This paper aims to warn that the short-term cost-cutting measure of laying off older employees can result in long-term problems. It stresses the value that older employees can add…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to warn that the short-term cost-cutting measure of laying off older employees can result in long-term problems. It stresses the value that older employees can add to organizations and offers insights on what employers should consider when trying to retain and attract older employees.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper combines the personal experience of a consultant whose employees are all over the age of 50 bolstered by surveys noting what older employees want and expect in the workplace.
Findings
The paper concludes that older employees help companies save money by sharing their wealth of experience and helping younger employees avoid mistakes they have made or witnessed in their own careers. The paper argues that to retain and attract the best older employees, companies need to be flexible, provide good compensation and offer work that is interesting and meaningful. Just like younger employees, many older employees want companies that provide time-off for family commitments and offer opportunities for advancement.
Originality/value
This paper goes beyond detailing the value of older employees, in terms of knowledge, loyalty and connections and offers tips on how to attract and retain older employees from someone who successfully does so in his own business.
Details
Keywords
Robert Schneier and Jerry Miccolis
Risk is a loaded word, with connotations that include both the theoretical and the sinister. With share‐holders expecting companies to turn in consistently strong returns, risk…
Abstract
Risk is a loaded word, with connotations that include both the theoretical and the sinister. With share‐holders expecting companies to turn in consistently strong returns, risk can wreak havoc on performance and bring even the most well‐regarded company to its knees. Yet without risk, there can be no reward. But traditional approaches to risk management are incomplete—and, in many cases, downright dangerous.
People Value Added (PVA) is an economic measure of productivity and organization effectiveness. It is a ratio that measures value created relative to the capital investment in…
Abstract
People Value Added (PVA) is an economic measure of productivity and organization effectiveness. It is a ratio that measures value created relative to the capital investment in human resources. While simple in concept, its application can yield some valuable insights into the effectiveness of a company's strategy and performance.
Olivier de La Villarmois and Yves Levant
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the processes involved in implementing a full costing method – the unité de valeur ajoutée (UVA) (added value unit) method – as well as…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the processes involved in implementing a full costing method – the unité de valeur ajoutée (UVA) (added value unit) method – as well as to explore the uses made of it.
Design/methodology/approach
Firms that adopted the UVA method between 1995 and 2009 were studied by means of semi‐structured interviews with individuals concerned in the firm and with the external consultants. The interviews, which lasted two to three hours, were conducted both during the implementation process and several months later. Secondary data in the form of all the documentation regarding the initial setting up and updating of the method were also collected.
Findings
The main advantages of the UVA method are the fine breakdown of costs, facilitating decision making, and its modest use of resources. Generally, it was adopted by small firms with a “defensive” strategic behaviour. The success of its implementation was largely a result of the strong involvement of management. Nevertheless, it found limited use as a management tool compared to the activity based costing (ABC) method, owing to the small size of the firms that adopted the UVA method.
Originality/value
This research paper is the first to examine the various stages of setting up the UVA method of cost accounting method, by collecting data from users on two occasions, separated by an interval of eight years.
Details
Keywords
Håkan Håkansson and Lars-Erik Gadde
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the development of research based on the IMP approach during the four decades since the inauguration in 1976. The paper presents a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the development of research based on the IMP approach during the four decades since the inauguration in 1976. The paper presents a network analysis of IMP research based on one of the central IMP frameworks: the ARA model.
Design/methodology/approach
The main activity analysed is the annual IMP conference. The development over time is described by comparison of three conferences (1984, 1998 and 2012) with regard to the themes of the papers presented. In addition, some joint research projects are described. The most central resources are the research frameworks and findings presented in books and journals. To illustrate this dimension, the authors have traced all IMP publications that had been cited more than 100 times in 2013. In the actor layer, the authors investigated the development over time of the distribution of publications and conference presentations on research groups.
Findings
The paper shows how IMP has evolved into a research network around common themes of which business relationships and networks are the most significant. The activities of various research groups have become increasingly interlinked through joint research programmes, annual conferences and seminars, a website and a dedicated journal.
Originality/value
The paper provides a detailed illustration of the development of the IMP network. The description of this process is of general relevance as an example of how research ideas can develop and become established in terms of a distinct research network.
Details
Keywords
Theodore S. Ransaw, Michael Lachney and Kevin K. Green
Research suggests there are at least three challenges to Black male interest and success in STEM careers: increasing access to STEM resources and curriculum, increasing Black and…
Abstract
Research suggests there are at least three challenges to Black male interest and success in STEM careers: increasing access to STEM resources and curriculum, increasing Black and male inclusiveness in STEM initiatives, and increasing cultural and technical competency in STEM fields. African American schools typically do not have equitable STEM resources or instruction. In addition, there is limited research on supporting Black males' success in STEM in the culturally responsive computing (CRC) literature. Most STEM initiatives prioritize increasing the number of girls in STEM fields. STEM field employers are not active recruiters of Black male hires and have little experience with diversity and cultural inclusiveness. Research also suggests that Black students may not be interested working in White corporate America that undervalues their unique cultural perspectives and are more concerned with schooling that improves their communities. This chapter utilized CRC as a lens to examine the complexity of engaging Black males in STEM. As a result, the authors suggest adopting an equity ethic to help teachers help Black males connect themselves and their communities to STEM technology by utilizing smartphones and smartphone technology to engage Black males who may not have access to computers. We end with an example of CRC called barbershop computing, which combines computing, engineering, and innovation as a method to attract and retain Black males in STEM classes and help them persist in STEM careers.
Details
Keywords
In the last monograph an attempt was made at giving a short historical background of the trade union movement; at defining a trade union; at discussing the closed shop and at…
Pauline A.M. Bremner and Carol Air
This study adds to the existing body of knowledge on the benefits to learners of using an interdisciplinary design thinking (DT) pedagogical approach taking the form of a micro…
Abstract
Purpose
This study adds to the existing body of knowledge on the benefits to learners of using an interdisciplinary design thinking (DT) pedagogical approach taking the form of a micro credential with an extra curricula workshop.
Design/methodology/approach
The interpretivist research examined opinion via nine semi-structured interviews with learners who had participated in a workshop. The interviews focussed on demographic information, learning strategies, workshop interdisciplinary benefits and being taught via DT. The recorded interviews and transcriptions were analysed via NVivo and content analysis.
Findings
The results are themed into development opportunities, future learning, making meaning and sense and practical application of knowledge and skills reflection for the students. The DT pedagogy worked well for the students who confirmed university learning should be this way, adding to the debate on embedding engaging interdisciplinary methods to embed entrepreneurship and innovation in the curriculum.
Originality/value
The research is original as the use of DT has added value to the students' development and mindset. Developing graduates this way benefits the local and national economy, as the reach of graduates' transferability makes them fit for the future.
Details
Keywords
R.J. Bannister and Ravin Jesuthasan
Here's a measurement framework that challenges the status quo and links strategies and activities to create shareholder value.