The following case study demonstrates how an organisation can integrate learning with normal business processes so that it not only shares its knowledge and continuously improves…
Abstract
The following case study demonstrates how an organisation can integrate learning with normal business processes so that it not only shares its knowledge and continuously improves at a high rate, but also, achieves this without significant disruption to its routine business. Against a background of traditional learning techniques that advocate linear learning, the study advances the theme of multiple learning processes to facilitate a more flexible approach to organisational learning. The study describes how auditing can be used as a learning tool to detect potential problems before they become operationally troublesome. A number of audit processes outline how an organisation can expedite collective learning, generate considerable quantities of information, and consider early responses to forces of change.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that to remain competitive organizations need a high rate of internal learning. Successful organizational learning and knowledge management…
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly apparent that to remain competitive organizations need a high rate of internal learning. Successful organizational learning and knowledge management require internal processes to support them and a vision that values learning and knowledge. This paper examines learning by auditing in two manufacturing businesses and draws out lessons for managers. The two case studies presented are an aerospace component manufacturer wholly based in Australia and a global food packager with multiple plants around the world. The findings reinforce that knowledge management exposes an explosion of ideas that needs selective action and experienced facilitators if the organization is to benefit from learning by auditing. To stimulate learning data need to be converted to knowledge and couched in the language of the organization. The data must be collected in a meaningful way that is understood and accepted by the people involved and they need to be used to change existing practices in the organization.
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This paper aims to identify key elements of innovative culture using innovation audit tools. The research seeks to determine if factors such as the ability to collaborate are…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify key elements of innovative culture using innovation audit tools. The research seeks to determine if factors such as the ability to collaborate are important in building a culture that supports innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
Many firms are continually scanning the environment for sources of ideas for product or service innovations. to realise benefits from these practices, organisations need a culture that supports collaborations and a systematic approach to man work and uses the two cases studies to highlight some of the benefits of collaboration.
Findings
The key role of leadership in the two cases is noted, however not all aspects of innovation culture are considered in these case studies and further research needs to consider different forms of ownership and governance. Collaboration supported by creative leadership can give small firms a competitive innovative edge, small businesses seeking to be innovative need to understand the importance of leadership and collaboration. Innovative organisations require a set of competences and capacities that enable them to win new business, these may be located within the organisation or they can be accessed externally.
Research limitations/implications
This research considers two case studies and provides examples of characteristics of innovation cultures but the findings may not be generalisable to a wider population.
Originality/value
The values that create an organisational culture and supports and encourages innovation needs to be embedded in the organisation.
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Paul Hyland, Terry Sloan and Ron Beckett
Over a period of nearly five years a large number of technology oriented employees in an Australian aerospace company were exposed to a wide variety of post‐graduate coursework…
Abstract
Over a period of nearly five years a large number of technology oriented employees in an Australian aerospace company were exposed to a wide variety of post‐graduate coursework modules intended to add a business management perspective to the technology background of those employees. Not all of the students had prior experience with university education, but some of these people completed Masters degrees. Their experience is also discussed. Over the duration of the program the company was in a constant state of significant change. The number of employees initially increased, adding a further training load, but later on the number of employees decreased and the program was wound back. This paper looks at how the program was integrated with work, the perceived upsides and downsides several years down the track, and the influence of organisational culture on the learning styles of the participants.
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Thomas N. Garavan, Michael Morley, Patrick Gunnigle and David McGuire
Workplace learning and HRD are considered legitimate topics for study and investigation alongside organisational strategies and practices. Considers key themes in the workplace…
Abstract
Workplace learning and HRD are considered legitimate topics for study and investigation alongside organisational strategies and practices. Considers key themes in the workplace earning literature in addition to its relationship with HRD. Identifies a paradigm shift from formalised, intermittent and discontinuous learning to increasingly informal, experiential, asynchronous and real‐time situated learning. Highlights three contemporary themes in both the workplace learning and HRD literatures, namely: knowledge, expertise, competence and capability; organisational learning; and employability and career issues.
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Panata Iawsipo, Rotsukon Poonbud, Natcha Somtragool, Photsathorn Mutapat and Anan Meejom
The study aimed to disclose the anti-cancer activity of Pluchea indica tea leaves by evaluating the cytotoxicity on breast and cervical cancer cells, compared with non-cancer…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed to disclose the anti-cancer activity of Pluchea indica tea leaves by evaluating the cytotoxicity on breast and cervical cancer cells, compared with non-cancer cells.
Design/methodology/approach
Two P. indica extracts were prepared using two solvents, namely hot water (PA) and ethanol (PE). MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and clonogenic assays were applied to determine cytotoxic effect of both extracts toward cancer cells from human breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7) and cervix (SiHa, HeLa and C-33A) and also non-cancer Vero cells. Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA)-staining assay was used to quantify the intracellular level of the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Correlation between the quantity of compounds present and the cytotoxicity of the extracts was analyzed by Pearson's method and a possible class of bioactive compounds was proposed based on the highest correlation coefficient (r).
Findings
Significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation capability was observed in all cancer cells after treatment with either PA or PE extract albeit PE was more effective. Lower toxicity was detected in Vero cells, indicating the selectivity and safety of extracts. The intracellular ROS level was augmented in treated cancer cells which were inversely correlated to cell viability, suggesting the cancer toxicity was likely induced by intracellular oxidative stress. As flavonoids were found abundantly in the extracts and flavonoids' content was the most related to the activity (r = 0.815), it was hypothesized that the flavonoids might play crucial roles in cancer cytotoxicity.
Originality/value
P. indica tea-leaf extracts can be a good source of promising anti-cancer agents with reduced side effects for breast and cervical cancer treatment.
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The concept of corporate social responsibility of the enterprise covers a vast territory! This paper proposes to limit the analysis and evaluation of this concept to three…
Abstract
The concept of corporate social responsibility of the enterprise covers a vast territory! This paper proposes to limit the analysis and evaluation of this concept to three distinct aspects. The first will treat the comparatively new and evolving common law implied term in corporated into the contract of employment relating to the enterprise’s social responsibility of respect towards the employee. The second will analyse an other generically linked recent common law development in the field of the enterprise’s social responsibility of respect towards the employee, namely the implied over‐riding term. Thirdly, the novel and developing wider concept of corporate social responsibility will be addressed and assessed. Some concluding thoughts will follow.
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This chapter considers the influence of horror on the production of commercial gay pornography. I see this influence reflected especially in the production and popularity of gay…
Abstract
This chapter considers the influence of horror on the production of commercial gay pornography. I see this influence reflected especially in the production and popularity of gay pornographic films inspired by horror franchises from the slasher and ‘torture porn’ cycles that have been remade in recent decades. Nine texts are selected for analysis – from the slasher genre: Bryan Kenny’s 2010 A Nightmare on Twink Street (inspired by the A Nightmare on Elm Street series), Andy Kay’s 2012 Black XXXmas (inspired by Black Christmas), Frank Fuder and Angel Skye’s 2009 Halloweiner: Friday the Fuckteenth and Chi Chi LaRue’s 2016 Scared Stiff (both inspired by the Friday the 13th series), Bromo’s 2017 Cream for Me (Scream series); and from the torture porn genre: Jett Blakk’s 2006 Bonesaw, John Bruno’s 2006 Rammer and Bryan Kenny’s 2010 Raw I and 2011 (with Andy Kay) Raw II (inspired by the Saw franchise). The specificity of the horror genre is addressed, as is the importance of gender. But particular focus is directed toward the structural aspects of gay porn parodies and the degree to which horror parodies in particular have the potential to blend pornographic homosex with graphic violence, perhaps most extreme in the slasher and torture porn horror variants. Other potentialities are also explored, such as for the easing of narrative/sex porn tensions.