Applying Turner's three-process theory of power to the study of power relations in a troubled information systems implementation
- Ye, Michelle, de Salas, Kristy, Ollington, Nadia, McKay, Judy
- Authors: Ye, Michelle , de Salas, Kristy , Ollington, Nadia , McKay, Judy
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal of Information Systems Vol. 21, no. (2017), p. 1-25
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- Description: This paper explores the nature and exercise of power in an interpretive case study of a troubled information systems (IS) implementation in a university in the Asia Pacific region using Turner's Three-Process Theory of Power based on Social Identity Theory and Self-Categorisation Theory. The findings demonstrate the value of Turner's theoretical lens as well as its insufficiency for explaining all power related activities. This research has led to the development of an extended Three-Process Theory of Power by adding the alternative components that emerged from the data in the case study in relation to the nature and exercises of power. Based on the findings, we further recommend specific guidelines for IS theoreticians and practitioners including advice to project managers on a range of key issues. Thus, this paper contributes theorising the sources of power and tactical applications of power in given situations, particularly in IS implementation projects. © 2017 Ye, de Salas, Ollington & McKay.
- Authors: Ye, Michelle , de Salas, Kristy , Ollington, Nadia , McKay, Judy
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal of Information Systems Vol. 21, no. (2017), p. 1-25
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper explores the nature and exercise of power in an interpretive case study of a troubled information systems (IS) implementation in a university in the Asia Pacific region using Turner's Three-Process Theory of Power based on Social Identity Theory and Self-Categorisation Theory. The findings demonstrate the value of Turner's theoretical lens as well as its insufficiency for explaining all power related activities. This research has led to the development of an extended Three-Process Theory of Power by adding the alternative components that emerged from the data in the case study in relation to the nature and exercises of power. Based on the findings, we further recommend specific guidelines for IS theoreticians and practitioners including advice to project managers on a range of key issues. Thus, this paper contributes theorising the sources of power and tactical applications of power in given situations, particularly in IS implementation projects. © 2017 Ye, de Salas, Ollington & McKay.
Business analytics-based enterprise information systems
- Sun, Zhaohao, Strang, Kenneth, Firmin, Sally
- Authors: Sun, Zhaohao , Strang, Kenneth , Firmin, Sally
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Computer Information Systems Vol. 57, no. 2 (2017), p. 169-178
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- Description: Big data analytics and business analytics are a disruptive technology and innovative solution for enterprise development. However, what is the relationship between business analytics, big data analytics, and enterprise information systems (EIS)? How can business analytics enhance the development of EIS? How can analytics be incorporated into EIS? These are still big issues. This article addresses these three issues by proposing ontology of business analytics, presenting an analytics service-oriented architecture (ASOA) and applying ASOA to EIS, where our surveyed data analysis showed that the proposed ASOA is viable for developing EIS. This article then examines incorporation of business analytics into EIS through proposing a model for business analytics service-based EIS, or ASEIS for short. The proposed approach in this article might facilitate the research and development of EIS, business analytics, big data analytics, and business intelligence.
- Authors: Sun, Zhaohao , Strang, Kenneth , Firmin, Sally
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Computer Information Systems Vol. 57, no. 2 (2017), p. 169-178
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Big data analytics and business analytics are a disruptive technology and innovative solution for enterprise development. However, what is the relationship between business analytics, big data analytics, and enterprise information systems (EIS)? How can business analytics enhance the development of EIS? How can analytics be incorporated into EIS? These are still big issues. This article addresses these three issues by proposing ontology of business analytics, presenting an analytics service-oriented architecture (ASOA) and applying ASOA to EIS, where our surveyed data analysis showed that the proposed ASOA is viable for developing EIS. This article then examines incorporation of business analytics into EIS through proposing a model for business analytics service-based EIS, or ASEIS for short. The proposed approach in this article might facilitate the research and development of EIS, business analytics, big data analytics, and business intelligence.
Happiness, altruism and the Prius effect : How do they influence consumer attitudes towards environmentally responsible clothing?
- Reimers, Vaughan, Magnuson, Bryce, Chao, Chih‐Wei (Fred)
- Authors: Reimers, Vaughan , Magnuson, Bryce , Chao, Chih‐Wei (Fred)
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management Vol. 21, no. 1 (2017), p. 115-132
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- Description: Purpose: Academic research and consumer polls often report strong consumer support for environmentally responsible products (ERPs), and yet the proportion of sales they account for is often comparatively small. The purpose of this paper is to address one of the purported reasons behind this “attitude-behaviour gap” by measuring the influence of six relatively untested factors on consumer attitudes towards environmentally responsible clothing (ERC). Design/methodology/approach: This study employed a consumer household sample. It also used a quantitative survey approach to collect its data and structural equation modelling to analyse it. Findings: Of the six factors, four were found to have a significant influence on consumer attitudes: altruism, status enhancement, perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) and happiness. Originality/value: Altruism, environmental concern, PCE and self-identity have consistently featured in other environmental contexts, but less so in the specific context of ERC. Happiness and status enhancement have yet to appear in any study relating to the purchase of ERPs.
- Authors: Reimers, Vaughan , Magnuson, Bryce , Chao, Chih‐Wei (Fred)
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management Vol. 21, no. 1 (2017), p. 115-132
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: Academic research and consumer polls often report strong consumer support for environmentally responsible products (ERPs), and yet the proportion of sales they account for is often comparatively small. The purpose of this paper is to address one of the purported reasons behind this “attitude-behaviour gap” by measuring the influence of six relatively untested factors on consumer attitudes towards environmentally responsible clothing (ERC). Design/methodology/approach: This study employed a consumer household sample. It also used a quantitative survey approach to collect its data and structural equation modelling to analyse it. Findings: Of the six factors, four were found to have a significant influence on consumer attitudes: altruism, status enhancement, perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) and happiness. Originality/value: Altruism, environmental concern, PCE and self-identity have consistently featured in other environmental contexts, but less so in the specific context of ERC. Happiness and status enhancement have yet to appear in any study relating to the purchase of ERPs.
Recent contributions to linear semi-infinite optimization
- Goberna, Miguel, López, Marco
- Authors: Goberna, Miguel , López, Marco
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: 4OR: A Quarterly Journal of Operations Research Vol. 15, no. 3 (2017), p. 221-264
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP160100854
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- Description: This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in the theory of deterministic and uncertain linear semi-infinite optimization, presents some numerical approaches to this type of problems, and describes a selection of recent applications in a variety of fields. Extensions to related optimization areas, as convex semi-infinite optimization, linear infinite optimization, and multi-objective linear semi-infinite optimization, are also commented. © 2017, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.
- Authors: Goberna, Miguel , López, Marco
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: 4OR: A Quarterly Journal of Operations Research Vol. 15, no. 3 (2017), p. 221-264
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP160100854
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in the theory of deterministic and uncertain linear semi-infinite optimization, presents some numerical approaches to this type of problems, and describes a selection of recent applications in a variety of fields. Extensions to related optimization areas, as convex semi-infinite optimization, linear infinite optimization, and multi-objective linear semi-infinite optimization, are also commented. © 2017, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.
Group decision making in health care : A case study of multidisciplinary meetings
- Sharma, Vishakha, Stranieri, Andrew, Burstein, Frada, Warren, Jim, Daly, Sharon, Patterson, Louise, Yearwood, John, Wolff, Alan
- Authors: Sharma, Vishakha , Stranieri, Andrew , Burstein, Frada , Warren, Jim , Daly, Sharon , Patterson, Louise , Yearwood, John , Wolff, Alan
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Decision Systems Vol. 25, no. (2016), p. 476-485
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- Description: Abstract: Recent studies have demonstrated that Multi-Disciplinary Meetings (MDM) practiced in some medical contexts can contribute to positive health care outcomes. The group reasoning and decision-making in MDMs has been found to be most effective when deliberations revolve around the patient’s needs, comprehensive information is available during the meeting, core members attend and the MDM is effectively facilitated. This article presents a case study of the MDMs in cancer care in a region of Australia. The case study draws on a group reasoning model called the Reasoning Community model to analyse MDM deliberations to illustrate that many factors are important to support group reasoning, not solely the provision of pertinent information. The case study has implications for the use of data analytics in any group reasoning context. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Authors: Sharma, Vishakha , Stranieri, Andrew , Burstein, Frada , Warren, Jim , Daly, Sharon , Patterson, Louise , Yearwood, John , Wolff, Alan
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Decision Systems Vol. 25, no. (2016), p. 476-485
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Abstract: Recent studies have demonstrated that Multi-Disciplinary Meetings (MDM) practiced in some medical contexts can contribute to positive health care outcomes. The group reasoning and decision-making in MDMs has been found to be most effective when deliberations revolve around the patient’s needs, comprehensive information is available during the meeting, core members attend and the MDM is effectively facilitated. This article presents a case study of the MDMs in cancer care in a region of Australia. The case study draws on a group reasoning model called the Reasoning Community model to analyse MDM deliberations to illustrate that many factors are important to support group reasoning, not solely the provision of pertinent information. The case study has implications for the use of data analytics in any group reasoning context. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
The academic conceptualisation of ethical clothing : Could it account for the attitude behaviour gap?
- Reimers, Vaughan, Magnuson, Bryce, Chao, Chih‐Wei (Fred)
- Authors: Reimers, Vaughan , Magnuson, Bryce , Chao, Chih‐Wei (Fred)
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management Vol. 20, no. 4 (2016), p. 383-399
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- Description: Purpose: Despite supposed widespread consumer support for ethical clothing, it still often fails to translate into actual purchase. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the way in which academics have defined and measured ethical clothing could account for this. Design/methodology/approach: An over reliance on convenience sampling and the use of student samples has also been touted as a possible reason for this attitude-behaviour gap. To address this, this study employed a consumer household sample. It also used a quantitative survey approach to collect its data and structural equation modelling to analyse it. Findings: In contrast to the way in which academics have conceptualised the construct, consumer perceptions of ethical clothing were found to be influenced by four dimensions: environmental responsibility, employee welfare, animal welfare and slow fashion attributes. Originality/value: Ethical clothing has typically been operationalised using just two of these four dimensions. Ironically, one of the two dimensions often overlooked by academics – animal welfare – had the strongest influence on consumer perceptions. Previous academic efforts had never employed more than three dimensions, and yet the results of this study suggest that all four must be present if an item of clothing is to be regarded as “ethical”. © 2016, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
- Authors: Reimers, Vaughan , Magnuson, Bryce , Chao, Chih‐Wei (Fred)
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management Vol. 20, no. 4 (2016), p. 383-399
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: Despite supposed widespread consumer support for ethical clothing, it still often fails to translate into actual purchase. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the way in which academics have defined and measured ethical clothing could account for this. Design/methodology/approach: An over reliance on convenience sampling and the use of student samples has also been touted as a possible reason for this attitude-behaviour gap. To address this, this study employed a consumer household sample. It also used a quantitative survey approach to collect its data and structural equation modelling to analyse it. Findings: In contrast to the way in which academics have conceptualised the construct, consumer perceptions of ethical clothing were found to be influenced by four dimensions: environmental responsibility, employee welfare, animal welfare and slow fashion attributes. Originality/value: Ethical clothing has typically been operationalised using just two of these four dimensions. Ironically, one of the two dimensions often overlooked by academics – animal welfare – had the strongest influence on consumer perceptions. Previous academic efforts had never employed more than three dimensions, and yet the results of this study suggest that all four must be present if an item of clothing is to be regarded as “ethical”. © 2016, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Addressing the complexities of big data analytics in healthcare : The diabetes screening case
- De Silva, Daswin, Burstein, Frada, Jelinek, Herbert, Stranieri, Andrew
- Authors: De Silva, Daswin , Burstein, Frada , Jelinek, Herbert , Stranieri, Andrew
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal of Information Systems Vol. 19, no. (2015), p. S99-S115
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- Description: The healthcare industry generates a high throughput of medical, clinical and omics data of varying complexity and features. Clinical decision-support is gaining widespread attention as medical institutions and governing bodies turn towards better management of this data for effective and efficient healthcare delivery and quality assured outcomes. Amass of data across all stages, from disease diagnosis to palliative care, is further indication of the opportunities and challenges to effective data management, analysis, prediction and optimization techniques as parts of knowledge management in clinical environments. Big Data analytics (BDA) presents the potential to advance this industry with reforms in clinical decision-support and translational research. However, adoption of big data analytics has been slow due to complexities posed by the nature of healthcare data. The success of these systems is hard to predict, so further research is needed to provide a robust framework to ensure investment in BDA is justified. In this paper we investigate these complexities from the perspective of updated Information Systems (IS) participation theory. We present a case study on a large diabetes screening project to integrate, converge and derive expedient insights from such an accumulation of data and make recommendations for a successful BDA implementation grounded in a participatory framework and the specificities of big data in healthcare context. © 2015 De Silva, Burstein, Jelinek, Stranieri.
- Authors: De Silva, Daswin , Burstein, Frada , Jelinek, Herbert , Stranieri, Andrew
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal of Information Systems Vol. 19, no. (2015), p. S99-S115
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The healthcare industry generates a high throughput of medical, clinical and omics data of varying complexity and features. Clinical decision-support is gaining widespread attention as medical institutions and governing bodies turn towards better management of this data for effective and efficient healthcare delivery and quality assured outcomes. Amass of data across all stages, from disease diagnosis to palliative care, is further indication of the opportunities and challenges to effective data management, analysis, prediction and optimization techniques as parts of knowledge management in clinical environments. Big Data analytics (BDA) presents the potential to advance this industry with reforms in clinical decision-support and translational research. However, adoption of big data analytics has been slow due to complexities posed by the nature of healthcare data. The success of these systems is hard to predict, so further research is needed to provide a robust framework to ensure investment in BDA is justified. In this paper we investigate these complexities from the perspective of updated Information Systems (IS) participation theory. We present a case study on a large diabetes screening project to integrate, converge and derive expedient insights from such an accumulation of data and make recommendations for a successful BDA implementation grounded in a participatory framework and the specificities of big data in healthcare context. © 2015 De Silva, Burstein, Jelinek, Stranieri.
Increasing the usefulness of farm financial information and management: A qualitative study from the accountant’s perspective
- Halabi, Abdel, Carroll, Brendan
- Authors: Halabi, Abdel , Carroll, Brendan
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal Vol. 10, no. 3 (2015), p. 227-242
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- Description: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how farm management and farm accounting may be improved from the accountant’s perspective. Design/methodology/approach – There has been a dearth of qualitative studies examining accountant’s attitudes to financial reports. This study therefore interviews 13 rural accountants regarding their opinions on the usefulness of financial information they provide to farmers, and what types of financial information could aid farm management. Findings – Accountants generally agree that the present financial reports provided to farmers are of little decision-making value, since they are made for the purposes of compliance. In response, the accountants suggest a number of management accounting reports can better aid farmers. Practical implications – Accountants are important to the success of farms, yet in-depth responses have not previously been sought on the reports that accountants produce for farmers. This research provides accountants’ opinions on how reports could be more useful for farmers and how more focused management accounting reports can assist decision-making. Originality/value – The qualitative approach used in this research provides a fresh and richer perspective on the usefulness of accounting to farm management. Interviewing the adviser rather than the business owner is relatively uncommon in agricultural organisations. The interviews have allowed the thoughts and concerns of accountants to come to light in a manner not previously achieved in organisational studies which relate farming and accounting.
- Authors: Halabi, Abdel , Carroll, Brendan
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal Vol. 10, no. 3 (2015), p. 227-242
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how farm management and farm accounting may be improved from the accountant’s perspective. Design/methodology/approach – There has been a dearth of qualitative studies examining accountant’s attitudes to financial reports. This study therefore interviews 13 rural accountants regarding their opinions on the usefulness of financial information they provide to farmers, and what types of financial information could aid farm management. Findings – Accountants generally agree that the present financial reports provided to farmers are of little decision-making value, since they are made for the purposes of compliance. In response, the accountants suggest a number of management accounting reports can better aid farmers. Practical implications – Accountants are important to the success of farms, yet in-depth responses have not previously been sought on the reports that accountants produce for farmers. This research provides accountants’ opinions on how reports could be more useful for farmers and how more focused management accounting reports can assist decision-making. Originality/value – The qualitative approach used in this research provides a fresh and richer perspective on the usefulness of accounting to farm management. Interviewing the adviser rather than the business owner is relatively uncommon in agricultural organisations. The interviews have allowed the thoughts and concerns of accountants to come to light in a manner not previously achieved in organisational studies which relate farming and accounting.
Integrating public health and sport management : Sport participation trends 2001-2010
- Eime, Rochelle, Sawyer, Neroli, Harvey, Jack, Casey, Meghan, Westerbeek, Hans, Payne, Warren
- Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Sawyer, Neroli , Harvey, Jack , Casey, Meghan , Westerbeek, Hans , Payne, Warren
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sport Management Review Vol. 18, no. 2 (2015), p. 207-217
- Full Text:
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- Description: In order to inform strategies to increase levels of physical activity (PA) for a healthier society, it is important to understand participation trends in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). Little is known about the context of LTPA participation, particularly from the perspective of "sport and recreation" (S&R) categories such as organised and club-based activities. The primary aim of this study is to contribute to the sport management literature by specifically examining PA participation levels and trends in Australia over a decade, for those aged 15 years and older, through the lens of S&R. This paper also discusses the potential synergy between the public health and sport management domains with regard to LTPA/S&R. The Australian Sports Commission provided data from the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS), a population survey conducted quarterly from 2001 to 2010 by computer-assisted telephone interview. Participation in LTPA was analysed by year, gender and age, in three hierarchically related categories: (1) any LTPA participation, (2) participation in an organised context, and (3) organised participation in a club. Participation rates in any LTPA increased significantly over the decade. However, this was not matched by increases in organised and/or club participation, which largely remained steady over the 10-year period. Much of the organised participation was within a club setting, and participation in this context is more likely among males than females. There is some evidence that the overall level of LTPA is increasing, which is positive for health, but there was generally no increase in club-based participation, resulting in sport contributing relatively less to overall population LTPA. However, the depth of information available from population surveys regarding club-based LTPA is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions, or make important strategic decisions about sport and health policy. There is a critical need for more comprehensive sport participation data to provide the evidence for improved programme and policy development. An avenue for this to occur may be through the integration of participation data from peak sport organisations. (C) 2014 Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Sawyer, Neroli , Harvey, Jack , Casey, Meghan , Westerbeek, Hans , Payne, Warren
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sport Management Review Vol. 18, no. 2 (2015), p. 207-217
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: In order to inform strategies to increase levels of physical activity (PA) for a healthier society, it is important to understand participation trends in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). Little is known about the context of LTPA participation, particularly from the perspective of "sport and recreation" (S&R) categories such as organised and club-based activities. The primary aim of this study is to contribute to the sport management literature by specifically examining PA participation levels and trends in Australia over a decade, for those aged 15 years and older, through the lens of S&R. This paper also discusses the potential synergy between the public health and sport management domains with regard to LTPA/S&R. The Australian Sports Commission provided data from the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS), a population survey conducted quarterly from 2001 to 2010 by computer-assisted telephone interview. Participation in LTPA was analysed by year, gender and age, in three hierarchically related categories: (1) any LTPA participation, (2) participation in an organised context, and (3) organised participation in a club. Participation rates in any LTPA increased significantly over the decade. However, this was not matched by increases in organised and/or club participation, which largely remained steady over the 10-year period. Much of the organised participation was within a club setting, and participation in this context is more likely among males than females. There is some evidence that the overall level of LTPA is increasing, which is positive for health, but there was generally no increase in club-based participation, resulting in sport contributing relatively less to overall population LTPA. However, the depth of information available from population surveys regarding club-based LTPA is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions, or make important strategic decisions about sport and health policy. There is a critical need for more comprehensive sport participation data to provide the evidence for improved programme and policy development. An avenue for this to occur may be through the integration of participation data from peak sport organisations. (C) 2014 Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Questionnaire development for strategic english learning : processes and outcomes
- Nguyen, Hoang, Terry, Daniel, Fan, Si
- Authors: Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Fan, Si
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of English Language Education Vol. 4, no. 1 (2015), p. 138
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- Description: This paper reports on the four-stage construction of the English Language Learning Strategy Questionnaire (ELLSQ), employed in a research study on language learning strategies (LLSs) among Vietnamese tertiary students. Firstly, a needs analysis for the questionnaire development is provided. Secondly, various steps in the adaptation and initial development of the ELLSQ are described in detail, including the review of relevant literature, consultation with survey experts, and focus group discussions with target learners. Thirdly, the refinement of the ELLSQ is addressed through the conduction of informal expert reviews; and finally, its validation through field pre-tests is reported. The reliability and validity of the ELLSQ was undertaken through a pilot test with participation of 97 students, who were part of the target population of the formal study. The main purpose of this pilot test was to ensure the workability of the instrument and to establish reliability, face and content validity of the questionnaire. Practical implications for future attempts are embedded regarding the construction of reliable and valid questionnaires in a new research discourse.
- Authors: Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Fan, Si
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of English Language Education Vol. 4, no. 1 (2015), p. 138
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper reports on the four-stage construction of the English Language Learning Strategy Questionnaire (ELLSQ), employed in a research study on language learning strategies (LLSs) among Vietnamese tertiary students. Firstly, a needs analysis for the questionnaire development is provided. Secondly, various steps in the adaptation and initial development of the ELLSQ are described in detail, including the review of relevant literature, consultation with survey experts, and focus group discussions with target learners. Thirdly, the refinement of the ELLSQ is addressed through the conduction of informal expert reviews; and finally, its validation through field pre-tests is reported. The reliability and validity of the ELLSQ was undertaken through a pilot test with participation of 97 students, who were part of the target population of the formal study. The main purpose of this pilot test was to ensure the workability of the instrument and to establish reliability, face and content validity of the questionnaire. Practical implications for future attempts are embedded regarding the construction of reliable and valid questionnaires in a new research discourse.
An empirical evaluation of the potential of public e-procurement to reduce corruption
- Neupane, Arjun, Soar, Jeffrey, Vaidya, Kishor
- Authors: Neupane, Arjun , Soar, Jeffrey , Vaidya, Kishor
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal of Information Systems Vol. 18, no. 2 (2014), p. 21-44
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- Description: One of the significant potential benefits of e-procurement technology is reducing opportunities for corruption in public procurement processes. The authors identified anticorruption capabilities of e-procurement through an extensive literature review and a theoretical model representing the impact of three latent variables: monopoly of power, information asymmetry, and transparency and accountability upon the dependent variable, the intent-to-adopt e-procurement. This research was guided by the Principal- Agent theory and collected the perceptions of 46 government officers of the potential of public e-procurement to reduce corruption in public procurement processes. Results were analysed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The findings suggest that the intent-to-adopt e-procurement has a positive and significant relationship with the independent variables that might inform developing countries in strategies to combat corruption in public procurement.
- Authors: Neupane, Arjun , Soar, Jeffrey , Vaidya, Kishor
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal of Information Systems Vol. 18, no. 2 (2014), p. 21-44
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: One of the significant potential benefits of e-procurement technology is reducing opportunities for corruption in public procurement processes. The authors identified anticorruption capabilities of e-procurement through an extensive literature review and a theoretical model representing the impact of three latent variables: monopoly of power, information asymmetry, and transparency and accountability upon the dependent variable, the intent-to-adopt e-procurement. This research was guided by the Principal- Agent theory and collected the perceptions of 46 government officers of the potential of public e-procurement to reduce corruption in public procurement processes. Results were analysed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The findings suggest that the intent-to-adopt e-procurement has a positive and significant relationship with the independent variables that might inform developing countries in strategies to combat corruption in public procurement.
Spatial convenience : Bridging the gap between shopping malls and shopping strips
- Reimers, Vaughan, Clulow, Val
- Authors: Reimers, Vaughan , Clulow, Val
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management Vol. 42, no. 10 (2014), p. 864-883
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose - Due to rising obesity levels, declining fitness levels, an aging population, and shopper lethargy, retail planners must give serious consideration to the physical demands retail centres place on their patrons. The purpose of this paper is to determine the importance consumers assign to spatial convenience, measure how consumers perceive shopping malls and shopping strips (also referred to as the downtown area, central business district, Main Street or the High Street) in relation to it, and compare them in their provision of it. Design/methodology/approach-The study utilises a household survey of consumers and as well as a retail audit. The survey was used to identify the importance consumers assign to spatial convenience, while the retail audit was used to establish how malls and strips compare in their provision of it. Findings-The results of the survey indicate that consumers regard spatial convenience as important and believe that malls are superior in providing it. The retail audit confirmed the accuracy of these perceptions, with the mall providing greater store compatibility, and a more compact shopping environment. Originality/value-The influence of spatial convenience on shopping behaviour has been largely overlooked at the level of the retail centre. Moreover, those studies that have focused on this topic, have typically done so from the singular focus of either malls or strips. This study incorporates both, and does so via an empirical analysis of consumer attitudes and a spatial comparison of both retail formats. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
- Authors: Reimers, Vaughan , Clulow, Val
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management Vol. 42, no. 10 (2014), p. 864-883
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose - Due to rising obesity levels, declining fitness levels, an aging population, and shopper lethargy, retail planners must give serious consideration to the physical demands retail centres place on their patrons. The purpose of this paper is to determine the importance consumers assign to spatial convenience, measure how consumers perceive shopping malls and shopping strips (also referred to as the downtown area, central business district, Main Street or the High Street) in relation to it, and compare them in their provision of it. Design/methodology/approach-The study utilises a household survey of consumers and as well as a retail audit. The survey was used to identify the importance consumers assign to spatial convenience, while the retail audit was used to establish how malls and strips compare in their provision of it. Findings-The results of the survey indicate that consumers regard spatial convenience as important and believe that malls are superior in providing it. The retail audit confirmed the accuracy of these perceptions, with the mall providing greater store compatibility, and a more compact shopping environment. Originality/value-The influence of spatial convenience on shopping behaviour has been largely overlooked at the level of the retail centre. Moreover, those studies that have focused on this topic, have typically done so from the singular focus of either malls or strips. This study incorporates both, and does so via an empirical analysis of consumer attitudes and a spatial comparison of both retail formats. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Douglas Copland's battle with the younger Brethren of economists
- Authors: Millmow, Alex
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Economic History Review Vol. 53, no. 2 (2013), p. 187-209
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article discusses the problematic relationship between Douglas Copland and the new generation of post-war Australian economists. Copland felt that their view of economic policy was contrary to Australia's best interests. The critique and feud was to last right up till Copland's retirement. The article shows how Copland's views differed from those of inside economists and therefore the official policy line. Australian Economic History Review © 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd and the Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand.
- Description: 2003011224
- Authors: Millmow, Alex
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Economic History Review Vol. 53, no. 2 (2013), p. 187-209
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article discusses the problematic relationship between Douglas Copland and the new generation of post-war Australian economists. Copland felt that their view of economic policy was contrary to Australia's best interests. The critique and feud was to last right up till Copland's retirement. The article shows how Copland's views differed from those of inside economists and therefore the official policy line. Australian Economic History Review © 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd and the Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand.
- Description: 2003011224
Exploring whistle blowing intentions in South Africa : A quantitative analysis
- Pillay, Soma, Dorasamy, Nirmala, Vranic, Vedran
- Authors: Pillay, Soma , Dorasamy, Nirmala , Vranic, Vedran
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: African Journal of Business Management Vol. 6, no. 7 (2012), p. 2529-2548
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- Description: The purpose of this paper was to examine the influence of individual and situational level factors on internal whistle-blowing intentions, within a South African context. This is the first quantitative study of whistle-blowing in South Africa. Quantitative survey data, encompassing 250 senior, middle and lower-level management/administration personnel was analysed. Majority of surveyed participants indicated positive intentions toward whistle-blowing. Majority also believes that general sense of morality and professional ethics are the most influential motivations for whistle-blowing. Improved internal organizational systems and external legal systems were surprisingly found to discourage whistle-blowing in our sample. A theoretical basis for future research is extrapolated, with the main findings highlighting the importance of positive organizational values/culture and the perpetuation of business ethics awareness.
- Authors: Pillay, Soma , Dorasamy, Nirmala , Vranic, Vedran
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: African Journal of Business Management Vol. 6, no. 7 (2012), p. 2529-2548
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this paper was to examine the influence of individual and situational level factors on internal whistle-blowing intentions, within a South African context. This is the first quantitative study of whistle-blowing in South Africa. Quantitative survey data, encompassing 250 senior, middle and lower-level management/administration personnel was analysed. Majority of surveyed participants indicated positive intentions toward whistle-blowing. Majority also believes that general sense of morality and professional ethics are the most influential motivations for whistle-blowing. Improved internal organizational systems and external legal systems were surprisingly found to discourage whistle-blowing in our sample. A theoretical basis for future research is extrapolated, with the main findings highlighting the importance of positive organizational values/culture and the perpetuation of business ethics awareness.
Exploring monitoring, work environment and flexibility as predictors of job satisfaction within Australian call centres
- Annakis, John, Lobo, Antonio, Pillay, Soma
- Authors: Annakis, John , Lobo, Antonio , Pillay, Soma
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Business and Management Vol. 6, no. 8 (2011), p. 75-93
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- Description: The purpose of this paper is to investigate predictors of workers’ job satisfaction from the labour process and equity theoretical perspectives. The study employed a qualitative approach and draws on data from in depth focus groups of customer service representatives (CSR). The sample for this study was drawn from three Australian call centres operating in a variety of business sectors. The study highlights that three dimensions: monitoring, flexibility and work environment are significantly correlated to CSR job satisfaction. Developing an understanding of these dimensions is critical to understanding CSR job satisfaction perceptions in an industry which exhibits high labour turnover and absenteeism. This study provides new insights on how to manage effectively job satisfaction within call centre environments through the incorporation of more multi-dimensional aspects that are considered to be strong determinants of CSR job satisfaction. The study contributes to the literature by investigating a more multi-dimensional approach to studying job satisfaction in call centre environments. The intensive case study approach highlights the implications for HRM.
- Authors: Annakis, John , Lobo, Antonio , Pillay, Soma
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Business and Management Vol. 6, no. 8 (2011), p. 75-93
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this paper is to investigate predictors of workers’ job satisfaction from the labour process and equity theoretical perspectives. The study employed a qualitative approach and draws on data from in depth focus groups of customer service representatives (CSR). The sample for this study was drawn from three Australian call centres operating in a variety of business sectors. The study highlights that three dimensions: monitoring, flexibility and work environment are significantly correlated to CSR job satisfaction. Developing an understanding of these dimensions is critical to understanding CSR job satisfaction perceptions in an industry which exhibits high labour turnover and absenteeism. This study provides new insights on how to manage effectively job satisfaction within call centre environments through the incorporation of more multi-dimensional aspects that are considered to be strong determinants of CSR job satisfaction. The study contributes to the literature by investigating a more multi-dimensional approach to studying job satisfaction in call centre environments. The intensive case study approach highlights the implications for HRM.
Southern African perceptions of the moral obligations and objectives of corporations
- Authors: West, Andrew
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Sixth Asia Pacific Interdisciplinary Research in Accounting Conference (APIRA 2010) p. 1-22
- Full Text:
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- Description: The question of whether or not Southern African countries should adopt a shareholder, a stakeholder, or another approach to corporate governance is relevant both to debates on corporate governance convergence, and the development of the region. Such normative arguments, however, are predicated upon some descriptive understanding. This paper investigates the claims of descriptive moral relativism, that there are differences in moral judgements between individuals/groups, by comparing the beliefs put forward by a group of black Southern African professional accounting students regarding the obligations and objectives of corporations to the underlying morality of the Anglo-American model of corporate governance. While differences were identified with the traditional theoretical Anglo-American model of corporate governance in which social responsibilities are limited or denied, fewer differences were evident when considering a more moderate Anglo-American model in which stakeholder concerns are considered. The relationship of a corporation with its community remains a possible area of difference.
- Authors: West, Andrew
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Sixth Asia Pacific Interdisciplinary Research in Accounting Conference (APIRA 2010) p. 1-22
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The question of whether or not Southern African countries should adopt a shareholder, a stakeholder, or another approach to corporate governance is relevant both to debates on corporate governance convergence, and the development of the region. Such normative arguments, however, are predicated upon some descriptive understanding. This paper investigates the claims of descriptive moral relativism, that there are differences in moral judgements between individuals/groups, by comparing the beliefs put forward by a group of black Southern African professional accounting students regarding the obligations and objectives of corporations to the underlying morality of the Anglo-American model of corporate governance. While differences were identified with the traditional theoretical Anglo-American model of corporate governance in which social responsibilities are limited or denied, fewer differences were evident when considering a more moderate Anglo-American model in which stakeholder concerns are considered. The relationship of a corporation with its community remains a possible area of difference.
Systemic factors moderating effective whistle blowing : An exploratory study into a public service organisation
- Pillay, Soma, Dorasamy, Nirmala
- Authors: Pillay, Soma , Dorasamy, Nirmala
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: African Journal of Business Management Vol. 5, no. 22 (2011), p. 9429-9439
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A review of research concerning whistle-blowing suggests that it is of benefit to society hence, sophisticated policies have been introduced to encourage whistle blowing. However, research on conditions that lead to whistle-blowers being effective in stopping wrongdoing is still developing in industrialised countries or woefully absent in developing and less developed countries. The purpose of this paper is to use survey data to examine the variables impacting on whistle-blowing using the case of a developing country. It was found that a majority of respondents believe that systemic factors moderates effective whistle-blowing. Based on these findings, we present a model of a culture contingent whistle-blowing process which considers context, content, situational variables, and outcomes. This paper has practical implications for policy makers, managers and public officials in developing democracies, especially in designing policies that consider the cultural aspects of complex open systems and exploring concerns of obvious importance practically as well as theoretically.
- Authors: Pillay, Soma , Dorasamy, Nirmala
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: African Journal of Business Management Vol. 5, no. 22 (2011), p. 9429-9439
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A review of research concerning whistle-blowing suggests that it is of benefit to society hence, sophisticated policies have been introduced to encourage whistle blowing. However, research on conditions that lead to whistle-blowers being effective in stopping wrongdoing is still developing in industrialised countries or woefully absent in developing and less developed countries. The purpose of this paper is to use survey data to examine the variables impacting on whistle-blowing using the case of a developing country. It was found that a majority of respondents believe that systemic factors moderates effective whistle-blowing. Based on these findings, we present a model of a culture contingent whistle-blowing process which considers context, content, situational variables, and outcomes. This paper has practical implications for policy makers, managers and public officials in developing democracies, especially in designing policies that consider the cultural aspects of complex open systems and exploring concerns of obvious importance practically as well as theoretically.
To have and to hold: Modelling the drivers of employee turnover and skill retention in Australian organisations
- Smith, Andy, Oczkowski, Edward, Smith, Chris Selby
- Authors: Smith, Andy , Oczkowski, Edward , Smith, Chris Selby
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Human Resource Management Vol. 22, no. 2 (2011), p. 395-416
- Full Text:
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- Description: This paper examines the determinants of employee turnover and long-term skill retention in Australian organisations. Three new perspectives are examined: the difference between short-run turnover and long-term retention; the role of different high performance work systems philosophies and human resource practices; and an examination of turnover for various groups of employees based on skill level. The results suggest that the role of learning within organisations is of fundamental importance in reducing short-run turnover and improving long-term skills retention. A series of training and human resource practices have also been found to be important for individual-specific skill categories, but general conclusions for all skill categories cannot be readily made. Finally, different drivers to short-term turnover maybe at play when retention is considered from a long-term strategic perspective. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.
- Authors: Smith, Andy , Oczkowski, Edward , Smith, Chris Selby
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Human Resource Management Vol. 22, no. 2 (2011), p. 395-416
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper examines the determinants of employee turnover and long-term skill retention in Australian organisations. Three new perspectives are examined: the difference between short-run turnover and long-term retention; the role of different high performance work systems philosophies and human resource practices; and an examination of turnover for various groups of employees based on skill level. The results suggest that the role of learning within organisations is of fundamental importance in reducing short-run turnover and improving long-term skills retention. A series of training and human resource practices have also been found to be important for individual-specific skill categories, but general conclusions for all skill categories cannot be readily made. Finally, different drivers to short-term turnover maybe at play when retention is considered from a long-term strategic perspective. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.
Towards a model of eco-sustainable agricultural production in a regulated river basin
- Courvisanos, Jerry, Richardson, Colin
- Authors: Courvisanos, Jerry , Richardson, Colin
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Innovation Economics Vol. 2, no. 8 (2011), p. 59-87
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A clear path to the new eco-sustainable techno-economic paradigm is mapped out in Courvisanos (2009a) using a framework for innovation and investment developed from the seminal work of Adolph Lowe and Michal Kalecki. This theoretical framework is based around three elements that are crucial to achieving this eco-sustainable paradigm: (i) cumulative effective demand for eco-sustainable products, services and processes, (ii) ecological rules for capital investment to ensure resource saving and long-term carrying capacity, and (iii) iterative flexible public and private planning and monitoring processes to allow ecologically sustainable innovation to be supported by infrastructure, R&D and learning and development systems. This path was specifically applied in Courvisanos (2009a) to regional (non-metropolitan) Australia, an area of food and fibre production that is fragile because of drought, fire and massive storms due to ecological degradation and greenhouse warming. The heartland of regional Australia is the nation’s food bowl, the Murray-Darling River Basin (MDRB), which is under great stress due to salination and drought. There also is great rainfall variability with huge floods due to climate change, as became evident in 2010. A path for resolution of the concerns of specific regional and corporate interests along the whole Murray-Darling river system has not yet emerged. What is required is an eco-sustainable framework that addresses these issues in a holistic manner.
- Description: 200300879
- Authors: Courvisanos, Jerry , Richardson, Colin
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Innovation Economics Vol. 2, no. 8 (2011), p. 59-87
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A clear path to the new eco-sustainable techno-economic paradigm is mapped out in Courvisanos (2009a) using a framework for innovation and investment developed from the seminal work of Adolph Lowe and Michal Kalecki. This theoretical framework is based around three elements that are crucial to achieving this eco-sustainable paradigm: (i) cumulative effective demand for eco-sustainable products, services and processes, (ii) ecological rules for capital investment to ensure resource saving and long-term carrying capacity, and (iii) iterative flexible public and private planning and monitoring processes to allow ecologically sustainable innovation to be supported by infrastructure, R&D and learning and development systems. This path was specifically applied in Courvisanos (2009a) to regional (non-metropolitan) Australia, an area of food and fibre production that is fragile because of drought, fire and massive storms due to ecological degradation and greenhouse warming. The heartland of regional Australia is the nation’s food bowl, the Murray-Darling River Basin (MDRB), which is under great stress due to salination and drought. There also is great rainfall variability with huge floods due to climate change, as became evident in 2010. A path for resolution of the concerns of specific regional and corporate interests along the whole Murray-Darling river system has not yet emerged. What is required is an eco-sustainable framework that addresses these issues in a holistic manner.
- Description: 200300879
Old dogs, new tricks : Training mature-aged manufacturing workers
- Smith, Erica, Smith, Andy, Selby Smith, Chris
- Authors: Smith, Erica , Smith, Andy , Selby Smith, Chris
- Date: 2010
- Type: Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Workplace Learning Vol. 22, no. 5 (2010), p. 277-291
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the employment and training of mature-aged workers, so that suggestions for improving training for mature-aged workers may be offered. Design/methodology/approach – Six expert interviews were carried out by telephone, and three case studies involving company site visits were completed. Each company case study involved interviews with managers, trainers and mature-aged workers. The study was confined to the manufacturing industry. Findings – Mature-aged workers bring many advantages to workplaces and some employers show a definite preference for them over younger workers; but in some cases training needs to take account of lack of confidence and literacy and health issues. However, there is great diversity among mature-aged workers. Research limitations/implications – The research is confined to shop-floor workers in manufacturing, and does not address training of mature-aged managers and professionals. The research is small-scale but provides new insights, and importantly the voices of the workers themselves. Practical implications – The paper identifies managerial and training practices that can immediately be implemented. Originality/value – The paper identifies some issues that can be taken up at a policy level as well as within companies. For example, the preference for qualification-based training at a national level is not necessarily consistent with what mature-aged workers prefer.
- Authors: Smith, Erica , Smith, Andy , Selby Smith, Chris
- Date: 2010
- Type: Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Workplace Learning Vol. 22, no. 5 (2010), p. 277-291
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the employment and training of mature-aged workers, so that suggestions for improving training for mature-aged workers may be offered. Design/methodology/approach – Six expert interviews were carried out by telephone, and three case studies involving company site visits were completed. Each company case study involved interviews with managers, trainers and mature-aged workers. The study was confined to the manufacturing industry. Findings – Mature-aged workers bring many advantages to workplaces and some employers show a definite preference for them over younger workers; but in some cases training needs to take account of lack of confidence and literacy and health issues. However, there is great diversity among mature-aged workers. Research limitations/implications – The research is confined to shop-floor workers in manufacturing, and does not address training of mature-aged managers and professionals. The research is small-scale but provides new insights, and importantly the voices of the workers themselves. Practical implications – The paper identifies managerial and training practices that can immediately be implemented. Originality/value – The paper identifies some issues that can be taken up at a policy level as well as within companies. For example, the preference for qualification-based training at a national level is not necessarily consistent with what mature-aged workers prefer.