, and students across various academic programs, questions surrounding the provision of pastoral care were explored. A working definition of pastoral care within the University at this particular point in its development is proposed. Participants believed that pastoral care is a vital component of the University student experience, shaping student attitudes, willingness and even ability to continue with their studies. At Southern Cross University, both administrative and academic staff see themselves as providing pastoral care to students. Students and staff alike agreed that pastoral care was important, but how such care is provided was the subject of considerable discussion within the focus groups. The influence of factors on care provision such as gender, position within the University and pastoral care training were explored. How this role could be formalised and recognised as part of staff duties was also canvassed.

Keywords: Higher education, Pastoral care, Caring communities, Retention rates, Academic staff, University

Hil, R. 2003, 'Frontline' reflections on government risk discourse: The case of 'Pathways to Prevention'

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a study of specialist youth justice workers in Queensland, Australia. Particular attention is drawn to the ways in which workers responded in discursive-practice terms to a major federal government report on youth crime prevention. The study demonstrates that such reports tend to be read, interpreted and applied to practice in localised and pragmatic ways that best suit the ‘working culture’ of the specialist youth justice teams concerned. Further, the concept central to the report, namely, ‘risk’, is viewed by workers though a shared operational lens, suggesting that official ‘dominant discourses’ in youth crime prevention may have far less influence on day-to-day practice than is often assumed.

Keywords: Youth justice workers, Discursive practice, Dominant discourse, Youth crime prevention, Risk, Working culture

Christensen, M. 2003, The 'Big Six' consulting firms: creating a new market or meeting a public policy

Abstract

The implementation of accrual accounting in many public sectors in the last decade has been achieved through extensive use of private sector consultants. Although public sector accrual accounting remains under-researched, one aspect that has emerged in the limited extant literature is that global consulting firms were highly active in the promotion and implementation of this significant change. This paper makes explicit the role played by global consulting firms, the then ‘Big Six’ firms, in the 1988 decision by the New South Wales Government to become the second government in the world to adopt public sector accrual accounting. In explaining why the consultants were important in this decision, institutional theory and concepts of epistemic communities are useful aids. It is concluded that the global consulting firms were prompted to become active on a significant scale for the first time in the public sector by a combination of self-interest and a belief in the righteous worth of bringing the public sector into line with the private sector. As a result, the consulting firms simultaneously created a new market for their services and assisted in a change of public policy.

Keywords: Consultant, Public sector accrual accounting, Isomorphism, Epistemic community

Gandolfi, F. & Neck, P. 2003, Organisational downsizing: a review of the background, its developments and current status

Abstract

Organisational downsizing, or simply ‘downsizing’, is a feature of many organisations in the industrialised world. As a goal-oriented restructuring strategy, downsizing endeavours to increase an organisation’s overall performance. However, the consequences of downsizing have proven to be persistently negative. Indeed, organisations embarking upon downsizing have largely failed to accomplish their stated and desired objectives. Moreover, the execution of downsizing is not confined to economic and organisational consequences, but profoundly affects the entire workforce. This article, the first of two, aims to review the relevant body of literature and attempts to clarify many of the mysteries and misconceptions associated with downsizing paying particular attention to aspects concerned with definitions and meaning, scope and implementation strategies.

Keywords: Downsizing, Strategic orientation, Performance enhancement

Kelly, S. & Buultjens, J. 2003, Venture capital in regional Australia: attitudes toward venture capital requirements among SME principals and their advisors

Abstract

This paper provides results from exploratory research examining attitudes of regional SME principals and their professional advisors toward venture capital and postulates how this may affect regional SME use of venture capital. The research was conducted as part of a larger project investigating relationships between venture capital, venture capitalists and regional SME development. Analysis using exploratory factor analysis identified three factors representing investment determinants, venture capital benefits and relationship issues, with SME principals and their advisors being cognisant of the importance of investment determinants but uncertain as to the benefits of venture capital and the role of interpersonal relationships. It was therefore concluded that delivery of venture capital to regional SMEs is potentially being limited by SME principal and advisor attitudes regarding its value and their understanding of the importance of interpersonal relationships.

Keywords: Venture capital, SMEs, Regional development

Lucas, T. & Lafferty, G. 2003, The Risky business of being a good corporate citizen

Abstract

There is ongoing debate about the extent to which business organisations ought to act as good corporate citizens within society. Fundamentally, corporate citizenship is about managing risk and reputation as companies strive to juggle multiple objectives associated with their rights and the rights of wider stakeholders. Within the new economy, risks have become globalised and more difficult to manage. This paper explores the usefulness of sociocultural theory about risk towards understanding the processes by which the governance entities of large companies embed a corporate citizenship approach within the core values and strategies of their organisations. The paper discusses the idea that risks associated with economic - environmental tradeoffs are measurable and more easily understood by corporate governmentalities, whereas the threat to social being from business activities is perhaps only beginning to be understood by some corporate managers. It concludes that disparate displays of corporate social responsibility, as well as diverse community responses to the irresponsible activities of some business organisations, suggests a Risk society thesis is useful but has limited explanatory power in understanding the processes for embedding a socially responsible approach within the risk management strategies of companies.

Keywords: Corporate citizenship, Corporate strategy, Globalisation, Risk society