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Article
Publication date: 9 February 2010

Steve Paton, Damian Hodgson and Svetlana Cicmil

This paper aims to empirically explore the nature of tensions that emerge within the process of becoming a manager in the post‐bureaucratic organisation, by focusing on the…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically explore the nature of tensions that emerge within the process of becoming a manager in the post‐bureaucratic organisation, by focusing on the emergence of project management as a key carrier of post‐bureaucracy. The paper seeks to address two aspects of individual transformation into project manager; first, it aims to understand the specific factors, which drive the transformation of technical specialists into project managers and, second, to illuminate the tensions and challenges experienced in this new position.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical base for the study is a series of structured group discussions with project managers from a range of distinct industrial sectors and organisations.

Findings

The paper illustrates the tensions implicit in the process of becoming a project manager. It identifies a number of conflicts that arise between the overarching philosophy of project management and the process of enacting the role of project manager around the themes of status, organisational value, power, influence and ambiguity.

Research limitations/implications

The research approach is empirically rich yet exploratory, providing directions and inspiration for more extensive research in specific contexts.

Originality/value

The research points to an understanding of how new managerial roles are created and embedded in organisational contexts, and the pressures, which are brought to bear on the incumbents of these new roles through this process.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

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Article
Publication date: 20 February 2009

Steve Paton

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the nature of contemporary work. There is much discussion surrounding the meaning of the term knowledge worker and the value these workers

1233

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the nature of contemporary work. There is much discussion surrounding the meaning of the term knowledge worker and the value these workers generate for the organisation. This paper agrees that the value to organisations of workers who possess knowledge is increasing but argues that the nature of the knowledge worker is unclear within current literature. It acknowledges that there is a high level of knowledge in contemporary work and that many workers can claim to be knowledgeable, however these workers while necessary to the firm do not provide it with competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper argues that there are four tensions running through the literature on the nature of the knowledge worker and proposes that the elements that comprise knowledge work fall into three groups that are knowledge possession, knowledge activity and knowledge context. First, the nature of contemporary work and its relationship to traditional categorisations of work is discussed; second, worker types that have been proposed in the literature are discussed; third, the factors within work types that are relevant to knowledge are discussed; and a summary of the main points of contention and a proposal for the research direction that should be taken to progress this debate are presented.

Findings

This paper proposes that knowledge work should not be automatically associated with service work or new forms of work; the nature of knowledge work cannot be defined by one specific attribute; the elements that comprise knowledge work fall into three groups, knowledge possession, knowledge activity and knowledge context.

Practical implications

Based on these findings organisations must rethink their approach to identifying the characteristics that define the valuable activity that is knowledge work within their industry sector.

Research limitations/implications

Further study must be carried out into the nature of the worker, not only in their embodiment of skill and knowledge but also into how they use it, what their work context is and the support they should be given while engaging in their activities.

Originality/value

The value of the knowledge worker lies in combining these elements in a specific way and applying this formula to further our understanding of the nature of the knowledge worker.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

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Article
Publication date: 15 June 2012

Jill MacBryde, Steve Paton, Neil Grant and Margaret Bayliss

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study demonstrating the role of performance measurement systems (PMS) in driving strategic transformation.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study demonstrating the role of performance measurement systems (PMS) in driving strategic transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study approach this paper analyses how Babcock Marine, a service provider to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), is using performance measurement as a catalyst to bring about strategic transformation at Her Majesty's Naval Base – Clyde. Transformation is required to facilitate a new public‐private sector contractual and financial relationship.

Findings

This paper highlights the differences between the use of PMS in static and dynamic (transformational) environments. It proposes that the balanced scorecard is a useful tool to monitor the pace of change and communicate the status of the change. It indicates that during the transformation program care must be taken to ensure that the measures used stay aligned with strategic objectives and that the balanced scorecard does not become cumbersome in terms of number of measures and administrative overhead. Finally it suggests that even in the absence of other critical success factors normally associated with transformation (such as a clear transformation plan and a strong ongoing communication mechanism), the balanced scorecard can provide structure and focus which will help to maintain the pace of change. It therefore demonstrates that the introduction of a performance management system can be complementary to the process of strategic transformation.

Originality/value

The paper provides empirical evidence of PMS supporting transformation even in the absence of other critical success factors normally associated with strategic transformation.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 61 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2013

Steve Paton

The knowledge economy and the knowledge work that fuels it have created much debate in relation to the types of workers it requires and how they should be managed. The central…

4039

Abstract

Purpose

The knowledge economy and the knowledge work that fuels it have created much debate in relation to the types of workers it requires and how they should be managed. The central issue is that “knowledge workers” are only valuable while possessing a body of knowledge to utilise in the process of their work. The management of workers with knowledge runs counter to the more mainstream Taylorist systems based on the assimilation of knowledge into the organisation. The purpose of this paper is to theoretically analyse the usefulness of Scientific Management as a management system for controlling knowledge work.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of relevant literature this paper compares the main principles of scientific management with the theory of knowledge work in an attempt to understand their relationship.

Findings

This paper finds that: despite the need for workers to retain knowledge the main principles of scientific management can still be applied; and the application of Scientific Management to knowledge work will result in an increasing division of knowledge, as opposed to division of task, which compliments the trend towards increasing occupational specialisation.

Originality/value

This article proposes that Scientific Management should be considered as a useful tool to manage knowledge work. This view runs counter to more mainstream accounts where Scientific Management and knowledge work are seen as incompatible. This paper partially fills the gap in understanding of how knowledge workers should be managed and is useful to academics seeking to characterise knowledge work and practitioners seeking to manage in the knowledge economy.

Details

Employee Relations, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

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Article
Publication date: 11 November 2013

Jillian MacBryde, Steve Paton and Ben Clegg

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of high-value manufacturing (HVM) concepts in Scottish SMEs and define how they are being used to gain competitive advantage…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of high-value manufacturing (HVM) concepts in Scottish SMEs and define how they are being used to gain competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional research carried out using a large-scale survey of 435 SMEs and semi-structured interviews of a subset of 50 SMEs.

Findings

Findings indicate that HVM is not a homogeneous state but an umbrella term for a number of operational models adopted by manufacturers that are progressively moving from simple price-based production; companies must, as a foundation, be operationally excellent in all lifecycle phases before extending their capability by offering a more comprehensive service; HVM is not a static state but a journey that differs in nature for each manufacturer depending on the nature of its market and customer.

Research limitations/implications

The approach to theory must be more integrated combining aspects of marketing, strategic and operational theory. Research must be carried out using the supply chain, rather than the firm, as the unit of analysis.

Practical implications

Manufacturing efficiency has now become an order qualifier and competitive advantage should now be sought through the integration of design, production and service activities from strategic levels down to operational levels across all the functions of a business which link seamlessly to customer and supplier activities.

Originality/value

This paper contains insights into Scottish SMEs and their practice of HVM; defines the activity that makes up HVM at an operational as opposed to an economic or strategic level; proposes a model that characterises the stages of HVM that SMEs transition through.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 33 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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Article
Publication date: 6 May 2014

Simon James Ford, Michèle J. Routley, Rob Phaal and David R. Probert

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how supply and demand interact during industrial emergence.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how supply and demand interact during industrial emergence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on previous theorising about co-evolutionary dynamics, exploring the interaction between supply and demand in a study of the industrial emergence of the commercial inkjet cluster in Cambridge, UK. Data are collected through 13 interviews with professionals working in the industry.

Findings

The paper shows that as new industries emerge, asynchronies between technology supply and market demand create opportunities for entrepreneurial activity. In attempting to match innovative technologies to particular applications, entrepreneurs adapt to the system conditions and shape the environment to their own advantage. Firms that successfully operate in emerging industries demonstrate the functionality of new technologies, reducing uncertainty and increasing customer receptiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The research is geographically bounded to the Cambridge commercial inkjet cluster. Further studies could consider commercial inkjet from a global perspective or test the applicability of the findings in other industries.

Practical implications

Technology-based firms are often innovating during periods of industrial emergence. The insights developed in this paper help such firms recognise the emerging context in which they operate and the challenges that need to overcome.

Originality/value

As an in depth study of a single industry, this research responds to calls for studies into industrial emergence, providing insights into how supply and demand interact during this phase of the industry lifecycle.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

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Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Steve Ronoh

The purpose of this paper is to use an inclusive lens to explore pathways and considers, through the voices of children and adult participants, the complexities in implementing…

1022

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use an inclusive lens to explore pathways and considers, through the voices of children and adult participants, the complexities in implementing effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) in schools comprising children with disabilities. It identifies obstacles and suggests policy recommendations that consider their needs in DRR.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on a case study of two schools supporting children with disabilities in the New Zealand regions of Hawke’s Bay and Auckland, each with differing experiences of past natural hazards and disasters. Data from children’s workshop activities, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, workshop photographs, school safety and policy documents were coded in Nvivo software to categorize data and to identify themes for cross-case analysis and discussion.

Findings

The research reveals three key pathways that schools can take in promoting inclusiveness in DRR. They are the provision of safe and accessible school building designs and facilities, avenues for children’s involvement and leadership in DRR initiatives, and in decision-making processes. Schools also offer opportunities for a collaborative effort towards inclusiveness in DRR within the school and with other stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings, the paper suggests four broad policy recommendations for consideration towards strengthening the role of schools in disability-inclusive DRR.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to ongoing DRR efforts and adds new information to the disaster literature on the role of schools in disability-inclusive DRR.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1996

Mark Stover and Steven D. Zink

The World Wide Web (WWW) has become the most visible application of the Internet. Newspapers and popular magazines publish stories on a regular basis about Web sites. The most…

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Abstract

The World Wide Web (WWW) has become the most visible application of the Internet. Newspapers and popular magazines publish stories on a regular basis about Web sites. The most ubiquitous symbols of the World Wide Web, its Uniform Resource Locator (URL) addresses, are even becoming commonplace on many television commercials. Over the past few years the World Wide Web (along with client applications like Netscape to assist in navigating the Web) has literally brought the Internet to life and to the attention of the general public.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

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Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Sacha Evans, Faisil Sethi, Oliver Dale, Clive Stanton, Rosemary Sedgwick, Monica Doran, Lucinda Shoolbred, Steve Goldsack and Rex Haigh

The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of the field of personality disorder since the publication of “Personality disorder: no longer a diagnosis of exclusion” in…

748

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of the field of personality disorder since the publication of “Personality disorder: no longer a diagnosis of exclusion” in 2003.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of both the academic literature contained within relevant databases alongside manual searches of policy literature and guidance from the key stakeholders was undertaken.

Findings

The academic and policy literature concentrates on treating borderline and antisocial personality disorders. It seems unlikely that evidence will resolutely support any one treatment modality over another. Criticism has arisen that comparison between modalities misses inter and intra patient heterogeneity and the measurement of intervention has become conflated with overall service design and the need for robust care pathways. Apparent inconsistency in service availability remains, despite a wealth of evidence demonstrating the availability of cost-effective interventions and the significant inequality of social and health outcomes for this population.

Research limitations/implications

The inclusion of heterogeneous sources required pragmatic compromises in methodological rigour.

Originality/value

This paper charts the recent developments in the field with a wealth of wide-ranging evidence and robust guidance from institutions such as NICE. The policy literature has supported the findings of this evidence but current clinical practice and what patients and carers can expect from services remains at odds. This paper lays bare the disparity between what we know and what is being delivered. The authors argue for the need for greater research into current practice to inform the setting of minimum standards for the treatment of personality disorder.

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 1966

IT is seldom that I can bring myself to write anything for publication, and as I had a longish article on “The education of librarians in Great Britain” printed as recently as…

54

Abstract

IT is seldom that I can bring myself to write anything for publication, and as I had a longish article on “The education of librarians in Great Britain” printed as recently as 1964 in the Lucknow Librarian (which is edited by my friend Mr. R. P. Hingorani) I had not contemplated any further effort for some time to come. But as THE LIBRARY WORLD evidently wishes to cover all the British schools of librarianship it would be a pity for Brighton to be left out, even though, coming as it does towards the end of a gruelling series, I can see little prospect of this contribution being read. Perhaps, therefore, I need not apologise for the fact that, as my own life and fortunes have been (and still are) inextricably bound up with those of the Brighton school, any account which I write of the school is bound to be a very personal one.

Details

New Library World, vol. 67 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

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