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To cooperate or compete? Looking at the climate change issue in the wine industry	[ "Australia", "Innovation", "Surveys", "Knowledge exchange", "Environment", "Survey research" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Regional clusters have become an important area of study for economists, geographers and wine researchers (Fensterseifer, 2007; Galbreath and Oczkowski, 2013; Mueller and Sumnen, 2006; Porter, 2000). This has been particularly relevant in studies that explore various types of proximities and how these impact on regional cluster development and competitive advantage (Boschma, 2005). For example, due to close spatial proximity, a key advantage of regional clusters is the numerous opportunities member firms have to interact with other member firms (Freel, 2000). However, key questions related directly to the present study include, when do firms in regional clusters cooperate with each other and when do they compete? and on what basis do they compete or cooperate? Evidence suggests firms in regional clusters may cooperate in a number of ways, through jointly purchasing raw materials (Molina-Morales, 2005), jointly renting equipment (Lorenzoni and Baden-Fuller, 1995), lending money to each other (Dei Ottati, 1994), forming consortia to access cheaper finance (Newlands, 2003) or upgrading specific technical skills (Chiffoleau and Touzard, 2014). Alternatively, firms in regional clusters may compete on the basis of talent (Arora et al., 2004), customers (Atkin et al., 2012), product differentiation (Atkin et al., 2012) and quality (Newlands, 2003). One perhaps more complex area of the cooperation-competition nexus that has been understudied is knowledge exchange.\nBackground: Climate change and wine\nHypotheses: Climate change and knowledge exchange in regional wine clusters\nMethods: Sample and data collection\nMeasures[1]: Knowledge exchange\nEmpirical results: Demographics and control variable statistics are presented in Table II. With respect to the control variables, a one-way ANOVA test demonstrates that there are no differences in firms' absorptive capacities across the states (F = 0.756, p = 0.519). This suggests that there does not appear to be a lack of capacity by any of the firms to engage in knowledge exchanges or to benefit from them through innovation activities. As for firm age, there are statistically significant differences (F = 3.196, p = 0.000), with firms in South Australia, on average, being the oldest. There are also differences in firm size (as measured by case production). An ANOVA test is statistically significant (F = 14.659, p = 0.000), and it indicates that South Australian firms are the largest. Lastly, there are statistically significant differences in export orientation as well (F = 23.857, p = 0.000), with South Australian firms exporting more product than other states. These differences should be considered in light of the tests of the Hypotheses.\nDiscussion, future research and policy implications: This study sought to examine the cooperation-competition nexus in regional clusters by examining how wine firms in Australia engage in knowledge exchanges about a \"common\" strategic issue: climate change. The study also sought to investigate whether \"elite\" coalitions of firms (i.e. firms in specific sub-regions) are advantaged over other firms within the same region when it comes to climate change innovations. The results are summarized in Table V and three contributions are made from the findings.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This paper aims to explore the nature of the cooperation-competition nexus in regional clusters by examining how wine firms in Australia engage in knowledge exchanges about a \"common\" strategic issue: climate change. Further, it determines if differences in climate change innovations exist based on sub-regional position.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Using a survey, data were collected from 557 firms across three wine-producing regions in Australia. Respondents were drawn from a leading wine industry database.\nFindings: The findings suggest that, after accounting for all knowledge exchanges, firms across the regions appear to be generally engaging in knowledge exchanges about climate change within their own geographic sub-regions. However, paradoxically, firms in \"elite\" sub-regions appear to be demonstrating more of a cooperative posture via a greater level of external knowledge exchanges. The results also suggest that implementation rates differ for adaptive climate change innovations only (as opposed to mitigative innovations) to the apparent advantage of firms in elite sub-regions.\nResearch limitations/implications: The study represents Australian wine regions and should not be taken as a general population sample. The impacts of climate change in other wine-producing regions around the world may vary, leading to different results than those found in this study.\nPractical implications: Wine producers face many challenges with respect to climate change. To respond effectively to this issue, the sharing of knowledge is important to innovate around mitigative and adaptive practices. This research suggests that greater stimulation of open knowledge exchanges is likely needed so that all producers can benefit from industry-wide learning.\nOriginality/value: This paper provides insights to wine scholars, industry practitioners and peak industry bodies seeking to understand and enhance the wine industry's response to climate change. The paper also points to areas of future research opportunity and provides policy recommendations.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Excellence models in the non-profit context: strategies for continuous improvement	[ "Sustainability", "EFQM", "MBNQA", "Non‐profit organizations", "Performance improvement", "Total quality management", "Business excellence", "Continuous improvement" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1 Introduction: Influenced by the current dynamic and complex operating environment, nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are increasingly paying attention to their organizational sustainability (Al-Tabbaa, 2012; Claeye and Jackson, 2012). Issues such as uncertainty of government funding and the decline of private donations due to economic difficulties, coupled with growing competition within and outside the sector, render the survival of NPOs to a more difficult task. Scholars, accordingly, are increasingly considering performance improvement as a countering approach to this tough environment (Cairns et al., 2005; Kong, 2008). In the literature, several performance improvement concepts and techniques in the nonprofit domain have been investigated, including quality standards (Naveh and Marcus, 2005), the balanced scorecard (Kaplan and Norton, 1992), \"best practice\" benchmarking (Paton, 2003), and performance management (Dart, 2004).Total quality management (TQM), as one of these approaches, is still suggested as being a more holistic performance improvement approach that is relevant to our modern economy (Slack et al., 2010, p. 668; Sun, 2000), since it encompasses both social and technical issues (Bou-Llusar et al., 2009). The TQM approach embraces the fundamental concepts of continuous improvement, and process management (Raine, 2006; Sila and Ebrahimpour, 2003). The historical development of TQM has been fascinating but also rather problematic. The field initially grew out of practice, and initial academic research tended to be case study based in an effort to understand the evolving \"phenomenon\" (Dale, 1992; Dale et al., 2001). As the research in this area developed, various \"models\" attempted to describe and encapsulate the unfolding approaches that organizations were increasingly adopting (Black and Porter, 1996; Dahlgaard et al., 1998; Gadd et al., 1997, 1996; Garvin, 1988; Oakland, 1999; Saraph et al., 1989).Despite the general agreement among scholars that TQM needed a framework to enable its core concepts to be turned from theory into practice (Aalbregtse et al., 1991; Cua et al., 2001; Taylor and Wright, 2003), the current and extant literature would suggest that there is still no commonly agreed consensus between researchers with regard to the most appropriate framework for applying TQM. This problem was exacerbated when practitioners started to change their terminology to fit their \"real\" world environments. For a discipline based primarily on practitioner \"experience\" and case study research, this created problems. The wording moved from TQM to Excellence, and as \"quality\" became a word that had a diminishing usage in the management literature, many scholars expressed concern that the basic premise was being diluted (Dale et al., 2000). However, there is still a real need to bring these concepts into a common perspective. The recent resurgence of Lean and Six Sigma in the practitioner domain has emphasized the need to keep quality on the agenda. This creates a need to understand the theoretical basis for, and the practical application of overarching frameworks that will provide a real path forward for organizations grappling with the practicalities of delivering sustainable performance.Several TQM frameworks have been suggested, and these can be summarized into three main categories (McAdam et al., 2008; Yusof and Aspinwall, 2000):1. Consultants/experts-based frameworks (Crosby, 1996; Deming, 1986; Feigenbaum, 1991; Juran, 1988).2. Quality award models; for example, the Deming Prize (2012), MBNQA model, now known as the Baldrige Excellence Criteria (Baldrige, 2012), and the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM, 2012) model.3. Academic-based frameworks; for example, the UMIST quality improvement framework (Dale et al., 2007), Kanji's Excellence Framework (Kanji and Wallace, 2000), and Oakland's Total Organisational Excellence Framework (Oakland, 1999).Of these three categories, the quality award models have often been seen as best reflecting the concepts underpinning TQM, and therefore, the most appropriate to be used as a guide to implementing TQM for continuous improvement (Dean and Bowen, 1994; Prajogo and Sohal, 2006; Yong and Wilkinson, 2001), in view of the fit between the criteria applied in these models and the fundamental concepts behind TQM (Bou-Llusar et al., 2009). Arguably, they were not initially generated from pure academic research and have therefore been derived more from a practitioner basis, but they have nonetheless been the subject of substantive academic scrutiny and challenge over the years.The MBNQA and the EFQM models are currently the two predominant quality award models in the Western hemisphere. Both the MBNQA and EFQM models have been specifically designed to address the different core concepts embraced in the emerging Western approaches to TQM and the inherent underlying philosophy of improving the performance of organizations. Importantly, the models have continually been reviewed and refined over time, although this has led to some of the problems with nomenclature; in particular the increasing reference to \"excellence\", rather than \"quality\" (Dale et al., 2001). However, they have proved over time to be powerful frameworks, since they articulate the philosophy of TQM in various well defined dimensions and have been increasingly used not only as award models but also for organizational self-assessment and for planning purposes (Porter and Tanner, 1996; Sandbrook, 2001; Schmidt and Zink, 1998; Van der Wiele and Brown, 1999). Both models have received empirical support regarding their applicability in the private, governmental, healthcare and education sectors, for the EFQM model (Bou-Llusar et al., 2009; Sandbrook, 2001; Tari, 2008; Vallejo et al., 2007), and for the MBNQA model (Islam, 2007; James and Johnson, 2009; Meyer and Collier, 2001). However, close examination of the literature reveals that, to date, little effort has been given by scholars to examining the relative merits of these quality models for performance improvement in NPOs.Our study seeks to fill this gap by addressing the applicability of these quality models within the nonprofit context. In particular, we aim to explore the extent to which quality models are appropriate for the use of NPOs as a strategy for improving performance. We have focussed particularly on the EFQM model since the focus of this research was on UK based NPOs, as the EFQM model is more commonly used in the UK than the MBNQA model.This study contributes to the literature in three main ways. First, the study suggests that quality models, and in particular the EFQM model, are relevant for improving the performance of NPOs, although we propose some modifications to the version of the EFQM model in order to provide a better fit with the setting of the nonprofit context. Second, we suggest an integrative model linking quality, performance evaluation and improvement (via the EFQM model) in a continuous process to illustrate how quality models can be embedded within the cycle of continuous improvement. Finally, we critically compared two of the quality models, EFQM and MBNQA, and suggest that although both are relevant for NPOs, the EFQM model has some advantages.\n2 Theoretical background: We begin this section by demarcating the boundaries of the term NPOs as applied in this paper. Next we discuss the concepts of performance improvement and quality in the context of NPOs, then review the role of Quality Award models and look at different attempts at applying the EFQM model to sectors other than the for-profit sector, such as healthcare and higher education. Finally, we consider a comparison of the EFQM and MBNQA models in relation to their relative content and structure.NPOs\n3 Methodology: Given that there is a paucity of literature on the application of quality award models in NPOs, and the highlighted need in the literature to adapt these models in certain circumstances, we adopted an exploratory, qualitative and in-depth case study method as our research strategy. This was considered appropriate because the study involves an inquiry process of understanding the potential of a social phenomenon (Creswell, 1994; Miles and Huberman, 1994). A theoretical sampling technique was used to select our cases based on the emerging theory and insights of the researcher (Weerawardena et al., 2010), and therefore rationalizing the selection of certain groups and themes for detailed analysis (Eisenhardt, 1989). We selected our NPO cases from those located within an annual income range of PS10-PS1 m (according to the classification of the UK Charity Commission). The rationale for this was twofold. First, this large annual income suggests that these NPOs have complex systems which would allow them to benefit from adopting management concepts to improve performance (Kong, 2008), since \"large organizations would have the size, personnel, and other resources necessary to undertake new program development in a systematic and sophisticated manner\" (Barczak et al., 2006, p. 516). Second, the cost of applying tools like the EFQM model for small income NPOs is expected to be more than the potential benefits that they would achieve due to the scale of their operations (NEF, 2012). Within this range, we selected three NPOs based on their adoption of quality procedures (as informed by their websites) and their acceptance to participate in the research. These NPOs share a common interest in addressing social issues at local, as well as, international levels. The work domain for these NPOs includes poverty reduction and education interventions at national and international levels.To select our informants, we used rational judgment based on information received from the CEOs of these NPOs. The total number of interviewees was 12, which included four from each organization. We selected the interviewees based on their being associated with the organization's operations at a senior level, and a familiarity with basic concepts of management and improvement practices. The titles of the respondents included; chief executive officer (CEO), project manager (PM), public relations officer (PRO), and IT and media officer (IMO), financial controller (FC), program officer (PO). The duration of the interviews ranged from 60 to 120 min. The data collection process was carried out in two intervals; from August 2009 to January 2010, and then from November 2010 to February 2011 due to difficulty in building trust and securing access to these organizations. As this was a UK based study, the EFQM model was selected for investigation as this model is the prevalent Quality Award model in the UK and forms the basis of not only the European and UK Excellence Awards, but also various Regional Excellence Awards such as the North of England Excellence Award (BQF, 2012). Of the various quality award models discussed it is the most widely adopted in the UK and was therefore considered appropriate to the prevailing context.Analysis and validity issues\n4 Reporting of findings: We present our findings under two main themes:1. quality in NPOs; and2. applicability of the EFQM model for performance improvement in NPOs.Quality in NPOs\nDiscussion: We discuss the findings in three main sections: quality in NPOs, Adopting the EFQM model in the context of NPOs, and the MBNQA model.Quality in NPOs\n6 Conclusion: Despite quality models like the EFQM having been recognized as effective tools for performance improvement in different types of organizations, no serious efforts appear to have been made to apply these models to NPOs. Consequently, this study has looked at how quality models could be used to improve performance in NPOs to support their sustainability efforts. We focused our attention on the EFQM model as this is the most widely used framework in Europe and is the basis for both the European and the UK Excellence Awards. Our first contribution is that quality models in general, and in particular the EFQM model, are relevant to NPOs and can be adopted both for self-assessment and also as tools for planning improvement. The second contribution concerns the suggestion of modifying the main criteria of the original EFQM model to better address the specific needs of the nonprofit sector, and thus proposes a modified version of the EFQM model for NPOs. Our third contribution is that we have proposed an integrative model linking quality, performance evaluation and improvement (via the EFQM model) which illustrates how the EFQM model could be applied by NPOs in a continuous process of improvement. Finally, we compared the EFQM and MBNQA models, and suggested that although both have similar attributes; the EFQM model has advantages which make it more appropriate for the NPO context.However, our study does have limitations, especially with regard to the issue of statistical generalizability (Ghauri et al., 1995; Yin, 2009). While this research has yielded some useful findings, it is suggested that future research via quantitative methods of data collection, for example using a questionnaire survey across a large sample of NPOs, could test the statistical generalizability of the findings of this study. Such research could use the themes generated in this study and the findings as hypotheses to provide external validity of this study, and also help to further refine the EFQM model to maximize its usefulness as a tool for performance improvement.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - This paper provides insights into the applicability of excellence models (in particular the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model), for use in the nonprofit context as a strategy for performance improvement aiming to enhance sustainability.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The study is based on an exploratory, qualitative in-depth case study approach, which includes three UK-based nonprofit organizations (NPOs) as research case studies.\nFindings: - In general, we found the quality models to be relevant to the NPO context, and potentially effective and useful as a performance improvement strategy for NPOs. However, we also propose some modifications to the EFQM model to address the specific characteristics of this sector. Additionally, we compare two of the most widely used quality models (EFQM and MBNQA), and suggest that although both are relevant for NPOs, the EFQM model has some superior advantages.\nOriginality/value: - This paper contributes to the debate about the sustainability of organizations and the underpinning mechanisms behind their efficiency. Many researchers and practitioners are continually debating how an organization can optimize its available resources, as this is considered to be one of the primary foundations for organization sustainability. The added contribution of this paper advances this debate a step further by providing insights into how concepts and tools which have been initially designed for the for-profit sector can be deployed by nonprofit organizations (NPOs). In addition, the paper provides further views about the approaches NPOs might use in response to the current political and financial challenges.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Organizing education: schools, school districts, and the study of organizational history	[ "Change", "Schools", "Organizational history", "School districts" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Most people in developed societies spend a substantial portion of their lives in and around formal organizations. One of the first formal organizations with which they have significant contact is school. Parents impress on their children at an early age the fact that being in school - in a formal organization - is different from being at home. Schools have rules and punishments for those who do not obey the rules. Schools have authority figures called teachers and principals who enforce the rules. As children grow older, they are exposed to a variety of organizations, and they learn how these organizations are similar and different. Unless these young people go on to graduate school or business school and study organization theory, however, they are unlikely to have occasion to look at organizations in a systematic way.\nAn academic odyssey: If there is one overarching theme that emerged from the organizational history of Tee-Jay, as my high school was called, it concerned the lengths to which a dedicated group of educators would go, first to establish a high school of academic excellence and then to sustain it across decades marked by enrollment growth, token school desegregation, court-ordered busing, white flight, and threatened closure.\nReflections on the history of Tee-Jay: The previous vignette cannot do justice, of course, to the full organizational history of Tee-Jay, but it suggests the potential value of such accounts. We learn how a high school creates and sustains a culture of academic excellence, despite a variety of challenges ranging from desegregation to shrinking enrollments and threatened closure. Too often, it seems, the only story worth telling is a story of change - what prompted it and how it was achieved. Tee-Jay's ability to maintain a culture of academic excellence reminds us that it is just as important to describe and explain continuity. Faced with multiple challenges, organizational change comes to be expected; so when the outcome is productive continuity, we need to understand how change was averted and why.\nWhat is organizational history?: Organizational history is \"a form of systematic inquiry intended to describe, explain, and find meaning in the creation and evolution of particular organizations\" (Duke, 1995, p. 240). An argument was made in the first volume of the journal, Management\nThree key aspects of organizational history: Organizational history begins with detailed descriptions of an organization at various stages of its development[1]. But what is to be described? The choices are many. Here is where organization theory can be useful. Theorists offer assumptions regarding what dimensions of organizations are worth focussing on.\nThe contributions of organizational history: Now that some of the key features of organizational history have been discussed, it is time to consider how organizational histories of schools and school systems can contribute to a greater understanding of these entities. In this section, seven potentially important contributions of organizational history are reviewed.\nConclusion: The study of organizations and their histories helps us understand and appreciate the collective efforts of human beings to accomplish what they cannot do on their own. It is in organizational settings that we confront the challenges of modern society. These challenges range from conflicts between beliefs and behavior to the impact of limited resources on human aspirations. Studying organizations at one point in time is no substitute for understanding how organizations react and respond over time to the demands of the environment and the desires of those who work in and are served by them.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a rationale for organizational histories of schools and school districts and discuss the findings of selected examples of the genre.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The author presents a vignette of an organizational history, discusses key elements of the methodology, and offers seven ways in which organizational histories address important issues in educational research.\nFindings: A case is made, using actual examples of research, that organizational histories of schools and school districts can contribute to testing existing theory, developing new theory, describing how educational change occurs, accounting for the sustainability of educational change, explaining organizational continuity over time, understanding school and district responses to persistent social issues, and balancing an over-emphasis on the impact of school and district leaders.\nOriginality/value: The paper draws on the author's original contributions to organizational history as well as the contributions of his doctoral students and others.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
A real product scandal's impact on a high-equity brand: a new approach to assessing scandal impact	[ "Crisis management", "Consumer brand equity", "Product scandal" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: For years, the number of product recalls has increased. From 2004 to 2014, notifications of dangerous products increased from 468 to 2,435 via the European Commission's Rapid Alert System (European Commission, 2015). Prominent examples include Toyota's worldwide recall of automobiles due to unintended acceleration in 2009/2010, and Volkswagen's emission scandal in 2015/16. Costs associated with scandals are severe, ranging from expensive product recalls to damage settlements and sales losses. Moreover, such product crises can erode a brand's equity, ultimately resulting in consumers losing trust in the brand (Roehm and Brady, 2007). Dilution of a brand's equity is a serious threat to firms, as they invest significantly in building favorable consumer attitudes and beliefs (Hoeffler and Keller, 2003). By doing so, firms try to benefit from increased marketing efficiency allowing them to leverage a strong, established brand name onto future product and business developments (Smith and Park, 1992). Given this, product crises can have a special harmful impact on a well-known, high-equity brand.\nTheoretical development: Background literature\nStudy 1: Experimental design and stimuli development\nStudy 2: Experimental design and stimuli development\nGeneral discussion and limitations: This work investigated the effects of a real-world product scandal on a high-equity brand's customer-based brand equity by developing a new approach to examine a scandal's impact. Prior research findings regarding the role of high brand equity in light of a scandal are mixed, providing evidence that a brand's equity can mitigate but also amplify negative impacts on the brand. To date, research examined product scandals either by using fictitious product failures when assessing their impact on customer-based brand equity (Brady et al., 2008; Dawar and Pillutla, 2000; Rea et al., 2014; Roehm and Brady, 2007) or by using real product failures when measuring their impact more generally on market responses (i.e. share prices of the scandalized brand) or household decisions (i.e. scanner data on purchasing rates of the scandalized product; e.g. Cleeren et al., 2008; Cleeren et al., 2013; Van Heerde et al., 2007; Zhao et al., 2011). This study extends existing research in that it examines, for the first time, the effect of a real product scandal on a high-equity brand's customer-based brand equity in an experimental design. By drawing on the brand development literature, it develops an alternative conceptualization of customer-based brand equity and a new approach for evaluating \"impact\" - a way that does not require pre-scandal information.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: While product scandals generate many negative headlines, the extent of their impact on the scandalized brands' equity remains unclear. Research findings are mixed. This might be because of the limitations of existing measurement approaches when investigating the effects of real crises after they occurred. This study aims to propose a new approach for measuring the impact of a real scandal on a high-equity brand using only post-crisis measures.\nDesign/methodology/approach: To overcome the challenge of comparing a priori and ex post outcome measures, this study draws on the brand management literature to evaluate a real scandal's impact. Volkswagen's emission scandal serves as a failure context. Two consumer experiments are conducted to examine its impact.\nFindings: The results provide (longitudinal) support for the proposed evaluative approach. They reveal new evidence that building brand equity is a means to mitigate negative effects, and indicate that negative spillover effects within a high-equity brand portfolio are unlikely. Finally, this research identifies situations in which developing a new brand might be more beneficial than leveraging an existing brand.\nPractical implications: This research has significant implications for firms with high-equity brands that might be affected by a scandal. The findings support managers to navigate their brands through a crisis.\nOriginality/value: This research adds to the discussion concerning the role of a brand's equity in a crisis. Existing research findings are contradictory. This research provides new empirical evidence and another view on how to measure \"impact\".\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
A model of cultural intelligence and global identity	[ "Cultural intelligence", "Identity-based motivation theory", "Global identity", "International consumer marketing" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Increasing interest in globally-oriented topics such as global brand equity, global consumer acculturation and global citizenship in recent years (Min and Penaloza, 2018; Westjohn et al., 2012) provides evidence supporting the importance of global identity in the international marketing field. Understanding the influences of a consumers' global identity or a persons' identification as part of the global community (Yang et al., 2019) thus, holds important managerial implications with respect to strategic decisions such as those concerning the marketing of foreign products. Also, it may provide additional insight into the enduring international marketing dilemma of identifying the extent to standardize or localize. Similar to global identity, cultural intelligence (CQ) or a persons' ability to function in different cultural settings, has also emerged as a relevant construct to international business and international marketing managers (Magnusson et al., 2013; Shokef and Erez, 2008). Although these two concepts (global identity and CQ) have been examined independently within the international marketing literature, only one study by Shokef and Erez (2008) investigates the relationships between the two constructs. Shokef and Erez's (2008) study, however, confines these constructs to the context of multi-cultural teams (MCT) in a management setting and their findings are applicable only within this context. Particularly, their findings are embedded in how working in MCTs influences CQ and global identity levels, as well as how the relationship between these two constructs develops through experience with MCTs. Though these findings are certainly important, they do little to inform consumer marketers on the dynamic between global identity and cultural intelligence within consumer groups. The research presented here seeks to address this issue by investigating the relationship between global identity and CQ within consumers.\nLiterature review: To answer the research question, this paper first conducts a review of the literature on CQ and global identity. Then, a theoretical base is used to formalize hypotheses on the relationships between the constructs.\nTheory and hypotheses: We use identity-based motivation theory (IBM) to hypothesize on the relationship between global identity and motivational CQ. IBM theory states that social identities influence beliefs about in-group goals and based on this theory, people are ready to engage in identity-congruent behaviors and adopt identity-congruent mindsets to make sense of their world (Oyserman, 2007; Oyserman et al., 2007; Oyserman, 2009). IBM theory states that people are motivated to make choices and participate in actions that reinforce their social identities (Shavitt et al., 2009). People with higher levels of global identity feel belongingness, empathy and sharing toward humankind (Westjohn et al., 2012; Yang et al., 2018). Based on IBM theory, it can be stated that people with higher levels of global identity, thus seek to participate in identity-congruent behaviors such as learning about other cultures throughout the global community. The base of IBM theory is that identity drives motivations (Oyserman, 2007), and here, we hypothesize that consumer global identity influences consumer motivation and willingness to learn about functioning in diverse cultural settings or motivational CQ. The first hypothesis is, thus, formalized:\nResearch design: For hypotheses testing, online surveys were used to collect data from the USA and the UK with two different techniques. Data from the USA was collected with a snowball method (Oreg, 2003). A panel-generated sample was used to collect data from the UK. This two sampling techniques were used for two reasons. First, many social scientists have advised against the use of student samples as the results of student samples have been stated to not be generalizable to real-life situations (Bello et al., 2009; Gallander Wintre et al., 2001). Second, student samples contain large amounts of respondents whose identities may not be fully developed (Sears, 1986). This led us to two options, namely, the use of snowball sampling and/or the use of panel data. We used both in this paper, as there are pros and cons to each sampling technique, and to demonstrate that the results are generalizable across two countries and not a manifestation of any sampling technique.\nDiscussion: Within the last several decades during the rise of globalization, international marketing managers have been faced with the quest of understanding consumer groups throughout different territories and who may have diverse psychographic makeups. To adhere to these challenges, international consumer marketing researchers have investigated the psychographic variables that prove relevant to international marketers. Specifically, constructs such as consumer willingness to buy foreign products (Rose et al., 2009), attitudes toward GCCP (Huang and He, 2019), receptivity to global brands (Lysonski, 2014), consumer perception of global brand equity (Frank and Watchravesringkan, 2016) and consumer global identity (Yang et al., 2018) have emerged as important topics to further the understanding of globally-oriented consumers. The research reported here advances this stream of literature by investigating how CQ fits with a consumers' global identity, and subsequently how these relationships influence consumer willingness to buy foreign products. The findings of this research provide theoretical contributions and practical implications to international consumer marketers, as discussed below.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This paper aims to propose an original model of cultural intelligence (CQ), global identity and consumer willingness to buy foreign products. Previous research has discussed the relationships between CQ and global identity but only in the context of multi-cultural management teams. The research presented here proposes a model that is applicable to consumer marketing.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Online surveys are used to collect data from the USA with a snowball sampling technique and from the UK with panel data. A structural equation model (SEM) is estimated in analysis of moment structures 25 and Hayes bootstrap mediation tests are used to test the hypotheses.\nFindings: The SEM results show that global identity influences motivational CQ, motivational CQ influences cognitive, metacognitive and behavioral CQ and cognitive and behavioral CQ influence consumer willingness to buy foreign products. Results from Hayes Bootstrap mediation tests show that motivational CQ mediates the relationships between global identity and the other three CQ dimensions.\nPractical implications: The findings imply that firms can gauge and enhance consumer CQ levels by investigating or influencing levels of global identity; managers can influence or gauge consumer metacognitive, cognitive and behavioral CQ through motivational CQ; and managers can target consumers with high cognitive and behavioral CQ levels when marketing foreign products.\nOriginality/value: This paper not only provides a deeper understanding of the relationships between global identity and cultural intelligence but also incorporates CQ in a consumer context. Previous research has only discussed CQ in the context of managers.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Nainital: a landslide town of Uttarakhand (India)	[ "Flow", "Tectonics", "Structures" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: Nainital township (29deg 24'' N, 79deg 28'' E), a popular hill resort of Kumaun Himalaya, is developed around a 1.4 km long and 0.45 to 0.25 km wide lake extending in NW-SE direction and having a maximum depth of about 27m (Plate 1). The lake is situated at an elevation of 1935 m at the prominent Nainia Peak towards north of the lake. The annual rainfall in Nainital varies from 2,600 mm to 2,900 mm of which 2,400 mm is precipitated during monsoon. Nainital has temperate summers (maximum temperature 27degC, or 80degF; minimum temperature 10degC, or 50degF) during which its population increases more than fivefold with an annual influx of tourists predominantly from the plains of Northern India. In the winter, Nainital receives snowfall between December and February with the temperatures varying between a maximum of 15degC (59degF) and a minimum of -3degC (26degF). As of 2001 Census of India, Nainital had a population of 38,559. Males constitute 54 percent of the population and females 46 percent. Nainital has an average literacy rate of 81 percent, higher than the national average of 59.5 percent: male literacy is 86 percent, and female literacy is 76 percent. In Nainital, 9 percent of the population is under 6 years of age.\nThe landslide of 1880: In September 1880 a landslide occurred at the north end of the town, burying 151 people (Plate 2). The first known landslide had occurred in 1866, and in 1879 there was a larger one at the same spot, Alma Hill, but \"the great slip occurred in the following year, on Saturday 18 September 1880\". \"Two days preceding the slip there was heavy rain,... 20 to 25 inches fell during the 40 hours ending on Saturday morning, and the downpour still lasted and continued for hours after the slip. This heavy fall naturally brought down streams of water from the hill side, some endangering the Victoria Hotel... (which) was not the only building threatened... Bell's shop, the Volunteer Orderly Room and the Hindu (Naina Devi) temple were scenes of labour with a view to diverting streams. At a quarter to two the landslip occurred burying those in and around the buildings mentioned above.\" The total number of dead and missing were 108 Indian and 43 British nationals. The Assembly Rooms and the Naina Devi Temple were both destroyed in the disaster. A recreation area known as \"The Flats\" was later built on the site and a new temple was also erected. To prevent further disasters, storm water drains were constructed and building byelaws were made stricter.In Nainital area incidences of landslides, old landslide scars, signs of instability in the form of creep and tilting of trees, development of cracks and de-stressing in buildings have been observed. The slides in Upper Krol dolomites are in the form of dislodging of blocks along adversely disposed joints/fractures. In general, the area occupied by dolomites and limestones of Upper Krols (Ayarpatha slopes) are under relatively low landslide prone zone. Along the cliff face of Naina peak area, rock falls and debris flow in the stream draining the hill slopes are prevalent. The area has some important known slides of years 1888 and 1962 besides numerous other incidences that occur almost every year. In 1939, a section between east Laggan road and Middle Ayarpata road a landslide containing sandstone and dolomite along the axial plane of the syncline occurred. This slide was reactivated in 1942. The gentler debris fan below has developed due to many debris slides of the past. The rock falls are governed by the set of discontinuities and vertical joints and the poor in-situ strength of rock mass. The landslides of the year 1867 and 1880 in Sher-ks-danda slope (Lower Krol slates and shales with thin limestone bands besides overburden material) indicate that these slope failure had been caused by rapid scouring coupled with consequent movement of debris (Hukku and Jaitley, 1965-1966). The presence of main Sher-ka-danda fissure (Hukku and Jaitley, 1965-1966) along the top of the ridge was considered to be an important features controlling the instability of the slope. Similarly, Kailakhan spur experienced a severe landslide in the proximity of famous lake fault in 1898. 1987 witnessed rock fall in Naina peak for about 15 days. Even at present, the hill slopes, around the lake, have developed clear cut indications of strain caused by ill-conceived urban growth (Table I). In total 25 slope instability incidences, in approximately 10 sq.km of area, have been registered in the town area (Table II).Hill slopes around Nainital lake basin have undergone the process of mass-wasting from time immemorial. The area also falls within the zone IV (High damage risk zone) of the Seismic Zoning Map of India prepared by Bureau of Indian Standard, New Delhi. Very large landslides have taken place in and around Nainital especially during the years 1867, 1880 and 1924. The landslide of 17 August 1898 (Middlemiss, 1890) occurred following 102 cm rainfall for 8 days bringing down the upper part of Kailakhan spur where Infra Krol slates are exposed. It has been reported that the debris avalanche that surged across the valley buried the Birbhatti area and wiped out old cart road. Naina Peak area and Snow view-Fairy Hall area on Sher-ka-danda slope have been continuously ravaged by the landslides of varying proportions. The extent of landslide hazards is thus expanding progressively. Old landslide scarps could be observed on the higher slopes all around the area. All these evidences of slope instability seem to be the results of mismanaged construction activities which have crossed the ultimate limit of carrying capacity of the town ecosystem. Construction activity in hill areas involves a lot of surface cutting (Figure 1), which disturbs the angle of repose of an old instable surface which again reactivates. Further, removal of the cut soil from the site to certain approved dumping ground involves high transportation costs. But over the recent years people have found an easy solution to this problem through their ingenuity. They even do not bother to remove the cut soil to the approved places and, instead of it, just spread it over hillsides. There are few persons who dump the cut soil in nearby streams. Theses streams carry the cut soil to the lake.Different types of slope movement threaten the urban development in different areas. \"Safe\" and \"dangerous\" areas for the construction of buildings were demarcated by Nautiyal (1949). Subsequent work by Hukku and Jaitely (1965-1966), Srivastava (1967-1968), Ashraf (1978), Jaitley (1979-1980). Pant and Kandpal (1988-1989) evaluated the stability conditions around the lake.Based on the geological, geomorphological, land use parameters and landslide hazard zonation (LHZ) map, four Urban Suitability Zones (USZ) have been demarcated in the area (see Table III).\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to show that Uttaranchal is a hilly State, recently constituted in the Himalayan region. Over 80 percent of Uttaranchal state is prone to slope instability because of weak and highly folded and fractured rocks, steep slopes, high seismicity and unfavorable hydro-geological conditions. In addition to this, unsystematic development construction activities contribute to the problem. Newly formed Uttaranchal state is in the process of development, required to expand the existing infrastructure.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The paper gives a full description: Bending of rock beds, their disjointing, disruption and drag-folding are characteristic features of a creeping mass. Tilted trees and poles are indicative of creep movement as seen on a number of hillslopes in and around Nainital town. The curvature of the tree trunks bears record to the rate of creep during the period of growth of the tree. It hardly needs stating that the rate of creep movement is quicker during the rainy season, and there may be long periods stretching over years when no movement at all takes place. The temporal span of this phenomenon stretches over thousands of years. The rate is accelerated by clear-felling in forests and by construction on steeper slopes. The depth of the creep movement is variable, and depends largely on the nature and degree of weathering of rocks, the sub-surface structure and amount of water present within.\nFindings: - It was found that, to meet the requirement, construction activities are in full pace, which have given rise to the new landslide problems or have aggravated the existing slope instability problems. In order to keep the landslide problems to a minimum, systematic studies are required on every aspect of the slope instability problems.\nPractical implications: - On the basis of slope instability evidence, past occurrence of landslides, deformation of civil structures and geological conditions, three zones have been identified - safe, moderately safe, and very unsafe.\nOriginality/value: - The paper describes the natural problems with which Uttaranchal is faced and proposes systematic studies which are required to deal with every aspect of the outstanding problems of slope instability.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Informal e-learning: the case of small business owners	[ "Learning", "E-learning", "Informal learning", "Online discussion forum", "Small business owner", "Voluntary" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Although electronic learning (e-learning) has grown as an alternative approach to teaching and learning, limited research exists on its use outside higher education. This is a study to investigate using an informal online discussion forum (ODF) for small business owners (SBOs), to encourage their voluntary participation and double-loop learning. A qualitative methodology is used to provide a rich understanding of e-learning amongst this difficult to engage group. The study shows an ODF is able to promote double-loop learning amongst SBOs, however, their participation should not be assumed.\nInformal learning: There is growing recognition of the role of informal learning in the workplace (Baldwin-Evans, 2006; Boud et al., 2006; Tannenbaum et al., 2010). Informal learning recognises that learning does not just occur within the confines of formal education institutions, but takes place in a range of settings, to meet the needs of the individual, whether work related or life related or both (Harrison, 2003; Livingstone, 2000; Marsick and Watkins, 1990). Reports vary regarding how much learning occurs informally; however, most agree it is the greater proportion of learning, with estimates of between 70 and 90 per cent of our learning occurs informally (Harrison, 2003; Livingstone, 2000; Montero et al., 2007; Sorohan, 1993).\nE-learning: In the twenty-first century a means to support learning is via information technology. Research on e-learning looks at formal course-based learning, largely within the higher education sector. The higher education model of e-learning predominately evolved from the distance learning model were technology was used to provide an electronic repository for students to access course materials and information (Abdelraheem, 2005; Bernard et al., 2004; Herrington et al., 2005). Critiques focus on a lack of interaction and discussion required to promote learning (Mackay and Stockport, 2006) and thus e-learning research has focused on the use of asynchronous ODFs.\nSBOs: Outside of the higher education sector, one group that has been difficult to engage in formal training is SBOs. For them training is not a priority, as they have limited time and find it difficult to attend training, with few employees to cover their absence (Barrett and Mayson, 2007; Redmond and Walker, 2008). In addition, formal training does not meet their learning preferences, or is inconvenient in terms of location or format of training (Westhead and Storey, 1996). SBOs are known to have a preference for informal learning and to solve problems by seeking help, information and support from others on a \"as needed basis\". Learning is shown to occur through their networks of relationships (Anderson and Boocock, 2002; Devins and Gold, 2000; Kearns, 2002) where advice and solutions are developed to business-related problems and thus learning that can be applied to their business is generated (Clarke et al., 2006; Williams, 2007).\nMethodology: As an exploratory study a multi-method approach based on the assumptions and practices of qualitative inquiry was used to determine if SBOs can learn using an ODF, and what learning (single- or double-loop) results from their voluntary participation in the ODF. A qualitative approach ensured a rich understanding of learning by SBOs in the ODF, beyond frequency counts and other quantitative measures of participation (Romiszowski and Mason, 2004).\nFindings: The ODF provided an informal learning opportunity for SBOs which mitigated their reasons for not attending formal training, whilst simultaneously addressing their learning preferences. However, <1 per cent of SBOs invited, participated. As will be shown this low level of participation in the ODF was still sufficient to gain evidence of double-loop learning.\nValidation that SBOs are not alone: In addition to the five specific topics discussed, the ODF provided support for SBOs by validating that they were not alone in experiencing certain business problems. As Steve and Kelly described in their interviews:\nDiscussion: The aim of this research was to investigate the use of an informal ODF to encourage voluntary learning by SBOs. An ODF for SBOs was set up using Yahoo groups, more than 150 SBOs were invited, but <1 per cent of them participated. This finding is consistent with the existing body of knowledge about the challenges of engaging SBOs in formal training. Because of this limited participation, different forms of data were gathered: the 60 ODF posts, interviews with the seven participants and a focus group with seven non-participants. The finding was that an ODF for SBOs enabled double-loop learning.\nConclusions and future study: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of an informal ODF to encourage voluntary participation and promote double-loop learning by SBOs. Although, the ODF did not generate the anticipated level of participation by SBOs, analysis of the different data collected shows it was able to promote double-loop learning and provide support for this difficult to engage group. From the study, insights were generated into the use of an ODF for SBOs, but also new questions were raised. Why do SBOs prefer posting on a Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.? How can an ODF be used with existing SBO networks as a means of extending the value of these networks? With advances in mobile technologies that encourage social networking, changing SBO demographics and massive open online courses (MOOCs), future research could consider the ways these change and encourage effective learning. But on a practical level, the findings serve as a warning to learning providers: investment in the development, promotion and support of e-learning for SBOs should be cautious and limited, participation is not generated simply because of its 24/7 availability.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of an informal online discussion forum (ODF) to encourage voluntary participation and promote double-loop learning by small business owners (SBOs).\nDesign/methodology/approach: A qualitative methodology was used where data gathered from three sources, the ODF posts, in-depth interviews with participants and a focus group with non-participants. These were analysed to evaluate learning of SBOs in an ODF.\nFindings: This research provides evidence that an ODF for SBOs supports double-loop learning; however, participation could not be assumed simply by the online availability of the discussion resource.\nResearch limitations/implications: Few SBOs participated in the ODF which is consistent with research finding SBOs are a difficult group to engage in learning. Four forms of data were analysed to strengthen results.\nPractical implications: Caution should be exercised when considering investment in e-learning for SBOs.\nOriginality/value: Evidence showing e-learning through an informal voluntary ODF can promote deep learning for SBOs.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The role of environmental engineering education in sustainable development in Iran: AUT experience	[ "Sustainable development", "Education", "Environmental engineering", "Universities", "Iran" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: There are many definitions of sustainable development, including the term popularized by Our Common Future in 1987: \"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.\" It means progress in human well-being that can be extended or prolonged over many generations rather than just a few years (Cunningham et al., 2003; www.worldbank.org/depweb/english/sd.html).Education is an important instrument for the development of individual and societies. It should be used to promote peace, justice, understanding, tolerance and equality for the benefit of present and future generations (www.worldbank.org/depweb/english/sd.html). In 1992, more than 100 heads of countries met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The so-called \"Earth Summit\" was convened to address urgent problems of environmental protection and socio-economic development. The assembled leaders adopted Agenda 21, for achieving sustainable development in the twenty-first century. Chapter 36 of Agenda 21 entitled, \"Promoting Education, Public Awareness and Training\" provides an umbrella for all actions related to education for sustainable development (www.unesco.org/education). Education is critical for promoting sustainable development and improving the capacity of the people to address environment and development issues.The purposes of education in schools and universities are to make students wiser, more knowledgeable, better informed, ethical, responsible and capable of continuing to learn throughout their life. It is a duty of all countries to establish and to support educational programs for schools and university graduates to help them achieve sustainable livelihoods (www.unesco.org/education). Universities play a leading role in developing a multidisciplinary and ethically oriented form of education designed to devise solutions for the problems linked to sustainable development. To achieve the ideal educational objectives, cross-disciplinary courses must be available to all students; regional networks, activities and national university actions, which promote research and common teaching approaches on sustainable development, should be developed and supported (Keating, 1993). It should be emphasized that education and training are essential components in the dynamics of environmental protection, especially in engineering (Gutierrez-Martn and Dahab, 1998).Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT) has chosen the strategy of \"pioneer of sustainable development in Iran,\" for the next decade. In 2003, the decision was made that AUT would become a \"Green University.\" AUT was established in 1958 and began activities with five engineering departments (www.aut.ac.ir). At present, AUT has 14 faculties (including 12 engineering faculties) that are on the main campus, Tafresh campus and on the Mahshahr campus. Overall, 8,200 students including BS, MS and PhD students are studying in the University (Amirkabir Monthly Magazine, 2004). Based on the general goals of sustainable development, the new educational strategies of AUT were approved. The new educational strategies of AUT are described in this paper.\nNew educational programs in \"AUT\": The main task of technical universities is to train the coming generations of engineers in all fields of technological research and design. The duty of these engineers is to optimize and improve existing technological systems to fulfill people's needs in an environmentally sound way. AUT, as one of the main technical universities in Iran has adopted several strategies to modify its engineering education program for all levels in order to be the \"pioneer of sustainable development in Iran\" for the next decade. Engineering education systems of AUT are being modified in order to cover the entire concept of sustainable development. The main strategies of AUT are shown in Figure 1.The start of the Environmental Engineering (EE) curriculum (MS degree), the addition of new courses such as \"Green Design (GD)\" and \"EE\" to BS and MS degree curricula of all engineering fields, and the establishment of the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) are the examples of the new educational strategies at AUT, which are discussed in the following paragraphs.Strategy 1: environmental engineering program\nConclusions: The Chancellor and Faculty at AUT have decided to become the \"Green University,\" in Iran. AUT has adopted the strategy of becoming the \"pioneer of sustainable development in Iran,\" for the next decade. For this purpose, AUT has modified its traditional education programs mainly in the engineering fields. The three main strategies of that AUT is using to achieve sustainable developments goals in engineering education are:1. the establishment of an EE curriculum at the graduate level;2. the addition of new sustainability-oriented courses to the undergraduate and graduate curricula of all engineering fields; and3. the establishment of an \"ERI.\"All faculties of AUT are encouraged to promote their activities toward sustainable development. The driving forces for these activities at AUT toward sustainable development goals are mainly:* the Iranian government's encouragement;* AUT's chancellor and board encouragement;* faculty's interest and engagement; and* the student's needs and interest.AUT is at the beginning of its journey and there are many obstacles in the way. The main obstacles are:* the budget limitations for implementation of the main activities related to sustainable development;* resistance of some people for any change especially for curriculum change of courses;* difficulties in official procedures for the change of the educational system; and* lack of knowledge and experience regarding these activities in Iran.International education of engineering students and teachers, especially those who are living in developing countries, has an important role in promoting their environmentally aware attitudes, skills and behavior patterns, as well as a sense of ethical responsibility to help their societies make the transition to sustainable development.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The aim of this paper is to explain the strategies and activities of a main technical University in Iran (Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT)) toward sustainable development goals.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - In this paper, three main strategies of AUT to achieve sustainable developments goals in engineering education are explained. In addition, the main obstacles of these programs including the budget limitation for implementation of main activities related to sustainable development and difficulties in official procedure for the change of educational system is also explained.\nFindings: - The study of strategies and activities of a university can provide useful information for other universities (especially in developing countries) that like to promote their activities toward sustainable development goals. According to the final results, international education of engineering students and teachers, especially those who are living in developing countries, have an important role in promoting their environmentally aware attitudes, skills and behavior patterns help their societies make the transition to sustainable development.\nPractical implications: - As earlier mentioned, these experiences are useful for the universities that like to promote their education system toward sustainable development. In addition, it is necessary to think about solving the main obstacle of these activities especially in the universities of developing countries. Further, action should be taken toward international cooperation of universities in order to improve their educational system, which will be suitable for the new millennium.\nOriginality/value: - This paper describes the strategies, activities and main obstacles of a main technical University that has adopted the strategy \"pioneer of sustainable development\" in Iran for the next decade. The paper mainly focuses on experiences regarding these activities.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Consultant competence trust doesn't pay off, but benevolent trust does! Managing knowledge with care	[ "Knowledge management", "Trust", "Consultants" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Enterprise systems are complex information systems that integrate business processes and data throughout an organization. They are software systems that provide \"seamless integration of all the information flowing through a company - financial and accounting information, human resource information, supply chain information, and customer information\" (Davenport and Prusak, 1998, p. 121). There is tremendous interest in this domain given the potential strategic value and risks associated with implementation of enterprise systems. Unfortunately, the knowledge required to successfully deploy and maintain enterprise systems does not reside within organizations. Corporate organizations turn to external consultants who specialize in the implementation of enterprise systems.Given this demand, many consulting firms equip their consultants with implementation knowledge through their training programs and expert centers. They also have many opportunities to work on enterprise system implementation projects. In fact, many corporate organizations partner with enterprise system application vendors, including SAP, Oracle and other IT consulting firms. Corporate organizations hire these consultants with the intended short-term goal of effectively deploying a new system and a long-term goal to acquire the new skills needed for an ongoing operation. However, there are many examples of enterprise systems implementation failures that plague the media, suggesting that managers are unable to leverage consultants' knowledge. For example, Hershey's inability to shelve candies during Hallowe'en is a prime example of challenges associated with enterprise systems implementation. One challenge experienced by Hershey dealt with the management of consultants and whether they possessed the necessary knowledge, which highlights the importance of knowledge transfer activities. Unfortunately, examples of firms who implemented enterprise systems unsuccessfully abound, many of which point to the failure to leverage effectively the knowledge held by the consultants, especially prior to their departure. This raises an important question regarding what conditions facilitate the effective transfer of knowledge in the context of enterprise system implementation projects.There have been many studies examining the conditions under which knowledge transfers, with the vast majority focusing on the characteristics of the relationship among organizations (e.g. superordinate relationship, such as a franchise), the characteristics of the organizations (e.g. size or success), the characteristics of the knowledge transferred (e.g. information complexity), and the characteristics of the transfer process (e.g. personnel relocation; Argote, 1999). One common theme prevailing in each of the characteristics is the role of the relationship between the knowledge provider and the recipient. For example, Szulanski (1996) found that an arduous relationship inhibited transfer of knowledge. In a survey of mid-level knowledge-workers, Levin and Cross (2004) found that trust significantly improved knowledge transfer. As trust assumes an increasingly important role in the knowledge transfer activities, especially in the context of long-term engagements such as implementation of enterprise systems, understanding how trust affects knowledge transfer may provide additional insight (Argote, 1999).\nPrior literature: Argote et al.'s (2003) theoretical framework provides a useful starting point for examining knowledge transfer outcomes in the context of enterprise systems implementation. In their integrated framework for conducting research in knowledge management, they offer two dimensions - i.e. knowledge management outcomes and properties of knowledge management context - and provide directions for future research. Knowledge management outcomes include knowledge creation, retention, and transfer. Properties of knowledge management context include properties of units, relationships between units, and knowledge. The framework's primary emphasis is on identifying relationships between the properties of knowledge management context (independent variables) to that of the knowledge management outcomes (dependent variables), and they highlight the importance of conducting additional research in each \"cell\". Thus, the \"cell\" of particular interest in this study is knowledge transfer (knowledge management outcome) and relationship between units (properties of knowledge management context) as depicted in Figure 1. According to Argote et al. (2003), knowledge transfer is \"evident when experience acquired in one unit affects another\" (p. 572) and properties of relationships between units \"is characterized by [...] the dyadic relationship between [...] units\" (p. 573). The notions of knowledge transfer and trust are therefore explored below.\nKnowledge transfer: Transfer of knowledge is particularly important in the context of enterprise systems implementation projects due to its complexity (Soh et al., 2000). Unlike other information systems (IS) contexts, enterprise systems implementations are typically performed by a mixed team of external consultants, internal functional specialists, and IS specialists. External consultants offer solutions related to the implementation of the application (e.g. SAP), internal functional specialists provide knowledge related to the business processes, and IS specialists are responsible for the infrastructure and other hardware-related solutions. Because internal functional specialists possess business process knowledge, they typically assume a greater role in the success of the implementation requiring them to integrate business processes and data across various functions throughout the organization. However, they rely on consultants to transfer their implementation knowledge to successfully deploy and maintain enterprise systems. In short, while the functional specialists are very knowledgeable with the business processes, they turn to consultants for knowledge associated with the enterprise systems applications.To facilitate a successful implementation, transfer of consultants' implementation knowledge to functional specialists is critical for meeting the perceived needs of the client organization, responding to changing business processes, ongoing administration and maintenance, minimizing training, gaining new in-house capabilities, and deploying a high-quality system (Soh et al., 2000). But, what are the conditions in which consultants' knowledge transfers effectively?Trust as an antecedent of knowledge transfer\nMethodology: Given the interest in testing empirically the research model and the above hypotheses, a field survey approach was considered appropriate. Using existing scales where available, matched-pair survey instruments were developed and administered through the use of the internet. Functional specialists (recipients of implementation knowledge) were asked about knowledge transfer. Both consultants (providers of implementation knowledge) and functional specialists responded to items about trust. Figure 3 provides an overview of three-step methodology used to develop the instruments, collect data, and conduct analysis.A total of 71 client organizations participated in this research. While the majority represented large, for-profit organizations across multiple industries (e.g. technology, products, manufacturing, financial), the sample does include 11 not-for-profit organizations. All 36 participating consulting firms specialized in delivering technology-oriented solutions, including enterprise solutions. Participants varied greatly between consultants and functional specialists; details are provided in Table I.Instrument development: step one\nDiscussion: One primary objective of this study was to investigate the role of trust and its impact on knowledge transfer. The results indicate that benevolence trust influences knowledge transfer while competence trust does not. In other words, trustworthiness on the basis of sentiments, care, and honesty between knowledge providers and recipients affects a knowledge recipient's ability to effectively learn and apply acquired knowledge. The findings in this study are partially consistent with an earlier study examining trust and knowledge transfer (Levin and Cross, 2004). In both studies, benevolence trust influences knowledge transfer; however, the results of Levin and Cross's (2004) study indicate a positive relationship between competence trust and knowledge transfer, while the results of this study suggests there is no significant relationship.Before interpreting the results of this study and their implications, some of its limitations should be considered. The first limitation is the cross-sectional nature of this survey study. Cross-sectional studies face the limitation of not being able to capture the temporal aspect of knowledge transfer activities, which may change through the implementation process. A second limitation concerns its generalizability. The findings of this study may reasonably be claimed to generalize to consulting-related projects. Finally, this study examined implementation knowledge - sets of rules, tools and guidelines and ways to employ them that produce effective systems implementation. It should be recognized that knowledge associated with project management is also sought by functional specialists.The results of this study suggest that benevolence trust improved the overall transfer of knowledge. This study provides empirical evidence in the IS domain while partially confirming the finding offered in previous studies - i.e. that the benevolence trusting relationship is positively associated with knowledge transfer (Tsai and Ghoshal, 1998; Levin and Cross, 2004). However, contrary to previous findings, competence trust did not have a significant relationship with knowledge transfer. Although benevolence and competence trust allow knowledge providers and recipients to engage in professional and social activities, which provide more opportunities for knowledge transfer to occur, only benevolence trust impacted knowledge transfer. One potential explanation may be related with time. A large portion of enterprise systems implementation knowledge is deemed to be tacit (Markus and Tanis, 2000) which would suggest that more effort and time may be required to transfer knowledge. As more interactions occur, and over time, trustworthiness based on sentiments, care, and honesty could develop. A persistent development of benevolence trust is more likely to translate into a stronger asset because it is unlikely that competence trust will change significantly over time.The results of this study provide additional insight regarding the role of benevolence and competence trust with knowledge transfer. Benevolence trust positively influenced knowledge transfer while competence trust did not significantly influence knowledge transfer. While this is partially consistent with earlier studies, there exists a paradox: to implement an enterprise system successfully, external consultants are drawn upon due to their expertise, suggesting the importance of competence trust; yet benevolence trust mattered in the ability for the consultants to effectively transfer implementation knowledge to functional specialists. One plausible explanation is that the increased level of interaction, communication, and cooperation on a social dimension puts both members at a greater risk in the relationship when compared to competence trust. Thus, it could be that the importance of benevolence trust outweighs competence trust given that there is more at stake and more desire to help one another accomplish work-related goals. Hence, benevolence trust appears to play an important role, compared to competence trust, for successfully transferring knowledge.Another important consideration is to recognize that trust varies across context, and the role of trust changes from one context to another (Rousseau et al., 1998). Thus, this may partially explain the inconsistent findings offered in this study when compared to previous findings.As IT implementations grow in number, size and complexity, information systems managers in both consulting and client firms increasingly need to better understand how to facilitate knowledge transfer within and across organizational boundaries, and improve the success of the project outcomes. Effective transfer of knowledge is an important ingredient to success (Argote, 1999). The ability for consultants to provide appropriate knowledge to functional specialists suggests that it is of utmost importance that benevolent consultants are assigned to the engagement if the project is to have a better chance of succeeding. This raises an important question for consulting firms as they breed new and young recruits into their firm focusing on developing content expertise: how do consulting firms balance the assignment of their resources given that benevolence trust is key to knowledge transfer? For client firms, this study suggests that compromising who is assigned to the project at hand may determine the success or failure of the project. Thus, formalizing a team member selection process with an emphasis on selecting individuals who are likely going to get along on a personal level will likely reduce the risk of an unfavorable project outcome.To further ensure project success, this study demonstrates the importance of developing and building benevolence trust between consultants and functional specialists for effectively transferring knowledge. Care must be taken to manage the ties that bind between the parties. Development of benevolence trust, or personal attachment or \"emotional\" bond, was found to play an important role in improving the effectiveness of knowledge transfer. It is imperative for firms seeking consultants' expertise to develop and support team-building and social programs that facilitate and nurture personalized relationships. After all, interaction frequency and open communication assist in developing benevolence trust (McAllister, 1995). Thus, co-locating team members as well as building a team with similar personal interests should ultimately help with the overall project success.Enterprise systems implementation projects are typically long-term engagements. Unlike prior studies, it may be possible that benevolence trust played a significant role while competence trust did not because of the length involved on projects in this sample. Alternatively, respondents at different points in the project may have changed their perceptions about consultants' competence trust (as, for example, Hershey's did). It is hard to pinpoint the reason because the survey data did not capture that information.Finally, it is important to encourage a development of strong competence trust if exploration of new ideas and techniques are in order; however, weak competence trust ought to be promoted when exploiting existing ideas (Uzzi and Lancaster, 2003). It may be reasonable to claim that enterprise systems implementation projects fall in the realm of \"exploiting existing ideas\" which may explain the insignificant finding between competence trust and knowledge transfer observed in this study. Nevertheless, a delicate balance in managing benevolence and competence trust is an important consideration for managers overseeing projects involving consultants.\nConclusion: This study examined the relationships between benevolence and competence trust and knowledge transfer involving consultants and functional specialists in an inter-firm complex enterprise systems implementation context by drawing on knowledge management and trust literatures. The results indicate benevolence trust plays an important role in affecting knowledge transfer while competence trust does not. The findings offered in this study augment prior research to an increasingly important information systems context. Given the growing complexity around deployment of IT-based solutions, the findings of this study offer guidance to both research and practice. It is worth noting that consultants are hired to fill in the expertise that is lacking in-house, suggesting that competence trust would appear to be more important; instead, effective transfer of knowledge from consultants to functional specialists was influenced by the level of benevolence trust between consultants and functional specialists. As tempting as it may be for managers to hire the most knowledgeable consultants (i.e. competence trust), the results of this study suggests that they should not ignore the importance of \"personal\" trust (i.e. benevolence trust) that needs to develop if knowledge transfer is an important part of project success, especially in long-term project engagements.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - Consultants are hired for their domain expertise. For long-term engagements, the role of their expertise diminishes as the need to develop personal trust gains significance for a successful project outcome. The purpose of this paper is to examine trust and knowledge management in the context of project teams, exploring the trusting relationship between external consultants and internal clients.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - Two questionnaire surveys were developed, and a field survey of consultant-functional specialist dyads yielded 80 matching-pair responses. A regression analysis approach was used to test the hypotheses.\nFindings: - In enterprise systems implementation projects, consultants are typically hired for their expertise in the domain - i.e. competence trust. Counter to conventional wisdom, benevolent trust influenced the success of an effective transfer of implementation knowledge.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The limitations of the study include the inability to capture temporal aspects of knowledge transfer activities (survey questionnaires), generalizability to consulting-related projects only, and application to a context-sensitive set of knowledge, i.e. implementation knowledge.\nPractical implications: - Client organizations must no longer focus entirely on competence trust when selecting consultants; instead, they should place a greater emphasis on benevolence trust, which is critical to project success, especially in a long-term project engagement. Consulting firms must ensure that their employees exhibit \"emotional\" characteristics through hiring practices and/or training.\nOriginality/value: - The implications of the findings reported in the study are discussed for scholars and managers engaged in IT-based solution delivery utilizing external consultants.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Risk assessment of construction projects in China under traditional and industrial production modes	[ "Construction", "Management", "Methodology", "Simulation", "Approach" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: High risk is a defining characteristic and one of the most significant features of the construction industry. Arising from causes pertaining to human and non-human factors, risks in the construction industry can lead to substantial delays and financial losses. Therefore, effective risk assessment is critical to ensure the healthy development of the industry.\n2. Risk life cycle theory and hypotheses: 2.1 Risk life cycle and cash flow of loss from risks\n3. Methodology and data sources: 3.1 Framework of risk assessment\n4. Results: 4.1 Simulation results of start time and duration\n5. Discussion: 5.1 Cash flow of loss from risk\n6. Policy implications: 6.1 Promotion of industrial production in the Chinese construction industry\n7. Conclusion: Industrialization of the construction industry has become an inevitable trend in China owing to its benefits of low energy consumption and high efficiency. However, further discussions are required to determine whether the industrial production mode can reduce the risks involved compared with the traditional construction mode. Based on the theory of risk life cycle, this paper proposes a practical risk management technique to assess the risk characteristics. Based on the results, the following conclusions are drawn:\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: High risk is one of the most prominent characteristics of the Chinese construction industry, and it poses a significant threat to construction projects. Owing to initiatives aimed at achieving high efficiency, low carbon emissions, etc., industrialization of the construction industry has become an inevitable trend in China. However, it remains to be discussed whether industrialization of construction can reduce the risks entailed in construction projects compared with traditional construction. The paper aims to discuss these issues.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Based on the theory of risk life cycle, this paper proposes a practical risk assessment technique to assess the risk life cycle, including the risk occurrence time and potential financial losses. This technique is then applied to assess the differences between the risks involved in an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project executed via traditional and industrial production modes.\nFindings: The results show that the total duration of risks in the industrial construction project is half of that in the traditional project. In addition, the expected financial loss entailed in the industrial construction project is 29 percent lower than that in the traditional construction project. Therefore, industrial construction has the potential to optimize risk performance.\nOriginality/value: There is no significant difference between the traditional and industrial construction models in terms of probability of risk. The maximum total loss might occur in the procurement stage in the case of industrial production, and in the construction stage in the case of traditional production. Moreover, the total expected loss from risk in the EPC project in the industrial production mode is only half of that in the traditional production route. This study is expected to provide a new risk evaluation technique and promote an understanding of the life cycle of risk management in the construction industry.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Reverse logistics of recovery and recycling of non-returnable beverage containers in the brewery industry : A "profitable visit" algorithm	[]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: Recycling of beverage packaging is a common activity in Western Europe, Japan, Canada and the USA. Usually, non-refillable beverage bottles and cans are returnable in orderto be recycled. On the other side of the coin, in developing countries, there are still deficiencies in the development of organized packaging recycling systems.\n2. RL network and routing algorithms: The concept of RL has been created to respond to the necessity of businesses to develop and/or restructure their material returns. There are different reasons that have motivated the development of this area such as strict environmental regulations, customer demand or economically driven opportunities to reuse products or recycling materials (Dekker et al., 2004).\n3. Pilot study: 3.1 Delimitation\n4. Simulation: In order to provide more consistent assessment of the algorithm performance, a simulation has been developed. This simulation started by generating 2,062 fictitious clients. Demand data were drawn from a normal distribution (slanted) with a weightless coefficient of variation of 3.3 and 3.74 for the aluminum and glass cases, respectively. The normal distribution (slanted) was chosen due to the necessary constraint of not having negative demand values, which would represent returned items. For clients location data, a normal distribution (not slanted) was used with coefficient of variation of 4.74 and 6.93 for coordinates X and Y (both geographic coordinates, i.e. spherical) respectively. These coefficients values were selected based on the real data previously used. As it can be seen, they offer a very high variation which represents a challenging scenario for the algorithms.\n5. Summary and outlook: A concept for recovering and recycling non-returnable beverage packaging was developed. First, the RL network was defined according to the current situation and the proposed packaging reverse flow. Second, the packaging collection was planned using routing algorithms in order to identify how it can be carried out and the cost involved.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the processes of collecting used non-returnable packaging. The objective is to increase the quality and quantity of recycling material used in the production of new packages.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A reverse logistics network is proposed, nevertheless the focus of the study is addressing the collection routing problem. Specifically a new \"profitable visit algorithm\" (PVA) based on the well-known Nearest Neighbor is proposed and tested, in both real and simulated scenarios, in order to achieve higher volume of collected material while lowering the cost of collection.\nFindings: The proposed algorithm is set to compete against the well-known Nearest Neighbor. The \"PVA\" showed a far better performance than the Nearest Neighbor. The latter was assessed with real data in a real scenario and was also confirmed by a simulation.\nResearch limitations/implications: Further research should envisage stochastic models and tighter time constraints.\nPractical implications: Managers can use the algorithm in similar scenarios to address different routing needs. New business activities could be foreseen by starting a logistics scheme of this type. Additionally, new savings in material procurement processes could be achieved in current operations.\nSocial implications: Social responsibility and environmental awareness can be approached by this type of endeavors. While reducing waste disposal, the recovering of these materials yields savings and offer new labor opportunities for people.\nOriginality/value: The \"PVA\" introduced in this paper, showed substantial advantages. First it automatically determines the visit frequency for each client. Also, it evaluates whether a visit should be granted or not based on its \"profitability.\" The latter ensures that even if the routing circuit is broken at any moment, the company will not lose \"profit.\" Additionally, this research provides performance evaluation in real and simulated scenarios, which is hard to obtain in a single study.\nKeywords: Reverse logistics, Recycling, Routing algorithm, Non-returnable packages, Real scenarios\nPaper type: Research type\nResumen: Objetivo\nObjetivo: Este articulo analiza los procesos de recoleccion deenvases no retornable usados. El objetivo es aumentar la calidad y cantidad de material reciclable usado en la produccion de nuevos envasados.\nDiseno/metodologia/enfoque: Se propone una red de logistica reversa, no obstante el enfoque del estudio es abordar el problema de la ruta de recoleccion. Especificamente, se propone un nuevo \"algoritmo de visita rentable\" basado en el bien conocido Vecino Mas Proximo y se testea en ambos escenarios reales y simulados, para poder lograr un volumen mas alto de material recolectado y a su vez disminuir los costo de recoleccion.\nHallazgos: El algoritmo propuesto esta definido para competir contra el bien conocido Vecino Mas proximo. El \"algoritmo de visita rentable\" mostro un rendimiento mucho mejor que el de Vecino Mas proximo. Este ultimo se evaluo con datos reales en un escenario real y tambien se confirmo a traves de una simulacion.\nLimitaciones/implicaciones del estudio: Investigaciones futuras deberian visualizar modelos estocasticos y restricciones de tiempo mas limitadas.\nImplicaciones practices: Administradores pueden usar el algoritmo en escenarios similares para dirigir las diferentes necesidades de la ruta. Nuevas actividades de negocios podrian ser previstas iniciando un esquema logistico de este tipo. Adicionalmente, nuevos ahorros en procesos de material de adquisicion podria ser logrado en las operaciones actuales.\nImplicaciones sociales: La responsabilidad social y conciencia ambiental puede ser abarcado con este tipo de actividad. No solo se reducen los residuos, pero tambien la recuperacion de estos materiales genera ahorros y ofrece nuevas oportunidades de trabajo para las personas.\nOriginalidad/valor: El \"algoritmo visita rentable\" introducido en este articulo, mostro ventajas substanciales. Primero, determina automaticamente la frecuencia de visitas para cada cliente. Ademas, evalua si una visita basada en su \"rentabilidad\" deberia ser dada o no. Esta ultima asegura que aunque el circuito de la ruta se quiebra en cualquier momento, la empresa no perdera \"ganancias.\" Adicionalmente, esta investigacion provee evaluaciones de desempeno en escenarios reales y simulados, lo cual es dificil de obtener en un solo estudio.\nTipo de papel: Trabajo de investigacion\nResumo: Objetivo\nObjetivo: Este artigo analisa o processo de coletade embalagens nao retornaveis usadas. O objetivo e aumentar a qualidade e as quantidades de materiais reciclaveis utilizados na producao de novas embalagens.\nDesenhos/metodologia/enfoque: Uma rede de logistica reversa e proposta, embora o enfoque da pesquisa e abordar o problema da roteamento da coleta. Especificamente, um novo algoritmo de \"Profitable Visit\" baseado no conhecido Nearest Neighbore proposto Dois cenarios sao testados, um real e um simulado, com objetivos deatingimento de um volume maior de material coletado e tambem de diminuir os custos decoleta.\nAchados: O algoritmo foi proposto para competir com o conhecido Nearest Neighbor. O algoritmo de \"Profitable Visit\" mostra um rendimento melhor que o Nearest Neighbor. Este ultimo foi avaliado com dadosreais em um cenario real e tambem confirmado atraves de simulacao.\nLimitacoes/implicacoes da pesquisa: Pesquisas futuras deveriam abordar modelos estocasticos e maiores restricoes de tempo.\nImplicacoes praticas: Gerentes podem utilizar o algoritmo em cenarios similares para gerenciar diferentes necessidades de roteamento de coleta. Novos processos de negocios poderiam ser previstos com base em projetos logisticos deste tipo. Adicionalmente, ganhos adicionais em processos de compra de materiais poderiam ser obtidosem operacoes presentes.\nImplicacoes sociais: A responsabilidade social e a consciencia ambiental podem ser abordadas com este tipo de projeto. Junto com a eliminacao de residuos, a recuperacao desses materiaistambem gera renda e oferece novas oportunidades de trabalho para as pessoas.\nOriginalidade/valor: O algoritmo Profitable Visit\" apresentadoneste artigo mostra vantagens substanciais. Primeiro, determina automaticamente a frequencia de visitas para cada cliente. Tambem, avalia se uma visita com base na \"rentabilidade\" deveria ocorrer ou nao. Este aspecto assegura que quando o circuito da rota e modificado em qualquer momento, a empresa nao perdera seus \"ganhos.\" Adicionalmente, esta pesquisa fornece avaliacoes de desempenho em cenarios reais e simulados, o que e dificil de ocorrer em um unico estudo.\nTipo de papel: Trabathos de pesquisa\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
An inquiry into the supplier selection decision from the business-to-consumer (B2C) perspective	[ "Channel relationships", "Supply chain management", "Business-to-business marketing", "Business-to-consumer marketing", "Supplier evaluation" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: Marketing as a process has primarily been construed as the interaction between businesses and consumers - as business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C) and consumer-to-consumer. Extant research has investigated consumer behaviors from the marketing perspective for decades. Marketing concepts like satisfaction (Mano and Oliver, 1993), information and decision making (Nelson, 1970) and consumer self-perceptions (Sirgy, 1982) have been thoroughly researched. Other researchers examined marketing constructs, such as value and satisfaction, from the perspective of the purchasing manager in a B2B context (Eggert and Ulaga, 2002). The research on these constructs shares common points from several perspectives, such as satisfaction. The disconfirmation paradigm tells us that satisfaction is the result of a comparison of perceived performance and one or more additional standards, such as expectations or intentions to continue usage (Parasuraman et al., 1988; Eggert and Ulaga, 2002). In other words, both consumers and businesses have expectations that can lead to satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Although concepts like satisfaction are relevant to the B2B context (Graca et al., 2015), this perspective leads to different behaviors for several reasons. These include a general lack of impulse purchases for organizations as compared to consumers, purchasing decisions made by groups rather than individuals, or required negotiations in these types of purchases (Grewal et al., 2010). Thus, while consumers and business are quite similar in many regards, they are also rather different.\n2. Supply chain decision criteria: literature review: There is a wide-ranging selection of literature that discusses sourcing selection and policies. Broad reviews of the research are provided by Elmaghraby (2000) and de Boer et al. (2001). Key factors for firms to consider in the selection process are the number of potential suppliers, the criticality of the item being procured, and the degree of uncertainty present (de Boer et al., 2001). In addition, other studies have introduced factors related to green purchasing, which introduces environmental criteria to the supplier selection problem (Lee et al., 2009).\n3. Shopper-relevant selection criteria: As previously noted, a wide variety of supplier selection criteria have been considered in the extant literature. We seek to find relevant factors that are directly applicable to shoppers, but we also desire to maintain consistency with previous works to compare B2B and B2C perspectives. Therefore, with input from academics knowledgeable on the subject and shoppers experienced with making frequent purchases, this research focuses on quality, price, technology, flexibility, service, relationships, delivery and the environment as primary factors in this research.\n4. Methodology: A survey instrument was developed and refined to collect data for this study (see Table II). The detailed scales used in this instrument are included in the Appendix. Respondents were asked to rate their most recent purchase, which effectively put them in the position of a shopper rating the performance of a firm, or supplier, that provided them with goods. This approach was taken since we are seeking to compare the B2C perspective with the B2B perspective of supplier assessment.\n5. Discussion: Supplier selection is a critical step in the purchasing process (Elmaghraby, 2000), and therefore a key part of supply chain management. This study builds on previous literature that outlines important supplier selection factors for firms to consider by incorporating the increasingly important consumer perspective. This was done by asking shoppers to rate the firms that supply them goods to identify those areas they deem to be important. Results from the consumer perspective mirror the supplier selection preferences as firms, but with a few key differences. In addition, many of these supplier selection factors seem to be related, which implies that firms may need to consider multiple factors in tandem to ensure they are appeasing potential consumers that are aware of these factors.\n6. Managerial implications: This research leads to implications for practitioners to consider in their supplier selection decisions. Managers should consider the impact of their B2B decisions on consumer relationships. While these consumer relationships may not be explicit, the power consumers have developed in recent years implies their opinions and preferences should be kept at the forefront of firm decisions. Working more closely with customers may also lead to other benefits, such as increased innovation. For example, it has been found that absorptive and joint learning in the B2B context fosters innovation (Jean et al., 2016), so bringing the consumer into the equation may lead to additional breakthroughs.\n7. Conclusions and limitations: This paper serves as a first step to investigate the consumer perspective of the supplier selection decision. This is an issue that has been identified as an important area to investigate by Ta et al. (2015). The findings of this research provide evidence that consumers and firms have similar, yet different perspectives on what is important in the supplier selection process. This perspective has been rarely investigated in the literature, and as a result, this research provides contributions to both literature and practice.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into what selection criteria consumers find critical when making the supplier selection decision. Much research exists on the business-to-business (B2B) perspective, so this research seeks to investigate the business-to-consumer (B2C) viewpoint.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A survey is used to identify the areas that consumers find to be important when seeking suppliers. Factor analysis is used to identify selection criteria that are important to consumers.\nFindings: The results suggest that consumers value several factors quite highly, including delivery, price and quality. Service, flexibility and relationship are also rated relatively high, while consumer concern with technology and the environment seemed to be lower.\nResearch limitations/implications: This study is limited to a group of consumers represented by university students. Additional research methods may provide additional detail to supplement these results.\nPractical implications: The consistency the authors found between firm and consumer preferences should make it a relatively simple process for firms to consider the desires of customers when dealing with their own B2B relationships.\nOriginality/value: The B2C perspective on the supplier selection decision has seen limited research coverage. The B2C collaboration perspective considers the contributions consumers can make in supply chain decisions, which may lead to new supply chain management strategies.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Green consumer behavior: being good or seeming good?	[ "Green consumer behavior", "Self-enhancement", "Branding", "ATSCI", "Attention to social comparison information", "Self-monitoring ability" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: During the past few decades, the topic of environmental sustainability has received much attention within the marketing literature (Jansson et al., 2010; Leonidou et al., 2013; Powell, 2011). As our world faces many environmental challenges, the idea that the solution to these problems depends not just on more sustainable production but also on changes in consumer behavior has gained popularity (Sandhu et al., 2010). Steering consumers toward more environmentally sustainable consumption is thus seen as desirable by many actors in society.\nTheoretical framework: Social influence and symbolic consumption in green consumer behavior\nThe empirical studies: To test the hypotheses, we carried out two experiments. The first focuses explicitly on H1, the impact of conspicuousness on GCB, while the second includes the moderating variables of self-monitoring ability and ATSCI (H2 and H3). Both studies were conducted in Sweden, where pro-environmental norms are generally strong (Strand et al., 2015). The two experiments are presented below.\nGeneral discussion and contributions: Main effect: the impact of conspicuousness on green consumer behavior\nManagerial implications: The main effect of Experiments 1 and 2 indicates that individuals who face a conspicuous consumption situation may choose environmentally friendly products to a greater extent than individuals who anticipate an inconspicuous consumption situation. Because much of today's organic consumption occurs in private, this is a clear problem, but it could also represent an opportunity; if it is made clear to the world who is consuming green products and who is not, green consumption will likely rise. It is, however, important to realize why consumers self-enhance via green consumption. This realization may guide managers in making green consumption conspicuous in a way that effects change.\nConclusions and future research: This paper started out with the observation that despite years of green marketing and green branding, most green initiatives fail in the marketplace. As environmental issues grow more serious and pressing for humankind, the fact that few green initiatives gain a significant market share is a problem not only for marketers but also for the sustainability of society itself. The notion that there are untapped and previously ignored types of value associated with green consumption therefore inspires hope. If the symbolic value of green consumption can increase the attraction of environmentally friendly products in certain settings and for consumers with certain personality traits, it may help narrow the attitude/behavior gap. This study concludes that one way to succeed in promoting GCB is to render consumption settings conspicuous. The study also shows that important variables moderate consumers' choice of organic products. Policy makers and branding practitioners can use these insights to increase green consumption and to build green brands.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This paper aims to expand the emerging field of symbolic green consumer behavior (GCB) by investigating the impact of anticipated conspicuousness of the consumption situation on consumers' choice of organic products. In addition, the paper also explores whether self-monitoring ability and attention to social comparison information (ATSCI) influence GCB in situations of anticipated high conspicuousness.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Two experiments test the study's hypotheses.\nFindings: The results of both experiments show that the anticipation of conspicuousness has a significant effect on GCB. Moreover, in Experiment 2, this effect is moderated by consumers' level of ATSCI but not by their self-monitoring ability.\nResearch limitations/implications: Because ATSCI significantly interacts with green consumption because of the anticipation of a conspicuous setting, although self-monitoring ability does not, we conclude that social identification is an important determinant of green consumption.\nPractical implications: Marketers who focus on building green brands could consider designing conspicuous consumption situations to increase GCB.\nSocial implications: Policymakers could enact change by making the environmental unfriendliness of non-eco-friendly products visible to the public and thus increase the potential for GCB.\nOriginality/value: The results validate the emerging understanding that green products are consumed for self-enhancement, but also expand the literature by highlighting that a key motivating factor of GCB is the desire to fit in.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Precedents for the 4Ps idea in the USA: 1910s-1940s	[ "United States of America", "Marketing", "Business history", "Management roles" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: When was the 4Ps idea born and how did it develop? Amazingly, this simple question has not yet been fully answered, although the 4Ps concept, framing the components of the marketing mix, is known worldwide and often treated as almost synonymous with the idea of marketing or marketing management itself. There have been, of course, many distinguished historical studies on marketing literature in the USA (Converse, [1959] 1978; Coolsen, 1960; Bartels, 1962, 1976, 1988; Schwartz, 1963, 1965; Wright and Dimsdale, 1974; Sheth et al., 1988; Shaw and Jones, 2005). Nevertheless, there are still unexplored topics in the history of the 4Ps idea. This paper will explore the historical development of the 4Ps in the USA and its background.A common recognition among the marketing historians focusing on US marketing thought is that large amounts of marketing literature began to appear around the turn of the twentieth century despite the existence of some prior examples, and that there were three classical approaches or schools before the Second World War: the commodity approach (focusing on the features of goods and services that are dealt with in the marketing process), the institutional approach (identifying the various types of middlemen or agencies dealing with goods and services), and the functional approach (discussing the functions performed in the marketing process). The usual indication is that it was in the 1950s when the managerial school symbolised by the 4Ps idea first emerged. The historical research in the functional school (Hunt and Gloosby, 1988) discusses that when McGarry (1950) proposed \"a new list of functions of marketing\", he presaged the rise of a managerial approach to the study of marketing and the demise of the classical functional approach. Then, Howard (1957) advocated a distinction between \"controllable\" and \"uncontrollable\" factors for marketers, the former of which were composed of product variation, marketing channels, price, promotion and location; and finally, McCarthy (1960) offered the famous definition of the 4Ps.Nevertheless, it has also been recognised that alongside the literature based on the classical schools, there were many works from the managerial perspective, such as sales management and advertising. This paper will identify the precedent for the 4Ps idea among these management-oriented works before the Second World War, which were called by various names at the time, including sales management, sales administration, sales or marketing policies, marketing or even marketing management, rather than \"principles of marketing\" symbolising the classical marketing literature. This paper will show evidence of precedents for the 4Ps idea during the 1910s-1940s. An important issue, here is the relationship between the classical functional school and the managerial point of view. Then, it will discuss the general background that produced these preceding discussions.\nThe historical development of the 4Ps idea: Two different streams identifiable in the functional school of marketing\n4Ps: background to its appearance and its precedents: Marketing decision from tacit to explicit knowledge\nConclusion: Figure 1 shows the development path of the 4Ps idea, comparing it with development of the traditional functional approach in marketing thought. Because the 4Ps concept is a managerial idea, it was only natural that it should appear as part of managerial discussions in sales management, sales administration, sales policies, marketing policies and marketing management. While the main stream of sales management confined itself to the field of sales force management, some writers attempted to expand its content substantially to cover marketing management. In order to avoid confusions, it is essential to distinguish the discussions about managerial functions that embraced the precedents for the 4Ps idea and the functions in the distributive process that have been called marketing functions.This paper suggests the macro-level background encouraged the articulation of 4Ps concepts from the tacit knowledge of entrepreneurs; that is, the progress of managerial capitalism requiring education for future professional managers. It also suggested that the early discussants of this idea were inspired mainly by the experiences of a new type of manufacturers, who attempted to integrate vertical mass production with mass distribution. Nevertheless, as these were a generalised form of texts, they were applied to broader fields beyond their original contexts, which also continued to progress. This tendency was supported by advanced marketing practices, such as adopting diversification strategy that made marketers confront unfamiliar issues on products and channels, adopting (re)design factors for many products that promoted thinking in the way of \"market-in\", and the backward integration by innovative retailers, especially chain stores.Thus, circumstances became ready for the 1950s advocates to generalise the 4Ps concept.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to identify the development of the 4Ps idea from the 1910s to the 1940s in the USA and explore its historical background.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The historical consideration of the precedents for the 4Ps idea is not only focused just on the idea, but also on the historical context in which it was produced. The analysis will include a re-examination of the traditional \"functional approach\" to marketing thought, leading to different interpretations from previous research.\nFindings: - The 4Ps idea did not suddenly appear in the 1950s, but had precedents that could be traced back to the 1910s. Based on the separation of planning from implementation and ideas on management process, the precedents for the 4Ps appeared as various discussions on components of the planning function in sales management, sales/marketing policies and marketing management.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The research implies the historical study could enrich our knowledge. This investigation is limited to the USA: other studies could investigate the history of marketing and marketing thought in other countries.\nPractical implications: - Recognizing how previous marketers and marketing thinkers considered the issues could provide a broad and solid basis to explore how marketing strategy should be formed.\nOriginality/value: - Identifying the antecedents of the 4Ps before the Second World War is a unique contribution to historical research in marketing. This paper provides a new interpretation of the development of marketing management and its thought.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Are recessions harmful to health after all? Evidence from the European Union	[ "Recession", "Death rate", "Unemployment", "Personal health", "Europe" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: The majority of studies investigating the link between unemployment and health status provided consistent evidence that unemployment has a positive effect on mortality rates, i.e. rises in unemployment increase mortality. High unemployment rates not only threaten social and economic cohesion, through their negative financial consequences on individuals, but are also a risk factor for population health as this is reflected by mortality rates. However, recently, using US data, Ruhm (2000, 2003) has shown that recessions are beneficial to population health since mortality rates decline with increasing unemployment rates. He argued that in recessions health improves as individuals both improve their dietary habits and reduce lifestyle habits detrimental to health such as smoking and drinking.This study revisits this issue questioning the universality of Ruhm's results. It uses a sample of 13 European Union countries. Following Ruhm (2000), it uses fixed effects models to control for unobserved, time-invariant characteristics within each country. Furthermore, since aggregate-level studies have been criticised for not being able to reveal the true unemployment-mortality relationship, because, at the population-level, other confounding factors exist which mediate in the relationship of interest, this study takes into account the confounding factors directly. It thus includes in the fixed effects models indicators of lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking, dietary habits, medical intervention and the like.\nOverview of the literature: Although the significant increase in life expectancy and the associated reduction in mortality rates are subject to multiple causes, nutrition, technological advancement and medical intervention, effective public health care services and rising living standards are commonly considered to be largely responsible for these gains in longevity (Illsley, 1990; Sans et al., 1997). However, longevity also appears to be affected by a number of socioeconomic factors. Specifically, unemployment has been found to negatively affect different facets of health, ranging from psychological health status (Theodossiou, 1998) to physical symptoms and mortality (Gerdtham and Johannesson, 2003).An issue of importance in investigating the unemployment-mortality relationship is the identification of the mechanisms that link a social phenomenon such as unemployment to a biological process such as health and mortality. In doing so, this section briefly reviews some recent evidence regarding the effects of unemployment rates on mortality.Unemployment and mortality\nEconometric methodology: Fixed-effects models are used for all specifications in this study (Wooldridge, 2000, 2001). They provide the advantage of controlling for time-invariant characteristics that are different among cross-sections. All regressions are corrected for heteroskedasticity, by using White's heteroskedasticity consistent covariance matrix estimator. This estimator provides correct estimates of the coefficient covariance in the presence of heteroskedasticity of unknown form. The fixed-effects specification, which is used in this study, is as follows: Equation 1 Where i=1,..., 13 and t=1,..., 20 are the country and the year period indicators respectively, is the country-specific fixed-effects. denotes the mortality rates per 100,000 individuals (or per 1,000 live births for infant deaths), is an index of time effects across the 13 countries included in the sample, a year-specific dummy for 20 time periods (the omitted year is 1977). denotes the national unemployment rates (per cent), the population under 5 years old (per cent), the population aged 65 years and over (per cent), the population with no education (per cent), the population with post secondary level of education (per cent), in-patient care admissions (per cent), the population density (residents per square km), number of cigarettes consumed annually, annual alcohol consumption, average number of calories a person receives each day, carbon dioxide emissions (metric tons per capita).The main dependent variable is total age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 individuals for each of the 13 European Union countries included in the sample. However, the exclusive focus on the overall mortality rates may hide some differential effects of the unemployment rate on the constituent parts that make up the overall mortality rate. Following Ruhm, the effect of the unemployment rate upon seven causes of age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 individuals is investigated. These are:1. ischaemic heart diseases;2. cancer of trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer;3. malignant neoplasms;4. motor vehicle accidents;5. homicide and purposeful injury;6. suicide and self-inflicted injury; and7. infant mortality per 1,000 live births.The first step in this investigation is to replicate Ruhm's model as closely as possible and examine whether his results are also applicable for Europe. In doing so two levels of educational attainment (population with no education and population with post secondary education) and two age categories (the per cent of population below five years and over 65 years of age) are controlled for. However, unlike Ruhm's study no ethnic and race variables are included in the regression. The national unemployment rate is the primary independent variable of interest for this study. Unemployment rate reflects the economic cycle and therefore the economic conditions in the country[3].The second step is to further control for a number of other variables in order to reduce sources of confounding in the unemployment-mortality relationship. Thus, since Preston (1975) has highlighted that medical technological change can explain much of the observed increase in life expectancy and explain mortality differences across countries the in-patient care admissions (as per cent of the population), this variable is included in (5) as a regressor. It is calculated as the sum of the hospitalised cases for patients admitted to inpatient facilities for at least 24 hours[4]. It is reasonable to expect in-patient care admissions to contribute to a reduction in preventable deaths.Furthermore, Adelman (1963) and Pritchard and Evans (1997) suggested that population density is a crude index of population pressure upon available resources. Root (1997) argues that in highly populated regions communicative diseases are expected to flourish. Bruinsma et al. (2003) suggests that population density is an important determinant in the development of antibiotic resistance, which impacts negatively in the prevention of illnesses. Highly urbanised areas are expected to exhibit a higher incidence of mental and psychosomatic diseases, due to the rapid rhythms in the way of living and the increased stress. Studies, such as Mahoney et al. (1990), Pritchard and Evans (1997) and Lester (2001), found that high population densities had a harmful effect on cancer mortality and suicide rates. In view of the above, the variable of population density approximated as inhabitants per square kilometer, is included in the model (5).Controls for lifestyle factors are also included in the model. Smoking is harmful and associated with a wide range of diseases, such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, and cancers. It probably represents the largest single determinant of avoidable deaths. Overall mortality rates, homicides, heart diseases, and cancers are also influenced by alcohol drinking patterns (Romelsjo and Leifman, 1999; Vogel, 2002). Specifically, Poikolainen (1995) concluded that a curvilinear, J-shaped relationship exists between alcohol and mortality. Obesity and dietary patterns are important in disease prevention and health promotion. A high calorie diet has serious long-term effects on health, leading to, for example, circulatory diseases. Due to the unavailability of long time-series data on average body mass index, this study attempts to capture the dietary habits by using as a regressor the average number of calories consumed per person.The evidence on the link between physical environment and health are still limited probably due to lack of data (Or, 2000). However, this study controls for an environmental degradation indicator, carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions exist naturally in the environment but human actions, such as the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gasoline), elevate it to levels dangerous to human health. This indicator is of particular interest as a proxy of environmental deterioration due to human activities.In addition, the relationship of interest is examined with respect to age-specific mortality rates for six age groups: 25-34; 35-44; 45-54; 55-64; 65-74; and 75-84 years old. Finally, due to the unavailability of standardised mortality rates for males and females needed to study gender inequalities in mortality, the unstandardised death rates per 100,000 individuals are used, namely:* overall male crude death rates; and* overall female crude death rates[5].\nThe data: This study investigates the relationship between unemployment and mortality rates in 13 European Union countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the UK) during the twenty-year period (1977-1996). Germany and Luxembourg, the two remaining European Union countries are excluded from the analysis due to lack of data for the whole time period.The indicators of population density and the environmental degradation indicator (CO2 emissions) are drawn from the Health, Nutrition, and Population Statistics of the World Bank data files[6]. The educational attainment data are drawn from the Education Statistics (edstats) of the World Bank (Barro and Lee, 2000). The remaining data series are derived from the European Database \"Health for All\" of the World Health Organisation[7].The summary statistics of the variables included in the regressions are reported in Table I. Between 1977 and 1996 the average overall age-standardised mortality rates in the countries studied, fell by approximately 24 per cent (from approximately 971.8 to 734 deaths per 100,000 individuals). Specifically, middle-aged and older people exhibited substantial health gains as reflected by the observed reduction in all-cause mortality levels. While total average mortality rates for individuals aged 25-34 years fell about 6 per cent, the rate of decrease for the age group of 35-44 years was 17 per cent. The biggest decreases in mortality rates are observed for the age groups of 45-54 and 55-64 years, with decrease rates of 28 per cent and 29 per cent respectively. As one would expect, the gains decrease marginally for older age groups. The longevity gains are substantial. For example, average mortality rates of the age group of 65-74 years declined roughly by 27 per cent, while the decline in mortality of those aged between 75-84 years was 25 per cent.Ischaemic heart diseases, cancers, and neoplasms constitute some of the main causes of death, in contrast to the infectious diseases that were the main cause of death in the past. The average mortality rate of ischaemic heart disease for the 13 European Union countries studied fell by approximately 37 per cent in the 20-year time period. Cancer and malignant neoplasms do not show any signs of significant reduction. Specifically, mortality incidence due to malignant neoplasms fell by only 4 per cent and death rates from cancer increased by roughly 4 per cent. Conversely, infant mortality exhibits a steady decline, decreasing by approximately 9 per cent between 1977 and 1996.The average rate of deaths from homicides increased substantially during these 20 years, by 12 per cent. On the other hand, mortality rates from suicides decreased by about 10 per cent. The mortality from car traffic accidents decreased by an impressive 39 per cent, (from approximately 19.1 deaths per 100,000 individuals in 1977, to 11.6 in 1996).\nThe results: All cause age-standardised mortality rates\nConclusions: Unlike Ruhm's (2000, 2003) study for the USA, this study does not uncover a strong negative association between national unemployment rates and mortality levels for 13 European Union countries. In contrast the evidence appears to support the view that economic downturns harms the health for the European countries. However, the models that closely replicate Ruhm's study for Europe reveal a negative relationship between unemployment and mortality, although statistically insignificant in most cases. Importantly, the relationship in question reverses when additional demographic, health prevention and lifestyle factors are included in the regressions, indicating that short term economic fluctuations may affect health through their effect on lifestyle and other factors. In effect, unemployment rate acts as a surrogate of the effect of the unemployment rate on these factors. Failure to control for these factors in the regressions may also result in omitted variable bias.Thus, the results suggest that a 1 per cent increase in unemployment rates is associated with a decrease of 1.54 deaths per 100,000 individuals. In addition, unemployment rates exhibit a positive and statistically significant effect on four out of the seven specific causes of death examined in this study, namely, ischaemic heart diseases, cancer of trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer, malignant neoplasm, homicide and purposeful injury and suicide and self-inflicted injury. Furthermore, the study suggests that the effect of the unemployment rate on the mortality is similar for both men and women.An innovation of this study is the attempt to control for confounding factors, in the unemployment-mortality relationship, and overcome the problems associated with confounding and omitted variable bias. The effect of cofounders such as in-patient medical care, life-style factors and population density play an important and independent role in determining the mortality rates of populations. The protective effect of in-patient medical care on mortality is shown in most cases of age, cause-specific and gender-specific mortality rates. Overall, both obesity and smoking have detrimental effects on population health and thus mortality. Alcohol consumption does appear to have some beneficial effects, particularly in decreasing mortality from ischaemic heart disease. Finally, population density increases mortality but its effect is generally limited to older age groups.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of national unemployment rates on overall age and cause-specific mortality rates in a panel sample of 13 European Union countries.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - A fixed-effects model is used to control for unobserved time-invariant characteristics within countries. In addition, controls such as lifestyle risk factors, urbanisation and medical intervention indicators, for potential confounders are used.\nFindings: - Contrary to some recent evidence this study shows that there is a strong, positive relationship between adverse economic conditions and mortality. This is in contrast to findings about the US case.\nOriginality/value: - This paper revisits the issue of the unemployment-mortality relationship by utilising fixed effect models with controls for various indicators that are expected to affect mortality, in contrast to previous studies.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Traditional institutions and female labor force participation: The effect of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in West Bengal	[ "Gender", "Public policy", "Bargaining", "Labour" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was notified on September 5, 2005. In February of 2006, NREGA was initially launched in what was identified as the 200 poorest districts of India (Phase I). It was then extended to 130 districts by May of 2007 in Phase II. The remaining districts came under NREGA by April of 2008 in the Phase III. Thus, NREGA covers the entire country with the exception of districts that have a 100 percent urban population.\n2. Economics of discrimination, Indian Social Fabric and women: The most complete statement of the neoclassical model of discrimination is formulated by Kenneth Arrow (1972). It should be emphasized, however, that theorists who follow the neoclassical tradition differ among themselves; they agree only on the form of the theory, not on details or even on major conclusions. According to Beckerg (1971), \"If an individual has a 'taste for discrimination,' he must act as if he were willing to pay something, either directly or in the form of reduced income, to be associated with some persons instead of others\". (Becker makes the usual assumptions of neoclassical wage theory, especially perfect competition, homogeneous factors of production and fixed institutional arrangements).\n3. MNREGA: 3.1 MNREGA in West Bengal\n4. Sampling procedure: 4.1 Field selection\n5. Access to MNREGA for rural women: 5.1 MNREGA and poverty status of the household\n6. Examining non-monotonicity of social restrictedness: 6.1 Work participation and women empowerment\n7. Result and implications: If women do not participate in MNREGA, they would have been engaged in household chore. Therefore, opportunity cost of labor is not very significant. However, participating in MNREGA women share the financial burden of the households. There are two approaches regarding empowerment of women: instrumentalist and minimalist. The minimalist approach advocates that access to money empower women both within and outside households. It is said that women empowerment generate series of positive effects within households. It reduces wasteful consumption, and enhances saving, spending on children's schooling, etc.\n8. Conclusions: Given the similarity in the household's socio economic characteristics across social groups, the difference across the groups in their response to MNREGA participation is severe. One possibility is that MNREGA has attracted a highly selected sample of UC women who were especially responsive to MNREGA. If social restrictedness creates bottlenecks for knowledge, and participation in MNREGA allowed UC women to challenge existing gender norms to enhance their agency, then why Muslim women, who are most fettered by social norms, did not respond more to the MNREGA than SC women did. One explanation of my result is non-monotonicity in the effect of social restrictions. Participation in MNREGA helped women whose agency had been held down by social restrictions, but women subject to extreme oppressions had too little agency to change desire or deeds.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: In general, the return from participation in MNREGA will be highest for those women whose mobility and social interaction is least impeded by conservative social norms. However, if any intervention enhances knowledge base, or challenges traditional norms of gender, then return from that intervention may be highest for those women impede most by conservative social norms. It may be interpreted as non-monotonic effect of restrictedness across caste and religion. The purpose of this paper is to examine non-monotonicity hypothesis of social restrictedness for the intervention MNREGA.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Using primary data from three districts of West Bengal, the paper has tried to see whether there exists any non-monotonic effect of restrictedness on household's \"expenditure on consumption,\" \"expenditure on temptation good,\" \"expenditure on women's health\" and \"expenditure on children's education and health\" across castes and religion. The sample is relatively homogeneous in terms of socio economic status, but differs in affiliation to castes and religion.\nFindings: As a result of participating the labor force through MNREGA, the contribution of women to household earnings increases, which may potentially increase their bargaining power within the household. The conventional notion is that women who are least fettered by social norms should get maximum benefits of participation in MNREGA. However, the analysis shows that women of upper caste (UC) community have been able to exercise the highest level of agency in allocating household resources compared to the women of scheduled caste community. It substantiates the non-monotonicity of restrictedness of social norms across castes and religions. Agency of Muslim women has not increased significantly compared to the UC women.\nResearch limitations/implications: The study suffers from usual limitations of sampling.\nOriginality/value: There is hardly any study deciphering MNREGA from the perspective of caste, religion and gender.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Energy production, carbon emissions and economic growth in lower-middle income countries	[ "CO2 emissions", "Energy production", "Capital formation", "LMI", "MENA" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: The persistent rise in the global discharges of CO2 emissions and the likely undesirable consequences of this practice on the global atmosphere attracts the attention of policy makers at an international level to debate on the contribution of various countries to the total emissions and the efforts put forward by these countries to contract these emissions (Kojima and Bacon, 2009). The global CO2 emissions had risen from about 21bn tons in 1990 to about 29.4bn in 2008, representing about 40 percent increase over the same period (Ghandoor, 2013). Moreover, it is argued that if necessary action is not taken to cut down the concentration of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere, by the year 2035, it will be two times its amount from its pre-industrial level which may cause a short run increase in the global average temperature by more than 2oC and a higher probability of rising such temperature by more than 5oC in the long run (Tiwari, 2011). That is why most of the developed industrialized nations have committed to cut down their CO2 emissions significantly by the year 2020 (Kojima and Bacon, 2009). Similarly, as most of the developing nations keep growing, their emissions of CO2 becomes one of the most important concerns in various agreements at international level especially concerning the ingress of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the environmental quality. In handling the issue of CO2 emissions, the mottos of \"green economy\" and \"low carbon city\" are presently popular among the developing nations (Tang and Tan, 2014). Therefore, many developing nations are expected to control the growth of their CO2 emissions in the near future (Kojima and Bacon, 2009).\n2. Literature review: The relationship connecting energy, economic growth and CO2 emissions has been extensively examined in the literature. Whereas some studies, such as Soytas and Sari (2009) for Turkey; Menyah and Wolde-Rufael (2010) for South Africa; Tiwari (2011) for India; Bloch et al. (2012) for China; Danlami et al. (2017) and Begum et al. (2015) for Malaysia; and Bento and Moutinho (2016) for Italy, concentrated on single country analysis, other studies are more regional at international level such as: Hossain (2011) for industrialized nations; Saboori et al. (2014) for OECD countries; Salahuddin and Gow (2014) for GCC countries; and Heidari et al. (2015) for ASEAN five countries focused on many country analysis.\n3. The scenario analysis of CO2 emissions, energy production and economic growth of LMI and MENA countries: It is commonly acknowledged in the literature that industrious developed nations are the major suppliers of global CO2 emissions. However, Wei et al. (2011) concluded that developing countries are also contributing a significant percentage to the global CO2 emissions. Figures 1 and 2 have diagrammatically depicted the CO2 emissions, energy production from gas and economic outlook of the LMI and MENA developing countries. The figures illustrated that there is a persistent increase in CO2 emissions and energy production from gas sources in the LMI and MENA countries. Furthermore, the economic growth and GCF fluctuated over the period under consideration. Similarly, an increase in the energy production from gas between 1980 and 2011 did not correspond with the unstable trend of FDI during the period under consideration. Specifically to MENA countries, economic growth had recorded negative trend in 1986 and 2010. The situation in the two groups of countries is alarming considering an increase in CO2 emissions coupled with the instability in economic activities. In a similar situation, Arouri et al. (2012) suggested that MENA countries shall sacrifice part of their economic growth to counter CO2 emission effects through energy conservation. The predictions of the long-run economic, social and environmental effects of these countries cannot be certainly predicted without rigor inferential analysis.\n4. Data and methods: The data for this study were sourced from WDI (2016). The study focused in measuring the relationship between CO2 emissions, GDP growth, GCF, FDI and the energy production from for the period of 1980-2011 (Table I).\n5. Discussions of results: Panel unit root test based on Levin et al. (2002) was utilized to determine the stationarity of the panel data. The stationarity test of variables CO2, EPG, FDI, GCF and GDP was conducted to ascertain the appropriateness of estimating the ARDL model of these variables. The panel unit root test was conducted using two different equations: constant and constant with trends. The results of the tests are exhibited in Table V.\n6. Conclusion and policy implications: This study examined the dynamic relationship between energy production, FDI, GCF, GDP and CO2 emissions in lower middle income and MENA countries. The study covered the period 1980-2011. ARDL approach was used to investigate the short-run and the long-run relationships among the variables. The results of the estimations have shown the evidence of the existence of both the short-run and the long-run relationship. In line with the findings of the study, the following are the policy implications of the study at the international regional level. The results have shown that there is a positive relationship between GDP and CO2 emissions. The higher the rate of economic growth the higher the amount of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, therefore, policy makers in these countries should set a target of economic growth with cautions in order to avoid higher concentration of CO2. Similarly, the results have shown that the activities of FDI have significant impact in contributing to the concentration of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere of these countries, therefore, policy makers in these countries both at national and international levels should review and check the operation of FDI in their countries and should ensure that the emissions by FDI are reduced to the minimum possible level in order to contribute to the reduction of global atmosphere. For instance, the issue of green technology adoption is very important in this respect. Furthermore, the activities of energy production of the affected countries especially MENA countries whereby there is a high rate of oil exploration in the area contributes immensely to the concentration of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere, therefore there is a need for this countries to regulate the means of energy production and device a more efficient way of crude oil production in such a way to lessen its impact on the atmosphere. However, this study is limited in scope that covers only the period 1980-2011 due to non-availability of relevant data for the areas under study during the time of the analysis. Therefore, a study that will cover up to the year 2015 is recommended. Second, though this study carried out estimations differently for lower middle income countries and MENA countries, however, we can describe the estimated results as aggregate because each of the two groups consists of many countries which may not exactly represents the real situation in a single particular country.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The persistent rise in the global discharges of carbon (CO2) emissions and the likely undesirable consequences of this practice on the global atmosphere attracts the attention of policy makers and researchers to argue on the causes and perpetrators of CO2 emissions at international level. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between economic growth, energy production, capital formation, foreign direct investment (FDI) and CO2 emissions in the LMI and Middle East and North African (MENA) countries for the period 1980-2011.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Two separate autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models were estimated for both the LMI and MENA countries, for the period 1980-2011. Furthermore, a fully modified OLS (FMOLS) was estimated for the two regions over the same period.\nFindings: The results indicated that for the lower-middle income countries, there is a positive significant relationship between energy production and CO2 emissions. In the long run while in the short run, FDI and EGP are positively related to CO2 emissions while gross capital formation (GCF) has a negative impact on the CO2 emissions in the short run over the same period. Similarly, for the MENA countries, there is a positive relationship between EGP, GCF and CO2 emissions in both the short run and the long run. Furthermore, the estimated group mean FMOLS indicated that apart from GDP, all other variables have significant positive impact on CO2 emissions.\nResearch limitations/implications: The study covers only the period 1980-2011. This was because of limited available data during the study.\nPractical implications: The study recommended the adoption of green technology by FDI firms and also in the process of energy production such as in crude oil production.\nOriginality/value: The study carried out a complex analysis where simultaneously all the countries of LMI and MENA regions where considered. Furthermore, separate analysis where conducted for each of the LMI and MENA regions using ARDL model. Variable representing energy production was included in the analysis which was not considered by previous studies. Lastly, FMOLS was estimated for the pooled of LMI and MENA countries which further distinguished the study from the relevant previous studies.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The road back to relevance: How to put marketing (and marketing scholars) back on the Top Managements' agendas	[ "Top management", "CEO", "Relevance", "Role of marketing", "Marketing scholarship", "Strategy", "Managerial practice" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: \"So, you want us to save marketing? That's it?!\" was the eloquent response of one of our contributors, while discussing the aim of our Special Issue. Right in this instance, it struck me. If some of the leading marketing scholars believe we need to be saved, how do managers think about us, the impact of our research, and marketing in general? I have a rather strong, albeit biased view on this, but what were my peers thinking?\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: Based upon primary research, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the three main sources of frustration about the marketing scholars' community current status quo. It delivers feasible solutions and describes, using the example of the Special Issue, how to overcome these challenges and provide the research environment all desire.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Editorial paper summarizing the Special Issue's contributions and observations from the marketing scholar community.\nFindings: The three main sources of frustration for marketing scholars about the current system are, first, review and publishing processes, second, the dominant epistemological and methodological approach in academe, encouraging an increasing specialization and reliance on generating more and more quantitatively driven knowledge and finally, the lack of acceptance (and outright disdain) for research with a managerial, applied emphasis.\nPractical implications: But it surely is not mission impossible to build the research environment that is wanted. To build the research environment the community desires and to be \"back where we belong,\" to be relevant means the need to do more than just engaging in lip service. Rather than complying with the system causing frustration, the paper asks all to take an active part in the change process. The paper strongly encourages all, as editors, reviewers, colleagues, mentors and supervisors to do so and take some chances. Engage in and support brave research.\nSocial implications: The authors hope that the paper will stimulate research widely accessible to both managers, and a broader audience. This will eventually lead to a better reputation and public opinion toward marketing scholars and research.\nOriginality/value: Rather than simply stating the main frustrations of the marketing scholar community, and calling for changes, the authors demonstrate how these challenges can be overcome, and deliver platforms to communicate and lead both the conversation and the actions to achieve the research community most desire.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The impact of CRM 2.0 on customer insight	[ "Buyer‐seller relationships", "Social networks", "Customers", "Management strategy" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Customer relationship management (CRM) is reaching a strategic apex. Despite a history of traditional CRM failures, CRM has become an essential part of business, especially large enterprises, and it is gaining increasing interest from smaller and mid-sized businesses. However, in 2007, with a substantial escalation in 2008, CRM began a transformation, now named CRM 2.0 or social CRM, from a strategy that was focused on customer transactions to a strategy that incorporated both customer transactions and customer interactions - if successful, something that would add greatly to the information needed for customer insights.Much of this transformation was fuelled by the social communications revolution that drove huge changes in how especially younger generations communicated with each other and institutions. Preferred devices changed, as did the actual channels of communication. For example, in 2007, for the first time, the USA had more cell-phone only users than landline-only users (Arthur, 2007) - the bulk of this change being driven by younger users. But even more telling than that was a study that showed that in 2006, Generation Y crossed a new threshold, spending more time on the internet (12.2 hours per week) than watching television (10.6 hours per week) (Schadler et al., 2006) - a trend that has continued.It is indicated in many other ways too. There have been 133,000,000 blogs indexed since 2002, (Sifry, 2008), nearly two trillion SMS text messages were sent worldwide in 2007 (Ingelbrecht et al., 2007) and, according to Comscore, Facebook, the premier external social network, had 200,000,000 unique visitors in the month of December 2008 alone. These numbers reflect a new way of communicating that transformed not only how customers and companies interacted, but also the use of a new approach to knowledge as a source for customer insight.Social networks have been one of the key reflections of this transformation. The Pew Internet Project Data memo for December 2008 (Lenhart, 2009) found that adult participation (over 18) in social networks rose from 8 percent in 2005 to 35 percent in 2008. This was characterized by participation in Facebook, MySpace, Orkut and other external social networks, at the same time multiple companies were developing their own communities specific to their practices or interests. Through the use of these networks and other digital technologies, communication became global and real-time. What was also uniquely important was that the means to share knowledge became simplified as free or inexpensive tools that allowed both internet access and easy uploading of information became commonly available. Diigo, a social bookmarking tool that has gained a popular following, is an example of this. The low cost of these tools, and their easy availability, changed individual expectations. Individuals, especially the Gen Yers entering the workforce, began expecting the institutions that they worked for or did business with would provide them with the tools and the permission to use them (Trunk, 2007).Business was not ready for this change. Customers reached out to sources other than the business itself, to understand how to engage with that business. Companies had to figure out new ways to engage those customers. Capturing purchase histories and identifying buying patterns of customers was no longer sufficient. Insight gained through traditional transactional data no longer satisfied the knowledge required to satisfy the company's response to the empowered customer's demands.Discovering the conversations that those same customers were having about them and other relevant matters - both inside and outside the firewalls of the company - is now more relevant than ever because the customers are acting on those conversations - and affecting business.As the economy plummets, the desire to retain profitable customers deepens. But that desire comes at a time when the customers themselves are not only reducing spending, but they are also more empowered. What drives this empowered customer is greater selection choices, peer trust, and instantaneous access to knowledge - most often available through third-party sources. In other words, they don't have to rely on a particular manufacturer, distributor or retailer for information on a product or service offered. In fact, nearly identical products and services can be found through multiple competitive companies via multiple channels.With the mainstreaming of e-commerce through sites like Amazon and the business-friendly pricing of courier services like UPS, Federal Express and the Post Office, geographical convenience is not an issue or a differentiator as much as it once was.What all this means is that the customer is now in command of the business ecosystem - a profound shift that took place in 2004 when how and who the customer trusted changed.As it was well put in the influential book, The Cluetrain Manifesto:Markets are conversations [...] The community of discourse is the market. Companies that do not belong to a community of discourse will die (Locke et al., 2000).There has been anecdotal evidence that companies unwilling to understand this have been damaged. NBC Universal felt the wrath of this new marketplace in 2006:NBC Universal announced sweeping cuts to its television operations yesterday, demonstrating just how far a once-unrivaled network must now go to stay competitive with YouTube, social networks, video games and other upstart media[1].Those sweeping cuts were 700 personnel and $750 million dollars in budget reductions.This shift signaled that the customer was no longer the object of a sale but instead defines the subject line. The customer is now a social customer (Carfi, 2008)[2]. It is that social customer who drives the need for CRM 2.0 (Greenberg, 2007).CRM 2.0 provides the strategies and tools for new levels of customer insight - the kinds of insight that allow customers to personalize their interactions and experiences with companies - who can profit from those experiences (Pine and Gilmore, 1999). The company and the customer co-create the knowledge necessary for insight. Often, the customer willingly provides insight to the company if they can see the benefit to them.In order to understand what CRM 2.0 offers to help further customer knowledge within the organization, the new breed of customer has to take center stage.\nWho is the social customer?: Social customers are not the customers of yore. They trust their peers, are connected via the web and mobile devices to those peers as much of a day as they would like. They expect information to be available to them on demand and at the same time have the tools and the desire to share and socialize that information with those same trusted peers - whether they actually know them or not. They require transparency and authenticity from their peers and the companies they choose to deal with[3]. They get a feeling of some connection to the company and, most likely, rewards for their efforts on behalf of the company. Their loyalty is attitudinal, not just behavioral. If things go well, they become advocates.The core driver of this relationship is trust.Transformation of trust reflects the change in the social environment\nA new kind of customer insight: True customer insight has been elusive for most companies. CRM tools, which were purported to help, were actually not that successful in supporting any sort of actual knowledge of individual customers. As a management tool, the best CRM was able to provide was metrics that concerned what the monetary value of a customer over a lifetime was for a given company - giving that company a rough idea of the kinds of resources they needed to invest in that present or future high- or low-value customer. The early version of a CRM Holy Grail had little to do with customer insight and much more to do with customer data and records. That was the misnamed \"360 degree view of the customer\" - a single customer record of all sales, marketing and customer service transactions made available as a unified record to those who needed to access it across all departments of a company. In fact, much of CRM software core data functionality during the earliest part of the millennium was devoted to unified record or data management, best represented by the 2004 release of Siebel's Universal Customer Master (UCM). Because of the complexity of this issue, an entire field devoted to unifying all customer data from multiple sources, customer data integration (CDI)[6] became a lucrative revenue source for multiple consulting organizations. This data strategy and functionality remained coherent with the value proposition of traditional CRM - a data-driven, process centric methodology, strategy, and business model that gave corporate senior leadership new transparency into their internal customer-facing organizations and activities.The problem was - and is - that somewhere along the way, this data accumulation became a substitute for judgment and insight. It also became a substitute for actual conversation with customers. Customer insight became a determination of what was necessary to upsell or cross-sell an existing customer or to acquire new customers. For example, a Charles Schwab representative at the 2003 PeopleSoft conference thought they were successful because they increased the average number of products the customer owned. They never spoke publicly of whether they were the right products or not for those customers. The number (transaction) was king.However, as the social customer began to take control of the conversation in the marketplace (Locke et al., 2000) - and thus their own consumer \"destinies\" - the criteria for insight changed. But because the conversations were occurring on a much larger scale and in a more visible way, the opportunity to capture and aggregate the knowledge with the customer's consent grew exponentially.But note here, the opportunity grew, but companies didn't take advantage of it at all. A 2009 CMO Council sponsored Satmetrix study found that 56 percent of the 400 executives surveyed said their companies had no programs in place to track word of mouth activities, and even less - only 36.6 percent of the same executives - said that they had programs to gather insight from customer engagements - leaving the opportunity in the ether. (CMO Council, 2009)CRM 2.0 can provide the tools and strategies for meaningful, accurate customer insight. Rather than attempting to learn something emotional from a customer record, it can change the face and nature of what information is gathered, what companies can learn from that information and how they can apply that information. The information includes the nature of conversations about the company by an individual customer, customers associated with an account, or discussions going on in the general population about a company or circumstance. It also means measuring the emotional temperature of a customer or group of customers concerning the company as a whole, events associated with the company or subjects of interest to the company. At one level, the knowledge needed draws on information that can emanate from the more traditional, relatively static, internal and even from external knowledge bases such as Reuters. But there is an entirely new class of tools evolving around social media monitoring that are being tied into CRM systems. Helpstream for customer service, InsideView product SalesView for sales, and Radian6 for marketing are among the better-known tools. The value of these tools is their ability to tap millions of sources including traditional sources, profiles from external social networks like Facebook, MySpace or LinkedIn, threaded discussions from forums, communities that are organized around specific interests or practices and even internal sources such as knowledge bases or wikis. The more advanced tools use sentiment analysis and incorporate business tools and workflows so that they can identify and scrape the most valuable information, but also determine the emotional tone, based on sophisticated text analysis tools such as SAP Business Objects Insight.So not only are valuable data parsed but the emotional level of the discussions going on are taken into account which gives a much richer picture of the subject matter of interest and can make the information gathered actionable in real time.This is a burgeoning field. Social media expert Nathan Gilliat estimates that there are 170 vendor providing \"social media analysis\" software or services in this space[8].These tools would not be significant if they weren't used by businesses to gain greater insight into their customers as individuals - or if used as internal learning tools, to gain greater effectiveness in closing a sales deal.Five components for customer insight\nConclusion: CRM systems have long been the repository for transactional customer data. The level of insight that they provided has always been limited and focused on behavioral knowledge. What the customer purchased, what products might interest them, what kind of responses they had to varying marketing campaigns; how their customer service issue got resolved; what opportunities for up-selling and cross-selling might the customer respond to, have been among the primary data keys CRM was designed to analyze.At best, this provided a limited amount of attitudinal information - information that became vital when the social customer moved to the center of the business ecosystem. It might provide reasonable indicators of satisfaction and/or loyalty but remained limited. Most of the data was gathered independently of the customer's direct participation.With the evolution of CRM 2.0 in an era where the social customer is dominant - the opportunity to provide deep customer insight into the why the customer does something and to tap the knowledge that the customer has about the products and services that he is using has been magnified exponentially due to the willingness of the customer to converse openly in the cybersphere.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - This paper aims to look at what CRM 2.0 is and how it impacts customer insights. It will show how CRM 2.0's incorporation of social tools and strategies with traditional operational functions meets the demands of twenty-first century \"social\" customers.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The paper presents a combination of independent research by the author for the last decade and third-party sources. This means direct client consulting, interviews with senior corporate management and copious access to expert sources and documents.\nFindings: - The new breed of customer requires corporate transparency, authenticity and interaction. To affect this intelligent, aggressive social consumer, richer insight than that of the past is necessary. CRM and social tools use combined provides the capability for this insight.\nResearch limitations/implications: - CRM 2.0 as a fully integrated strategy and system remains immature, though the integration of CRM traditional technologies with social networks is ongoing and increasingly coexistent. CRM 2.0 thus must be seen as strategically maturing but technologically immature.\nPractical implications: - Any company that understands that their customers are demanding something more and different will adopt CRM 2.0 strategies to gain greater insight into their customers and to support creation of mutual value.\nOriginality/value: - By systematically providing an understanding of how contemporary customers act and what they demand and how CRM 2.0 satisfies that, this adds to contemporary scholarship and modern business practice.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The impact of TQM practices and KM processes on organisational performance: An empirical investigation	[ "Organizational performance", "KM processes", "TQM practices" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Despite the importance of integration between total quality management (TQM) and knowledge management (KM) in achieving superior organizational performance, very few studies link TQM practices and organizational performance via KM processes. This research fills the void in the literature by examining the impact of TQM practices on organizational performance via KM processes in terms of knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application in three of the leading and most promising telecommunications companies in the Middle-East.\nLiterature review: Related literature was reviewed in order to formulate the research hypotheses underpinning the research model, which is shown in Figure 1.\nResearch design: Research model\nAnalysis: Hypotheses testing\nDiscussion of results: TQM practices, such as leadership, customer focus, teamwork, process management, and information and analysis, had a positive impact on organizational performance. This finding supports the results of Fotopoulos and Psomas (2010), Zakuan et al. (2010), and Valmohammadi (2011), who suggested that higher levels of TQM practices leverage organizational performance to the maximum. Although leadership, teamwork, and information and analysis had a positive significant impact on organizational performance, customer focus and process management did not. This was because the effect of customer focus and process management on organizational performance often does not appear in the short term, indicating that not all TQM practices can create a significant positive impact on organizational performance. This result is in line with the results of Baird et al. (2011), Mehmood et al. (2014), and Sadikoglu and Olcay (2014), which showed that organizational performance is affected by some TQM practices, though not by all. This result also confirms the result of Mehmood et al. (2014), who found that customer focus was not related to organizational performance. Prajogo and Sohal (2001) explained the insignificance of this relationship by showing that customers put various constraints on organizations that limited their freedom to innovate.\nConclusions: TQM practices such as leadership, customer focus, teamwork, process management, and information and analysis had a weak positive impact on organizational performance. However, other TQM practices, such as customer focus and process management, did not impact organizational performance. Teamwork was the most influential TQM practice that impacted organizational performance. Knowledge application was the most influential KM process that impacted organizational performance.\nManagerial implications and future studies: This study illuminates the role of KM processes in determining TQM practice success. Business managers should give more attention to TQM practices such as leadership, teamwork, and information and analysis in order to increase organizational performance. They should also initiate teamwork structures to ensure effective knowledge sharing. Business managers can activate the knowledge-acquisition process by focusing on information and analysis practices to enable employees to extract new knowledge. Business leaders should set an example to their employees by sharing their own knowledge and establishing effective mechanisms for knowledge sharing. Business managers must make sure that any newly developed knowledge is utilized in executing business processes and tasks in order to increase organizational performance. Business managers should also be aware that neither TQM practices nor KM processes can create the required positive impact on organizational performance unless both are closely intertwined. Finally, business managers must ensure that customer focus leads TQM practices and KM processes.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of total quality management (TQM) practices in terms of leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, teamwork, process management, information, and analysis on organizational performance in Jordanian telecommunications companies. In addition, the mediating effect of knowledge management (KM) processes is tested.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A survey instrument was used to gather empirical data, and it was distributed to all managerial and non-managerial employees. A total of 477 questionnaires were valid for analysis, resulting in a response rate of (97 percent). Factor analysis and multiple regression analyses were used to test the study's hypotheses.\nFindings: Customer focus and process management were found to have an insignificant impact on organizational performance, while teamwork had the strongest impact on KM processes. The results also revealed that only knowledge sharing and application processes had a significant impact on organizational performance. More importantly, KM processes fully mediated the impact of TQM practices on organizational performance, except for teamwork, which had a partial mediating effect.\nResearch limitations/implications: This study was limited to a survey of the headquarters of three telecommunication companies: Zain, Orange, and Umniah, in Amman City.\nOriginality/value: Originality of the paper lies in testing the influence of TQM practices on organizational performance in a novel context, where most TQM initiatives fail for one reason or another.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Hospitality and tourism education research from 2005 to 2014: "Is the past a prologue to the future?"	[ "Review", "Higher education", "Hospitality and tourism", "Education research" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nPreamble: The beginning of hospitality higher education (HE) dates back to 1893 when a dedicated hotel college, Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, was established in Switzerland. Hospitality education in the USA formally started when Cornell University launched the first undergraduate degree program in hospitality management in 1922 (Barrows and Bosselman, 1999). Much of the development of hospitality HE was dominated by US institutions in the twentieth century with a management focus. Tourism as a field of study appeared in HE about 50 years ago. Under the massification of HE, tourism programs have achieved notable worldwide success in attracting students, scholars and diversified research interests (Airey, 2015). According to Airey (2008, p. 3), tourism education has undergone four developmental stages. The industrial stage (1960s-1970s) was characterized by a highly vocational aim and content, as well as a strong business orientation with an over-reliance on \"extra-disciplinary knowledge\" (Tribe, 1997). The fragmented stage (1980s-1990s) was dominated by debates and uncertainty about the curriculum content and accompanying fragmentation due to a contest among relevant disciplines. It was during this stage that many hospitality programs extended their offerings to include tourism and vice versa. The benchmark stage (2000s) indicated the arrival of a consensus as to the broader content of hospitality and tourism (HT) programs at degree level, as well as a more philosophical and longer-term development approach. Finally, the mature stage (2010 onward) is when HT educators join the mainstream social science and HE communities with concerns about issues such as knowledge base and effective teaching.\nEducation research: HT education is confronted with global political, economic, socio-cultural, technological and environmental megatrends and tremendous challenges posed by the dynamic industry and educational environment (Sheldon et al., 2008). Education research topics and perspectives are presumed to have become broader and more diversified in such a rapidly changing environment. Before examining research perspectives and themes, a PEST (political, economic, socio-cultural, technological) analysis and relevant literature review were conducted, resulting in a diagram (Figure 1) illustrating the influential factors from the external environment in which HT education and research operate. As a subject for study and research, HT have developed along with the growth of the industry, as well as the development of HE (Airey, 2013). The analysis of these influences can adopt a hierarchical perspective (Stuart, 2002; Tribe, 2002) to reach a systematic understanding. The diagram serves as a platform guiding the discussion on trends and issues emerged from HT education scholarship.\nMaking sense of published research: To obtain a comprehensive pool of HT education studies, the authors searched both its core education journals and other mainstream journals. The search period is 2005-2014 inclusive. Articles were selected based on the following procedures and criteria. First, all full-length peer-reviewed research papers (n = 556) published over the past decade in Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education (JHLSTE), Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education (JHTE) and Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism (JTTT) were included in this analysis. Second, ten non-education periodicals in the same period were also examined: Annals of Tourism Research, Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, International Journal of Hospitality Management, International Journal of Tourism Research, Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Journal of Travel Research, Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing and Tourism Management. A review was conducted on each paper's title, abstract and keywords to determine whether its aims, objectives and main findings focused on education. A thorough search yielded 88 relevant peer-reviewed full-length research papers.\nInterpretation: The review of these articles informs discussion and critique on issues and/or perspectives on HT education in pertinence to the five meta-themes. While the grouping of headings mirrors content analytic frequency, the sequence does not necessarily denote centrality of one theme over another to the practice of HT education.\nEpilog: What does past research say of the future of HT education? This review is indicative of an incremental change observable in the field of HT education from 2005-2014, which in general has been in alignment with global megatrends, industry demand, technological advancement and the overall education environment. Much of the recent research has addressed the previous gaps (Tribe, 2002). Researchers in the past decade have been particularly keen on issues surrounding teaching and learning, faculty and student development, curriculum and program, as well as education environment.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to synthesize and evaluate research on hospitality and tourism education in the past ten years (2005-2014) and to suggest directions for future inquiries.\nDesign/methodology/approach: From 13 hospitality and tourism journals, 644 full-length articles were reviewed. A multi-stage process was used to code and analyze each article by two analysts independently to ensure objectivity and accuracy. Two more researchers were involved in discussion to resolve differences in coding.\nFindings: The analysis resulted in five distinctive meta-themes, grounded within 30 sub-themes. Observations are made in terms of teaching and learning, student development, curricula and programs, education environment and faculty development. Areas requiring further scholarly attention under each theme were identified.\nResearch limitations/implications: This review provides an important reflection of the scholarly activities over the past decade on hospitality and tourism education, summarizes the current knowledge on various relevant concepts and offers avenues for future education research.\nPractical implications: This review provides a one-stop information source for education and industry practitioners engaged in human capital, professional and executive development practices.\nOriginality/value: Operating under the dynamic industry and changing higher education environment, it is timely to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of recent education research to assess whether these activities address the challenges faced.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Supply management: is it a discipline?	[ "Supply chain management", "Suppliers", "Supplier relations" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: In this paper our aim is to determine whether or not \"supply management\" may be called a discipline. We do this by examining published work that contributes to the field, grouping articles by type, and testing for significant differences. We then use established tests for the presence of a discipline, to evaluate field coherence, quality and the existence of a discipline-debate. The term \"supply management\" is used to denote one of the two principal activities in business, the other being demand management. Thus, supply management is an encompassing term rather than the more specific, functionally orientated topics such as supply chain management (SCM), purchasing, procurement, and logistics. The research indicates that supply management is not yet a discipline; there has been insufficient theory development to underpin the subject. From our research we conclude that there does appear to be evidence that it is an emerging discipline.The status of supply management as an emerging discipline has significant implications. Whether or not a field may be said to be a discipline will affect research effort, academic and professional definition and identity, policy-making, and related investment (e.g. in funding for university staffing and research). Our analysis follows interrogations in other fields, e.g. gerontology (Lowenstein, 2004), clinical pharmacy (Walker, 1996), construction economics (Myers, 2003), and production and operations management (POM) (Pilkington and Liston-Heyes, 1999). Such analyses raise four common themes:1. the subject areas represent new and growing fields of academic interest;2. they strive to gain academic acceptance;3. they span traditional academic boundaries; and4. they involve scholarship that engages with, and changes, practice.We suggest that these themes apply to the present status of supply management.There have been a number of recent reviews of the development and content of the field of supply management (Carter and Ellram, 2003; Barman et al., 2001; Aarlbjorn and Halldorsson, 2002; Harland et al., 1999; Kauffman, 2002; Larsson and Halldorsson, 2002; Lancioni, 2000; New, 1997). However, none of these reviews address the issue of whether supply management might constitute a discipline. Elsewhere, concerns have been expressed about the lack of discipline and theoretical development in the field (Svensson, 2003; Chen and Paulraj, 2004). This paper fills this gap by specifically addressing whether supply management might be viewed as a discipline, therefore, contributing to what we refer to below as the \"supply management discipline-debate\".This paper is arranged as follows. We begin with a literature review which focuses on what constitutes a discipline. This leads us to develop three research questions and an evaluation framework that will enable us to conclude whether or not supply management is a discipline. Our discussion on methodology explains how we set about answering the questions and using the framework. Our raw data were the occurrences of published papers in journals relating to supply management, as differentiated from those on general management. This is followed by presentation of our findings, analysis and testing for significance. Finally, we explain our conclusions and reflections.\nThe literature: Our review of literature examines what constitutes a discipline, exploring how previous work of this nature has assessed other fields for this purpose. To provide us with a suitable definition, we use the fields of management and POM as exemplars. We tackle two main themes:1. the nature of a \"discipline\"; and2. how to evaluate a field to assess whether or not it is a discipline.The nature of a \"discipline\"\nMethodology: Findings of an initial literature review are incorporated in this section as their main purpose was to assist in methodology development. The ProQuest ABI/INFORM(r) online system was used (covering over 1,800 management and business publications from 1970). A search from 1980 to 2005 for publications with \"supply\" \"management\" and \"discipline\" in the title was made; none was found. The search was broadened to include title, abstract, and keywords. About 29 articles were found, spread across a range of quite different journals. This set provides five initial findings. First, in terms of total volume, this does not represent a large number of academics engaging in a discipline-debate in published outputs. Second, 14 articles were discounted as irrelevant as they dealt with, for example, water supply, or did not deal with discipline, theory, paradigm or conceptual development of the academic field of supply management. Third, in the body of the text, a variety of terms was used, including \"SCM\" \"supply relationships\" and \"supply networks\" indicating that \"supply management\" as a term might not represent the full body of work in the field. This highlights the limitations of this set. Fourth, the range of journals was broad and included some management, logistics, POM and marketing journals. Fifth, only one article specifically addressed discipline development (Aarlbjorn and Halldorsson, 2002) but focused on Logistics & Supply Chain Management.These initial findings did not represent a large sample, as only 15 of the original 29 articles warranted examination in more detail. Whilst possibly not representative of the wider SCM literature base, the initial search helped guide and refine the subsequent literature search process. The initial literature search for \"supply\" \"management\" and \"discipline\" coinciding in title, abstract, or keywords was broadened to include terms other than \"supply management\". Specifically, \"SCM\" \"supply network\" and \"supply relationship\" were added as search terms. \"Theory\" was added to each term to catch those articles that were not using the term \"discipline\" but were still dealing with theoretical development. This yielded 494 hits (which contained some overlap when more than one term appeared in the abstract or keywords), of which 105 were deemed potentially relevant. The abstracts of these were read; 41 were viewed as being about the development of the discipline of supply management, in that they dealt with theory, conceptual development, research paradigms or discipline discussion. The articles are not necessarily representative of the wider SCM literature base but, as this paper is focused on debating SCM as a discipline, it seemed appropriate to search for those containing \"theory\" and \"discipline\". This second, broader search brought up all of the 15 papers that had been found in the initial search and examined in detail, along with 26 more. This set of 41 formed our core data set for subsequent tests to examine the three research questions[1]. Our four tests are described below. Test 1 is used to address RQ 1; tests 2 and 3 address RQ 2; test 4 addresses RQ 3. Two tests (2 and 3) were used to examine quality because the literature review indicated that academic journal publication quality and impact are key quality dimensions.Testing for coherence\nFindings and discussion: This is divided into three sections in order to address the research questions relating to coherence, quality and the existence of a supply management discipline-debate, as indicators of a discipline.Coherence of the supply management discipline-debate\nConclusions: Our three research questions may be answered in the following manner.It is apparent that there is coherence in the field of supply management, as evidenced by a review of the literature related to theory and discipline development. The quality of the literature in supply/POM journals is not significantly identified within the general management field and thus does not support the qualification for a separate discipline. There is not sufficient evidence of a discipline-debate to support the identification of supply management as a discipline in its own right.Combining the findings of our structured approach to answering the research questions with a broader consideration of related literature, it is evident that supply management may be moving from Phase 2 to 3 on our academic discipline evaluation framework (Figure 1). However, it has a long way to go before being recognised and respected as a credible, established discipline.Supply management thus mirrors many of the discipline-related issues faced earlier in management and, more recently, in POM. For example, attempts to impose a single paradigm for supply management research at this phase would be unlikely to gain support at a time when a broadening of paradigms is evident in research practice. In concluding this paper, it is worth reflecting on this situation.The field of supply management is evolving, developing positively, and addressing discipline and theory issues. At present, there are few genuinely individual paths of theory and concept development. Compared to disciplines in the sciences or classics it appears that there is no common quest or \"grand challenge\". Supply management and SCM researchers are converging on the need for integration across organisation and functional boundaries, though there is still little evidence of measured benefits of such integration. SCM and supply management have emerged as dominant terms for this integration but contributors to each stream have provided insufficient theory to underpin this development, and perhaps paid too little attention to disciplinary and theoretical debates.The tests applied here, and the application of a new academic discipline evaluation framework, provide evidence of increasing coherence, quality and impact, whilst maintaining a seemingly healthy breadth and boundary pushing orientation. There is strong evidence of relevance to practice but this in itself may conflict with theoretical rigour. The entrance, continued presence and influence of consultants in the field (starting with Kraljic's (1983) influential work) can prevent a discipline forming as leverage of a few income generating ideas may take precedence over theoretical depth and methodological rigour. There is some agreement that the research agenda should not be driven by practitioner interest alone. For example, Chen and Paulraj (2004) warn that \"research about supply chain management as a conceptual artefact of the modern world is also essential\". The proliferation of knowledge that is based upon practitioner surveys tends to imply theoretical constructs from empirically observed phenomena and statistical relationships rather than conceptualisation and measurement of constructs (Venkatraman, 1989). Chen and Paulraj (2004) attribute this to \"astronomical efforts... required to undertake the development and validation of constructs and measures of supply chain management\".We conclude, therefore, that supply management is not yet a discipline; there has been insufficient discipline and theory development to underpin the subject. There does appear to be evidence that it is an emerging discipline; there is coherence in the supply management discipline-debate, the quality of supply management discipline research is improving and there is a discipline-debate occurring. However, these indicators of an emerging discipline are at a very early stage. There is evidence of some cohesion, yet there are still different terms, paradigms and concepts being used in the field, and different contributions being made by logistics, purchasing and supply, POM, and marketing researchers. The quality of journals publishing articles on the discipline-debate is improving, as is their impact, but the top management journals internationally are not yet engaged. There is evidence of a discipline-debate occurring in the field but it is not sufficiently developed or deliberately articulated. This may imply a lack of strong academic leaders in the field who, like Pfeffer and van Maanen, could tackle the discipline issue head-on over a number of years and at a sufficient level. Or it may be just too soon in the development of the field for such authors to think it worthwhile.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - To examine management literature for guidance on what constitutes a discipline. To examine supply management publications to determine whether the field constitutes a discipline or an emerging discipline. To contribute a structured evaluation to the body of supply management theory/discipline development knowledge.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - Literature review of what constitutes a discipline and an initial assessment of whether supply management is a discipline. Development of research questions used to design tests, using combinations of qualitative pattern matching, journal quality rankings, and social science citations index impact factor. Application of the tests, to evaluate field coherence, quality and the existence of a discipline-debate, to determine whether supply management is an emerging discipline.\nFindings: - An initial literature review finds supply management not to be a discipline, as the field lacks quality of theoretical development and discussion, and coherence. Tests for increasing evidence of coherence, quality and impact yield positive results, indicating that supply management is progressing in its theoretical development. The test findings combined with the existence of the start of a discipline-debate indicate that supply management should be judged to be an emerging discipline.\nOriginality/value: - Drawing from the management literature, the paper provides a unique structured evaluation of the field of supply management, finding it not to be a discipline, but showing evidence of being an emerging discipline.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Quality of work, economic crisis, and temporary employment	[ "Economic crisis", "Structural equation model", "Quality of work", "Temporary employment" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: While becoming unemployed is considered to decrease an individual's well-being in the long run (Clark and Oswald, 1994), permanent and temporary workers who \"survive\" mass layoffs may also experience diminishing well-being due to the threat of the loss of employment (Vahtera and Virtanen, 2013) or of losing privileges achieved in times of economic growth when workers' bargaining positions were stronger. A high quality of work is important for workers' well-being. It is positively correlated with life satisfaction (Bowling et al., 2010) and a diversity of physical and psychosocial health outcomes (see Barnay, 2016 for a recent review). Temporary workers tent to be engaged in low-quality jobs characterised by higher job insecurity compared to their permanent counterparts. As a consequence, they experience a higher prevalence of work-related stress and mental health problems (Virtanen et al., 2005). A working life with poor labour attachment may lead to social exclusion and even to a more stressful situation than remaining unemployed (Chandola and Zhang, 2018).\n2. Literature review: The concept of quality of life at work emerged in the 1940s from the field of psychology to address worker alienation. Early research highlights the difficulty of defining the multidimensional nature of work quality, discussing the reciprocal effects of quality of life. Scholars studied how employees manage (or fail) to accommodate, compensate for or transfer satisfaction with work to their quality of life. Martel and Dupuis (2006) offer a critical review of the ambiguity of defining job quality despite empirical advances.\n3. Data and methods: Data and population\n4. Results and discussion: Table I shows that 18.1 per cent of men and 21.0 per cent of women were involved in involuntary temporary employment in 2006/2007. These figures decrease slightly to 14.3 and 17.4 per cent in 2009/2010. At base year, temporary employment is more common at young ages, from 25 to 34, at 29.6 per cent for men and 30.1 per cent for women, decreasing with age. Temporary employment is more common among those with a primary education (24 per cent for men and 26.1 per cent for women), among manual and non-qualified occupations (around one-third of these workers), in small firms for men (22.5 per cent) but without differences for women (20.5 per cent), in the construction sector for men (41.1 per cent) with a large decrease during the economic crisis to 16.5 per cent, and in the public services for women (23.8 per cent). Temporary employment decreases during the economic crisis in most categories for both sexes.\n5. Conclusions: Our objective was to analyse the association between the type of contract (involuntary temporary vs permanent employment) on the quality of work before and after the economic crisis in Spain. We observe no differences by type of contract on the quality of work for men in both periods, but a decrease for women during the economic crisis and an adverse widening gap across all dimensions of quality of work. However, men in involuntary temporary employment experienced more insecurity, fewer rewards and fewer prospects than workers in permanent positions across the periods studied. There is a shift among men in involuntary temporary employment from valuing intrinsic job quality in the pre-crisis period more the work environment during the crisis period; an \"inhibitor effect\" appears to dominate. For women, this effect also holds, but we hypothesise that an \"added-worker effect\" for new entries (or longer hours) with harder working conditions and work-life balance may dominate over the \"inhibitor effect\".\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the association between the type of contract (temporary vs permanent) and the quality of work and its different dimensions before and after the economic crisis among Spanish employees.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Structural equations techniques are used to analyse the association between the type of contract and the work quality and its different dimensions before and after the crisis. Data are drawn from the 2006/2007 and 2009/2010 waves of the Encuesta de Calidad de Vida en el Trabajo.\nFindings: The results show that in the two considered periods there are no differences in quality of work among male involuntary temporary workers and those with permanent contracts. However, there is an adverse widening gap across all dimensions of work quality for women in involuntary temporary employment during the economic crisis. There is also a shift among men and women in involuntary temporary employment from valuing intrinsic job quality dimension in the pre-crisis period to valuing more the work environment dimension during the crisis period.\nResearch limitations/implications: The analysis is limited by the continuity of variables across years and the high proportion of missing values in some variables. The obtained results cannot be interpreted in terms of causality.\nOriginality/value: This is the first study to consider whether the deterioration in the Spanish labour market during the crisis has affected the relationship between the type of contract and the different dimensions of the quality of work.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The impact research of online reviews' sentiment polarity presentation on consumer purchase decision	[ "Consumer behaviour/choice/demand/empowerment/reviews/consumerism", "Online shopping", "E-commerce (B2B/B2C/B2G/G2C)", "Information processing theory" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: With the rapid development of e-commerce, online reviews have become an important source of information for consumers to evaluate the quality of products (Godes and Mayzlin, 2004; Mayzlin, 2006; Chen and Xie, 2008; Ludwig et al., 2013). To facilitate consumer viewing of online reviews, e-commerce enterprise subdivide online reviews according to online reviews' sentiment polarity, making online reviews' presentation a constantly changing resource. Online reviews' sentiment polarity means that sentiment text takes a point of view (Wang et al., 2013), such as pleasant, regret, anger, etc. Consumers tend to publish or focus on more negative or positive reviews rather than neutral reviews (Lee et al., 2008). Above all, this paper divides online reviews sentiment polarity into negative polarity and positive polarity (Eguchi and Lavrenko, 2006). Positive sentiment polarity is featured as the positive, pleasure, virtue, etc. and negative polarity is featured as vice, fail, negate, and no (Cho et al., 2014). The presentation of online reviews is divided into two categories: one type is the mixed presentation of online reviews' sentiment polarity (hereinafter referred to as mixed presentation), under which all of the online reviews are successively presented in chronological order without classification; and the other type is the classified presentation of online reviews' sentiment polarity (hereinafter referred to as classified presentation), under which positive, medium and negative reviews are presented, respectively, in chronological order.\n2. Theoretical background and hypotheses: 2.1 Online reviews' sentiment polarity presentation\n3. Experiment design and research methods: 3.1 Formal experimental design\n4. Data analysis: 4.1 Demographic variables\n5. Conclusion and prospect: Online review is one of the most important communication channels. Researchers have provided evidence in support of its effects on sales (Mayzlin and Chevalier, 2006). As a result, management of online reviews has increasingly been integrated into marketing communication strategy. This paper explores the effects of online reviews' presentation on the consumers' attitudes and the mechanisms supporting these effects.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: Because online shopping is risky, there is a strong need to develop better presentation of online reviews, which may reduce the perceived risk and create more pleasurable shopping experiences. To test the impact of online reviews' sentiment polarity presentation, the purpose of this paper is to adopt a scenario experiment to study consumers' decision-making process under the two scenarios of mixed presentation and classified presentation of online reviews collected from Jingdong.com in China: focusing on the comparative analysis on the differences of the consumers' perceived risk, purchase intention and purchase delay, and further studying the interaction effect of involvement and online reviews' sentiment polarity presentation.\nDesign/methodology/approach: This paper employed a 2x2 factorial experiment to test the hypothesis. The experimental design is divided into four groups: 2 (online reviews' sentiment polarity presentation: mixed presentation vs classified presentation) x 2 (involvement: low vs high), each of which contains 90 samples. Through the data analysis, the main effect, mediation effect and moderating effect were examined.\nFindings: The results show that compared with mixed presentation, classified presentation can reduce purchase intention and increase purchase delay due to the existence of loss aversion and availability heuristic. Furthermore, the paper also confirms that there is a significant interaction effect between involvement and online reviews' sentiment polarity presentation.\nOriginality/value: The existing research pays less attention to the impact of online reviews presentation on consumers' decision making, especially the lack of discussion on the interaction effect between involvement and online reviews presentation. For this reason, this paper proposes a problem, which concerns whether mixed presentation and classified presentation of online reviews will affect consumers' decision making differently.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Physician-user interaction and users' perceived service quality: evidence from Chinese mobile healthcare consultation	[ "Physician-user interaction", "Perceived service quality", "Mobile consultation" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: With the rapid development of mobile technologies and the widespread use of smartphones, mobile healthcare consultation has been gaining popularity in China, whose medical resources are in short and unevenly distributed (Yang et al., 2015, 2019; Zhang et al., 2019). The users of mobile consultation account for more than 50% of all users of mobile healthcare services and almost 30% of all mobile phone users in China (Chinese Industry News, 2019). Mobile consultation enables the undertaking of preliminary as well as regular health consultations, where users can seek personalized medical information and suggestions from physicians via mobile Internet, mobile devices and mobile applications (Marcolino et al., 2018; Yang et al., 2019). Extant studies have indicated that mobile consultation can relieve the uneven distribution of medical resources, and improves the efficiency of receiving healthcare service for users by breaking the restriction of space and time, thereby becoming an important channel to enhance healthcare service quality (Dwivedi et al., 2016; Jie et al., 2016; Johnston et al., 2013).Perceived service quality (PSQ) of healthcare refers to patients' judgment of the overall excellence or superiority of healthcare service in traditional healthcare (Dagger et al., 2007; Parasuraman et al., 1985). The importance of PSQ has been evidenced in numerous studies because of its strong effects on patients' satisfaction and quality of life (Akter et al., 2019; Kitapci et al., 2014). Mobile consultation not only offers treatment suggestions for patients, but also offers medical information requested by other users who are not necessarily patients (Garcia-Gomez et al., 2014). Therefore, PSQ of mobile consultation refers to users' evaluation towards the consultation service, rather than patients' evaluation towards the medical treatment. Examining users' PSQ in the mobile healthcare context is meaningful not only because it is one of the most important antecedents for users' satisfaction, but also because it increases users' adoption and continuous use of mobile healthcare(Akter et al., 2013b; Nisha et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2014).In the mobile context, physician-user interaction has become a critical influencing factor of users' PSQ in healthcare (Chatterjee et al., 2009; Akter et al., 2013a). The interactive factors that influence users' PSQ are interpreted as activities conducted by physicians for dealing with health-related issues and establishing the physician-user relationship (Wu et al., 2018). Ample research attention has been devoted to examining the antecedents for PSQ in offline healthcare, which emphasizes the significant roles of environmental quality, outcome quality and interaction quality in influencing patients' PSQ (Dagger et al., 2007; Iram et al., 2018). However, findings in traditional healthcare are not directly applicable to the mobile context. Compared to the offline context, there is no physical environment in the mobile context (Akter et al., 2013a). Moreover, the medical outcomes in mobile consultation are usually harder to measure, because physicians in mobile consultation are more likely to provide information and suggestions rather than practical treatments (Upadhyai et al., 2019). As a result, without the cues from the physical environment and medical outcomes, users are more likely to rely on physician-user interaction to evaluate service quality in mobile consultation.Although the significance of physician-user interaction has been widely acknowledged in both offline and online healthcare literature, little research has been done to figure out the specific interactive factors and their impacting mechanisms on users' PSQ in mobile healthcare (James et al., 2017). Compared to that in offline and online consultation, the communication media that supports physician-user interaction has changed in mobile consultation owing to the application of mobile technologies. Due to the disparate capabilities of different media in supporting information transmission and information processing, the physician-user interaction in the mobile context may distinct from that in other contexts (Kahai and Cooper, 2003). Therefore, existing studies on the impacts of physician-user interaction on users' service evaluation in offline and online healthcare are not fully applicable to the mobile context. To gain a complete picture of the influence of physician-user interaction on users' PSQ of mobile consultation, it is necessary to identify specific interactive factors in the mobile context by considering the characteristics of communication media.Media synchronicity theory stresses that media characteristics play an important role in information transmission, information processing and communication performance (Dennis and Valacich, 1999; Dennis et al., 2008). Based on this theory, many studies have compared the capabilities of different media, such as face-to-face, electronic email, instant messaging, and proved their disparate performance in supporting communication (DeLuca and Valacich, 2006; Dennis et al., 2008). By drawing on media synchronicity theory, this study gains an insight into the features of physician-user interaction that is supported by mobile communication media, and builds a theoretical model of the influence of physician-user interaction on users' PSQ in mobile consultation. Specifically, this study aims to address the following questions:What are the interactive factors that are common across offline, online, and mobile healthcare contexts, and the interactive factors that are unique in the mobile context?How do the above two categories of interactive factors influence users' PSQ in mobile consultation?This study adopts two steps to answer these questions. First, we identify interactive factors that affect users' PSQ in mobile consultation. On the one hand, as consistently mentioned factors in different healthcare contexts, physicians' informational support and emotional support are identified as the interactive factors that are common across the online, offline and mobile context based on the literature on physician-user interaction (Liang and Scammon, 2011; Wu et al., 2018). On the other hand, as the determinants of the media capabilities of mobile consultation (i.e. immediacy of feedback and multiplicity of cues), physicians' response speed and voice service are identified as the interactive factors that are unique in the mobile context according to media synchronicity theory (Dennis et al., 2008; Rains et al., 2015; Xie, 2008).Second, this study builds a theoretical model that depicts the impacts of the two categories of interactive factors on users' PSQ in mobile consultation. On the one hand, the information transmitted during the communication process (i.e. informational support and emotional support), and the capabilities of media used to support the communication (i.e. response speed and voice service) influence the outcomes of communication (Dennis and Valacich, 1999). Therefore, we explore the individual impact of the two categories of interactive factors on users' PSQ in mobile consultation. On the other hand, media synchronicity theory proposes that outcomes of the communication processes are moderated by the media's capability to deliver certain cues in a certain way (Dennis et al., 2008). Accordingly, we investigate the potential moderating effect of physicians' response speed and voice service on the relationship between physicians' support and users' PSQ in mobile consultation.We validate the theoretical model by developing research variables based on 25,225 consultation records collected from a leading Chinese mobile consultation application. Notably, extant studies mainly use proxy variables such as the frequency of interactions in consultations and word count of response to describe physicians' online support behaviors (Yang et al., 2015, 2019). This measurement is not effective enough because not all interaction contents are physicians' support. To address this gap, this work takes advantage of text classification and text pattern recognition to more precisely measure physicians' online supporting behaviors.\n2. Theoretical basis: In this section, this study summarizes the interactive factors common in online, offline, and mobile context, i.e. physicians' informational support and emotional support according to the literature on physician-user interaction, and identifies the interactive factors unique in the mobile context, i.e. physicians' response speed and voice service through comparing physician-user interaction in different healthcare contexts based on media synchronicity theory. 2.1 Interactive factors common in different healthcare contexts\n3. Research model and hypotheses: This study draws on the literature on physician-user interaction and media synchronicity theory and takes two steps to explore the impacts of physician-user interaction on users' PSQ in mobile consultation.First, this study explores the individual impact of the two categories of interactive factors on users' PSQ of mobile consultation. On the one hand, as the key information transmitted during physician-user interaction to support users' health management, informational support and emotional support are considered as the antecedents for users' PSQ in mobile consultation. On the other hand, as the determinants of media capabilities in physician-user interaction, physicians' response speed and voice service are considered as influencing factors of users' PSQ in mobile consultation.Second, this study investigates the potential moderating effect of physicians' response and voice service in mobile consultation. According to media synchronicity theory, outcomes of communication processes may be moderated by the media's capability to deliver certain cues in a certain way (Dennis et al., 2008). For example, Walther (1996) demonstrated that individuals can develop feelings of social presence through any media, while the media may constrain the speed at which the development of social presence occurs. In physician-user interaction, physicians' response speed and voice service may impact users' PSQ not only through impacting information transmission, but also through impacting users' processing and perception of informational and emotional support provided by physicians. Therefore, this study argues that the effect of physicians' support on users' PSQ is contingent at different levels of response speed and voice service.Based on the above arguments, we propose the research model of this study as Figure 1. Specifically, we test eight hypotheses in this research. 3.1 The effect of physicians' informational support on PSQ\n4. Research methodology: 4.1 Data collection\n5. Discussion: 5.1 Discussion of key findings\n6. Conclusions: The introduction of mobile technologies makes physician-user interaction in mobile healthcare consultation distinct from that in other contexts. Although the significance of physician-user interaction has been widely acknowledged in both offline and online healthcare literature, little attempt has been made to figure out the specific interactive factors and their impacting mechanisms on PSQ in the mobile context. According to the literature on physician-user interaction, this study summarizes the interactive factors common in offline, online and mobile contexts, i.e. physicians' informational support and emotional support. According to media synchronicity theory, this study identifies interactive factors unique in the mobile context, i.e. physicians' response speed and voice service. This study proposes a theoretical research model that investigates the individual and interactive effects of the two categories of interactive factors on users' PSQ in mobile consultation. Further, the model is empirically verified using an objective data set from a leading Chinese mobile consultation application. This study identifies two sets of antecedents for users' PSQ in the mobile healthcare context, enriches the mechanisms through which physician-user interaction influences PSQ and contributes to healthcare service management in China.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The significance of physician-user interaction has been widely acknowledged in offline and online healthcare consultation. However, limited attempts have been made to explore the influence of physician-user interaction on users' perceived service quality (PSQ) in the mobile context. Based on the literature on physician-user interaction and media synchronicity theory, this study proposes a theoretical model where the interactive factors common across the offline, online and mobile context, i.e. physicians' informational support and emotional support, the interactive factors unique in the mobile context, i.e. physicians' response speed and voice service, and the interaction between the two categories of interactive factors predict users' PSQ in mobile consultation.\nDesign/methodology/approach: This study collects consultation records between 25,225 users and 738 physicians from a leading Chinese mobile consultation application, and employs linear regression to verify the proposed theoretical model.\nFindings: Physicians' informational, emotional support, response speed and voice service are found to have significant positive impacts on users' PSQ. Besides, physicians' response speed strengthens the positive impacts of physicians' informational and emotional support on users' PSQ, while physicians' voice service weakens the positive link between physicians' informational support on users' PSQ.\nOriginality/value: This study contributes to the antecedents for users' PSQ in mobile consultation by identifying unique interactive factors in the mobile context, and highlighting the individual and interaction effects of different physician-user interactive factors. Besides, this study employs novel methods, which leverages text classification and text pattern recognition to more accurately depict physicians' online behaviors based on objective communication records.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Policy to workforce plans - a guide to application: The details of an induction course in the NHS	[ "Manpower planning", "Business policy", "National Health Service", "Health services", "Employees" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: The National Health Service (NHS) Workforce Review Team (WRT) is a group of dedicated healthcare-workforce planners who provide objective modeling, analysis and evidence-based recommendations in order to enable patient-centered and clinically driven strategic decision making across the healthcare workforce.\nFrom policy to practice: At any point in time there is a range of policy documents, national service frameworks, green and white papers, Acts of parliament and policy reviews that may provide context and direction to services delivered in many areas of health and social care. There are, on average, 20 to 30 publications of this type per month. Journalists will often comment on these developments, highlighting aspects of particular interest to their readers.Although the documents can seem daunting at first, with many of them well over 100 pages long, they provide an important framework for strategic workforce planning. The ultimate danger of not doing this work is that the enabling workforce decisions, such as training and development, may not be made in time for suitable implementation of policy. In extreme cases this could delay or prevent implementation. Policy documents that may have a bearing on a specific work area can generally be identified quickly on the Department of Health (DH) web site (www.dh.gov.uk).\nCourse design: As part of WRT's induction course for workforce planners, we deliver a session on how to extract workforce implications from policy documents. The attendees on this course work for the NHS, in the areas of workforce planning, human resources, education and strategic service planning.The session includes a ten-minute exercise in finding out the following:* What is the purpose of the document?* Which areas of healthcare and workforce are covered?* What are the ultimate and interim timescales for the policy impact?* How much information is there to start investigating the workforce impact of the policy?In summary, generally the purpose and scope of the document are clear, albeit at high level. Timescales for implementation run from between five and 20 years, rarely with interim yardsticks, and the level of information on which to base workforce planning is variable.Some of the lack of detail may be intentional and reflect the desire that the detail of implementation is generated closer to the operational and clinical \"coal face\". Despite this, students are generally able to find out, within this ten-minute period, whether the policy is relevant to their task, and gain pointers for future estimation. With the information gleaned through this process, key parameters and avenues to follow through are identified.A recent example of a policy paper we investigated was the strategy for children and young people's health - Healthy Lives, Brighter Futures (2009). It provides the vision for children's development and health outcomes to 2020, with limited coverage of overall workforce but it does include some examples of new and existing staff groups. A suggested approach is to:* Find an expert. This helps in \"cutting to the chase\" of the key provisions. When we did some initial work on Our Health, Our Care, Our Say (2006) we identified an analyst who had worked on the detail behind the policy, which helped us to identify the key components quickly.* Use a specialist web site. WRT regularly analyses new policy impacts and reflects this in its workforce summaries.* Derive a checklist of key points. Often the report contains an executive summary, but important information to workforce planners requires review of the whole document.* Crudely estimate the potential impact. What proportion of the workforce is affected and to what degree?* Discuss and validate with people familiar with the field. This may result in a range of optional assumptions that can be further tested. WRT has a range of stakeholders and organizations (royal colleges, strategic health authorities, primary care trusts, foundation trusts and so on) which it works with collaboratively in strategic planning, horizon scanning and related topics.\nWhat happens after the course?: Following the course, attendees can use this approach in the workplace to rapidly determine the implications of new directives. The next stage is for attendees to apply this policy in practice. They are advised to compare their resulting workforce-demand estimates with potential supply. It is suggested they cost possible alternatives for bridging any gaps and then identify actions and barriers and gain agreement.These stages fit in well with the six-steps approach to workforce planning outlined by the workforce-projects team in skills for health, which provides another useful, specialist web site: www.healthcareworkforce.nhs.uk/ resources/latest_resources/six_steps_refresh.htmlOur experience working with the course attendees and policy documents shows that it is not always easy to link policy to workforce but it is definitely worth the effort. Often you will need to work outside the policy document with experts and wider data. This will require research in the appropriate field.It is helpful if you can identify what elements of the policy look reasonably firm, and what is more aspirational. (A 1 percent rule or similar is often helpful - if it does not change overall demand by more than 1 percent, it may not be a variable with major workforce-planning significance.)You need to try to get a realistic fix on timing, both interim and end point.Finally, in estimating the workforce impact of policy, you will not get it exactly right. It could be a little wrong or a lot, but the process will raise the key questions and provide important parameters for successful implementation. As a result, considering possible outcomes that are variations from your central view will often bring up important additional issues for consideration.More information can be gained from the WRT web site, which includes workforce summaries, events and details of our training courses (www.wrt.nhs.uk).\nNote: John Deagle is a manager with the NHS WRT, which provides objective, evidence-based recommendations to inform policy and strategy in health authorities, commissions, trusts and other public-sector organizations. His role is to provide the overall strategic direction of the WRT within a context of developing innovative workforce planning solutions across the NHS. His address is First Floor, Staple House, Staple Gardens, Winchester, Hampshire, England, SO23 8SR. E-mail: john.deagle@wrtnhs.org\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how the NHS Workforce Review Team's induction to workforce planning course works with attendees on how to extract workforce implications from policy documents.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The paper provides a structure for policy assessment, and describes some key lessons learned.\nFindings: - The paper contends that, although the documents can seem daunting at first, they may provide an important framework for strategic workforce planning. The danger of not doing this work is that the enabling workforce decisions, such as training and development, may not be made in time for suitable implementation of policy.\nPractical implications: - The paper argues that, while it is not always easy to link policy to workforce, it is definitely worth the effort.\nOriginality/value: - The paper highlights the fact that the ability to access policy documents and apply their content to future planning is an essential tool in developing robust plans.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Development of a conceptual auditing framework by integrating ISO 9001 principles within auditing	[ "Integration", "Management tools", "Conceptual auditing framework", "ISO 9001 principles", "Preliminary auditing framework" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: This paper originated from the case study research that was conducted by the first author of this paper for the Great Man-made River Project Authority (GMRA) in Libya, which manages and operates approximately 4,000 km of pipeline producing approximately 5.0m cubic meters of water per day. This project has experienced different types of failures in 2000, 2003, 2012 and 2013, including pipe rupture, and these failures caused a lot of damage and loss from the technical and economic points of view. According to the investigation that was carried out by GMRA in 2014, it was concluded that none of the failures were predicted by any of the internal or external audits conducted during that period.\n2. Literature review: 2.1 Performance measurement methodologies\n3. Overcoming the limitations of ISO 9001 quality audit: 3.1 Auditing performance rather than merely conformance\n4. Responding to the audit limitations and enhancements by development of a conceptual auditing framework (CAF): As a result of the added value that was gained by Boeing Aerospace from its integration of the management tools within the 4P (a precondition for \"Organizational Excellence\" (OE): 1. People, 2. Partnership/Teams, 3. Processes of work, 4. Products/Services) Model to develop a Business Excellence Framework (BEF) as reported by (Dahlgaard et al., 2013), it has been determined in this research study, how can the ISO 9001:2015 Standard better offers itself good opportunities to be used in the ways of self-assessment using BEF by utilizing and integrating its principles through their relevant management tools within auditing, and how does this utilization help to overcome the customer complaints and audit limitations that were reported earlier in Sections 1 and 2. In their analysis of Boeing Aerospace, Dahlgaard et al. (2013) reported that the company not only uses a BEM (like the MBNQA) to guide their operations, but also uses a variety of management tools and techniques in its operation. Accordingly, the authors of this paper trended to develop a CAF. One of the most important features of this framework is the seven principles (QMPs) of ISO 9001:2015 Standard.\n5. Conclusion: It is reported in the literature that most of the previous suggestions to overcome the difficulties of the current ISO 9001 auditing were to focus on processes in addition to ISO 9001:2015 clauses and to apply the two principles of \"Process Approach\" and \"Improvement\" of ISO 9001, by having the manner of integration of their RBT concept and LSS approach, respectively, within audit. However, this integration also has limitations such as the desire for implementing risk management program and the necessity for applying LSS approach.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual auditing framework (CAF), which can help the organizations that experience difficulties with current ISO 9001 auditing to achieve their desired benefits with regard to the auditing of conformance, performance, risk management and improvement collectively.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A literature review was undertaken to identify the audit limitations and the program strategies that were reported in literature to overcome these limitations. The relevant audit standard (ISO 9001:2015) and guidelines (ISO 19011:2011 and ISO 19011:2018) have also been reviewed to determine the gap in relation to this purpose.\nFindings: Most of the previous suggestions to overcome the difficulties of the current ISO 9001 auditing were to focus on processes in addition to ISO 9001 clauses and to apply the two principles of \"Process Approach\" and \"Improvement\" of ISO 9001, by having the manner of integration of their risk-based thinking concept and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) approaches, respectively, within audit. However, this integration also has limitations such as the desire for implementing risk management program and the necessity for applying LSS approach. Therefore, a CAF was developed to enhance the ISO 9001 quality audit. It suggests the integration of 12 management tools that are connected to the seven principles of ISO 9001:2015 severally and collectively. The selected tools ought to be linked to the audit limitations that have been previously reported in the literature, and connected with the complaints of the organizations that experience difficulties with current ISO 9001 auditing. Auditing of conformance/performance, risk management and improvement in combination can be assured by upgrading, testing and validating this CAF.\nOriginality/value: Utilizing the ISO 9001 quality audit in a way that helps organizations to audit performance, risk management and improvement in combination by changing the auditing approach from ISO 9001 elements to ISO 9001 principles and by learning from the experience of business excellence models implementers in development of the Performance measurement frameworks and in converting the concepts and principles into practice.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Effects of perceived employee emotional competence on customer satisfaction and loyalty: The mediating role of rapport	[ "Employee emotional competence", "Rapport", "Customer satisfaction", "Service encounter", "Customer loyalty" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1 Introduction: Services vary in the extent to which customers interact with employees (Chase, 1978). In high-contact services, interactions between customers and employees are characterized by intimacy, the exchange of content-rich information, long interaction times, and, sometimes, intense emotions (Kellogg and Chase, 1995; Parasuraman et al., 1985). In this type of service, customer emotions on the one hand influence their evaluations of the encounter and on the other hand provide employees with useful information about their needs and wants (Mattila and Enz, 2002). To capture the quality of the interaction between employees and customers, Gremler and Gwinner (2000) introduced the concept of rapport. Rapport, defined as a \"personal connection between the two interactants\" (Gremler and Gwinner, 2000, p. 92), directly affects important outcomes such as customer satisfaction and loyalty (Gremler and Gwinner, 2000; Hennig-Thurau et al., 2006; Verbeke et al., 2008) - two key variables ultimately related to company profitability (Anderson et al., 1994).To remain competitive, managers of high-contact services must facilitate high-quality interactions. The ability of contact employees to deal with customer emotions - or their emotional competence (EC) (Cartwright and Pappas, 2008) - represents a potential driver of interaction quality and service evaluation (Hartel et al., 1999). EC \"captures many of the key competencies involved in creating and maintaining an appropriate climate for service,\" and the development of EC among service employees may \"serve to reduce some of the emotional problems inherent in high levels of interpersonal interactions\" (Bardzil and Slaski, 2003, p. 98). EC is especially important in service encounters where customers look for directly observable cues, such as employee behaviors, to assess the service (Lin and Lin, 2011; Parasuraman et al., 1985). However, employees vary substantially in their capacity to build relationships with customers and understand their emotional needs (Bitner et al., 1990; Menon and Dube, 2000). Because high-contact service managers must ensure that employees possess the appropriate competencies (Hartline and Ferrell, 1996), developing a better understanding of the roles of rapport and employee emotional competence (EEC) in high-contact service encounters is important.Studies examining the effects of EEC on customer outcomes in service encounters (Giardini and Frese, 2008; Hartel et al., 1999; Kernbach and Schutte, 2005; Weng, 2008) report conflicting results. For example, while Kernbach and Schutte (2005) show a positive relationship between EEC and customer satisfaction, and Weng (2008) finds a positive, but weak, relationship between EEC and customer trust, Giardini and Frese (2008) find a non-significant relationship between EEC and customer satisfaction. These conflicting findings may be due to one of the following reasons. First, these studies use employee-reported (Giardini and Frese, 2008) or supervisor-reported measures of EEC (Weng, 2008) - sources subject to biases, such as social desirability, faking, and distortion (Day and Carroll, 2008). We do not know any study on EC in service encounters which examines customer perceptions of EEC and their effects on customer satisfaction and loyalty. This is surprising, because customer perceptions are considered the most accurate predictors of satisfaction and loyalty (Bitner, 1990). Second, to the best of our knowledge, no study has identified a mechanism (i.e. a mediator) explaining how EEC exerts an influence on customer satisfaction and loyalty. In the present study, we investigate if rapport acts as a mediator.In an attempt to resolve the aforementioned inconsistencies, we choose a customer perspective, and examine how EEC affects rapport, customer satisfaction, and loyalty in a high-contact service encounter. Specifically, we investigate:* the effect of customer-perceived EEC on satisfaction and loyalty; and* the role of rapport as a mediator.In addressing these issues, our study makes three contributions. First, we conceptualize and measure EEC from a customer perspective. Second, we investigate the effect of EEC on customer satisfaction and loyalty to shed light on contradictory findings in previous studies regarding the effects of EEC on customers. Third, we offer a better understanding of the mechanism by which EEC affects customer satisfaction and loyalty by investigating the role of rapport as a mediator.The paper is structured as follows: first, we discuss the concept of EC and then focus on the role of EEC in high-contact service encounters. Second, based upon a review of the literature we develop hypotheses and build a conceptual model. Third, we discuss the design of the empirical research we conducted to test our hypotheses. Finally, we present and discuss the results of our empirical investigation, before concluding with the implications of our findings, limitations, and suggestions for further research.\n2 The role of EEC in service encounters: 2.1 Emotional competence\n3 Methodology: 3.1 Research setting and sampling\n4 Results: 4.1 Measurement model evaluation\n5 Conclusion: The purpose of this research is to assess the extent to which EEC influences customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as the mediating role of rapport. By establishing the relationships among EEC, rapport, satisfaction, and loyalty, we contribute to a better understanding of the benefits that EEC and rapport may bring to service companies. In particular, through EC, employees can better meet customers' individual and dynamic needs by learning from, collaborating with, and developing relationships with customers (Vargo and Lusch, 2004). We contend that EEC is a crucial competence facilitating employee perceptions and understanding of customer emotions and needs. Our results confirm that EEC affects customer satisfaction and loyalty and that rapport partially mediates these relationships. Thus, our findings provide scholars and practitioners with a better understanding of the role of EEC and rapport in service encounters, with implications for both theory and practice.5.1 Theoretical implications\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - During service encounters, it has been suggested that emotionally competent employees are likely to succeed in building rapport with their customers, which in turn often leads to customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, these relationships have not been empirically examined. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of customer perceived employee emotional competence (EEC) on satisfaction and loyalty. The paper also examines how and to what extent rapport mediates these effects.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - Drawing on the theory of affect-as-information, suggesting that emotions inform human behavior, the paper develops a structural model and tests it on a sample of 247 customers in a personal service setting.\nFindings: - Customer perceptions of EEC positively influence customer satisfaction and loyalty. Rapport partially mediates both effects.\nPractical implications: - The extent to which customers perceive employees as emotionally competent is related to the development of rapport, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. Managers of high-contact services should therefore pay attention to emotional competence when hiring new employees, and/or encourage and train existing employees to develop this type of competence.\nOriginality/value: - Previous studies have used employee self-reports or supervisor reports of EEC, both of which have significant limitations when used in service encounters to predict customer outcomes. Furthermore, they essentially capture an employee's potential to behave in an emotionally competent way while service managers are interested in the actual display of emotionally competent behaviors as perceived by customers. Accordingly, to overcome these issues, this study adopts a customer perspective of EEC and uses customer perceptions of EEC to predict customer outcome.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Critical review on power in organization: empowerment in human resource development	[ "Organizational culture", "Employee participation", "Classical viewpoint of power", "Employee empowerment", "Foucault’s disciplinary power", "Luke’s three-dimensional power" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Empowerment as a research topic has been increasingly discussed in various management-related literature. As Oakland (2001) indicated, many successful organizations have placed great importance on empowerment initiatives because it is believed that they could be conducive to performance improvement by promoting employee commitment to and involvement in the decision-making process. Success stories in Japanese firms, where employers have assumed a paternalistic attitude toward labor and workers' participation in shop-floor management, have strongly precipitated organizations' interest in empowerment (Benton and Magnier-Watanabe, 2014; Tseo and Ramos, 1995).\nResearch trends: The authors' perspectives and focuses of existing research on employee empowerment vary greatly (Cicolini et al., 2014; Honold, 1997; Maynard et al., 2012; Menon, 2001; Seibert et al., 2011; Spreitzer, 2007; Wall et al., 2004; Wilkinson, 1998). For example, Honold (1997) reviews the literature on employee empowerment based on five categories:\nConceptual review of power in organizations: Classic view\nEmpowerment and the role of HRD: Although there is general agreement that empowerment is an unavoidable trend and solution, the different definitions and perspectives which are found in the existing HRD literature reflect the differences in fundamental assumptions about whose interests HRD serves. In general, within the organizational context, HRD is regarded as \"a process of developing and unleashing expertise for the purpose of improving individual, team, work process, and organizational system performance\" (Swanson and Holton, 2009, p. 4).\nOrganizational culture and empowerment: Organizational culture can be defined as \"the set of shared, taken-for granted, implicit assumptions that a group holds and that determines how it perceives, thinks about and reacts to its various environments\" (Schein, 1996, p. 236). Organizational culture positively influences employees' performance and behaviors through integrated collective values, beliefs and assumptions (Hartnell et al., 2011). Since empowerment is a critical factor to improve employee performance, it has gained more attention from diverse organizations. Empowerment allows employees to enhance their autonomy and involvement in work that results in increased decision making more generally within the wider agenda and interests of the organization (Wall et al., 2004).\nEmpowerment model in organizations: Based on the power dimensions summarized in Table I, including the role of HRD in enhancing empowerment and the relationship between organizational culture and empowerment, we propose an empowerment model for organizations with different cultures (see Figure 1). This model assumes that the organizational culture influences the dimensions of empowerment and the role of HRD in supporting empowerment. To explain the different characteristics of organizational culture, the competing values framework (CVF) is adopted as suggested by Cameron and Quinn (1999). The CVF identifies four organizational culture types: hierarchy culture, market culture, clan culture and adhocracy culture. Organizations with a hierarchy culture emphasize the classic attributes of bureaucracy (e.g. rules, procedures and control), market culture values competitiveness, profitability and productivity, while a clan culture highlights teamwork, involvement, communication and empowerment, and an adhocracy culture accentuates creativity, innovation and adaptability (Cameron and Quinn, 1999; Cameron et al., 2006).\nImplications for HRD practice: The current paper provides a literature review on employee empowerment and presents a conceptual approach to power in organizations through the classic view, Foucault and critical view and Lukes' three-dimensional power, and then summarizes empowerment in terms of the role of HRD. From Foucault's perspective, power is a product of relationships including practices, techniques and procedures. He also points out that knowledge is the most critical attribute of power (Deetz, 2003). The discussion of this paper offers HRD professionals several implications for empowerment in practice. First, HRD should have a balanced perspective of empowerment and power dynamics in organizations. For example, HRD can arbitrate between managers and employees to set the performance standards, monitor performance, schedule the work, select their own equipment, participate in recruitment decisions and deal with co-worker discipline and absenteeism for self-managing teams. When managers work with employees to establish the appropriate performance standards, managers should make decisions regarding the organizational goals and types of compensation with the standards developed with employees. During this process, HRD should aim to strike a balance between the organization and individuals so at least both sides are involved in recognizing each other's interests and needs. Elliott and Turnbull (2003) also described the growing concern about HRD practitioners' responsibility to balance the needs of the individuals with those of the organization.\nConclusions: This study reviewed research trends of employee empowerment and several conceptions of power. We also discussed issues regarding employee empowerment from an HRD perspective, and suggested an empowerment model based on power dimensions and four types of organizational culture. The type of employee empowerment that focuses on management responsibilities neglects the essential questions of distribution of authority, access to resources and the capacity to mobilize in defense of worker interests, which are crucial factors in power determination (Cunningham and Hyman, 1999). From a critical point of view, researchers need to explore the fundamental characteristics of employee empowerment to overcome the invisible power controlled by employers, beyond superficial improvement of the power relationship.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This paper aims to analyze current practices, discuss empowerment from the theoretical perspectives on power in organizations and suggest an empowerment model based on the type of organizational culture and the role of human resource development (HRD).\nDesign/methodology/approach: By reviewing the classic viewpoint of power, Lukes' three-dimensional power and Foucault's disciplinary power, we discuss power and empowerment in organizational contexts.\nFindings: Power in organizations can be conceptualized based on the classic view, Foucault and critical view and Lukes' three-dimensional power. We found that true employee empowerment is related to the third dimension of power. The role of HRD for empowerment can be categorized into enhancing motivation and commitment in terms of psychological empowerment and bringing real power to employees. The proposed empowerment model assumes that organizational culture influences the dimensions of empowerment and the role of HRD for supporting empowerment.\nPractical implications: HRD needs to critically assess the meaning of power in particular contexts (Morrell and Wilkinson, 2002) before planning and implementing specific training and development interventions for performance improvement and/or organization development interventions for innovation.\nOriginality/value: This study attempts to review, analyze and discuss issues regarding employee empowerment from HRD perspectives. Implications for the roles of HRD and the empowerment model are proposed.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Loneliness, regulatory focus, inter-personal competence, and online game addiction: A moderated mediation model	[ "Loneliness", "Regulatory focus", "Moderated mediation", "Inter-personal competence", "Online game addiction" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: The development of new technology, especially the high-speed internet, has brought effectiveness in all aspects of our lives. Moreover, people have obtained considerable benefits from technology. However, the development of technology has also created new types of problems that were previously non-existent. One of those problems is online game addiction. The literature in social psychology and internet research has reported the important issue concerning the problematic phenomenon of online game addiction (e.g. Kim et al., 2009; Lu and Wang, 2008). Recently, internet gaming disorder has been added with a \"condition for further studies,\" in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ((DSM-5); APA, 2013). This statement means that internet gaming disorder remains an unofficial mental disorder in the DSM but now illustrates how internet game addiction has pronounced negative effects on mental health.\nOnline game and loneliness: Research has illustrated the negative effects of online game addiction, and these studies indicate that online game addicts experience poor mental health, such as depression and anxiety (Stockdale and Coyne, 2018), poor attention (Gentile, 2009), inter-personal deficiency (Allison et al., 2006), aggression (Chiu et al., 2004) and low academic achievement (Chiu et al., 2004). Given that these negative results are caused by online game addiction, we need to understand the pathways that lead to online game addiction.\nMethod: Data and sample\nResults: Table I provides supportive evidence of discriminant validity, with means and SD among variables. A significant but moderated level of correlation existed among variables. Online game addiction demonstrated a positive correlation with loneliness (0.261, p<0.05) and negative correlation with the moderator, inter-personal competence (-0.277, p<0.05) and with mediator, regulatory focus (-0.258, p<0.05). In addition, inter-personal competence demonstrated a negative correlation with loneliness (-0.567, p<0.05) and positive correlation with regulatory focus (0.350, p<0.05). Loneliness has a negative correlation with regulatory focus (-0.377, p<0.05).\nDiscussion: The current study investigated the mediation effect of regulatory focus on the relationship between loneliness and online game addiction and the moderation effect of inter-personal competence on regulatory focus in the studied mediation model. Findings supported the notion that regulatory focus mediates the association between loneliness and inter-personal competence (H1). Loneliness was also confirmed to be associated with online game addiction (H2) and that regulatory focus mediates the association between loneliness and online game addiction (H3). Finally, inter-personal competence was verified to be a significant moderator for the studied mediation model, in that regulatory focus mediates loneliness and online game addiction (H4).\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the predictors of game addiction based on loneliness, motivation and inter-personal competence using the samples of college students recruited from South Korea (n=251).\nDesign/methodology/approach: The authors examined the underlying mechanism of game addiction by testing a moderated mediation model, in which inter-personal competence moderated the mediation model of loneliness, regulatory focus and online game addiction. First, the authors clarified the relationship among loneliness, motivation and inter-personal competence, to understand the influences of loneliness on other variables in this study (mediation test). Second, the authors examined the underlying mechanism of game addiction by testing a moderated mediation model, in which inter-personal competence moderated the mediation model of loneliness, regulatory focus and online game addiction (moderated mediation).\nFindings: Regulatory focus mediated the effect of loneliness on online game addiction. Moderated mediation analyses using PROCESS confirmed that inter-personal competence significantly buffered the indirect effect of loneliness (through regulatory focus) on online game addiction. The findings indicated that inter-personal competence accounted for significant differences in the mediation models.\nOriginality/value: This study bridges the gap in the online game addiction literature by explaining how loneliness is associated with online game addiction.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Crowding at the frontier: boundary spanners, gatekeepers and knowledge brokers	[ "Organizational learning", "Boundary spanner", "Knowledge transfer", "Knowledge management", "Gatekeeper", "Knowledge broker" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: Fixed graphic\n1. Crossing organizational frontiers and learning: Individuals crossing organizational boundaries contribute to firm performance by supporting transfer and integration of new knowledge.\n2. Methodology: This article contributes to defining the concepts of boundary spanner, gatekeeper and knowledge broker. Using the EBSCO Global Source database, a research on \"boundary spanner\", \"gatekeeper\" and \"knowledge broker\" in peer-reviewed journals produced the results detailed hereafter. General attention to the concepts of boundary spanner, gatekeeper and knowledge broker is significant. Between 1965 and 2014, 501 published references contain \"boundary spanner\", 3,495 cite the gatekeeper concept and 38 of the articles use both terms. Contrasting with the boundary spanner concept, which is mostly used in research on strategy and organizations and in marketing, a large range of disciplines utilize the gatekeeper notion. The gatekeeper terminology has entered everyday language and is used in an anecdotal way in a variety of contexts, which explains the number of publications mentioning the concept. The notion of knowledge broker emerged in the 1990s. To date, only 167 published references mention knowledge brokers. The data indicate a surge in interest for these concepts since 2000.\n3. The boundary spanner: a generic concept?: 3.1 Origins and definitions of boundary spanners\n4. Gatekeepers: only monitoring the frontier?: 4.1 Origins and definitions of gatekeepers\n5. Knowledge brokers: A third concept - the knowledge broker - is used by researchers to describe individuals crossing organizational borders to gather and disseminate information and knowledge. Although the concept of broker has been used for decades (Simmel, 1908; Park, 1928), the concept of knowledge broker is quite recent.\n6. Boundary spanners, gatekeepers and knowledge brokers: comparison and avenues for research: Based on the analysis of the literature, I propose a comparison of the concepts of boundary spanner, gatekeeper and knowledge broker in Table I.\n7. Conclusion: The aim of our research is to clarify the use of three concepts applying to individuals playing knowledge acquisition and transfer roles at the frontier of organizations: boundary spanners, gatekeepers and knowledge brokers. We have outlined important overlaps and commonalities. Efficient gatekeepers and boundary spanners are rare individuals who have developed specific competences. Both play a linking role between the organization and its environment, and have strong networks inside and outside the organization. Their position allows them to source information that can contribute to organizational innovation and to strategic decision-making. Boundary spanners have many different functions, including information exchange and access to clients and resources, whereas gatekeepers focus on information gathering and knowledge transfer. Knowledge brokers share similar characteristics to gatekeepers, but span groups to which they do not belong.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This paper aims to contribute to defining the concepts of boundary spanner, gatekeeper and knowledge broker.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A review of the literature covering more than 100 sources.\nFindings: A review of past research leads to proposing a set of new definitions and also to the detection of six research avenues.\nOriginality/value: The ability of organizations to recognize, source and integrate key information or knowledge is important for their strategy, innovation and performance over time. Three types of individuals have information gathering and knowledge dissemination roles at the frontier of organizations and groups: boundary spanners, gatekeepers and knowledge brokers. Although research on these individuals is well-developed, we found that in practice, the definitions of the concepts overlap and still need a clarification. So far, no systematic comparison of these roles has been undertaken.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
NPM and change management in asset management organisations	[ "LMX", "Autonomy", "Psychological well-being", "Attitude towards organizational change", "PEAMOC", "Physical asset management" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: The public sector has experienced three decades of continual change resulting from the implementation of new public management (NPM). In theory, public sector reforms have aimed at improving organisational efficiency by improving management systems along with the implementation of budgetary controls, accountability, performance measures, outsourcing and a new focus on the customer (Diefenback, 2009). Another major change in the post NPM environment is the increased discretionary power of supervisors, especially in relation to managing professionals (Farr-Wharton et al., 2011). Brewer and Walker (2010) argue that the implementation of NPM can be the platform for increasing employee performance when effective management practices are used. Nonetheless, this outcome is not always achieved. Instead, within the Australian context, the implementation of NPM has been associated with significant reductions in per capita spending coupled with increased administration and monitoring by management. Such administration and monitoring has led to an increasing incidence of organisations characterised by inadequate resources (staff levels) and with increased level of organisational targets (Brunetto et al., 2012). However, the situation associated with NPM in public sector engineering asset management organisations has not been specifically examined.\nBackground: SET\nMethods: An Australian market research company was employed to attain a sample of asset managers and employees working within engineering asset management organisations. In particular, an e-mail containing a link to an online survey, using the survey monkey tool, was sent to 1,012 members who were employed in organisations charged with the management of physical assets. To rule out unsuitable members, each respondent was asked about their job in relation to the physical management of assets; those who were not directly involved with the physical management of assets were informed that they did not meet the requirements of the study. A total of 255 suitable employees responded from the private and public sector, there were a total of 149 public sector respondents and 107 were a male, which is an accurate representation of the engineering profession in Australia, considering that females make up only 10.6 per cent of the engineering workforce in Australia (Kaspura, 2012). The age distribution of the employees examined are aligned with the age distribution in the engineering sector, which provides some support that the small sample appears to be representative of the wider population. For example, 21 (14.1 per cent) of the employees sampled and 18.1 per cent of the engineering sector were less than 30 years old, 77 (51.7 per cent) of the employees sampled and 41.46 per cent were aged 30-45, and 55 (34.2 per cent) employees survey and 40.44 per cent of the sector were older than 45 (Engineers Australia, 2014).\nResults: CFA\nDiscussion and implications: The aim of this paper was to explore the impact of management practices on supervisor-employee relationships and employees' perception of autonomy, employees' attitudes towards change and their perceptions of organisational culture within Australian public sector engineering asset management organisations. The context of the changes discussed is an increasing discretionary power of supervisors caused by implementation of NPM and the premise that effective public sector management leads to increased job performance (Brewer and Walker, 2010), although, not often because of poor training and unrealistic target performance coupled with inadequate resourcing (Brunetto et al., 2012).\nConclusion: This study used SET as a lens to explore the impact of NPM on supervisor-employee relationships and employees' perception of autonomy, employees' attitudes towards change and their perceptions of organisational culture within Australian public sector engineering asset management organisations. SET predicts that, under ideal conditions, an effective supervisor-employee relationship delivers benefits to all stakeholders (employees, supervisors, organisation and the public). Using SET, the findings show evidence of employees being somewhat dissatisfied with the relationship they have with their supervisor and therefore management, suggesting that they are not being given access to necessary resources and information as required for them to do their job effectively. This has negative implications - it affects public sector employees' attitude towards change as well as their perception of being members of a proactive organisation (PEAMOC), which in turn affects the extent to which employees are willing and able to maintain assets for safety and longevity. This in turn affects the public in the form of (restricted) services and the funds necessary to fix or replace expensive infrastructure.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: Effective engineering asset management is essential in delivering public services safely whilst avoiding breakdowns and accidents. The purpose of this paper is to ensure asset safety and sustainability, public sector firms have to adopt new processes and practices. It is the role of supervisors to implement the changes, and as part of the new public management (NPM) public sector reforms, public sector asset managers have more discretionary power to implement further changes related to increased accountability.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The paper explores the impact of management practices on supervisor-employee relationships and employees' perception of autonomy, employees' attitudes towards change and their perceptions of organisational culture within Australian public sector engineering asset management organisations, and in the context of NPM reforms and consequent changes in supervisory discretionary power. Social exchange theory provided the theoretical framework and a self-report survey was administered to 149 employees.\nFindings: The findings from a structural equation model indicate positive and significant relationships between the variables in this study. A finding of significant interest was that public sector employees are on average slightly dissatisfied with their supervisors and feel they have a minimal amount of autonomy in the workplace. This may represent an unintended consequence of NPM reforms.\nResearch limitations/implications: The implication of the findings is that an effective relationship between supervisors and employees is a necessary ingredient for achieving change, and ensuring asset safety and sustainability. Social exchange theorists argue that the low level of satisfaction with the supervisors evident in this study is one factor compromising asset safety and sustainability.\nOriginality/value: The roadblocks to good supervisory relationships in the post NPM environment must be dismantled and the findings clearly indicate a need for targeted development of supervisors/management skills to ameliorate the negative effects of the NPM regime and enable effective change management.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Building knowledge: developing a knowledge-based dynamic capabilities typology	[ "Dynamic capabilities", "Knowledge‐based dynamic capabilities", "Knowledge‐based view", "Typology", "Literature review", "Knowledge management", "Organizational effectiveness" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: Dynamic capabilities are defined as \"the firm's ability to integrate, build, and reconfigure internal and external competencies to address rapidly changing environments\" (Teece et al., 1997, p. 516). They can be conceptualized as tools that manipulate resource configurations and capabilities, and include value-creating processes such as building alliances and developing products (Eisenhardt and Martin, 2000). Firm knowledge is considered a main contributor to the creation of dynamic capabilities and value for the firm (Grant, 1996b; Kogut and Zander, 1992, 1996; Nelson and Winter, 1982; Zollo and Winter, 2002). Heeding a call to examine how different categories of resources contribute to the strategic competitive advantage in a different ways, particularly in dynamic capabilities (Kraaijenbrink et al., 2010), this paper synthesizes existing work and propose an integrative typology of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities to guide both researchers and managers in their use.In examining the literature, over 80 examples of knowledge-based dynamic capability use were identified, but with a fragmented nomenclature and no dominant conceptual organizing framework. In addition, seven frameworks presented in the literature were found to show some consistency in underlying concepts but evident conflict in nomenclature and application. To provide a comprehensive view of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities, three complementary dimensions were identified that were common amongst the frameworks and integrated them to prove a new typology that encompasses the extant literature and provides a roadmap for future research. This framework identifies a set of eight knowledge-based dynamic capabilities that can be employed by firms to integrate, build and reconfigure their organizational capabilities.In this paper, the knowledge-based dynamic capabilities will first be put in context by identifying key conceptual antecedents in the resource-based view, knowledge-based view and operational capabilities discussions. Next key extant frameworks will be identified, key dimensions and types will be extracted from each, these dimensions and types will be reintegrated into a comprehensive typology and the resultant ideal types of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities will be explored. Finally, the implications of the typology will be explored and future research opportunities will be examined.\n2. Evolution of dynamic capabilities: Dynamic capabilities claim in its intellectual heritage the resource-based view of the firm (RBV) and the knowledge-based view of the firm (KBV) (Teece et al., 1997). RBV suggests that resource position barriers (Wernerfelt, 1984) or resource endowments (Conner, 1991) can lead to competitive advantage where a firm's resources are valuable, rare, imperfectly imitable, and non-substitutable (Barney, 1991). KBV suggests that an increase in knowledge can increase productivity independently of other inputs (Penrose, 1959) and that organizational knowledge resources grow through the recombination of existing capabilities and the exchange of knowledge within and external to the firm (Kogut and Zander, 1992). These two theory-bases are briefly explored, leading into a discussion of dynamic capabilities.2.1 The resource-based view of the firm\n3. Typology development: The development of theoretically grounded typologies is an important form of theorizing (Doty and Glick, 1994). The basic rule of classification into typologies is that the classes formed must be both exhaustive and mutually exclusive (Hambrick, 1984). Typologies are often based on multiple dimensions to meet this rule (Bailey, 1994). The development of typologies is theorizing, as typologies contain constructs, hypothesize relationships between constructs and are falsifiable (Doty and Glick, 1994). The constructs introduced are ideal types, which are conceptually pure accentuations of entity characteristics that do not exist in the real world (Weber, 1949). The hypothesized relationships between constructs take the form of internal consistency of among the hypothesized ideal types (Doty and Glick, 1994). Evaluation of the success of a typology is based on the category labels being meaningful, the logic of the dimensions being clear, and the ability to completely and exhaustively classify being demonstrable (Gregor, 2006). Seven existing frameworks provide the basis for the dimensions and types of a knowledge-based dynamic capabilities typology.3.1 Identification of existing frameworks\n4. Discussion and conclusion: This paper has synthesized existing work in dynamic capabilities by focusing on its application knowledge resource in order to propose a typology of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities to guide future study and practice. The framework integrates three dimensions - i.e. internal versus external sourcing, exploration versus exploitation focus and combinative versus absorptive capacity - to form eight capabilities that inclusively map all existing frameworks and typologies identified in the literature.The key contribution of this paper to the literature is the integration of the three capability dimensions into the eight proposed knowledge-based dynamic capabilities, including the positioning of the synthesizing capability, which has not previously been framed in dynamic capability typologies. Within the KM literature, exploration and exploitation have been identified as key contributors to innovation (Donate and Guadamillas, 2011) and internal knowledge resources have been demonstrated to mediate the effect of external knowledge resources (Belso-Martinez et al., 2011) but these dimensions have rarely been examined together and never in the context of absorptive and combinative capacities. The complete typology, with its underlying dimensions, can be viewed as a new lens of analysis for KM studies examining the impacts of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities in organizations. While each of the types has been identified individually in the literature, a future research opportunity is the empirical validation of the complete typology in organizations.This work synthesizes a wide range of research on dynamic capabilities for knowledge creation and transfer and provides a framework for future discussion and research. For example, using three of the eight types identified in this paper, Zheng et al. (2011) linked generation (creating), combination (reconfiguring) and acquisition (assimilating) knowledge-based dynamic capabilities to firm innovation within networked environments. A further research avenue could be the identification of how the full set of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities could impact firm innovation. By mapping previous research and extant categories into a knowledge-based dynamic capabilities framework, this paper builds on and extends current theorizing on dynamic capabilities.As each knowledge-based dynamic capability type shares several underlying dimensions with other types, there may be interrelationships between the types that bear investigation. For example, the replicating and imitating capabilities both rely on exploitation and absorptive capacity, but firms applying them acquire knowledge from internal and external sources respectively. Teece et al. (1997) noted that there are different challenges with imitation and replication and not all replicators are effective imitators and vice versa. The degree to which each dimension separates and differentiates the types is a possible area of research activity. Similarly, stemming from the relationships between knowledge-based dynamic capabilities, a balance may be required in investing in a portfolio of capabilities to ensure they operate effectively. For example, capabilities may reinforce each other, as where internal exploitation capabilities can make external exploration more effective (Hoang and Rothaermel, 2010). Additionally, capability development may not be independent, as categories can be blurred due to co-evolution, which suggests that sequential interdependencies may cause more than one dynamic capability to change at a time (Lampel and Shamsie, 2003). Finally, future research may seek to examine ambidexterity in knowledge-based dynamic capability types in addition to their underlying dimensions (Rothaermel and Alexandre, 2009).One practical implication of this framework is in the area of managerial preference and organizational investment. Dynamic capabilities require investments to maintain them, making development of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities a strategic decision (Teece et al., 1997). Additionally, as they strengthen with use or atrophy with disuse, the investment or lack thereof into dynamic capabilities can have long-term impacts for the firm (Zahra et al., 2006). The requirement to invest in long-term capability development would make it difficult to maintain capability in all areas, leading to firms cultivating a limited number of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. A countervailing force to specialization is the call for balance and ambidexterity between internal and external sourcing (van Wijk et al., 2008), exploitation and exploration focus (Raisch et al., 2009) and absorptive and combinative capacities (Zahra and George, 2002). Applying the typology to organizational investment decisions into different dimensions of the framework, managerial preference can be seen to lead to different portfolios of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities for the firm. A practical application of this research would be the development of a diagnostic instrument for managers to assess their knowledge-based dynamic capability position.A theoretical implication of the paper focuses on linking the set of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities to outcomes such as innovation, organizational climate or performance. Focusing on the latter, Eisenhardt and Martin (2000) argue that dynamic capabilities are not the source of competitive advantage, but rather it results from using dynamic capabilities sooner, more astutely, or more fortuitously than competitors while conversely, Zahra et al. (2006) challenge whether dynamic capabilities are necessarily associated with higher performance. Empirically, Hoang and Rothaermel (2010) found that combinations of external and internal competencies are important to address rapidly changing environment, although only certain combinations are beneficial to performance. Similarly, Bierly et al. (2009) found that the incorporation external knowledge within firms is a means of improving organizational performance and innovative capabilities and that exploration and exploitation are differing predictors. An important test of the framework developed in this paper would be to determine if particular knowledge-based dynamic capabilities are more or less strongly linked to a performance construct or other outcomes of interest.Two limitations of this typology are noted. First, while Teece et al. (1997) focus on the creation and renewal of dynamic capabilities, Eisenhardt and Martin (2000) identify the importance of the release of resources. This paper takes the former viewpoint, but acknowledges the fact that resources can decrease in importance to the point that the value of holding them can be exceeded by the value of releasing them. Similarly, while this paper uses the capability lifecycle branches that lead to growth and renewal, the two branches proposed by Helfat and Peteraf (2003) that pose threats to capabilities, namely retirement and retrenchment, were not addressed by the typology. The importance of these two paths is not intentionally minimized, but the focus of this paper was on renewal, modification and transfer of knowledge. This choice of exclusion can be considered a limitation of this paper and an opportunity for future study.A second limitation is the use of arbitrary categories based upon a single set of selected dimensions. There is a balance required within firms for both exploration and exploitation focus (Raisch et al., 2009), absorptive and combinative capacities (Zahra and George, 2002) and internal and external sourcing (Larsson et al., 1998). So while these categories are depicted as cohesive, there may be conceptual and temporal overlap between them. For example, replication is conceptually one of the \"cleanest\" categories - the internal exploitation of existing knowledge resources. However as Winter and Szulanski (2001) note, there is an exploration view of replication as firms learn not only more about their own processes, but about the replication of their own processes. The use of conceptually pure types for theory development (Weber, 1949) was a conscious choice, but opens up future research opportunities in the impacts of ambidexterity in dimensions and balance between types.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to synthesize existing knowledge-based dynamic capabilities research into a single typology for managerial and academic use.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - Based on the resource-based and knowledge-based views, this study conducts a theoretically grounded typology development exercise based on an extensive review of the existing dynamic capabilities literature.\nFindings: - The paper identifies seven frameworks presented in the literature that showed some consistency in underlying concepts but conflict in nomenclature and application. Identifying over 80 uses of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities in the literature review, three complementary dimensions that are common amongst the frameworks are identified and integrated into a consistent typology of eight knowledge-based dynamic capabilities to encompass the extant literature.\nOriginality/value: - Addressing fragmentation in the knowledge-based dynamic capabilities discourse, the paper advances the concept of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities by organizing the existing literature and frameworks into a comprehensive and consistent typology. Moreover, this integrative typology allows managers and researchers to identify those capabilities in use and the commonalities between them. Finally, the paper identifies a new knowledge-based dynamic capability that has not yet been identified in any existing framework.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Y in the workplace: comparative analysis of values, skills and perceptions of government communication amongst university students and government staff	[ "Public relations", "Recruitment", "Retention", "Generation Y", "Generation X", "Government communication" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: The multi-generation workforce is here, and with it, new challenges and opportunities for employees and employers. Definitions for each generation, widely referred to as Baby Boomers and Generations X and Y, are discussed more fully later in this article, but in brief, Baby Boomers are currently retiring from the workforce and Generation Y is entering in great numbers. This shift, which is happening across all sectors, is dramatic, much more so than the one that occurred when Generation X entered the workforce in the mid-1980s, largely because of the sheer numbers of Generation Y in comparison to Generation X (Shaffer, 2008). As an example, in the USA, a 2010 forecast shows 22 per cent of the workforce is Generation X compared to 38 per cent born into Generation Y (Behrstock and Clifford, 2009). In Canada, Generation Y currently comprises 28 per cent of the workforce and 37 per cent of the population (Statistics Canada, \"Estimates\", 2011a; Statistics Canada \"Labour Force\", 2011b).\nLiterature review: There is a significant amount of literature on the working generations, including the work of Strauss and Howe (1991), who succinctly capture the history of America's generations from 1584 to 1991 and provide predictions for the future, up to 2069. There is little consistency in the scholarly literature on when generations start and end, although the parameters are often very similar. For the purpose of this study, I use the parameters as defined by a leading Canadian generational researcher, Tapscott (2009): Baby Boomers are those born between 1946-1964; Generation X are those born between 1965-1976; and Generation Y are those born between 1977-1997.\nRationale: With little research conducted in the area of profiling Generation Y within the communication function of government, this research is new. It fills a gap in scholarly knowledge as well as in knowledge about governmental operations in the Canadian context. As a major employer, research into Generation Y is highly valued by the Canadian Federal Government; the Canadian Public Service Commission has acknowledged the importance of recruiting and retaining this up and coming generation as it responds to a significant exit of retiring Baby Boomers (Public Service Commission, 2009). By looking specifically at values and opinions of Generation Y communicators inside and outside of the government, this article explores the reasons some young people might choose to work in government communication and why others might choose not to.\nResearch methodology: The first study, conducted between 28 March and 24 April 2011, used a descriptive online survey to assess the workplace values of MRU PR students. The survey was distributed to 143 Generation Y students who formed three groups: those entering the third year of the four-year degree, those entering the fourth year and recent graduates. The results of this study were published by (Berry, 2013a, 2013b).\nFindings: Background of respondents\nConclusion: Until now, little has been written on Generation Y within a Canadian Government communication context. The findings from this purposive sample and subsequent comparative analysis support some assumptions and previous findings relating to Generation Y and offer new knowledge on which to build a greater understanding of Generation Y within government communication. Across the two Generation Y samples, there is a demonstrated need for positive feedback and money, findings consistent with the literature. Personal values, according to the two samples, are very important to Generation Y, even more so than pay.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This article aims to advance understanding of the various and differing aspects of government communication as a means to determine where the various generations' values converge and diverge and to forecast the future implications of the findings by analyzing similarities and differences between the Generation Y public relations (PR) student sample at a Western Canadian university and the working generations of a communications branch within a provincial government, specifically Generation Y.\nDesign/methodology/approach: This comparative study uses data from two previous studies to identify and analyze trends among Generation Y communicators - both those in the university setting and those already working within government - specific to values, skills and perceptions of the government communication function. It asks: how do the values and opinions of Generation Y university PR students compare and contrast with values and opinions from Generation Y communication staff within a provincial government?\nFindings: Along with supporting some of the assumptions and previous findings relating to Generation Y, the findings from this purposive survey and subsequent comparative analysis offer a new and deeper understanding of the workplace needs and wants of those represented by the particular sample. The findings also provide a glimpse into what the future of government communications might look like and the skills the next generation of employees will need to have.\nResearch limitations/implications: The sample size used in this article is small and purposive, and should not be read as representative. The intent is not to generalize broad populations and generations, but to add to knowledge in a very specific area.\nPractical implications: The results of this study directly inform the practice of government communication by addressing current and future recruitment challenges.\nOriginality/value: A study of generational values within Canadian Government communication has not been conducted previously by scholars and academics. This study fills a gap in the research and offers valuable insight for future research.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Revitalizing comparative library and information science: theory and metatheory	[ "Evaluation", "Research", "Comparative librarianship", "Metatheory", "Theory" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: It is not difficult to find literature deprecating the state of research in library and information science (LIS). In fact, students are likely to encounter somewhat discouraging comments in the opening chapters of research methods texts in LIS (e.g. Connaway and Powell, 2010). We are not alone. Writing about social science methods in educational curriculum research, Anyon (1982) complained that much of the research in her field was inadequate. She attributed this to what she considered the dominant paradigm in educational research, namely \"naive empiricism\", a term she attributed to Bernstein (1976), but which goes back to Popper's influential critique of \"the naive empiricist\" (Popper, 1961, p. 106). Anyon identified two kinds of naive empiricism[1]:\nDevelopment of comparative librarianship: Comparative librarianship developed in close association with international librarianship. The emergence, growth and relative decline of these two fields has been sketched elsewhere (Bliss, 1991, 1993a; Lor, 2010; Lor and Britz, 2010; Lor, 2012). Bliss (1991, 1993b) reported on a bibliometric study of international librarianship, under which she included comparative librarianship. She charted the growth of the literature as reflected in Library literature during 1958-1990, showing its origins in the late 1950s and early 1960s, a growth spurt during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and a subsequent decline interrupted by \"erratic\" fluctuations. Unfortunately Bliss provided no thematic analysis, so that it is not possible to distinguish between international and comparative librarianship. Neither did she provide an analysis of the literature by quality or genre, so that no distinction is made between anecdotal reports in the more popular professional journals and the more scholarly literature. However, inspection of the literature shows that international and comparative librarianship developed as identifiable fields, if not sub-disciplines, in the 1960s and 1970s. In comparative librarianship a considerable literature took shape in the 1970s and 1980s, in which its importance and value was emphasised and in which methodological guidelines were developed (Simsova and MacKee, 1970, 1975; Collings, 1971; Danton, 1973, 1977; Parker, 1974; Harvey, 1977; Keresztesi, 1981; Simsova, 1982). These authors tended to cite one another and comment on one another's work, so that during this period a discernable nucleus of literature could be said to exist in comparative librarianship. However, much of the literature was concerned with attempts to distinguish between the two fields, a matter that was not definitively resolved. By 1977 Danton felt that enough had been written about the two fields but that actual work in comparative librarianship was meagre. He suggested. \"Let's call a moratorium on writing about the subject and devote our energies to doing comparative work\" (Danton, 1977, p. 13). Probably coincidentally, literature on international and comparative librarianship as fields of study (as distinct from work in these two fields) petered out in the 1980s, with some significant exceptions (e.g. Keresztesi, 1981; Krzys and Litton, 1983; and Bliss, 1993a, b; Vitiello, 1996).\nPurpose of this article: This article is intended to contribute to renewing theoretical reflection in international comparative studies in library and information science (comparative LIS) by examining its current state, with emphasis on the role of theory and metatheory. Lor (2010), following Danton (1973), used the term \"comparative librarianship\" to refer to international (or cross-national)[8], cross-cultural and cross-societal studies in librarianship: the area of scholarly study that analyses and explicitly compares library phenomena in two or more countries or in significantly different cultural or societal environments, in terms of contextual factors (social, economic, political, cultural, etc.), in order to distinguish and understand underlying similarities and differences and arrive at valid insights and generalisations.\nCurrent state of comparative LIS: In spite of the lack of conceptual and methodological studies, research in comparative LIS continues to be published. This literature presents several problems. First, it is scattered and difficult to find. It proved difficult to identify international comparative LIS literature using the bibliographic databases (Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), Library, Information Science and\nThe need for theory: In the article cited earlier, Anyon (1982, p. 35) describes theory \"as an attempt to distinguish appearance or observable characteristics from essence; to get behind empirical data\". Theory should be grounded in data and there should be a reciprocal relationship between theory and data: the one should inform the other. Further, for Anyon, theory has to be \"socially explanatory\".\nMetatheory, methodology and methods: Having discussed the role of theory, I now turn to the role of assumptions which underpin comparative LIS research. Much of this also applies to international work in LIS education and professional practice, for example in international education and in areas such as LIS development aid and policy borrowing. Problems in international work typically arise when researchers, educators, or practitioners are not aware of their assumptions. These assumptions can be of different kinds; hence it is useful to distinguish between metatheory, methodology and methods.\nMetatheoretical assumptions: As Mouton and Marais (1990) point out, the dimensions of social science research are part of the same process and represent emphases or perspectives on the research process. Scholarly theories, models and philosophies cut across them. As in the tables in Guba and Lincoln (1994, 2005) and Pickard (2007) the relationship between the paradigms and their dimensions is conceived as a grid with dimensions (social, teleological, ontological, epistemological and ethical) visualized as rows cutting across the paradigms, which are placed in columns. Where paradigms are referred to, I follow Guba and Lincoln (1994, 2005). They placed the various paradigms in four groups (positivism, postpositivism, critical theory and related paradigms, and constructivism (Guba and Lincoln, 1994), and added a fifth group, the participatory paradigms, in 2005. As they pointed out (Guba and Lincoln, 1994), such labels as critical theory are blanket terms for various alternative paradigms. Their basic distinction is between \"received\" paradigms (positivism and its derivative, postpositivism) and \"alternative\" or postmodern paradigms, the latter sometimes being grouped together under the heading of interpretivism, as in Pickard (2007). My emphasis here is on ontology and epistemology, but it is beyond the scope of this article to deal systematically with the ontology and epistemology of each paradigm. Only some selected aspects of special relevance to LIS are touched on.\nConclusion and recommendations: This examination of the literature of comparative LIS shows that there is considerable scope for improvement in two areas: the use and development of theory, and general conceptual and methodological awareness, particularly of the metatheoretical assumptions inherent in research. The majority of studies reported in comparative LIS are inconsequential in the sense that they do not purposefully build on earlier international or comparative studies, and do not adequately utilize LIS theory or theory from other disciplines. Furthermore, an examination of recent literature in comparative education, politics, social policy and other comparative disciplines indicates that comparative research in our field has not kept up with conceptual and methodological advances in comparative studies in these other social sciences disciplines.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This article is intended to stimulate theoretical reflection in international comparative studies in library and information science (comparative LIS).\nDesign/methodology/approach: The need for theory is emphasized and shortcomings in comparative LIS in respect of theory are identified. On the basis of literature from other comparative disciplines, a framework for examining issues of metatheory, methodology and methods is constructed. Against this background the role of theory and metatheory in the literature of comparative LIS is evaluated. General observations are illustrated using examples selected from comparative studies in LIS.\nFindings: Much of the literature of comparative LIS is atheoretical and based on assumptions that reflect naive empiricism. Most comparativists in LIS fail to link their work to that of colleagues, so that no body of theory is built up. Insufficient use is made of theory from other social science disciplines. There is a little evidence of awareness of metatheoretical assumptions in the sociological, teleological, ontological, epistemological and ethical dimensions.\nResearch limitations/implications: While general observations are presented about the literature of comparative LIS, this is not a bibliometric study. Issues of methodology and method are not dealt with.\nPractical implications: Recommendations are made for improving teaching and research in comparative LIS. Concepts presented here are of value to the wider LIS community, particularly in internationally oriented research and practice.\nOriginality/value: Since the 1980s there has been very little conceptual and methodological reflection on comparative LIS. This article alerts the LIS profession to new thinking in other comparative disciplines.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Big hopes for big data: Improving knowledge management through text analytics	[ "Knowledge management", "Big data", "Big data text analytics" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nKnowledge management and business success: The claim that knowledge is power has been bandied about since at least the late 1500s. In the current information-rich era, it is arguably more pertinent than ever. Strategies which enable effective acquisition and use of knowledge can help companies become more successful. Smart operators are obviously cognizant of this fact.\nCoping with the data overload: Growing evidence suggests that big data text analytics might provide a solution. Use of appropriate tools can facilitate easier:\nBig data text analytics in action: Despite the obvious advantages offered by big data text analytics, awareness of its full scope remains limited with regard to KM and other fields. This has prompted Khan and Vorley (2017) to apply the method to showcase its possibilities.\nComment: The review is based on \"Big data text analytics: an enabler of knowledge management y\" by Khan and Vorley (2017). A fascinating insight into a technique able to enhance knowledge management is provided here. The authors note that companies currently can potentially access enormous amounts of data. They point out the considerable challenges this involves and propose that use of big data text analytics can enable valuable information to be extracted, shared and utilized more efficiently.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.\nDesign/methodology/approach: This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.\nFindings: More than ever before, current organizations see knowledge as the key to success. The emphasis on effective knowledge management (KM) has increased accordingly. However, the ubiquitous nature of data available to firms means that conventional KM tools are largely incapable of coping with such an information overload. Big data text analytics offers considerably greater scope in this respect. Its tools and technologies can enable businesses to extract important information from masses of structured and unstructured data and convert the information into explicit knowledge that can be absorbed and exploited to help secure a competitive advantage.\nPractical implications: The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.\nOriginality/value: The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Instructional leadership structure in Singapore: a co-existence of hierarchy and heterarchy	[ "Singapore", "Instructional leadership", "Hierarchy", "Heterarchy", "Hybrid leadership structure" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: For the past seven decades, the research on educational administration and leadership has built a comparatively rich knowledge corpus with prominent contributions from empirical enquiries in Anglo-American societies such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. While the exercise of school leadership needs to account its particular cultural, political, economic, and societal perspectives (Bossert et al., 1982; Hallinger, 2016; Hallinger and Ko, 2015), empirical research in non-Anglo-American contexts is still of relative infancy (Dimmock, 2011; Hallinger and Bryant, 2013; Walker and Hallinger, 2015). Specifically taking instructional leadership into account, the enquiry on this prominent model still lacks empirical evidence surfaced in Asian societies and other non-Anglo-American contexts, despite its longevity. Bush (2014) argues that instructional leadership knowledge has been underpinned by research and practice in (partly) decentralized contexts, while little is known about how instructional leadership is practiced in (more) centralized systems in Asia, African, and Eastern Europe.\n2. Literature review: 2.1 Historical perspectives of instructional leadership\n3. Methodology: Qualitative research has become a legitimate and prominent approach in social and educational sciences over the recent decades. Stern (1980) claimed that qualitative approach is ideally suited to uncovering substantive areas \"about which little is known or about which much is known to gain novel understanding\" (Strauss and Corbin, 1998, p. 11). More specifically in leadership enquiry, Parry et al. (2014, p. 133) highlighted the ultimate advantages of the qualitative research over quantitative approach in three important ways: first, it offers additional flexibility to see \"unexpected ideas\" during research; second, it attends to \"sensitivity to contextual factors\"; third, it gives enquirers more opportunities to develop \"empirically supported new ideas\" and enjoy in-depth \"explorations of leadership phenomena.\"\n4. Findings: The study identified four key themes that illustrate the broad instructional leadership roles and how these roles were enacted. The four themes comprise: vision development and implementation, physical and organizational structure, professional development, and leading and managing instruction.\n5. Discussion: The analysis of principals' enactment of five broad roles accentuates a structure for instructional leadership in Singapore primary schools as shown in Figure 1. The three-layer structure can be briefly depicted as follows:\n6. Conclusion: The current study aimed to investigate instructional leadership practices in the context of Singapore primary schools. This was a deliberate effort to fill the knowledge gap of instructional leadership in non-western societies. Singapore's model of instructional leadership could be described in the hybrid structure. The principals maintain a high level of oversight on the school's direction and vision through the hierarchical structure. This reflects the centripetal role of principals where all school's instructional processes, programs and activities are deliberately organized to achieve the school vision, educational policies, and initiatives. Clear direction and alignment of all instructional processes are emphasized through the strategic thrusts in the school vision.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the instructional leadership practices and structure in Singapore primary schools.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The study employs a qualitative approach. Data were collected from interviews of 30 Singapore primary school principals and 25 working-day observations of five principals. A grounded theory method was utilized to analyze the qualitative data.\nFindings: The instructional leadership roles of principals can be categorized into four key themes: vision development and implementation, physical and organizational structure, professional development, and leading and managing instruction. Importantly, the study illuminates a hybrid structure of instructional leadership in which both hierarchical and heterarchical elements exist.\nOriginality/value: The current study expands the global knowledge base on instructional leadership by providing indigenous knowledge of how instructional leadership is enacted in Singapore schools. Simultaneously, this study suggests an agenda for future research on instructional leadership.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Determinants of livelihood choices and artisanal entrepreneurship in Nigeria	[ "Decision making", "Small business", "Family firms", "Artisan entrepreneurship" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Artisanal and other non-farm activities constitute a major component of livelihood choices in developing world contexts. Artisanal enterprises have traditionally been mainly associated with place and locality (Brown, 2015); and sometimes identified in terms of cultural forms of business ventures (Lounsbury and Glynn, 2001). Due to the diversity of the artisanal sector, there is no consensual definition of artisans. In one strand of literature, artisans are distinguished by the type of trade they practice, while in another, they are defined based on having distinct goals or value sets (Tregear, 2005). However, irrespective of the definition adopted, artisans are the most prevalent form of small businesses in developing economies, especially in the rural communities. Rural enterprises are becoming more prominent and integrated components of a community's economic activities (Apostolopoulos et al., 2018; Koyana and Mason, 2017; Lyee and Cowling, 2015; Muhammad et al., 2017). This type of economic activity is widely acknowledged as an engine for rural economic development (Igwe, Amaugo, Ogundana, Egere and Anigbo, 2018; Newbery et al., 2013, 2016; Seedhouse et al., 2016).\nLiterature review: Defining \"artisanal entrepreneurship\" has always been problematic (see e.g. Blundel, 2002; Steel, 1979; Tregear, 2005). Yet, the fact that no definitional consensus has been achieved is itself revealing. As Tregear (2005, p. 1) opined, \"in studies of small firms and their contribution to regional development, the artisan or craftsperson is an ambiguous entity [...]. In one strand of literature, artisans are characterized as individuals practicing certain types of trade in which manual techniques take precedence, for example, textiles and metalware [...]\". In his investigation of the urban artisanal sector, Steel (1979) pointed out, many decades ago, that \"artisanal manufacturing and service enterprises in developing world contexts such as Yaounde [Cameroon] and Accra [Ghana] revealed that there are inherent operational problems of defining, measuring, and assisting 'artisanal' or 'small scale' activities\" for which these ventures are renowned. In that study also, some of the artisanal sectors mentioned included clothing, furniture and wood, food preparation, vehicle repair, metalwork, barber shops and hairdressers, shoes, electrical appliances repairers, milling (p. 275). Similarly, Blundel (2002, p. 3) outlined artisanal products as including food, ceramics, furniture and textiles. He gave on to highlight that \"comparatively little attention has been paid to craft-based enterprises\" when considered alongside the \"high-tech\" firms even though both kinds of businesses can be explored using very \"similar analytical approaches\". In another study, Forero-Montana et al. (2018, p. 9) examined local artisans and sawyers in Puerto Rico as home-based family micro-enterprises engaged in the harvesting, processing and trading a wide variety of local forest products. Also, Brew et al. (2017, p. 3) explored the changing context of an academic work introducing the idea of academic artisans.\nDesign, methodology and approach: This study focused on obtaining in-depth understanding of the concept of artisanal entrepreneurship and their practices (see e.g. Higgins et al., 2015; Igwe, Icha-Ituma and Madichie, 2018; Kraus et al., 2016). It adopts a mixed method with the initial data collected from a questionnaire survey and later validated through focus group. Methodological validation is based on the rationale that a single method is insufficient to provide adequate and accurate research results (Holtzhausen, 2001). The questionnaires were developed in a two-step revision stage. First, a structured questionnaire was designed to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Second, validity test was carried out in which the questionnaire was applied to ten business owners to obtain feedback about the clarity of the questions, the use of appropriate terminology, and the possible omission of important rural and income activities (see e.g. Nwankwo et al., 2010). The questionnaire was administered to owners of non-farm businesses (who were also engaged in farming and or wage employment). Farming includes crop and livestock activities (i.e. on-farm labour); non-farm captured all income activities related to \"off-farm\" self-employment, while wage employment implied that respondents were engaged in salaried work in addition to farming.\nResearch context and framework: The theoretical framework for determining the effects of the factors influencing participation in non-farm and artisanal activities has its roots in the logic behind the SLA theory (Carney, 1998; DFID, 2000; Krantz, 2001; Morse and McNamara, 2013; Hockerts et al., 2018), which started out amongst development practitioners and researchers since the late 1990s and was a central concept of the Department for International Development's strategy. The Eastern states of Nigeria are famous for their artisanal activities (Brautigam, 1997; Meagher, 2010). Eastern Nigeria is home to the Igbos, a region and population that hosts three of the most extensive concentration of business activities in Nigeria - notably Aba, Nnewi and Onitsha. The commercial hub of Aba has by \"dint of hard work\" by thousands of artisans, carved a niche in finished leather products such as shoes, bags, belts, etc. (Ugwu, 2016). While Aba is also host to the famous Ariaria International Market, which has become the largest market in West Africa (Munro, 1995), Onitsha main market is a hub of commerce in the region including home to the Iweka Road home of movie making (Madichie and Nkamnebe, 2010). These commercial hubs influence the rural communities in terms of rural-urban labour migration and supplies of local handicrafts and agricultural food supplies. Furthermore, Aba, Enugu, Onitsha and Nnewi have become famous tourist destinations in Eastern Nigeria because of artisan entrepreneurship.\nDiscussion: Artisanal activities constitute a high proportion of rural activity in the study context - with more than half (54.2 per cent) of respondents being classified as artisans. In addition to this observation, the results from the study also revealed that some artisanal ventures were more gender skewed (e.g. carpentry, general repairs such as maintenance services, electrical repairs, plumbing, auto mechanics, etc.). The majority of these activities are family businesses, having family members working either part-time, full-time or voluntary. Also, the majority of rural farm, non-farm and artisanal activities are informal. In this study, as much as 82 per cent of businesses were found to informal. Whereas men dominate in farming activities with 15.1 per cent (women 3.8 per cent), women dominate in non-farm and artisanal activities with 51 per cent (men, 30 per cent). One of the explanations for the differences in occupational choices between men and women is culture and tradition that tends to favour men over ownership of assets such as land in rural communities.\nConclusion and implications: This study has sought to highlight the characteristics of rural artisan entrepreneurs, the determinants of their decision to engage in an artisanal activity, and the challenges that impact upon their growth and contribution to the economy - taken from a developing world context. The study found that artisanal entrepreneurial activities often took the form of informal, low skilled, and family-oriented dimensions. Most of the activities from the research were also found to have a gender bias, where women dominated the lower employee sector(s). The study used a multi-nominal regression to explore the determinants of diversified artisanal livelihoods, modelling differences between farm owners that have not diversified, with those involved in small-scale activity or wage employment. Following this, the study assessed variables relating to the intensity of participation.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide fresh insights into rural artisanal activities in a developing world context. It highlights key determinants of the decision to engage in an artisanal business and the challenges that impact upon the growth of these activities.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The study adopts a mix-method research approach to explore a rural setting where most respondents (81 per cent) combine farm and non-farm livelihood activities. Quantitatively, a multi-nominal regression is used to examine the determinants of diversified artisanal livelihoods. It modelled the differences between farming livelihoods that have not diversified, compared to those also involved in the artisanal activity or wage employment and the intensity of participation.\nFindings: The findings show that nearly half of artisanal businesses (45.4 per cent) comprise only the owners and no employee, while 54.6 per cent employ one to three workers. Also, some artisanal ventures were more gender-specific than the gender-neutral activities. Other observations were in age (most artisans were under the age of 46 years) and vocational training (most were self-trained followed by a third receiving training only in specific areas such as technical works, building and construction and general trading apprenticeships).\nResearch limitations/implications: The study is based on a relatively small sample size of 306 business owners, which makes it difficult to generalise despite the persuasiveness of the observations made.\nPractical implications: First, the use of econometric methods enabled the development of valid data sets (and various descriptive statistical and logit regression) to analyse determinants of the decision to engage in artisanal work, and the intensity of participation. Second, the ambiguity in categorising artisanal activities is unravelled. The study characterises the local artisanal sector and examines the intensity of participation. Without these, targeted support would remain elusive for practical and policy interventions.\nOriginality/value: Artisanal activities constitute a high proportion of small businesses in the study area - with more than half (54.2 per cent) of respondents being classified as artisans, yet it is an overlooked area of entrepreneurship. Highlighted here are both types of activities and challenges regarding better conceptualising the understanding of artisans and regarding this mostly unarticulated base of practice.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Corporate governance and the variability of stock returns	[ "Corporate governance", "New Zealand", "Stock return variability" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: Extant research is of the view that firm-specific risk has a positive impact on a firm's stock returns (Fu, 2009; Goyal and Santa-Clara, 2003). Thus managers must take on more risk, albeit in a measured way, in order to maximize firm value. However, oftentimes managerial risk aversion precludes managers from an optimal level of risk taking. In the absence of incentives, managers tend to behave in a risk-averse manner foregoing risky projects that potentially increase the value of the firm. Amihud and Lev (1981) provide another example of managerial risk aversion where managers mitigate their employment risk by engaging in conglomerate mergers that reduce the risk of the firm, at the cost of lowering the total value of combined firms.\n2. Corporate governance and risk: theoretical underpinnings and measurement: 2.1 Theoretical underpinnings\n3. Data and methodology: 3.1 Data\n4. Empirical results: Our main empirical results are presented in Tables IV and V. In Table IV, the standard deviation of monthly raw returns is regressed on corporate governance variable(s) and control variables. Firm-level risk is positively related to market risk (Mkt_SD) and growth but negatively related to profitability and size. The aggregate CGI has a negative impact on risk and is highly statistically significant at conventional levels. A one standard deviation increase in the CGI reduces standard deviation of returns by around 1.3 percent.\n5. Conclusions: Our empirical results based on 385 firm years show that the aggregate measure of corporate governance has a negative impact on the risk of a firm. Our empirical results show that a one standard deviation increase in the CGI reduces standard deviation of returns by around 1.3 percent. Furthermore, sub-indices based on board composition, shareholder rights, and disclosure policy have a significant and negative influence on risk.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of firm-level corporate governance practices on the riskiness of a firm's stock returns.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The authors constructed an index of governance quality incorporating best practices stipulated by regulators. The authors employed regression analysis.\nFindings: The empirical evidence, using an index of corporate governance, shows that well-governed New Zealand firms experience lower levels of risk, ceteris paribus. In particular, the results indicate that corporate governance aspects such as board composition, shareholder rights, and disclosure practices are associated with lower levels of risk.\nResearch limitations/implications: A limitation of the study is that the corporate governance index constructed is somewhat arbitrary and due to limitation of data availability the authors may have excluded some factors such as share trading policy of directors and policies regarding provision of non-auditing services by auditors. The research supports the view that institutional context could have an impact on governance outcomes. The work has three implications for managers, investors, and policy makers. First, the results imply that well-governed firms have lower idiosyncratic risk and that this reduction is most likely due to the reduction in agency costs and information risk. Second, in the absence of features like an active corporate control market and stock option based managerial compensation, managers have little incentives to take on risky projects that increase firm value. Third, the results suggest that the managers of well-governed firms are not more risk averse with respect to investment decisions compared to poorly governed firms.\nPractical implications: The work has practical implications for managers, investors, and policy makers. Well-governed firms face lower variability in stock returns compared to poorly governed firms. Firms that have independent boards that protect its shareholders' rights and disclose its governance-related policies experience lower firm-level risk, other things being equal.\nOriginality/value: This study is the first one to examine the impact of a composite measure of corporate governance quality on stock return variability in a non-US setting. The results suggest that firms can use specific corporate governance provisions to mitigate firm-level risk. The findings of the paper are therefore relevant and useful to corporate managers, investors, and policy makers.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The role of indigenous technological capability and interpersonal trust in supply chain learning	[ "Product innovation", "Environmental dynamism", "Emerging economy", "Interpersonal trust", "Indigenous technological capability" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: In today's rapidly changing economic circumstances, innovation is one of the most important factors to meet the changing needs of customers and achieve a firm's competitive advantage. Innovation can be implemented and developed by combining knowledge and resources from external partners in a supply chain (Lin et al., 2010; Yeniyurtv et al., 2014). Customers have been identified as a particularly important source of innovative ideas by providing demand preferences, expectations of new products and improvement suggestions for existing products (Bohlmann et al., 2013; Chatterji and Fabrizio, 2014). Although customer knowledge has been demonstrated as a key source of product innovation (Greer and Lei, 2012; Menguc et al., 2014), it is not easy to effectively acquire and apply knowledge for manufacturers from external partners (Zhou and Li, 2012). From the perspective of absorptive capacity, manufacturers should have the ability to acquire and apply valuable external knowledge (Carnabuci and Operti, 2013). Strong indigenous technological capability provides companies with the capacity to absorb different types of information and knowledge, which helps to effectively integrate knowledge and related resources (Cassiman and Veugelers, 2006). However, an emphasis on indigenous technological capability may reduce the sensitivity of the external knowledge perception and acquisition (Ebersberger and Herstad, 2013), it requires a \"bridge\" as an efficient way to acquire and transfer external knowledge. Boundary-spanning theory addresses organization-environment interaction (Aldrich and Herker, 1977). According to this theory, organizations manage their interactions across boundaries through boundary-spanning activities. Individual employees as boundary spanners play a crucial role in establishing inter-organizational relationship; they are viewed as the critical link between two different organizations, and they act as a \"bridge,\" transferring knowledge due to their extensive contact with external partners (Huang et al., 2016). As boundary spanners, contact persons from different firms and their relationships are important for firms to learn from external partners (Li et al., 2011; Jayaram and Pathak, 2013).\nTheoretical background and conceptual model: Indigenous technological capability\nHypotheses: The impact of indigenous technological capability and interpersonal trust on learning from customers\nMethodology: Sample and data collection\nAnalysis and results: We use SmartPLS 3.0 software to test the model and hypotheses in Figure 1. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has obtained more attention in operations management (Peng and Lai, 2012), and it has gained increasing exposure in the top journal of management (Hair et al., 2012). PLS-SEM provides greater flexibility analyses for users. We use this method because it is more suitable to build and analysis models with hierarchical constructs (Wetzels et al., 2009). Our research variable interpersonal trust is a higher order construct. Competence, benevolence and integrity are three first-order factors of the second-order construct (interpersonal trust). The higher-order factor will change accordingly when these first-order factors are changed. PLS reduces the error that might be produced by this change. It specifies a higher order latent variable (customer personal relationship) through the repeated use of all the manifest variables (three of competence, three of benevolence and three of integrity) of the underlying lower order latent variables (Wetzels et al., 2009). The results are shown in Figure 2. The path coefficients indicate that indigenous technological capability and interpersonal trust with customers have significant effects on learning from customers. H1a and H1b are supported. The results also show that learning from customers has a significant effect on product innovation. H2 is supported.\nConclusions and discussion: Drawing on absorptive capacity theory and boundary-spanning theory, using China's multi-industry as a background, this research investigated the relationships among indigenous technological capability, interpersonal trust with customers, learning from customers and product innovation. Further, we tested the moderating effect of environmental dynamism on the above relationships.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of indigenous technological capability and interpersonal trust on product innovation through supply-chain learning under a dynamic environment.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The proposed model is tested with a sample of 300 manufacturers in China.\nFindings: The results show that the learning from customers partially mediates the relationship between indigenous technological capability and product innovation, as well as between interpersonal trust with customers and product innovation. In addition, the influence of indigenous technological capability on learning from customers is weakened under a dynamic environment as well as the influence of learning from customers on product innovation.\nOriginality/value: This study illustrates the comparative roles of indigenous technological capability and interpersonal trust in learning customer knowledge and promoting innovation. It also enriches the innovation research by understanding the learning roles of indigenous technological capability and interpersonal trust under a dynamic environment.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Gender diversity changes in a small engineering discipline: materials science and engineering	[ "United States of America", "Universities", "Academic staff", "Students", "Sciences", "Gender" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: Considerable effort has been expended on describing diversity contexts, data and climates for engineering colleges or for large engineering disciplines without similar exploration of the diversity in history, subcultures, backgrounds and requirements among the broad range of engineering disciplines. Although there are exceptions, there is a strong tendency for reporting on recruiting and retention, as well as diversity surveys, to treat engineering colleges as monocultures or to focus extensively on the engineering disciplines that produce the most graduates (Nelson and Rogers, 2004; National Academies of Engineering, 2010; Hoag, 2009; Fox, 2008). Understanding the differences among all departments or degree programs, large and small, or even within different parts of larger departments or degree programs may be essential to achieve greater success in understanding how to advance any aspect of diversity (Sonnert et al., 2007). Many universities are attempting to diversify their faculty as part of \"institutional transformation,\" a major component of the USA National Science Foundation ADVANCE program, established in 2001, to increase the participation of women in academic science and engineering careers (Fox, 2008).\nBackground on MSE: The history and context of a specific discipline such as MSE are likely important factors for achieving success in diversity and inclusion. MSE has a widespread presence in the USA, Europe and Asia, although major components of the discipline are often found in academic departments with different names (Flemings and Cahn, 2000). In the USA, the field of MSE has grown from original programs in mining, metallurgy, ceramics, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering across the last 120 or so years (Schwartz, 2010; Flemings, 1999). Beginning in about 1958, existing degree programs in metallurgy, ceramics and polymers, and new programs designed to explore increased understanding of how bonding, crystalline and molecular structures and properties were connected, began to be formed in science and engineering colleges across the USA. This trend occurred as increasing opportunities in materials science research were established through several US national initiatives (Cohen, 1979). Programs were also established within, as well as separated from, existing chemical engineering and mechanical engineering programs and across the next 50 years most separate mining, metallurgy, ceramics and polymers programs were transformed or merged into MSE programs in response to new directions in research and education. These programs were from the beginning interdisciplinary, as many faculty were derived from disciplines outside of metallurgy and ceramics. The programs were, and continue to be, research-oriented, such that in many years the number of graduate degrees earned in the USA is about equal to the number of BSE degrees (Schwartz, 2010). MSE programs produce about 1.4 percent of the US BSE degrees and about 6.6 percent of the US PhD degrees in engineering (ASEE, 2009). Even today, MSE graduate students are recruited from a broad range of undergraduate degree programs, including many from chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering and chemical engineering and it is not unusual for over half of a particular MSE faculty to have BSE and even PhD degrees from other academic disciplines. This aspect of interdisciplinarity seems to have changed little over the history of MSE and may even have intensified as the topic areas of biomaterials and energy materials have become more prevalent (Cahn, 1997; Schwartz, 2010). Beyond industry and academia, there is a strong materials research orientation in many national laboratories. In the USA, these include Department of Energy Laboratories such as Lawrence Berkeley, Lawrence Livermore, Argonne, Ames, Sandia, Brookhaven and Oakridge as well as laboratories operated by the Department of Defense, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These facilities, and similar ones in Europe and Asia such as Risoe National Laboratory in Denmark, numerous Max Planck Institutes in Germany, the National Institute of Materials Science in Japan and the Korean Institute of Science and Technology are substantial employers of MSE PhDs. A good number of MSE PhDs also find employment as faculty in other engineering disciplines.A typical US MSE department with both an undergraduate and a graduate program consists of about 16 faculty members and produces just over 25 BSE degrees and about eight PhD degrees per year. This small student enrollment and low undergraduate student-faculty ratio, typically 6:1, is of constant concern in engineering colleges, particularly during challenging economic times for large public universities, wherein the overall undergraduate student-faculty ratio for most large engineering disciplines may approach 20:1. For this reason and a general lack of visibility of MSE compared to mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering and electrical and computer engineering, most MSE departments and programs are strongly and consistently focused on recruiting of students from high school and after arrival at engineering colleges (Schwartz, 2010; Genalo and Chumbley, 2007). Some preliminary evidence may suggest that direct admission to undergraduate programs may be more successful than admissions that occur subsequent to a first year engineering program (Brawner et al., 2009). Issues of enrollment, recruiting and retention are constant themes for the University Materials Council (UMC), the association of MSE department chairs and heads, and, along with increasing enrollment efforts, increasing faculty diversity is a regular discussion topic among leaders of MSE departments and programs (Schwartz, 2010).\nMethodology: Data Source\nData analysis: Changes in gender distribution for MSE BS degrees 2000-2009\nTrends for undergraduate gender diversity are contrary to trends for graduate degrees and faculty diversity: A smaller fraction of female MSE bachelor's degrees by 2009\nInconsistencies between expectations and outcomes for undergraduate BSE production versus graduate programs and faculties: In 2004, Nelson and Rogers discussed challenges that can be evaluated in the context of the MSE program data. Three issues raised that apply to the MSE data presented here include:1. Role models. Because women are poorly represented in science and engineering disciplines at research universities, \"This has grave repercussions for undergraduate and graduate students who are bereft of female role models and mentors and contributes to the attrition rate of women studying science and engineering.\"2. Critical mass. At least 15 percent, citing Rosabeth Moss Kanter (1977), is the fraction at which women or other underrepresented groups will have sufficient influence to drive \"culture, policy and agenda\" (see Etzkowitz et al., 1994 for more detail).3. Leadership. Women are insufficiently represented in higher academic ranks and leadership positions.Women faculty as role models for undergraduate engineering students\nConclusions: It can be stipulated that the US MSE departments and programs comprise an engineering academic context that is dedicated to recruiting and retaining every possible student. MSE degree programs are consistently found within small, interdisciplinary departments that enable personal engagement of undergraduates with faculty and graduate students. That MSE departments and programs, which have as a group significantly increased the number, fraction, level and leadership roles of female faculty, have been contemporaneously unsuccessful in increasing the gender diversity at the BSE level suggests there may be something incomplete in our understanding of how female students choose their discipline of study. A substantial increase in female BSE production experienced through the late 1990s for all of engineering has been followed by an unanticipated decline in the production of female non-BME BSE degrees that must be occurring from other causes or require different strategies than those that are required to increase the number of women in the engineering professoriate (Bowman, 2011). As Becker (2010) has noted in a very strong commentary, the unattractive aspects and disadvantages of engineering careers may be even more evident and relevant to the goals of young women in the relatively advanced economies of the USA and western Europe. Eliminating disadvantages and the perceptions of disadvantages in job security, career identity and work life balance (Becker, 2010, p. 361) may be key towards reversing the negative trend in gender diversity observed for BSE students.The use of metaphors that simplify discussion of diversity issues, such as pipelines or chilly climates may also have unintended consequences. By reflexively settling for metaphors with limited and only negative connotations we may be inhibiting success, particularly if the metaphors do not point us towards positive outcomes. Negative metaphors may foster acceptance of reduced expectations and poor engagement with the true challenges of attaining diverse engineering disciplines and faculties. In particular, treating the pipeline metaphor as a fundamental truth in the context of the interdisciplinarity shown by MSE, BME, environmental engineering, aeronautics and astronautics, industrial engineering, systems engineering and nuclear engineering seems unwise. Collectively, these disciplines comprise about 20 percent of the overall US engineering degrees granted and just under 20 percent of US engineering faculty. Focusing our attention on a pipeline suggests that we somehow have to contain the career interests and desires of students so that they will take the \"right\" path for our societies to have a strong science and engineering workforce, when, in fact, they may know better than we do what is in their personal best interests (Becker, 2010). The use of \"pathways\" to describe the greater complexity that is typically inherent to academic careers and interdisciplinary trajectories seems to offer a much more accurate and positive connotation (White, 2005).Like stereotyping threat analyses, wherein expectations for performance on exams are influenced by perceptions of efficacy, is it possible that these easy metaphors set (low) expectations for all stakeholders in these disciplines? If so, then accessing and embracing stereotype boost (Crisp et al., 2009) through more specific and positive examples that violate or negate metaphorical aphorisms may be essential to understanding how to further diversify science and engineering disciplines. Recognizing and then celebrating positive accomplishments might create more energy and enthusiasm to combat \"diversity fatigue\" (Hasting, 2008).Increasing the participation of women or other underrepresented groups in engineering faculties should be an intrinsic good, whether or not it positively impacts enrollment and graduation of women from engineering colleges, just as enhancing the working and studying climate for faculty, staff and students in any department should be a desired goal without the excuse of enhanced enrollment numbers. At every stage of increasing maturity and sophistication, BSE, MS, PhD, postdoctoral and faculty, US MSE programs experience a strong inflow of women (and men) into the discipline. This replenishment mechanism has been sustained throughout the history of the field just as MSE-trained individuals also find employment in other science and engineering fields. Increased efforts for MSE programs to engage diversity professionals more effectively and for diversity professionals to more fully recognize the diversity of science and engineering programs, including the smaller ones, may be one route towards more success in recruiting and retaining women and groups underrepresented into engineering undergraduate programs. Professional societies could also play a more effective role in successful recruiting of diverse populations and helping foster coherent and well-designed research to better understand how students choose science and engineering majors.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to establish greater understanding of changes in gender diversity at the undergraduate, graduate and faculty levels for a small engineering discipline, materials science and engineering (MSE), and how it may be related to different cultures across the variety of engineering disciplines.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The paper assesses publicly available data on the demographics of US MSE programs to explore expectations of correlation between increased gender diversity at the graduate level and among faculty versus undergraduate gender diversity.\nFindings: - The number and percentage of women increased substantially in graduate programs and within faculties whereas the percentage of women receiving bachelor's of science degrees in engineering (BSE) in MSE, and nearly all other engineering disciplines, was significantly lower in 2009 than in 2000. Diversity advances at graduate, postdoctoral and faculty levels in the interdisciplinary field of MSE, and likely other relatively young engineering disciplines, have been achieved via a continuous migration of individuals from other science and engineering disciplines as well as from international science and engineering programs.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The paper does not explore cause-and-effect, but rather provides a case study of trends occurring within a specific discipline. When evidence for a \"leaky pipeline\" is found within one generalized context (i.e. engineering), the assumption has been that every discipline (i.e. MSE, biomedical engineering) within that context has leaky pipelines that must be fixed. Given the present data, such assumptions may be inappropriate and perpetuate an understanding of how to improve gender diversity that is not helpful and, in fact, may be harmful to achieving diversity.\nOriginality/value: - The paper provides an assessment of gender diversity for a smaller discipline and explores applicability of conventional pipeline models for career progression.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Operating at the edge: firefighters, networks and lessons for minimal disruption during crisis	[ "Network", "Scenario planning", "Crisis management", "Business continuity", "Society of networks", "Value chain disruption" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: Any distant crisis or catastrophe can have ripple effects thousands of miles away and wreak havoc on whole industries. The tsunami of 2011 in Japan disrupted the world supply of flash memory, increasing the price of this component by 20 per cent. In the same year, an E. coli outbreak in northern Germany provoked similar problems in the European food business until the German administrations identified the product that was transmitting the disease. In 2013, economists of the World Economic Forum (2013) announced that supply chain disruptions reduce firms' share price by an average 7 per cent. Such disruptions are typical for the prevalence of network relationships in industries, markets and society. In this case study, I propose to reflect on ways to turn this connectedness into a resource and mitigate disruptions.\n2. Networks: what are they?: The management of relations between firms (but also organizations from other sectors, for that matter) is a central topic in contemporary management discussions. All disciplines seem to be concerned with networks. General management, strategy, nonprofit organizations, public administration, value and supply chains, finance - scholars from all fields point to the same direction: the more complex the problem, the more likely it is that networks are involved instead of single organizations operating on their own.\n3. Harnessing networks as continuous design: the Dusseldorf case: Business and management scholars do not write much about the design of organizational structures anymore (Greenwood and Miller, 2010). The main reason for this lack of interest is that research on organizational design had traditionally been more interested in predictions about the contingencies and outcomes of specific structures instead of illuminating the process of designing as such (Romme, 2003). The design of organizational structures refers to the process of developing a plan for whatever problem the organization is facing. Design, in organizations, is therefore always incomplete, as long as managers keep on looking for possibilities for improvement. For example, in a case study of a pediatric intensive-care unit, Madsen et al. (2006) reported on design as the means to maintain a protective buffer between the unit and others to safeguard the unit's performances. Similarly, Yoo, Boland and Lyytinen (2006) showed how the shape of project teams is constantly changing, depending on the evolution of the project's vision, visual representations of the results and collaborative work in-between. This line of thinking, as we will see, applies also to the structures that bind networks together.\n4. Lessons learned: three guiding questions to harness networks before crises occur: This article reports on the way firefighters harness networks to mitigate potential crises. Against this background, this article raises particularly relevant questions (and related suggestions) for firms interested in harnessing better, and ultimately, control better, the web of relations in which they operate and create value, both up- and downstream.\n5. Conclusion: This case study reports on promising practices from an organization that is used to cope with the most extreme of crises and disruptions. It uses data from a longitudinal fieldwork to expose how this organization strategically manages the network of public organizations, nonprofits and firms in which it operates. Three practices are put to the fore: courtship, attention to systemic vulnerability and collective prototyping. In a last section, the case study proposes three questions for firms interested in harnessing their own network: get rid of scenarios, plan for all-in and make a case for a troubleshooting unit.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This study aims to point at the vulnerability of the networks on which companies rely, willingly or not. This vulnerability, it is argued, can be harnessed if firms proactively engage with their partners toward collective crisis management.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The case study relies on a three-year fieldwork, including over 100 interviews and 560 hours of observations at a public organization specialized in crisis and emergency management.\nFindings: This case study shows how practitioners who are trained in emergency management prepare for crisis mitigation via the harnessing of networks. The paper translates these insights into networking practices and heuristics for business settings.\nOriginality/value: Because it reports on an extreme organization specialized in crisis and emergency management, this case study reports on observations that are derived from the best. Promising practical implications for businesses are discussed.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The use of big data in corporate communication	[ "Public relations", "Marketing communications", "Corporate communications", "Big data", "Systematic review" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: Dealing with heterogeneous and steadily increasing amounts of data is one of the most important contemporary challenges faced by corporations. Measuring what matters and translating big data into decision making are future priorities for corporations (Loebbecke and Picot, 2015). Big data technologies and methods make it possible to have innovations that can enormously increase the competitiveness of corporations. For example, because big data provides new insights into the effects of strategic communication, corporations can use it to improve their corporate communication. It is because of such insights that big data also has great potential for communication science (Chen et al., 2012; Parks, 2014).\nConceptualization of corporate communication and big data usage: For a sophisticated understanding of the potentialities and limits of big data applications in the context of corporate communication, it is necessary to consider the distinct component spheres of corporate communication separately. These are marketing communication, PR, and internal communication (Zerfass, 2008). Whereas marketing communication refers primarily to the market environment and supports both the sale and purchase of products and services, PR focuses its strategies on the socio-political environment (political-administrative and sociocultural publics). The aim of PR is to ensure scope for action and to legitimize concrete strategies through social integration. Internal communication is directed inward toward the corporate public; it aims to enable and support common, collaborative performance.\nConduction of the systematic review of the use of big data in corporate communication: To provide an overview about big data applications associated with corporate communication we conducted a systematic, interdisciplinary literature review as proposed by Webster and Watson (2002). The review addresses the following research question:\nResults: Application of big data in corporate communication\nImplications: Up to now, the general problem faced by corporations has been a lack of advanced analysis techniques and a lack of a commonly adopted methodology for effectively analyzing the relevant data sets at a time when there is a continuing trend of rapid growth in the volume of available data (Micu et al., 2011). The aforementioned articles point out the enormous potential of constantly developed big data applications for the diverse fields of corporate communication, however. Communication professionals can analyze and optimize their communication activities to maximize performance either after the completion of an activity or in real time, regardless of whether it is a single or multi-platform activity, a transnational activity, or different activities conducted by the corporation in particular countries (Fulgoni and Lipsman, 2014; Seddon, 2015). Such insights into user and consumer behavior would not be possible without big data analytics.\nLimitations: We are aware that relevant literature concerning big data in general has been published in a far greater number of journals than the 34 journals we considered as well as in conference proceedings, book sections, and working papers. We also concede that the domain of big data has existed for longer than the period that we examined. Although some authors indicate that most articles on this subject have been published in the recent past, it is necessary to analyze a larger amount of literature as well as literature from further back in the past in order to get a complete picture of the use of big data in corporate communication. Other search terms than the ones used for this literature review can identify further articles. Furthermore, literature with the subject of corporate communication should be analyzed that does not use terms like big data or the other search terms we considered, but describes data generations and analyses according to our big data characteristics. We have not considered this literature in our review. By including this literature, a more comprehensive picture can be gained beyond this thematic analysis; these further analyses can also take our described ideal-typical conceptual framework as a basis.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the current state of research on the significance of big data in and for corporate communication and to introduce a framework which provides specific connecting points for future research. This is achieved by summarizing and reviewing the insights provided by relevant articles in the most significant scholarly journals. The paper also investigates trends in the literature.\nDesign/methodology/approach: On the basis of a systematic literature review, 53 key articles from 2010 to 2015 were further analyzed.\nFindings: The literature review illustrates the potentialities of big data for corporate communication, especially with regard to the field of marketing communication. It also reveals a dramatic lack of research in the fields of public relations and internal communication with respect to big data applications.\nResearch limitations/implications: The online databases used in this paper comprised of refereed scientific journals with the highest impact factor in the respective disciplines. Journals with a lower impact factor and books were not included in the search process for this thematic analysis.\nPractical implications: This paper provides a conceptual framework that describes four phases of strategic big data usage in corporate communication. The results show how big data is able to highlight stakeholders' insights so that more effective communication strategies can be created.\nOriginality/value: This paper brings together previously disparate streams of work in the fields of communication science, marketing, and information systems with respect to big data applications in corporate communication. It represents the first attempt to undertake a systematic and comprehensive interdisciplinary overview of this kind.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Exploring blockchain implementation in the supply chain: Learning from pioneers and RFID research	[ "RFID", "Research", "Framework", "Implementation", "Blockchain", "Supply chain technology" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: Blockchain is said to be a ground-breaking innovative platform (Abeyratne and Monfared, 2016) that is set to transform supply chain activities (Carter and Koh, 2018; Ksherti, 2018) and blockchain reached the top of Gartner's hype cycle a while ago (Bocek et al., 2017). Dobrovnik et al. (2018) state that there is very little empirical research on blockchain in the supply chain. And Treiblmaier (2018) states that most publications are practitioner-oriented and that while publications predict a huge impact of the technology, these predictions are not grounded in existing theory and little is done to warn against unrealistic expectations. It is perhaps not surprising therefore that in a study of blockchain use cases Verhoeven et al. (2018) found indications that there may be a lack in mindfulness of blockchain technology implementation and that there may be a degree of \"a solution looking for a problem\" surrounding blockchain use cases.\n2. Literature review - blockchain in the supply chain and factors from RFID literature to consider: Given the wide interest in blockchain in the supply chain (Mena et al., 2018; van Hoek et al., 2019; Dobrovnik et al., 2018) stress the relevance of more detailed consideration of blockchain in the supply chain:Despite the claim that blockchain will revolutionise business and redefine logistics, existing research so far is limited concerning frameworks that categorise blockchain application potentials and their implications. In particular, academic literature [...] to date has not sufficiently distinguished between blockchain adoption (\"what to adopt\") and the identification of the right business opportunity (\"where to start\").\n3. Method: We use multiple methods that can complement each other and build upon each other toward a richer empirical exploration. This study is structured into two stages, initial exploration using a focus group and a survey and further exploration using a multiple case study method. Initially, implementation considerations were explored in a focus group with managers interested in blockchain in the supply chain. This served the purpose of beginning to identify relevant implementation considerations suggested in RFID research for considering blockchain in the supply chain. Next, the exploration is continued using a high-level survey of 99 managers. The survey serves the purpose of beginning to evaluate the relevance of considerations statistically. The use of this initial exploration using a survey is in line with Goldsby and Zinn's (2018) call for more multi-method research, combining qualitative and quantitative research when studying complex phenomena. They suggest that survey research can be used to frame, rather than to statistically generalize a problem, perhaps counter to common uses of multi-method and survey research, in that way returning to its descriptive roots. The use of a survey in this stage of research and with this objective is obviously different from the more conventional survey research focused on robust statistical generalization. However, our research explores a terrain where there is very little empirical research and industry experience and practice in existence today. As a result, we feel that it is more appropriate to use the survey to broadly explore and provide input to the deeper exploration in case studies. Put differently, the current state of research may not yet make robust statistical generalization appropriate, nor may there be the sample of companies that are implementing blockchain available to survey at this point.\n4. Findings from the initial exploration: In order to explore the relevance of considerations from RFID literature for blockchain implementation, participants in the focus group were first asked to rate relevance of items from RFID research using a seven-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 \"not at all\" to 7 \"to a very large degree.\" Figures 2 and 3 show average scores ranked from high to low, and these tables were used to drive discussion during the focus group.\n5. Findings from case studies: 5.1 Case Study 1\n6. Discussion of cross-method findings: Our findings indicate that the factors from the Reyes et al. (2016) framework are relevant for considering blockchain in the supply chain. For example, a number of internal and external drivers were found to be relevant considerations for blockchain in the supply chain. While RFID implementation was driven more by customer demands than blockchain is today, customer impact is still a key consideration. Leadership engagement in blockchain at both executive and operational levels is also relevant. This engagement, however, does not have to be universal; case companies engaged a few sponsors and participants for the initial implementation of blockchain in the supply chain. Engagement of 2-4 interested supply chain partners appears to be sufficient to start a pilot. Barriers to implementation may include a lack of understanding of blockchain, and implementation can vary by supply chain and use case. The benefits targeted with blockchain in the supply chain range from transparency and visibility to speed in the supply chain. And our findings do reinforce overlapping functionality between RFID and blockchain technologies in the transparency, visibility and traceability domain. Obviously, it remains key to ensure that use cases address specific supply chain benefits upfront in order to avoid a \"solution looking for a problem\" but we are encouraged to have found amply consideration being given to these by companies participating in our research.\n7. Implications for managers: Our exploratory research offers several implications for managers considering blockchain in the supply chain. The first implication is that fueled by the hype around blockchain there is a wide interest in blockchain in the supply chain and it is recommended that managers that are not yet considering blockchain for their supply chain do so, using the findings from this paper. Those companies and managers that are already considering blockchain and that are piloting are advised to ensure they have a use case that identifies relevant supply chain objectives and consider drivers, engagement and barriers identified. Based upon our exploration and study of pioneers in the field, Figure 4 offers relevant factors to consider and specific blockchain considerations within that. Our findings can help managers move beyond discussions about the theoretical potential of blockchain to a better understanding of what to consider.\n8. Conclusion: While there is great interest in blockchain in the supply chain, there is little empirical research and experience in industry to consider. As a result, it is relevant to consider lessons learned from RFID and to explore innovation at the frontier of practice as recommended by Ferdows (2018). While our research adds empirical findings beyond the scope of existing research on blockchain in the supply chain, while our research can help inform realistic expectations and develops a framework for considering blockchain in the supply chain, the exploration is far from over.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: There is great interest in blockchain in the supply chain yet there is little empirical research to support the consideration of the technology. Ferdows (2018) calls for research aimed at learning from pioneers in the field and Gartner points out that the interest in blockchain holds similarities to the interest surrounding RFID 15 years ago. As a result, there may be opportunities to leverage insights from RFID research to inform the consideration of blockchain. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the Reyes et al. (2016) framework for the implementation of RFID may inform the consideration of blockchain in the supply chain.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A two-stage approach is used to explore RFID implementation considerations from the Reyes et al. (2016) RFID implementation framework, using an initial exploration of managers interested in blockchain using a focus group and a survey and to more in depth explore three case companies pioneering blockchain.\nFindings: Several RFID implementation considerations can inform the consideration of blockchain but there are also differences in considering blockchain. A framework is developed that details considerations found to be relevant by implementation stage.\nOriginality/value: This paper adds to the limited amount of empirical research on blockchain in the supply chain and advances research beyond the consideration of use cases into the exploration of actual implementation of blockchain in the supply chain. The decision framework developed both leverages and nuances findings from RFID research and can inform managerial decision making. It also adds to research a multi-stage approach to implementation and uncovers rich opportunity to further learn from pioneers.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
CSR communication in Japan: the case of Kikkoman	[ "Japan", "Employees involvement", "Corporate social responsibility", "Public relations", "Public education", "School commercialism" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: A Japanese corporate social responsibility (CSR) scholar, Kanji Tanimoto (2006) claims that the birth year of the CSR concept in Japan is 2003. He explains that a natural disaster in the Kansai area in 1995 changed people's attitudes toward the importance of public service and social order. Companies started to provide paid vacations to the employees who engaged in volunteering in the public sphere. Therefore, Tanimoto (2006) argues that the global trend of CSR, combined with these social changes in Japan laid out a solid foundation for the current CSR of corporate Japan. Businesses in some Asian countries are clearly attempting to \"adopt\" the Western version of CSR practices in order to survive in global competition, however, the importing of CSR has led to various changes in the business community in Asia (Fukukawa, 2010).\nBackground: New food education law\nLiterature review - CSR in Japan: While the discourse and practice of CSR in the context of a global economy has been led by Western principles, the growing number of empirical studies of CSR shows a wider range of views of CSR in Asia (Fukukawa, 2010). For example, a study of the top 100 IT companies including US corporations operating in India shows that CSR communication is absent and India-specific CSR information was minimal (Chaudhri and Wang, 2007). One Japanese study shared an interesting finding: many Japanese managers believed it is inappropriate to take a formal objective approach to stakeholder dialogue for the purpose of value creation (Tokoro, 2007). A study of leading Chinese and global companies operating in China conducted by Tang and Li (2009) found that some rejected the Western notion of CSR and argued that a Western paradigm may not be useful in understanding of CSR in different countries. Dhanesh (2012) studied CSR leadership in Indian companies and found that CSR initiatives tend to be led directly by senior management, rather than PR practitioners. He argues that PR practitioners tend to assume CSR leadership in the Western context, while public relations and CSR remained separate in India. Witt and Redding (2012) reported on the executives' perceptions of CSR in multiple countries and found that compared to Hong Kong and South Korea, Japanese executives are the most concerned with the roles of their firms in society as well as the need for firms to contribute to and be accepted by society. Another important finding about Japanese executives with respect to CSR is that the main object of their attention tends to be employees. While Hong Kong and South Korea emphasize the role of charity in their CSR, 82 percent of Japanese executives suggested that the well-being of employees is clearly in its CSR equation (Witt and Redding, 2012). A case study by Muk (2012) showed how this employee focus can be part of a CSR approach when he examined the PR function of a Japanese consumer product giant, Kao Corporation. The public image is very important to Japanese corporations because Japanese consumers buy from companies that are perceived as socially responsible. He interviewed Kao's PR manager who stated that the company has to assume its social responsibility role, and the social responsibility concept is in an ongoing process of consensus building between the company and its consumers. The PR manager further addressed the importance of internal communication with its employees. As part of the company's major internal PR activity, they offer in-house educational programs, and send their employees to attend outside training programs. The company believes that these educational programs help keep employee morale up and raise quality in servicing the customers. Muk (2012) concluded that the company believes that this will eventually project a good corporate citizen image.\nResearch methods: A case study is an in-depth exploration of a bounded system such as an activity, event, or process, and it serves the purpose of illuminating a particular issue (Creswell, 2005). Stake (2000) explains that there are two types of case study: intrinsic and instrumental. Intrinsic case study is undertaken when the case itself is of interest and the researcher wants to better understand it, whereas an instrumental case study is undertaken when the researcher wants to provide insight into an issue. Because the author attempts to illustrate a specific issue, CSR communication in Japan, through an in-depth description of Kikkoman's CSR activities, an instrumental case study was selected. In this study, three traditional qualitative data were utilized: documents, interviews, and observation. Based on the approval obtained from the university Institutional Review Board (IRB), informed consent was obtained from all participants before collecting data. All events are presented as they originally occurred. However, the names that appear are pseudonyms.\nFindings: Document analysis: Kikkoman as a leading company\nDiscussion: In this study, the researcher employed a stakeholder approach to discuss the results because it generally benefits CSR scholars for addressing key issues. A stakeholder has a \"stake\" or a special interest in the business activities because they are affected by business decisions or can affect firm performance (Lussier and Sherman, 2014, p. 20). There was a paradigm shift from the stockholder to the stakeholder approach to management in the 1980s when business and social interests came closer and firms became more responsive to their stakeholders (Moura-Leite and Padgett, 2011). While the stockholder approach to management focuses on profit maximization, the stakeholder approach to management focuses on trying \"to create a win-win for all stakeholders\" (Lussier and Sherman, 2014, p. 40). Freeman introduced the stakeholder theory as a corporate strategic management theory in 1984 and he pointed out that traditional attention to shareholders obviously failed in public trust in the form of unethical and illegal business activities, and the stakeholder approach should be used as a basis and a driving force for ethical consideration to address not only management in general but also CSR (as cited in Moura-Leite and Padgett, 2011). Therefore, stakeholder theory was justified \"as a necessary precondition to stockholder value maximization\" (Lussier and Sherman, 2014, p. 40). Moura-Leite and Padgett (2011) argue that it was natural that the stakeholder approach was added to the new definitions of CSR because \"the difference between the social and economic goals of a corporation is no longer relevant\" (p. 533) within the stakeholder framework. However, as Lussier and Sherman (2014) pointed out, stakeholders do not have an interest in every issue facing the business, and they can change based on the issue, it is also difficult to create a win for all stakeholders. For this reason, stakeholder theory has continued to receive significant attention from strategy researchers and CSR scholars.\nConclusion: This case study presents how a company, through effective corporate communication, has built its reputation and improved corporate performance addressing all three areas of CSR: 3Ps. Due to the policy changes in public education, the new food education law, pressure from the society, and the facilitation by Kikkoman's top management combined with highly motivated employees made it possible for Kikkoman to successfully enter a previously untapped market, public schools in Japan, and reach out to the young and future customers. Using the vehicles of CSR activity and effective corporate communication, they addressed the problem of a shrinking domestic market and tapped a future market. They also implanted an eco-friendly image in the minds of stakeholders through their soy sauce lessons. Kikkoman has effectively communicated their values with all stakeholders and met both their economic and social goals.\nLimitations of research and implications for future research: First, Yin (2009) claims that the goal of case study will be to expand analytic generalization, instead of statistical generalization. This is called extension of findings, which \"enables others to understand similar situations and apply the findings in subsequent research or practical situations\" (McMillan and Schumacher, 2006, p. 330). It is difficult to generalize the findings to CSR communication in Japan because this is a single case study with interviews with one CSR representative, and observations at two schools. In this study, data were collected from multiple sources in order to triangulate the findings. Therefore, this case still presents valuable insights into current CSR activities in Japan in general.\nPractical implications: There are several implications from this study. First, considering the fact that the food education law attempts to protect the national identity of traditional Japanese food culture and that soy sauce is regarded as representative of that historical food culture. It is natural to assume that Kikkoman could not afford losing their significant domestic market, and had no choice but promoting their signature product, soy sauce, by taking advantage of the new food education law. Some may argue that the motivation was clearly the economic goal. Others may see this case as an example of a cultural study due to the collective nature of the society and social implications of the role of government.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine Kikkoman's corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication with public schools associated with a new food education law in Japan. It describes how an internationally recognized soy sauce maker, Kikkoman, effectively entered a previously untapped market, public schools in Japan, and improved its corporate image using the vehicle of CSR activity.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Three traditional qualitative data sources were utilized: documents, interviews, and observations.\nFindings: Social, political, economic, and environmental factors pushed Kikkoman to create a soy sauce lesson as a new CSR activity, which created challenges in corporate communication. The company, with the help of government, overcame the difficulties and was able to effectively communicate its CSR and improve its corporate image while promoting its signature product to children. This case presents a successful public relations strategy using a stakeholder approach as a framework.\nResearch limitations/implications: It is difficult to generalize the findings to CSR communication in Japan because this is a single case study with interviews with one company representative and observations at two schools.\nPractical implications: First, collaboration between business people and public schools teachers is on the rise. This may open new opportunities for socially responsible corporations to engage in effective public relations activity through CSR in Japan. Second, human resource development in CSR activities is strategic and employees can play a pivotal role in Japanese CSR.\nOriginality/value: This paper examines the unique activities of a Japanese food industry leader from multiple data sources including observations of actual corporate behaviors in schools.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Two profiles of the Dutch high performing employee	[ "Employee profiles", "High performance employees", "HPE" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Employees dedicate their knowledge, skills, experiences and creativity to the organization, which makes them critical to the success of the organization (Rodriguez et al., 2002). It is even stated that people play a large part in making or breaking the organization (Carney and Getz, 2009; Casullo, 2012; Huselid, 1995; Leary-Joyce, 2010). Collins (2001) argued that the power of an organization lies in the hands of good people. Considering this, the question arises: What is meant by \"good people\"? Not every employee is the same, individuals act differently under the same set of circumstances (Loftus and Higgs, 2010). Some employees are able to work independently with little or no supervision, while others require considerable guidance to perform a job well. The differences between employees can be measured by identifying and comparing their competencies and behavioral characteristics (Bartram et al., 2002). Each employee has a unique set of competencies and related behaviors, which are of varying use to the organization. This study aims to further explore Collins' concept of \"good people\" by constructing a profile of a Dutch high-performing employee (HPE). The research question is therefore as follows:\nDeveloping the theoretical profile of the HPE: Before we could develop a profile of the HPE, we first needed a definition of the excellent employee. Researchers in organizational theory argue that there is not a universal definition for excellence, nor for the excellent employee (Selvarajah et al., 1995; Call et al., 2015). The reason for this is that researchers generally concentrate on one specific determinant of excellence, such as the characteristics or the attitudes or the behaviors that employees must exhibit to perform well in their jobs (Sparrow and Hiltrop, 1997). To deal with the issue of fragmented research, we studied a number of concepts from the literature on excellent employees to formulate a working definition of the HPE. After that, we combined four validated models on employee characteristics to draw up a list of behavioral characteristic of an HPE and included these in a questionnaire. This questionnaire served to validate the identified behaviors in practice against the perceptions of respondents, who were both managers and employees. In this study, an excellent employee is defined as an individual who delivers a targeted effort to increase the productivity and quality of the organization (Moller, 1994). For building the questionnaire, we used several concepts found in the literature. The concept of \"employeeship\" is about the behavior of employees to feel responsible for the results of the organization, be loyal to this organization and take initiatives to continuously improve the organization (Moller, 1994). According to another concept, excellent employees show high \"in-role\" performance and high \"extra-role\" performance (Williams and Anderson, 1991). The \"in-role\" performance is also called work performance and refers to the results that can be expected of employees on as part of their formal job description. \"Extra-role\" performance, also called engagement performance, concerns the efforts of employees that go beyond what can be expected from them in their function and is aimed at improving the organization. This kind of behavior can develop into \"organizational citizenship behavior\", another concept which is defined as behavior that is not required because of the employee's position in the organization but that is purely the employee's own initiative (MacKenzie et al., 1991). This behavior is aimed at improving the organization, but it is not necessarily acknowledged in the formal evaluation and reward system of the organization. Another concept focuses on a special category of employees, the \"stars\" (Call et al., 2015). These are defined as employees with disproportionately high and prolonged performance, visibility and relevant social capital. In this respect, \"stars\" are similar to \"high potentials\", employees who are highly driven to improve the organization by taking advantage of opportunities without fear of change. These employees often make rapid career advancement because they work more productively and more effectively than their colleagues, and often, they are regarded as the future leaders of the organization (Bennis and Nanus, 1985). The concepts of employeeship, extra-role performance, organizational citizenship behavior and \"stars\" all provide descriptions of employees who are willing to go the extra mile to enhance organizational performance. Examination of these four concepts resulted in the following working definition of the HPE: An HPE performs better than an average employee and, therefore, contributes above-average to the overall performance of an organization.\nResearch approach: Saunders et al. (2009) distinguish two types of research approaches: deductive or inductive. A deductive approach entails that the research starts from already existing theories and models, from which propositions are developed and subsequently tested through empirical studies. This study uses this deductive research approach because it starts from four existing models which are validated for a new context (i.e. employees in The Netherlands), to come up with a new model (i.e. the HPE profile), thus contributing to human resource management theory. The four models described above were integrated into one instrument, by which the profile of an HPE was derived. This study uses the survey research strategy, because this allows the collection of a large amount of data from a sizeable population in an economical way (Saunders et al., 2009). The survey strategy is usually associated with the deductive approach. Thus, in our study, the survey strategy allows us to collect quantitative data, which can be analyzed quantitatively. The behavioral characteristics of HPE as given by the four examined models were collected by one of the authors and similar types of characteristics were placed into categories. Subsequently, the other author challenged these categories, and after discussion, we arrived at a survey questionnaire with 98 behavioral characteristics that potentially describe the HPE. The behavioral characteristics were turned into statements to make them easier to react on by respondents. The questionnaire can be downloaded from www.hpocenter.com (in the Knowledge\nResearch results: We performed separate factor analyses on the data set originating from the managers and the one originating from the employees, as we expected, based on our literature review, that both groups could have a different view on what constitutes high performance of an employee (Baruch, 1996; McKenna, 2002). These differences find their origin in the fact that managers evaluate the behavioral aspects of employees in the position of supervisor, while employees evaluate the behavioral characteristics based on self-ratings of how they should be doing in the workplace. There are three main reasons why differences exist between the two types of evaluators (Harris and Schaubroeck, 1988). The first reason is the egocentric bias which occurs when self-raters - in this case the employees - inflate their own ratings to increase their scores; creating is a defensive effect. The second reason is the fact that the evaluators work at different organizational levels, which causes differences in orientation and perspective, as a result of which they observe the behavior of successful colleagues - in the case of the employees - and successful subordinates - in the case of the managers - from different standpoints (Zammuto et al., 1982). The third reason is a difference in observational opportunity (Lawler, 1967). Self-raters (the employees) have many more possibilities to observe themselves than supervisor raters (the managers) have to observe employees, which may mean that employees are in a better position than managers to know what is factually needed to be successful on the work floor.\nAnalysis: As mentioned above, we expected from the start that there would be a difference in opinion between managers and employees on the profile of an excellent employee. The research results confirm that there are indeed two profiles for the HPE: one resulting from the managers' response, and another, different one resulting from the employees' response. Table I gives both HPE profiles, listing the behavioral factors and characteristics in order of importance (i.e. the weight of the loadings, which are also given in Table I). There are 11 behavioral characteristics that were found in both profiles, these have been printed in italics and shaded.\nConclusions, limitations and further research: The study findings contribute to the literature on high performance and excellence by filling a gap, as there is not yet an unambiguous profile of the HPE available in the literature. The two HPE profiles presented in this study take away some of the ambiguity around HPE. Having a well-defined HPE profile is important because to create a high-performance organization, it is essential that all employees perform well. The fact that this study yielded not just one but two profiles for the HPE could explain why people often hold different views on what exactly constitutes excellence on the work floor (Landy and Farr, 1980). Managers and employees have different views on high performance of employees based on differences in perspective and background, and apparently, there is quite a distance between the two views in practice (Borman, 1974). This distance may be reduced by managers and employees sharing and discussing each other's HPO profiles. Organizations can use the HPE profiles to evaluate employees in terms of the required qualities for their functions as well as desired behaviors and work orientation, to subsequently bring the organization's development, evaluation and coaching programs in line with these. It means organizations can offer their employees customized human resource development programs that are tailored to the needs of both employees and managers. In addition, organizations can use the HPE profiles in the recruitment process to make sure job candidates satisfy the required profiles right from the beginning. Applying the HPE profiles in this manner will increase an organization's chance of becoming a high-performance organization significantly.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the profile of an ideal employee, to be more precise the behavioral characteristics of the Dutch high-performing employee (HPE). Organizational performance depends for a large part on the commitment of employees. Employees provide their knowledge, skills, experiences and creativity to the organization, which makes them critical to the success of the organization.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The behavioral characteristics of the Dutch HPE were identified on the basis of a literature review and a questionnaire distributed to 420 Dutch managers and employees.\nFindings: Not one but two profiles for the ideal employee were found. First, an HPE profile was compiled based on the perspectives of managers, which can be used for evaluating employees and recruiting new employees. Second, an HPE profile was compiled based on the perspectives of employees themselves, which can be used for setting up development and coaching programs for employees.\nOriginality/value: Most organizations work with one profile of the ideal employee. This study shows, however, that two profiles are needed for such an employee, each with a particular application.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Customer orientation, relationship quality, and relational benefits to the firm	[ "Customer orientation", "Customer loyalty", "Customer relations" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: An executive summary for managers can be found at the end of this article.One of the pillars of Starbuck's value proposition is \"customer intimacy\". According to Jim Alling, Starbuck's senior vice president of North American retail, \"it could be something as simple as recognizing you and knowing your drink or customizing your drink just the way you like it\" (Moon and Quelch, 2003). \"Having it your way\" is the essence of a customer-oriented service strategy and \"it is widely held that a customer-orientated firm is more likely to deliver exceptional service quality and create satisfied customers\" (Hartline et al., 2000). This traditional path suggests that customer orientation leads to greater satisfaction with the service, which leads to greater loyalty. This research attempts to determine whether customer-oriented contact employees can contribute even more to positive outcomes for the firm.\nConceptual framework: The conceptual model tested takes its foundation from a more generalized model of market-oriented value creation (e.g. McNaughton et al., 2002), in which market orientation creates customer value, which in turn increases customer satisfaction, leading to greater firm loyalty and positive word of mouth (Figure 1).Although the model does not explicitly measure customer value, as some have done (Sirdeshmukh et al., 2002), it assumes that the creation of value underlies global assessments of satisfaction leading to positive marketing outcomes. The model focuses the influence of individual-level constructs on firm level outcomes. In the following paragraphs, each construct in the model is discussed, as well as the development of the research hypotheses.Individual level variables\nMethod: Sample\nResults: Measurement model\nDiscussion and implications: The results offer empirical support for the model tested. Customers' perceptions of the service employee's customer orientation were positively related to interpersonal relationship quality, supporting H1. While this result might be anticipated, the study provides empirical support for employee customer orientation as an important contributor to positive relationships between customers and contact employees. This finding reiterates the importance of service firms of having frontline employees who are capable, empowered, and motivated to be customer oriented. While many firms may embrace customer orientation as a corporate value, much is yet to be learned about implementing it as a strategy. Two recent avenues of research hold promise for helping managers in this regard. First, research by Hartline et al. (2000) suggests four key mechanisms for disseminating a customer-oriented strategy:1. a less formalized organizational structure;2. employee empowerment;3. behavior-based employee evaluations; and4. work-group socialization.Considering these key mechanisms, the current study's findings would suggest that customer-oriented employee behavior is an important performance characteristic that companies should measure and reward. A second avenue of research suggests that firms would be wise to select recruits that are predisposed to be customer-oriented. Brown et al. (2002) found that three basic personality traits (emotional stability, agreeableness, and the need for activity) explained 39 percent of the variance in customer orientation of service employees. Additional research along these lines holds potential for helping managers implement a customer-oriented strategy, which in turn should enhance both loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.H2, examining the link between employee expertise and interpersonal relationship quality, was also supported. Employee expertise was found to be significantly related to relationship quality. Like customer orientation, expertise is an important variable that can be influenced by recruiting and training. H3, examining the positive link between interpersonal relationship quality and satisfaction with the firm, was supported. This finding reiterates the importance of interpersonal relationships if fostering customer satisfaction with the service. H4 and H5 were also supported, verifying the expected positive links between satisfaction with the firm and both loyalty to the firm and WOM about the firm.Both hypotheses testing the direct paths from interpersonal relationship quality to positive outcomes for the firm were supported. H6 examines the direct positive link from interpersonal relationship quality to loyalty to the firm. This finding supports the contention in prior research that positive interpersonal relationships between contact employees and customers can create an additional bond that ties customers to the firm (Macintosh and Lockshin, 1997). The last hypothesis (H7) tests the direct link from relationship quality to WOM about the firm. This finding has potential significant managerial implications because prior research has shown that satisfaction with the firm alone may not be enough to foster positive WOM. A practical example of this potential is the relationship development program implemented by Harley Davidson, where \"the bonding between employees and customers has been so successful in spreading positive WOM\" (Gremler et al., 2001) that Harley has been able to substantially reduce its traditional promotional expenditures.Further, the model clearly emphasizes the importance of having customer-oriented contact people in services. Both customer orientation and expertise were significantly related to relationship quality. In fact, the combination of customer orientation and expertise seems to provide both the right type of motivation and the ability to create customer-driven value. In services where the contact personnel play a large role in service delivery, firms should be concerned about both the factors that influence the quality of the relationship with the contact person and potentially additional factors that may independently influence satisfaction with the firm. This was even more evident when we took a closer look at the relationship between relationship quality and word-of-mouth.In order to get a better understanding of the link between relationship quality and word-of-mouth, we conducted a post hoc analysis of the data. This analysis revealed a number of interesting issues. First, high levels of positive word-of-mouth, which some have labeled customer advocacy (e.g. Bendapudi and Berry, 1997), only occurred in the presence of the highest level of relationship quality. Unfortunately, high relationship quality does not guarantee customer advocacy. In fact, 20 respondents in the study who had very high relationship quality (nine had the highest possible score), had no word-of-mouth and five respondents who had fairly high relationship quality actually had negative word-of-mouth. Respondents with higher levels of relationship quality were at least as likely to say nothing at all as they were to say anything positive. An examination of the respondents with negative word-of-mouth tells a different story. Respondents with moderate levels of relationship quality were just as likely to have very negative word-of-mouth as respondents that had very low levels of relationship quality. This fact is evident in the data presented in Table V, which shows the means and distribution of relationship quality scores for those respondents who had the highest levels of positive word-of-mouth and the highest levels of negative word-of-mouth. The ten advocates are tightly clustered with the highest possible level of relationship quality. However, the 33 respondents with high negative word-of-mouth had a large range of relationship quality scores and a standard deviation of 2.38. One conclusion that might be drawn from this data is that, at least in this context, relationship quality is not a guarantee of customer advocacy, but rather a minimum condition to be met by companies hoping to foster positive word-of-mouth. This finding suggests the possibility of motivation versus hygiene factors in considering influences on customer word-of-mouth communication.This research reiterates the importance of considering interpersonal level variables and firm level variables in assessing marketing relationships. While it may be argued that service organizations are interested in promoting strong relationships between customers and the firm, firms cannot ignore the fact that a potentially stronger relationship can be established at the interpersonal level with the contact service employee. Similarly, in most cases one would expect that quality of the interpersonal relationship would be consistent with the customer's assessment of the firm. However, relationship quality at the individual level can have important direct effects on customer loyalty to the firm and positive word-of-mouth that are independent of the customer's satisfaction with the firm. Since this research supports the importance of customer orientation, more research should be conducted on improving the selection, training, and motivation of customer-oriented employees. Future research might also focus on individual differences in the importance of interpersonal relationships to customers, such as differences in relational preferences (Reynolds and Beatty, 1999) or perceived risk (Macintosh, 2002). Finally, additional research is needed to better understand the factors that influence word-of-mouth, particularly factors that might aid managers in attempts to successfully manage word-of-mouth.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - This research seeks to test a model examining the potential links between customer orientation, expertise, and relationship quality at the interpersonal level and the link between relationship quality and positive service outcomes at the firm level, such as loyalty and positive word of mouth.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The study employs a survey methodology to obtain the opinions of 220 business travelers regarding their relationships with their travel agents. The hypothesized relationships were testing using structural equation modeling (SEM).\nFindings: - The research found significant positive relationships between customer orientation and expertise and respondents' perception of relationship quality. It also found significant links between relationship quality at the interpersonal level and positive outcomes at the organizational level. Interpersonal relationship quality enhanced customer satisfaction with the service firm but was also directly linked to loyalty to the firm and positive word-of-mouth about the firm.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The study reinforces the importance of examining firm-level and personal-level relationships in services. Further, it verifies empirically an important link between customer orientation and relationship quality.\nOriginality/value: - For managers, the study demonstrates the importance of having customer-oriented employees and the importance that the relationship between customers and employees plays in fostering customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth about the firm.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Performance management in service operational settings: a selective literature examination	[ "Performance measures", "Service industries", "Performance management", "Literature" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Performance measurement is considered an important aspect of management (Pongatichat and Johnston, 2008). This critical organizational process provides the basis for an organization to assess how well it is progressing toward its planned and targeted objectives, helps to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses, and facilitate future initiatives aimed at improving organizational performance (Purbey et al., 2007). In this context, benchmarking is instrumental to the process of organizational performance improvement (Dawkins et al., 2007; Debnath and Shankar, 2008; Kwon et al., 2008; Goncharuk, 2008). Organizations which fail to make benchmarking as an integral part of their performance management efforts and practices tend to experience lower than expected performance improvements, and higher dissatisfaction and turnover of employees (Longenecker and Fink, 2001). However, the absence of a balanced set of performance measures, which take into account the multi-faceted nature of organizational performance, make it rather difficult for organizations to take the full advantage of systematic benchmarking efforts aimed at improving the different facets of organizational performance.Several authors have explored the nature and design of performance measurement systems (PMSs) in manufacturing operational settings (Cross and Lynch, 1988-1989; Kaplan and Norton, 1992; Neely et al., 1996; Neely et al., 2001; Pun and White, 2005; Shepherd and Gunter, 2006). However, less emphasis has been placed on performance measures and measurement in service operational settings. This is attributed to the difficulties associated with the intangibles aspects of different services (Brignall et al., 1991; Doney et al., 2007). Owing to these difficulties, service organizations, in the past, tended to resort to performance measures which emphasized the financial aspects of performance. More recently, however, these organizations began to realize the importance of non-financial measures, such as measures focusing on service quality (Duggirala et al., 2008; Chau, 2009).In this paper, the literature related to performance measures and measurement in service operational settings is overviewed. For this purpose, key journals are surveyed for articles dealing with innovative performance measurement approaches and models in key service sectors. Specifically, articles published between 1981 and early 2008 are analyzed to determine the scope and nature of the performance measurement models and approaches proposed, and/or applied in service operational settings. The research methodology utilized is consistent with the literature (Gomes et al., 2004; Yasin et al., 2006).The next section provides a brief background relevant to the issues under investigation. In method section presents the methodology utilized in this research. The results section presents an overview of the evolution of issues and concerns related to performance measurement. The results section also presents specific results related to key themes, journals, countries, articles, and finally nature of the studies examined. The final section offers a summary of the findings and suggestions for performance measurement research in the growing service sector.\nBackground: A PMS can be defined as the set of metrics used to quantify both the efficiency and effectiveness of actions (Neely et al., 2005). It also can be viewed as a balanced, dynamic system which supports the decision-making process by monitoring, gathering, and analyzing performance-related information (Garengo and Bititci, 2007; Bititci et al., 2000). As such, this system includes a set of performance measures that provides an organization with useful information that helps to plan, manage, control, and effectively perform the activities relevant to the different processes of an organization. Some authors tend to emphasize the managerial and management aspects of performance measurement. In this context, they tend to advocate a \"performance management\", rather than a performance measurement perspective (Greiling, 2006; Dey et al., 2008).The information managed by the PMS must be accurate, relevant, timely, and accessible. Such informational capabilities and characteristics must be incorporated into the design of the PMS. Furthermore, performance measures must also be carefully designed in order to reflect the most important factors influencing the productivity of the different processes found in the organization (Tangen, 2005).A well-designed PMS is vital for ensuring that an organization delivers cost-effective, high-quality services, which meet and exceed the needs of customers (Moullin, 2004). In this context, performance measures and measurement are viewed as important drivers of increased efficiency and improved service delivery quality (Greiling, 2006). Therefore, the PMS and related processes and activities should be an important part of any service organization (Bruijn, 2002).In general, there are several difficulties associated with performance measurement efforts. These difficulties are more vivid in service operational environments. Healthcare and public services are cases in point (Gomes et al., 2008, 2010). These difficulties are attributed, in part, to the diverse interests of the stakeholders involved (Bruijn, 2002; Moullin, 2007). For example, in public sector services, there are many stakeholders. These stockholders have different and, sometimes, conflicting agendas and performance expectations (Wisniewski and Olafsson, 2004). These stakeholders tend to have different perspectives on organizational performance. In such operational environments, it is difficult to set targets, and/or to make decisions solely based on measured results, due to the conflicting objectives and interests of the stakeholders. Therefore, when implementing a PMS, the conflicting views and needs of different stakeholders must, somehow, be reconciled (Mettanen, 2005; Lawton et al., 2000). Therefore, PMSs and related processes must be designed carefully to incorporate the different perspectives on performance. This is critical to the success of the performance management efforts in manufacturing environments (Neely et al., 2001), and service environments as well (Dey et al., 2008).The literature on benchmarking as it relates to performance measurement in service organizations tends to point to common difficulties (Vagnoni and Maran, 2008) These difficulties appear to be shared by service organizations, regardless of the nature of their services (Narayan et al., 2008). Despite the inherent difficulties associated with measuring and benchmarking certain aspects of service performance, service organizations are facing increasing pressure to improve the different aspects of their performance. In the process, these organizations are looking for innovative and systematic approaches and models to enhance their performance improvement efforts. The study at hand surveys the relevant literature in order to shed some light on performance measurement approaches and practices of service organizations. These approaches and practices have practical benchmarking implications to service organizations, as they struggle with performance measurement and management practical concerns.\nMethod: For the purpose of this study, several databases and search engines, such as Agricola, Ask web, Emerald, Eric, Google Scholar, Inderscience, ProQuest, Questia, and ScienceDirect, among others, were utilized. The objective of this process was to identify articles which dealt with issues related to performance measurement in service. An emphasis was placed on articles addressing innovative practices, approaches and models. The literature search generated the titles and abstracts of over 200 articles. In an effort to focus this literature review, the authors judged the relevance of the articles in terms of offering innovative and specific models, applications or approaches relevant to performance measurement in service. This criterion was utilized to narrow the scope of the search, thus to avoid potential duplications. As a result of this selective literature review, 141 relevant articles spanning the time from 1981 to early 2008 were identified. The 1981 start was dictated by the results of the search. The early 1980s saw the beginning of a serious interest in this type of research. The research methodology utilized is consistent with the literature (Gomes et al., 2004; Yasin et al., 2006).\nResults: Overview\nConcluding remarks: This study examined a selective performance measurement literature in service operational settings. An emphasis was placed on articles which dealt with innovative and systematic performance measurement practices, approaches, or models. A total of 141 articles were examined and analyzed for the purpose of this study. Based on this literature review the following conclusions and implications are offered.First, a significant portion of articles dealing with performance measurement in service appeared in few journals. Perhaps, this signifies the limited coverage of this important research area in favor of manufacturing studies. The recent growth in the service sector justifies more research in this area in order to offer service organizations better approaches to the management of their performance. Research capitalizing on the benchmarking implications and lessons learned based on the manufacturing experience may prove to be helpful to service organizations as they struggle with service performance challenge and concerns.Second, the published works appear to emphasis mainly operational and, to some extent, some strategic performance concerns. Environmental-related and supplier-related performance issues appear to be under researched. As customers of most service organizations are becoming more sophisticated, service organizations are finding it necessary to broaden their criteria regarding effective organizational performance. Thus, external aspects such as the environmental and suppliers-related should be incorporated in this broader perspective. This represents an opportunity for future research.Third, empirical studies dealing with performance issues in service appear to be lagging behind, as most of the studies examined were not empirical in nature. More conceptual and empirical research is needed in order to clarify and validate relationships among theoretical constructs, which can be integrated into practical managerial frameworks.Finally, future research is called for to help service managers improve the different aspects of organizational performance through benchmarking best practices in manufacturing as well as other service organizations.At the conclusion of this research, the authors would like to express their appreciation to the capable reviewers of this journal for their valuable input. At the conclusion of this research, the authors would like to express their appreciation to the capable reviewers of this journal for their valuable input.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - This paper aims to examine, the specific literature related to performance measurement in the service sector. In the process, it also aims to classify and examine innovative approaches and models utilized to measure performance in service operational settings. Based on this investigation, the paper seeks to identify relevant benchmarking implications.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - A database of 141 peer-reviewed publications, published between 1981 and early 2008, was utilized for the purpose of this paper. The published works included contributions from both practioners and scholars.\nFindings: - The International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management is found to be the leading journal in terms of contributions to performance measurement in service operational settings. It contributed 25 articles. The bulk of published work appeared in international journals. These contributions were mixed in nature. They included empirical, conceptual, case studies, literatures reviews and interviews. The focus of the articles examined was also mixed. These articles tended to emphasis operational, customer, strategic, supplier, and environmental aspects of service.\nResearch limitations/implications: - Based on the findings of this paper, it is concluded that this area of research is in need of more future efforts aimed at solidifying theoretical constructs and practical applications.\nPractical implications: - Findings derived from this investigation have relevant benchmarking implications. In this context, understanding the different approaches to performance measurement as utilized in service organizations is critical to the efforts of these organizations' performance improvement efforts.\nOriginality/value: - Understanding the types and scopes of the different approaches and models utilized to measure performance in service operational settings is important in light of the growing significance of the service sector.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Customer satisfaction/delight and behavioural intentions of cell phone network customers - an emerging market perspective	[ "Perceived value", "Customer satisfaction", "Behavioural intention", "Customer delight", "Cell phone network service provider", "Perceived employee service delivery skills" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Satisfying the needs of customers is not enough to retain customers over the long term (Trasorras et al., 2009), therefore service providers often build in switching costs to retain their customers (Lam et al., 2004). Relying solely on this approach often proves counterproductive, as customers simply remain with the service provider only to avoid the costs of severing the relationship and not always out of their own free will, resulting in negative consequences for service providers, especially if customers are dissatisfied, such as with their spreading negative word-of-mouth (Lee and Neale, 2012). Matzler et al. (2015) further professed that switching costs affect negatively customer satisfaction and customers' behavioural intention (BI). Instead of relying primarily on switching costs, creating customer delight or \"going beyond satisfaction\" (Torres and Kline, 2013) is often cited as a way service providers can retain customers and positively affect customers' future BIs (Liu and Keh, 2015).\nTheoretical framework: Cell phone network service providers in South Africa\nTheoretical model development: The interrelationship between perceived employee service delivery skills and customer satisfaction/delight experiences\nMethodology: Research context and sample\nEmpirical findings: Profile of respondents\nDiscussion: The study makes both a theoretical and a practical contribution. From a theoretical perspective, the results confirm that the measurement scales used to measure the customer satisfaction/delight experiences construct, its antecedents and outcome are reliable and valid. The model as proposed has been verified, confirming the B2C relationships between customer satisfaction/delight experiences, its antecedents and BI within an emerging market context.\nManagerial implications: Considering the implications of the study, it can be said that cell phone network service providers in an emerging market should focus on the creation of experiences that lead to customer delight, as this would result in customers having positive BIs towards the provider. Cell phone network service providers should foster a service culture built and based on exceeding customer expectations. There should be a continuous focus on providing customers with a high value of service delivery through competent, friendly and engaging employees. This should secure a memorable customer experience which is inclusive of professional post-purchase customer support service delivery. Customers want to experience an offering that satisfies their needs and that also provides customer satisfaction and value (Crotts and Magnini, 2011). Considering this, it becomes imperative for cell phone network service providers to provide their customers with service delivery that not only meets their expectations but exceeds them.\nConclusions: The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which the delight experienced by customers of cell phone network service providers is influenced by their perceptions of the network's employee service delivery skills and the value that the customers experience in the network's offerings. In turn, the influence of their degree of delight on future BI was established. The study concluded that the satisfaction/delight experiences of cell phone network service provider customers do lead to positive BI. However, this depends on whether customers perceive the employee service delivery skills provided and the value received as positive. In conclusion, the results of this study contribute to an understanding of customer satisfaction/delight experiences with cell phone network service providers in an emerging market context. The study further provides direction to cell phone network service providers on the building of relationships with their customers over the long term through a greater emphasis on creating customer delight. From an emerging economy perspective, it is recommended that these customers are provided with service experiences that could lead to a feeling of customer delight, resulting in positive BIs towards the cell phone network service provider. The commitment of customers in emerging economies is driven by positive experiences and can be supported by a service culture built and based on exceeding customer expectations. Therefore, cell phone network service provider operating in emerging economies should understand the desire of customers to continuously be provided with value through high-quality service delivery, supported by skilled, engaging and spontaneous employees. Through such an approach, a positive BI amongst customers will be secured and customer commitment strengthened.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This study aims to investigate the extent to which the satisfaction/delight experienced by customers of cell phone network service providers is influenced by their perceptions of the networks' employee service delivery skills and the value that the customers derive from the networks' offerings. In turn, the influence of the extent of their satisfaction/delight on future behavioural intention (BI) is determined.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A descripto-explanatory research design is followed and data are collected from satisfied/delighted cell phone network service provider customers using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 593 responses were suitable for analysis. An exploratory factor analysis is used to uncover the interrelationships between the items measuring the study's constructs. Furthermore, the measurement and structural models are assessed.\nFindings: Perceived employee service delivery skills (PESDS) and value significantly and positively influence customer satisfaction/delight experiences, whereas customer satisfaction/delight experiences significantly and positively influence their BIs.\nResearch limitations/implications: The model tested confirms the hypothesised relationships between PESDS, perceived value, customer satisfaction/delight experiences and BIs of cell phone network customers. Customer satisfaction/delight experiences are linked to their two antecedents (PESDS and value) and their outcome, BI.\nPractical implications: The findings assist cell phone network service providers in understanding how PESDS and value can foster customer delight, ultimately leading to positive BIs from customers.\nOriginality/value: This study focuses only on satisfied customers and determines the interrelationships of the extent to which they encounter customer satisfaction/delight experiences and related constructs. Few research studies, however, have examined how customer satisfaction/delight experiences relate to its antecedents and outcome.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Excessive social media use at work: Exploring the effects of social media overload on job performance	[ "Information overload", "Structural equation modelling", "Social network analysis", "Work performance" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: With the rapid development of mobile technology and smart devices, social media such as wikis, blogs, instant messaging (IM), and social networking sites (SNSs) have penetrated into people's daily life. These tools can be used for socializing, entertainment, self-promotion, communication and information seeking (Park et al., 2009) by almost anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Attracted by the prevalence and convenience of social media, social media are now becoming an indispensable part of organizational life (Koch et al., 2012). A social media users' behavior research report launched by China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) indicates that 31 percent of respondents are enterprise/company employees, which accounts for the highest proportion (China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), 2016). Employees use various social media applications for knowledge sharing, problem solving, collaboration and communication in organizations (Landers and Schmidt, 2016; Aral et al., 2013), which in turn enhance job performance (Landers and Schmidt, 2016).\n2. Theoretical background and related research: 2.1 Transactional theory of stress and coping\n3. Research model and hypotheses: We establish an extended stressor-strain-outcome research model based on the transactional theory of stress and coping. Figure 1 shows that excessive social media use at work is a determinant of social media overload, and three dimensions of overload affect social media exhaustion, which further exerts a negative impact on individual job performance. Social media exhaustion and job performance, as psychological strain and behavioral outcome, are the consequences of technostress. The definitions of key constructs in the model are illustrated in Appendix 1.\n4. Research methodology: 4.1 Measurement\n5. Data analysis: 5.1 Measurement model\n6. Discussion and conclusion: 6.1 Key findings\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of excessive social media use on individual job performance and its exact mechanism. An extended stressor-strain-outcome research model is proposed to explain how excessive social media use at work influences individual job performance.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The research model was empirically tested with an online survey study of 230 working professionals who use social media in organizations.\nFindings: The results revealed that excessive social media use was a determinant of three types of social media overload (i.e. information, communication and social overload). Information and communication overload were significant stressors that influence social media exhaustion, while social overload was not a significant predictor of exhaustion. Furthermore, social media exhaustion significantly reduces individual job performance.\nOriginality/value: Theory-driven investigation of the effects of excessive social media use on individual job performance is still relatively scarce, underscoring the need for theoretically-based research of excessive social media use at work. This paper enriches social media research by presenting an extended stressor-strain-outcome model to explore the exact mechanism of excessive use of social media at work, and identifying three components of social media-related overload, including information, communication and social overload. It is an initial attempt to systematically validate the casual relationships among excessive usage experience, overload, exhaustion and individual job performance based on the transactional theory of stress and coping.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Beyond personality: an emergence view of influential consumers	[ "Emergence", "Diffusion", "Self-concept", "Influentials" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: Marketers are interested in the powerful roles that influential consumers play in the marketplace. Prior research has revealed the importance of these \"influentials\" in diffusing innovation (Goldenberg et al., 2009), sharing information (Burt, 2000), and forming social networks (Totterdell et al., 2008). Interestingly, much of the prior research asserts that influentials possess unique personality traits that predispose them to persuade other consumers (Brancaleone and Gountas, 2007; Goldsmith et al., 2006; Marshall and Gitosudarmo, 1995; Mooradian, 1996). The assumption that influential individuals are predetermined by personality traits presents certain challenges for marketers. That is because in order to benefit from the power of these influentials, marketers must first find them. However, identifying these individuals is challenging, expensive (Redman, 1998; Peralta, 2006), and perhaps, unnecessary.\nBackground: Emergence theory\nMethod: Sample and data collection procedure\nDiscussion: Implications for theory\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: Previous research studies assume that influential consumers (\"influentials\"), who play a powerful role in the marketplace, are persuasive (or not) based on innate, static personality traits. By contrast, this paper proposes an emergence-based view of influentials. Grounded in dynamic self-concept theory, this research establishes that individuals possess an \"influential\" self-concept that can be activated by firm-originated communications. Specifically, the authors examine the impact of firm feedback on the three dimensions of influentials (and the corresponding traits and behaviors): who they are (propensity to connect with others), who they know (WOM) and what they know (expert power).\nDesign/methodology/approach: The study tests whether an influential self can be evoked by marketers using a longitudinal experimental test with data collected in three periods. The data are analyzed using a multi-mediation model and partial least squares structural equation modeling.\nFindings: The results reveal that even after controlling for the extroversion trait, firm-originated positive feedback increases perceived expert power of participants, which increases word-of-mouth behavior in a subsequent period, both directly and indirectly via an enhanced propensity to connect with others.\nResearch limitations/implications: Cultivating the influential self-concept requires time to ensure that the self-concept is sufficiently realized to become an enduring self-concept.\nPractical implications: By cultivating influentials, practitioners are able to leverage diffusion mechanics and reduce costs and inefficiencies associated with traditional customer relationship management marketing strategies focused on finding them.\nSocial implications: These findings have implications across all domains that rely on the diffusion and adoption of ideas or products via influentials, including but not limited to public policy, politics, public health and sustainability, in that influentials can be evoked and leveraged to diffuse ideas in these important social domains.\nOriginality/value: This paper provides empirical evidence that firms can evoke influential consumer behavior challenging existing views of influence as a static personality trait. It casts a line to connect influential consumers to the nascent study of social emergence.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Absorptive capacity, marketing capabilities, and innovation commercialisation in Nigeria	[ "Openness", "Absorptive capacity", "Marketing capabilities", "Product innovation", "Commercialization", "Formal training" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: Innovation commercialisation - the introduction and market entry of new or significantly improved goods and services - is a defining stage of the innovation process because it is at this stage that the firm begins to earn Schumpeterian profits that enhance competitive advantage (Teece et al., 1997; Urbancova, 2013)[1]. Superior innovation performance involves the commercialisation of new products that create new markets and new revenue streams for firms.\n2. Theoretical framework and hypotheses: In his seminal works, Teece (1986) established a PFI framework that advances fundamental building blocks of the Schumpeterian theory of innovation. The PFI framework explicates how several factors, including managerial choices, protection of IPRs, the nature of knowledge and asset structure of a firm could impact its ability to commercialise innovation. New products consist of technical knowledge about \"how to do things better\" than the existing products and that the know-how must be sold or utilised on the market to generate profits for sustained competitive advantage (Danneels, 2002; Eisenhardt and Martin, 2000). Additionally, the importance of specialised complementary capabilities such as training and marketing that is specifically tailored to a particular innovation that underlies successful commercialisation of new products. Hence, establishing complementary capabilities is an antecedent for successful innovation commercialisation (Teece, 2000). Thus, specialised complementary capabilities link the PFI framework to the DCs framework, thereby deepening the economic analysis of innovation (Teece, 2006). The DCs framework centres on learning and innovation. This framework also encapsulates changing business realities that require managers to develop DCs for coping with the dynamic business environment (Albort-Morant et al., 2018; Bingham et al., 2007). DCs are therefore pivotal for modifying a firm's resource mix for sustained competitive advantage. Firms, therefore, need to take into consideration a comprehensive view of the business environment in which they operate encompassing how they interact with other economic actors including buyers, suppliers, business rivals, research and educational institutions, financial institutions, legal systems and the domestic political environment (Teece et al., 1997). This framework provides a multidisciplinary approach to the managerial decision-making process that goes beyond focussing on tangible assets only as it emphasises intangible assets including DCs such as absorptive capacity and marketing capabilities (Najafi-Tavani et al., 2016).\n3. Data and methods: 3.1 Data\n4. Results: The difference in means between non-innovative firms and innovative firms and the descriptive statistics and correlation matrix for the data used in our estimations are shown in Tables II and III, respectively. Table II reveals significant differences between the characteristics of innovative firms and non-innovative firms on a majority of variables. Innovative firms are those that reported introducing new or significantly improved goods or services. These products are either new to the firm or new to the market. Non-innovative firms are those that did not report introducing new or significantly improved products over the reference period (i.e. 2008-2010). Table II shows that innovative firms have a significantly higher mean on innovation performance. This observation is expected because reporting a value on this variable is contingent on firms innovating. Of particular interest are the independent variables from which we observe that innovative firms have a significantly higher mean on openness, new product marketing and marketing innovation. Notwithstanding, we observe that innovative firms have a lower but non-significant mean on formal training relative to non-innovative firms. Finally, we note that innovative firms have a significantly higher mean on firm age, education level of employees, R&D expenditure, IPRs, the origin of innovation, sector dummy and group.\n5. Discussion and implications: The results of this study support our hypotheses to a large extent. We find that absorptive capacity as measured by openness and formal training facilitates the assimilation and use of external knowledge that enhances innovation performance (da Costa et al., 2018; Egbetokun, 2015; Egbetokun and Savin, 2014; Foss et al., 2011; Onyeiwu, 2015; Ritala et al., 2015; Xia and Roper, 2016).\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how specialised capabilities including absorptive capacity and marketing capabilities influence innovation commercialisation in manufacturing and service firms in Nigeria. The authors hypothesise that absorptive capacity measures including openness and formal training for innovation, and marketing capabilities encompassing new product marketing and marketing innovation are positively associated with innovation performance.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The authors examine commercialisation of innovation within the profiting from innovation (PFI) and dynamic capabilities (DC) framework and use data from the 2012 Nigeria Innovation Survey to test the hypothesis by means of a Heckman sample selection model.\nFindings: The authors find that absorptive capacity measures comprising openness and formal training are positively associated with innovation performance. The authors also find that marketing capabilities as indicated by new product marketing and marketing innovation are positively associated with innovation performance.\nResearch limitations/implications: The authors acknowledge that firms undergo continuous changes and that there may be the presence of unobserved or unmeasured heterogeneity. Taking into cognisance that Nigeria is a federal state, cultural diversity and economic factors are likely to differ widely between geographical regions. Also, while the proposed conceptual framework offers a deeper understanding of innovation performance, examining how integrating activities of the R&D department, human resource department and marketing department affect innovation commercialisation is likely to provide more meaningful insights.\nPractical implications: The role that inter-organisational learning and intra-organisational learning play in driving innovation performance provide managers with a basis for incorporating absorptive capacity building programs that boost employees' ability to recognise and apply valuable external knowledge to commercial ends. Similarly, firms may benefit from offering marketing capabilities development programs. Furthermore, innovation policies in Nigeria are generally designed to focus on fostering innovation activities aimed at developing innovative output. Accordingly, government support explicitly targeting new product marketing and marketing innovation is likely to play a vital role in the successful commercialisation of innovation in Nigeria.\nOriginality/value: This study fuses the PFI and DC framework to examine why innovating firms may not necessarily succeed. This area of study has received scant attention in sub-Saharan Africa given that extant literature focusses on value creation as opposed to value capture.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Job attitudes differ among unionised and non-unionised workers	[ "Attitudes", "Non-unionized", "Unionized" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nStandfirst: Although unions fight to improve working conditions, union members were more anxious about health and safety and had greater concerns about pay equity and workload flexibility.\nStory: A study of the attitudes to jobs of more than 5,000 workers in Australia found significant differences between unionized and non-unionized workers. The researchers from Curtin Business School, in Perth, found that despite unionisation being associated with better working conditions, Australian workers in unions had lower job satisfaction than non-unionized ones on a range of parameters. For example, they perceived less consultation with managers, were more anxious about health and safety, and had greater concerns about pay equity and workload flexibility. One of the reasons for the results, the researchers felt, was that employees with concerns about wages and working conditions were more inclined to join unions.\nMore secure: Hypothesis one was that \"unionised employees feel more secure in their jobs than non-unionised employees.\" The past few decades have seen the growth of insecure work in Australia and only 60 per cent of employees now work in full or part-time roles. Unions protect from job losses so employees get a higher feeling of security. Despite this positive initial finding, most of the other results suggested that unionized workers were more dissatisfied with working conditions.\nLess flexibility: The fifth and sixth hypotheses were linked. Hypothesis five suggested that \"unionised employees feel that they have less time flexibility,\" and hypothesis six was that \"unionised employees feel that they have less workload flexibility.\" Australians work among the longest hours in the developed world, and in such a context, flexible working becomes highly important, especially for employees with dependents, or single parents. The Australian Council of Trade Unions is pushing to get more flexibility. Individuals with other commitments to study, or domestic duties, were more likely to join unions, the researchers suggested.\nSurprising result: The final tenth hypothesis was that \"unionised employees feel more managerial opposition towards unions than nonunionised employees.\" This was the one hypothesis that was contradicted by the results. In fact, the unionized employees felt they faced less management opposition than non-unionized workers. The researchers had assumed that because managers are known to have adversarial attitudes to unions, they would favour non-unionized workers. One interpretation was that managers in unionized environments might be less opposed to unions because they helped to create more structured work environments.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.\nDesign/methodology/approach: This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.\nFindings: Findings show that unionized employees perceive less manager-employee consultation, health and safety, dispensability, time flexibility, workload flexibility, managerial trust, fair treatment, and pay equity.\nPractical implications: The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.\nOriginality/value: The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The relation between intellectual capital and intangible assets of pharmaceutical companies	[ "Intangible assets", "Intellectual capital", "Pharmaceuticals industry", "Annual reports", "Goodwill accounting" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Pharmaceutical companies have all the characteristics of knowledge-based organizations. Knowledge is developed mostly in own research departments or is bought from other companies. Knowledge is substantially protected by patents. Knowledge is sold to other companies and - most important - there is a constant and urgent need to develop new knowledge in order to have successful products in time to the market. This implies that the way pharmaceutical companies develop and handle knowledge will have a large impact on their economic success. Pharmaceutical companies are also very capital-intensive. Large amounts of money have to be invested, while the returns will only come after years of research and development. Therefore, it makes sense that investors are looking for indicators of \"good-knowledge-handling\" in order to judge whether their investment will be a sound decision. In this paper attention is focused on two \"phenomena\", which may be relevant in this respect: Intellectual capital and intangible assets. Intellectual capital measuring methods are mostly developed in universities and a few companies. Developments in intangible assets, which are already part of the balance sheet of most companies, are especially stimulated by the accountancy-profession. This paper elaborates on these phenomena in a number of pharmaceutical companies.Intellectual capital\nMethods: Consolidated financial statements of 52 of the largest (net sales over approximately 1 billion euros) listed pharmaceutical companies have been investigated over the years 2001- 2003. The balance sheets, income statements and applicable notes have been examined for intangible assets and goodwill. The specification of intangible assets has been noted and the visibility of the intangibles has been assessed. The data have been normalized to total assets to yield relative intangible assets, which in turn have been used to characterize the importance of different parts of intellectual capital.The official annual reports of Japanese companies mostly have their reporting date in March of the current year. As the official 2004 reports of Japanese companies have already appeared, it has been verified that in these reports no significant changes in intangible-reporting practices, compared to 2003, are noted. Companies were selected if a substantial focus is on pharmaceuticals although this implies that there are a few \"mixed-product\" companies. Being substantial pharmaceutical manufacturers, both in absolute and relative terms, these companies are included.\nResults: Since 2002 listed companies in the US follow guidelines SFAS #141 and 142 regarding intangible assets and goodwill. In Japan companies follow Japanese accounting principles. In Europe the situation is scattered with companies following IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) guidelines, companies following their own national guidelines and companies following US guidelines. About half of the companies studied follow US-guidelines with regard to intangible assets and goodwill. In principle, this implies that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but tested for impairment instead. Intangible assets with definite lives are still being amortized. Another group of seven companies follow a more or less similar system of impairment and amortization. 14 companies only amortize their intangible assets and goodwill. A considerable batch of companies exists, which doesn't mention or doesn't specify intangible assets (see Table I).Companies often use a rough specification with a total amount for, e.g. \"patents and technology\" or substantial amounts of \"other intangibles\". These companies are also classified as \"quantitative specification\". Qualitative specification applies to companies, which indicate the kind of intangibles (e.g. patents) without expressing any amount. Further analysis of the intangibles yields the following qualitative and quantitative data (Table II).A disturbing factor in these observations is that many companies create new categories of intangibles like \"patents and trademarks\", \"product rights and technology\" and \"acquisition-related patents, licences, trademarks and other\". Also, the labels for virtually the same assets may vary from one company to another. Obviously these are lumped together. Most companies compile all their intangibles under one heading on the balance sheet. However, sometimes additional intangibles can be detected on the balance sheet like software or purchased technology. Finally the category \"other intangibles\" is often used and may constitute up to 5 per cent of total assets. Ranges mentioned in Table II apply to companies with quantitative specification of intangibles only.In addition to these observations on visibility and specification of intangibles, a preliminary study is conducted of the relation between intangible assets and performance (Table III). In case no intangibles or goodwill are mentioned on the balance sheet, these items are assumed to be absent.Correlations for 2003 between profitability and \"intangible assets\" or \"goodwill plus intangible assets\" have not been detected (correlation coefficients 0.12 and 0.15 respectively). In order to smooth (possible disturbing) effects of extraordinary performances or takeovers in one particular year the data for 2001, 2002 and 2003 have been averaged. Also, in this way no apparent correlation have been found (coefficient 0.007). Finally, a comparison has been made between three major pharmaceuticals-producing regions, namely: Japan, Europe and USA (Table IV).Also, in this way no apparent correlation between intangibles and performance have been established. Apparently, the far bigger amount of intangibles in the US compared to Europe, doesn't translate to bigger profitability. Japanese companies, on the other hand, only mention relatively small amounts of intangibles or not at all, which seems to coincide with a slightly smaller mean profitability.\nDiscussion: Visibility of intangible assets on the balance-sheet\nRecommendations: Since 2002 much has been improved in the reporting of intangible assets on the balance sheet. Nevertheless, the special position of R&D expenditure remained and companies still have several options to mask their intangibles. Intangibles categories are often generic terms like \"patents and trademarks\", \"technology\", etc., in which large amounts are being left unspecified. Apart from this, many companies use their own terminology, which makes mutual comparisons complicated. Therefore, it may be recommended to restrict the number of categories in specifying intangible assets. Moreover, it could be advisable to bring these categories more in line with existing intellectual capital terminology. Labels like client lists and customer relations may be headed by customer capital and so on. Obviously, goodwill cannot be left unnoticed in this respect and will have to be better defined and specified also. Further, it is recommended to value all intangibles present, whether they are acquired externally or generated internally. Finally, it should be examined how intangibles valuation could be based on future revenues (Andriessen, 2004). Several parameters, which constitute already the advertised intellectual capital reporting, could be used in this respect (Mouritsen et al., 2002). In this way intangible assets on the balance sheet ultimately are transformed into an intellectual capital statement, which in turn can be audited in the usual way. This may yield a quantitative indication of what the company is capable of with regard to its intellectual capital. In principle this comprises a third approach to valuate the intellectual capital of a company (apart from full calculation and semi-quantitative indicators).\nConclusions: The following conclusions can be drawn from this study:* The intangible assets are visible on the balance and are specified for the majority of the companies studied. However, more harmonization of accounting guidelines is necessary in order to arrive at further reaching mutual comparisons.* The relation between intangible assets and intellectual capital is present, looking at the categories specified. The intangible assets also comprise minority non-intellectual capital items. Structural capital, intellectual property and customer capital can be detected on the balance sheet of many companies. So far, human capital is not mentioned on the balance sheets. The character of goodwill is still not specified from an intellectual capital viewpoint.* The relation of intangible assets (plus goodwill), made relative to total assets, with the performance of the company could not be established.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this research is to assess the visibility of intangible assets on the balance-sheet of pharmaceutical companies. Further, how these assets overlap with intellectual capital and whether a relation can be established between intangible assets and company performance.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - Intangible assets reporting practices of a group of 52 globally operating pharmaceutical companies are analysed. These assets are related to intellectual capital definitions and company performance.\nFindings: - Results indicate that the majority of companies are specifying intangible assets and that a considerable overlap occurs with intellectual capital. Intangible assets may constitute substantially to the companies' assets. However, clear relations of intangible assets with company performance could not be established.\nPractical implications: - Imperfections in the reporting of intangible assets are observed. These are the non-uniformity of generally agreed accounting principles and practice around the world, the specification of goodwill and the position of R&D. A number of proposals are put forward to improve the visibility of intangible assets and to bring these in line with intellectual capital definitions.\nOriginality/value: - The value of the paper can be found in the approach to fulfil the ideal of intellectual capital valuation through the more practical way of intangible asset specification on the balance-sheet. For the group of companies studied, this paper assesses the situation in 2003 and the way ahead to further improvement.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Does diversity management matter in a traditionally homogeneous culture?	[ "Gender", "Korea", "Diversity management", "Diversity perspectives", "Eastern cultures", "Organization performance" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: Organizations in South Korea (hereafter, Korea) have traditionally been homogeneous and male-dominated, but are rapidly becoming more diverse with regard to gender. The Korean Government has implemented policies for promoting gender equality and protecting women's rights, which have increased the number of women in the workforce (Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, 2017). Specifically, compared to a 47 percent employment rate for women in 2000, the percentage increased to 50.2 percent in 2016. Also, 69.5 percent of women in their late twenties (ages 25-29) are employed, which is similar to the employment rate for men in their late twenties (69.7 percent) (Statistics Korea, 2017).\nTheory development: Gender diversity and performance\nMethods: Sample and procedures\nResults: We first conducted factor analyses of the survey measures (diversity perspectives, manager-rated performance). We used exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) because the measures were original measures created for this study. We then used hierarchical regression to test H1 and H2.\nDiscussion: As gender diversity has increased in the Korean workplace, it has become increasingly important for organizational leaders to adopt HR management practices to help them navigate the potential challenges and rewards associated with increased diversity. This is particularly true, given that Korea's traditionally male-dominated culture, which is characterized by a rigid gender hierarchy, may prevent Koreans from recognizing that diversity can be a resource for enhancing business performance. In response to the need for more understanding of the consequences of increasing gender diversity in Korea, we investigated the effect of gender diversity on organizational performance in Korea's traditionally homogeneous culture, as well as whether an organization's diversity perspective is instrumental in enabling Korean organizations that are high in gender diversity to achieve better performance. We found that the percentage of female employees in an organization is negatively related to performance in Korea. We also found that the level of gender diversity interacts with the discrimination-and-fairness diversity perspective, such that the discrimination-fairness perspective is positively related to performance in organizations characterized by high, but not low, gender diversity. Alternatively, business-oriented diversity perspectives, and an assimilation perspective, did not facilitate performance for Korean organizations characterized by high gender diversity.\nConclusion: To answer whether diversity management matters in traditionally homogeneous cultures, we studied a sample of organizations in an East Asian society, namely, Korea. Specifically, we focused on gender diversity in the workplace and examined the relationships among the percentage of female employees, organizational diversity perspectives, and organizational performance. We found that gender diversity matters for organizations in Korea. Although the level of gender diversity negatively affects organizational performance overall, a discrimination-fairness perspective is positively related to performance in Korean organizations with a high percentage of female employees. Although Korea's male-dominated culture likely prevents Korean organizations from benefitting from business-related diversity perspectives, the extent to which employees acknowledge the need for fairness and equality in diverse organizations is positively associated with organizational performance.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate diversity management in an under-researched country by merging theoretical insights developed in the Western literature with cultural aspects of a traditionally homogeneous country, South Korea.\nDesign/methodology/approach: This study integrates theory and research on why diversity can have either a positive (i.e. the information/decision-making paradigm) or a negative (i.e. the social categorization paradigm) effect on performance with different diversity perspectives (i.e. integration-and-learning, access-and-legitimacy, and discrimination-and-fairness). This study develops a model of when and how gender diversity affects organization performance and test the model with a sample of 177 South Korean organizations.\nFindings: This study finds that gender diversity is negatively related to organization performance in South Korea. This study also finds that the effect of gender diversity is contingent on organizational diversity perspectives. Organizations with high gender diversity perform better to the extent that they have a discrimination-fairness perspective, but not a business-oriented perspective. On the other hand, a discrimination-fairness perspective is unrelated to performance for organizations that are low in gender diversity.\nOriginality/value: Although gender diversity in the South Korean workplace continues to increase, the relationship between gender diversity and organization performance has rarely been studied in the aspect of Korea's traditionally homogeneous culture. This study highlights the importance of cultural-contingencies in understanding the consequences of diversity.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
High fat worsens olanzapine induced metabolic abnormalities in rats	[ "Olanzapine", "High fat diet", "Normal diet", "Rat" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Atypical antipsychotics, also known as the second-generation antipsychotics (SGA), have been widely used to treat several psychiatric disorders in specifically, schizophrenia owing to lower incidence of extrapyramidal and other debilitating movement side effects when compared with first-generation drugs. In the demand of olanzapine in reducing psychopathology severity and the metabolic side effects including insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity that were not detectable during the preclinical trial has been recognized as the main reason leading to the observation of this drug (Albaugh et al., 2011).It has been shown that olanzapine was able to induce several side effects such as weight gain and metabolic abnormalities in humans (Xu and Zhuang, 2019). Several studies have now demonstrated that weight gain associated with the administration of olanzapine (Fell et al., 2008). In addition to weight gain, patients treated with olanzapine caused increased hunger (Basson et al., 2001), not to mention elevated food consumption. Apart from that, olanzapine-induced weight gain has been associated with increased levels of leptin (Eder et al., 2001; Melkersson and Dahl, 2004; Graham et al., 2005) found that olanzapine causes significant elevations in insulin level and insulin resistance (Townsend et al., 2018).In the previous study, (Kohen et al., 2008) reported that an older male patient without a history of diabetes mellitus developed hyperglycemia three days after starting the treatment with olanzapine and eventually his hyperglycemia restored to normal with discontinuation of olanzapine. However, two days after olanzapine rechallenge, his hyperglycemia developed again. Research by (Mizukami et al., 2014) expressed that a young female patient with no known history diabetes mellitus developed hyperglycemia four hours after the initiation of olanzapine. Seaburg et al. (2001) reported the hyperglycemia results in the development of diabetes ketoacidosis and coma is associated with the administration of olanzapine. Similarly, the majority of the cases, hyperglycemia resolved as a result of the stopping of olanzapine (Koller and Doraiswamy, 2002).In addition, overweight and obesity are prevalent in patients with psychotic disorders and are risk factors for multiple chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke (Chouinard et al., 2016; McCreadie, 2003) stated that psychiatric patients tend to consume high-fat food and low intake of dietary fiber. Furthermore, (Molteni et al., 2002) found that excessive consumption of highly palatable foods that contain high in fat and/or sugar has close relationship with metabolic derangement and decrease in brain function. Several researches have shown in female rats treated with both typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs exhibit increased food intake and weight gain (Fell et al., 2008; Patil et al., 2006).Schizophrenia itself may be associated with lack of exercise and detrimental dietary habits. In addition, these patients are commonly correlated with negative symptoms and lower social functioning. Both metabolic comorbidity and unhealthy lifestyle habits are high-risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD, a kind of chronic liver disease, is the second most common liver disease after viral hepatitis (Yan et al., 2017). Therefore, the purpose of this experiment is to investigate the interaction of olanzapine and high-fat diet on metabolic parameter and the histological structure of rat liver.\nMethodology: Study designs\nResults: Effect of olanzapine and high fat diet on body weight\nDiscussion: In the present study, we investigated the interaction between olanzapine and high fat diet on metabolic parameters in rats. In relation to metabolic parameters, the high fat diet caused harmful effects that were worsened by olanzapine treatment on some specific parameters. As reported by (Haupt, 2006), antipsychotic therapy has been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and hyperglycemia; nonetheless, several patients with psychiatric disorder present abnormalities in glucose regulation before medication. In our study, olanzapine did not exhibit excessive gain in body weight when compared with the normal standard diet (Cooper et al., 2007). This finding is in agreement with the findings by (Muller et al., 2010), which showed that olanzapine treatment (1.5 mg/kg per rat/day) failed to increase body weight. Furthermore, one reason why HFD + olanzapine combined groups showed significant increase in body weight compared with the rats fed with high fat diet is because olanzapine was associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to peripheral lipid homeostasis. As a result, the lipid deposing in adipose tissue may be proportional to the amount of fat consumption (Shertzer et al., 2010). Hence, the obesity that develops in these animals provides evidence that the ability of olanzapine to induce obesity is likely to be diet dependent.Apart from this, our results showed that there were changes in glucose level when olanzapine associated with high fat or normal standard diets. This result is consistent with earlier finding (Smith et al., 2011) showing olanzapine caused major impairment on glucose homeostasis and reduced insulin action in the muscle, liver and fat. There are several explanations possible, but the explanation that most relevant with the existing data is that olanzapine might be acting directly and indirectly to increase hepatic glucose output (Smith et al., 2008).A lifestyle which lack physical activity and possess bad eating habits may lead to metabolic alterations in persons with mental disorders (Waitzkin, 1966; Newcomer, 2004). Here, we found that after four weeks of study, olanzapine + HFD showed significant increase in total cholesterol and LDL suggesting that the olanzapine which also known as second generation antipsychotic or atypical antipsychotic are the risk factor for hyperlipidemia and other cardiovascular diseases (Lambert et al., 2005). On the other hand, we did not observe significant alterations in triglycerides level in the present study when compared to HFD-fed group. Although data from earlier research remain controversial, 10 mg/kg/day doses of olanzapine did not significantly affect the triglycerides level in this study when compared to HFD-fed group. The reason of inconsistent finding with the previous studies could be due to the short duration of study (Zugno et al., 2012).Another major finding while studying NAFLD with regard to the clinical identification of metabolic syndrome (Brunt et al., 1999); this study revealed that both HFD + olanzapine and olanzapine groups showed inflammatory cellular infiltration in the portal areas compared with control group. But when compared with olanzapine alone group, olanzapine combined with high fat diet showed more prominent inflammatory cells in the liver. This means that olanzapine combined with high fat diet had greater potential of a progressive form of serious liver damage including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.On top of that, there was clear evidence regarding NAFLD due to olanzapine and high fat diet in animal models whereby the liver inflammation may be due to increased reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation (Soliman et al., 2013). Having said that, when it comes to edema and vasodilatation due to olanzapine, several hypotheses have been noted to explain the edema and attributed to vasodilatation and decrease in vascular resistance which is secondary to blockage of a1 receptors and 5HT2 receptor by olanzapine. This resulted in vasodilatation through increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Moreover, blockage of dopaminergic owing to olanzapine can alter regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance by the kidney (Nayak et al., 2009).In this study, we found evidence of the importance of restricted diet which cannot be neglected. Our findings suggest that we can reduce the risk of the patient treated with olanzapine from adverse effect by develop healthy diet and exercise during the course of treatment. Furthermore, the effect of diet intake in human volunteers has also been established by Fountain and his fellow (Fountain et al., 2010). In our view, olanzapine has major issues that can be reduced with dietary intervention. Dietary intervention is actually more beneficial than anti-obesity drugs due to consideration of adverse effects. Aside from weight gain, all other health problems such as dylipidemia, cardiovascular disease and hyperglycemia could be managed if patient on antipsychotics limit the amount of foods that high in fat and maintain a strict dietary regimen. Considering olanzapine has long been a mainstay treatment of schizophrenia and other psychiatric illness, it must be used with caution and routine monitoring of body weight, blood glucose, lipid profile and renal functions shall be exercised to minimize the risk to the patient (Shah et al., 2016).\nConclusion: Results of this experimental work revealed olanzapine combined with high fat diet exhibit greatly increase in blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C and considerable decrease in HDL-C as well as mild inflammatory changes. For this reason, olanzapine combined with high fat diet may increase metabolic risk and NAFLD. Therefore, it is important for patient to have healthy, balanced diet and pay close attention to the signs of liver damage such as jaundice, abdominal pain or discomfort that should be taken seriously while taking olanzapine. Moreover, it is recommended to limit saturated fats intake, focus on high-fiber food and perform liver function test regularly for those patients kept on olanzapine to reduce the risk of liver failure and its complications.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: Olanzapine is widely prescribed in the treatment of schizophrenia and various psychiatric illnesses. Schizophrenia patients have been reported to eat a diet that contain higher in fat and lower in fiber. High dietary fat intake can predispose to the development of metabolic abnormalities and exacerbate hepatic changes. The aim of the paper is to investigate the effect of olanzapine and high fat diet on blood glucose, lipid profile and the liver in rats.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Twenty-four healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into following groups: group I was given normal diet, group II was given high fat diet, group III was given high fat diet and olanzapine (5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally twice daily) and group IV was given normal diet and olanzapine (at same dose). After 30 days, the blood samples were collected to assess levels of blood glucose and total lipid profile. Also, liver specimens were processed for histological study by using light microscope.\nFindings: Group III showed significant increase in weight, blood glucose (p < 0.05), total cholesterol (p < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p < 0.05) and decrease in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p < 0.05) when compared to group II. While group III revealed several histological changes including, dilatation and congestion of central veins and blood sinusoids as well some hepatocytes appeared damaged and were replaced by inflammatory cellular infiltrate.\nOriginality/value: These results suggest that olanzapine and high fat diet greatly increased the blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C and considerable decreased HDL-C as well as mild inflammatory changes\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Gender diversity and its impact on high-tech SMEs' organizational leadership	[ "Transformational leadership", "Transactional leadership", "Gender diversity", "Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: With the entry of women to work, the first empirical studies emphasize the possibility that women provide a new management style in environments that traditionally are governed by male prompts (Adler, 2002; Heller, 2003). Today when women hold positions in management or/and in the board of directors, the empirical studies (Tinsley et al., 2017) attempt to identify how gender diversity influences or affects organizations, with the objective of achieving gender balance in their management (Low et al., 2015; Mohan, 2014; Pillemer et al., 2014).\n2. Gender and leadership styles: There are few studies on the effect of gender diversity on leadership in the Latin American context. Latin America is characterized by the segregation of women in the working world. According to Gelambi-Torrell (2015), women's presence in managerial positions in Latin America continues to be minimal, and no countries have achieved what has been called gender parity, or a minimum of 30 per cent female participation in senior management positions. However, women's representation in government posts has strengthened. According to the \"Global Gender Gap Report\" (2014), in Colombia, women's participation in organizational leadership is 12 per cent. Colombia ranks 50th in the participation and economic opportunities sub-index and these differences increase in the case of SMEs. Thus, Latin American SMEs present men as the main managers and administrators in the majority of countries (Koellinger et al., 2007). Given that SMEs are fundamental elements in the construction of Latin America's manufacturing sector (OCDE, 2012), the already disadvantaged position of women worsens in this context.\n3. Methodology: This research is carried out with a quantitative, exploratory and explanatory approach. The exploratory approach allows the authors to develop hypotheses that had not been investigated in a particular context. Likewise, it is of explanatory scope, as it is interested in determining how the relationship between the two variables occurs (Hernandez Sampieri et al., 2010; Kothari, 2004).\n4. Analysis of results: First, through a univariate analysis, the study seeks to determine whether significant differences exist between the behaviours of the two defined groups. The contrasts used to analyse the continuous variables are a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and the parametric t-student test for independent samples. Second, to verify that univariate behaviours keep, a multivariate analysis is conducted, incorporating control variables and estimating the model proposed in equation (1.1). The analyses report differences with a p < 0.05 level of significance to indicate possible differences that may guide the analysed groups' behaviour analysis.\n5. Discussion: In this study, we analysed the relationship between gender diversity and organizational leadership in SMEs, using a sample of 142 companies in the high-technology manufacturing sector from the city of Cali (Colombia). The results show evidence in favour of gender diversity. When the SME has a greater participation of women in management and on the administrative board, the use of transformational leadership-orientated practices is encouraged. In particular, gender diversity is positively associated with inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration.\n6. Conclusions: The results are in line with those obtained by Eagly and Johannesen-Schmidt (2001), according to whom individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation are factors of transformational leadership associated with women due to their tendency to be people- and relationship-orientated. These results contribute to gender studies that show the important influence gender has on perceptions regarding men and women's leadership in managerial positions. These studies make apparent how women's entry into business management influences leadership and how this phenomenon should be studied, taking into account not only masculine but also feminine characteristics (Kark et al., 2012). Also according to Saji (2016), it is important for organizations to frame a gender-balanced executive team, which is inclusive in nature; a team built upon the various insights and talents of all employees and other stakeholders to build sustainable business solutions.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This study aims to empirically identify the relationship between gender diversity and organizational leadership.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A multifactor questionnaire, Form 6-S, developed by Bass and Avolio (1992), is used to measure leadership. The results are derived from univariate and multivariate analyses conducted through ordinary least square linear regression. This study uses a base consisting of 142 small and medium enterprises in Cali (Colombia); men manage 111 of which, whereas women manage 31. The data came from a project performed by the Humanism and Management research group of the Administration Sciences Department of Valley University (Universidad del Valle). Fieldwork was conducted between November 2013 and April 2014.\nFindings: The results show that companies with greater gender diversity (mostly women on the board of directors and in management) develop a transformational organizational style orientated towards organizational change through the transformation of followers.\nOriginality/value: There is no previous study combining these variables in Colombian context.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Relationships between desired attributes, consequences and purchase frequency	[ "Consequences", "Attributes", "Value", "Mean‐end", "Purchase frequency", "Product attributes", "Consumer behaviour" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: An executive summary for managers and executive readers can be found at the end of this article.\nIntroduction: Shopping has become a central mechanism in society today - both as a driver of economic success for nations and as a leisure activity, social activity, and means of self-definition for individuals (Mick et al., 1992; Miller, 1998; Jin et al., 2007; Park and Park, 2009). Essentially, consumers shop and consume in order to fulfill desired value (Kotler, 1972; Gutman, 1982). From a strategic perspective, the delivery of value to the customer has long been a central theme of marketing and has been shown to link positively with behavioral intentions, market share, and even corporate profitability (e.g. Cronin et al., 2000; Ralston, 2003; Pynnonen et al., 2011).Although the concept of value sounds simple, many businesses have not been successful at determining what shoppers value (Johnson, 1998; Komulainen, 2010). One primary reason is that marketers have spent more time conceptualizing a focus on customer value than developing the tools needed to operationalize a focus on customer value (Woodruff, 1997; Ulaga, 2001; Kumar et al., 2006). And when marketers have operationalized customer value, it has usually been only at the product attribute level (Holbrook, 1994; Woodruff and Gardial, 1996; Woodruff, 1997).Recently, however, researchers and practitioners have turned to examining the actual determination of customer value. Several researchers (e.g. Woodruff and Gardial, 1996; Woodruff, 1997) have offered customer value analysis based upon means-end theory as a way to examine customer value. Means-end theory proposes that consumers desire product attributes for the consequences (i.e. receipt of benefits and avoidance of sacrifices) those attributes provide. In turn, consequences are desired because of the end-states (i.e. personal values, goals, purposes) the consequences help the consumer to fulfill (Gutman, 1982). Considering the means-end perspective, there has been considerable research in the marketing literature on the relation between the various elements (attributes, consequences, and end-states) and consumer behavior. However, there has not been as much research that tests the chain of cause-and-effect relationships of the means-end hierarchy within an integrated framework. Moreover, there has been limited research testing the relationships between major attributes (i.e. style, quality, and price) and particular consequence types (i.e. psychological, social, and functional). Given these research gaps, this research specifically tests constructive relationships between attributes and desired consequences and between desired consequences and consumer purchase behavior in one integrated model.In terms of consumer behavior, value has been linked to a variety of shopping behaviors and outcomes, including intentions, loyalty, and satisfaction (Cronin et al., 2000; Sirdeshmukh et al., 2002; Olaru and Purchase, 2008). This paper will specifically examine one particularly important behavior - purchase frequency. More often than not in the literature, purchase frequency has been used as a predictor variable and/or moderating variable rather than a dependent variable (see Kim and Rossi, 1994; Taylor, 2001; Bhappu and Schultze, 2006). However, purchase frequency should be a significant outcome in its own right. In fact, researchers (e.g. Anschuetz, 1997; Roy and Goswami, 2007) have argued that Pareto's rule applies to purchase frequency - 80 percent of the purchase of a product can be attributed to 20 percent of the population. As such, frequent purchasers represent an important target segment for marketers.Given this introduction, the two primary research questions are within the context of means-end value: whether types of different attributes affect different desired consumption consequences; and whether desired consumption consequences mediate the relationship between attributes and behavioral outcomes (i.e. purchase frequency).\nConceptual development: Means-end chain value analysis\nMethods: Empirical development of questionnaire\nDiscussion: In this paper, we tested a chain of causal relationships between product attributes and desired consequences and between desired consequences and the behavioral outcome of purchase frequency. The overall findings are in accordance with our hypotheses. First, there is support for H1: specific product attributes relate to particular desired consequences. Not all attributes significantly linked to all desired consequences. In particular, style attributes significantly related to desired psychological and social consequences but did not significantly relate to functional consequences. Therefore, H1a was supported. This is to be expected given that functional consequences are primarily utilitarian rather than symbolic.H1b was partially supported: perceived quality significantly related to functional consequences and social consequences but not psychological consequences. This finding is a bit surprising. One would expect quality to relate to psychological consequences because one would anticipate a consumer to have an internal feeling of achievement or success when purchasing a product that is well-made. Perhaps this feeling is subsumed within functional consequences or perhaps functional consequences are lower level consequences mediating the relationship between some attributes and upper level consequences such as psychological ones. In addition, quality was found to relate to desired social consequences. We speculate that purchasing a good quality handbag makes one feel that one is meeting certain social norms (such as fitting in or even conserving resources). This argument is in line with Taguchi's (1987) social loss function that posits that quality is the loss a defective product causes to society in various forms such as repairs, returns, and disposition.Finally, H1c was fully supported: price was significantly related to all desired consequences rather than only functional consequences as hypothesized. Apparently, price has the ability to communicate psychological, social, and functional meaning for consumers. One would expect that getting a good economic deal (or buying a desired product/service at a good price) gives a consumer an internal feeling of achievement or success. Price also carries a utilitarian connotation in that price is determined by cost/benefit analysis. Finally, price results in social consequences when the price conveys social messages such as exclusivity or status.Second, the test results appear to offer partial support for H2. Desired consequences (functional and psychological) seemed to directly influence purchase frequency for a consumer product. Psychological consequences were the strongest predictor of purchase frequency followed by functional consequences. Though social consequences were also hypothesized to directly influence purchase frequency, they only had a positive but insignificant effect. What is more intriguing from the findings are the strength and direction of the coefficients. As one might expect for a fashion item, desired psychological consequences are likely to have a positive influence on purchase frequency. If one desires to feel good about oneself through consumption, one would expect that person to purchase more frequently. Conversely, if one is more motivated by functional aspects of a shopping item such as quality and durability, one would expect that person to purchase less frequently. As such, it appears that psychological consequences capture most of the experiential and sensory aspects of product consumption whereas functional consequences capture aspects inherent in the product itself. What is most surprising by the findings is the apparent insignificance of desired social consequences upon purchase frequency. One would expect that a shopper who cares about what others think would be more likely to purchase frequently in order to stay \"in fashion\". However, that was not the case. It might be possible that the psychological consequences subsume similar motivations as social consequences. If so, then there may be support for using only the hedonic and utilitarian distinctions found in other shopping literature (e.g. Babin et al., 1994; Childers et al., 2001; Cottet et al., 2006).Finally, the test results appear to offer support for H3. While desired consequences directly influenced purchase frequency for a consumer product, product attributes did so only indirectly. This provides additional empirical support to the means-end hierarchy, as proposed by Gutman (1982). Such findings are significant given that most satisfaction and product/service quality measures employed today incorporate product and service attributes but rarely include desired consequences (Spreng et al., 1996). Perhaps this finding explains the disconnect between satisfaction and postpurchase behaviors often identified in the literature (Churchill and Surprenant, 1982; Oliver, 1999). These findings also suggest that the incorporation of consumption consequence measures into satisfaction and product/service quality studies might improve their predictive capabilities. There is no doubt that attributes are important to consumers. However, it is ultimately the desired consequences that are expected to result from these attributes that motivate consumers to purchase. Given the fact that most marketers are interested in attracting and keeping frequent purchasers, these findings indicate that marketers should be focusing on more abstract measures of value rather than simple price/quality tradeoff measures.In this research, not a single demographic variable had a significant effect on consumer purchase behavior. This finding reveals that demographic variables alone are not sufficient predictors of consumer behavior, in this case purchase frequency for a fashion product. This is not exactly a surprise and may explain the increasing usage of psychographics and behavioral segmentation variables by marketers. However, this is not to say that demographic variables are unimportant. In fact, Branca (2008) recently found that demographic characteristics contribute to consumer usage frequency of bank delivery channels indirectly via cognitive and affective mediators.\nConclusions: Not only does this study reveal that the customer value hierarchy allows marketers to better understand the meanings that consumers construct around products and services (Auty and Elliott, 1998; Woodruffe-Burton, 1998), but it also demonstrates that an understanding of consumers' desired consequences can help marketers understand and possibly predict consumer purchase behavior. Marketers have traditionally focused more of their efforts on consumer desires for and evaluations of product attributes. In fact, most customer satisfaction surveys measure satisfaction with product attributes or features and not consequences (Woodruff and Gardial, 1996). Woodruff and Gardial (1996) assert that consequences \"provide a relatively more stable strategic focus\" than product attributes.This study also indicates that marketers should consider customer value analysis as a segmentation tool. For example, marketers may segment the market based on desired consequences: psychological, social, and functional. For those consumers who are motivated by desired functional consequences, marketers may manipulate not only price but also quality. Similarly, marketers may manipulate not only style but also quality and price for those consumers who are motivated by social desired consequences. Obviously, this finding holds implications not only for product development, but also for other elements of the marketing mix, especially pricing and promotion.A number of limitations should be acknowledged. First, the sample is not necessarily representative of all women in the US - the women in the study were younger and better educated than average. Second, the product used in the study, a handbag, is a fashion item. Although this fact may have inflated the importance of fashion-oriented value dimensions, the findings do provide evidence that value dimensions serve as a good predictor of behavior. Future research should examine more functional goods along with fashion items.This research also raises additional research questions. One new question is whether purchase frequency affects the number of consequences and attributes desired. One would expect all desired consequences and attributes to be significant for infrequent purchasers whereas frequent purchasers may be more likely to rely on fewer consequences and attributes. For example, researchers (Ou et al., 2006) have found that frequent purchasers exhibit less cognitive effort because they rely more on memory and recall from previous purchases such as prior pricing information. Similarly, Parasuraman (1997) found that first-time customers were more likely to focus on attributes when evaluating products and services whereas short-term and long-term customers were more likely to focus on consequences and end-states.Future research should also address what other variables, such as the consumption situation, might moderate the relationship between desired consumption consequences and purchase frequency. For example, Foxall and Greenley (2000) provide tentative evidence that the setting or situation can influence the type of consequences invoked. However, more evidence is needed. Finally, future research should examine how desired consumption consequences relate to other consumer behaviors, such as product choice, usage, and postpurchase evaluations. It is likely that the type of consequence desired will significantly influence customer satisfaction (Woodruff, 1997).These findings, conclusions, and future research issues demonstrate the value of understanding the consumption consequences that consumers desire for products and services. It is hoped that this research will spark additional investigation into the subject, both among academics and practitioners.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - Employing means-end theory, this paper seeks to examine the influence of specific types of product attributes upon desired consumption consequences and the mediating impact of desired consequences upon purchase frequency.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The research employed means-end interviews to generate specific attribute and consequence measures. These measures were then administered in a survey instrument within the context of a fashion product. Partial least squares was used for testing the measurement validity of the survey instrument and testing the structural model and related hypotheses.\nFindings: - Style attributes significantly related to desired psychological and social consequences but did not significantly relate to functional consequences. Quality significantly related to functional consequences and social consequences but not psychological consequences. Price significantly related to all consequences. Psychological consequences were the strongest predictor of purchase frequency followed by functional consequences. Finally, desired consequences played a mediating role between product attributes and purchase frequency, with no direct influence of attributes upon purchase frequency.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The findings demonstrate the value of understanding the consumption consequences that consumers desire for products, especially after initial purchase. In doing so, the findings also provide some evidence that consequences may be better predictors of behavioral outcomes than product attributes.\nPractical implications: - This study demonstrates that the consumer means-end value hierarchy can be used as a tool for understanding the meanings that consumers construct around products and services. Moreover, it indicates that marketers should consider customer value analysis as a segmentation tool.\nOriginality/value: - This paper represents one of the few to test the chain of cause-and-effect relationships of the means-end hierarchy within an integrated framework. It is original in that it specifically tests the relationships between major attributes (i.e. style, quality, and price) and particular consequence types (i.e. psychological, social, and functional).\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Laboratory services: regaining and maintaining control	[ "Total quality management", "Quality measures", "Risk management", "Quality programmes", "Root cause analysis" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: We consider some approaches to performance monitoring using Internal Quality Control (IQC). Approaches may be prospective, involving IQC and patient data generated during analysis, with evaluation against immediately preceding data, or over a longer time (retrospective). In both cases, data review may indicate that test performance is either undesirable, precluding any further immediate use or may suggest deteriorating performance and eventual unsuitability. Common to both situations is a requirement for systematic troubleshooting, corrective and/or preventive action. The latter is an opportunity for risk assessment and continuous quality improvement (CQI) to help detect and prevent error and thereby reduce patient harm. We discuss tools that can be used for monitoring test performance and also the appropriate responses to IQC rule warnings, failures and metrics indicating test unsuitability for its intended purpose.\nProspective data review (real time): response to rule warnings and failures: Appropriate and inappropriate responses\nAppropriate responses to rule violations - part 1: Troubleshooting, with non-commutability investigations\nAppropriate responses to rule violations - part 2: Re-analysing samples related to rule violations\nRetrospective data review: Evaluating data against established test method IQC targets (mean, SD, CV)\nRisk assessment-preventative action and CQI: When troubleshooting has been necessary, following prospective or retrospective performance review, root cause has been confirmed unequivocally and corrective action taken, laboratory staff should also estimate patient harm and severity; i.e., using a risk assessment matrix in their overall risk management approach to analysing, evaluating, controlling and monitoring risk (Nichols, 2011). This can inform the requirement for preventative action and can provide opportunity for other CQI initiatives so that risk is reduced and maintained at a clinically acceptable level. The IQC procedure itself may be modified, according to s-metric value, to increase the probability for error detection (Ped); e.g., increasing the rules and/or IQC frequency (Schoenmakers et al., 2011). Alternatively, preventative measures involving non-statistical QC approaches (Westgard, 2003); e.g., increased analyser maintenance, may improve process performance and in turn reduce analytical errors and the time attributed to troubleshooting and corrective action. The IQC procedure is only one risk management tool for detecting and preventing error in the analytical phase and should be considered with other control points across the TTP to mitigate patient harm (Plebani, 2010). Two CLSI guidelines, EP18-A2, (Krouwer et al., 2009) and EP23-A (Nichols et al., 2011), and a recent review by Njoroge and Nichols (2014) describe risk management principles and tools; e.g., failure modes and effects analysis and failure reporting, analysis and corrective action systems in the clinical laboratory, for identifying actual or potential laboratory failure sources across the TTP and thereby give scope to mitigating (control) their likely occurrence or frequency. We recommend such tools to help implement efficient and effective quality control measures, thus ensuring a high and uniform quality level, irrespective of diversity in analytical testing systems, its environment, clinical users or intended test use.\nFuture research initiatives: The laboratory's IQC and EQA/PT procedure and participation in global initiatives such as the Empower project (De Grande et al., 2015) enable monitoring, evaluating and comparing analytical performance within a laboratory, across networks and beyond. Information technology and software improvements, including their availability and easy implementation, facilitate this process. With such capabilities, potential exists to readily collate and exchange information beyond the laboratory community and to integrate with other quality metrics collated across hospital or healthcare systems. Owing to increasing consolidation in healthcare, staff should consider implementing system wide CQI initiatives in laboratory medicine. In the UK, the Department of Health Pathology Quality Assurance Review recommended creating an oversight body to design a key quality assurance indicator dashboard to enable trend analysis and to provide a national quality improvement impression (Barnes, 2014). A laboratory's dashboard can easily include IQC and EQA performance summaries; e.g., s or TE, but to obtain a quality impression that allows an unbiased and non-confounded comparison (regionally) across a healthcare system, participation (statutory) in a national QA scheme would be a preferred option. Where possible, schemes should be category 1, as defined previously by Miller et al. (2011b); accuracy based, using commutable material, with target values traceable to a reference measurement procedure or certified reference material, involving replicate analysis within a survey. Alternatively, based on a statistically valid random sample, staff in individual hospitals could forward anonymised laboratory samples for regional testing. Robust testing could then be analysed at the health system level using more advanced statistical modelling to identify trends. Such strategies enable a transparent quality impression, on a national level and provide a central data repository from which trends; e.g., involving equipment, variations and quality gaps can be identified and efforts harnessed to continuously improve quality systemically. A simple approach may be to employ a global clinical dashboard using s metrics; i.e., staff in each laboratory provide average s metrics for a standard analyte profile - perhaps based on principles.\nConclusion: We describe and recommend requirements for monitoring analytical test performance, troubleshooting and prevention to regain and maintain assay control. We emphasise that IQC data should not be interpreted in isolation but complemented by data from other sources, particularly patient test results and delta checks. In our view, current and emerging software can enhance IQC monitoring and troubleshooting within a laboratory or network and across laboratories and geographical locations. We acknowledge that IQC programme elements, trained scientific staff, IQC material and the analytical process itself, are not static and consequently that test performance is liable to change. Hence to ensure quality results and to minimise potential harm, it is incumbent on laboratory staff to have procedures in place that can adequately detect changes and respond in a timely manner. This necessitates reviewing both statistical (IQC) and non-statistical approaches to evaluating analytical test performance. Further, laboratory professionals must recognise that quality criteria used for IQC procedural design and performance review may also require re-evaluation. This may be necessary owing to methodological improvements in the commercial diagnostic sector that require more stringent analytical quality goals. Our recommendations are summarised in below list.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: After implementing an internal quality control (IQC) programme, the purpose of this paper is to maintain the requisite analytical performance for clinical laboratory staff, thereby safeguarding patient test results for their intended medical purpose.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The authors address how quality can be maintained and if lost, how it can be regained. The methodology is based on the experience working in clinical laboratory diagnostics and is in accord with both international accreditation requirements and laboratory best practice guidelines.\nFindings: Monitoring test performance usually involves both prospective and retrospective IQC data analysis. The authors present a number of different approaches together with software tools currently available and emerging, that permit performance monitoring at the level of the individual analyser, across analysers and laboratories (networks). The authors make recommendations on the appropriate response to IQC rule warnings, failures and metrics that indicate analytical control loss, that either precludes further analysis, or signifies deteriorating performance and eventual unsuitability. The authors provide guidance on systematic troubleshooting, to identify undesirable performance and consider risk assessment preventive measures and continuous quality improvement initiatives; e.g., material acceptance procedures, as tools to help regain and maintain analytical control and minimise potential for patient harm.\nPractical implications: The authors provide a template for use by laboratory scientific personnel that ensures the optimal monitoring of analytical test performance and response when it changes undesirably.\nOriginality/value: The proposed template has been designed to meet the International Organisation for Standardisation for medical laboratories ISO15189:2012 requirements and therefore includes the use of External Quality Assessment and patient results data, as an adjunct to IQC data.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Principals' transformational leadership in school improvement	[ "Transformational leadership", "Principal", "School improvement" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: The goal of school development is the school members' direction. If the school wants to develop, it should have different goals during different periods to encourage school member constantly working hard. Because different school members have different expectations about the school development and their own development, they may performance various level of morale when considering the school goals. So the principal need improve his transformational leadership in the process of school improvement. The principals need to create conditions to stimulate the morale of the school members with their higher level of leadership, making different members at different times can be motivated, respected, trusted and improve satisfaction, and gradually reaching a consensus with the overall objectives of the school. Therefore, what the principal should focus on is the school members' need in each stage. Only if the principal can solve the key issues, can the school members' belief be improved, so that the school can transform successfully, and then step to a higher goal. All of these require the principals a lot; he should continue to set new goals and choose different behavior for different people; he plays an important role in those parts for promoting continuous improvement and development of the schools.\nMethods: Case study: action research\nMain body: Transformational leadership (Kouzes, 2009, p. 100) refers to leadership skills in those principals who can pioneer the school to a new level at the hinge of school development. A school does not always innovate smooth. Different circumstance and factors make the process appear different - sometimes is advance, sometimes is logjam, much worse is reverse. We all prefer advance to logjam and reverse. Laying emphasis on transformational leadership, we expect principal could create conditions inspire all school members with their higher level of leadership for school improvement at the very time, finally make school get out of mess and realize transition in difficulties. Thus transformational leadership is a crucial quality of principals. However, principals who want to possess transformational leadership can be confronted with challenges from practical problems. Researchers as my colleagues and I are, working with the principals, we experienced and summarized the practice of transformational leadership improvement while watching the school personally and discussing.\nConclusion: Principal's transformational leadership is the key to prompt school development. It can help the school solve problems pertinently and obtain various degrees of improvement on different stage. The process of forming transformational leadership includes: embryonic stage, basically formative stage and mature stage. The transformational leadership skills of principal can be seen in forming the ideas, building shared vision, power sharing, gaining credence and experiencing success. There are a lot of examples in the practice prove that the principals' leadership plays a key role in the schools development. So enhance transformational leadership is the principal's duty.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to contribute experience of and ideas for transformational leadership, not only for the principal who wants to improve leadership himself or herself, but also for the school at critical periods of improvement, through summarizing the forming process and problems during the course, and key factors that affect the course.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Using the case study method, the paper draws some conclusions from the improvement of principal leadership skills, by choosing two typical cases that show transformational leadership of principals in primary schools, and rethinking the practice of school improvement profoundly.\nFindings: There were three periods: embryonic stage, basically forming stage and mature stage. Discovering problems, understanding the relationship between the problems and finding solutions are the major considerations in the process. The transformational leadership skills of a principal can be seen in forming ideas, building a shared vision, power sharing, gaining credence and experiencing success.\nPractical implications: This paper provides references for the principal to recognize the importance of transformational leadership during the school improvement so as to force the principal to improve their transformational leadership in practice.\nOriginality/value: At first, the paper puts forward that transformational leadership is the core of leadership; proves that the principal's transformational leadership is very important in school development through the fact of a home-school cooperation study and emphasizes that the principal's transformational leadership should play a key role during the critical period of school improvement. Principal transformational leadership work should be based on different school members' actual situations and the fact of different school periods, and then find different solutions.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Dynamics of Chinese emerging multinationals in cross-border mergers and acquisitions	[ "China", "Acquisitions and mergers", "Multinational companies", "Chinese multinationals", "Intellectual capital", "Knowledge transfer", "Chinese culture", "Dynamic capabilities", "Reverse technology transfer" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: China's emerging multinationals (CEMs) have developed themselves in recent years into key players in the international business arena, seeking viable cross-border merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities (Nolan and Zhang, 2003; Rugman and Li, 2007; Morck et al., 2008). These activities appear to be intensifying, as China has a critical domestic market base and economy of scale that supports CEMs' overseas expansions. While a number of CEMs are state-owned enterprises (SOEs), their expansions have been predominantly associated with investments in developing economies in Asia and Africa due to a similar institutional environment as well as a richness in natural resources, respectively (Rugman and Li, 2007; Morck et al., 2008). In addition, it is observed that these M&As might also be motivated by seeking knowledge capabilities as China has rapidly emerged in the global arena. CEMs may well realize a compelling need to acquire critical knowledge in the form of technological capabilities, management and strategy skills in advanced economies (Rugman and Li, 2007). Being successful at acquiring knowledge assets through M&A initiatives may be a more difficult challenge for CEM than anticipated. Rugman and Li (2007, p. 336) explain:First, the Chinese acquirers' lack of experience in innovative activities makes it difficult to recognize and absorb all the potential value of the acquired companies. Second, lack of experience in international acquisition likely delays the knowledge transfer and integration process. Last, the Chinese MNEs (multinationals) still lack the internal managerial capabilities to integrate foreign acquisitions to develop anything resembling dynamic capabilities.Despite such scepticism, there appears to be little understanding about the implications of the emergence for CEMs that seek to acquire knowledge-intensive assets through cross-border M&As. For example, how would their unique cultural characteristics affect their development of dynamic capabilities while they are transforming themselves into multinational corporations? In particular, Eisenhardt and Martin (2000) explained that dynamic capabilities resemble the traditional conception of routines, which can be detailed, analytical, stable processes with predictable outcomes in moderately dynamic markets. Given their cultural baggage, would CEMs be able to turn themselves into multinationals with effective technological innovation while experiencing this rapid transformation?This paper aims to explore two aspects of CEMs' cross-border M&As involving knowledge-intensive assets. First of all, it attempts to explain the particular influence of culture on the development of intellectual capital within CEMs in the course of their cross-border M&As. Based on an interdisciplinary literature review, it attempts to construct a conceptual framework that integrates components of committed intellectual capital as critical resources within a Chinese cultural system, which might foster the reverse technology transfer process inside a CEM expanding through a cross-border M&A. Second, through longitudinal case studies, this paper examines two CEMs' attempts to seek opportune international expansion and to advance technological innovation through cross-border M&As. Similarities in interactions among culture, intellectual capital development and the resultant reverse technology transfer through cross-border M&A are examined in these two cases.\n2. The concepts of knowledge flows and technology transfer in multinationals: 2.1 Prior studies\n3. The factors of culture and knowledge management: 3.1 Criticalness of cross-cultural management\n4. Characteristics of the Chinese cultural system and its influence on knowledge flows within CEMs: The values that evolved under the unique Chinese historical experiences and writing system have come to distinguish the Chinese collective values from the rest of the world (Mo, 2007). In a recent study based on the concept of social axioms, Redding (2008) examined how Chinese culture distinctively provided meanings to the institutions and how institutionalizing the meanings enabled the establishment of order and the making of stable behavior patterns.In analyzing the basic driving forces responsible for sustaining Chinese collective values, Mo (2007) noted that economic globalization resulted in substantial changes to some driving forces, which caused corresponding changes to collective values and institutions. Such globalizing forces pushed the Chinese to adopt a competitive capitalist system in keeping with their collective values.The following sections aim to summarize key characteristics of Chinese culture as key forces in the cultural system that are considered critical to the study of contemporary Chinese organizations.4.1 Power concentration and harmonizing initiatives\n5. A strategic intent perspective: While it is remarked that the knowledge-seeking type of technology acquisitions by CEMs was a key reason for their cross-border M&As (Rugman and Li, 2007), other studies have pointed out the business perspectives in CEMs' intent to acquire strategic assets overseas. Using a strategic intent perspective, Rui and Yip (2008) suggested that CEMs used cross-border M&As to acquire strategic capabilities to offset their competitive disadvantages and leverage their unique ownership advantages. In offsetting competitive disadvantage, CEMs acquired global brand and international management skills, as foreign firms came to dominate some of the domestic markets of China; on the other hand, CEMs were able to leverage their competitive advantage in costs of manufacture, labor and overhead. In case studies of cross-border M&As by CEMs, Deng (2009) explored their objectives to acquire strategic assets to enhance their critical competencies through transferring intangible assets back home and upgrading their existing technology. The underlying strategic intent of CEMs to transfer intangibles back home through cross-border M&As was unveiled by Deng (2009). However, these prior studies did not look into CEMs' potential challenges to sustain their competitive advantage in the markets of more advanced economies created through cross-border M&As.These studies revealed that there were strategic imperatives in the acquisitions of knowledge assets by CEMs in order to swiftly build up their competitive advantage through acquiring readily available technology. However, the sustainability of such advantage is subsequently susceptible to be markedly lessened in post-merger integrations where intrinsic cultural differences act as significant constraining factors. In these cases the chances for expanding development of intellectual capital for further technological innovation in newly combining CEM's global may be of concern.\n6. Research design: 6.1 A conceptual framework\n7. Two cases in point: 7.1 Lenovo's acquisition of IBM's PC division\n8. Reconfiguration of intellectual capital and performance - a time series analysis: Both CEMs' initial strategic intents to become truly global players were in fact demonstrated in the enterprises' initial reconfigurations of intellectual capital shortly after merger. Measures were seemingly taken by stakeholders to transform the CEMs after the mergers through adopting western-style management disclosures, formation of a heterogeneous, multicultural management teams, governing committees and expanded human capital with multinational backgrounds. A time-series analysis of the evolution in both cases is provided in Table II. These initiatives reflecting managements' decisions for resource commitments were demonstrated in the altered configurations of the intellectual capital components within both cases, specifically the business performance, resources for innovation and human capital.Nevertheless, as observed in both cases, reconfiguration of intellectual capital was evidently re-dominated by the Chinese founding management teams as the highest authority at each of the organizations only a few years after the mergers[9]. Momentum to generate innovation capability is diminished when compared with the other multinational rivals in areas such as R&D intensity. This is reflected in both organizations' resource commitment in human capital as shown in the modification of the original strategic intent to become a truly global player. This was also redirected to an approach consistent with the founders' cultural orientation that embraces a hierarchical setting and a re-installation of harmony. This phenomenon is reflected by recent reports of deteriorating performance in mature markets while refocussing on the domestic market after a period of post-merger reshufflings.As suggested by Leung et al. (2005), when there is uncertainty or ambiguity in a technology association, members of a group will retreat to \"culturally prescribed scripts and preferences.\" The dynamics of organizational culture within a quickly moving CEM acquisition will interactively be affected by its externality simultaneously with national culture and may influence its evolving strategic intent. Illustration of such dynamic developments with key changes in intellectual capital throughout the pre-merger and post-merger periods is provided in Figure 2. A circular referencing process toward its original organizational characteristics has emerged under the current post-merger status.Figure 3 illustrates the similar patterns between Lenovo and TCL in reconfiguring their heterogeneity of human capital, R&D intensity and concentration of overseas sales during a period post-merger. Initially after the merger, both firms appeared to have increased their overseas sales, portion of non-Chinese in the senior management teams as well as investments in R&D. However, within the five years subsequent to the initial merger, both firms tend to have significant reduction in their three areas after reaching a peak. Both CEMs attempted to reach out for the global market in the first place but then refocus on their domestic and developing countries' markets with decline in deployment of non-Chinese senior management and decrease in R&D intensity, which in turn seems adequate for markets that value cost controls more than substantive product innovation.\n9. Concluding remarks: 9.1 Underlying strategic intent\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - China's emerging multinationals (CEMs) have gained attention for their increasing activities in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) within the global arena. Harnessing previous studies about the significance of their cultural baggage and an underlying strategic intent in reverse technology transfer through cross-border M&As, the purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics of CEMs in their process of cross-border M&As through the perspectives of intellectual capital.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - Building on an interdisciplinary literature review, a theoretical framework is devised to exemplify such dynamics within a CEM during the course of reverse technology transfer and swift transformation into a global enterprise for technological innovation through M&As. A longitudinal case study is adopted to examine how two technology-based CEMs continue to modify and reconfigure their respective committed intellectual capital resources while undergoing cross-border M&A transactions.\nFindings: - The study suggests the relevance of a conceptual framework and unveils a causal development of dynamic capabilities that is evidenced by resource reconfiguration and post-merger performance. It further reveals a reinforced dynamic capability development process that would enhance reverse technology transfer for domestic rather than overseas market development while pursuing equilibrium of knowledge.\nOriginality/value: - This is an original paper that explores the cultural dynamics of CEMs and what influences their intellectual capital development during their cross-border M&As. This paper articulates that CEMs need to create their own unique intellectual capital that contributes constructively to their international operations throughout their post-merger integrations.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Fuzzy MCDM approach to R&D project evaluation in Taiwan's public sectors	[ "Decision making", "Research and development", "Project evaluation", "Fuzzy logic", "Public sector organizations", "Taiwan" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1 Introduction: Government productivity is known as a government's determination in improving the efficiency, achievement, and quality of public services. Harrington (1987) notes the concept of performance evaluation is used to determine efficiency and achievement in the administration organization. Efficiency is reaching expected production goals with the least possible resources. Achievement points to the contribution of serving people and containing the concept of quality. Currently, governmental reengineering and administrative reformation are the main trends of promoting and modernizing administrations in many countries. Therefore, the concept of \"learning from enterprises\" turns into a very important idea within industrialized governments. However, the idea of changing the government into a so-called \"enterprise-type government\" through copying management systems of enterprises is still controversial. The main focus of government reformation is performance oriented. Therefore, \"pursuing performance\" and \"accountability of performance\" become key to government reformation.Bureaucracy-oriented governments of the past have to be transmuted into a flexible, competition-oriented administrative organization by employing functions of performance management, quality management, and electronic information management. In applying these functions in the design and performance of government services, it is able to build up a modern and foresighted governmental system and operational structures. The performance of public sectors must be presented through detailed policy programming, correct execution, and the management process of performance evaluation. In order to continuously manage the essential function, performance evaluation should be a feedback system, which provides good management circulation and improves the usage of resources to raise the managerial performance. Therefore, establishment of the performance evaluation system in an administration organization is an important and essential work in public sectors. One of the functionalities of businesses operated by public sectors is to keep the basic resources of livelihood from being monopolized by private enterprises and causing an imbalance of supply and demand. Usually, most public business has a large-scale of economy and lack of rivals in the business area; therefore, the public business is usually challenged by the performance of efficiency and achievement. Also, many research and development (R&D) projects executed by public sectors are not applicable for years, and thus the performance of executing R&D projects in public sectors becomes more significant.Since global competition and government's open policies have tremendously influenced public business, the management of public business in Taiwan has gradually changed from a planning and controlling type to the free-competition type. R&D projects in public business are expected to improve the efficiency of service qualities, operational efficiency, cost reduction, and value-added and market-oriented services. Since multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) approaches provide a valuable tool in analyzing complex and diverse management issues (Chang and Chen, 1994), the MCDM methodology allows decision makers to explore a broader range of drivers and consequences. Fuzzy set theory quantifies human subjective knowledge, and the key elements in human thinking are not numbers, but linguistic terms or fuzzy set labels (Zadeh, 1965); therefore, there is a need to develop a MCDM method, based on fuzzy set theory. This study selects one public business of Taiwan's electric power supply company, which is responsible for developing the electricity technology of power generation, transmission, distribution, and transformation. It actively invests in diverse research projects and annually provides up to $400 New Taiwan Dollar million in R&D projects outsourced. In order to face the increasing changes in relevant technologies and fluctuations of global development of economy and to maintain a sustainable operation and enhance business quality, the electric power supply company must establish a performance assessment system of research projects for reviewing the current operation status and supporting future improvement.\n2 Fuzzy multiple criteria decision making: There are many uncertainties, vaguenesses, and imprecisions in the real world when dealing with decisions of multiple criteria. Fuzzy set theory treats a kind of uncertainty called fuzziness. It shows that the boundary of \"yes\" or \"no\" is ambiguous and appears in the meaning of words or included in the subjunctives or recognition of human beings. In the past decades, many fuzzy MCDM (FMCDM) methods have been developed (Chang and Chen, 1994; Chen and Hwang, 1992; Liang, 1999; Liang et al., 2005; Rasmy et al., 2002; Wu et al., 2007). Researchers have paid great attention to decision-making (DM) problems since they have become important issues in many fields, such as management science, education, transportation, military research, engineering, and public administration (Wu et al., 2007). Carlsson and Fuller (1996) further classified four distinct families of FMCDM: the outranking, the value and utility theory based, the multiple objective programming, and the group decision and negotiation theory-based methods (Carlsson and Fuller, 1996). In order to closely approach the calculable factors of DM, multiple criteria of DM should be taken into account. The MCDM often needs to select or rank the alternatives associated with non-commensurate and conflicting attributes (Chen and Hwang, 1992; Hwang and Lin, 1987). Also, the MCDM is often confronted with the problems of both intangible and tangible factors; therefore, a fuzzy model of group decision, fuzzy synthetic evaluation, fuzzy weightings, and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process should be considered while dealing with the MCDM issues (Bozdag et al., 2003).Even though fuzzy ranking is a complicated and confusing process, it has been prosperously proposed. The fuzzy ranking method is usually based on the considerations of DM's viewpoints, and is generally classified into two categories (Lee, 2000). The argument in Lee (2000)) can be expressed that the first category is based on the defuzzification, which is easy to compute ranking values based on the fuzzy numbers. However, this defuzzification category tends to lose some information and is unable to grasp the sense of uncertainty. The other category is based on the fuzzy preference relation. The advantage of this type is that uncertainties of fuzzy numbers are kept during the ranking process, but the fuzzy preference relations are considerably too complex to compute. Owing to the importance of DM's viewpoints on the result of fuzzy ranking process, researchers (Bortolan and Degani, 1985; Jiao and Tseng, 1998; Nojavan and Ghazanfari, 2006) have paid much attention to it. Most of these methods use a real value in the interval between 0 and 1. Applying this real value, researchers consider two viewpoints, optimistic and pessimistic, and linearly combine the results from both viewpoints. In order to obtain the result of fuzzy ranking, an index of risk-taking attitude (optimism) should be considered. Kim and Park (1990) considered that the index of optimism could be decided based on DM's risk-taking attitude during the stage of data output.\n3 Definition of four-level hierarchical structures of criteria: The concepts of hierarchical structure analysis with distinct levels are used in this study. The principle of constructing this four-level hierarchical structure of criteria is based on top-down managerial concepts and bottom-up calculated sequences to obtain the final performance rankings of 45 R&D projects (denoted as P1, P2, ... , P45). In order to construct the four-level hierarchical structure of criteria, decision makers, functional experts, and senior representatives participated in the interview meetings and they need accurate understanding of how current decisions are being made. The preliminary interview meeting permits the systematic description of a strategic decision process, and the description can be used as a basis for the formulation of processes. In the follow-up interviews, these preliminary descriptions are shown to managers to elicit additional details of the decision processes and so that corrections can be made. The preliminary descriptions are then revised to enhance completeness and accuracy.With the assistance of senior project managers and face-to-face interviews, Level 1 of the hierarchical structures indicates the final performance ranking of 45 R&D projects. Level 2 is classified as \"in-direct outcomes\" and \"direct outcomes\", whereas the \"in-direct outcomes\" means the outcomes of R&D projects could be possibly obtained after a period of time when the projects are successfully closed. The \"direct outcomes\" indicates outcomes of R&D projects that are accessible right after the projects are finished. Level 3 are procured from Level 2, and \"tangible criteria\" and \"intangible criteria\"[1] are derived from the \"in-direct outcomes\" of Level 2, and \"technological outputs and services\" and \"academic achievements and diffusions\" are derived from the \"direct outcomes\" of Level 2. Finally, Level 4 is the DM criteria (denoted as K1, K2, ... , K13) generated from the individual categories of Level 3. Table I shows the definitions of four-level hierarchical structures of criteria.Also, in order to evaluate the performance of R&D projects, it is appropriate for conceptual design to distinguish decision criteria into quantitative[2] and qualitative[3] categories and deal with their performance evaluations with different methods. However, the quantitative category is more difficult to measure one unit of the relative performance comparing to the other units because of lacking relative comparable standards. The relative performance is usually considered as the performance of one unit compared against an index. This study adopts the standard normal distribution with the method of FMCDM to evaluate the R&D projects' performances of quantitative and qualitative criteria. Figure 1 shows the four-level hierarchical structure of criteria and quantitative and qualitative categories in this study.\n4 A fuzzy algorithm for performance evaluation of R&D projects: The attitudes of decision makers are reflected in the data input stage, and the triangular fuzzy number and the linguistic variables are main concepts used to assess the preference ratings of linguistic variables, which are \"importance\" and \"appropriateness\". The decision makers can employ an assumed weighting set of W={very low, low, medium, high, very high} to assess the relative importance of various criteria and use the linguistic rating set of S={very poor, poor, fair, good, very good} to evaluate the appropriateness of alternative versus various criteria. The membership functions of the linguistic values in the weighting set W and linguistic rating set S can be represented by the approximate reasoning of triangular fuzzy numbers, shown in Table II. If the decision maker does not agree with the assumed preference rating system mentioned above, the decision maker can give his own rating by using the triangular fuzzy number to show the individual perception of the linguistic variables. The reason for using triangular fuzzy numbers is it is intuitively easy to use by the decision makers.Suppose there is a committee of n decision makers (D1, D2, ... , Dn) who are responsible for assessing the appropriateness of m alternatives (A1, A2, ... , Am) under each of k criteria (C1, C2, ... , Ck) as well as the importance weight of the criteria. Let Sitj (i=1, 2, ... , m; t=1, 2, ... , k; j=1, 2, ... , n) be the rating assigned to alternative Ai, by decision maker Dj, under criteria Ct. Let Wtj be the weight given to Ct by decision maker Dj. The committee has to aggregate the rating Sitj of n decision makers for each Ai versus each criterion Ct to obtain the rating Sit. Each pooled Sit can be further weighted by weight Wt according to the relative importance of the k criteria. Then, the final score Fi, fuzzy appropriateness index, of alternative Ai can be obtained by aggregating Sit and Wt. Finally, rank the final score of Fi, (i=1, 2, ... , m) to obtain the most appropriate alternative. An algorithm of the multi-persons and multi-criteria performance evaluation of R&D projects with fuzzy set approach is given as the following steps:1. Form a committee of decision makers, and then identify a four-level hierarchical structure of criteria to the prospective performance evaluation of R&D projects.2. Choose the appropriate preference ratings for the importance weight of the criteria and the preference ratings for alternative versus criteria.3. Evaluate the importance weight of each criterion and the fuzzy ratings for the appropriateness of alternative versus criteria.4. Aggregate the weight of criteria to get the aggregated weight Wt; pool the decision makers' opinions to get the aggregated fuzzy rating Sit of alternative Ai under criteria Ct; then aggregate Sit and Wt with respect to each criteria to obtain the fuzzy appropriateness indices Fi for all alternatives.5. Calculate the ranking value UT(Fi) associated with each alternative's fuzzy appropriateness index Fi.6. Choose the performance evaluation of R&D projects with the maximal ranking value.4.1 Normalization of quantitative data\n5 An application - numerical calculation of applying FMCDM: The example selected in this study is targeted to evaluate the 45 R&D projects in the public sectors of an electric power company in Taiwan. The major business items of the electric power company are power development, power supply and investment in power-related businesses. Table III shows the original data collected from questionnaires, and Table IV shows the fuzzy numbers after the calculations of normalization and linear transformation of quantitative data. Table V lists the fuzzy numbers of Levels 1-3, b values, and the final ranking results of 45 R&D projects.\n6 Discussion and conclusion: The increasing collaborations in R&D among public and private sectors have influenced Taiwan's economy in recent years. The public funded research in advanced technology has provided the knowledge diffusion and talent transferring to new industries. The R&D collaboration model in Taiwan has been applied to many areas, including the industries of microelectronics, thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, and computer peripherals. As many of Taiwan's industries have become prosperous in recent years, public-private cooperation in research has expanded in many ways. With respect to the increasing number of R&D projects, the government collaboration as a partner with major research institutions and private companies forms an obvious tendency of industry-university collaborations. In order to provide an increasing successful rate for those public subsidized projects, it is essential to conduct the performance evaluation of R&D projects in public sectors.In this study, a decision algorithm based on the fuzzy set theory is proposed to solve the performance evaluation of R&D projects in public sectors. In order to solve the difficulties of measuring one unit of the relative performance of quantitative criteria comparing to the other units, the method of standard normal distribution is adopted while measuring the quantitative criteria. The concept of linguistic values and fuzzy numbers are used in this study since they could easily be used to describe the subjective measurement of the appropriateness of alternatives and the importance weightings of criteria. Also the optimistic and pessimistic concepts are adopted from Chang and Chen (1994) to calculate the total index of rating attitude, b, in fuzzy rankings. Table V shows the calculations from Levels 1-4 of 45 R&D projects, and Figure 4 shows the fuzzy appropriateness indices (Fi), index of rating attitude (b), and the final fuzzy rankings of 45 R&D projects of the electric power company in Taiwan.There are many research issues remaining in the development of this approach. Among these are the following:* In order to have better and more accurate performance evaluation, the hierarchical criteria tree, shown in Figure 1, can be decomposed into more levels of hierarchical structure.* A procedure for collecting raw data and estimating the proper membership functions for the base linguistic variable values.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - Establishing a performance-oriented evaluation in public sectors is the key to successful administrations. However, because of lacking relative comparable measuring standards, it is difficult to measure the relative performance of one unit while comparing to other units with regard to the multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) of performance evaluation. This paper aims to focus on the performance ranking of research and development (R&D) projects in Taiwan's public sectors.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The algorithm in this paper is based on the concept of fuzzy set theory and the hierarchical structure analysis. The analyzing method adopts the methods of standard normal distribution, linear transformation, and fuzzy MCDM, carrying on the analysis of multiple criteria of the performance evaluation.\nFindings: - This paper constructs linguistic values to the subjective judgments and analyzes the ranking results of the performance evaluation with respect to 45 R&D projects of one of Taiwan's electric power companies. Thus, the paper demonstrates a successful way of evaluating R&D projects in the public sector.\nOriginality/value: - In this paper, a decision algorithm based on the fuzzy set theory is proposed to solve the performance evaluation of R&D projects in public sectors. In order to solve the difficulties of measuring one unit of the relative performance of quantitative criteria comparing to the other units, the method of standard normal distribution is adopted while measuring the quantitative criteria. The concept of linguistic values and fuzzy numbers are used in this paper since they could easily be used to describe the subjective measurement of the appropriateness of alternatives and the importance weightings of criteria.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Poverty alleviation or poverty traps? Microcredits and vulnerability in Bangladesh	[ "Natural hazards", "Vulnerability", "Microcredits", "Poverty traps", "Bangladesh" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Since the 1998 flood my family's life has become much harder. We were not rich before, but we had a house and most of the time we did not go hungry. Then the floods came and we could not honour our micro-credit repayments. We had to take out more loans, to buy food, to rebuild the house. Now we have nothing; and my husband left too.Over the past two decades microcredits have advanced from a \"novel\" idea to a Nobel Peace Prize winning concept for poverty alleviation (Rogaly, 1996; Carlin, 2006). Microcredit Organisations (MCOs) reporting of low default rates and stories of \"empowered\" women have created an impression that poverty in low income countries (LICs) is slowly being obliterated (see Develtere and Huybrechts, 2005). Yet, only a few studies pay attention to the environmental context in which people pursue their livelihoods and in which MCOs offer their services (see Nagarajan, 1998; Zaman, 1999; Pearl and Phillips, 2001; AIDMI, 2005; Chakrabarti and Bhatt, 2006; AIDMI, 2006; Aliage and Moseley, 2007). While hazard and development studies are filled with life-stories in which a crisis event is followed by a slow decent into poverty, these are intriguingly absent in microcredit narratives. Perhaps many studies applied the same restrictions that Chowdhury et al. (2005, p. 301) imposed on their research by selecting only areas in Bangladesh that were not affected by the 1998 flood \"because the devastation and deprivation created by this tragic event would mask any underlying impact of micro-credit\". A peculiar decision given the country's proclivity for disasters.To explore the question of the interplay between vulnerability and microcredits this article will briefly revisit the concepts of vulnerability and poverty. The recognition of how theoretical thinking on these two concepts has significantly altered in the past decade is of particular importance to the case study. The remainder of the paper then analyses the context in which microcredits are disbursed in Bangladesh. This paper proposes that the context is not only important but should be an intrinsic element when studying microcredits in LICs.\nVulnerability to hazards: exposure, susceptibility and integrated approaches: Vulnerability has emerged as a crucial concept in a variety of disciplines culminating in a wide, and often conflicting, usage (see Cutter, 1996; Fussel, 2005, 2007; Kasperson et al., 2005, Janssen et al., 2006). Despite this conjuncture three distinctive approaches have crystallised relating to the emphasis placed on the starting point in the \"chain of events\" (Few, 2003). Accordingly to date research has concentrated largely on investigating exposure or susceptibility which, more recently, has been complemented by integrated approaches that offer a more balanced view (see Blaikie et al., 1994; Cutter, 1996; Heijmanns, 2001; Few, 2003; Turner et al., 2003).From exposure to susceptibility: risk-hazard and social constructivist approaches\nVulnerability, poverty and poverty traps: Vulnerability to poverty\nNatural hazards and micro-credits: a case study of Bangladesh: Research site and data collection\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - It is imperative that microcredit organisations (MCOs) have a high level of awareness of the environmental context in which their clients pursue their livelihoods. This is particularly true for regions that experience regular environmental and economic shocks. However, to date this level of analysis has been largely absent from impact studies. The purpose of this paper is to overcome this lack of contextual analysis by using Bangladesh as a pertinent example.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - Drawing on empirical data and a wide range of literature from a variety of disciplines, including geography, development studies, economics and anthropology, the paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the dual impact of flooding and microcredits in Bangladesh.\nFindings: - Over the last few years the use of preventive mitigation and coping strategies has declined in Bangladesh. The most widely cited reason for this is financial constraints as a result of declining rural incomes despite a large presence of MCOs in the country. In order to overcome cash shortages many people have resorted to borrowing from a variety of sources, which has become effectively the single most important coping strategy employed. In conjunction with lowered debt capacity and restrictive terms under which microcredits are disbursed, higher indebtedness, creating a potential for poverty traps, is the outcome.\nOriginality/value: - For MCOs to be able to claim that their work alleviates poverty they have to demonstrate sensitivity towards the needs of their clients. Yet, the added risks imposed by recurring environmental stressors have been markedly absent from their studies. This paper proposes that the environmental context not only is important but also draws attention to some of the negative consequences that it can have on livelihood sustainability.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Operations managers' individual competencies for mass customization	[ "Human resources management", "Case study", "Behavioural operations", "Mass customization", "Individual competencies" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: Mass-customization capability (MCC) denotes the ability of an organization to provide customized products/services that fulfill each customer's idiosyncratic needs without substantial trade-offs in cost, delivery and quality performance (e.g. Pine, 1993; Squire et al., 2006). The development of MCC presents great challenges, especially in the area of operations management (Huang et al., 2008), challenges which today face more and more firms due to the disparity between customers' growing expectations for customized products and their view of companies' ability to quickly deliver on them (Business Wire, 2018).\n2. Literature review and research question: 2.1 Individual competencies\n3. Method: 3.1 Research setting\n4. Results: The results of the Mann-Whitney U statistical test (see Table I) led us to identify five differentiating ICs that had been used significantly more often (p<0.05) by the OMs from the high-MCC subsample compared with the OMs from the low-MCC subsample.\n5. Discussion and conclusion: 5.1 Theoretical implications\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The development of mass-customization capability (MCC) is crucial for a growing number of manufacturing firms nowadays and presents great challenges, especially in the area of operations management. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into which individual competencies (ICs) of an operations manager (OM) are important to the MCC of the manufacturing organization the OM works for.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A multiple-case study was designed, involving eight machinery manufacturers in one European country, to collect data on their MCC and on the ICs of their OMs. Empirical case data were triangulated with analytical conceptual arguments grounded in the existing literature.\nFindings: The study provides empirical evidence of, and logical explanations for, the fact that OMs working in high-MCC manufacturing organizations use the ICs of negotiation, information seeking, efficiency orientation, analytical thinking and pattern recognition significantly more often than OMs employed by low-MCC organizations.\nResearch limitations/implications: Future research could replicate this study in other industries and countries, as well as for other managerial roles.\nPractical implications: The study provides indications for OM selection and training in companies that are pursuing a mass-customization strategy.\nOriginality/value: While the literature on technological and organization-level enablers of MCC has grown considerably, the understanding of its individual-level enablers is still limited and concerns mostly the workforce. This is the first study that relies not on practitioners' opinions, but on data regarding manufacturers' MCC and their managers' ICs to shed light on which managerial competencies are important to a manufacturer's MCC.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Random proportional Weibull hazard model for large-scale information systems	[ "Asset management", "Infrastructure management", "Information systems", "Decision making", "Mathematical modelling" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: In order to achieve efficiency of operation and speedy provision of information to users of large-scale infrastructure, information systems have been developed which are composed of various monitoring sensors and processing/output devices. Asset management of infrastructure is an important issue as well. Points to be noted for asset management of information systems are as follows:* that the information system is a large-scale system formed from an enormous number of components;* that the system has a hierarchical structure whereby a failure in an individual device can possibly develop into a functional failure of the whole system; and* that the deterioration of the information system's function, such as through obsolescence or physical deterioration, is an important management point.When performing asset management of information systems, it is necessary to consider the differences in management at the component level, system level, and function level, with the latter points requiring a more integrated consideration. Among these, the authors develop a random proportional Weibull hazard model to carry out a fault analysis at the component level, of the components in large-scaled information systems. Of course, in order to perform asset management of information systems, a fault analysis at the level of each component is not enough, and it is necessary to develop a methodology that simultaneously achieves the above three points. The fault analysis model for the component level proposed in this study can be a basic analytical tool for constructing integrated asset management systems of large-scale information systems.Information systems are composed of various types of components. These components can be divided into two groups: the accidental failure rate of equipment, which is unrelated to time, and the wear-out failure rate, which increases over time. Generally, regarding the fault process of accidental equipment failure, the hazard rate expressed by the moment's failure rate density can be formulated by an exponential hazard model that does not depend on time (or a Poisson based model of failure events). On the other hand, with wear-out equipment failure, a non-homogeneous hazard model that takes into consideration the hazard rate's dependency on time is necessary. With wear-out equipment failure, there is the characteristic that the failure rate increases as time progresses after the system is installed. Therefore, in order for decisions to be made about renewals and replacements, information regarding the deteriorating process of wear-out equipment failure is needed. For this reason, the authors focus on wear-out equipment failure, using a Weibull hazard model, known as a representative non-homogeneous hazard model, to analyze the mechanism of the failure rate increasing over time. However, large-scale information systems comprise many components, and different types of components might have different hazard rates. Therefore, when analyzing faults of information systems that comprise various types of devices and components, it is important to consider the heterogeneity of the hazard rates that exist between the different types of components. In this study, with this in consideration, the random proportional Weibull hazard model, whose heterogeneity of hazard rates is subject to a gamma distribution, is formulated and a methodology is proposed which estimates the failure rate of various components comprising an information system.\nBasic ideas of this study: Overview of existing studies\nRandom proportional Weibull hazard model: Formulation of random proportional Weibull hazard model\nEmpirical study: Overview of empirical study\nConclusions: In this study, a deterioration failure estimation model for components in information systems is proposed, aiming to improve asset management at the component level of large-scale information systems, which support infrastructure. The authors focus on the point that information systems are composed of many types of components, and point out the necessity for a fault analysis model that can express the heterogeneity of hazard rates of different types. To operationally express the heterogeneity of failure rates, the Weibull hazard model is employed as a base, and a random proportional Weibull hazard model expressing the proportional heterogeneity of hazard rates with a standard gamma distribution is formulated. Furthermore, through a case study using a traffic control system for expressways, the validity of the proposed hazard model is empirically verified. As mentioned above, by using the random proportional hazard model considering the heterogeneity in the deterioration process, it is possible to improve the decision-making process regarding deterioration prediction for facilities and equipment, including infrastructure, and asset management based on deterioration prediction. The following are the findings of this study:* The random proportional Weibull hazard model was formulated, in order to take into account the heterogeneity of hazard rate of each device for large-scale information system composed of a variety of component. The authors proposed a two-step estimation method using observational data and indicated that heterogeneity parameters can be calculated identically.* The random proportional Weibull deterioration hazard model was applied to a traffic control information system for expressways, and examined the appropriateness of the proposed method. Actually, three types of devices: HDD, power supply, and processing device were classified into 27 categories (nine sections, three usages), and a hazard model estimation was conducted while considering each heterogeneity.* The results of estimation focused on the difference among device types indicate that expected lifespan is 158 months for HDD, 804 months for the power source, and 332 months for the processing part. It was also found that expected lifespan varies from 135 to 455 months for HDD and from 303 to 356 months for the processing part according to the difference in purpose.Applying the random proportional Weibull hazard model to asset management shows that there are issues requiring future study. First, it is necessary to develop an asset management methodology for components, using the proposed hazard model. Especially, there are cases in which it is difficult to acquire necessary equipment if an information component goes out of production during the operation of an information system. It is expensive to use a different component as a substitute, so that in order to avoid the problem of out of stock components, it is necessary to store replacement components. Or, to carry out preventative maintenance on information equipment, it is necessary to decide logically on the renewal time of components. The hazard model proposed in this study can be used for performing asset management at the component level. Secondly, fault analysis is necessary at the function level of information systems. With asset management at the function level, it is necessary to focus on the seriousness of the effect a failure in one component or component group can have on the functional level of the whole system, and it is necessary to consider the maintenance strategy of each component and component group. The authors are in the process of developing a methodology to analyze the system's dynamic failure characteristics, which expresses the failure process of each component using the hazard model proposed in this study, and expresses the impact of each failure on the function of the whole system using a fault-tree. Thirdly, it is necessary to work on asset management at the system level of information systems. For this, it is necessary to consider simultaneously the technical obsolescence of the information system, the delay in processing time, and the dynamic failure process, and to develop a real-time option model to determine the best timing for renewing the information system. Fourth, the proposed method is applied to asset management of other types of infrastructure, for instance pavement, since the effect of the heterogeneity of individual sections of pavement would be larger than that of information systems.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - This study aims to focus on asset management of large-scale information systems supporting infrastructures and especially seeks to address a methodology of their statistical deterioration prediction based on their historical inspection data. Information systems are composed of many devices. Deterioration process i.e. wear-out failure generation process of those devices is formulated by a Weibull hazard model. Furthermore, in order to consider the heterogeneity of the hazard rate of each device, the random proportional Weibull hazard model, which expresses the heterogeneity of the hazard rate as random variables, is to be proposed.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - Large-scale information systems comprise many components, and different types of components might have different hazard rates. Therefore, when analyzing faults of information systems that comprise various types of devices and components, it is important to consider the heterogeneity of the hazard rates that exist between the different types of components. In this study, with this in consideration, the random proportional Weibull hazard model, whose heterogeneity of hazard rates is subject to a gamma distribution, is formulated and a methodology is proposed which estimates the failure rate of various components comprising an information system.\nFindings: - Through a case study using a traffic control system for expressways, the validity of the proposed model is empirically verified. Concretely, as for HDD, the service life at which the survival probability is 50 percent is estimated as 158 months. However, even for the same HDD, use environment differs according to usage. Actually, among the three different usages (PC, server, others), failures happen earliest in the case of PCs, which have the highest heterogeneity parameter and a survival probability of 50 percent after 135 months of usage. On the other hand, as for others, its survival probability is 50 percent at 303 months.\nOriginality/value: - To operationally express the heterogeneity of failure rates, the Weibull hazard model is employed as a base, and a random proportional Weibull hazard model expressing the proportional heterogeneity of hazard rates with a standard gamma distribution is formulated. By estimating the parameter of the standard proportional Weibull hazard function and the parameter of the probability distribution that expresses the heterogeneity of the proportionality constant between the types, the random proportional Weibull hazard model can easily express the heterogeneity of the hazard rates between types and components.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Blended learning adoption: a case study of one of the oldest universities in Europe	[ "Blended learning", "Information technology adoption", "Faculty satisfaction", "Ancient universities" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: The progression of information technology such as internet surged the growth of online educational programs that change the traditional system of education (Sher, 2009; Adeoye et al., 2013; Lyons, 2017). The current economic downturn has increased demand for both online courses and programs.\nLiterature review: One of the ways to evaluate the effectiveness of blended learning is through the satisfaction of its users (Sharma et al., 2011). Alongside with students satisfaction (Loh et al., 2016), faculty satisfaction is a crucial pillar. Faculty satisfaction is a complex idea; it is an interaction of conditions related to the students, the institution, the department and even an instructor's own experiences and attitudes (Martins and Nunes, 2016). Bolliger and Wasilik point out that faculty satisfaction is a \"complex issue that is difficult to describe and predict\" (p. 105). Various factors exist that help to describe and define the faculty experience of online education (Durette, 2000; Palloff and Pratt, 2001; Sloan Consortium, 2006; Simonson et al., 2009). Faculty that feel well-supported by their institutions, that have, for example, adequate technical and pedagogical support, and adequate professional development opportunities are reported to be more satisfied with online teaching overall. Faculty's satisfaction is a critical building block of quality in online education (Selim, 2007). Webster and Hackley (1997) stated that the positive attitude by e-learning instructors toward technology, interactive teaching style, and control over technology contributed to some of the success of effective learning. Without faculty engagement, in fact, any initiative to adopt a blended learning approach is likely to fail (Christo-Baker, 2004). After all, faculty members are the primary decision-makers in their courses (Graham and Robison, 2007). Furthermore, Butler and Sellbom (2002) asked to faculty which factors could influence the decision whether to adopt technology: technology reliability, the knowledge about the way to use technology or the difficulty using it and the technical support are identified as the most critical factors. On the other hand, Humbert (2007) discovered that the decrease in student-teacher interaction, the lack of time to prepare online content and activities are the main barriers in a French university; heavy workloads, lack of motivation, and lack of financial support are, instead, the barriers to blended learning adoption identified in the research conducted by Oh and Park (2009). In existing literature, factors influencing faculty satisfaction tend to be classified as intrinsic vs extrinsic, motivating vs inhibiting and/or promoting satisfaction vs promoting dissatisfaction (Schifter, 2000). Cook et al. (2009) classified factors as intrinsic or extrinsic and investigated the impact those factors had in contributing to the motivation or inhibition of experienced online faculty to continue teaching in the online education system. Intrinsic factors included desire to help students, opportunity to try something new, intellectual challenge, personal motivation to use technology, overall job satisfaction, the ability to reach a broader student audience and the opportunity to improve teaching. Extrinsic factors included release time, support and encouragement from institution administrators and departmental colleagues, merit pay, monetary support, technical support provided by the institution, workload concerns and quality concerns. This study showed that intrinsic factors positively contribute to ongoing and increased motivation to participate in the online education while failure to adequately address extrinsic factors can be found to contribute to greater inhibition to participate in the online education. Giannoni and Tesone (2003) used a similar classification. Their findings indicate that a mix of both intrinsic (i.e. personal satisfaction, teaching development, professional prestige, intellectual challenge, and recognition) and extrinsic factors (time, technical support, monetary issues, job security and promotion) contribute to faculty satisfaction. According to Bolliger and Wasilik (2009) factors that affect faculty satisfaction can be categorized into three groups: student-related; instructor-related; and institution-related. The access to higher education for a more diverse student population, the interactions with students (Fredericksen et al. 2000; Hartman et al., 2000) are - for example - factors belonging to the first group. The second group of factors influencing faculty satisfaction include self-gratification, intellectual challenge, and an interest in using technology (Panda and Mishra, 2007). This environment provides faculty with professional development opportunities and research and collaboration opportunities with colleagues. In the last group, it is possible to include values and policies that support the faculty, workload issues, time for course development, compensation, a reward system for promotion and tenure and, finally, policies that clarify intellectual property issues.\nResearch method: Starting by the consideration that limited empirical research on how higher education institutions deal with the adoption of blended learning, we decided to choose an explorative approach. We used a single case study, which is an appropriate way of establishing the field at the early stages of an emerging topic (Eisenhardt, 1989). Moreover, the single case study approach is normally preferred when an inductive approach can be adopted, using theory to explain empirical observations and also to inform refinements and extension of the theory (Yin, 1994). Other scholars used the case study approach to examine blended learning in higher education institutions (Motteram, 2006; Cahir et al., 2014). Among the others, the case study conducted by Taylor and Newton (2013) at an Australian university is very useful to examine learning practices in an institution faced with the challenges of delivering both on-campus and distance learning programs - as for UNIPV. The case study presented in this article aims to explore and to understand the methodology used to implement a blended learning approach in training programs. In particular, drawing on the conceptual framework provided by Graham et al. (2012) we investigated how the blended learning is implemented within the University of Pavia, that is according to our exploratory approach an exemplar case study with unique circumstances. In particular, the University of Pavia's project on blended learning can be classified an early adopter, since it began in 2008, five years before to the regulatory intervention by Italian legislation occurred in 2013 that established the duty for all Italian universities to implement new e-learning technologies.\nFindings and discussion: University of Pavia is one of the oldest universities in Europe. It was founded in 1,361 and has 18 departments. Today the University boasts 25,000 students, both from Italy and from overseas. It offers study programs at all levels: Bachelor's degrees, single-cycle Masters degrees, research degrees, specialty schools and level I and II Masters degrees. The so-called \"Pavia System\" is characterized by 20 colleges and residences where thousands of students can live and study. In this frame, the project for the implementation of a blended learning began in 2008. The work began with the establishment of a working group composed by the Pro-rector for didactics, the rector's Delegate to ICT, the Head of the Information System Area and the Head of the Digital Learning and Innovation Service. As said before, the first step toward the blended learning adoption is moved in 2008 with the promotion of an experimental project involving 50 students and seven single courses delivered by the Faculty of Pharmacy. The starting idea was to support traditional courses by creating an interactive digital environment where teachers, tutors and students could share educational materials, create new ones, meet and deepen, ideally, what they did during their lessons. In this experimental phase the Head of the Digital Learning and Innovation Service in collaboration with all the staff of the Service, and the President of the Faculty of Pharmacy were the main blended learning advocates. However, already at this stage emerged the relevant role of faculty members: faculty was one of the major drivers in implementing blended learning.\nConclusions: This paper examined an Italian case study of blended learning adoption. Summarizing, the point is made that a successful distance education program is reliant upon a dedicated and committed distance faculty. A positive perception of distance education and satisfaction with the distance-learning environment are likely contributors to that success.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study the determinants of blended learning adoption in universities by focusing on faculty's satisfaction.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The research methodology is based on a case study of one of the most ancient University in Europe. The authors administered a questionnaire to the professors that used blended technologies, and the authors conducted clinical interviews with some of the key people involved in the implementation process.\nFindings: The paper allows to identify the main factors that impact on faculty's satisfaction. Student-related issues seem to be the most important factors influencing faculty satisfaction, while instructor-related issues and especially institution-related issues definitely seem to be less important.\nResearch limitations/implications: The study is focused just on a single case study. Further researches could explore a wider application of this research approach to several universities and different countries.\nOriginality/value: This study is one of the first that analyzed blended learning adoption in historic universities.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Pre-service teachers' aesthetic learning about inclusion and exclusion	[ "Exclusion", "Action research", "Sustainability", "Aesthetic learning", "Inclusion", "Pre-service teacher education" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: The quality of human relationships with their social and natural environment is a central theme in contemporary sustainability discourses (Gadotti, 2010) which have grown in scope and depth since the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). An individual's forming and retaining mutually beneficial patterns of interaction with human and nonhuman elements of the social and natural world can be considered a fundamental condition for sustainability, the latter interpreted broadly as a quality of being, acting and living together that is grounded in the principles of equity, equality, solidarity, inclusivity and harmony among differences (Berry, 1999; Gadotti, 2010). Thus, social exclusion, among other current problems, can be seen as a threat to social sustainability in particular, in that it undermines solidarity and cohesion among human individuals and groups (Cobigo et al., 2012). Perhaps, most worryingly, this deformity of social relationships corrupts educational settings such as classrooms in the sense of jeopardising schoolchildren's social well-being and academic success. This unfortunate state of affairs carries specific implications for sustainability-concerned teacher education. The latter becomes a process of preparing prospective educators for facilitation of inclusive social relationships in their classrooms, which involves prevention and mitigation of exclusionary patterns in both learner - learner and teacher - learner interactions.\nBackground of the study: As suggested above, the present study is a fragment from a broader action research project embedded in the process of implementing study courses \"Environmental Pedagogy\" and \"Education for Sustainable Development\" at a regional university in Latvia - a small Eastern European country on the Baltic coast. The two courses are implemented consecutively in the first year of studies in the professional bachelor study programmes \"Preschool Teacher\" and \"Primary Education Teacher\". The institutional context in which the study is embedded has proved decisive in setting its focus.\nConceptual framework: The conceptual framework of the present paper is hinged on two key concepts - inclusion and exclusion - which are construed as features of sustainable and unsustainable relationships with the world, respectively. The decision to explore the concept of exclusion together with its counterpart, inclusion, was rooted in the inherent inclination of the human mind towards dualistic thinking (Belenky and Stanton, 2000) which includes making sense of relational issues such as social exclusion in dichotomous terms of binary categories that are polar opposites to each other (Koller and Davidson, 2008).\nMethod: As pointed out above in this paper, the methodological framework of the present study is action research for exploring the meanings attached to inclusive and exclusionary relationships by pre-service teachers. The paper reports on a fragment from a year-long action research cycle with prospective preschool and primary education teachers taking the courses \"Environmental Pedagogy\" and \"Education for Sustainable Development\" in the first and second semester of their professional bachelor studies in the academic year 2010/2011. The action research fragment discussed in this paper is the penultimate (third) phase of the cycle (Figure 3).\nParticipants' presentational knowing about inclusion and exclusion: metaphorical sense-making: We now propose a review of the main findings elicited from the study. The readers are invited to regard them as insights about a specific case, which make no claim for universalising across situations and contexts. The thematic strands identified in the fabric of visual data will be presented in discussion with theoretical literature, which, according to Brannen (2007), is very important in a small-scale qualitative study. In particular, we find it possible to relate the insights gained from an interpretation of the research participants' drawings depicting their sense-making of inclusion and exclusion with a recent study by Crawford (2009) about the ways people conceptualise abstract phenomena. Crawford (2009) believes that human conceptualisation of (or knowing about) abstract concepts is metaphorical - the latter are understood and expressed linguistically (and visually) in terms of more concrete, embodied physical domains such as spatial position, brightness, etc. Crawford's (2009) theory of dimensional metaphors such as space and colour will be used as a reference point in the discussion of our findings about the pre-service teacher's presentational knowing of inclusion and exclusion that were inferred from their drawings.\nReflection on the process and outcomes of inquiry: Reflection on the process and outcomes of inquiry is a crucial component of any action research endeavour as the participants critically assess their own and their co-inquirers' participation, the challenges encountered and responded to and the personally meaningful lessons learned along the way (Reason, 1999). In the present study, such reflection was organised in a written form by means of open-ended questions as we sought individual qualitative feedback from the research participants on their learning experience. Three broad thematic areas were focused on:\nDiscussion: Human knowing about the world is diverse and can be expressed differently (Yang, 2003). Learning about sustainability should not be exclusionary in prioritising only one kind of knowing and expressing it - the one which emphasises rationality, \"hard\" facts and theories. Exclusive dependence on rational thinking about the world is seen by many as the root of objectifying and exclusionary treatment thereof and therefore a cause of the crisis of sustainability that we are now experiencing in human relationships with each other as well as with non-human nature (Capra, 1984; Evernden, 1985; Orr, 1992).\nConclusion: This paper reflects on an experience of implementing study courses \"Environmental Pedagogy\" and \"Education for Sustainable Development\" in the form of action research with prospective preschool and primary school teachers undergoing their bachelor training. More specifically, it contemplates the use of aesthetic learning to activate and explore pre-service teachers' presentational knowing about inclusion and exclusion and to surface their assumptions about these two modes of relationships which are essentially sustainable and unsustainable, respectively. The research participants are involved in creation, interpretation and discussion of drawings-cum-concept-maps that depict their perspectives on inclusive and exclusionary relationships in social and, more specifically, educational contexts. The pre-service teachers' purposeful usage of such presentational forms as colour, spatial alignment, direction and imagery of mimicry implies that they appear to make sense of exclusion in terms of distance, withdrawal and negative affective experiences, whereas inclusion is interpreted in terms of closeness, belonging to a whole and positive affective experiences.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This paper aims to contribute to the body of practical knowledge about reorienting teacher education to address sustainability by reflecting on an action research experience from a study course on sustainability in a regional university.\nDesign/methodology/approach: It contemplates the usage of aesthetic learning to activate pre-service teachers' presentational knowing about inclusion and exclusion - modes of relationships which are essentially sustainable and unsustainable, respectively. The research participants are involved in creation, interpretation and discussion of drawings-cum-concept-maps about inclusive and exclusionary relationships in social and educational contexts.\nFindings: The participants are found to express their knowledge through presentational forms such as colour, spatial alignment, direction and mimicry.\nResearch limitations/implications: This qualitative study being an action research into the particulars of a specific situation precludes abstract generalisation. Yet it is hoped that the findings may illuminate related concerns in similar contexts as educators seek inspiration and guidance for improving their practices of implementing teacher education for sustainability.\nOriginality/value: The paper proposes aesthetic learning as a means to involve pre-service teachers in active generation of personally meaningful and practically applicable insights, enabling communication of complex ideas and fostering emotional engagement with peers. It is also suggested as a pathway towards accessing, exploring and, potentially, enriching the participants' assumptions about relational issues such as inclusion and exclusion as pre-service teachers strive to make personal sense of what it means to live sustainably.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
A multidimensional model of marketing culture and performance: A different approach to the use of Webster's marketing culture measurement scale	[ "Tourism", "Interpersonal relationships", "Restaurants", "Innovativeness", "Marketing culture", "Hospitability" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: Ample, worldwide tourism research has underlined the importance of marketing to tourist firms' success (e.g. Soteriades, 2012; Jayawardena et al., 2013). Further, empirical research has underlined the particular impact of \"marketing culture\" over tourist firms' performance (e.g. Appiah-Adu et al., 1999; Tsiotsou and Vlachopoulou, 2011; Al-Mohammad et al., 2014). Marketing culture is a concept derived from theoretical and practical research on organisational culture. Scholars generally agree that an \"organisational culture\" is composed of a set of values, beliefs and norms shared by members of an organisation (Postruznik and Moretti, 2012), which has a sound impact over organisational performance (Lancaster and Brierley, 2001). Noticeably, a consensus has yet to emerge on a universal conceptualisation of marketing culture (Zostautiene and Vaiciulenaite, 2010; Biloslavo and Trnavcevic, 2011). Such phenomenon has made marketing culture more of an ambiguous concept with no consistent terminology. For instance, researchers have tended to use \"marketing culture\", \"service climate\", \"service culture\", \"market culture\" and \"market-oriented culture\" interchangeably (Luk, 1997; Harris, 1998; Simberova, 2007). Moreover, the lack of a unified definition of marketing culture has made it difficult to distinguish it from other marketing concepts, particularly market orientation (Biloslavo and Trnavcevic, 2011; Postruznik and Moretti, 2012). In addition to the lack of a unified conceptualisation of marketing culture, there is no agreement amongst authors on a unified operationalisation of the concept (Homburg and Pflesser, 2000; Singh, 2005; Biloslavo and Trnavcevic, 2011).\n2. Literature review: 2.1 Webster's scale of marketing culture: application in tourism industry\n3. Research problem: Empirical research has underlined some inconsistency in relation to the application of Webster's \"marketing culture measurement scale\" in tourism industry context (e.g. Karatepe et al., 2005; Al-Mohammad et al., 2014). With particular emphasis on Al-Mohammad et al.'s (2014) findings in the context of Jordanian tourism restaurants, only three marketing culture dimensions had a direct significant impact over performance. Such result could be attributed to the industry's nature and type of performance measurement used. Nevertheless, and in relation to the fact that new dimensions have been lately added to, or exerted from, the scale (Halac et al., 2013; Al-Mohammad et al., 2014), a question arises as to whether Webster's marketing culture dimensions can affect Jordanian restaurants' performance indirectly, through the interaction that takes place between the dimensions themselves? Further, and in the particular context of Jordanian restaurants industry, how does the new dimension, i.e. \"management-front-line interaction\", relate to the other dimensions of marketing culture? This paper aims to answer those questions.\n4. Research objectives: Based on relevant marketing culture, tourism marketing and business performance literature review, the research objectives of this paper are as follows:\n5. Proposed model and hypotheses development: Figure 1 underlines the paper's proposed model. The model suggests a number of causal associations between the different dimensions of Webster's marketing culture dimensions. In addition to those dimensions, another dimension is proposed, i.e. \"management-front-line interaction\". The model suggests that the proposed direction of associations between marketing culture dimensions will ultimately affect organisation's performance. The hypotheses derived from proposed model are developed based on previous research and authors' perspectives. The following subsections provide for theoretical build-up of proposed model hypotheses.\n6. Research methodology: 6.1 Research population and sample\n7. Results discussion: Building on previous research (Karatepe et al., 2005; Al-Mohammad et al., 2014), this paper has argued that Webster's \"marketing culture measurement scale\" was flexible enough to accommodate new dimensions, and that such flexibility might allow for some effects to take place between the scale's dimensions. Empirical findings of this paper came to support previous arguments. Opposing the original loadings proposed by Webster (1990, 1993, 1995), the items that loaded on other dimensions (Table III), and the creation of a new dimension termed \"management-front-line interaction\" (Table III), support this paper's argument that marketing culture consists of several dimensions that interact in a complicated manner to affect business performance.\n8. Conclusions and implications: Several conclusions can be drawn from previous empirical results. First, and most importantly, marketing culture is a dynamic concept. It is not just a set of dimensions affecting performance individually, as suggested by previous research (e.g. Webster, 1993, 1995; Appiah-Adu and Singh, 1999; Appiah-Adu et al., 2000). Rather, marketing culture represents a set of interdependent dimensions interacting with each other and, consequently, affecting performance. Second, Webster's marketing culture scale itself is open to change depending on context, purpose and time. Although earlier research has shown similar results reached by Webster (1990, 1993) in relation to scale's items, dimensions and impacts (e.g. Appiah-Adu and Singh, 1999; Appiah-Adu et al., 2000; McNeil et al., 2001), later, more recent research has underlined that the scale can witness considerable change in terms of number of items deleted, dimensions' number and dimensions' own impacts over performance (Halac et al., 2013; Al-Mohammad et al., 2014). Third, and in the particular context of Jordanian restaurants industry, front-line employees and their interactions with management are vital for restaurants' ability to accommodate change and innovativeness. The creation of a seventh marketing culture dimension termed \"management-front-line interaction\" (Al-Mohammad et al., 2014) supports this conclusion. Fourth, and with regard to innovativeness itself, it exerts both direct and indirect effect over Jordanian restaurants' financial performance. Although previous empirical findings have underlined its direct impact over performance (Lopez and Radzi, 2012; Lin, 2013), innovativeness's indirect impact takes place though its strong impact over service quality, which consequently affects performance.\n9. Contributions: The paper contributes to marketing's both academia and practice, particularly in the vital field of marketing culture. From an academic perspective, the paper's contribution stems from two points. First, and contrary to previous empirical research conducted in different contexts (e.g. McNeil et al., 2001; Karatepe et al., 2005; Singh and Shanker, 2012), the empirical examination conducted by this paper on Webster's (1990) marketing culture scale has resulted in seven dimensions rather than the original six. The new dimension termed \"management-front-line interaction\" emphasised the importance placed by respondents on hiring, interaction and development of front-line or front-office employees. Such finding holds great importance for service industries in particular, due to the importance of interactions taking place between customers and front-line employees in determining customers' satisfaction, retention and loyalty (Brady and Cronin, 2001; Bettencourt and Brown, 2003). It further holds important implications, as it reveals that marketing culture is beyond the marketing department and functions; rather, it is an organisational culture because the majority of its dimensions are related to the organisation itself and not marketing in particular. Second, although previous empirical research has examined the direct relationships between marketing culture dimensions and business performance, or marketing effectiveness (e.g. Appiah-Adu et al., 2000; Halac et al., 2013; Al-Mohammad et al., 2014), this paper has examined the interrelationships among marketing culture dimensions and performance in one model. This is thought to have made an important contribution to the marketing culture literature, as it extended our understanding of marketing culture complexities and its relationship with performance.\n10. Limitations and future research: Research limitations exist as a result of research design trade-offs. Theoretically, this paper has examined marketing culture dimensions proposed by the original developer (Webster, 1990). A potential fruitful area of future research is to examine whether there are other dimensions of marketing culture that could affect performance. For instance, internal marketing and internal service are potential elements of marketing culture. Empirically, the paper's findings are industry-limited: tourism restaurants in Jordan. Accordingly, findings cannot be generalised to other service industries without further examination. An area of future research is to replicate research model on other service industries (inside and outside the tourism industry) as well as conducting comparative studies with other industries in developed and developing countries.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine a multidimensional model of marketing culture and performance in tourism restaurants operating in Jordan. The paper introduces a model proposing certain associations between Webster's (1990) marketing culture dimensions and attempts to underline how such associations affect restaurants' performance.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A structured and self-administered survey was used, targeting managers and employees of tourism restaurants operating in Jordan. A sample of 334 tourism restaurants' managers and employees were involved in the survey. A series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess the research constructs dimensions, unidimensionality, validity and composite reliability. Structural path model analysis was also used to test the hypothesised interrelationships of the research model.\nFindings: The empirical findings indicate that the marketing culture dimensions are seven rather than six, as proposed by Webster's (1990) original model: service quality, interpersonal relationships, management-front-line interaction, selling task, organisation, internal communication and innovativeness. \"Organisation\" had positively and significantly affected \"interpersonal relationships\". \"Interpersonal relationships\" had positively and significantly affected each of \"management-front-line interaction\", \"selling task\" and \"internal communications\". On the other hand, each of \"management-front-line interaction\", \"selling task\" and \"internal communications\" had positively and significantly affected \"innovativeness\". However, \"innovativeness\" itself had positively and significantly affected each of \"service quality\" and restaurant performance. Finally, \"service quality\" had positively and significantly affected restaurants' performance.\nResearch limitations/implications: Only seven dimensions of marketing culture were examined; meanwhile, there could also be other dimensions that affect restaurants' performance. This paper has also examined the effect of a multidimensional model of marketing culture on restaurants' financial performance only; the use of other types of non-financial measures could yield different results. The fact that paper's sample consisted only of Jordanian restaurants further limits its generalisation potential.\nPractical implications: The paper reinforces the importance of sound marketing culture to Jordanian tourism restaurants. It further underlines the importance of several marketing culture dimensions, particularly those related to employees' selection, development and communication. Further, the paper emphasises the particular importance of front-office employees to the success of Jordanian restaurants. Tourism restaurants' managers and executives can benefit from such findings for designing their marketing culture strategies to achieve long-term performance objectives.\nOriginality/value: This paper represents the first empirical attempt to examine the interrelationships between marketing culture dimensions introduced by Webster (1990). Accordingly, it should shed more light on the dynamics of marketing culture within service organisations, and how such dynamics affect organisations' performance. Further, the paper is the first of its kind to study marketing culture dynamics in the context of Jordanian tourism restaurants industry. International tourism restaurants planning to expand their operations in Jordan's tourism industry have now valuable empirical evidence concerning the marketing culture dimensions and their effect on performance.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Examining the characteristics, philosophies, operating practices and growth strategies of village entrepreneurs	[ "Ethnography", "Rural entrepreneurship", "Village entrepreneurship" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: A perusal of the early literature of entrepreneurship reveals a distinctly urban bias (Porter, 1995) and a focus on successful high-growth companies. In recent years, this imbalance has been rectified but despite the emergence of a healthy literature on \"Rural Entrepreneurship\" (Atterton, 2007, 2008; Alsos et al., 2011; Atterton et al., 2011; Dubois, 2016; Markantoni and Van Hoven, 2012; Markantoni et al., 2013, 2014; Delfmann and Koster, 2016) we still know little about the characteristics, philosophies, operating practices and growth strategies of ordinary rural and \"village entrepreneurs\". This conceptualisation of the \"village entrepreneur\" as a distinctive case from other coverages of rural entrepreneurship in the wider European and North American literature offers a relatively original perspective. The ubiquitous rural entrepreneur is a (Weberian) ideal type who engages with place and space to leverage local resources through localised entrepreneurial processes (Korsgaard et al., 2015). A village is a clustered human settlement and importantly a community[1]. This work adopts the viewpoint of Ferdinand Tonnies (1957) that urban and rural settings are inherently different. Tonnies notions of community life as represented by natural will, revolve around the house, village, town and city as forms of social organisation. Tonnies argued that people live together in different ways but traditionally the village retains more familial characteristics than towns and cities. He talks of the Gemeinschaft of family and rural life devoted to agricultural pursuits, art and handicraft where family life forms the basis of everyday life. In village life, commerce does not predominate as an organising factor. Harper (1989) refers to the dichotomous relationship of gemeinschaft and gesellschaft and its persistence in the literature of rurality and of rural ethnographies focussing on the \"essence\" of rural community through analysis of process and change.\nExpanding and synthesising the literatures: This section reviews literatures relating to the philosophies, operating practices and growth strategies of ordinary village entrepreneurs' and because character emerged as being an important facet of the psychological makeup of village entrepreneurs it covers literature on entrepreneurship and character. Though selective, it underpins the explanation of the character, philosophies and practices of the entrepreneurs encountered empirically. This paper covers the importance of place and space and deals, respectively, with the philosophy, operating practices and growth strategies of small business and with entrepreneurial modus operandi highlighting the importance of collective cognition and behaviour. Finally, it considers character and entrepreneurial personality, highlighting the importance of individuality.\nMethodology: The review of the fragmented literatures synthesised them to develop a greater understanding of the philosophies, operating practices and growth strategies of typical village entrepreneurs. The empirical strand comprises of five recorded, \"face-to-face\" interviews with village entrepreneurs conducted between 2001 and 2005. This study presents research conducted via in-depth interviews with businessmen (in North East Scotland) predominantly from small single-life-businesses.\nCollecting stories of village entrepreneurship: This section reports on the interviews conducted. There are four parts. The first narrates the stories of village entrepreneurship; the second unravels their yarns; the third identifies the emerging theme of \"slow-money\"; and the fourth recasts the respondents' stories as \"tales-of-character\". There was considerable overlap between the \"life-story\" and the \"entrepreneurial-life-story\" element which necessitated further analysis.\nConclusions: The paper challenges some of the conventional thinking on rural entrepreneurship. A strength of this study is that it draws on an interdisciplinary literature to shed more light on the \"village entrepreneur\" and argues that a village entrepreneur may well be different from other conceptualisations of \"rural entrepreneurs\". The \"village entrepreneur\" as a blend of \"entrepreneurship in the rural\" and \"rural entrepreneur\" and this is worthy of further explorations. To return to the research question - how do the village entrepreneurs articulate their lived experience and entrepreneurial identities in village settings? - it is apparent they do so by narrating their life stories as \"tales-of-character\" which they live by. Their philosophies, working practices and growth strategies are guided by these storied scripts. Their business identities are moulded by the stories they tell. If one could better understand such philosophies, practices and strategies one would be in a better position as academics to conceptualise and theorise \"Rural Enterprise\" at a higher level. There are implications for policy makers in that a more nuanced understanding of these philosophies, practices and strategies (both rural and village) would allow the design and initiation of policies which support and encourage the growth of rural enterprise and the differentiated operating practices found in the rural domain. Moreover, this study contributes to an emerging and growing literature of \"Rural Entrepreneurship\" expanding our understanding of rural entrepreneurs by detailing philosophies, operating practices and growth strategies suitable and appropriate for small village and rural businesses. The respondents are reminiscent of Bechhofer and Elliott's (1976) petite-bourgeoisie in nature and character and that they too emerge from the working class. They are happy to work away making \"slow-money\". They are small scale capitalists but own the production, distribution, and/or exchange of commodities and thus are an entrepreneurial class even if it suits their personal philosophy to deny so. Although the respondents are characterised more by their differences than by their commonalities it is nevertheless possible to view them as a category of ideal typical village entrepreneurs. Place can and indeed does exercise an influence on entrepreneurial identity. The fact that these are also very personal narratives limits any generalisability but the stories contextualise the content in a way that make readers think about the distinctive character of rural entrepreneurs and of villages as sites of entrepreneurship.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The literature of entrepreneurship has an urban focus and despite the emergence of the rural entrepreneurship literature, we know little about the characteristics, philosophies, operating practices and growth strategies of ordinary village entrepreneurs' in a UK context. As a concept, the \"village entrepreneur\" is contentious as theoretically there should be little difference between urban and rural entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, there is! The concept is important because many villages are in decline and are marginal places in terms of entrepreneurial opportunity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A review of the fragmented literature is conducted to synthesise and develop greater understanding. Drawing on a \"life-story\" approach the empirical strand comprises of an analysis of five ethnographic interviews with village entrepreneurs.\nFindings: The respondents did not consider themselves entrepreneurs whom they characterised as flash, rogues and even crooked. Their embedded village entrepreneur persona was constructed around tales-of-character, hard work and perseverance. They prided themselves in making \"slow-money\" which they retain over their lifetime. Embeddedness, self-efficacy, character and morality were key themes encountered.\nResearch limitations/implications: From a research perspective the findings are based on a limited sample and the study was not specifically designed to capture data on characteristics, philosophies and operating practices. Further research on a larger scale is necessary to validate the findings.\nPractical implications: From a practical perspective policy makers require to consider the notions of embeddedness, self-efficacy, character and morality when considering implementing growth strategies in rural areas.\nOriginality/value: This study contributes to the growing literature of rural entrepreneurship by expanding the typology of rural entrepreneurs and by detailing philosophies, operating practices, and growth strategies suitable and appropriate for small village and rural businesses.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Highway work zone safety audits for safety improvements	[ "Main roads", "Safety", "Construction industry", "Accidents", "Surveys" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) updated the former regulation Traffic Safety in Highway and Street Work Zones and published 23 CFR 630 Subpart J, Final Rule on Work Zone Safety and Mobility in 2004 to address work zone safety and mobility challenges facing all state transportation agencies that receive Federal-aid highway funding (NARA, 2004). The updated rule emphasizes development and implementation of agency-level policies to facilitate system-wide assessment and management of work zone safety and mobility impacts, agency-level processes to support policy implementation, and project-level procedures to assess and manage project impacts.In the last several decades, road safety audits have been rapidly adopted by many state and local transportation agencies in the USA and abroad as a formal, independent, and comprehensive road safety performance evaluation conducted by an experienced team of safety specialists to maximize safety of the roadway environment for all highway users. The FHWA released the Road Safety Audit Guidelines in 2006 to further promote the use of road safety audits from project planning, programming, design and contracting, construction, to post-construction as a proactive means to enhance highway safety (FHWA, 2006).Motivated by the success of road safety audits to identify potential safety hazards of existing or future roads, work zone safety audits have been gradually thought of assisting work zone stakeholders in identifying potential safety hazards and recommending practical work zone safety improvement measures. At present, very limited studies have been completed in the USA to identify the similarities and differences between road safety audits and work zone safety audits. In addition, no guidelines have been developed for conducting work zone safety audits. This paper attempts to review current practices of road safety audits in the USA and abroad, collect information on the perceptions of experts on work zone safety and issues of adopting work zone safety audits in the USA, and propose a framework for developing guidelines for implementing work zone safety audits as a means of safety improvements.\nResearch methodology: This paper first reviews guidelines and best practices prepared by various transportation agencies in the USA and abroad aimed to find out potential highway safety hazards and mitigate their impacts using road safety audits. Then, it discusses findings of four-week questionnaire surveys administered to investigate the perceptions of experts on highway work zone safety and issues of adopting work zone safety audits in the USA. The survey questionnaire consists of questions concerning leading causes of work zone safety problems and effective countermeasures; types of projects suitable for auditing and audit frequencies; most needed project delivery stage for auditing, leading entity and composition of audit team, and funding sources for auditing; audit tasks, approach, and tools; contractor's safety inspection and worker safety auditing; and safety training auditing. The expert database maintained by the National Work Zone Information Clearinghouse was used to solicit potential survey respondents. The potential survey participants could return their completed surveys through the web site, by e-mail, or by fax. Based on findings of literature review and questionnaire surveys, critical comparisons are made on the formal procedures and primary tasks between road safety audits and work zone safety audits. Finally, a framework is proposed for developing guidelines for work zone safety audits.\nFindings and discussion: Current road safety audit practices in the USA\nConclusion: The objective of this research is to review current practices of road safety audits worldwide, investigate the perceptions of experts on highway work zone safety and issues of adopting work zone safety audits in the USA using questionnaire surveys, and propose a framework for developing guidelines for implementing work zone safety audits as a means of highway work zone safety improvements in the country.The findings of existing guidelines and best practices indicated that road safety audits have been widely used around the world as a proactive means for maximizing safety of the highway environment for all highway users. The findings of questionnaire surveys confirmed the leading causes of highway work zone safety problems and effective measures for improving work zone safety. The survey findings also provided insightful recommendations and clarified various issues concerning the use of work zone safety audits to mitigate work zone impacts on the safety of highway users and construction workers during project construction. The critical comparisons between the characteristics of road safety audits and work zone safety audits helped identify the unique characteristics of work zone safety audits, which further assisted in proposing an eight-step process for the conduction of work zone safety audits that could be performed at project pre-construction stage (planning, programming/preliminary engineering, or design stage), construction stage, and post-construction stage, respectively. The proposed framework could be used to develop detailed guidelines for work zone safety audits.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The paper aims to review current practices of road safety audits worldwide, investigate the perceptions of experts on highway work zone safety in the USA and issues of adopting work zone safety audits in the country, and propose a framework for developing guidelines for implementing work zone safety audits for safety improvements.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The paper was conducted by reviewing the existing literature of road safety audits and administering four-week questionnaire surveys of experts on highway work zone safety in the USA.\nFindings: - Road safety audits have been successfully adopted worldwide to maximize safety of the roadway environment for highway users. The questionnaire surveys have clarified leading causes of work zone safety problems and effective countermeasures, types of projects suitable for auditing and audit frequencies, audit team composition and funding sources, audit tasks and tools, and project staff safety training audits. A similar procedure for road safety audits could be adopted for work zone safety audits with emphasis on mitigating work zone safety impacts.\nResearch limitations/implications: - Additional survey participants from the highway user group may add valuable insights into the use of highway work zone safety audits for safety improvements.\nPractical implications: - The paper findings would assist in preparing strategies and methodologies for developing the national highway work zone safety audit guidelines in the USA.\nOriginality/value: - The work zone safety audit guidelines to be developed could help transportation practitioners effectively conduct work zone safety audits for safety improvements in the country.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Understanding franchisee performance: The role of the franchisee's autonomy, affective commitment to the network and innovativeness	[ "Affective commitment", "Franchising", "Innovativeness", "Commercial autonomy", "Franchisee performance", "Managerial autonomy" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: In franchising organisations, coordination by norms replaces coordination by authority (hierarchy) or market (price). Compared to vertical integration, franchising obtains less cooperation but allows greater incentives to be put into place: franchisees are motivated because they keep the residual profits of their franchise. Compared to independent firms, franchising implies fewer transaction costs (Williamson, 1975, 1985, 1995; Dant, 1996).\n2. Literature review on autonomy and performance in franchising: In the field of management sciences, in order to study the franchisor-franchisee relationships, several authors have defined two main concepts: independence and autonomy. The definition of the two concepts has not always been unanimous but eventually a clear difference has emerged. Hunt and Nevin (1974), for example, used independence as a unique concept, and they defined it as the absence of the franchisor's control over the daily activities of the franchisee. But other authors distinguish the two concepts. Dant and Gundlach (1998) characterise franchisee's independence mainly as the power to replace the franchisor and then to obtain its resources differently. They consider it a function of the attractiveness of the current relationship with the franchisor and of the availability of alternative alliances. Autonomy, on the other hand, refers to the franchisee's ability to make management decisions by herself, without interference from the franchisor. The emphasis is not on economic dependence but on the scope franchisees have to manage their own operational activities, without subordination or intrusion.\n3. Proposed model and hypotheses: Based on the aforementioned agency and resource-based theories as well as on the literature review on empirical research, we propose the model depicted in Figure 1. This proposed model contains the relationships among the focal constructs that act as drivers of the franchisee's individual relative performance, i.e. managerial autonomy, commercial autonomy and sense of belonging (or affective commitment) to the network, as well as the network's ability to innovate as a potential mediating variable between commercial autonomy, affective commitment and performance.\n4. Methodology: To empirically test the research model and hypotheses emerging from the previous literature, we conducted a quantitative research using survey methodology. We developed a survey instrument based on an extensive literature review. Most of our measures were adapted from previous studies to fit the current context of the research. Thus, items to measure perception of the franchisee's autonomy in commercial policies and in team management were adapted from Lopez-Bayon and Lopez-Fernandez (2016), assuming that managerial autonomy is a different construct from commercial (or marketing) autonomy, defined as a formative second-order construct whose dimensions are the commercial policies of the marketing mix (i.e. product, price, communication and point of sale). The scale for measuring affective commitment was adapted from the proposal of Dubost et al. (2000) based on Meyer et al. (1993).\n5. Discussion of results: Once it has been ascertained that the convergent validity, discriminant validity and collinearity requirements are all satisfied, the next stage of analysis can be carried out. This stage involves determining the relationship between managerial autonomy, commercial autonomy and affective commitment, both directly and mediated by innovation, on the franchisee's individual relative performance. The bootstrapping resampling procedure in PLS was used to estimate the structural model and test the hypotheses.\n6. Contributions, limits of our research and conclusion: One of the most important management challenges that franchisors face nowadays is how to manage the balance between control and entrepreneurial autonomy among franchisees (Dada, 2018). Despite this reality, the impact of autonomy on performance remains a rather underexplored topic. Our investigation of the influence of franchisees' autonomy on their relative performance is relevant and original in the franchising literature framework and contributes to advancing knowledge of this topic in the following ways. First, the franchisee's affective commitment is a powerful antecedent of individual performance provided that the network is open to innovations and that the innovative initiatives developed by franchisees are likely to be adopted by the network. Second, this study shows that the franchisee's autonomy in human resource management and commercial policies emerges as a strong antecedent of affective commitment.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of participative franchising on performance from the franchisee perspective. In particular, the paper analyses the impact of the franchisee autonomy - in human resource management and marketing decisions - affective commitment to the network and network innovativeness on the franchisee relative performance.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A survey answered by 226 franchisees in France allowed to estimate a structural equations model through partial least squares regression analysis to test the hypothesised relations between autonomy, affective commitment, innovativeness and performance.\nFindings: According to the authors' findings, franchisee's autonomy in commercial policies, mediated by to franchisor's ability to innovate and acknowledge innovations stemming from the franchisees, and the affective commitment to the network, emerge as strong determinants of the franchisee's performance.\nResearch limitations/implications: The results confirm the conclusions of other research, but extend and integrate them, providing evidence that the role of participative franchising should not be neglected.\nPractical implications: The results obtained provide evidence about the importance of bidirectional communication instruments in the relations between franchisor and franchisee, and participation tools for the identification, recognition and support to the innovative successful practices developed by franchisees to be quickly implemented by other franchisees in the network.\nOriginality/value: This paper looks at franchisee autonomy, affective commitment and innovativeness as potential determinants of franchisee's performance, being the latter an underexplored topic.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Geographic inequality and ethnic stratification in China, 2000 to 2010	[ "China", "Ethnic minorities", "Residential segregation", "Ethnic stratification" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Today, the Chinese Government has identified 56 ethnic groups including the Han majority. According to the 2010 Chinese Census, the Han people constituted about 92 percent of the total population. The small total percentage is why the other 55 ethnic groups are referred to as ethnic minorities in China. However, the absolute number of Chinese minorities, 112 million, greatly outnumbered the total population of all racial/ethnic minorities in the USA in 2010. In China, minorities are facing certain obstacles to status attainment (Hannum, 2002; Hannum and Xie, 1998) and have been shown not to fare well in comparison to the majority Han (Maurer-Fazio, 2012; Wu and Song, 2014). Particularly, Chinese minorities' educational attainment remained behind the Han (Gustafsson and Ding, 2009; Hannum, 2002; Wang et al., 2013), which in turn caused the ethnic gap in occupational attainment (Hannum and Xie, 1998). Previous research has highlighted geographic effects on minority-Han disparities in education and occupation. For example, growing regional and urban-rural disparities have placed Chinese minorities at a disadvantage, in terms of their occupational outcomes (Hannum and Xie, 1998). Ethnic minorities in China also suffer from poverty and the lower level of educational attainment because they tend to live in poor western China (Gustafsson and Ding, 2009). However, to my knowledge, the spatial aspect of ethnic stratification in contemporary China has not been systematically examined.\nLiterature review: In China, minorities live over a vast area of the country. Due to historical factors, the 55 minority groups are geographically segregated from the Han at different levels. For example, most Uygur and Kazak people live in compact communities in Xinjiang province, yet the Hui are dispersed all over the country, in virtually all the big cities. Residential segregation is a topic of considerable interest to sociologists. For decades, researchers have used various indices to measure the degree of residential segregation. For example, Duncan and Duncan's (1955) work showed that all of those indices could be regarded as functions of a single geometrical construct, the \"segregation curve.\" Massey and Denton (1988) suggested residential segregation is a global construct that subsumes five underlying dimensions of measurement: evenness, exposure, concentration, centralization and clustering. The Dissimilarity (D) index has been served as the standard metric for the measurement of the evenness with which two social groups are distributed across the component areas (Duncan and Duncan, 1955; Massey and Denton, 1988).\nData and methods: Data\nResults: Descriptive results\nDiscussion: Although the impact of China's economic transition on different social groups has been well documented (Bian and Logan, 1996; Hannum and Xie, 1998; Nee, 1989; Szelenyi and Kostello, 1996; Walder, 2002; Wu and Song, 2014; Wu and Xie, 2003; Zhou, 2000), there is a notable lack of attention on Chinese ethnic minorities. This paper systematically examines the linkage between geographic effects and social stratification by ethnicity in contemporary China. The design of this study allows me to explore the heterogeneity of Chinese minorities and how it changes over time. Descriptive results first suggest that Chinese minorities were in general disadvantaged in the course of the country's rapid economic transition, as compared to the Han. Multivariate results further reveal that the 55 minority groups were socioeconomically disadvantage to a varying degree. For example, some northeastern groups (e.g. Koreans; Mongolian) were more integrated with the Han and fared better; while other western groups (e.g. Dongxiang; Lisu) were geographically segregated from the Han and experienced more educational and occupational disadvantages. Next, I discuss and answer the three research questions.\nConclusions: This study contributes to the current understanding of Chinese minority populations in three important ways. First, with several exceptions (Hannum, 2002; Poston and Luo, 2004; Poston and Micklin, 1993; Poston and Jing, 1992), most previous studies on ethnic minorities in China have either combined all minority groups together (e.g. Gustafsson and Shi, 2003; Hannum and Xie, 1998; Li et al., 2011; Ouyang and Pinstrup-Andersen, 2012; Yeung, 2013) or only focused on certain groups or regions (e.g. Ma, 1991; Mamet et al., 2005; Maurer-Fazio, 2012; Min, 1992; Wu and He, 2016; Wu and Song, 2014). Although important, those studies overlooked substantial diversity that exists within Chinese minority populations, which might conceal disparate social outcomes experienced by particular minority groups. The current study filled this gap by suggesting that there were significant and increased intra-ethnic inequalities in China from 2000 to 2010, and geography played a role. Future researchers should move beyond regional or sub-group studies to examine intra-ethnic inequalities at the national level.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to extend current knowledge by focusing on three geographic factors (minority-Han residential segregation, rural-urban disparities and regional differences) and their effects on educational and occupational outcomes of Chinese ethnic minorities from 2000 to 2010.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Data from the 2000 and 2010 Chinese decennial censuses were used, and both descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted.\nFindings: Results revel that there were regional differences in terms of educational segregation between minorities and the Han. It was also difficult for minority groups that were residentially segregated from the Han and mainly located in rural areas or western/southeastern regions to obtain high-level education. When minority groups were residentially segregated from the Han, they tended to have higher levels of occupational segregation from the Han; while minority groups with larger percentages of rural residents tended to have smaller percentages of people obtained high-status occupations. Despite China's rapid social and economic development, ethnic disparities in education did not significantly change, and ethnic gaps in occupational attainment were widened from 2000 to 2010.\nSocial implications: Geographic sources of ethnic conflicts in China should not be overlooked, and future researchers should also conduct studies on Chinese ethnic minorities at individual or household level.\nOriginality/value: This study contributes to the literature in two major ways: first, all Chinese minority groups were included in the analyses to clarify intra-ethnic differences; second, data from two Chinese decennial censuses and longitudinal statistical modeling were used to investigate the effect of time on ethnic stratification.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
A multilevel investigation of China's regional economic conditions on co-creation of dining experience and outcomes	[ "Experience marketing", "Chinese tourists", "Escape", "Food attachment", "Restaurant dining" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: In the contemporary world, economic value has increasingly relied on experiences (Pine and Gilmore, 1998). A plethora of studies have been conducted to understand the creation of experience (Cutler and Carmichael, 2010; Prahalad and Ramaswamy, 2003; Prahalad and Ramaswamy, 2004). The first generation of ideas suggested \"staging\" as a solution (Pine and Gilmore, 1998), while the second generation argues that experiences should be jointly created by consumers and service providers through a process called \"experience co-creation\". Consumers are value creators and service providers are facilitators (Meuter et al., 2000). Defined from the social construction perspective, \"experience co-creation\" in this study refers to the manner in which customers construct the meanings of the encounters in a social context to create new and personal experiences (Gronroos, 2011; Edvardsson et al., 2011). Experience co-creation is regarded as customer-centric (Prahalad and Ramaswamy, 2004) and a socially constructed concept (Edvardsson et al., 2011).\nLiterature review: Experience co-creation: Service-dominant logic and social construction\nMethods: Sample and data collection procedure\nFindings: Descriptive statistics and Pearson zero-order correlations are presented in Table I. Results show that regional economic conditions are negatively correlated with C2CI (r = -0.12, p < 0.05), escape experience (r = -0.17, p < 0.01) and food attachment (r = -0.09, p < 0.10), but those are positively related to dining frequency at Portuguese restaurants when the respondents travel abroad (r = 0.10, p < 0.10). However, this approach has two limitations. First, Pearson correlation analysis only accounts for bivariate relationships. Second, economic conditions are disaggregated at the individual level, thereby violating the independence of observation assumption. We further investigate these relationships by using a multilevel approach through hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) 6.06. To match the individual- and regional-level data, a total of 25 dyadic data pairs were created. Prior to testing the proposed research framework, null HLM models, which include only the dependent measure without any predictor, were performed on three endogenous variables: escape experience, food attachment and dining frequency. Results suggest that a significant portion of variance of each of the three variables can be explained by regional differences, with interclass correlations ranging between 0.04 and 0.07, thereby suggesting that 4-7 per cent of the variance of these variables resides at the regional level. In addition, kh2(24) tests for the null models of the three dependent measures are significant at the 0.05 level. These results support the use of HLM. Furthermore, respondent characteristics such as gender and age were modeled as control variables for dining frequency.\nDiscussion and conclusion: Drawing on the social construction perspective, this study investigates how C2CI became a resource for diners to co-create an escape experience and explored the behavioral outcomes developed from such experiences, i.e. food attachment and dining frequency. The model uses a multilevel design in that the individual-level estimates focus the effect of C2CI on food attachment and dining frequency through the mediator of customer escape experience. The regional-level estimates concern the roles of regional economic conditions on C2CI and customer escape experience.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how the presence of other customers in restaurant social settings becomes a resource (referred to as \"customer-to-customer interaction\" or \"C2CI\") to co-create an escape dining experience and stimulate dining outcomes, namely, food attachment and dining frequency. The relationships are further tested under the effects of regional economic conditions.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Data were collected by using a multi-step approach. The first data set was obtained through a personally administered survey, which included a sample of 356 Chinese tourists who dined at fine Western (i.e. Portuguese) restaurants in Macau. The second data set concerned economic statistics and was obtained from the statistics departments of mainland China and Taiwan. A multilevel design with hierarchical linear modeling was used to test the proposed model. Multilevel mediating and moderating effects were also examined.\nFindings: The results suggest that customer escape dining experience significantly mediated the relationship between C2CI and food attachment, while food attachment fully mediated the relationship between customer escape experience and dining frequency. The multilevel effect of regional economic conditions played a significant role in moderating the C2CI-escape experience relationship in which the effect of C2CI was more salient for tourists from less economically developed regions in China. The experience-food attachment relationship was also contingent on the regional economic conditions in which the relationship was stronger for tourists from less economically developed areas. A multilevel mediating effect was also presented in the study.\nOriginality/value: The study contributes to the literature on experience co-creation in restaurant dining by exploring and testing the possibility of the presence of other customers to become a resource of experience co-creation, which is currently overlooked in the restaurant dining literature. The study advances the concept of co-creation by including the presence of other customers and restates the active role of diners in creating experiences. It also considers the existence of structural patterns in individualized experiences.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Motivations and limitations in implementing Halal food certification: a Pareto analysis	[ "Pareto analysis", "Literature review", "Halal", "Food safety certification", "Halal food certification" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: The profound role of religion continues to be one of the most significant current discussions in food production and consumption. Consumers are seeking foods that are prepared in line with their religions' teachings because eating is a form of worship and an act to safeguard their faith (Regenstein et al., 2003; Marzuki et al., 2012a). For food producers and manufacturers, religion dictates business conduct, and at times, is used as a guideline in ensuring food safety and quality (Abuznaid, 2009; Farouk et al., 2014).\n2. Problem statement and objectives: Despite its importance, Halal certification suffers from several major drawbacks. First, the lack of knowledge among food companies devalues the true purpose of securing Halal certification. Drawing from the work of Othman et al. (2009), food companies lack a clear understanding and appreciation of the need to implement Halal certification. The study reported that firms are implementing Halal certification as a means to compete with rival firms, and on the basis of following local business norms. Motivations such as \"to ensure Halal product integrity\" or \"to maintain product safety and quality\" remain absent. This indicates that food companies have limited knowledge in the importance of implementing Halal certification.\n3. Literature review: Studying and understanding the motivation and limitation factors for Halal certification is important because it provides meaningful insights to researchers, food companies, and other stakeholders in an effort to inspire broader implementation of food safety certification (Tunalioglu et al., 2012). Moreover, it is equally important to rank and prioritise the motivation and limitation factors as it gives an in-depth understanding of the critical factors in implementing food safety certification (Fotopoulos et al., 2011). Accordingly, taking into perspective the points made by Fotopoulos et al. (2011) and Tunalioglu et al. (2012), we argue that it is imperative to study and understand the motivation and limitation factors in implementing Halal food certification. Furthermore, in view of the recent rise in demand for Halal food products, this study offers food companies a comprehensive understanding of the major factors that influence the implementation of Halal food certification.\n4. Pareto analysis: At the end of the nineteenth century, an Italian economist named Vilfredo Pareto observed that 80 per cent of Italy's wealth derived from 20 per cent of the total population (Sanders, 1992; Knights, 2001; Craft and Leake, 2002). Vilfredo Pareto's observation is the basis of what is known today as the Pareto Principle. The Pareto Principle was then popularised as the Pareto analysis by Dr Joseph M. Juran when he recognised the principles of the \"vital few\" and \"trivial many\" (Juran, 2005) where \"80 percent of the overall impact of errors in any industrial scenario is due to a small number of error types, termed the 'vital few' and 20 percent of the impact due to other error types, called the 'trivial many'\" (Sarkar et al., 2013, p. 641).\n5. Discussion: This part of the paper discusses the findings that emerged from the Pareto analysis presented in the previous section. A review of the past studies has proposed various motivation and limitation factors in implementing Halal food certification. From the systematic review and synthesis of relevant literature on food safety and quality certification, this study yields 36 motivation and 37 limitation factors in implementing Halal food certification. This large number of factors offers immense information for managers to operationalise. A more manageable amount of information, specifically those that are critical, is required to assist managers in decision making. Therefore, the motivation and limitation factors were further analysed using the Pareto methodology. This approach is able to refine the factors into 15 major motivation factors and 20 major limitation factors. Lastly, the motivation and limitation factors were further categorised into internal and external factors. We argue that the findings from the present study offer a more comprehensive understanding of the motivation and limitation factors in implementing Halal food certification.\n6. Conclusions and recommendations: The present study was undertaken to determine the motivation and limitation factors in implementing Halal food certification. A systematic literature survey was applied in order to identify the common factors, while Pareto analysis was performed to synthesise and prioritise the major motivation and limitation factors in implementing Halal food certification. This study has shown that there are 15 major motivation factors and 20 major limitation factors that could influence the implementation of Halal food certification. The study further categorised the major motivation and limitation factors into internal and external factors. The major internal motivations contain nine factors and the major external factors have six factors. The internal limitation is comprised of 14 major factors while the external limitation is consisted of six major factors. With regards to Halal food certification, this study concludes that the major internal factors are more significant than the major external factors.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review, analyse, and synthesise the motivation and limitation factors in implementing Halal food certification.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A systematic online library search gathered 50 recent journal articles between the years 2004 and 2014. After common motivation and limitation factors were identified and reviewed, a Pareto analysis was performed. This is done to prioritise the motivation and limitation factors and ultimately revealed the major factors that influence the implementation of Halal food certification.\nFindings: A total of 36 motivation and 37 limitation factors were identified. Through Pareto analysis, 15 motivation factors accounted for 80.07 per cent and 20 limitation factors are responsible for 79.65 per cent. These factors are considered the major factors in implementing Halal food certification.\nPractical implications: For academicians, this study provides the most recent review of food safety and quality certification literature and the highlighted factors could assist in designing research instruments and set the foundation for future research endeavours. For industrialists, factors drawn from this study highlight the information critical for effective and efficient decision making.\nOriginality/value: This paper is unique as it is the first study to review and analyse the relevant literature from which the authors synthesised the major factors in implementing Halal food certification. The result of this study will provide greater insights to researchers, food companies, and other stakeholders in an effort to encourage greater implementation of Halal food certification.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The organisation as artist's palette: arts-based interventions	[ "Organisational development", "Typology", "Arts", "Personal development", "Arts-based intervention", "Management tool" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: In today's rapidly changing society, innovation is a fundamental capability of individuals and organisations compelled to keep up with the new demands of the environment. For instance, open-mindedness, original thinking, critique and flexibility as preconditions of innovation are critical resources for creating successful businesses. Scholars in innovation and organisational creativity have turned to the artistic realm, where innovation and critique are basic components and the artists serve as objects of study. Yet, much evidence shows that abstract knowledge about artistic processes may help in restructuring research and development processes and expose employees to new practices and different perspectives, while especially \"creative\" role models are even more effective. According to a long tradition in thinking about education represented, for example, by the German artist and art theorist Beuys (1975), practicing and dealing with the arts is a necessary precondition for personal development, holistic thinking and employment skills. Therefore, well-planned and thoroughly considered human resource activities using the arts can help employees acquire necessary abilities.\nPossibilities for bringing art into organisations: Technically speaking, each kind of arts-based intervention is a category that represents a set of similar and exemplary cases documented in the literature. The following overview demonstrates 12 \"techniques\" by which the arts have been brought into organisations in the past:\nThe underlying principles of arts-based interventions: After reading the overview of how arts-based interventions have been conducted in the past, managers, consultants and scholars may find it helpful to understand the underlying principles of arts-based interventions. As the list of 12 kinds of arts-based interventions presented above treats each kind as a unique phenomenon in its own right, without revealing underlying rules, this approach will now be complemented by identifying patterns, commonalities and differences among the various kinds of arts-based interventions. The second analysis of the cases proposes the following three principles that structure the kinds of arts-based interventions and link them to underlying mechanisms. Arts-based interventions create organisational influence through the import of three types of artistic elements: artworks, artistic capabilities, and art and art practices as metaphors:\nConclusion: Artistic products and skills, as well as knowledge about the arts, are meaningful and legitimate in the art world, yet uncommon, if not alien, in the organisational realm. Arts-based interventions use artworks, artistic capabilities and metaphorically applied knowledge about the arts to infuse art-specific difference into the organisational realm. The process through which organisations cope with this difference provides the basis for creating organisational influence on various aggregational levels of the organisation. If, for example, we consider a provocative painting hung where many employees or customers are able to see it, Geiger's painting in Siemens' main canteen demonstrates that organisational influence does not necessarily emanate from the painting itself, but rather from the initial reactions to the painting, further organisational responses to these reactions, and so forth. Therefore, arts-based interventions can be considered as successful as long as they are thoroughly planned, guided and reflected upon by all participating parties (i.e. managers, artists and employees). To enable this process, it may also be useful to consider an intermediary to guide the arts-based intervention - someone who is able to translate between the different languages of management, art and employees (as in the case of EA-Generali who hired artist Andrea Fraser as an intermediary between the then newly established art collection and the employees). In short, arts-based interventions consist of the release of an initial stimulus and the process of its dissemination throughout an organisation, which is subject to various ways and degrees of facilitation, guidance or governance.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to focus on arts-based interventions as a management tool for personal, team and organisational development. How have management teams implemented art in their organisations, and toward what end? The literature has focused predominantly on a single case, creating many possibilities of constructing arts-based interventions. Yet, a typology is still missing. This paper examines various arts-based interventions and their underlying principles from a business perspective.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The paper is based on a systematic review of the literature in English and German, with special consideration for articles and books within the field of business.\nFindings: The typology presented in this paper, based on a mapping of the field, should contribute to a more coherent understanding of arts-based interventions. My goal is to provide researchers with a more structured perspective for approaching this academic area. Furthermore, the findings suggest that over and above the various types of arts that can be introduced to organisations, there are three basic principles for the achievement of this goal.\nResearch limitations/implications: This paper presents a mapping of the cases in literature on arts-based interventions and presents a coherent understanding of ways of bringing art into organisations.\nPractical implications: The three underlying principles presented in this paper should assist practitioners in designing arts-based interventions for specific problems.\nOriginality/value: This paper provides assistance to consultants, business executives, leaders, managers, researchers and students for understanding the basics of arts-based interventions. Furthermore, it provides a structure for the body of literature on cases of arts-based interventions.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Designing and managing co-innovation: the case of Loccioni and Pfizer	[ "Co-innovation", "Open innovation", "Single case study" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: The importance of innovating with partners beyond the traditional companies' boundaries is nowadays fully accepted. Increasingly, smaller and larger companies adopt open innovation (OI) processes (Enkel et al., 2009), collaborate with heterogeneous partners (Laursen and Salter, 2006; Lazzarotti et al., 2017) and focus on specific phases of the new product development (NPD) funnel (Bianchi et al., 2008). Indeed, companies adopt OI for several reasons, such as accessing new knowledge, fostering creativity, reducing time-to-market, etc. Scholars have explained that not all the collaborations are equal (Laursen and Salter, 2006), that different types of openness exist (Dahlander and Gann, 2010; Lazzarotti et al., 2017), and that OI is managed and executed (Casprini et al., 2017; Marangos and Warren, 2017) in several different ways. However, although OI antecedents and OI outcomes have also been deeply investigated, scanter attention has been given to the processes through which OI is concretely implemented.\n2. Literature review: 2.1 Open innovation: an overview\n3. Research methodology: In view of the theoretical framework above depicted and the major research object aforementioned, a single, exploratory and longitudinal case study analysis was conducted (Yin, 2013). The choice of undertaking a single case study resides in the opportunity of acquiring detailed understanding of the target phenomenon. Specifically, the selected research setting concerns the birth of the dyadic business relationship between the Italian family firm Loccioni and the well-known pharmaceutical company Pfizer.\n4. Findings: The study started from the \"why\" of the research analysis, providing some theoretical insights on the concept of co-innovation. The exploration of modes through which this process takes place between different firm settings represents an interesting research gap to bridge. \"How\" questions were then investigated by taking the perspective of a quite atypical, medium-sized, high-tech firm which has started to partner with a large multinational enterprise in a new market sector. The main findings are explained below.\n5. Towards a \"double funnel\" of co-innovation: discussion and conclusion: Extant research on OI stresses the importance of understanding how to design and manage OI projects. Qualitative contributions have usually focussed on the modes and practices adopted, for example, by start-ups with larger companies (Usman and Vanhaverbeke, 2017) and the importance of trust in collaboration (Hasche et al., 2017). However, as Lopes and de Carvalho (2018) note, little is known about the relational side of OI (a recent exception is represented by Tobiassen and Pettersen, 2018). The present case study offers several suggestions on how to manage a co-innovation process. Adding to innovation management research, our case reveals that co-innovation happens along a double funnel of innovation (Figure 1) that builds over a technological and a relational dimension. The technological dimension is represented by a series of co-developed projects, each of whom follows the typical innovation funnel or Stage-Gate product innovation process introduced by famous scholars (Cooper, 2001). All these projects in the long-run constitute the technological funnel of co-innovation. What counts in the present research is represented by the dynamics that spur the interaction between the technological and the relational path, hence defining the co-innovation process. In particular, the technological dimension fosters idea generation and further developments of novel solutions, while the relational dimension triggers trust formation and expands the relational network. They form a virtuous innovation cycle: the more this mechanism works in collaboration between the two companies, the more the smaller party can enter into the larger party's key processes and therefore activate higher value co-innovation processes. Being a system integrator, Loccioni can easily combine different technologies for one single solution and integrate them within the production process. As one Pfizer representative has well understood, Loccioni substantially always adopts the same basic scheme for their collaborations with very large companies, although this happens in different market scenarios and with a certain degree of flexibility and adaptation. Concretely, such a scheme implies the development of highly innovative and personalized technological applications for solving costly and very challenging problems that large industrial customers painfully experience in their products or in their manufacturing processes. For this to occur, the client has to be present in all the phases of the development process as the final outcome is not a standardised product, but rather a unique solution for that specific customer.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: Knowing the factors influencing the success of collaborative innovation is particularly relevant for both academics and practitioners. Nonetheless, many studies have regarded the megatrends influencing innovation imperatives, the development of co-innovation strategies, the selection of partners and the involvement of user communities, but not so much the understanding of how the co-innovation process is concretely designed and managed. Adding to extant research, the purpose of this paper is to explore how companies collaborate in co-innovation processes.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A longitudinal, single case study has been conducted on the co-innovation process between Loccioni, an Italian medium-sized, high tech family firm, and Pfizer, one of the largest companies operating in the pharmaceutical sector.\nFindings: From the case study analysis, three main results have emerged. First, the role of medium-sized companies in leading the co-innovation process as both the initiator and orchestrator. Second, the interplay between the local and the global dimension of co-innovation and the importance of (un)formal roles in innovation. Third, the \"double funnel\" of co-innovation, linking both the technological and the relational dimensions. Specifically, the case highlights the relevance of the relational - beyond the technological - aspects of co-innovation, providing a relational model that links the geographical dimensions (local/distant) and the role of specific individuals.\nOriginality/value: The paper presents an example of how a medium-sized firm has implemented its co-innovation process, shedding new light on possible barriers and success factors that other smaller or similar companies may follow when dealing with large multinationals.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Rigorous and Relevant - introducing a critical discourse analysis to the relevance debate	[ "Relevance debate", "Critical discourse analysis", "Power relations", "Management research" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Being doctoral students within the management field, the authors have been exposed to the relevance debate and literature in different settings. It is evident that management scholars express diverse views on the notion of \"relevance\" and how to relate to it, and that there is a divide between supporting theoretically relevant research, on the one hand, and practically relevant, on the other. Hence, the relevance literature seems to create a gap between rigor and relevance rather than bridging the two. An essential aspect of this debate is the fact that management researchers are evaluated based on publications in peer-reviewed journals (Adler and Harzing, 2009), which largely neglect the practical relevance of research (Stentoft and Freytag, 2016). Measuring scientific productivity with journal rankings appears to stimulate a tension between theoretical and practical relevance rather than uniting the two. Interestingly, management scholars are questioning the system of journal rankings, yet little seems to be done to disrupt it in practice because our success as researchers is equivalent to the number of publications in top-ranked journals (Davis, 2014; Lawrence, 2008).\nTheoretical foundation: Relevance literature\nMethodology: Designing and conducting the conceptual study\nApplying a critical discourse analysis perspective: One priest asks, 'Is it permissible to smoke while praying?', and was told that it is not, since prayer should be the focus of one's whole attention. The other priest asks, 'Is it permissible to pray while smoking', and was told that it is, since it is always appropriate to pray.\nDiscussion and concluding remarks: Taken together, the analysis in the previous section illustrates two main points that the authors would like to make. First, it shows how a CDA perspective (Fairclough, 1995) can be fruitfully applied to the relevance literature. Herein, a CDA lens sheds light on the importance of the individual scholar to analyze and reflect upon her/his role in producing, distributing and consuming the relevance discourse when engaging in management research. Such awareness can contribute to a unifying conversation rather than reinforcing the gap between theoretical and practical relevance. Second, a CDA perspective not only steers attention to the actual content of the texts being produced, distributed and consumed. The lens also illuminates power relations in the debate and how the degree of access to forming the notion of \"relevance\" allows, or constrains, the management scholar to challenge prevailing norms. This highlights the importance of actively increasing individual awareness of how the choices regarding channels for disseminating research support or oppose power orders on a structural level. It further demonstrates the individual role of adhering to journal publication norms, either by actively maintaining them when shaping the discourse or passively reinforcing the system by accepting them.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore how the notion of \"relevance\" is produced, distributed and consumed in the field of management research by applying a critical discourse analysis (CDA) as a theoretical lens. A CDA perspective offers a way to scrutinize the power relations that emerge with journal rankings and how these influence how the relevance discourse develops.\nDesign/methodology/approach: This paper illustrates how a CDA perspective can be fruitfully applied to the relevance literature, exemplifying such an application with two illustrative texts. The texts represent two distinct cases; one is a fictive story informally distributed among scholars, and the other is an extract of a published review on the relevance debate.\nFindings: A CDA lens sheds light on how academic power relations are maintained in the production, distribution and consumption of the \"relevance\" notion. It shows the importance of individual awareness among management researchers of how the discourse is shaped.\nResearch limitations/implications: To increase the generalizability of the study, a CDA lens could be applied to a larger amount of texts in the relevance literature. The findings imply that the relevance literature would benefit from contributions bridging the gap between rigor and relevance, and questioning how power relations are maintained.\nOriginality/value: CDA adds a new perspective to the relevance debate, revealing how academic power relations are maintained with management scholars' adherence to journal norms and the implications of this act.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Performance management benefits organizations and their employees	[ "Performance management", "Performance appraisal", "360‐degree feedback", "Training", "Recruitment" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: Performance management is a continuous process of managing the performances of people to get desired results. High-performing organizations require effective performance-management systems to promote and develop the values, principles and competencies needed to sustain optimal outcomes.\nThe importance of job descriptions: An employee's job description is integral to the development of his or her employee-development plan. Job descriptions establish a base so that an employee can clearly understand what he or she needs to develop personally, and contribute to the organization.Job descriptions provide an opportunity to communicate clearly about the direction the company is taking, tell employees where they fit into the big picture, and set clear expectations of what is expected of them.\nThe components of performance management: Performance management is the process of creating a work environment in which people can perform to the best of their abilities. It is a whole work system that begins when a job is defined as needed and expectations are clearly communicated to the employee (Den Hartog et al., 2004).A performance-management system includes:a clear job description;an appropriate selection process;accomplishment-based performance standards, outcomes, and measures;effective orientation, education and training;coaching and feedback;periodic performance-development discussions; andan effective compensation and recognition system.\nEmployee-improvement plans: Most organizations have spent insufficient time establishing goals and measurements for employee performance. Performance reviews are an inadequate reflection of an employee's work. They rarely focus on achievements related to measurable goals. They tend to focus on most recent performance and ignore the contributions an employee makes all year long. They can lack objectivity. Managers rarely seek feedback from other managers and colleagues about an employee's performance.The performance-improvement plan (PIP) is designed to facilitate constructive discussion between a staff member and his or her supervisor and to clarify the work performance to be improved. In all cases, it is recommended that the supervisor's boss and the human-resources department review the plan. This will help to ensure consistent and fair treatment of employees across the company (Heinen and O'Neill, 2004). The supervisor will monitor and provide feedback to the employee regarding his or her performance in the PIP.The supervisor should review the following items with the employee:the performance level that the employee should consistently maintain;the support and resources that will be provided to help the employee;the plan for providing feedback to the employee;the possible consequences if performance standards are not met; andsources of additional information, such as the employee handbook and standing orders.\nThe 360-degree feedback mechanism: A well managed and well integrated 360-degree feedback processes provides good quality feedback from colleagues and supervisors, which can be a definite improvement over feedback from a single individual. Multi-rater feedback makes team members more accountable to each other.Systems of 360-degree feedback provide one of the best methods for understanding personal and organizational developmental needs. Additionally, many employees feel that 360-degree feedback is more accurate, more reflective of their performance and more validating than feedback from the supervisor alone.When feedback comes from a number of individuals in various jobs, discrimination because of race, age, gender and so on, can be reduced. Moreover, 360-degree feedback can provide comprehensive information about organizational training needs.\nA high-performing workforce: One key factor in employee motivation and retention is the opportunity for employees to develop job and career-enhancing skills (Den Hartog and Verburg, 2004). This opportunity to continue to grow through training and development is among the most important factors in employee motivation. In today's competitive business environment, organizations must pay attention to the following aspects of developing a superior, high-performing workforce:create a documented, systematic hiring process;provide the direction and management needed to align the interests of the high-performing workforce with the organization's goals and desired outcomes;hold quarterly performance-development planning meetings that align direction, measurements and goals;give regular feedback;develop a recognition system that rewards and recognizes people for real contributions; andprovide training, education and development to build a superior, high-performing workforce.Effective management of performance is a source of sustainable competitive advantage. For a firm to achieve this, the performance-management system must be used not just as an evaluation and documentation tool but also as a strategic tool. In this way, there will be a holistic analysis of performance at organizational, process and individual levels for individual satisfaction, commitment and goal attainment.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to describe how high-performing organizations require effective performance-management systems to promote and develop the necessary values, principles and competencies.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The paper explains, in the context of performance management, the importance of clear job descriptions, employee-improvement plans and 360-degree feedback.\nFindings: - The paper reveals how to make performance management a source of competitive advantage.\nPractical implications: - The paper urges that a performance management system be used not only as an evaluation and documentation tool, but also as a strategic tool.\nSocial implications: - The paper explains how performance management can benefit both individuals and employers and, through them, society as a whole.\nOriginality/value: - The paper highlights the importance of holistic analysis of performance at organizational, process and individual levels for individual satisfaction, commitment and goal attainment.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
How knowledge flows in university-industry relations: An overview from two economic sectors in Brazil	[ "Brazil", "Knowledge flow", "Horticulture sector", "Space sector", "University-industry relations" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: University-industry relations are considered one of the main solutions to boost industrial innovation. Universities can be a source of state-of-the-art knowledge, thus generating top-value technology. By its turn, companies may use academic knowledge as a source to new or improved products and processes.\nUniversity-industry relations from a national and sectoral system of innovation perspective: With the advent of the industrial revolution, companies have optimized their production capacities, expanding markets through the exports of goods and services. Industrial revolution has arisen opportunities to new techniques and technologies, developed trough industries' quality control departments which later became R&D facilities (Mowery and Rosenberg, 1989). At the same period, technology centres were established in countries like Germany, England and USA, supplying specialized technicians and engineers to industry (Freeman, 1992). The work of qualified technicians and engineers has eased the establishment of partnerships between companies and technology centres or universities, shaping the first knowledge networks (Mowery and Rosenberg, 1989; Freeman, 1992).\nResearch method: To better understand the influence of national and sectoral systems of innovation on the knowledge flow in university-industry relations, this research was conducted at two specific sectors from Brazil. The horticulture sector was chosen due to the aggregate value of its products and due to the technological diversity. The development and selection of seeds can be performed either by manual handling or by the use of biotechnology. Agriculture is an important sector for the Brazilian international trade, being considered one of the main responsible for its actual economic development. By its turn, the aerospace sector was chosen due to the high tech level of products and processes. In addition, this sector is improving its activities in Brazil by the development of international partnerships for satellite development and launch.\nResults: Brazil is among the top ten largest world economies, being agriculture one of the key areas for such fast development. Investments in science and technology have changed the Brazilian agriculture as a whole, from a simple adapter of foreign technology to an international reference in different areas. Other industrial sectors are also following the Brazilian boom, like petroleum and the space sector, mainly based on governmental investments in science and technology.\nFinal remarks: University-industry relations have the objective of improving technological development through innovative activities. National and sectoral systems of innovation may strength the integration between these two actors, easing the knowledge flow and consequential technological breakthroughs. In Brazil, partnerships on the space and horticulture sector have demonstrated similarities regarding the knowledge flow, but differences on the knowledge infrastructure and governmental investments (Table I).\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to characterize the knowledge flow between companies and universities based on national and sectoral systems of innovation perspective. It is argued here that high-tech sectors can describe a knowledge flow mainly based on scientific research, while sectors with lower technological impact may establish relations based on technical needs.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A case study research was conducted in the horticulture and aerospace sectors in Brazil. Thirteen interviews were performed with chief executive officer's and academic researchers from both fields.\nFindings: Results demonstrated differences in technology development and knowledge infrastructure when comparing both sectors, reflecting the impacts of national and sectoral systems of innovation. The horticulture sector presented technological limitations due to restricted eating habits, logistics, knowledge development at universities and difficulties on the establishment of partnerships between local companies and Embrapa, the main public research centre. Such restrictions limit academic activities while companies look for research partnerships abroad. Space industry also has limited technological development due to international embargoes and lack of research alignment between companies and universities. Companies end up developing research activities internally, usually funded by governmental tenders.\nResearch limitations/implications: The horticulture sector has limitations, as it is not the main agriculture area in science and technology applications. Future studies may analyse areas like soy beans, sugar cane and coffee, which may present differences specially regarding sectoral systems of innovation.\nOriginality/value: The finding of this paper may influence the review of sectoral innovation policies, improving the development of local research activities which may be a source of valuable knowledge to companies. It also demonstrates the importance of the knowledge flow to improve sector's technology level.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
SNEM: a new approach to evaluate terminal pair reliability of communication networks	[ "Reliability management", "Communication processes", "Information networks" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: In the design of communication networks, reliability has emerged as an important parameter due to the fact that failure of these networks affects its user adversely. The interest in area of reliability evaluation is quite evident from the numerous formulations of the network reliability problems and the articles, which have been appearing in the literature for the past couple of decades, thereby evolving various methodologies, techniques and algorithms to tackle these problems in an efficient and effective manner. The reasons of the proliferation of interests and such articles appear to be a better understanding of the theoretical nature of the network reliability problems on variety of networks. Among the various formulations, the most familiar network reliability problem involves the computation of probability that the two specified communication centres in a network could communicate with each other. These formulations model the network by a probabilistic graph comprising N number of nodes (communicable centres) and b number of branches (connecting links) and assume the statistical independence of the failure of the connecting links. This problem is known as (s-t) reliability or two-terminal reliability in the reliability parlance.The survey of the literature indicates that the approaches, which have been used to compute the two-terminal reliability includes serial-reduction and parallel combination, event space enumeration, path (cut) sets unionization, pivotal decomposition using keystone components and transformation techniques, etc. Therefore, the whole spectrum of methodologies could broadly be classified into two paradigms, viz.1. The paradigm in which one of the prerequisite is - the enumeration of all possibilities through which the two specified nodes can communicate (or not communicate) with each other. Some of the recent developments in this area can be seen in (Chaturvedi and Misra (2002), Luo and Trivedi (1998), Liu et al. (1993), Soh and Rai (1991), Heidtmann (1989), Satyanarayan and Prabhakar (1980).2. The paradigm that does not require knowledge of path (or cut) sets in advance. (Rai et al., 1995; Deo and Medidi, 1992; Theologou and Carlier, 1991; Page and Perry, 1989; Page and Perry, 1988; Park and Cho, 1988; Wood, 1986; Wood, 1985; Satyanarayan and Chang, 1983; Gadani and Misra, 1982; Gadani, 1981).However, the common feature in both of the paradigms is - whatever solution techniques we use, it turns out to be highly recursive in nature. The approach presented in this paper is also not an exception.Misra (1970) presented an efficient algorithm till date to compute the reliability of series-parallel (SP) networks and suggested that it could be used for a general network after shorting and opening of pivotal branches. However, the responsibility of selecting a pivotal branch solely lies on the analyst. Moreover, the method applies to the networks that contain the bi-directional elements. Park and Cho (1988) suggested an algorithm based on the recursive application of pivotal decomposition using keystone components combined with series reduction and parallel combination. Nakazawa (1976) recommended a technique for choosing the keystone element. Hansler (1972) studies the reliability of networks in which all links were bi-directional. Page and Perry (1989) presented a technique for terminal pair reliability evaluation of directed and undirected graphs using factoring theorem. Other applications of factoring theorem to reliability evaluation can be seen in Page and Perry (1988), Park and Cho (1988), Wood (1986) and Wood (1985).The present paper deals with the computation of (s-t) reliability and presents an approach, which belongs to the second paradigm, i.e. non-path (cut) sets-based techniques. Some of the salient features, which make it better from the existing approaches, are:* No pre-requisite to determine the path (or cut) sets and their preprocessing thereafter to get them in certain order as is desirable in the sum-of-disjoint (SDP) form-based approaches.* Compared to SDP-based approaches, it solves the problem with lesser number of multiplications, thereby provides reduced round off error.* It does not burden computer memory, as the data to be processed is only the weighted connection matrix of the network under consideration whereas the connection matrices of the sub networks, extracted from this main matrix, are used in subsequent calculations to compute overall two-terminal reliability. The connection matrix representation of a network is the simplest approach as compared to other representations because of the computational ease and flexibility it provides. Moreover, the sub matrices existence would be temporal till they serve their purpose. It enables this method to run even on a desktop PC for quite large networks.* Connection matrix presentation of a network reduces search requirements. Compared to other network presentation methods, connection matrix presentation does not require to search the whole set of edges or nodes to find a series or parallel component. It can find such components by searching only the column or row vector of the connection matrix.Assumptions\nThe proposed approach: We consider a general network as shown in Figure 1. Let the source node s is connected to rest of the network via r links, viz., (L1,L2, ... ,Lr), which are terminating to various nodes, viz., N1,N2, ... ,Nr, of the network. Then we can express the (s-t) reliability of the network as: Equation 1 where, Ri,t, for i=1,2, ... ,r, is the reliability between node Ni (as new source node) and t of the sub network resulted by omitting the source node s from rest of the network.Equation (1) contains two types of terms, viz.,1. sub network reliability terms (R1,t, ... ,Rr,t), which are dependent on each other, and2. link reliability terms (L1, ... ,Lr), which are independent to each other as they are not part of the rest of the network. Links are also independent to the sub network reliability terms.To explain the above points, let us consider the first two terms of equation (1). These can be expanded as: Equation 2 where, Ri,t, for i=1,2,...r, is the reliability between ith node Ni (as the new source node) and node t of the sub network, which is the result of deleting the source node s from rest of the network.Therefore, expanding equation (1) in its entirety, we obtain the expression as: Equation 3 In other words, the proposed method source node exclusion method (SNEM) solves any network by recursively breaking and solving the resulting SP-sub networks to compute the overall (s-t) reliability.We illustrate the application of the above formulation and the steps to follow for computing the (s-t) reliability of the network by taking networks of five nodes and eight links as shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively.Illustration 1\nImplementation: We have implemented the proposed method by using the weighted connection matrix of the probabilistic graph that is described through the flow charts of Figures 4 and 5, respectively. Figure 4 shows a flow chart of implementation of the proposed method SNEM whereas Figure 5 shows a flow chart for the procedure SPR.Input to method SNEM is a weighted connection matrix [C], corresponding to a non-series-parallel graph and it returns reliability value for the graph. Method SNEM first extracts first row of matrix [C] in vector V to count the number of links coming out from the source, which in turn gives the information about the number of sub networks those are going to be formed. Obviously, all-zero entries in vector V imply the disconnection of the source node from rest of the network and therefore the procedure returns 0. In case, if the source node is connected only to the terminal node, then vector V would have a non-zero entry only in the last column of [C] and SNEM return this non zero entry as the reliability. Otherwise, it first generates sub-networks as described in the previous section. Then it calls SPR for series combination and parallel reductions to the sub-networks generated. If any sub-network is reduced to single link between source and sink then that link's reliability is then considered as the reliability of sub-network otherwise it makes another recursive call to SNEM for calculating reliability value of the sub-network.The procedure SPR modifies [C] for the series reductions (R1-R4) and parallel combinations (C1-C2) as shown in Figure 6. The SPR determines the type of series reduction applied on the basis of in-degree and out-degree of each node. In-degree of any node is the number of links terminating on the node and out-degree of any node is the number of links leaving the node. In-degree of any node is calculated by counting number of non-zero entries in column corresponding to the node and out-degree of any node is calculated by counting number of non-zero entries in row corresponding to the node. In-degree of source node and out-degree of sink node is always zero. The procedure SPR returns a multiplication factor (MF) in case it finds that source node is connected to only one other node. In such a case it return the reliability of connecting link as MF and make the other node as source node after deleting previous source node. When the other node is the sink node it return matrix of degree two having only the link connecting source and sink node. The procedure SPR applies reductions and combinations until either the graph is completely reduced (it has connection matrix of degree 2) or it cannot be reduced further.\nResults and discussions: We have implemented the proposed method in MATLAB and have applied it to a variety of test networks. The results are compared with two methods presented by earlier researchers belonging to two different categories:1. algorithm based on pathset technique; and2. algorithm based on factoring and reduction techniques.These two comparisons are discussed separately in two different sub-sections for better understanding.Comparison with pathset-based technique\nConclusion: SNEM is found to be very versatile and easily amenable to computer implementation. The proposed method has been applied well to both the directed and undirected topologies of various networks. It computes the (s-t) reliability of communication networks with less memory requirements and at reduced round off errors.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - This paper proposes a new approach source node exclusion method (SNEM) to evaluate terminal pair reliability of complex communication networks.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The proposed approach breaks a non-series-parallel network to obtain its sub-networks by excluding the source node from rest of the network. The reliabilities of these sub-networks are thereafter computed by first applying the series-parallel-reductions to it and if any sub-network results into another non-series-parallel network then it is solved by the recursive application of SNEM.\nFindings: - The proposed method has been applied on a variety of network and found to be quite simple, robust, and fast for terminal pair reliability evaluation of large and complex networks.\nPractical implications: - The proposed approach is quite simple in application and applicable to any general networks, i.e. directed and undirected. The method does not require any prior information such as path (or cut) sets of the network and their pre-processing thereafter or perform complex tests on networks to match a predefined criterion.\nOriginality/value: - The proposed approach provides an easy to develop and easy to use tool to determine terminal pair reliability of a communication network. The approach is particularly useful for communication network designer and analysts.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Intangibles in commercialisation: the case of air navigation services in the South Pacific	[ "Commercial aircraft", "Aircraft navigation", "Intellectual capital", "Intangible assets", "Fiji", "New Zealand" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntangibles and commercialisation: Successful privatisation and commercialisation of state-owned enterprises requires a number of financial and non-financial issues to be addressed. In privatisation the capitalisation problem of transferring enterprises from the public to private sector is clearly recognised (Lancaster and Brierly, 2001) and typically, the discussion addresses questions about the availability of financial capital, pricing mechanisms and the incentives for continued investment (Gerber, 2002; Hooper, 2002). Similarly, important structural and regulatory factors have been identified for the operation of commercial enterprises owned by the state. Less developed is the understanding of the non-financial issues that are a feature of the shift from a public sector orientation to one of competing in the marketplace.Air navigation services (ANS) have not readily followed the trend seen already in the airline and airport industries towards increased private sector participation. However, there have been notable examples of commercialisation. In the South Pacific, the governments of New Zealand and Fiji created state-owned enterprises to achieve the efficiencies associated with competition. These cases allow useful comparisons because of similarities in the conditions before commercialisation. In both cases similar legislation forming state-owned enterprises was enacted, similar regional requirements existed for oceanic navigation services and a well-trained group of air traffic controllers was transferred to the commercialised entity. A key difference at the time of commercialisation occurred in the structural arrangements devised to organise the air traffic controllers. In New Zealand, controllers were organised in a manner to support a partnership strategy with airlines, whereas in Fiji, a service delivery model was employed. The current paper draws on an intellectual capital framework to examine the soft resources or intangibles that flowed from the two different approaches to commercialisation. The political agenda behind commercialisation determined the level of capitalisation that had direct consequences for the type of business strategy pursued and management decisions about the nature of the intellectual capital portfolio that was to be sought (see Figure 1).\nOrganisational culture and intellectual capital: Intangible resources are associated with elements of organisation behaviour and can be distinguished from the tangibles of cash, assets and infrastructure. An important intangible is the organisational culture, defined as the assumptions and values underpinning the behaviour of people in the organisation (Schein, 1997). The shift to commercialisation requires public sector managers to adopt values and assumptions focussed on the customer and commercial dealings (Heracleous, 1999; Lancaster and Brierly, 2001). In presenting the case for the role of organisational culture, Salama (1995) argues that regardless of the investment in new systems and technologies, managers must change their work-related values before they can acquire the skills needed to compete in the marketplace.Organisational culture is regarded as an important element in explaining the performance of the organisation (Fitz-Enz, 1997). The danger with using it exclusively is that it requires reliance on universal shared values to explain some very specific behaviours and capabilities within the organisation. Efficiencies in air navigation depend on acquisition and deployment of advanced technologies integrated with modified procedures, all supported by the setting in place of ongoing training for the air traffic controllers. Obtaining these efficiencies depends on a wider set of management skills and practices than could comfortably be accommodated under the label of organisational culture. A more attractive alternative is the intellectual capital model (Roos et al., 1997), which identifies a range of intangibles including organisation culture. An advantage of the intellectual capital model is that it can address intangibles directly related to specific performance, such as an understanding of particular co-dependent work routines.In contrast to the physical capital, intellectual capital refers to the intangible assets and processes of an organisation that are important for it to be competitive, but are often overlooked because they are invisible assets (Sveiby, 1997; Stewart, 1998). The key components of intellectual capital are human, structural and relational capital (Roos et al., 1997; Bontis and Fitz-Enz, 2002). Human capital includes attitudes and receptivity to learning as well as the sum of individual competences. Structural capital includes organisational culture and refers to know-how embedded in processes and those relationships that add value and can create renewal and development. Relational capital refers to the knowledge embedded in relationships with actors external to the boundaries of the firm (Bontis and Fitz-Enz, 2002).An intellectual capital framework identifies a range of resources and the internal arrangement of resources within a particular company is differentiated in a systematic manner and can be linked to different sets of managerial concerns and organisation outcomes. Provision of air services is a complex business that requires the integration of knowledge held by staff (human capital), the experience of the organisation that is encapsulated in its practices and procedures (structural capital) and the knowledge shared with airlines, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders (relational capital).The stocks of structural capital in ANS are readily identifiable due to the highly regulated nature of the industry. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) defines the generally applicable rules and regulations concerning training and licensing of aeronautical personnel both in the air and on the ground, communication systems and procedures, rules for the air and air traffic control systems and practices. ICAO has sub-divided the surface of the earth into a number of flight information regions (FIRs) within which distinct and specific air navigation problems of a similar nature existed, and assigned responsibility for these regions to specific regional authorities.The international coordination of civil aviation matters has facilitated the formation of a clearly articulated body of knowledge about air traffic control. Knowledge is defined procedurally and any gain in tacit knowledge is articulated explicitly so that it can be incorporated into new procedures (Tether and Metcalfe, 2000). Subsequently much of the structural capital is visible in the form of manuals, regarding operations, procedures, safety, and quality. Human capital is defined through a system of highly specified training courses and operating licenses. However, there exists tacit knowledge that is associated with judgment and the quality of the decisions. This tacit knowledge is reflected in such outcomes as the more efficient separation of aircraft and greater responsiveness to pilot requirements (Tether and Metcalfe, 2000).An air navigation organisation must seek continual renewal and development in order to adjust to new technologies and increased demands on air space. Additionally it must maintain substantial background investment retraining experienced personnel, updating procedures and ongoing evaluation of current procedures. Failure to update to more technologically advanced systems can result in extra costs being passed onto airlines because of indirect routing and excessive spacing between airplanes (Charles and Newman, 1995).The two cases of New Zealand and Fiji provide a useful comparison because of the many similarities in their air service organisations at the time of commercialisation and the similar range of services that both were expected to deliver. Also, both governments are responsible for flight information regions covering huge tracts of the South Pacific Ocean and similar technological solutions apply. These similarities allow differences in subsequent performance to be attributed more plausibly to other factors introduced at the time of commercialisation.\nCommercialisation of ANS in New Zealand: Political direction and financial capitalisation\nCommercialisation of ANS in Fiji: Public enterprise reform was initiated in Fiji with the Public Enterprise Act (1996). The objective was to create government commercial companies to instil management autonomy and improve accountability for performance. In 1999, an airport company business, Airports Fiji Limited (AFL), was formed as an incorporated Government-owned company. Previously airport and ANS had been provided by a government department, the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) and after the corporatisation of AFL it remained as a regulatory body renamed as Civil Aviation of the Fiji Islands (CAAFI). Many of the assets of the former Civil Aviation Authority passed to the new airways company and represented the government's equity stake. AFL has to pay a dividend to the government budget and raise capital for infrastructure upgrades to airports in support of the tourist industry, as well as show a profit after paying wages and other costs. The ANS are an important source of export revenue as commercial airlines pay for ANS when over flying the Fiji flight information region and when approaching and departing airports.Capitalisation\nImplications for management: The experiences of Airways NZ and SASL Fiji provide some pointers for managers involved in the commercialisation of a public entity.Political expectations of the commercialisation may have to be managed to produce arrangements for \"deep pockets\" to provide sufficient capitalisation for new investment and organisation learning over a sustained period. Early return dividends to the government may not be a realistic proposition. Also, political pressure needs to focus on the newly commercialised company pursuing competitiveness rather than a monopoly cost plus approach (even though doing so may promise initial dividends to justify the commercialisation). In New Zealand, there existed a clear government agenda to shift public funds on a priority basis to support companies in \"their quest for international competitive advantage\" (Rankin, 1998, p. 215).Prior to commercialisation there is a need for a clearly distinguishable business strategy to be identified and capitalisation requirements to be agreed upon. Management should be able to convey that strategy as a vision that appeals to a wide range of stakeholders. For instance, Airways NZ has a clearly articulated vision of the future of ANS that explains the business strategy. Finally senior management should conduct a diagnosis to determine the intellectual capital portfolio needed to support the business strategy. This diagnosis will identify areas of needed investment or areas in which alliances with other companies need to be built. The diagnosis can also be used to identify how the organisation might contribute to the value chains of customers. Doing so has enabled Airways NZ to understand how to build \"win-win\" relationships instead of the traditional \"win-lose\" relationships between customer and supplier. Once the intellectual capital goals have been identified, managers need to understand the ongoing capital commitment required for achieving them.\nConclusion: An intellectual capital approach has been used to explain how intangibles are mobilised to increase the financial capital of the firm (Stewart, 1998). Unique arrangements of intellectual capital factors can create \"resources\" that enable competitive advantage (Joia, 2000; Peppard and Rylander, 2001). The current paper has revealed that there is also a flow from the financial capital to the intellectual capital. The financial arrangements were found to have a direct and significant impact on the formation of intellectual capital in the organisation.Currently ANS are fragmented around the world and future traffic increases and attendant safety concerns open the opportunity for global operators to provide integrated air services based on technologically advanced solutions. The management of Airways NZ predict that by 2010 air traffic management will be provided globally by only four to six alliances (Airways New Zealand, 2001). Intellectual capital is likely to be the key to the success of these alliances.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - To demonstrate that different approaches to commercialisation can determine the nature of intangible resources that managers can develop.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - A framework linking political strategy, financial capitalisation and business strategy is developed to analyse the management of intellectual capital in the commercialisation of air navigation services in New Zealand and Fiji. Case study evidence is organised as an intellectual capital portfolio and links are drawn to subsequent business outcomes for each organisation.\nFindings: - Explains how key decisions about financial capitalisation and business strategy at the time of commercialisation influence the subsequent management and development of intangible resources in the organisation. Identifies how political assumptions about commercialisation can constrain or enhance subsequent management success in developing intellectual capital to pursue business growth.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The interpretations offered, although plausible in the context of the case studies, may not generalise to other situations.\nPractical implications: - Key decision makers need to design commercialisation arrangements that will resource the desired intellectual capital portfolio of the commercialised organisation.\nOriginality/value: - The paper provides a framework for establishing a linkage between strategic management decisions and the development of an intellectual capital portfolio in the context of commercialisation. The paper develops the theoretical extent of intellectual capital concepts and provides practical analysis to decision makers contemplating commercialisation issues.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Lean manufacturing, non-financial performance measures, and financial performance	[ "Performance measures", "Lean production", "Mathematical modeling", "Financial performance" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Toyota Motor Company's original just-in-time (JIT) philosophy has evolved into a lean production paradigm that has transformed the US manufacturing landscape. But evidence on lean production's financial performance effects is mixed (Callen et al., 2000; Kinney and Wempe, 2002; Lau, 2002; Eriksson and Hansson, 2003; Fullerton et al., 2003; Nahm et al., 2003; Ahmad et al., 2004; York and Miree, 2004; Boyd et al., 2006; Wayhan and Balderson, 2007). Shah and Ward (2007) attribute some variation in prior results to inconsistency among researchers regarding the definition and components of \"lean production.\" Cua et al. (2001) assert that variation in performance effects is due in part to managers' piecemeal adoption of lean production's various components. Contextual factors may also contribute to variation in lean production's performance effects. For example, Balakrishnan et al. (1996) report smaller financial benefits for JIT adopters with concentrated customer bases, and Hendricks and Singhal (2001) find that many contextual factors impact total quality management's (TQM's) performance effects.Methodological inconsistencies, piecemeal adoption, and contextual factors all seem likely to contribute to variation in lean manufacturing's documented performance effects. This study focuses on an additional source of variation: utilization of non-financial manufacturing performance (NFMP) measures in support of lean initiatives. The study's central hypothesis posits that tracking, reporting, and analyzing NFMP measures provides crucial, actionable information in lean environments, and that NFMP measurement mediates the relationship between lean production and financial performance.This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships depicted in Figure 1. The primary contribution of this research is its examination of the effects on financial performance from including NFMP measures in firms' management accounting systems (MAS). Included in this examination is a detailed analysis of whether NFMP measurement's role in the relationship between lean manufacturing and financial performance is more consistent with a mediating perspective or a moderating perspective. In addition, this is the first known study to use SEM to investigate the direct effects of lean production methods and NFMP measurements on externally-audited, objective measures of financial performance.Results from estimating the SEM with data collected from 121 US manufacturing executives support the following conclusions. Consistent with prior studies, shop-floor employee involvement is positivssssely associated with implementation of lean initiatives, which in turn is positively associated with utilization of NFMP measures. The direct relationships between lean practices and profitability are generally significant when no NFMP measurement mediator is present, but insignificant when the NFMP measurement variable is included in SEM and regression-based tests. Finally, the results indicate that utilization of NFMP measures is positively associated with financial performance.This study's key finding is that utilization of NFMP measures mediates the association between lean manufacturing and financial performance. Results from two types of tests support this inference. First, results for the SEM depicted in Figure 1 indicate that each of the three lean practices has a positive indirect effect (through NFMP measures) on financial performance. This suggests that lean methods are effective when supported by NFMP measurement. In addition, regression-based tests find significant support for the prediction that utilization of NFPM measures mediates the association between lean methods and financial performance. This finding of a mediating role for NFPM measurement is consistent with decades-old calls for changes in MAS to support modern manufacturing practices (Kaplan, 1983; Goldratt and Cox, 1984), and clearly has implications for managers contemplating best practices in the employment of lean production. Moreover, the mediation finding may shed new light on the inconsistent results of prior studies that examine the relationships between financial performance and lean strategies without considering the corresponding alignment of NFMP measures.The next section examines prior research and develops the research hypotheses. The following section describes the survey instrument, summarizes the data collection process, and presents empirical results. These are followed by a discussion of the results and the final section, which provides a concluding summary.\nHypotheses development: Shop-floor employee involvement\nResearch methods: Survey instrument\nDiscussion: Several of the relationships in Figure 1 have been examined previously. Tests of H1 (employee involvement in lean initiatives) and H2 (use of NFMP measures in lean environments) add to prior research examining new production technologies and evolution in firms' MAS.The performance effects of lean practices (H3) have also been subjects of considerable prior research, although the results remain inconclusive. This study's tests of H3 in a structural equation framework and with an objective, externally-audited measure of financial performance, help clarify previous findings. Further, the results provide some rationale as to why some studies may have found little, if any, relationship between lean production and profitability. According to the results found here, the relationship is mediated by a measurement system that motivates behavior aligned with strategic objectives.The relationship between financial performance and utilization of NFMP measures (H4) has been investigated to a lesser extent. While this remains an important research topic, evidence of a direct association between the application of NFMP measures and performance is at best mixed, with most studies failing to provide evidence of a positive association (Chenhall and Moers, 2007). Both SEM and MLR results in this study confirm that the use of NFMP measures has a direct effect on firm performance, and support Durden et al.'s (1999) conclusion that non-financial performance measures are an integral part of any effective MAS.The primary contribution of this study is its examination of NFMP measurement as a potential source of variation in lean strategies' financial performance effects. Based on the results of both SEM and regression-based tests, NFMP measurement appears to mediate the relationship between lean manufacturing and financial performance. This conclusion raises two fundamental questions:1. What is implied conceptually when NFMP measurement is deemed to mediate, rather than moderate the lean production/financial performance relationship?2. At an operational level, how does utilization of NFMP measures serve a mediating role?Conceptually, this study's inferences in an operations setting mirror those drawn by Xu et al. (2006) in a marketing setting, where global organizational structure and global management processes are examined as possible sources of variation in the relationship between standardized marketing strategies and firm performance. Analogous to their findings, the results in the present study imply that the use of NFMP measures in lean production settings is not a case of \"more is better,\" where utilization of NFMP measures simply strengthens the magnitude of a positive relationship between lean strategies and financial performance. Instead, what the mediation results suggest is that NFMP measures are a key component for financial success from the implementation of lean strategies. This conclusion clearly assigns a crucial role to NFMP measurement in lean settings, supporting Gerdin's (2005) assertion that an expanded MAS encourages behaviors that enhance performance. It also may provide an explanation for why Durden et al. (1999) and Ittner and Larcker (1995) found no correlation between enhanced performance and the interaction of JIT/TQM with non-financial measures.It should be noted that the data do not measure whether or not lean strategies improve NFMP measures. Nor do the data measure respondent firms' \"scores\" on NFMP measures. The mediation finding simply suggests that conducting NFMP measurement provides crucial and actionable information to shop-floor employees and managers in lean environments, and that this crucial feedback is a catalyst that allows the positive effects from lean strategies to transit to firm profitability.Shah and Ward (2007, p. 791) describe lean production as \"an integrated socio-technical system whose main objective is to eliminate waste ... \" In such systems, many of the buffers engineered into traditional mass production systems (e.g., extra inventory, high capacity equipment, or a many-tiered supplier base) are deemed wasteful and are reduced or eliminated. Two important phenomena follow this transformation:1. The production system becomes a transparent one in which problems can no longer be hidden or ignored via buffers.2. Traditional MAS devoted to calculating and reporting aggregate cost variances are wasteful and no longer provide the type of relevant feedback needed by managers to maintain the efficiency, quality, customer responsiveness, and supplier relationships necessary to remain competitive in their markets.Thus, one of the most important areas for the successful adoption of lean strategies is the corresponding change in the MAS that reflects a firm's key performance measures (DeLuzio, 1993).Simply eliminating buffers does not solve production, quality, or delivery problems - it merely reveals them. The results of this study suggest that, in lean environments, NFMP measurement provides the type of granular and actionable feedback needed by shop-floor employees and managers to address the root causes of problems and achieve success with lean strategies (whether NFMP measurement is construed as occurring within a \"MAS\" or within a broader control system is largely irrelevant to the finding of a mediating role for NFMP measurement). For example, for firms to achieve financial benefits from initiatives related to setup time reduction, managers must implement measures that monitor setups, throughput, and cycle times. Likewise, when firms organize production around product families, they benefit from measures that assess productivity, efficiency, waste, and timeliness. Finally, an appropriate measurement system that monitors quality improvement initiatives with production efficiency and productivity controls may mitigate the previously-documented negative effects of excessive or piecemeal investment in quality applications (Cammarano, 1996; Fullerton et al., 2003; Nakamura et al., 1998). As Conti (1993, p. 193) stressed:NFMP measures can ensure that the interface between various aspects of the manufacturing process become areas for cooperation, and this assists in evaluating overall strategic plans and programs likely to affect long-term profitability.\nSummary: This study contributes to our understanding of the relationships among lean manufacturing practices, utilization of NFMP measures, and firm profitability. Results of the study confirm that shop-floor employee involvement is critical to the successful adoption of lean production, and that lean production methods encourage the use of NFMP measures. Lean practices related to setup time reduction, cellular manufacturing, and quality improvement initiatives have varied direct effects on profitability, whereas utilization of NFMP measures has a significant direct effect on profitability. Most important, the evidence suggests that the use of NFMP measures mediates the effects that lean production initiatives have on firm profitability. This finding may partially explain the mixed results of prior research that examines performance effects of lean strategies but does not consider the composition of the MAS used to support these strategies.Several limitations of the study may reduce the generalizability of its findings. As in all survey research, a necessary assumption in data collection was that the respondents had sufficient knowledge to answer the items, and that respondents answered the questions conscientiously and truthfully. Although a glossary accompanied the questionnaire, respondents' interpretations of terminology may have differed from that intended. Further, the sample is a subset of a previous research sample; thus, the sampling was not random and the resulting sample is of limited size. In addition, the size of the sample firms contacted was limited due to the ability to contact appropriate respondents and summarize the results from a single plant. Thus, compared to the overall population, the sample over-represents smaller firms. Finally, limitations of the study are not restricted to sample-related issues. While the empirical evidence in this study supports a mediating and not a moderating role for NFMP measurement in the lean manufacturing/financial performance relation, we recognize that theoretical justification for the moderation perspective remains viable. In particular, prior research in organizational behavior typically posits a moderating role for feedback (such as that provided by NFMP measures) in the attainment of goals (Locke and Latham, 2002).There remain many unanswered questions related to lean production and its impact on performance. If a more definitive association between lean strategies and profitability could be established, such strategies would be more widely and rapidly adopted. It would also be useful to develop a clearer understanding of:* why firms implement lean production (e.g., to improve profitability or to respond to competitive upheaval);* which combination of lean practices most significantly impact performance; and* whether or not the order of implementation of such practices affects the success or failure of a lean initiative.Future research could also examine whether specific MAS intervene in the relationships between profitability and the ten lean constructs identified by Shah and Ward (2007), and explicitly examine the form of such intervention (e.g. moderation versus mediation). Further, in studying the information role of NFMP measurement, clearly delineating the types of relationships with the various forms (outcome and process) of feedback (Earley et al., 1990) may produce improved insights into the performance effects of lean manufacturing strategies. Finally, it would be interesting to evaluate how the market reacts to firms' commitments to the lean philosophy, and whether utilization of supporting management accounting practices has either direct or indirect effects on market-based performance measures. Continued research efforts are needed to provide a better understanding of the MAS' relevance and potential impact on continuous improvement initiatives in lean environments.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to examine how utilization of non-financial manufacturing performance (NFMP) measures impacts the lean manufacturing/financial performance relationship.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - A structural equation model (SEM) is estimated using data provided by 121 US manufacturing executives. In addition to examining direct effects, the study examines whether NFMP measurement mediates or moderates the lean manufacturing/financial performance relationship.\nFindings: - The results provide substantial evidence that utilization of NFMP measures mediates the relationship between lean manufacturing and financial performance.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The study's findings regarding NFMP measurement suggest that the mixed results of prior studies of the lean manufacturing/financial performance relationship may be due in part to a failure to account for NFMP measurement. Limitations of the study are the non-random sample and its small sample size, relative to the SEM estimated.\nPractical implications: - Managers who implement lean manufacturing without utilizing supportive NFMP measures may experience disappointing financial results.\nOriginality/value: - This is the first known study that adopts a SEM framework to examine: how NFMP measurement affects the relationship between lean production and profitability; the direct relationship between NFMP measurement and firm performance; and the impact of lean manufacturing on externally audited, objective measures of firm performance.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Enhancing international dimensions in apparel and merchandising curricula in the USA: A practitioner's perspective	[ "Textile industry", "Garment industry", "International business", "Higher education", "Curriculum development", "United States of America" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: It is a well-established fact that the textile and apparel industry is an important sector in the US and global economies. The textile and apparel supply chain is one of the most globalized industries, involving more than 10 percent of the world business (Glock and Kunz, 2000). It is a common business practice that some aspects of textile and clothing products, such as raw materials, components, labor, and assembly, are sourced from overseas, and the finished products are marketed elsewhere in the world. In the USA, the textiles and apparel sector sources 88 percent of its products internationally for the domestic market (Levaux, 2000). The apparel companies are now faced with a rapidly changing industry landscape that requires forward-looking global strategies (Rabon, 1999) and visionary leaders.Nonetheless, can we claim that higher education in textiles and clothing has sufficiently prepared its students for the challenges in this global environment? Probably not. While internationalization of the business curriculum has drawn attention in past years and there are good resources available regarding international business concepts in general business education, these resources are not targeted to a specific product category and largely focus on multinational companies.As the small US companies' exports were as high as 51 percent in 1997 (National Security and International Affairs Division, 2000), adopting general international business concepts with a large company focus does not appear to be sufficient preparation for textile clothing students. While a growing number of major four-year universities in the USA have implemented some international-related courses, this effort is not prevalent. One recent curriculum analysis of textile and clothing programs reveals that more than half of the four-year colleges in the USA do not offer any international courses (Jin, 2002). Given that globalization is impacting every phase of sewn product manufacturing and marketing, the absence of international perspectives in curriculum results in a critical gap between higher education and the needs of the industry. How does one enhance international dimensions in the current curricula? What content and skill training needs to be included? An important source for answers to these questions is industry professionals who are involved with international business operations on a regular basis. This paper reports on two current surveys with US business communities and provides suggestions for enhancing the international dimensions of apparel and merchandising curricula. As textile and apparel related business requires both general and product-specific knowledge, this study colleted two data sets, one from the general business community and one from the product-specific (i.e. apparel) business community.\nLiterature review: The importance of international business education in apparel curricula\nMethod: Data collection\nResults: International involvement\nConclusion and recommendations: There is little doubt that the textile and apparel industry is operating in an interconnected global environment. Companies involved in international business are faced with increasing challenges in intense global competition, changes in consumer tastes, trade-offs between cost and quality, communication obstacles, legal and political risk, etc. To survive and succeed in global competition, the industry needs effective strategies and proficient leaders. Meanwhile, textile and apparel programs in higher education have been slow in providing the most appropriate education and training to the students who will be the backbone of the industry in the near future. To investigate possible strengthening of the international dimension of apparel design, production, and merchandising curricula, this research invited input from industry professionals.Two sets of data were collected and compared. The general data were collected from 47 companies in various business sectors in order to obtain general guidelines for international business education. A separate set of product- and industry-specific data were collected from a survey of 113 US apparel manufacturers. Based on the findings, we believe there is a compelling need for enhancing international education in apparel design, production, and merchandising curricula. Therefore, we provide the following suggestions and recommendations.First, international education in the textile and clothing field should be developed with a strong focus on small businesses. Despite the significant contribution of the small business sector to the US and global economies, many international business courses and education/training materials were developed from the perspective of large multinational companies. While these companies have capabilities to train their employees, small businesses lack resources to provide training to address international business issues. Considering the fact that the small business sector also provides many entry-level positions (Harrison, 2000), the needs for international education with a small business focus for college students is imperative.Second, the international dimensions of apparel design, production, and merchandising curricula should be developed using a region-specific, rather than a \"one-fits-all\" approach. Educational materials should be developed with a clear focus on the regions with which the US businesses are most involved. Regarding the textiles and apparel industry, this region is Asia. Additional educational materials may be developed for other regions using a parallel approach.Third, students in the textile and clothing field should be fully prepared in \"understanding\", rather than in \"application\" or \"competency\". Specifically, educational materials should help students develop a sound understanding of cultural/business differences, as well as an understanding of the legal and political environments in which the international trade takes place. A thorough understanding is a prerequisite for application and specific skills that the students will need in their professional positions.Finally, educational components that help the students better understand international markets should be incorporated into curricula. Since an understanding of international markets was identified by industry practitioners as the areas most needed for college students, significant efforts should be devoted to teaching students various aspects related to international markets.How should these suggestions be incorporated into international education in apparel design, production, and merchandising curricula? We propose that an international module be developed in every course in the apparel and merchandising area. Instead of developing a single international course which requires time and commitment, perhaps it is more efficient and economical to develop educational modules that can be integrated into the subject matter of a course already developed and taught. For example, the importance of international markets and global branding may be included in the introductory course to fashion industry; how goods are mass produced overseas may be taught in the apparel mass production course. In the visual merchandising course, cultural differences in preference of visual merchandising and advertising presentations may be introduced. In addition, how apparel goods are sourced from and marketed to international markets may be discussed in one of the merchandising acquisition and allocation courses.An easy method of enhancing students' understanding of cultural/business practice differences and international markets is to utilize government data. Government data may include country reports and market reports by the US Department of Commerce. Newspaper and trade magazine articles may also be used.Enhancing international dimensions in textile and clothing curricula is imperative. We posit that this effort should be collective within a program, not just the effort of an individual instructor in one course. Therefore, administrative support and team efforts to coordinate the content are strongly recommended.We hope this report raises attention with regard to why and how international dimensions can be incorporated into instruction. Based on this report, we expect more practical and innovative international education dialogues to begin.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - For many years, the textile and apparel industry has been on the forefront of globalization. To prepare students in the global business environment, this study seeks input from the US business communities and provides suggestions for enhancing the international dimensions of the apparel and merchandising curriculum in the USA.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - Two sets of data were collected and compared: the general data were collected from various business sectors via telephone interviews, and the product-specific data were gathered from US apparel manufacturers using a modified Dillman's mail survey method.\nFindings: - Results indicated that the most important benefit of doing business internationally was expanded market, while the obstacle identified most often was cultural differences. The study also found that understanding (i.e. cultural/business practice differences, etc.) is more critical than application or competency (i.e. specific skills) for college international education and that taking general and product-specific approaches is most efficient to enhance international dimensions in textile and apparel curricula.\nPractical implications: - Practical implications discussed were: first, international education in the textile and clothing field should be developed with a strong focus on small businesses; second, the international dimensions of apparel design, production, and merchandising curricula should be developed using a region-specific, rather than a \"one-fits-all\" approach; third, students in the textile and clothing field should be fully prepared in \"understanding\", rather than in \"application\" or \"competency\"; and fourth, educational modules that help the students better understand international markets should be incorporated into curricula.\nOriginality/value: - We hope this report raises attention with regard to why and how international dimensions can be incorporated into instruction. Based on this report, we expect more practical and innovative international education dialogues to begin.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The role of numeracy skills in graduate employability	[ "Graduate employability", "Numeracy skills", "Undergraduates", "Graduate skills", "UK higher education", "United Kingdom", "Graduates", "Higher education", "Numeracy" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: The concept of graduate employability is constructed around a set of complex and diverse skills and personal attributes believed to make an individual more likely to obtain and be successful in employment (Knight and Yorke, 2004). In the UK, the possession of a degree remains a \"threshold requirement\", with employers increasingly expecting applicants to possess a variety of personal attributes and generic \"soft\" and \"hard\" skills (Brown and Hesketh, 2004). Consequently, higher education institutions (HEIs) are now expected to redesign degree programmes and extra-curricular activities to foster undergraduates' employability skills (Knight and Yorke, 2004). Undergraduates too acknowledge the need to enhance their degree credentials through the development of employability skills (Tomlinson, 2008). However, since employers' requirements can change over time, no definitive list of employability skills exists (Knight and Yorke, 2004), making it difficult for HEIs and undergraduates to identify precisely what employers want (Dawson et al., 2006). In addition, the multifarious employability skills initiatives implemented by HEIs do not guarantee the transferability of skills into the workplace (Washer, 2007).Numeracy skills, recognised as being essential to employability, were amongst the skills Dearing considered \"key to the future success of graduates whatever they intend to do in later life\" (Dearing, 1997, p. 133). However, Dearing reported that only one in three graduates felt their numeracy skills had improved whilst in higher education (HE), and he called upon HEIs to do more to produce numerate graduates. Despite this call, in a recent survey of 880 undergraduates from 20 UK HEIs, almost a third (29 per cent) reported feeling their numeracy skills were inadequate (Confederation of British Industry (CBI), 2009).Research from the perspective of employers confirms the importance of graduates' numeracy skills. For example, a study by Hoyles et al. (2002) identified that demand from employers for mathematically literate graduates was growing. Numeracy skills were also ranked as the sixth most important (after honesty and integrity, basic literacy skills, basic oral communication skills, reliability and being hardworking and having a good work ethic), out of a list of 28 employability skills, by 98 per cent of 500 respondents in an Institute of Directors (IoD) survey (IoD, 2007). Despite the importance attached to numeracy skills, employers of graduates continue to express concerns about the level of numerical competence exhibited by their recruits. For example, 28 per cent of recruiters expressed concerns about the numeracy skills of graduates (Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR), 2008) and 21 per cent of employers believed that numeracy skills are only \"occasionally\" or \"never\" demonstrated by graduates (IoD, 2007).Despite the importance that employers place upon graduates' numeracy skills, the literature appears unclear about the extent to which numeracy skills influence graduates' procurement of employment, and in which specific numeracy skills employers require their graduate workforce to be competent. This paper bridges this gap by exploring the role that numeracy skills play in graduate recruitment, and the generic numeracy skills employers demand of their graduate employees. It also compares undergraduates' and their tutors' attitudes towards the development of numeracy skills in the context of graduate employability.\n2. Methods: 2.1 Participants\n3. Results and discussion: 3.1 Participants\n4. Conclusions and implications: Since all participants in this study were self-selecting volunteers, and were free to withdraw from the project at any time, any conclusions and inferences drawn relate to the samples and may or may not be generalisable to wider target populations. It is also important to note that numeracy skills constitute only one factor that can influence a graduate's procurement of employment, with graduate recruiters also placing substantial emphasis on \"soft\", behavioural and interpersonal skills (e.g. team working, initiative, reliability), as well as other \"hard\" skills (e.g. literacy, IT) (Brown and Hesketh, 2004). Nevertheless, the data presented highlight the extent to which employers are using numeracy tests as part of graduate recruitment procedures, and draw attention to the potential for poor numeracy skills to limit any graduate's acquisition of employment, irrespective of their academic discipline; especially since the use of such tests appears to be particularly prevalent in recruitment to the types of jobs commensurate with graduates' career aspirations and within sectors that often attract graduates from across the diversity of academic disciplines, including those from the arts and humanities. In addition, the data highlight that four out of five students were unfamiliar with the types of numeracy tests used by employers and that fewer than half the students were confident that they could pass employers' numeracy tests.Although employers' minimum requirements in terms of a mathematics (or -related) qualification vary, even those setting their minimum requirements at GCSE level may expect their employees to demonstrate a higher level of numerical competency, particularly in certain sectors, once in the workplace. Undergraduates not prepared in advance to successfully meet these challenges are being placed at a disadvantage, particularly in the UK's current economic climate, where 46 per cent of graduate recruiters anticipate recruiting fewer graduates (AGR, 2009). Greater access to information on the widespread use of numeracy tests in graduate recruitment and to the range of sample tests available is a first step towards enhancing students' performance in such tests; greater familiarity and practice could also help boost students' confidence.Recent research suggests that particular groups of students, e.g. female students, students not currently provided with any opportunities to practise and/or further develop their numeracy skills (e.g. as part of their undergraduate programme), students with no (or low) pre-university mathematics (or -related) qualifications, and mature students, may require additional support to help them improve their employment prospects through enhancing their numeracy skills (Tariq et al., 2010; Tariq and Durrani, 2012). Some universities will need to do more to provide support (e.g. in the form of centrally available workshops and/or drop-in sessions) to those students requiring additional help to raise the level of their numeracy skills competency. If universities are to enhance their graduates' employment prospects then the numeracy skills required in the workplace must be included amongst the diversity of \"employability skills\" universities are expected to nurture. This may require changes in curriculum design and/or the provision of central support facilities and resources (Tariq et al., 2010). The latter may be particularly important for those undergraduates studying academic disciplines which find it difficult to accommodate numeracy skills within their programmes, e.g. drama or English; such students may have had little or no opportunity to practise and/or further develop their numeracy skills since their compulsory secondary education and, as such, may find employers' numeracy tests particularly challenging.The results presented are significant in the context of national policy which is determined to link graduate employability to HE quality assurance measures and to require universities to publish data on their graduate employment rates (Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS), 2011). The current list of performance indicators, which includes the destination of leavers from higher education, will be extended in light of the outcomes of recent government-commissioned research into the information needs of a range of prospective users of information about HE (Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), 2010). Attempting to measure graduate employability by simply measuring institutions' graduate employment rates within a specific time period is problematic, since it views employability as an institutional achievement rather than the ability of the individual graduate to obtain employment (Harvey, 2001). The latter is, of course, dependent upon a number of factors, in addition to the employability-development opportunities provided by HEIs, including the subject of study, graduates' demographic characteristics (e.g. age, ethnicity, gender and social class) and work experience, and external economic factors (Harvey, 2001). Nevertheless, changes to national policy should provide additional external drivers for universities to review and improve their strategies with regard to enhancing the employability skills (including numeracy skills) of their students.While the results of this study suggest that many employers seek graduates with particular kinds and levels of numeracy skills and that many test the possession of the latter via their recruitment procedures, to what extent employers and their graduate employees make use of these numeracy skills subsequently in the workplace and whether and how employees' numeracy skills influence organisational performance warrants further investigation. In addition, future research should evaluate the relative importance of numeracy skills in relation to other employability skills, since graduates' mathematical competencies represent a marker of only one element of their employability, and the question remains as to how mathematical competencies impact upon individuals' longer-term employability.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this article is to explore the role and importance of numeracy skills in graduate recruitment within a diversity of employment sectors.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The results of a mixed-methods study, involving three online surveys (including an employer survey), student focus group sessions and interviews with tutors, are presented.\nFindings: - The results reveal the importance that employers attach to graduates' numeracy skills and the extent to which employers use numeracy tests in graduate recruitment. They thus highlight the potential for poor numeracy skills to limit any graduate's acquisition of employment, irrespective of their degree subject; especially since numeracy tests are used predominantly in recruitment to the types of jobs commensurate with graduates' career aspirations and within sectors that attract graduates from across the diversity of academic disciplines, including the arts and humanities.\nResearch limitations/implications: - Since participants were self-selecting any conclusions and inferences relate to the samples and may or may not be generalisable to wider target populations.\nPractical implications: - The paper highlights what actions are necessary to enhance undergraduates' numeracy skills in the context of graduate employability.\nSocial implications: - The vulnerability of particular groups of students (e.g. females, those not provided with any opportunities to practise or further develop their numeracy skills whilst in higher education, those with no (or low) pre-university mathematics qualifications, and mature students) is highlighted.\nOriginality/value: - The article is timely in view of national policy to extend the graduate employability performance indicators within quality assurance measures for UK higher education.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Coalition loyalty-programme adoption and urban commercial-network effectiveness evaluation	[ "Coalition loyalty programme", "Natural commercial center", "Town centre management", "Urban commercial network", "Urban marketing" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: In recent decades, small and medium-sized retailers in city centres have had to adapt to socio-economic change and development and fight to survive and prosper in an increasingly competitive market (Medway et al., 2000; Stubbs et al., 2002; Bromley and Thomas, 2003; De Nisco et al., 2008). Given that the proliferation of out-of-town shopping centres has led to a rapid decline of shopping in downtown areas, it has become evident that town and city centres need to be actively managed in order to ensure their long-term sustainability. In this sense, one of the most significant requirements has been the definition and implementation of town centre management (TCM) schemes (the first was established at the end of 1980 in the UK) and strategies.\n2. Conceptual background: The strategic role of TCM in the process of revitalising downtowns emerged from the TCM experience in the UK, and it rapidly spread to other European countries (Coca-Stefaniak et al., 2009). However, in southern European countries where public resources are reduced, the traditional UK scheme was often replaced by a retail-led TCM scheme in which the involvement of a commercial network plays a crucial role (Stubbs et al., 2002).\n3. Research hypothesis: In this paper, we argue that the higher capacity of urban commerce to attract customers leads to a quicker and more effective downtown revitalisation process and that effective CLP improves the commercial competitiveness and attractiveness of the a town-centre system. We suggest that the effectiveness of a CLP depends on its increasing popularity and profitability. The increasing popularity of CLPs - indicated by the increasing number of participants, both customers and retailers, in a period of three years (2006-2008) - likely means that CLPs enhance the attractiveness of an urban commercial network. Increasing the profitability of CLPs, indicated by the change in spending value for purchases by using the loyalty card (i.e. how much customers spend) less the discount amount (which is a promotional cost for businesses), likely means that CLPs enhance the competitiveness of an urban commercial system.\n4. Defining the Savigliano card project: Savigliano is a northern Italian town in the Piedmont region located between the cities of Turin and Cuneo.\n5. Methodology: The CLP was adopted as part of the Savigliano project in 2006, and its effects were studied over the first three years of its introduction. It was supposed that the CLP might be a good driver of the attractiveness of the urban commercial network. According to the literature, in fact, a competitive commercial system can strongly influence the effectiveness of a TCM strategy by increasing the cooperation of retailers and local authorities, increasing the awareness of TCM's importance and providing more funds for downtown investments.\n6. Analysis and results: 6.1 Measurement of CLP effectiveness\n7. Discussion: The positive change in NCI shows a slight increase in the commercial competitiveness of downtown Savigliano between 2006 and 2008. We previously contended that an effective CLP can affect both popularity and profitability (H1). However, the NCI decomposition makes the CLP positively relate to popularity, but not to profitability.\n8. Conclusion: In the past, the architectural rebuilding and embellishment of medieval villages or well-maintained roads were often minimally profitable. To have successful marketing and communication strategies, shopping and business areas, markets and crafts need to be continuously and simultaneously developed. Thus, a public-private partnership is necessary. It requires the integration of entrepreneurship, trade and services with the awareness and involvement of local authorities. It must also use a strategic marketing planning and adapt to local environments and to different business types. All revitalisation actions should focus on both the enhancement of urban space and the increase of attendance and purchase opportunities.\n9. Limitations and future research: This study presents some limitations due to the specific focus on the Savigliano CLP project. First, the study is conducted with reference to a single case study, so findings could not be generalised to other cases and competitive settings. Second, the research is limited to a specific geographical area, so it could reflect socio-demographic behaviour of customers and retailers. Moreover, the data collected could be extended with additional information, such as inter-purchase time, costumer orientations or aspirational rewards value.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: To counter the proliferation of out-of-town shopping centres, a spontaneous or planned coalition loyalty programme (CLP), one involving most retailers in an urban network, may positively affect a town centre's capacity to entice customers and may enhance its competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of CLP implementation in town-centre management (TCM) as a tool for enhancing urban commercial-system attractiveness.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The theoretical framework used in this study is supported by the evaluation methodologies of an empirical case study: the Savigliano Card project. CLP performance analysis uses a dynamic network-competitiveness index, an approach based on Laspeyres-type decomposition. The effects on each retailer's profitability are then tested by matching network and regression analyses.\nFindings: The results suggest that CLPs implementation in a TCM scheme can produce benefits and positive externalities for customers, retailers and urban areas. CLPs can influence a town centre's revitalisation process, improve the attractiveness of the urban commercial network and increase the profitability of private retailers by enhancing cross-selling dynamics.\nPractical implications: The paper provides a CLP performance-evaluation methodology and presents the benefits concerning CLP implementation in TCM strategies.\nOriginality/value: This type of CLP is weakly exploited in marketing theory and practice; therefore, the paper provides theoretical and empirical explanations for the measurement of CLP effectiveness in TCM. In addition, it has significant implications for both practitioners and academics.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Emotions and stability in telecom-customer relationships	[ "Consumer behaviour", "Customer relations", "Telecommunications", "Customer service management" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Emotions have been the focus in marketing literature for some time and has mostly been considered connected to customers' perceptions and evaluations of service providers' overall service or particular dimensions of the service (Liljander and Strandvik, 1997; Bolton, 1998; Stauss and Neuhaus, 1997; Yu and Dean, 2001) and to perceptions between customers and personnel (Smith and Bolton, 2002; Bagozzi, 2006; Dallimore et al., 2007). Predominantly these perceptions and evaluations are considered as (dis)satisfaction in customer episodes, which commonly occur in the marketing literature representing the \"affective summary response\" towards the product or service consumed (Giese and Cote, 2000; White and Yu, 2005) meaning that the factor could be cognitive or affective.However, the effect of experienced emotions in customer relationships considered as a factor of an affective and cognitive structure influencing outcome has not been discussed and empirically studied in marketing literature. Such a structure may in the telecom industry appear as certain emotions connected to specific situations. For example, Roos et al. (2008) report about a high frequency of expressed stress among customers switching between different telecom operators. Mapping the affective and cognitive factors in a configuration would enhance our understanding of the role and strength each concept has for the relationships (i.e. loyalty). Additional to that shortcoming is the importance of industry-specific emotion experiences that have not yet been addressed in previous research (Giese and Cote, 2000; White and Yu, 2005; Laros and Steenkamp, 2005). Emotional experiences are most likely quite different across industries and also different compared to the empirical perspective in many emotion studies where no \"real customers\" participate but artificial situations are being the setting. The context in the present study constitutes of telecom-customer relationships, which consequently fill both the gap of lacking industry-specific studies as also the lack of emotional studies with a relationship approach.Emotions linked to behavior\nThe configuration for studying emotions in customer relationships: Actual switching behavior is the outcome of the switching processes leading to switching in telecom-customer relationships. The relationships have a special character where the sensitivity for switching is defined as situational, influential, and reactional triggers. Triggers in customer relationships are defined as groups of factors influencing customer perceptions with consequence for actual behavior (Roos et al., 2006). Situational triggers are stemming from changes in customers' lives regarding economic or demographic issues, influential triggers being the impact of the market including competitors' actions for increased market shares, and reactional triggers divulging the perceived-critical incidents. These are all groups of triggers with different influence on subsequent behavior.In a recent study, with a longitudinal design on customer relationships (Roos and Gustafsson, 2007) it was found that whether the customers are active or passive when switching makes a difference for future stability in relationships. Customers that actively searched for alternatives tend to be more stable compared to those that made unplanned switching. Thus, in accordance with previous research (Menon and Dube, 2004; White and Yu, 2005), the robust configuration of factors for studying emotions in relationships should include:* triggers (defined as degree of sensitivity in relationships);* active and passive customers; and* stable and unstable behavior (outcome of customer relationships).Relationship context and customer emotions\nMethod: Richins (1997) has raised some doubts regarding how it is possible to really understand consumption-based emotions due to the limitation of the often used scales (Izard, 1977; Plutchik, 1980; Mehrabian and Russell, 1974). These scales seem to ignore some of the emotions that customers are familiar with in favour of emotions and expressions that are unfamiliar to most customers (Richins, 1997). For example, emotions such as \"contemptuous\", \"sheepish\", \"revulsion\" are not part of the everyday vocabulary of most people, at least not in connection to consumption. In addition, the pleasure-arousal-dominance scale (Mehrabian and Russell, 1974) uses differential items in which the two anchor points are not always clear opposites (e.g. bored and relaxed; cared for and in control), which may cause confusion amongst customers. The analysis in the present study links the emotional reactions to factors of customer relationship configurations identified in earlier research (Cohen and Areni, 1991; Roos, 1999; Roos and Gustafsson, 2007). By adding the emotions to the configuration it may:* enhance the understanding of the relationship; and* show whether there is a support or not for the existing configuration.This should point to the appropriateness of the included emotions in the questionnaire in a customer relationship context.Sample\nResults: Table I describes means and standard deviations for the affect scales in each trigger and in unstable/stable relationships. The results indicate that respondents in general experienced a variety of affective reactions in their relationship with the telecom company.Affect scales\nDiscussion: The overall aim of the study was to investigate whether customer-experienced emotion in relationships can deepen the understanding of the stability in future relationships when the focus is on differences regarding emotions and sensitivity (triggers). The establishment of the role of emotional experiences have enhanced the level of understanding regarding the dynamics in customer relationships and also increased the understanding of future stability in customer relationships.First, contribution to customer relationship and emotion literature: enhanced understanding of the progress of the relationships ending either in stable (non-switching) or in unstable (switching) situations.Figure 3 depicts the nature of a dynamic perspective which summarizes our theoretical framework, the findings of this study with regards to the longitudinal the sample. When a customer switches from telecom operator A to operator B, by active action because of an advertising campaign by operator B (influential trigger, active) or by reacting to a competitor's action (passive), customers may feel cheerful or nervous. The experience of direct opposite emotions illustrates the dynamism as well as the development and progress of the switching process with implication for the next relationship, which has been indicated in previous research (Ganesh et al., 2000).To be nervous in the relationship with operator A can change to a feeling of cheerfulness if the customer wants to switch to operator B simply because he/she was contacted by B and decided to switch, not because of a planned decision but because of a prompt conviction of a better buy. In the new relationship the feeling may come back again when, for instance, if the expectation was not fulfilled. The customer may once again feel nervous when entering yet a new switching process to operator C. If the switch, to operator D or back to A, is active and deliberate because of personal-situation changes (situational trigger) the customer is more likely to be stable in that relationship. Furthermore, the empirical analysis shows that yet another customer with almost an identical switching history but which continues the switching because of bad treatment (reactional trigger) and searches actively for new alternatives, differs regarding emotional experiences. Such switching histories contain descriptions of depressed feelings but nevertheless the switched-to relationship stays stable. Once a new switching is made, the emotional experience can once again change in a more relaxed and optimistic direction. The reactional sensitivity for stability in the relationship is related to emotions such as feeling relaxed, optimism, and depression. Switching due to a difficult situation produce depressed feelings which later can change to feelings of relaxation and/or optimism in the new relationship.Second, contribution to customer relationship and emotion literature: enhanced understanding of customer evaluation of their relationships through expressed emotions related to actual behavior.The degree of satisfaction did not significantly differ between the configurations in the present study. At first this was a surprising and unexpected result based on findings in previous research (Liljander and Strandvik, 1997; Bolton, 1998; Stauss and Neuhaus, 1997; Yu and Dean, 2001; Smith and Bolton, 2002; Bagozzi, 2006; Dallimore et al., 2007). One conclusion is that the result is due to missing emotions in situational triggers. When customers evaluate a service provider the rating is routinely made when it comes to satisfaction. When customers rate a pleased-displeased continuum they do not seem to take into account the degree of stability of the relationship. It is more likely that they use such a scale to state their attitude toward the operator. Yet another interpretation of the lack of satisfaction and dissatisfaction in the differences between triggers regarding emotional expressions is that the difference really does not exist. Such a statement implies that satisfaction and dissatisfaction may not embed customers' deep elaboration regarding emotional expressions. When actual behavior is the departure of the perspective of the configuration leading to either stable or unstable relationships, customers seem to use more precise emotional expressions, which also is in line with the literature on other differences between actual behavior or behavior as intention (Foster and Newman, 1998; Frei and Harker, 1999; Combe and Botschen, 2004; Vargo and Lusch, 2004). The results are the same regardless of different triggers.A more fruitful issue is whether the emotional states during the relationship changes along with the sensitivity and stability, which has been debated in previous studies on switching behavior (Roos and Gustafsson, 2007). To that question the present study provides a positive answer. Emotions related to, for example, a reactional trigger shows a possible change in degree of sensitivity since feelings of relaxation and optimism relate to a continuing relationship (stable) and stability to reactional triggers whereas depressed feelings relate more specifically to reactional triggers as shown in Figure 3.Another issue seems to be the verbal expressions, which not necessarily correspond to the ones used in customers' daily rounds. Nervousness and pessimism, for example, may correspond to the emotional expression \"stress\" in the qualitative study (Roos et al., 2008), where \"stress\" was found to be the most common emotional expression connected to the influential trigger in the same way as nervousness and pessimism are in the present study. In other words, the configurations fall together only the wording regarding the emotional expression differs. It may be the case that customers more conveniently use \"stress\" instead of nervousness or pessimism in a consumption situation. The consequential concern is whether the customers both expressions have covers the emotional experiences in the same way. The misfit may hence follow the doubts articulated by Yu and Dean (2001), White and Yu (2005), and Dallimore et al. (2007) concerning the origin of the emotional experiences. Therefore, for understanding the meaning of the words it was fruitful to link the emotional expressions to an established configuration for relationship continuation.Third, contribution to customer relationship literature: enhanced understanding of the continuum of the customer-perceived relationships on the individual level.The implication of the longitudinal approach to customer relationships on the individual level seen from the customers' view is that set boundaries of the customer relationships may not coincide with the set boundaries seen from the service providers' perspective. Based on the findings of the present study it seems more or less impossible to understand customer relationships unless you have not followed customers on an individual level both in previous and current relationships, which is in line with research on relationships (Bolton, 1998; Ganesh et al., 2000) and on frequent switchers (Roos and Gustafsson, 2007). Despite the fact that dynamism of customer relationships is widely discussed in previous research, few studies has applied a perspective that allows an analysis of the dynamism in the empirical study, which also includes actual behavior (Ganesh et al., 2000). The dynamism presumes per definition that different constructs interact. Hence, in order to meet this assumption there is a need for understanding the dynamism of the configuration, i.e. the relationships, which the inclusion of emotions in the configuration enhanced (Figure 2). Customers do not, regarding emotions, cut the previous relationship when they enter the new one. On the contrary, customers linger in the switched-from relationships at least in the beginning of the new relationships, which various emotional expressions indicate. In the present study, initial steps for a deeper understanding of the dynamism have been taken facilitated by the insight of customers' differing emotional reactions connected to triggers during one and the same relationship.Limitation of the study\nManagerial implication: The findings in the present study provide important information for managers in planning their communication-strategy. There seems to be differences in customers' emotional states based on whether the customers are new customers or if they have been customers for some time. The differences are based on the experiences in the former relationships. Depressed customers are consequently not necessarily depressed because of circumstances in their current relationships. On the contrary, depressed customers that linger in their switched-from relationships are potential future-loyal customers if they experience they found the service provider they searched for when they switched. Therefore, understanding the messages of customers' emotional expressions and the connection between different relationships on the individual level is necessary for managers.\nFuture research: The findings of the present study raise a serious question. What is the customer relationship space or continuum, beginning and end, on the individual level? The overall finding of the present study implies that the perspective to research for understanding-customer relationships is most important almost necessary and that is; the customer perspective. Therefore, new questions raised by the findings of the present study are:1. What is the continuum of the relationships seen from the customers' perspective? Do customer relationships need re-definition?2. Do the customer perspective and the service provider perspective differ on the boundaries of customer relationship?3. Has the research on customer relationships to date actually applied a service provider perspective on \"where the customer relationship starts and ends\"?These three questions are a consequence of the findings of the present study and will hopefully encourage researchers to elevate new views to the research in order to refine the knowledge on the topic of customer relationships.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether or not emotions experienced in customer relationships - linked to actual behavior - could enhance understanding of their future development.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - A number of individual-level relationships between customers and telecom operators are investigated. The empirical data consist of 113 switching stories reported during 81 interviews with telecom customers.\nFindings: - In the analysis, emotional experiences are related to customers' activity or passivity and to the stability (switching or not) in the relationships. The most important research contribution is the identification of different emotions related to actual behavior. Less stable customers are pessimistic about the operators and show nervousness, while stable customers may have initially been depressed in their relationships, becoming more relaxed and optimistic over time. Emotions do not seem to have the capacity in themselves to cause stability or instability, but they confirm through their connection to different types of trigger whether the relationship will be stable or unstable.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The findings of the present study are based on a longitudinal empirical study, but only in one industry. Although, the telecom industry may provide a very fruitful context for the longitudinal study of stability in customer relationships because of the turbulence it has experienced during the last decade, the industry representation is narrow.\nPractical implications: - Customers do not sever their emotional ties with the previous relationship when they enter the new one. On the contrary, they linger in the switched-from relationship at least at first, which is indicated in the various emotional expressions they use. The present study takes some initial steps towards enhancing understanding of the dynamism in providing an insight into customers' differing emotional reactions connected to triggers during one and the same relationship.\nOriginality/value: - Taking a longitudinal approach from the customers' perspective produces a set boundaries of customer relationships that may not coincide with the set boundaries seen from the service providers' perspective. According to the findings of the present study, it seems almost impossible to understand customer relationships without following customers on an individual level in both previous and current relationships. Despite the fact that dynamism in customer relationships is widely discussed in previous research, few studies have applied such a perspective.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
From corner store to superstore: a historical analysis of Sainsbury's co-evolution	[ "Co-evolution theory", "Sainsbury", "Sainsbury’s" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: The co-evolutionary perspective acknowledges that organisational and environmental changes occur in a simultaneous and interactive manner. A key position from the co-evolution studies is that organisational adaptation and environmental selection activities are complementary. While organisations adapt to changes within their institutional environment, through strategic choice and managerial intent, simultaneously they can bring about institutional change for their own gain (Garcia-Cabrera and Duran-Herrera, 2014; Luse and Mennecke, 2014; Murmann, 2013).\nTheoretical background: The concept of co-evolution provides an expansive framework to enable us to understand the complex and dynamic interactions between organisations and their environments (Lockett et al., 2013). By drawing our attention to the interaction of forces emanating from the organisations' external environment, it enables us to understand how organisations respond and shape their external environment to their own advantage (Child et al., 2013). More specifically, it illustrates the long-term and interdependent nature of these interactions (Dieleman and Sachs, 2008) and argues that institutional outcomes are a result of \"managerial actions, institutional influences and extra-institutional changes\" (Lewin et al., 1999, p. 535).\nSainsbury's: a brief history: Sainsbury's was founded in 1869 by John James and Mary Ann Sainsbury, who opened a small shop to sell milk, eggs and butter. This small undertaking based in Drury Lane, London, contained in an embryonic form some of the key ingredients of the modern supermarket (Bevan, 2005). From the very beginning, the Sainsbury's family set out to distinguish themselves from food shops trading in the area.\nData and methodology: A framework for studying co-evolution has been developed by Lewin and Volberda (1999). Their framework encompasses longitudinal analysis which incorporates both external and internal forces which fosters co-evolution between organisations and their institutional environment. We adopted the co-evolutionary framework developed by Lewin and Volberda (1999) to examine how Sainsbury's has evolved with its environment. Sainsbury's provides a unique opportunity to examine the interaction between Sainsbury's and its micro- and macro-environments. In particular we used a \"corporate history research genre\" (Delahaye et al., 2009) which enabled us to obtain a rich narrative around a single corporate entity. Our period of investigation focuses on the period 1869 to 1991. We are also able to explore the key role family members have played in this period and gain an understanding into the role organisational power plays within the co-evolution process.\nData analysis: The data collected consisted of chronologically order events, activities and managerial decisions. The data were classified using periodisation (Rowlinson et al., 2014). Using periodisation allowed environmental events to be viewed from the viewpoint of the organisation (Greenwood and Bernardi, 2014). The data were analysed drawing on methods suggested by Langley (1999) for longitudinal research. First, a narrative of events, managerial decisions, external and internal factors was developed. Second, we used Langley's (1999) temporal bracketing strategy. A temporal bracketing strategy involves the decomposition of events into successive eras which are separated by discontinuities (Chiles et al., 2004). We therefore used the temporal bracketing strategy to separate the longitudinal data into four distinct periods. These periods are established based on the chronological order of events occurring over the period 1896-1991. Each period is separated by a major break, thus allowing for analysis and replication of theoretical ideas (Langley, 1999).\nPeriod 1: the early years (1869-1913): Sainsbury's origins began in 1869, when John James Sainsbury and his wife Mary Ann opened a small dairy shop in Drury Lane. The couple promised to supply good-quality products at low prices and from the beginning attempted to differentiate themselves from the vast amounts of neighbouring competitors.\nTransforming the quality of British food: British retailing in mid-nineteenth century was extremely complex. Retailing was based around the traditions associated with producer-retailers and buyer-retailers and the products they sold (Williams, 1994b). Producer-retailers sold fresh home-produced products. While, buyer-retailers sold non-perishable products which had been purchased through a wholesaler network. Sainsbury's began as a producer-retailer and it is this background which gave Sainsbury's a competitive advantage in the food retail sector and what drove its corporate identify.\nPeriod 2: surviving the World Wars (1914-1949): The Second World War, in particular, had an impact on Sainsbury's progress (Emerson, 2006). After the war ended, the main concern of the family was to rebuild the firm's damaged trade and to begin the process of modernising the business. While this period bought about significant challenges to the family, they continued to maintain their standards and to evolve their business.\nPeriod 3: leading the way (1950-1969): In post-war years, British retailers drew heavily on the US retailing experience, importing retailing methods, technology and merchandise (Shaw et al., 2004). Retail trading stamps was a method of establishing customer loyalty, again an idea originating from the USA. Sainsbury's, however, was against the adoption of trading stamps. Stamps raised costs for retailers. Obviously, this would mean that retailers would either have to absorb the costs or recover them from customers. During the period, 1960-1963, profit margins for grocers were being significantly squeezed (Morelli, 1998). At a time when capital was required for new investment, to establish supermarkets and self-service, profits were being squeezed.\nPeriod 4: the hey days (1970-1991): The 1970s were characterised by economic instability, frequent strikes and low productivity. Food retailing was one of the sectors which was heavily affected. As market leader, Sainsbury's was under pressure to continue to lead the industry in innovation. This chapter of Sainsbury's history was characterised by heavy political lobbying and building organisational power through networking. Based on observations from food retailing in the USA and Europe, the family had a clear vision about how the future of retailing within the UK. While they had the vision, barriers remained in the form of planning restrictions.\nDiscussion of findings: This study has investigated how a single organisation has evolved from small humble beginnings into a large well-established organisation. Building upon the founders' original mission of selling quality products at reduced prices, has allowed the company to build a very strong corporate identity. Through the historical analysis of Sainsbury's, it is clear that the firm co-evolved with its institutional environment by using specific organisational resources to engender institutional change. The family's interest in the wider community and politics enables them to build organisational power which could be used to influence their institutional environment. Each of the four generations of the Sainsbury family was involved within the firm, and each had a very important role to play in the evolution of firm and its overall success. Each family member can be viewed as an organisational actor with the ability to influence institutional change. What comes over clearly is each member of the family used their social networks and positions to engender change. Alan Sainsbury's abiding interest in politics ensured that he was sensitive to general changes in society (Emerson, 2006). The social position of a family member such as Alan Sainsbury allowed the firm to influence its external environment.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the conceptualisation of co-evolution using a corporate history research approach. While the application of the co-evolutionary perspective to the organisational-environmental relationships has uncovered significant evidences, little is understood about how the co-evolutionary process occurs over time between organisations and their institutional environment.\nDesign/methodology/approach: A co-evolutionary corporate history approach in used, as the authors investigated Sainsbury's historical trajectory, exploring the role specific family members played in the evolution of the firm and the co-evolution of Sainsbury's with its environment. This research design framework encompasses longitudinal archival analysis which incorporates both external and internal engagement which fostered Sainsbury's joint evolution.\nFindings: The findings from this study clearly suggest that certain organisations can and do co-evolve with their environment. However, organisations need to build legitimate cases for co-evolution to occur. In addition, they need to acquire certain resources that can be used to stimulate changes within their institutional environment.\nOriginality/value: Through a corporate history archival analysis, this study presents a UK company's evolutionary narrative. The authors contribute to the growing literature on co-evolution in management studies by presenting a detailed historical narrative and interpretation of Sainsbury's evolution at different time periods.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Towards a sustainability reporting guideline in higher education	[ "Higher education", "Sustainability reporting", "Reporting framework", "Reporting guideline", "Reporting principles", "Sustainability code" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Whereas the importance of sustainability reporting keeps growing for companies because of recent legislation (European Commission, 2016), the state of sustainability reporting in higher education is still in a very early stage, with only a low percentage of higher education institutions (HEIs) reporting on sustainability topics (Alonso-Almeida et al., 2015; Fonseca et al., 2011; Lopatta and Jaeschke, 2014; Sassen et al., 2014, 2015). One presumable barrier to sustainability reporting of HEIs is that it requires financial and human resources (Leal Filho, 2000; Lopatta and Jaeschke, 2014). Another important factor that hinders HEI sustainability reporting is the lack of an established and recognized framework for sustainability reporting. As sustainability can seem too broad and abstract to many HEIs, a reporting framework that is specifically designed for the higher education context could provide them orientation and support. Also, such a framework could standardize sustainability reports and enhance their comparability (Fonseca et al., 2011; Leal Filho, 2000; Lopatta and Jaeschke, 2014).\nSustainability reporting frameworks in higher education: The reporting guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) are the world's most widely used sustainability reporting framework. They provide a comprehensive set of indicators enabling all kinds of organizations to disclose their social, environmental and economic sustainability performance (GRI, 2017). However, these guidelines are not specifically designed to meet the needs of HEIs. Therefore, Lozano (2006) developed a tool for the Graphical Assessment of Sustainability in Universities (GASU). For this purpose, he modified the GRI guidelines for the higher education context and supplemented them with additional higher education-specific indicators. His assessment concept contains a large number of indicators and is, therefore, very extensive.\nThe sustainability code: The sustainability code is a framework for reporting on the non-financial performance of organizations and companies of all kinds, regardless of their size, legal structure and location (German Council for Sustainable Development, 2015b). The development of the sustainability code was initiated by the German Council for Sustainable Development and involved various stakeholder groups, such as politicians, investors, companies and civil society organizations. The product of this multi-stakeholder process was published in 2011 (German Council for Sustainable Development, 2017c).\nReporting principles as evaluation criteria: The evaluation scheme for the modified version of the sustainability code for HEIs builds upon reporting principles of widely recognized frameworks. Sustainability reporting frameworks often not only contain reporting guidelines but also provide reporting principles that have to be applied by organizations in the preparation of sustainability reports. The application of these principles ensures that the requirements of the frameworks are met, especially with respect to the quality of the sustainability reports (Albrecht, 2006; Freundlieb et al., 2014; GRI, 2013). For this paper, eight frameworks of sustainability reporting have been analyzed regarding their reporting principles. The GRI G4 Guidelines, the EFFAS KPIs for ESG and the sector-specific guidelines of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) offer standardized sets of indicators (DVFA, 2010; GRI, 2013; SASB, 2017). The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) developed the concept of integrated reporting and, therefore, offers a principles-based approach rather than a set of indicators (IIRC, 2013). Also, the AA1000 AccountAbility Principles support organizations in managing and communicating their sustainability performance without providing KPIs (AccountAbility, 2008). The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and standard 14063 from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) both set requirements for communication on environmental matters, especially environmental management (Bayerisches Landesamt fur Umwelt, 2006; Regulation (EC), 2009, Regulation (EC) No. 1221/2009, L 342/8). The Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IOW) and the initiative future eV conduct rankings of sustainability reports based on a set of reporting principles (IOW and Future, 2009). Additionally, frameworks of financial reporting have been considered, as their reporting principles can also be transferred to sustainability reporting (Albrecht, 2006). Therefore, qualitative characteristics that are applied in the generally accepted accounting principles of Germany (HGB) and of the USA (US-GAAP) and in the international financial reporting standards (IFRS) were taken into account (Baetge et al., 2014; FASB, 2010; IFRS Foundation, 2017).\nEvaluation of the modified sustainability code for higher education institutions: Sustainability context\nDiscussion of further development of the sustainability code for higher education institutions: The evaluation in the previous section shows that the sustainability code beta version for HEIs meets the set requirements to a very high degree and contributes to the achievement of the selected reporting principles in many ways. However, based on the evaluation, a number of suggestions for its further development can be concluded.\nConclusion: This paper evaluated the proposed modification of the sustainability code for HEIs based on reporting principles. Overall, the evaluation shows positive results, as the HEI-specific sustainability code contributes to the achievement of the principles sustainability context, stakeholder inclusiveness, cost-effectiveness and reliability. However, its contribution to other principles reveals space for improvement.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: So far, sustainability reporting in higher education is in a very early stage - partly, because of the lack of an established and widely recognized sustainability reporting framework for higher education institutions (HEIs). Therefore, a modification of the sustainability code for the use in the higher education context was recently developed in Germany. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate this modification from an academic point of view.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The evaluation of the sustainability code is based on selected reporting principles drawn from frameworks of sustainability and financial reporting.\nFindings: The evaluation shows that to a large extent, the modification of the sustainability code for HEIs contributes to the fulfillment of the selected reporting principles. However, it also became evident that there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of clarity and the inclusion of material aspects.\nPractical implications: The need for an implementation manual regarding the modified HEI-specific sustainability code is emphasized, as the sustainability code requires further clarification to be manageable for HEIs.\nOriginality/value: This paper provides suggestions for the further development of a sustainability reporting guideline for HEIs to enhance its alignment with both sustainability reporting principles and the needs of HEIs.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
How could future professionals excel in wine tourism delivery? Evidence from wine regions in emerging economies	[ "Wine industry", "Wine tourism", "Wine tourism experience", "Future professionals", "Characteristics", "Emerging economies", "Self-determination theory" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: From the multifaceted range of leisure activities available nowadays, wine tourism continues to draw the attention of numerous academics - and wine enthusiasts - worldwide. In the Northern Hemisphere, wine tourism has increased exponentially. California leads the way, with 23.6 million visitors each year, generating US$7.2bn in tourism expenditures (Wine Institute, 2019). Spain's wine tourism has also experienced growth in recent years, from 1.2 million visits in 2008 to 2.96 million in 2018, with a revenue of 72.6m Euros in 2018 (Wine Routes of Spain, 2018). Similarly, in the Southern Hemisphere, visits to Argentinian and Australian wineries have been significant in recent years. In Australia, there were 8.4 million visits between 2018 and 2019, with tourism expenditures totalling AU$9.6bn (Wine Australia, 2019). In Argentina, 1.15 million visitors travelled to Argentina's largest wine region, Mendoza, in 2018, and spent on average US$46 per visit (COVIAR, 2019).\nLiterature review: In the increasingly competitive wine market (Pomarici et al., 2017), for wineries, incorporating talented individuals who through their knowledge and expertise can contribute to product and service delivery is fundamental. In the past decade, Gil and Carrillo (2016) have noticed the growing consideration and recruitment by Spanish wineries of staff with university degrees specialising in technical careers, in particular oenologists. In contrast, research from Armenia's wine industry (Urutyan and Yeritsyan, 2015) have identified marginal involvement of management in providing training or educational programs for their staff.\nMethodology: This study examines the characteristics needed to succeed in the provision of wine tourism experiences based upon the perceptions of winery professionals (owners/managers). The potential links between those characteristics and different types of motivation validates the consideration of SDT as the chosen framework.\nResults: Asked about the crucial characteristics/traits future professionals need to succeed in wine tourism activities, participants' comments helped reveal five central dimensions, each of them illustrated by core aspects. These dimensions will be discussed in the following sub-sections.\nDiscussion: Research by Reay and Whetten (2011) draws from the work of Dubin (1978) and Whetten (1989) to discuss insightful notions concerning the foundation of theory building. Fundamentally, a strong theory should illuminate a phenomenon of interest (Reay and Whetten, 2011). To do so, and based on Dubin's (1978) premises, four essential elements must be included (Whetten, 1989):\nConclusions: This study makes several contributions to the wine tourism and hospitality literature. First, the study has addressed an under-explored dimension of the wine tourism experience, namely, the desired traits and characteristics of future wine tourism professionals. Second, it has focused upon wine regions of emerging economics, which have also been under-studied. Third, it has proposed a theoretical framework which considers insights of SDT.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the different traits, characteristics and skills future professionals need to contemplate to address the demands of the competitive wine industry, more specifically, concerning the provision of wine tourism experiences. The insights within self-determination theory are considered to develop more robust understanding of this central theme.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The views of 32 winery representatives in ownership and management roles, operating in two emerging economies were gathered through un-structured, face-to-face interviews conducted on-site.\nFindings: Participants' comments revealed five key dimensions illustrated, notably, through attitudinal aspects (passion, empathy), knowledge-based (constant learning), strategy-based (problem-solver), previous work experience and adaptation-based. This last aspect highlighted coping with the dynamic nature of the industry, while assimilating tasks or learning by doing. These findings have important implications, in particular, for the future delivery of wine tourism experiences.\nOriginality/value: By empirically examining an important knowledge gap associated with the traits and characteristics of future wine tourism professionals, the study provides original and valuable practical insights. From a theoretical point of view, the study proposes a model originating from the findings and its associations with the revisited theoretical underpinnings.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Using framing and credibility to incorporate exercise and fitness in individuals' lifestyle	[ "Exercise", "Fitness", "Personal health" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: An executive summary for managers and executive readers can be found at the end of this article.\nIntroduction: The health advantages of regular physical activity and the negative consequences of physical inactivity have been well established and documented. Physical activity has been linked to lowering the risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, colon and breast cancers, and depression and anxiety; enhancing psychological well-being; and improving overall longevity (US Department of Health and Human Services, 1996, 2002). Indeed, with obesity rising to near-epidemic proportions, considerable attention is being directed toward interventions that may increase physical activity.The significance of exercise and physical activity is felt by service providers ranging from hospitals, HMOs, medical groups, and health professionals to wellness and fitness centers. Even in an age when third-party reimbursements are restricted and budgets are compressed, the value of programs encouraging physical activity is increasingly emphasized. For example, nursing homes and long term care facilities are realizing that physical activity \"might result in lower costs because of a stronger, healthier, and abler resident population\" (Mansour, 2003). Further, HMOs, seeking to reduce health care costs have supported plans, such as discounts to fitness centers, to encourage physical activity.Despite such overwhelming acceptance and public pronouncements from respected health organizations, little change has been observed in physical activity participation rates over the past decade. In the USA, between 1990 and 1998, the levels of physical activity remained stable (Centers for Disease Control, 2001). Studies indicate that \"millions of US adults remain essentially sedentary\", and that physical inactivity is \"rapidly approaching tobacco as the leading cause of preventable death in the US\" (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2004).The phenomenon of inactivity is even more vexing when we realize that those with the greatest need often have adopted lifestyles that mitigate their likelihood to voluntarily engage in physical activity. Further, many promising and well-supported efforts designed to encourage physical activity have fallen short of their intended goals. For example, community-based intervention programs have generally not shown a significant decrease in the prevalence of citizen inactivity when the target community was evaluated against a comparison community (Eaton and Lapane, 1999). Accordingly, moving people to participate in exercise and physical activities becomes a challenging undertaking for service providers.Gaining audience compliance to attain a more active (or less sedentary) life style presents a unique set of marketing challenges. Structuring effective methods for promoting physical activity and exercise is a complex process that requires understanding of individuals' life style and their receptiveness to marketing efforts aimed at changing this behavior. The goal of this paper is to address this important issue and offer guidance to consumer marketers.Within this context, message framing and source credibility appear to play key roles in affecting the attitudes and behavioral intentions of the target audience. While both variables have been studied for their individual main effects, the findings are mixed and do not offer clear guidelines for fitness and exercise. Furthermore, the interaction effects of message framing and source credibility have received limited empirical consideration (see for example, Grewal et al., 1994; Jones et al., 2003). In addition, earlier studies have not specifically accounted for the influence of current life style in inducing behavior change. The examination of these variables and their interaction should provide insights that can help develop a richer understanding of user behavior to assist service marketers in developing an effective change strategy and facilitate the effective use of communication strategy. Accordingly, this study investigated respondent attitudes toward and intentions to engage in regular exercise and physical activity. Specifically, this study examined the effects of message framing source credibility and current life style on subsequent attitudes and behavioral intentions.\nBackground: Framing\nMethodology: Subjects\nResults: Manipulation check\nManagerial implications: The importance of regular exercise and physical activity is broadly recognized. However, despite societal understanding and acceptance of the value of these activities, the presence of actual exercise behavior remains disappointingly unaffected. This condition is particularly problematic for HMOs, patient care facilities, and physicians and health professionals who recognize not only the public health advantages but the cost impact associated with regular exercise and physical activity. This study addressed this area of concern and offered insights designed to affect and enhance exercise and physical activity.The results demonstrated the importance of source credibility for affecting both ones' attitude toward exercise and fitness and enhancing ones' likelihood of engaging in physical activity. Although the findings indicated that the main effect of credibility was significant and the main effect of message framing was not significant, it is important to recognize the significance of interaction effects.Considering the overall findings, we recognize that the influence of message framing is less pronounced under the high credibility condition than under the low credibility condition. For negatively framed arguments, it is imperative to use credible sources, while for positively framed messages, either source may be acceptable. This thought is elaborated later in this section. In the meantime let us consider strategy based on credibility.The significance of credibility suggests that developing messages to include highly credible sources may be worth the additional resource expenditure (time and/or financial) that may be involved. Further, support of institutional sponsors with high perceived credibility (such as the American Heart Association in this study) appears to enhance the response to the arguments proposed. Some evidence suggests that general practitioner referrals (coupled with verbal advice) may enhance exercise behavior (Swinburn et al., 1998), and the results reported here suggest support for the use of recognized medical professionals as highly credible sources. Importantly, institutional sponsors and medical professionals should be particularly important sources for older or health-impaired individuals.Logically, one could assume that subjects' views of exercise and their response to exercise-related messages would be affected by the nature of their lifestyles. Those with \"active\" lifestyles, where exercise was regularly undertaken, should respond (both attitudinally and behaviorally) differently than their less active counterparts. Specifically, drawing from dissonance theory, individuals who regularly engaged in some form or level of exercise would be expected to hold more favorable attitudes toward exercise than those without such exercise habits. The results of this study supported these perspectives. However, if the current life style was the most powerful force in explaining attitudes and intentions, one may expect that the statistical significance of credibility and framing would be diminished considerably. This was not the case. The results indicate that despite \"removing\" the effect of life style through covariate, the implications of framing and credibility are unaffected.The findings underscore the importance of using credible sources when attempting to induce changes in attitudinal and behavioral responses to exercise and physical activities. Additionally, given that the interaction effect was significant, the findings imply that the negatively framed messages are likely to be most effective when a high credibility source is used. Likewise, the strongest effect on intention to engage in exercise/physical activity is also likely to occur with high source credibility and negative framing.The impact of negative framing requires additional comment. It is important to consider the influence of the specific activities that were being studied. Over the past decade, most people have become cognizant of the media blitz heralding both the benefits of regular exercise and physical activity, as well as the associated risks of refraining from these activities. Accordingly, subjects may have been somewhat sensitized (or desensitized) to the message and its content. The negatively framed message may have provided subjects some clarity that failure to exercise regularly \"would\" lead to increased health risks of a debilitating nature, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cholesterol concerns, etc. Therefore, the negative frame heightened subjects' awareness and interest towards the desired behavior according to a \"sensitization to risk\" argument. Importantly, the negatively framed message in high credibility condition could not be discounted due to the trust and respect accorded the message's sponsor.The findings of this study suggest that in general a high credibility source must be used in communication strategy. Nevertheless, if the creative strategy required not using a high credibility source, positively framed arguments should be used.Finally, current life style emerged as a strong influence. This influence was particularly important for the intention to engage in the exercise and physical activity dimension. Given previous exercise patterns of the subjects, this effect may be explained through efficacy arguments. Accordingly, messages that portray exercise activity by participants similar to those being targeted (in addition to direct persuasion) may prompt heightened efficacy through vicarious modeling (Bandura, 1997), and should be considered when designing the overall marketing strategy. This suggestion is particularly significant for service providers addressing an aging population. Here, age similarity of participants, as well as the setting of the proposed exercise activity, should be considered when constructing and presenting the message.\nConclusion: This study examined the influence of message framing and source credibility on the attitude and intention toward exercise and fitness activities. The findings from a factorial design revealed significant interaction effects of framing and credibility. However, the mean effects for credibility were more critical than were those for framing. Further, the study indicates that while ones' current life style may have an influence the major effects of framing and credibility on the desired exercise and fitness activity remain unchanged.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - To investigate the influence of message framing and message credibility on one's attitude and intention toward exercise and fitness activities.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - A sample of 136 respondents participated in the study. A 2 x 2 factorial design was utilized and tested using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).\nFindings: - The findings reveal the significance of source credibility for influencing both attitude and intention toward exercise and fitness activities. Additionally, the results reveal a significant impact of current lifestyle on attitude as well as intention toward exercise and fitness activities.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The findings suggest the importance of carefully designed messages to reach and affect a target population whose exercise activity has been largely unaffected despite years of public pronouncements and publicity.\nPractical implications: - Service marketers could most effectively encourage physical activity by utilizing highly credible sources in their messages. If high credibility sources cannot be secured, positively framed messages should be used.\nOriginality/value: - The interaction effects of message framing and source credibility have received limited research attention, particularly in the exercise and fitness context.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Six sigma: from a goal-theoretic perspective to shared-vision development	[ "Six sigma", "Team working", "Statistical process control", "Organizational performance" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: The six sigma methodology has become one of the most important quality initiatives in the world at the present. Motorola and General Electric provide the best-known examples of six sigma success. The former obtained savings of over $940 million in three years (Hann et al., 1999), and the latter increased its operating margin from 14.4 to 18.4 per cent during the first five years of program implementation (Lucier and Seshadri, 2001). Shamji (2005) studied several firm experiences, including those of Samsung Electronics, American Express, Motorola, General Electric, the National Science Foundation and Du Pont, and observed that companies save an average of $100,000-200,000 per implemented improvement project.The positive effects of six sigma implementation are well known due to experiences such as those of Motorola, General Electric, and Allied Signal, but the literature contains little empirical research that tests six sigma's influence on organizational performance. Lee and Choi (2006) observed six sigma's positive effects on quality improvement, process innovation, and corporate competitiveness. Antony et al. (2007, 2005) studied six sigma implementation in UK service and manufacturing SMEs, respectively. The results showed benefits such as improved customer satisfaction, reduction in process variability, increased profitability and increased market share. However, not all results are favourable for six sigma. For example, Goh et al. (2003) studied stock price performance on the six sigma announcement day. They could not find significant differences in stock price performance on the announcement day or in the long run. This paper contributes to the empirical literature on six sigma by observing its positive effects on organizational performance. Specifically, our study tests whether the important six sigma practices of teamwork and statistical process control (SPC) could be a reason for the initiative's success.An analysis of the six sigma teamwork methodology, based on concepts from the goal-theoretic perspective contributed to academic understanding and led to the development of a number of propositions by which the phenomenon could be investigated empirically (Linderman et al., 2003). Some of these propositions were subsequently tested, and the setting of goals within six sigma improvement teams was found to contribute to the achievement of higher levels of performance, provided that the six sigma tools and method were adhered to (Linderman et al., 2006). This finding is in accord with the goal-theoretic perspective which argues that the setting of specific and challenging goals is linked to motivation and performance (Linderman et al., 2003, 2006). In this paper, we use the goal-theoretic perspective and propositions developed by Linderman et al. (2003, 2006) to attempt to further explain the success of the six sigma methodology. For this purpose, we introduce a new variable - shared vision - arguing that this is related to the use of specific and challenging goals.The importance of shared vision for the organization was indicated by Senge (1992) in which the author explained some of the positive effects such as long-term commitment, easier learning and improvements, and increases in workers' aspirations. These benefits help the organization adapt quickly and flexibly to changing markets resulting in a stronger competitive advantage. The importance of shared vision is currently motivating the publication of studies that attempt to observe their positive effects on organizational performance (Cohen and Toleman, 2006; Garcia-Morales et al., 2006; Shum, 2007). This study seeks to enrich this emerging line of empirical research by observing whether we can go beyond our knowledge that teamwork and statistical control of processes of the six sigma methodology affect-shared vision to determine whether this shared vision can have positive repercussions on organizational performance.The main purpose of this paper is to determine whether six sigma teamwork and SPC have a positive influence on the development of shared vision. We will then determine whether this shared vision leads to higher organizational performance. The paper is structured as follows: after this introduction, we present a literature review that covers three areas: six sigma methodology and its teamwork and SPC; the importance of shared vision in the organization; and the goal-theoretic perspective as an explanation for linking teamwork and SPC in six sigma, and shared vision. After we review the literature, we describe the methodology and the analysis performed. Subsequently, we discuss the results obtained and present the main conclusions, limitations and recommended directions for future research.\nTheoretical background: Six sigma methodology\nResearch method: Data sample\nData analysis: First, we separated from the total research sample (237 responses) the organizations that indicated the implementation of the six sigma methodology (66 responses). Next, from these, we selected those firms that had assigned an implementation value of two or higher on the scale. This guaranteed that the firms used in the study had already implemented the initiative in some depth, and avoided introducing data from organizations in which the six sigma initiative had not yet had sufficient development. Thus, we eliminated eight organizations from the study who responded at level 1 on the Likert scale, indicating that they used the six sigma initiative to only a minimum degree of implementation. The rest of the organizations (58 cases) responded at level 2 or higher on the scale. Thus, the final group of six sigma firms observed was composed of 58 organizations.Structural equation modelling\nDiscussion of results and further directions for research: The main goal of this study was to observe whether teamwork and SPC within the six sigma methodology influence positively the development of a shared vision in the organization. We analyse in greater empirical depth the possible reasons for the success of a six sigma initiative. Further, this paper contributes to the emerging literature that analyses the effects of shared vision on organizational performance.First, our results show that teamwork and SPC within six sigma lead to the achievement of greater shared vision. One of the concepts on which we have grounded the reasoning of this paper is the orientation of six sigma to specific and challenging goals (Linderman et al., 2003, 2006). The specific goals established by six sigma are shared by its members, creating a common future image, that is, the shared vision (Pearce and Ensley, 2004). Further, the highly challenging goals that six sigma establishes (Pande et al., 2002; Linderman et al., 2003, 2006) develop more cohesive groups with better communication, trust, and cooperation. Llorens and Molina (2006) have established theoretically that six sigma teamwork differs from teamwork included in other quality initiatives, mainly due to the creation of specialized positions to run its projects instead of overloading the firm's managers. Further, the BBs and GBs are responsible for leading teams and improvement projects (Gitlow, 2005; Pande et al., 2002). To do this, they foster the participation of the workers, formalize the work that they perform and encourage the workers to work as a team. These positions help to make the goals specific by focusing attention on the improvement projects established and thus avoiding the conflicts that can arise due to multiple goals (O'Leary-Kelly et al., 1994; Zander, 1980). In this way, the positions exercise the function of team leadership, which together with their help for good functioning, appropriate development of meetings and achievement of group identity satisfy the requirements established by Hambrick (1997) for achieving an integrated team that shares a vision of the future.Although, SPC usage in the six sigma methodology may not contribute any new content (Gijo and Rao, 2005), it does differentiate this initiative from others by granting quality management greater structure and formality (Breyfogle, 2003; Pande et al., 2002). The greater formality and structuring of the statistical techniques used offer another possible explanation for the success of six sigma. The great importance attributed to SPC in six sigma makes it the strongest technique for quality improvement from the statistical perspective (Llorens and Molina, 2006). This differentiates it from other initiatives that are weaker from the perspective of, for example, the ISO standards. As with teamwork, six sigma SPC is also supported by challenging and specific goals that each statistical tool and method must fulfil, such that the goal-theoretic perspective provides support for this relationship. Further, the common use of all of these tools contributes to facilitating communication between workers, to developing a shared language, to eliminating possible conflicts and misunderstandings, and to increasing the cohesion of groups.This study thus adds to the small number of empirical studies that observe the positive effects of six sigma on organizations (Antony et al., 2005, 2007; Lee and Choi, 2006). Our results allow us to explain six sigma's success from a perspective of teamwork and the tools used. We do not see the direct relation of the six sigma practices to variables of performance such as improvement in competitiveness (Lee and Choi, 2006), profitability or market share (Antony et al., 2005, 2007). However, the results show a positive effect on an intermediate variable, shared vision, which, as we will discuss next, could affect organizational performance. This study thus provides a possible reason for six sigma's positive results, one that follows the lines of Choo et al. (2004), who observe that the structuring of projects and psychological security in a six sigma firm affect knowledge creation positively. Nevertheless, future research should use the same process to study the effect of six sigma practices on other variables such as organizational learning (Wiklund and Wiklund, 2002) to provide an increasingly precise explanation of the real functioning of six sigma. Further, other structural aspects of this methodology, such as supplier management (Banuelas and Antony, 2003; Breyfogle, 2003) and design of products, processes and services (DFSS [2]) (Breyfogle, 2003; Pande et al., 2002) could also serve as an orientation for continuing in-depth analysis of the real reasons for the success of six sigma.In spite of the fact that results obtained in this study support H1 and H2, the literature does not clarify completely the direction of the causal relationship of teamwork and SPC to shared vision. The main difference could be found in the interpretation of teamwork and SPC. If both elements are understood as a result, the fact that the employees who practice them possess a shared vision would probably have positive repercussions for the team's performance and for the results obtained when using SPC. In this sense, for example, Hong et al. (2004) confirmed that clarity of objectives improves teamwork. Pearce and Ensley (2004) observed that shared vision affects the power and behaviour of the team positively, due to the fact that it generates better understanding, greater consensus and better communication and coordination. Shared vision facilitates orientation of workers' behaviour in the right direction, contributing to the success of the innovation or learning required (Garcia-Morales et al., 2006). However, if we understand teamwork and SPC as on-going activities or processes in the organization, then the dynamic of team functioning, the use of shared statistical tools, the possession of common objectives, and the cohesion developed over time would enable the development of shared vision in the team members and employees who share the tools and statistical methods. Kirkpatrick and Locke (1996) presented shared vision as a component of team performance. Hootegem et al. (2004) differentiate different stages in the evolution of a team. As these stages unfold, the team's direction becomes more defined and more clearly identified by its members. In our case, this corresponds to shared vision. For example, the use of specific objectives leads to the development of shared vision (Chan et al., 2003; Ensley et al., 2003), as occurs with teams and with SPC in six sigma. The cohesion and unity among the employees is a result of teamwork and tool sharing. The employees are not bonded at the beginning of their work; nor do they share a common vision. Rather, it will be the development of the activity that enables them to achieve this objective. Starting from the increasingly recognized importance of the need to develop a shared vision among the organization's members, we have in the current study chosen to work in this second line of research, seeking antecedents that facilitate this development.Secondly, the relationships established by Linderman et al. (2003, 2006) enabled us to justify theoretically the empirical relations that were tested. Our study represents a very significant contribution to this field, as it introduces new relationships based on the goal-theoretic perspective. Thus, this study explains how six sigma improvement teams, as well as the tools and methodology that they use and by means of the specific and challenging objectives that they establish, as shown by Linderman et al. (2006), lead to the development of shared vision. A new line of research could be to investigate empirically the relation between the assumptions of the goal-theoretic perspective and the development of shared vision.Third, the results show a positive but not significant effect of shared vision on organizational performance, measured in terms of sales, market share and profits as compared to the competition over the last three years. The analysis shows that the direct effect of shared vision on the performance measured is not significant (a=0.12, t=0.66). In the literature review, there are papers that have found a direct influence (Cohen and Toleman, 2006; Shum, 2007) and an indirect influence (Cohen and Toleman, 2006; Garcia-Morales et al., 2006) of shared vision on the organization's performance. Our results seem to follow the line of work which observes that the indirect effect of shared vision on performance through other variables can be more important than its direct effect. One possible justification for our results may be that the studies that have found a direct influence of shared vision on performance were conducted in contexts that demand innovation or knowledge, in which the effects of shared vision on performance are more significant (Shum, 2007; Senge, 1992). Future research could contribute empirically to the study of this indirect relationship between shared vision and organizational performance.Finally, among the limitations of our study, we must include the fact that six sigma implementation is observed using a single item testing its development degree, instead of a compound construct. The sample of six sigma firms is not distributed uniformly between the observed countries. Together with the cross-sectional character of the research, this factor somewhat limits generalization from these results. Further, organizational performance is measured through the evaluations of those surveyed in relation to the competition over the last three years, which introduces some subjectivity. Thus, longitudinal research that analyses a greater number of cases and that observes effects on real results of organizations could enrich the literature on the six sigma quality management initiative and the success it brings.In conclusion, we can affirm that this study contributes to developing empirical knowledge of the benefits of the implementation of quality management initiatives in the firm. Specifically, it studied the effects of implementing the six sigma quality management initiative to provide a possible explanation of the initiative's good results. Teamwork and SPC in six sigma differentiate it from the rest of the initiatives and lead to the development of a greater shared vision.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to extend understanding of the success of the six sigma quality management initiative by investigating the effects of six sigma teamwork and statistical process control (SPC) on organizational-shared vision.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The information used comes from a larger study, the data for which were collected from a random sample of 237 European firms. Of these 237 organizations, 58 have implemented six sigma. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.\nFindings: - The main findings show that six sigma teamwork and SPC positively affect the development of organizational-shared vision. A positive but not significant influence is also observed between shared vision and organizational performance.\nResearch limitations/implications: - Positive effects found in this study should be investigated further employing a larger sample of six sigma firms and including other variables such as organizational learning. Further, the effects of these variables on performance should be measured with real results from firms to test possible direct and indirect influence on performance.\nPractical implications: - The findings of this study offer a justification of six sigma implementation in firms. This study provides the authors with an in-depth understanding of some structural elements that characterize the six sigma methodology, enabling the authors to provide an explanation for its success.\nOriginality/value: - There is little empirical research on the positive effects of six sigma implementation and even less that explains the success of six sigma initiatives. This paper contributes to filling this gap. It also contributes to emerging literature on how the development of shared vision affects organizational performance.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Impact of information and communication technology on marketing of rice: A study of Uttar Pradesh	[ "ICT", "Logistic regression", "Agricultural marketing", "Dummy regression", "Net price received" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: 1.1 Market information and marketing\n2. Existing literature: In this section, the existing literature works on the ICT are discussed under four different subsections, namely different modes of ICT initiations, benefits of ICT initiation, factors influencing use of ICT and challenges of ICT initiation.\n3. Research methodology: 3.1 Variables considered\n4. Results and discussion: 4.1 General description of the variables under study\n5. Conclusion: The application of ICT can work as a driving force in the development process of agricultural sector by means of dissemination of required information to the end user. This paper has made an effort to comprehend the role of ICT use in enhancing the farmers profit in the existing market scenario. A significant positive impact of ICT use has been observed on the net price received by the farmers of Uttar Pradesh. Education has a significant impact on the use of ICT. In the present study, the secondary level educated people are more efficient users of ICT. Land holding type has also influenced the use of ICT. It is interesting to mention that age has no barrier for the use of IT. Finally, it can be said that the scope of empowering the agricultural marketing facilities in India by use of latest technologies, made available through ICT projects, is enormous. More focus on education, awareness, training, etc., is required to reap the benefits of ICT to a greater degree for agricultural marketing in India.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The lack of proper dissemination of market information is observed as the main reason of poor marketing of the agricultural produce in India. Application of information and communication technology (ICT) can bridge this information gap by means of dissemination of required marketing information specifically targeted at the farmers. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of ICT on marketing of rice in Uttar Pradesh, one of the biggest northern states of India.\nDesign/methodology/approach: As rice is the dominant crop of Uttar Pradesh, the impact of ICT on net price received (NPf) by rice producers of the state is studied. An attempt is also made to identify the factors that influence the use of ICT. Primary data are collected through a multistage sampling technique. Single, multiple dummy and binary logistic regression models are used in the present work.\nFindings: A significant difference is observed in the NPf of the farmers using ICT than that of non-users. Education and land holding type also have a positive and significant impact on ICT use.\nOriginality/value: In the existing literature, the study related to the impact of ICT on agricultural marketing is almost absent for India in general, and Uttar Pradesh in particular. ICT has created impact in almost all directions of life. It is expected that the implementation of ICT will create a notable impact on the income level of the farmers. The present study will give a direction in this regard. The study is based on primary data and original work of the authors.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
A new method of HACCP for hospitality: changing behaviour and proving success	[ "Psychology", "United Kingdom", "Hospitality services", "Food safety", "Control systems" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is the international standard for managing food safety (Codex, 2003) and its use is advocated in the hospitality industry. However, as previous papers in this special theme edition demonstrate, there is an overwhelming range of practical and psychological barriers to its successful implementation in this industry (Taylor, E.A., 2008; Taylor, J.Z., 2008; Taylor and Forte, 2008).\nMethodology: The research carried out to evaluate the new method of HACCP for hospitality is based on previous \"base-line\" data that was gathered during an earlier phase of the project. This is described in detail in paper three of this special theme issue (Taylor, J.Z., 2008).In 2003, narrative interviews and documentary analysis in 22 small hospitality businesses in Greater Manchester demonstrated a set of 21 barriers to HACCP and food safety management in the hospitality industry (Taylor, J.Z., 2008). Following this, an innovative new method was developed and piloted in these businesses (Taylor and Taylor, 2008). A longitudinal evaluation was enabled by replicating the research process after six months and three years to assess knowledge, attitude and behavioural change.Following the first narrative interviews and documentary analysis, \"mentors\" employed by the University of Salford visited the businesses and guided them in implementing the new system. The second narrative interviews were then carried out in 2004, with the 15 business managers still in the same position and available. This interview was structured in the same way as the first interview, with the same questions as a starting point but with the interview remaining open enough to allow stories of the interviewees choosing. No direct questions were asked about the new system, as the interview was designed to detect subtle changes in food safety knowledge, attitude and behaviour, not simply to find out whether it was liked. The business managers were also asked if it would be possible to see their current food safety management documentation and records.The third narrative interviews were conducted in April 2006 with the five business managers still in the same position and available after three years. Their purpose was to assess whether, over three years later and with no further support, the businesses from the original sample had maintained their improvements in knowledge, attitude and behaviour. They also aimed to find out whether any businesses had continued to use the original system, despite being under no legal or enforcement pressure at the time. The business managers were also asked if it would be possible to see their current food safety management documentation and records.\nResults and analysis: The hospitality industry is well known as one with a high turnover of businesses and staff. For that reason it was expected that the number of businesses still in operation, with the same managers, would be reduced over the three-year research period. The research method chosen, which is highly in-depth and not reliant on large sample sizes, was found to be not only most suitable for eliciting new data, but also for dealing with this issue. It was hoped that access could be maintained over the three-year period and two further interviews conducted with at least five business managers.The businesses interviewed in the six-month and three-year phase of the research project represent those who were still in business, with the same manager in place, and available to be interviewed in the timeframe provided.From the original sample of 22, from which 100 per cent access was gained, the number of on-site original business managers available to be interviewed was 12 after six months and five after three years. All those who could be contacted agreed to be interviewed, representing 100 per cent access to the available sample. An overview of documentation and active record keeping in the five final businesses can be seen in Table I.Longitudinal impact on barriers\nKnowledge barriers: Barrier 1. Lack of HACCP awareness\nAttitude barriers: Barrier 4. Lack of risk awareness\nInternal behavioural barriers: Barrier 12. Operation variability\nExternal behavioural barriers: Barrier 19. Negative guideline factors\nConclusion: It can be seen that the new system has been a great success in the businesses in this sample. It has met with a highly positive reaction, despite having increased levels of paperwork and requiring time and effort on the part of the managers and their staff. It has also reduced or eliminated the 21 barriers towards food safety management at knowledge, attitude and behavioural levels. It can be seen to have promoted better management skills and the production of safer food.As the businesses were selected from a random sample of businesses in Greater Manchester, with no support or guidance between the six month and three year evaluation and no legal or enforcement pressure, this increases confidence in the applicability and potential success of the system in a wider context.The system evaluated in this study was the first draft of the FSA/University of Salford product, implemented in the businesses with individual \"mentor\" support. The latest versions of the new method, Menu-Safe and SFBB, contain improvements such as photographs and pre-documentation of the most common kitchen practices, which should enable the system to be implemented more quickly and with less external support. However, while Menu-Safe is a full version of the system, the final SFBB package is shorter and contains less business detail. This makes it even easier to implement, but potentially at the cost of some of the more in-depth improvements brought out of this research. Further research would be required to assess this, and investigate different methods of delivery and support.As a result of this evaluation, the specialist research technique and particular application that was employed has been recognised and recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and World Health Organisation of the United Nations. In a recent guidance document to governments on the application of HACCP in SLDBs it is stated that: \"While it is difficult to directly assess changes in knowledge, attitude and behaviour in food safety, a number of psychological tools have been used successfully, for example: The narratology approach uses in-depth, non-directive interviews and subsequent detailed content analysis to assess the \"psyche\" of the interviewee. If undertaken before and after an intervention, psychological change in knowledge, attitude and behaviour within the business can be determined\" (Food and Agriculture Organisation/World Health Organisation, 2006, p. 25). It is recommended that further research evaluating HACCP and HACCP-based systems be undertaken using rigorous, in-depth methods.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this paper is to prove the effectiveness of a new method of HACCP for the hospitality industry that was developed, piloted and validated by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the University of Salford between 2002 and 2005. It is the fifth article in the second Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes issue of the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management presenting a new method of HACCP for the hospitality industry and proof of its utility.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - In 2003, in-depth narrative interviews, supported by documentary analysis, were carried out in 22 hospitality businesses in Greater Manchester. The new method was implemented in these businesses, and the research method was replicated at six month and three year periods to assess change.\nFindings: - The findings show notable improvements in food safety knowledge, attitude and behaviour, and a reduction or elimination of all 21 previously identified barriers, as a result of implementing the new method. They also show these are maintained over time with no external pressure or involvement.\nOriginality/value: - Based on the evidence of success provided through this research, the paper shows that the new method has been extended and published as Menu-Safe, a system for hospitality businesses of all types and sizes. It has also been shortened and developed by the UK FSA into a ready-to-use package called Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) for very small hospitality businesses, and implemented nationwide.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Employment support to home-workers: the role of civil society	[ "Employment", "Civil society", "Contractors", "NGOs", "Earnings" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: \"Why government?\" is an age-old question to which the easiest answer is that the principle of exchange cannot always ensure growth with social justice. The initial levels of inequality in resource endowment may lead to further inequality in terms of human capital formation, incomes and command over future resources. The role of government may be justified to ensure that those with meager resources do not at least get excluded from the process and benefits of growth. Their active participation and their accessibility to economic opportunities in order to realize upward mobility is an intrinsic aspect of pro-poor growth process. However, like market failures government failures can also arise in a wide range of areas mainly when possibilities exist to provide a tangible form to the rent seeking behaviour of the individuals including the government employees. In such cases welfare losses are massive as utility losses of individuals, particularly the economically weaker sections, are much greater in magnitude than the gains to a selected few. The responsibilities of the state and the voluntary sector in providing inputs to the public projects are discussed by Besley and Ghatak (2001). Their main concern is to involve the private sector in the provision of public goods which they justify by arguing that the ownership should reside with the party that cares most about the project.\n2. Empirical analysis: The survey data includes three categories of households such as: first, those associated with an organization, called SEWA Delhi at the time of survey (SEWA Delhi-active); second, those associated with SEWA Delhi in the past (six months back) but not any more (called as non-active SEWA Delhi); and third, those who are independent and operate in the market through the contractors. It is noted that even among the SEWA Delhi-active category only 4 per cent received financial assistance from the NGO itself (Table I). This is indicative of very thin penetration even of a highly reputed civil society like SEWA Delhi as far as micro credit is concerned. Nearly 20 per cent took assistance from other sources and 76 per cent had none in spite being associated with SEWA Delhi in relation to work consignments.\n3. Econometric modelling of participation in a civil society organization and its impact on income: In this section the main objective is to examine if participation in a civil society organization benefits members in terms of enhanced earnings. This, however, cannot be tested directly because of the problem of endogeneity. In other words, the decision to participate in a civil society is dependent on certain variables and, therefore, it will be erroneous to treat participation as exogenous. At the same time participation or non-participation is a qualitative variable: modelling this decision will have to be based on the probability framework such as logit or probit. Hence, the probability model has been estimated first and the estimated probability is used as an instrument in the earning function.\n4. Conclusion: There are several cases of poor performance of the civil society which arises primarily because of two reasons: the participants of the organization are often guided by profit motive either individually or collectively which reduces the status of the organization to an ordinary economic agent and second, the constraints under which at times the civil society functions are so severe that the performance level is reduced significantly. Since the engagement-trust relationship is not stable the possibility of profit motive becoming predominant at a later stage cannot be ruled out even if initially one pursues welfare activities with a philanthropic attitude. The present paper drawing results from a sample survey compares the individuals who have had access to a civil society in terms of earning opportunities with those who operated through contractors. Participating in the market directly was not possible because the suppliers did not have either a sale outlet or direct access to those who possessed a sale outlet.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of civil society in providing higher levels of employment and earnings compared to what labour contractors usually offer.\nDesign/methodology/approach: Based on the primary survey data the authors have estimated econometric models to capture who is likely to join the civil society and whether joining actually improves the earnings.\nFindings: The authors observe that a civil society not necessarily is able to provide employment opportunities on a large scale nor it is able to take a lead role in multiple activities. The binomial logit model is indicative that women from large households with greater domestic burden tend to join the civil society and subsequently their earnings increase. However, the lack of work consignment forces many workers to operate through the contractors. Not necessarily the functioning of a civil society ensures optimal outcomes.\nResearch limitations/implications: The survey was conducted on the members of only one civil society.\nPractical implications: For a civil society to be successful active operation and a large scale coverage are important. The government and civil society closely may have to operate in order to reap better outcomes. Otherwise like government failures civil society failures can also be rampant.\nOriginality/value: A direct evaluation of civil society participation is done in comparison to those who do operate through the contractors.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Coordination in temporary organizations: Formal and informal mechanisms at the 2016 Olympics	[ "Contingency theory", "Project management", "Temporary organizations", "Hybridity", "2016 Olympic Games", "Operational coordination" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: The primary concern of the operations management (OM) discipline is the design of operations and supply networks that enable organizations to deliver products and services (Fisher, 1997; Slack et al., 2010). Since the early development of manufacturing strategy (Skinner, 1969), a critical task of the OM field has been to design processes according to the market requirements they are supposed to satisfy. For example, while Hayes and Wheelwright (1984) related the design of the process to the stage of the product life cycle, for Hill (1985), the \"process choice\" was related to volume. In the popular treatment of process design in Slack et al. (2010), volume and variety determine the choice of technology, the design of jobs and the layout or flow of process stages, as well as aspects of planning and control. In many of these frameworks, \"project\" is one of the basic process types, suited, like the job shop, to high-variety and low-volume activities.\n2. Firm-level operational coordination: Coordination is defined as \"integrating or linking together different parts of an organization to accomplish a collective set of tasks\" (Van de Ven et al., 1976, p. 322). Research on coordination in OM, following the evolution of the field, has addressed a wide range of topics. These include \"hard\" (e.g. industrial management methods, inventories, and process improvements) and \"soft\" issues such as supply chain management and strategy (Neely, 1993; Pilkington and Meredith, 2009), at different levels of analysis (strategic, tactical, and operational), within and between organizations.\n3. Coordination challenges in TOs: TOs present particular coordination challenges. First, being seen as ephemeral and unstable, they tend to lack formal structures that facilitate coordination and control (Meyerson et al., 1995). Second, because the workforce is often employed temporarily, staff may not become familiar with the context specificities and with each other; they need to work interdependently based on \"swift trust\" (Meyerson et al., 1995). Third, these organizations often face conditions of high uncertainty, complexity, time constraint, and fast decision making, where mistakes can sometimes be catastrophic (Bechky, 2006). Finally, in project-based organizations there might be a tension between the autonomy requirements of participants in particular projects and their functional embeddedness within the more enduring organizational settings. This may demand embedding of informal activities within the organization's formal coordination routines (Sydow et al., 2004).\n4. Methods: We have conducted an immersive case study (Barratt et al., 2011) using interviews, participant observation, and longitudinal fieldwork over a substantive portion of the time during which the TO operated. This allowed the investigation of operational coordination in real time as it evolved in its natural setting, taking into account important contextual aspects (Meredith, 1998). In TOs, particularly, longitudinal research designs are powerful ways to investigate complex organizational phenomena over time (Bakker, 2010; Bechky, 2006).\n5. Findings: We present the findings in four sub-sections. First, we describe the activities of the transport operation and identify some ways in which they differ from those of the previous edition of the Games. We then describe the four phases into which IOC's procedures divide each Olympic Games. Then, we present the coordination challenges and related strategies adopted. Finally, we explore how formal and informal coordination mechanisms were combined over time.\n6. Discussion and research contributions: RQ1. How does operational coordination take place through the various phases of work in TOs?\n7. Pedagogical implications: We believe that our paper has pedagogical implications for the disciplines of PM and OM. For PM, three aspects evidenced in our case should be particularly considered. First, TOs are temporary to differing degrees and in different ways. They exist in a variety of settings and present different degrees of hybrid (temporary as well as enduring and centralized as well as decentralized) elements. We propose that hybridity needs to be considered when teaching coordination and many other macro-processes related to PM, such as planning, resources allocation, scheduling, and leadership. Second, taking into account the importance of venueization for the project success in our case, we believe that it should be taught as a transition strategy, like tailoring and deployment, but with extreme characteristics due to rapid implementation among numerous, inexperienced, and diverse people. Venueization could be particularly explored in classes on structures and teams of the project organization. Especially for TOs presenting high complexity and decentralized organizational structures, venueization seems to be very important. Third, considerations on the coordination challenges across different phases of work in TOs and the contingent use of complementary coordination mechanisms over time should be included in PM course outlines.\n8. Conclusion: examining a \"new\" context through an \"old\" theory: In investigating coordination in TOs, this paper examined a \"new\" context, which is that of TOs, through the \"old\" CT (e.g. Galbraith, 1973; Lawrence and Lorsch, 1967; Thompson, 1967; Van de Ven et al., 1976, 2013). Traditional theories on coordination focus on formal and informal coordination as contrasting alternative mechanisms and tend to portray trade-offs between them (Bechky, 2006). However, TOs are diverse (Maylor, 2010; Meredith and Mantel, 2008) and can present different levels of variety, complexity, and uncertainty (Maylor et al., 2015; Ramasesh and Browning, 2014). Drawing from CT as the sensitizing theoretical lens to consider these types of differences, we show that not only are formal and informal coordination mechanisms contingent on the phase of work in TOs, but also that they exist simultaneously and to varying extents. We have found a hybrid mix of elements; i.e. enduring as well as temporary and centralized as well as decentralized. What is more, this mix changes over time to take care of specific objectives of different phases. The same organization went through at least three different organizational structures over a relatively short period (from March to September 2016) because of the changing mix of elements. Our longitudinal research design was particularly relevant for these investigations.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore intra-firm coordination in temporary organizations (TOs). Specifically, it identifies and explains how operational coordination evolves over time in a particular TO: the 2016 Olympic Games Organizing Committee.\nDesign/methodology/approach: This is an immersive case study based on qualitative analysis and longitudinal fieldwork, which allowed the observation of operational coordination in real time. The main sources of data are participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and internal documents of the TO.\nFindings: The findings suggest that operational coordination in TOs dealing with multiple and decentralized operations takes place through the combination of both formal and informal coordination mechanisms. Further analysis indicates a contingency logic in using these mechanisms, shaped by the presence of specific coordination challenges in different phases of work. Three main aspects influencing coordination are explored. First, it is suggested that TOs are inherently \"hybrid.\" That is, they comprise enduring as well as temporary and centralized as well as decentralized elements. These elements change over time. Second, a formal transition phase is explored: \"venueization\" - a phase between planning and operation in which centralized structural elements and processes are translated to operational units. Third, since TOs present emergence and dynamism, and related challenges across various phases of work, coordination is arguably contingent on the phase of the project.\nResearch limitations/implications: Although the findings are limited to a particular empirical context, this paper offers theoretically new insights concerning the hybrid nature of processes in TOs, the contingent use of complementary coordination mechanisms, and the importance of the venueization phase, and provides a basis for future research into operational coordination in TOs.\nPractical implications: The findings can help practitioners understand and identify the challenges embedded in temporary contexts and develop coordination strategies accordingly.\nOriginality/value: This study explains how operational coordination takes place in TOs enabled by formal and informal mechanisms, which are contingently combined over time through particular coordination strategies.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Lack of lending behind the surge in company closures	[ "Small enterprises", "Recession", "Loans", "Insolvency", "Business failure", "Financial services" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n__NO_TITLE__: The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is highlighting a record drop in lending as the main reason behind the increase in company insolvencies, as revealed in new figures published today. According to The Insolvency Service, there have been 5,055 compulsory and voluntary liquidations in England and Wales during the second quarter of 2009 - a 2.9 per cent increase on the previous quarter and a 39.1 per cent rise from the same quarter of 2008.\nLending to small businesses: The latest data from the Bank of England show that lending to small businesses dropped by PS14.7 billion during the same period - the biggest slump since 1997, when the Bank's records began. The rate of applications for finance under the Government's Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) has also fallen.\"A variety of factors are contributing to soaring insolvencies, but they all lead to the same major symptom - a lack of cash,\" said FPB spokesperson Phil McCabe. \"Some banking bodies are claiming that lending to small businesses has improved following the Government's intervention, but our research has consistently shown that demand for finance is not being satisfied by the supply from lenders. When finance is available, it is often far too expensive.\"According to FPB's latest Economic Downturn Panel (EDP) survey, compared to previous months a slight improvement in \"bank support\" (still reported by just 12 per cent of respondents) was offset by the vast majority seeing no improvement and 18 per cent experiencing a decline. The average lending rate for overdrafts, at 6.6 per cent, and the 6.4 per cent rate for loans were both well above the 0.5 per cent Bank of England base rate. Demands from banks for additional personal security also continued.Mr McCabe added: \"At the moment, we are seeing apparently viable businesses of a certain size or industry sector labelled as \"high risk\" by some banks. We want a return to \"relationship banking\" - creating strong links between businesses and lenders so that regional managers can judge lending risk accurately, on a case-by-case basis. It is time for a review of how the EFG scheme is being interpreted by banks.\"The EDP survey of FPB members found that an overwhelming 66 per cent of respondents want to see more support from local bank managers who are less constrained by centralised rules. In addition, 61 per cent of the small business owners surveyed want banks to develop a greater understanding of small businesses. Almost a third of respondents said that fears their business would be perceived as high risk had stopped them from accessing finance through the EFG.FPB member Steve Harkin, director and sales manager of Coventry-based Saxon Oil has had no success in securing any form of EFG funding from his bank and says he is \"furious\" over the situation. Mr Harkin blamed Saxon Oil's problems mainly on the attitude of an individual bank manager he was forced to deal with. However, he also believes a wider reluctance to lend to small businesses is plaguing the banks and putting countless SMEs out of business across the UK. He said: \"What makes it worse is that some of these banks are actually publicly-owned. We as taxpayers are shareholders and it's about time they pulled their socks up. They caused this and companies here in the West Midlands, where I am, are dying on their feet for want of credit and mine is one of them. If they don't act soon, what they will be doing (with the EFG) is passing us a life raft after we've drowned.\"\nEDP Report May 2009: The forum conducts regular surveys using a panel (representative sample?) of its membership. This section reports the results of the survey conducted in May 2009. Since the previous report, the following have taken place:* The Budget on 22 April;* The Bank of England voted to continue with its programme of asset purchases financed by the issuance of central bank reserves, and to increase its size by PS50 billion to a total of PS125 billion;* Interbank lending rates remain at historically low levels; and* British Bankers' Association (BBA) figures to March indicate a third successive month of increased lending to businesses with a turnover of less than PS1 million.There is an increased confidence amongst panel members as the liquidity crisis appears to be abating. Members' concerns are now based around dealing with the recession, in particular late payment, cutting costs and improving sales. Although slightly more businesses saw a deterioration in the market for product and services than saw an improvement, businesses are much more positive about their own viability for the future. There are still concerns among businesses in manufacturing and construction.Specific data on banking activity are now provided, beginning with lending to FPB members.Loans\nFuture banking requirements: In terms of what smaller businesses will require from banks in the future, 14 per cent of respondents stated that the banks do not need to improve at all and 2 per cent suggested that all bank managers should be like their local bank managers. An important point emerged about the awareness of banks of the needs of small businesses with 45 per cent of respondents would support a dedicated bank for small and medium-sized businesses. More businesses though would welcome localised support from local bank managers who understood their needs as a small employer and were less constrained by centralised systems.Understanding the needs and pressures on small and medium-sized businesses is more important for banks than understanding the industry that they are in. There was no significant support for the suggestion of making banks themselves smaller, however, a number of businesses wanted the banks to act in a less corporate way, with clearer, more personalised communication and less red tape.Two key findings for banks emerge from this survey. First, relationship marketing may have become a casualty of the credit crunch and for small businesses a relationship at a local level is a key factor in their banking needs. Second, small businesses are not well understood by banks, especially in their corporate thinking. An important step in achieving a better understanding would be a shift away from categorising small businesses by their industry and more on the basis of their size and their particular needs. By building stronger relationships, banks can better serve their small business customers.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The purpose of this article is to present data on the situation for small businesses during the current recession in terms of financial services support.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - A panel of members of the Forum of Private Business (FPB) were surveyed, seeking information about the services and support of financial services.\nFindings: - Whilst some respondents reported a slight improvement in support, the number of insolvencies continues to rise.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The panel represents only members of the FPB.\nPractical implications: - The data are very recent and report the current experiences of small businesses with messages to government and the financial services sector of a lack of support for small businesses.\nOriginality/value: - Small businesses are hard to access and the article contributes to both policy and practice in the support of an important commercial sector.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
On sustainable development of organization	[ "Continuous improvement", "Variability", "Organizational learning", "Algorithm", "Effectiveness", "Management commitment", "Organizational behaviours", "Development strategy", "Improvement process", "Repeatability" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: Continuous improvement seems an obvious imperative. It is one of the eight principles of quality management in the ISO 9000 standard. The Shewhart-Deming PDCA cycle is a model for continuous improvement. However, in assessing the need to improve any particular process, basic values are clashing with practical premises the rationality of which cannot be denied. The risk of failure in the process of improvement is high, appropriate containment actions somehow allow operations to continue. Improvement costs, effective improvement requires the provision of adequate resources, there is no time for improvement.\n2. Effectiveness and development in an organization: Nothing is perfect. This also applies to organizations created by humans. Below, we discuss the relationship between the organizational development and effectiveness. Understanding the variability helps us better understand the context of the relationship and priorities of both features of organization. The section provides an overview of terms and concepts belonging to different fields of management, as their interactions have inspired some of this work.\n3. Procedure ABC for increasing capacity of resources: Too low capacity of resources used in a process may decrease the effectiveness of the process (Myszewski, 2016). The growth of capacity can be achieved by increasing the amount of resources or by increasing the productivity of their use. The first method may be expensive while the second one requires time. The following procedure ABC allows increasing the capacity of resources in the process while reducing the nuisance of both above-mentioned methods.\n4. Strategy for sustainable development: The potential resources that the organization can allocate to improvement may be insufficient. The improvement is not a routine process, and its resource productivity is low. The costs of resources used to improve do not translate directly into customer value. Improvement is the responsibility of people who have enough current problems and therefore are reluctant to initiate a new process the outcome of which is exposed to considerable risk of failure.\n5. Summary: The procedure ABC (in Subsection 3) describes a general process to control the capacity of resources used in the improvement process. Its main purpose is to provide the improvement with the demanded capacity of resources. Procedure's setup enables various scenarios of capacity change, from stagnancy to an unrestricted growth, with intermediate variant in which the growth is periodically adjusted in connection with the transfer of some resources to other processes.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: The subjects considered in this research paper form the basic prerequisites for improving the effectiveness of organizational development. The author assumes that the effectiveness of any process depends on the size of the reserve of capacity of the resources used in the process (for details, see Appendix). The purpose of this paper is to determine the conditions for the effectiveness of improvement projects.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The author has constructed an algorithm (called ABC) to control the capacity of resources. With its help, the author defines the strategy for improvement in an organization. The basic principle of this strategy is continuous improvement, and tactics to control resources refers to the ABC algorithm.\nFindings: The author shows that continuous improvement is a prerequisite for the effectiveness of this strategy. It is shown that the features of this strategy reflect sustainable development of the organization. Along with the algorithm ABC, it forms a basis for the sustainable development strategy. The author shows conditions for effectiveness and explains how the strategy shapes the sustainable development of the organization. The author also explains why commitment of top management is necessary, what it is, and how it can benefit the organization.\nPractical implications: This effort is symbolized by the involvement of resources in projects conducted to improve organizational functions. The result of the capacity growth is increased ability to confront new challenges.\nOriginality/value: The author claims that the strategy for sustainable development is shaping the conditions for a gradual increase in the capacity of the resources used in the improvement process. The growth in resource capacity in the repeatedly run improvement projects can serve as a model of organizational learning. The learning process requires effort.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
Understanding customer perceptions of internet banking: the case of the UK	[ "UK", "Internet banking", "Security", "Social media", "Customer perception" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: In recent years the market has seen rapid growth in new technologies within the service industry (Durkin et al., 2008). One of the service industries involved is the banking sector, where internet banking as a service delivery channel is becoming more popular due to the low cost per transaction and a wider variety of access options for the customer base (Shah and Siddiqui, 2006). Moreover, technological developments in commercial banking have driven rapid changes in the ways banks interact with their customers (Akinci et al., 2004; Liao and Cheung, 2002). These technological advancements are mainly in information and communication technologies (ICTs).\n2. Literature review: Internet banking provides banks with a competitive advantage by improving the quality of customer services and reducing their operational costs (Jourdan and Katz, 1999). Existing studies of internet banking focus mainly on three categories. First, a number of researchers have looked at customers' perceptions of the service delivery quality of internet banking. Others have examined consumer usage of and attitudes toward internet banking (Laforet and Li, 2005; Liao and Cheung, 2002). Finally, some scholars have examined consumers' motivations to adopt internet banking services. Although there are many different banks with a web presence, internet banking is more than just a system of eliminating physical boundaries, having facilities accessible wherever there is a customer (Southard and Siau, 2004). It also offers better communication channels between banks and customers, lowers costs for all parities, and enhances customer satisfaction (Southard and Siau, 2004).\n3. Methodology: 3.1. Research design\n4. Findings: Our analysis began by looking at the response patterns for each single question in the interviews. The answers were categorized in two sections, separating the attitudes of adopters and non-adopters toward internet banking. Table III shows some of the most common answers from participants.\n5. Discussion: This research investigated customer perceptions of internet banking in the UK by conducting a qualitative study. Our results indicate that the services of transferring money and paying bills are the most popular facilities for UK internet banking users. More importantly, our findings certainly support the importance of concerns about security, which still remain a customer priority regardless of the fact that technological advancements have been introduced in different contexts to enhance the security of internet banking. In addition, our findings also suggest that although some technological developments such as card readers do resolve UK internet banking adopters' security concerns, these technologies limit the freedom of customers to use internet banking when and where they choose because they are required to have card readers or other authentication technologies to access their internet banking services. Furthermore, our results indicate that UK internet banking adopters are highly satisfied with internet banking, suggesting that banks in the UK have been successful in their marketing strategies for delivering internet banking services to their customers. Customer satisfaction is essential in the context of internet banking because it can help to boost the adoption rate of internet banking through WOM, which is spread by happy customers in the community. Our results also emphasize the role of customers' awareness of technologies and how banks can assure bank customers that their financial activities on online platforms are secure. We also determined that customers are still interested in postal communication, which can incur further cost for banks. In fact, over time social media can help banks to change customer perceptions about communication channels. Although this is not a current channel for communicating with bank customers in the UK, it is a new marketing strategy that banks need to develop further, given the continuing expansion of social media.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: Existing work on internet banking has provided substantial knowledge of the benefits and economic impacts of internet banking from the bank's perspective. However, internet banking provides advantages for customers as well as the banking industry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate customer perceptions of internet banking in the UK with the goal of providing a comprehensive understanding of British internet banking.\nDesign/methodology/approach: In order to provide the detailed understanding of customers' perceptions of internet banking, a qualitative study was conducted. The primary method of data collection were 25 interviews. To provide triangulation and increase reliability, various documents and secondary data analyses about internet banking in the UK were also used to supplement the analysis.\nFindings: The results indicate that money transfers and bill payment are the most popular facilities with UK internet banking adopters. More importantly, security is the most important factor affecting the rate of internet banking adoption in the UK. To resolve customers' security concerns about internet banking, some banks have introduced technologies such as card readers to avoid online fraud. In addition, the authors also found that customers are highly satisfied with internet banking.\nResearch limitations/implications: The qualitative nature of the study meant that in-depth interviews with a relatively small sample were the most appropriate method to address the research question. Future studies with larger, more representative sample sizes are encouraged to investigate how the findings can be generalized to larger populations. In addition, due to the popularity of social media, future studies are also advised to examine how they can influence customers' perceptions of internet banking and boost its adoption rate.\nOriginality/value: This paper investigates current perceptions of internet banking in the UK from the customers' perspective. Therefore, the findings of this study complement with existing work that focusses more on the bank's perspective to present a comprehensive understanding of this topic.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The joys and sorrows of a start-up's interactions with the public sphere: a case from medical technology	[ "Start-ups", "Inter-organizational interaction", "Med-tech", "Positive and negative effects", "Public actors" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\n1. Introduction: The importance of early interaction partners for the development and growth of start-ups has been recognized in recent IMP research (Aaboen et al., 2013; Aaboen et al., 2017; Baraldi et al., 2018), as well as in other streams of research (Hoang and Antoncic, 2003; Slotte-Kock and Coviello, 2010). The fact that start-ups are new and lack their own resources represents a liability which they try to compensate by relating to other actors (Snehota, 2011), who can provide specific resources (Ciabuschi et al., 2012) or endorse them in relation to other parties in a broader network (La Rocca et al., 2013).\n2. Theoretical framing: the functional roles of public actors and dual effects on start-ups: From its very conception, a start-up in the field of medical technologies may interact with a broad range of public actors: publicly owned universities and hospitals, individual physicians who are County Council employees, local or national innovation-supporting agencies, policymakers and central agencies issuing evaluations and guidelines for new medical technologies and methods. All these various types of public actors perform active roles and functions in relation to the development of a start-up. This section elaborates first on the roles that these public actors may play as key functions to support a start-up's development. In particular, the aim is to specify three functional roles that public actors may enact in relation to a start-up. These roles have inductively emerged as relevant from our empirical investigation of the focal start-up around which the case discussion will revolve. Thereafter, this section will delve into the negative effects of business relationships in general (Anderson et al., 1994; Hakansson and Ford, 2002) and specifically concerning relationships connecting start-ups and public actors performing the three functions that have been identified.\n3. Methods: The aim of this study is to investigate the \"joys and sorrows\", that is, the positive and negative facets of the interaction between a start-up and several public actors. As the negative consequences of network interactions on start-ups are not fully understood and indeed require further research (cf. Baraldi et al., 2018), a case study method is appropriate to penetrate the complexity of this phenomenon (Eisehardt, 1989). Moreover, our analytical focus is on the inter-organizational relationships, and to fully grasp the intricate interaction patterns and their consequences for the focal start-up, the study had to be based on detailed empirical material which can only be provided by one single in-depth case study (Easton, 1995). Furthermore, case studies have been found to be an appropriate method to follow longitudinal change processes and dynamics in individual settings (Van de Ven and Poole, 1990; Eisehardt, 1989). Dubois and Araujo (2004) argue in a similar vein, that a case study approach is valuable specifically in the investigation of inter-organizational interactions and relationships.\n4. The case of ProstaLund, a start-up with a new method to treat prostate enlargement: The founder of ProstaLund, Magnus Bolmsjo, did not initially intend to start a company producing medical technologies. At the beginning of the 1990s, he was running a small, one-man, engineering consultancy firm, Lund Instruments, with commissions in various fields (ranging from medicine to space engineering), when he received a request from a urology clinic at the University Hospital in Orebro, Sweden. It concerned a collaboration project with the goal of constructing a device where microwaves could be used to treat prostate enlargement, a technology known as TUMT. When Bolmsjo agreed to take on the project, he could not have imagined the journey his small business was embarking on (Interviews: Bolmsjo, 2006; Pedersen, 2006).\n5. Discussion and conclusion: In our discussion on the ProstaLund case, we first identify the specific organizations from the public sphere which the start-up interacted with as a way of answering our research questions concerning the perceived positive and negative facets of these interactions and how they were handled and eventually affected the development of the start-up.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: This paper aims to address the crucial interactions that a start-up enacts with actors from the public sphere in a context of medical technologies. The public actor commonly plays multiple roles, ranging from co-developers and financiers to large-scale users, which are all pivotal to the development and survival of the new venture. The paper investigates the possible \"dark sides\" of a start-up's marriage with a public partner, departing from three specific roles the public sphere can assume in relation to a start-up: as a development partner, as a financer and as a customer.\nDesign/methodology/approach: The study builds on an in-depth empirical case study of a Swedish med-tech startup company.\nFindings: The authors find the financing role to be least problematic, whereas the customer role is the most problematic in that it provides numerous barriers to the possible development and growth of a start-up firm striving to get new customers in a public setting. Examples of the most prominent barriers found are regulations, complex decision-making processes and assessment elements of med-tech products that are outside the control of the startup firm, hence issues that cannot be handled within inter-organizational relationships.\nOriginality/value: The study builds on 27 in-depth interviews, which were undertaken during 2005-2013, thus contributing detailed data about a start-up's many and crucial interactions with different public actors. Departing from three different roles, a public partner can adopt in relation to a start-up, (development, co-financer and customer) provides results with managerial implications for start-up's and policy implications for health-care policy.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]
The importance of customer focus for organizational performance: a study of Chinese companies	[ "Total quality management", "Customer orientation", "China", "Organizational performance" ]	[ { "content": "Summarize the following paper into structured abstract.\n\nIntroduction: Due to dynamic global competition during the past two decades, providing customers with quality product and service has become increasingly important. To maintain their competitive edge in the marketplace, many managers embrace the concept of total quality management (TQM), which was developed in Japan and has proven to be particularly successful in improving quality and productivity (Kaynak, 2003; Lagrosen, 2001). At the same time, considerable academic research has been devoted to TQM. Many studies have attempted, in particular, to identify the key constructs of TQM (e.g., Ahire et al., 1996; Black and Porter, 1996; Flynn et al., 1994; Saraph et al., 1989). These studies describe various critical TQM factors, such as leadership, training, employee relationship, customer focus, quality information usage, supplier quality management, process management, and others. In the present study, we investigate the impact of one of these critical factors, customer focus, on organizational performance.The importance of customer focus lies in the fact that it is the starting point of any quality initiative (Sousa, 2003). However, it has not received enough attention from quality management researchers. Specifically, two gaps exist in prior literature. First, existing studies have defined customer focus in different ways. Some researchers define it in terms of customer relationship practices, such as organizational procedures, systems, and practices that deal with customer needs (e.g., Flynn et al., 1994; Morrow, 1997; Powell, 1995), while others maintain that organizational customer orientation, i.e. the strategic emphasis placed on the customer within an organization, is also an integral part of customer focus practices (e.g., Ahire et al., 1996; Douglas and Judge, 2001; Samson and Terziovski, 1999). In this paper, we differentiate these two types of customer focus practices and maintain that organizational customer orientation establishes or constitutes the basis for customer relationship practices.Second, while a number of previous studies have investigated the influence of TQM practices on organizational performance (Choi and Eboch, 1998; Douglas and Judge, 2001; Kaynak, 2003; Powell, 1995), little research has specifically investigated the direct relationship between customer focus and various organizational outcomes. Prior studies either include customer focus in an aggregate TQM scale (Douglas and Judge, 2001), or link customer focus to a single organizational performance such as financial performance, work related outcomes, or operational performance (e.g., Morrow, 1997; Powell, 1995; Samson and Terziovski, 1999). These studies generally do not investigate the effects of customer focus on various organizational outcomes simultaneously. Additionally, some studies do not link customer focus to organizational performance (Flynn et al., 1994), and some even omit customer focus while examining TQM's impact on organizational performance (Kaynak, 2003).Needless to say, customer focus is as important as many other TQM practices to organizational performance (Dean and Bowen, 1994). Therefore, the relationships between customer focus and various organizational outcomes, such as financial performance, customer satisfaction, and production performance, need to be examined simultaneously. Such testing is important, since it allows an understanding of the mechanisms by means of which customer focus affects various organizational outcomes. In this paper, we maintain that customer relationship practices could affect customer satisfaction and production performance, which, in turn, enhance an organization's financial performance.Therefore, this article strives to fill the aforementioned gaps by empirically investigating the linkage among organizational customer orientation, customer relationship practices, and organizational outcomes. In succeeding sections of this paper, we first discuss our theoretical background and hypotheses. We then describe research methodology and findings. We finally discuss the implications of our findings, and point out limitations of the study as well as future research directions.\nTheoretical background and hypotheses: Importance of customer focus\nResearch methodology: Sampling and data collection\nData analysis and results: The research model was tested on the full dataset by using the EQS 6.1 program (Bentler, 1995). The initial test yielded a moderate model fit: Chi square with 72 degrees of freedom=544, NFI=0.90, NNFI=0.89, CFI=0.91, IFI=0.91, and SRMR=0.05. The results of the LM tests (Bentler, 1995) recommended that one additional path, from production performance to customer satisfaction, could be added to further improve the model fit. It indicated that if the path were added, the overall model fit would be significantly improved (chi-square drops by more than 50). This path appeared to be theoretically reasonable and of great research interest. Specifically, customers could be satisfied if manufacturer's production performance is improved. Accordingly, the initial structural model was revised by adding this path. The revised model was tested again. The test results showed an excellent model fit: Chi square with 71 degrees of freedom=262, NFI=0.95, NNFI=0.95, CFI=0.96, IFI=0.96, and SRMR=0.04. Among our hypotheses, H1, H2a, H2b, and H3a are supported, while H3b is rejected. The results of the analysis are presented in Figure 1.\nConclusion: In this paper, we maintain that customer focus practices consist of two elements: organizational customer orientation and customer relationship practices. Our research finding indicates that organizational customer orientation affects customer relationship practices, which subsequently influence production performance and customer satisfaction. Production performance and customer satisfaction lead to financial outcomes.Our findings show that customer relationship practices are greatly affected by organizational customer orientation. Notably, to effectively implement customer relationship practices, an organization needs to have a well established customer management system, and employees should be devoted to the implementation of such a system. An organizational-level customer orientation could help achieve these goals by motivating top managers to commit resources to the customer management system, and by motivating employees to actively seek customer feedback and disseminate customer knowledge within the organization.Interestingly, customer relationship practices appear to have relatively weak effects on customer satisfaction (path coefficient=0.14), than on production performance (path coefficient=0.78). In addition, our analysis shows that production performance has strong effects on customer satisfaction (path coefficient=0.88). As such, the path from customer relationship practices to production performance, and to customer satisfaction, explains more variance of customer satisfaction than the direct path from customer relationship practices to customer satisfaction. This result indicates that, while customers could be satisfied by the presence of a well-established customer management system and by the fact that the company is actively seeking their feedback, they are more concerned with the company's production performance. If customer relationship practices cannot result in improved production performance, such practices are not able to enhance customer satisfaction substantially.Another interesting finding of this research is that production performance is not directly related to financial outcomes. Rather, production performance affects financial outcomes by enhancing customer satisfaction. This finding highlights the need for companies to align their production performance with customer needs. If a company's product quality and productivity do not result in customer satisfaction, even excellent production performance may not enhance its financial outcomes. Customer's satisfaction, therefore, is the ultimate determinant of a company's financial performance.For quality management executives, our study suggests a critical path from organizational customer orientation to customer relationship practices, to production performance and customer satisfaction, and to financial performance. As such, companies need to promote customer orientation in their organization, in order to successfully implement customer relationship practices. Importantly, they should not expect that their performance could be greatly improved by simply implementing such practices. Only when they effectively utilize the knowledge that they collect to improve production performance, they can enhance customer satisfaction and their financial outcomes.Our study has some limitations that, in turn, provide directions for future research. First, we collected our data from China. Therefore, the research findings of this study might reflect, to some degree, unique aspects of Chinese companies. Caution should be exercised when generalizing these research findings to other nations. Future research needs to test the proposed model of this study in a different country setting. Second, our study focused only on manufacturing firms' customer focus practices. Future research may need to explore the research issues addressed in this study in the context of service companies. Finally, there is a need to conduct a longitudinal study on our research model. Specifically, it is important for future research to determine the long term effects of customer focus on different organizational outcomes.\n", "role": "user" }, { "content": "Purpose: - The main objective of this paper is to empirically investigate the linkage among organizational customer orientation, customer relationship practices, and organizational outcomes.\nDesign/methodology/approach: - The sampling frame of the study consists of 143,000 Chinese companies, each with revenue of more than 5 million RMB (Chinese currency). The target companies were randomly selected from 29 Chinese provinces using the stratified probability proportional to sizes (PPS) method. Structure equation modelling was utilized to analyze data.\nFindings: - It is found that organizational customer orientation affects customer relationship practices, which subsequently influence production performance and customer satisfaction. Production performance and customer satisfaction lead to financial performance.\nResearch limitations/implications: - The study has some limitations that provide directions for future research. Data were only collected from China. Therefore, the research findings might reflect unique aspects of Chinese companies. Caution should be exercised when generalizing these research findings to other nations. The study also focused only on manufacturing firms' customer focus practices.\nPractical implications: - Companies need to promote customer orientation in their organization, in order to successfully implement customer relationship practices. Only when they effectively utilize the knowledge that they collect to improve production performance can they enhance customer satisfaction and their financial outcomes.\nOriginality/value: - The paper maintains that customer focus practices should consist of two elements: organizational customer orientation and customer relationship practices. This offers new directions to researchers and practitioners for improving customer focus practices.\n", "role": "assistant" } ]

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