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Article
Publication date: 18 October 2021

Bolong He, Snezana Mitrovic-Minic, Len Garis, Pierre Robinson and Tamon Stephen

The Surrey (British Columbia, Canada) fire department has an annual cycle for hiring full-time firefighters. This paper optimizes the timing of the annual hiring period. A key…

71

Abstract

Purpose

The Surrey (British Columbia, Canada) fire department has an annual cycle for hiring full-time firefighters. This paper optimizes the timing of the annual hiring period. A key issue is handling workplace absences, which can be covered by overtime cost or full-time hires.

Design/methodology/approach

Short-term and long-term absences patterns are analyzed according to season and age cohorts of the firefighters. These are then used in both an explanatory and time series model to predict future absences. The hiring schedule is optimized based on these predictions and additional constraints.

Findings

The current practice fares well in the analysis. For the time period studied, moving to earlier hiring dates appears beneficial. This analysis is robust with respect to various assumptions.

Originality/value

This is a case study where analytic techniques and machine learning are applied to an organizational practice that is not commonly analyzed. In this case, the previous method was not much worse than the optimized solution. The techniques used are quite general and can be applied to various organizational decision problems.

Details

International Journal of Emergency Services, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2047-0894

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1977

Beth Macleod and David Ginsburg

Although none of the new music reference books of the past year totally replaces the old stand‐bys, some significant works did appear, especially in the areas of contemporary…

82

Abstract

Although none of the new music reference books of the past year totally replaces the old stand‐bys, some significant works did appear, especially in the areas of contemporary music, opera, and classical music discography.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 1999

Seyed‐Mahmoud Aghazadeh

Investigates three aspects of human resource management facing future challenges, personnel, technology and globalization. Suggests that the human resource professionals in a…

8312

Abstract

Investigates three aspects of human resource management facing future challenges, personnel, technology and globalization. Suggests that the human resource professionals in a successful business must be able to attract and retain individuals who have the ability to manage a globally responsive business. Covers the use of technology for competitive advantage; advocates global strategies in operations management and empowerment of the individual.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 22 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 1999

H. Kent Baker and Gary H. Powell

Outlines previous research on four explanations for and various factors influencing dividend policy; and reports a survey of senior managers in US listed companies to determine…

2308

Abstract

Outlines previous research on four explanations for and various factors influencing dividend policy; and reports a survey of senior managers in US listed companies to determine their views. Finds strong support for the signalling explanation and some support for the bird‐in‐hand, tax‐preference and agency costs explanations, especially from regulated companies. Ranks the perceived importance of 20 factors influencing policy and discusses the top five (future earnings, past dividends, share price, concern over false signals and cash flow); and the differences between regulated and unregulated companies. Compares the rankings with Farrelly, Baker and Edelman (1986), recognizes the limitations of the study and considers consistency with other research.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 25 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2003

Loretta S. Wilson and Susan Kwileck

In the wake of numerous late twentieth century cult disasters, and most recently, the September 11 tragedy, this paper considers the question, why do people obey outrageous…

1100

Abstract

In the wake of numerous late twentieth century cult disasters, and most recently, the September 11 tragedy, this paper considers the question, why do people obey outrageous commands from charismatic authorities? According to Gary Becker, “the economic ap‐proach provides a valuable unified framework for understanding all human behavior” (Becker 1976:14). We test this generalization by attempting to explain, in terms of rational choice theory, the behavior of two members of infamous cults, the Manson Family and the Ragneesh Foundation International. Each of these subjects slavishly obeyed orders from a charismatic personality, one to the extent of committing murder. Were they mentally ill or rationally maximizing their utility? We consider these theoretical options. In August of 1969 Charles Manson ordered several of his followers to commit gruesome murders for the purpose of initiating the apocalypse. They obeyed. In late 1978, Jim Jones commanded over 900 members of the Peoples Temple to commit suicide. They obeyed. From 1981 to 1985, executing orders to build utopia perceived to come from their guru, members of the Ragneesh Foundation International terrorized the inhabitants of Antelope, Oregon. Similarly, followers of Osama Bin Laden are suspected of carrying out the disastrous suicide murders of September 11. Over past decades, the incidence of violence involving submission to a charismatic leader appears to be escalating. Increasingly the public must contend with the “awesome power” of charisma, “enshrouded in a mystique of irrationality” (Bradley 1987: 3–4). The extent to which followers committing criminal acts of obedience may be held accountable has become a pressing legal issue. How can this kind of volatile religious commitment be explained? In recent years, experts on cults have experimented with rational choice theory. According to economist, Gary Becker, “the economic approach provides a valuable unified framework for understanding all human behavior” (Becker 1976: 14). We test this extravagant claim with two cases of seemingly irrational commitment to a charismatic cult leader—one a follower of Bhagwan Rajneesh, the other a Manson Family killer. These subjects are not representative cult members but rather were chosen because they demonstrated an exceptional loyalty to their leaders that has been widely construed as the result of brainwashing or insanity. Rather than survey data, we rely on autobiographical testimonies since they offer a more detailed and comprehensive view of the thought processes that motivate behavior, the subject matter of this paper.

Details

Humanomics, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0828-8666

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Tina Harrison, Kathryn Waite and Gary L. Hunter

To critically assesses the extent to which consumers are being empowered by the internet, focusing specifically on the role of the internet in the context of online pension…

6084

Abstract

Purpose

To critically assesses the extent to which consumers are being empowered by the internet, focusing specifically on the role of the internet in the context of online pension information provision.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method study involving focus groups and observational research. Focus groups explored consumer meanings of empowerment and pension information needs. Actual information provision was measured using a content analysis of a sample of 20 pension web sites from 1996 to 2004 accessed from the internet archive.

Findings

While consumers generally feel that the internet is empowering, the sense of empowerment has not been fully realised in the context of pensions. The findings reveal gaps between consumer needs for information and information provision with implications for pension providers and consumers.

Research limitations/implications

Relies on consumers' own reported information needs. Pensions are complex and consumers may not fully appreciate the most relevant information in order to make an informed pension decision. Researching professional financial advisors could close the loop and help understand what information consumers should be using to make decisions.

Practical implications

Provides useful insights for pension providers and employers in understanding the value of pension web sites and the features/facilities that consumers value most in using them.

Originality/value

Addresses a key concern of government – insufficient pension provision – and helps to understand how the internet can be used to engage consumers in pensions and encourage them to take greater responsibility for and ownership of their retirement saving.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2002

Gary Storer and Amin Rajan

Professional development will become a crucial investment rather than an irritating cost in the 21st century. Financial services professionals often see continued professional…

592

Abstract

Professional development will become a crucial investment rather than an irritating cost in the 21st century. Financial services professionals often see continued professional development (CPD) as a chore which requires the routine collection of points or hours through attendance at conferences and courses to maintain their professional status. The new FSA Training &Competence regulation has extended the requirements for CPD to a very wide group of financial experts in all specialisms. The authors draw on their research to argue here that the pace of change in the sector makes CPD a strategic necessity for survival. They outline the changes apparent in the core skills required of senior professionals and managers, espacially in the areas of risk management and control. Finally, they suggest that the new regime is also bringing about major change in the working practices of compliance professionals and propose a model of skills and knowledge which mean that CPD is as important for them as for their colleagues.

Details

Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1358-1988

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Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Len Tiu Wright

2594

Abstract

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

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Article
Publication date: 1 August 1999

Darek Mose and Brian H. Kleiner

Identifies the different mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution, outlining the main features of each one and suggesting appropriate areas of use. Supports the employment of…

2012

Abstract

Identifies the different mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution, outlining the main features of each one and suggesting appropriate areas of use. Supports the employment of these methods and lists the benefits they bring. Points out that the courts are still required as back up if these methods fail.

Details

Equal Opportunities International, vol. 18 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0261-0159

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1998

Gary L. Whaley and Shirley H. Tucker

Reports research statistics that reveal that half of all working women are likely to suffer some form of sexual harassment during their careers, particularly those in…

1323

Abstract

Reports research statistics that reveal that half of all working women are likely to suffer some form of sexual harassment during their careers, particularly those in non‐traditional posts. Outlines different explanatory theories for sexual harassment proposed in current literature, focusing in particular on socio‐cultural, organizational and individual differences models, and seeks to examine the interaction between various factors identified. Discusses the main effects of power distance, attitudes towards women and gender/job match on sexual harassment, and develops models of sexual harassment behaviour to examine the interaction between these three factors for women with male supervisors in traditional and non‐traditional roles, identifying the circumstances in which quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment are most likely and most unlikely to occur. Illustrates how the different factors involved foster different kinds of sexual harassment at different levels of severity, and concludes that multiple strategies are required to address such behaviour.

Details

Equal Opportunities International, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0261-0159

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