Outlines the three principal types of valuation of plant andmachinery – insurance, financial and open market. Discusses thetechniques appropriate to each and possible future…
Abstract
Outlines the three principal types of valuation of plant and machinery – insurance, financial and open market. Discusses the techniques appropriate to each and possible future development in the field. Concludes that the demand for plant valuation services is increasing and suitably qualified students need to be persuaded to opt for what is probably the least known discipline within the profession.
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Sharon Loane and Jim Bell
The importance of networks in the internationalisation of entrepreneurial firms is widely accepted. However, while the literature tends to focus on the existing networks of firms…
Abstract
Purpose
The importance of networks in the internationalisation of entrepreneurial firms is widely accepted. However, while the literature tends to focus on the existing networks of firms, there is growing evidence that many rapid internationalisers have to build new networks. This cross‐national study investigates the networks of internationalising entrepreneurial firms in Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi‐stage approach and mixed methods were employed. Online sources were used to gather information on 218 internationalising small firms, then an e‐mail instrument was administered to verify data and address information gaps, resulting in 143 usable responses (66 per cent) evenly distributed across locations. A representative sub‐sample of 53 firms was selected for further in‐depth investigation via face‐to‐face interviews with CEOs.
Findings
A high proportion of firms (25 per cent) actively used existing networks to develop their knowledge of international markets and improve their international competitiveness. However, an even larger number (34 per cent) had to build new networks because of the advanced nature of their offering. In‐depth interviews provided rich insights into the nature and scope of the firms' network development activities.
Research limitations/implications
While the sample size is relatively small, the findings are consistent across locations. They suggest that further investigation of network building activities among internationalising entrepreneurial firms is required.
Practical implications
The results have implications on firm strategy, in terms of the strategic nature of network building and the need for systematic approaches. They also are pertinent to public policy in support of internationalisation. In particular, there is a need for support agencies to shift their focus from providing objective knowledge to supporting experiential learning and network development.
Originality/value
The linkage of extant network approaches to the emerging knowledge‐based view (KBV) of internationalisation enhances and advances both perspectives.
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Chris Ryan, Hazrina Ghazali and Asad Mohsin
The purpose of this paper is to examine determinants of an intention to quit a job held by non‐managerial staff in the Malaysian fast food industry. It examines issues such as job…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine determinants of an intention to quit a job held by non‐managerial staff in the Malaysian fast food industry. It examines issues such as job stress and peer groups.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative analysis of 806 respondents working in international fast food chains was undertaken following an initial semi‐structured interview process with managers.
Findings
Of the total sample, 20 percent were found to think frequently about leaving their job, while a further 20 percent were described as being committed to their employment. High intent to leave scorers were found to be influenced by friends, but also feeling job stress and “being burnt out”.
Research limitations/implications
The findings may relate solely to fast food outlets in Peninsular Malaya due to cultural issues related to the Islamic nature of Malaysian society.
Practical implications
Fast food managers need to consider employees as part of a team and not simply as individuals, and it was found that friendship ties emerged as a significant variable in determining intention to leave a job.
Social implications
Malaysian fast food outlets near places of worship that make it easier for employees to fulfil religious obligations may find it easier to retain staff.
Originality/value
This is thought to be the first study of the Malaysian fast food industry and labour turnover.
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Discusses the 6th ITCRR, its breadth of textile and clothing research activity, plus the encouragement given to workers in this field and its related areas. States that, within…
Abstract
Discusses the 6th ITCRR, its breadth of textile and clothing research activity, plus the encouragement given to workers in this field and its related areas. States that, within the newer research areas under the microscope of the community involved, technical textiles focuses on new, ‘smart’ garments and the initiatives in this field in both the UK and the international community at large. Covers this subject at length.
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– The aim of this article is to show how leaders build and maintain high levels of trust in organizations by applying regular, simple but highly impactful actions.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this article is to show how leaders build and maintain high levels of trust in organizations by applying regular, simple but highly impactful actions.
Design/methodology/approach
This article discusses the role of trust when it comes to building high-performance cultures, characterized by motivated and engaged employees. It outlines a four-element model of trust that the author has researched, developed and applied during her work with organizations including Discovery and Solar Century. The elements are investment in relationships, honesty, humility, and consistency. Each element is supported with the author's observations of managers, leaders and HR practitioners who have significantly impacted the performance of their organizations by embracing the model.
Findings
Although there is high awareness among leaders and managers for the need for trust and trusting behavior, there is often little practical support available to them to ensure trust is systematically invested in as a leadership behavior. The author argues that it is only by consciously applying specific behaviors across the four elements that trust becomes something real and tangible. The model is substantiated with case study examples taken from a cross-section of different sized organizations and sectors.
Originality/value
The article is based on the author's personal experience and knowledge of organizations that excel in the four elements of the trust model.
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Cray Valley Ltd.'s synthetic resin plant at Machen, Gwent is the first major site to specify control equipment selected from Craig and Derricott's brand new EEx certified range.