Virtual non-profit organisations: literary virtual communities in Russia

This paper is a study of one of the “unknown” segments of the Internet - non-profit ventures in the Russian language.Based on the understanding of the concept of virtual community we consider the family of free publishing literary websites. We discuss their experience to demonstrate their contribution not only to the national culture, but also to the creation of open and democratic society in the former communist world, and to new forms of literary life. Some of the innovative concepts, principles and practices, adopted on those sites may be of interest to the Internet developers and
communities worldwide.

Issues in the implementation of cross-cultural management in Australia-evidence from a study of selected public and private sector organisations

This study examines the current status of cross-cultural management (CCM) in Australia.

The study is based on Reyes' (2004) Ph.D research of a qualitative nature in five organisations in the public and private sectors selected from a sample of organisations which appear to lead the field in Australia in respect of CCM. Literature is also surveyed to present a picture of the current legal and institutional setting of CCM in Australia and provide a context for the study.

Analysis of the findings highlights the gap between cross-cultural rhetoric and action in workplace situations. Problems are identified leading to incomplete and inadequate implementation of CCM in the respondent organisations. The study argues for the need for management to take a systems approach to the formulation and implementation of CCM. Some suggestions are made for improvements in the future.

The various means by which organisations control or avoid emotion

The purpose of this paper is to examine, from the perspective of change recipients, how organisational change shapes emotional responses and the typical ways in which organisations respond to emotionality. Through the influence of change strategists' role and role obligations, interpersonal influence, and use and abuse of power, organisations seek to control or avoid emotion. The final section of the paper explores the implications of these issues for management of change and offers change leaders alternative paths to dealing with emotional responses during times of organisational change.

Telling it how it really is? : life in organisations revealed using Heideggerian phenomenology

Heideggerian phenomenology is expounded here as a qualitative methodology of value in researching "how things really are" in organisational life. It is a methodology, and a philosophy, which recognises a priori the value ofthe subjective, lived experience of the informant, and the physical, sociological and psychological phenomena that come together to create their life-world. In this paper, the authors present cases where this methodology successfully revealed the respondents' reality. Stories about working in teams and being downsized are shared to demonstrate the ability of Heideggerian phenomenology to reveal how life really is in organisations.

Evidence of high-skilled VET practitioners and high-performing VET organisations : findings from an evaluation of the long-term impacts of Framing the Future projects conducted in 1999-2000

Framing the Future is a major staff development initiative of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), designed to support the implementation of the National Training Framework (NTF). Since 1997 over 20,000 vocational education and training (VET) practitioners have participated in the program. The program was renamed Reframing the Future in 2001.

This study reports on research conducted on the long-term impacts of projects funded by Framing the Future in 1999 and 2000. John Mitchell and Sarah Wood from John Mitchell & Associates conducted the research from May 2000–May 2001.

Using twenty four case studies and the results of interviews and an extensive survey, the report provides evidence of high-skilled VET practitioners and high-performing VET organisations who ensure that their involvement in Framing the Future projects leads to long-term gains, particularly in support of the implementation of the NTF.

The never-ending quest : effective strategy-making and change management for high-performing VET organisations

This report summarises the evaluation of projects undertaken in 2001-02 as part of Reframing the Future's sub-program on Strategic Management and Change Management. It argues every Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia needs managers who can design effective strategies.

E-training practices for professional organisations

E-Training Practices for Professional Organizations is an essential reference for anyone interested in the integration of e-business, e-work and e-learning processes. The book collects, for the first time, the proceedings from the 2003 IFIP eTrain Conference held in Pori, Finland.

The new product development process in Australian grocery organisations

The idea that new product development is vital to many organisations'  business survival and growth is widely acknowledged. New products provide many business opportunities for organisations. The relationship between  new product development and business strategy is critical, as corporate  purpose and scope sets the guidelines for new product planning. This paper examines the new product development process in the Australian grocery organisations and the influence of strategic planning on new product  development. Top management’s skills and vision in addressing various  issues in new product development are vital to business success. The research findings highlighted the importance of top managements support during new product development phases. Creating an innovative culture within an organisation should be a management priority, so new product ideas can be generated from various levels in the organisation.