Eric W.T. Ngai, Chuck C.H. Law, Simon C.H. Chan and Francis K.T. Wat
The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the perceptions of the importance of the internet to human resource management (HRM) and to understand the existing human…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the perceptions of the importance of the internet to human resource management (HRM) and to understand the existing human resource (HR) practices and needs of the internet to support HRM functions.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect data from selected public companies quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Questionnaires were returned by 147 respondents and used for the analysis. The overall response rate was 29 percent, which was higher than expected.
Findings
The findings indicated that the most frequently cited internet‐supported HRM function in the existing literature is recruitment and selection. The results showed that there are no significant organization size differences or significant differences in internet connectivity as far as the perceived importance of the internet to HR practitioners is concerned. Specifically, helping managers to stay informed is the most important reason for adopting the internet for HR practitioners.
Originality/value
This study has proved that internet‐based HR offers enormous opportunities to improve organization performance. This paper introduces the reader to the potential use of the internet to support HRM.
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Keywords
To present a comprehensive literature review of human resource information systems (HRIS) and to report the results of a survey on the implementation of HRIS in Hong Kong.
Abstract
Purpose
To present a comprehensive literature review of human resource information systems (HRIS) and to report the results of a survey on the implementation of HRIS in Hong Kong.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was designed, pre‐tested, modified, and used to capture data on a cross‐section of HRIS users in Hong Kong. The questionnaire was pilot‐tested by practicing HRIS consultants and by HR and MIS managers. Based on the feedback from the pilot‐test, the questionnaire was modified and a final questionnaire was developed and mailed to companies in Hong Kong.
Findings
Most Hong Kong industries perceived that the greatest benefits to the implementation of HRIS were the quick response and access to information that it brought, and the greatest barrier was insufficient financial support. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference between HRIS adopters and non‐adopters, and between small, medium, and large companies, regarding some potential benefits and barriers to the implementation of HRIS.
Research limitations/implications
Further research should address the status of internet/intranet‐based HRIS. An internet/intranet‐based HRIS will undoubtedly be of much more benefit than the traditional HRIS, but its adoption will pose some challenges to practitioners.
Practical implications
Provides some insights into the implementation of HRIS by Hong Kong companies, which should help HR practitioners acquire a better understanding of the current status, benefits, and barriers to the implementation of HRIS.
Originality/value
Little research has been done to address the perceived benefits and potential barriers to the implementation of HRIS. This study is timely and important in that it examines the current status of HRIS in Hong Kong. It also compares differences in perception between HRIS adopters and non‐adopters as well as in the size of organizations in relation to the adoption of HRIS.
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Three decades of academic and professional discourse on HR technologies (HRTs) have produced continued disagreement over construct definitions and research streams that are highly…
Abstract
Three decades of academic and professional discourse on HR technologies (HRTs) have produced continued disagreement over construct definitions and research streams that are highly fragmented. These realities suggest that greater consistency in meanings is sorely needed if we are to integrate and upgrade knowledge in this area. This chapter draws on the findings of a systematic research review to properly define the content domains of human resource information systems (HRIS), virtual human resources (virtual HR), electronic human resource management (e-HRM), and business-to-employee (B2E) systems. An integrative synthesis was performed on 242 system-level writings that appeared in the literature from 1983 to 2017. The weight of the evidence strongly supports treating HRIS, virtual HR, e-HRM, and B2E systems as independent, complimentary constructs. While the first three comprise a firm’s HRT system, the fourth construct is more appropriately positioned in the business-collaborative system. The sample was further evaluated with an analytic framework to detect patterns of practice in research designs. This revealed that much more attention has been focused on system actions and outcomes than on attitudes and system characteristics. Different units of analysis were well represented aside from trans-organizational studies. Finally, a case is made for better contextualizing HRT research by recognizing differences in assimilation stage, functional penetration, and collective proficiency. These factors are rarely mentioned, let alone studied, raising additional concerns about measurement error. Detailed suggestions are offered on ways to incorporate them. Together, these materials should promote more sophisticated and generalizable assessments of technology, improving our ability to understand its impacts.
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Wit Stryczniewicz, Janusz Zmywaczyk and Andrzej Jaroslaw Panas
The paper aims to discuss the inverse heat conduction methodology in solution of a certain parameter identification problem. The problem itself concerns determination of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to discuss the inverse heat conduction methodology in solution of a certain parameter identification problem. The problem itself concerns determination of the thermophysical properties of a thin layer coating by applying the laser flash apparatus.
Design/methodology/approach
The modelled laser flash diffusivity data from the three-layer sample investigation are used as input for the following parameter estimation procedure. Assuming known middle layer, i.e. substrate properties, the thermal diffusivity (TD) of the side layers’ material is determined. The estimation technique utilises the finite element method for numerical solution of the direct, 2D axisymmetric heat conduction problem.
Findings
The paper presents methodology developed for a three-layer sample studies and results of the estimation technique testing and evaluation based on simulated data. The multi-parametrical identification procedure results in identification of the out of plane thin layer material diffusivity from the inverse problem solution.
Research limitations/implications
The presentation itself is limited to numerical simulation data, but it should be underlined that the flake graphite thermophysical parameters have been utilised in numerical tests.
Practical implications
The developed methodology is planned to be applied in detailed experimental studies of flake graphite.
Originality/value
In the course of a present study, a methodology of the thin-coating layer TD determination was developed. In spite of the fact that it has been developed for the graphite coating investigation, it was planned to be universal in application to any thin–thick composite structure study.
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The following is the text of Mr. JOHN BURNS' Bill for securing the purity of articles of food and preventing the misdescription thereof, which was introduced in the House of…
Ginevra Gravili, Rohail Hassan, Alexandru Avram and Francesco Schiavone
This paper aims to examine the influence of big data (BD) on human resource management (HRM). It defines how these data can be a useful tool in the decision-making process of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the influence of big data (BD) on human resource management (HRM). It defines how these data can be a useful tool in the decision-making process of companies’ human resources to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper emphasizes the need to develop a holistic approach to emphasize these relations. Starting from these observations, the document proposes empirical research employing Eurostat data to test the benefits of BD in HRM decisions that optimize the relationship between training, productivity, and well-being.
Findings
The findings estimate HRM decisions and their impact in a broader macroeconomic and microeconomic perspective.
Originality/value
BD research is emerging as a crucial discipline in human resources. To overcome this problem, the paper develops an analysis of the literature on cleaner production and sustainability context; it creates a conceptual framework to clarify whether the existing studies consider the growing intensity of BD on human resources.
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IN October a well‐known literary periodical appeared for a single number in a bright‐red cover to signalise a certain change. Two months earlier we had altered our size, type and…
Abstract
IN October a well‐known literary periodical appeared for a single number in a bright‐red cover to signalise a certain change. Two months earlier we had altered our size, type and cover‐colour; for the last exchanging the decorous consistent grey of our outer garment for the summer yellow in which our two Conference numbers appeared. Some readers found this too gaudy, although the three colours which have most “attention value,” as the advertisement experts say, are yellow, red and Cambridge blue. We compromise on orange, which has warmth, and we hope will have welcome.
The foundation collection of the printed books now forming the Library of the British Museum was that of Sir Hans Sloane. This comprised about 40,000 volumes. To it was added in…
Abstract
The foundation collection of the printed books now forming the Library of the British Museum was that of Sir Hans Sloane. This comprised about 40,000 volumes. To it was added in 1759 the Royal collection, begun in the time of Henry VII and inherited by George II from his predecessors on the throne.
The Standing Committee of the House of Commons on Trade, presided over by LORD E. FITZMAURICE, met again on July 16th and proceeded with the Sale of Adulterated Butter Bill.
The purpose of this paper is to examine “(Buddhist economics)” in urban reform Buddhism in Thailand. In the West, Buddhist economics is often perceived as a specific economic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine “(Buddhist economics)” in urban reform Buddhism in Thailand. In the West, Buddhist economics is often perceived as a specific economic system, but understanding the sustainable development debate in Buddhist countries requires recognition that there are many versions.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors organize the discussion about Buddhist economics into a framework used in the sustainability debate. Current literature, largely from Thai writers, is analyzed to understand their positions on economy and environment.
Findings
Four representative movements are discussed which show substantial differences. Status quo Wat Dhammakaya feels that Buddhist economics is mainly about improving individual moral behavior within the current capitalist system, and needs little systemic change. Santi Asoke is explicitly anti-capitalist, and its most serious adherents live simple lifestyles in collectivist agricultural communities. “(Reform-from-within)” seeks a mixed economy containing both capitalist and socialist elements. Kuan Im is also between the extremes, largely small business capitalist and wanting some restraints on perceived predatory big business.
Originality/value
Buddhist perspectives are just beginning to enter mainstream western discussion on sustainability. The most common understanding of Buddhist economics in the west is incomplete, assuming only one form of Buddhist economics. In fact, Buddhist societies, represented here by Thailand, cover the whole range of thinking on sustainability.