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Examines varied empirical studies on downsizing which have revealed that, as a result of its aftermath, high percentages of companies have judged these efforts as unsuccessful. Corporate restructuring encompasses multiple forms of change, which are classified into three distinct categories: portfolio, financial and organizational. An analysis of the Freeman and Cameron theoretical framework on downsizing implementation processes is examined in terms of where the process occurs, during periods either of convergence and/or of reorientation, and the results associated with each approach. A case study of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment revealed that restructuring did not provide visible improvements in efficiency, economy and responsiveness. Cultural impact of this intervention revealed negative intergroup reactions, i.e. denial, dissatisfaction. An analysis of Richard Johnson’s model of the antecedents, processes and outcomes of downsizing revealed the impact upon strategy, productivity, human resources and finance. Interrelationships suggested diminished performances of firms which downsized without a lucid blueprint, adversely impacting upon these businesses. Finally, 30 recommendations are given for the human resource executive for effective downsizing, focusing upon: approach, involvement, leadership, communication, preparation, support, cost cutting, measurement, and implementation.

Through the application of Hirst’s “forms of knowledge” theory, it is shown that the Shakers’ nineteenth century management principles had many similarities to Deming’s tenets. For example, Shakers were committed to perfection in work, taking their time in pursuit of quality. Training was accomplished through sharing community expertise, apprenticing, and rotating jobs. Also, equality and cooperation were encouraged among the “brothers” and “sisters.” This example of management history research provides a baseline from which management concepts can be understood and potential mistakes avoided.

The behavior of British youth abroad has caused considerable concern over recent years. This is because many British youth engage in binge drinking, drug use, sex behavior and other risk behaviors – especially in the Balearics, Spain. While research has documented levels of alcohol use, drug use, risk and sex behaviors on these islands, it tends to rely on survey data. This article aims to offer some contextualization to the British youth holiday experience and to examine why such behaviors might take place.

The study uses ethnographic methods (observation, open‐ended focus groups) with British youth in San Antonio, Ibiza. Over the course of one week in July 2010, 17 focus groups were undertaken (n=97 aged between 17 and 31). Observations were conducted in bars, clubs, beaches, and general tourist areas.

The data suggest that young people engage in these behaviors not only to escape the constraints of work and family but also because they are exciting. The data also indicate that these behaviors appeared to help British youth construct life biographies which were integral to their identity construction. The findings are also considered within the social context of Ibiza which also played a role in promoting these behaviors.

No ethnographic research exists on the topic of British youth and their behaviors abroad. Previous research is mostly epidemiological survey research which does not adequately consider the social meaning and context for the behavior of British youth abroad.

Project Censored/Media Freedom Foundation, a 35-year old media research group originally based at Sonoma State University, now operates in cooperation with over 30 college and universities worldwide. The Project encourages college instructors to use and validate independent news stories as part of student classroom research assignments. The 25 most important validated news stories are published annually in the Censored yearbooks from Seven Stories Press (see www.projectcensored.org/ for more details).

Considers how non‐Thais can negotiate successfully withe business and government executives in Thailand. Gives an overview of Thailand’s geography, climate, population, religion and business practice. Discusses important aspects of the social‐cultural environment that have a significant effect on the way Thai’s negotiate. Includes further tips regarding body language, entertainment protocol, how to dress, and favourite negotiating tactics by buyers and sellers. Provides conclusions and directions for further research.

Some of the best entrepreneurs fail early and often. Less talented or less committed entrepreneurs do not even get a second chance. Failure and setbacks, however, can be instructive.What lessons can be learned from these experiences? How can the entrepreneur (and investors) navigate around the potholes on the New Venture Highway? Read on.

To provide a brief viewpoint on wikis. A wiki is a web site that allows – and encourages – users to share information by freely writing new content, adding to existing content, and editing or commenting on content.

An opinion piece based on the author's own experiences.

Reflecting the chaotic nature of the web world in which wikis exist, the reality of the situation is that they often do not operate in a positive environment. The author's experience as a wiki participant on several occasions has been far from positive.

Provides advice to users of wikis: use with caution.

Things seem to be going desperately wrong with the concept of the “brave new world” predicted by the starry‐eyed optimists after the Second World War finally came to an end. To those who listen only to what they want to hear, see everything, not as it is, but as they would like it to be, a new society could be initiated and the lusty infant would emerge as a paragon for all the world to follow. The new society in truth never really got off the ground the biggest mistake of all was to cushion millions of people against the results of their own folly; to shelter them from the blasts of the ensuing economic climate. The sheltered ones were not necessarily the ordinary mass of people; many in fact were the victims and suffered the consequences. And now that the state has reached a massive crescendo, many are suffering profoundly. The big nationalised industries and vast services, such as the national health service, education, where losses in the case of the first are met by Government millions, requests to trim the extravagant spending is akin to sacrilege in the latter, have removed such terms as thrift, careful spending, value for money from the vocabulary.