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11 – 18 of 18Switbert Miczka and Andreas Größler
Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have drawn the attention of researchers for several decades. Many studies have investigated the factors apparently influencing the success…
Abstract
Purpose
Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have drawn the attention of researchers for several decades. Many studies have investigated the factors apparently influencing the success of an M&A deal, leading to an extensive, yet extremely fragmented body of knowledge. Although the logical quest for integration has been expressed by several authors, in most cases investigations focus only on details of M&As. The aim of this paper is to offer a different way of synthesis that allows testing well‐established theories of post‐merger integration processes.
Design/methodology/approach
With the help of a literature‐based system dynamics (SD) model, the paper opens up a new perspective on the organizational processes occurring during post‐merger integration. Particular emphasis is put on the investigation of capability transfer, the change of corporate culture, and the employees' perception of the integration process.
Findings
The model‐based analysis delivers explanations for the contradicting results of many empirical studies, based on the structural integration of a broad body of knowledge and the analysis of simulation runs. The paper suggests that SD models may be used as a means to achieve a more consistent conceptual integration than usual “theoretical frameworks” can provide.
Research limitations/implications
Since the model is primarily based on theoretical ideas, an empirical validation of results seems most critical. Additionally, the linkage to organizational performance measures may need additional modelling effort.
Practical implications
The paper demonstrates the various interrelationships between organizational capabilities, culture, and employee commitment of two merging companies.
Originality/value
The paper is one of the few that strives for an integrated perspective on post‐merger phenomena.
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Rodney Lambert, Woody Caan and Andrew McVicar
Current treatment guidelines for anxiety disorders, including panic disorder (PD), recommend either medication or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). There is currently a…
Abstract
Current treatment guidelines for anxiety disorders, including panic disorder (PD), recommend either medication or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). There is currently a call through the Layard Report for significant investment to increase the availability of CBT resources. However, there are reported limitations to both medication and CBT in the treatment of anxiety, and it appears prudent to consider additional methods of treatment that may offer effective interventions. One such intervention is based around the evidence of altered sensitivity within a number of physiological body systems in anxiety patients (particularly those with PD), all of which are influenced in their function by habitual lifestyle behaviours. A randomised controlled trial compared a 16‐week occupational therapy‐led lifestyle intervention and routine general practice (GP) care for PD. At 20 weeks, 14 symptoms with ‘moderate’ to ‘very severe’ ratings were assessed in 36 GP and 31 lifestyle‐intervention patients. Composite symptom profiles, similar at baseline, were produced. The GP intervention produced modest improvements in most symptoms. The lifestyle intervention overall produced greater symptomatic relief (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, P= 0.008). The physiological and cognitive symptom profile also changed more with lifestyle intervention. Occupational therapists have developed their interventions based on their understanding of everyday occupation. Habitual lifestyle behaviours are characterised as being recurrent elements of everyday occupation and are, therefore, legitimate targets for occupational therapy interventions. They provide a vehicle through which to encourage patients to regain understanding and control of their own anxiety symptoms.
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Tricia M. Farwell and Richard D. Waters
The job market for communication majors increasingly expects those graduating in these specializations to not only know how to create strategic plans for using social…
Abstract
The job market for communication majors increasingly expects those graduating in these specializations to not only know how to create strategic plans for using social media in both one-way and two-way communication environments, but also maintain proper social media etiquette and virtual culture norms for their clients. To better prepare students for this expectation, two faculty members at separate universities designed and implemented a course assignment intended to promote cross-university collaboration, foster discussion, and bring students to use microblogging via Twitter. This assignment was designed so that it would not only have the students construct the meaning and best practices in a social setting using social media, but also encourage them to experience Twitter from a user perspective while building relationships in a manner that their future employers may have to work with their publics or customers. Overall, the educators involved in this project did feel that it was a beneficial assignment for students in both classes. While the students may not appreciate the assignment while it is being conducted, many of them have expressed the value in it now that the assignment is completed.
Briefly reviews previous literature by the author before presenting an original 12 step system integration protocol designed to ensure the success of companies or…
Abstract
Briefly reviews previous literature by the author before presenting an original 12 step system integration protocol designed to ensure the success of companies or countries in their efforts to develop and market new products. Looks at the issues from different strategic levels such as corporate, international, military and economic. Presents 31 case studies, including the success of Japan in microchips to the failure of Xerox to sell its invention of the Alto personal computer 3 years before Apple: from the success in DNA and Superconductor research to the success of Sunbeam in inventing and marketing food processors: and from the daring invention and production of atomic energy for survival to the successes of sewing machine inventor Howe in co‐operating on patents to compete in markets. Includes 306 questions and answers in order to qualify concepts introduced.
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Provides an introduction to benchmarking in UK higher education. The introduction of subject benchmarking by the Quality Assurance Agency means that most academics are now…
Abstract
Provides an introduction to benchmarking in UK higher education. The introduction of subject benchmarking by the Quality Assurance Agency means that most academics are now aware of the term but they associate it with the process of regulating academic standards through a process of referencing to a subject benchmark statement (regulatory benchmarking). But there are other meanings and applications of benchmarking which focus on the process as an aid to collaborative learning and self‐improvement (collaborative benchmarking). Provides an overview of the concept and methodology and provides examples of the ways in which benchmarking is being used in the UK.
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This paper aims to examine the origins and trajectory of the Brazilian corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement in relation to political economic developments in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the origins and trajectory of the Brazilian corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement in relation to political economic developments in Brazil during and prior to the 2000s.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper relies on a historical political account that traces the evolution of the main actors in the CSR movement since the democratization period, details the contacts established with relevant political and civil society groups and outlines the adaptation of their agenda to the changing context.
Findings
The long association between a faction of Brazilian business and the Workers’ Party (PT) and the overlapping state – society relations characteristic of the Brazilian political economy explain the domestic and international standing of the Brazilian CSR movement, in particular since 2003 when Lula da Silva came to power.
Originality/value
The trajectory of Brazilian CSR and participation in related global initiatives cannot be explained through market-based or isomorphic approaches traditionally used to analyze the diffusion of governance mechanisms in the Global South. Rather, it highlights the relevance of local political structures in shaping involvement in global governance initiatives.
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Silvio Peroni, Alexander Dutton, Tanya Gray and David Shotton
Citation data needs to be recognised as a part of the Commons – those works that are freely and legally available for sharing – and placed in an open repository. The paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Citation data needs to be recognised as a part of the Commons – those works that are freely and legally available for sharing – and placed in an open repository. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
The Open Citation Corpus is a new open repository of scholarly citation data, made available under a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 public domain dedication and encoded as Open Linked Data using the SPAR Ontologies.
Findings
The Open Citation Corpus presently provides open access (OA) to reference lists from 204,637 articles from the OA Subset of PubMed Central, containing 6,325,178 individual references to 3,373,961 unique papers.
Originality/value
Scholars, publishers and institutions may freely build upon, enhance and reuse the open citation data for any purpose, without restriction under copyright or database law.
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