bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovering high-level BPMN process models from event data
Authors: Kalenkova Anna , Burattin Andrea , de Leoni Massimiliano , van der Aalst Wil , Sperduti Alessandro
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that process mining techniques can help to discover process models from event logs, using conventional high-level process modeling languages, such as Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), leveraging their representational bias.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated discovery approach presented in this work is aimed to mine: control, data and resource perspectives within one process diagram, and, if possible, construct a hierarchy of subprocesses improving the model readability. The proposed approach is defined as a sequence of steps, performed to discover a model, containing various perspectives and presenting a holistic view of a process. This approach was implemented within an open-source process mining framework called ProM and proved its applicability for the analysis of real-life event logs.

Findings

This paper shows that the proposed integrated approach can be applied to real-life event logs of information systems from different domains. The multi-perspective process diagrams obtained within the approach are of good quality and better than models discovered using a technique that does not consider hierarchy. Moreover, due to the decomposition methods applied, the proposed approach can deal with large event logs, which cannot be handled by methods that do not use decomposition.

Originality/value

The paper consolidates various process mining techniques, which were never integrated before and presents a novel approach for the discovery of multi-perspective hierarchical BPMN models. This approach bridges the gap between well-known process mining techniques and a wide range of BPMN-complaint tools.
Forty years of rural reform in China: retrospect and future prospects
Authors: Chen Xiwen
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Bottlenecked by rural underdevelopment, China’s overall development is bound to be inadequate and unbalanced. Through a brief retrospect of the reform directed against the “equalitarianism (egalitarianism)” in China’s rural areas, as well as the Chinese Government’s conceptual transformation and systemic construction and improvement thereof, the purpose of this paper is to clarify the panoramic significance of rural reform; the necessity, priority, and long-term nature of the current rural development; and the important role of public policy in doing so. It also looks ahead to consider the prospects for future rural reform.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first reviews the rural reforms that were carried out in 1978. Second, it introduces the government’s conceptual change regarding rural reform and the establishment and improvement of the system that underlies it. Finally, the future of rural reform is envisaged.

Findings

The initial rural reforms brought extensive and profound changes to China’s rural areas. The experience of rural reform has been referred to and escalated by other fields of study. Hence, rural reforms have become something of global significance. Moreover, since the government can undertake reforms well beyond the reach of farmers, its views must be modified in a timely manner, and only then may it reasonably construct and improve the system pertaining to the “three rural issues (agriculture, rural areas, and farmers).”

Originality/value

This paper reviews the rural reforms carried out in 1978. It introduces the government’s change of concept with respect to rural reforms and the establishment and improvement of the system based on the “three rural issues,” thus looking forward to the future of rural reforms. The findings of this paper are of significance to the formulation of future agricultural policies.
Mapping the use of open access resources by doctoral students in the USA by employing citation analysis
Authors: Wani Zahid Ashraf , Wani Showkat Ahmad
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the fully open access (OA) contents cited by researchers from top three universities in the USA (MIT, CIT and Stanford) in the field of physics. This study aims to identify the core fully OA journals widely used by researchers in the field of physics and evaluate the cited fully OA resources by applying various scientometric parameters to check the credibility of these OA resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The PhD theses awarded during 2014 in the field of physics and hosted in the institutional repositories of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), California Institute of Technology (CIT) and Stanford University, respectively, were selected and scanned to extract references of sources cited. Later on, Google Scholar was used to identify source journals of the extracted references. Only source “journals” were selected and analyzed; rest of other sources were ignored; accordingly, toll-access and OA journals were segregated, as such the OA-cited journals could be identified. The scientometric performance indicators were used to check the quality of identified core fully OA journal cited by USA researchers in the field of physics.

Findings

The results of this study show that fully OA resources are sufficiently used by the researchers of top three academic institutions of the world/USA. The study was also successful in identifying the core fully OA journals; besides it also reveals that these fully OA journals are highly impressive as showed by performance indicators applied. The major finding of the research includes the identification of top ten fully OA journals along with their impact based on different scientometric parameters like number of times cited, impact factor, h-index, immediacy index, impact per publication and Scimago Journal Rank (SJR).

Research limitations/implications

Because of a limited corpus of literature scrutinized in this study, the findings of the study may or may not represent the global picture in the field of physics.

Practical implications

The paper confirms that fully OA resources usage trend is positively increasing day by day, and there are vast numbers of core OA journals with high-quality impact available for use to researchers around the world. Besides, the paper also affirms the view that there should be more publicity of fully OA literature around the globe to reap the benefits of the same.

Social implications

This paper will assist researchers, libraries, information centers and research and development institutions to take a cost-efficient approach in using and disseminating the scholarly literature.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first pieces of research conducted on electronic theses and dissertation (ETD’s) in top three universities of the USA, to check usage percentage and quality of fully OA journal resources cited by doctoral students in the field of physics.
Perceptions of alcohol use in UK 12–14 year olds
Authors: Wood Lynne , McMurray Isabella
Published: October 2018

Purpose

A continuing challenge in the design of effective interventions to prevent adolescents’ alcohol misuse is understanding adolescent drinking behaviour. Although previous research has indicated a number of factors that might predict drinking behaviour, there has been less qualitative exploration of adolescents’ own views. The purpose of this paper is to gain a further understanding of adolescents’ views towards alcohol use and the types of environment in which adolescents drink alcohol.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative design was employed with eight focus groups conducted in groups of 3–5 with 27 adolescents (12 girls and 15 boys) aged between 12 and 14.

Findings

Thematic analysis identified overarching themes evident across groups suggesting key influences on adolescent drinking behaviour are “social norms”, “enjoyment of alcohol”, “images” and “creation of drinking spaces”.

Research limitations/implications

This research highlights the importance of environments, parents, friends and peers in understanding adolescent’s alcohol use.

Practical implications

The implications of this research suggest that interventions should consider targeting peer groups.

Social implications

These themes highlight the importance of more socially based interventions.

Originality/value

This paper explores adolescents’ own views of their drinking behaviours.
Improving business resilience through organizational embeddedness in CSR
Authors: Lamprinakis Lampros
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of embeddedness, highlight its connection with corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies, and argue for its importance in securing and strengthening organizational resiliency.

Design/methodology/approach

Embeddedness and CSR are both well-researched topics but have been typically addressed on separate literature streams. The paper draws upon this diverse literature to introduce a conceptual framework for embeddedness in CSR.

Findings

The paper illustrates the importance of embeddedness and how it can enhance existing CSR strategies. A strongly embedded organization becomes deeply rooted on its socio-economic and natural environments, thus setting a symbiotic relationship that extends beyond any narrowly defined business purposes. Strong embeddedness has the potential to increase and further expand any CSR-related benefits while shielding the firm from economic downturns and thus increasing its resilience.

Originality/value

The paper builds upon CSR literature by incorporating the concept of embeddedness and then proposing how such an approach can strengthen an organization and increase its resilience.
Energy disclosure law in New York City
Authors: Yang Eunhwa , Lee Yong-Cheol , Li Qi
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to primarily analyzing the state and pattern of current energy benchmarking progress on commercial buildings since the New York City’s energy disclosure law, Local Law 84: Benchmarking has been implemented. It then compares the yearly benchmarking progress of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified and non-LEED-certified buildings as well as ENERGY STAR-certified and non-ENERGY STAR-certified.

Design/methodology/approach

For thorough analytics, the authors combined and examined four sources of data: New York City Local Law 84: Benchmarking, Primary Land Use Tax Lot Output, US Green Building Council and US Environmental Protection Agency. The data sets were combined using two primary keys: the Borough, Block, Lot (BBL) number and the building address. Four years of energy use intensity values were obtained and normalized by shrinking the range of deviance in weather.

Findings

The findings indicate a significant improvement in the benchmarking progress when controlling building size, building type, year of construction or the most recent renovation and the presence of renovation. Interestingly, there is no significant difference in the energy benchmarking progress between LEED- and non-LEED-certified buildings. Possible reasons are explored and discussed.

Originality/value

From a methodological perspective, the study benefited from data disclosure as well as open data sources and used secondary data with a relatively large sample size. Many studies in the construction industry are based on the case-study approach, which may affect generalizability and causality of research findings. This unique approach illustrates the potential of secondary data analysis in the industry.
Maintaining performance
Authors: Beauregard Michael A. , Ayer Steven K.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of K-12 indirect facility maintenance and operation expense spending in Arizona and how the prioritization of work enables academic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from more than 200 academic districts over a five-year period to measure the correlation between plant maintenance and operations and academic outcomes. A qualitative analysis provided an in-depth understanding of how routine work is prioritized.

Findings

Results of the correlative model indicate that no positive relationship exists between academic performance and facility expense spending within the sample population. The lack of a positive correlation may be a result, in whole or in part, of many variables. The qualitative analysis, however, provided a more in-depth understanding of how academic districts manage educational facilities and how the prioritization of work may factor into a correlation.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the link between academic performance, expressed in terms of a return-on-assets, and facility management. The contribution of this paper is the documentation of facility maintenance and operations organizational structures to include the method of prioritizing routine work and the process of indirect expense spending in support of K-12 public education in the state of Arizona.
Lattice Boltzmann method for nanofluid flow and heat transfer in a curve-ended T-shaped heat exchanger
Authors: Rahimi Alireza , Bakhshi Hesam , Dehghan Saee Ali , Kasaeipoor Abbas , Hasani Malekshah Emad
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The study aims to study the nanofluid flow and heat transfer in a T-shaped heat exchanger. For the numerical simulations, the lattice Boltzmann method is used.

Design/methodology/approach

The end of each branch of the heat exchanger is considered a curve wall that requires special thermal and physical boundary conditions. To improve the thermal performance of the heat exchanger, the CuO–water nanofluid, which has better heat transfer performance with respect to pure water, is used. The dynamic viscosity of nanofluid is estimated by means of KKL model. Several active fins and solid bodies are implanted within the heat exchanger with different thermal arrangements.

Findings

In the present work, different approaches such as heatline visualization, local and total entropy generation analysis, local and total Nusselt variation are used to detect the impact of different considered parameters such as Rayleigh number (103< Ra < 106), solid volume fraction of nanofluid (φ= 0,0.01,0.02,0.03 and 0.04vol.per cent) and thermal arrangements of internal bodies (Case A, Case B, Case C and Case D) on the fluid flow and heat transfer performance.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is to analyze the two-dimensional natural convection and entropy generation using lattice Boltzmann method.
An efficient Bi-cubic B-spline ADI method for numerical solutions of two-dimensional unsteady advection diffusion equations
Authors: Rohila Rajni , Mittal R.C.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a novel numerical method based on bi-cubic B-spline functions and alternating direction (ADI) scheme to study numerical solutions of advection diffusion equation. The method captures important properties in the advection of fluids very efficiently. C.P.U. time has been shown to be very less as compared with other numerical schemes. Problems of great practical importance have been simulated through the proposed numerical scheme to test the efficiency and applicability of method.

Design/methodology/approach

A bi-cubic B-spline ADI method has been proposed to capture many complex properties in the advection of fluids.

Findings

Bi-cubic B-spline ADI technique to investigate numerical solutions of partial differential equations has been studied. Presented numerical procedure has been applied to important two-dimensional advection diffusion equations. Computed results are efficient and reliable, have been depicted by graphs and several contour forms and confirm the accuracy of the applied technique. Stability analysis has been performed by von Neumann method and the proposed method is shown to satisfy stability criteria unconditionally. In future, the authors aim to extend this study by applying more complex partial differential equations. Though the structure of the method seems to be little complex, the method has the advantage of using small processing time. Consequently, the method may be used to find solutions at higher time levels also.

Originality/value

ADI technique has never been applied with bi-cubic B-spline functions for numerical solutions of partial differential equations.
Innovative renewable energy technology projects’ success through partnership
Authors: Odabashian Vahe , HassabElnaby Hassan R. , Manoukian Agassy
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover the importance of several variables centered around partnership in renewable energy (RE) projects. The concept developed earlier is applied to the project environment to identify interrelations between external and internal drivers, project partnership, resources and project success. A framework consisting of logical chain to project success is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study derived the concepts and variables of RE projects’ partnership from the academic literature. The methodology of the case study was used to gain insights in relation to the variables in the logical chain of the proposed framework, suggesting that certain external/internal drivers direct diverse stakeholders to a partnership.

Findings

RE technologies are not commodities and require involvement of different stakeholders, who directly or indirectly are impacted by implementation of the RE projects. For the project to be a success, it is critical to involve the stakeholders early in the process and induce partnership synergy, through which dynamic capabilities and implementation mechanisms are capitalized upon as resources to achieve project success.

Originality/value

There appears to be no specific framework directly linking partnership synergy and project success; their relationships are only indirectly inferred. Focusing on project-level activities of public and private stakeholders the paper proposes a framework that conceptualizes relationships among external/internal drivers, partnership, resources and project success/performance. This could be a promising future research direction, helping technology project stakeholders maximize their returns by realizing full advantage of collaboration and partnership
Tawhidi Islamic economics in reference to the methodology arising from the Qurʾān and the Sunnah
Authors: Choudhury Masudul Alam
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to lay down the methodological structure of the epistemology of tawhid (Oneness of Allah). In this paper, the meaning of tawhid also refers to the monotheistic unity of knowledge (consilience) in the cast of its organic pairing by circular causation relations between the moral and material possibilities. The paper thereby raises the critique of mainstream economic reasoning and its imitation by existing Islamic economics. Consequently, by the ontological, epistemological and phenomenological foundation of tawhidi methodological worldview, an altogether new socio-scientific reasoning in generality and economic reasoning in particular is introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

The socio-scientific methodological reasoning of unity of knowledge according to the tawhidi methodological worldview is introduced contrary to the inept rational choice postulates of mainstream economic reasoning and its imitation by existing notions of Islamic economics. The method of instructing students in the light of this approach according to Tawhidi Islamic Economics (TIE) is introduced from the existing literature.

Findings

The existing nature of mainstream economics and its imitation by Islamic economics is critically deconstructed and replaced by the true epistemological, ontological and phenomenological perspectives of TIE in the world of learning. Some inner properties of such a methodological study of TIE are laid bare for further investigation.

Originality/value

This is the first paper of its kind in this journal to expound the original and most creative methodological worldview that Islamic economics must bear. This is the foundation of the development of the true stance of Islamic economics and finance.
Lean management approach in hospitals: a systematic review
Authors: Mousavi Isfahani Haleh , Tourani Sogand , Seyedin Hesam
Published: October 2018

Purpose

In the recent few years, the Lean management has made significant improvements in providing quality service to patients in many health-care centers. Thus, this study aims to systematically review features and results of conducted studies using a lean management approach in hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

In this systematic review, eight databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, Scopus, Iranmedex, SID, Magiran and Medlib, were searched using keywords including “Lean principles,” “Lean Six Sigma,” “Lean Process SID,” “Lean thinking,” “Lean Methodology,” “Toyota Production System lean processing,” “lean techniques” and “hospital,” as well as their Persian equivalents. Required data were extracted using an extraction table and were analyzed using content analysis method.

Findings

Out of 967 identified articles, 48 articles were included in the study. Most of the studies have been conducted in developed countries such as America, Britain, The Netherlands and Canada. The highest number of studies has been conducted in the overall hospital and emergency departments. Lean Six Sigma and Lean methodology were the most frequent terms used for lean management. The five-phase Six Sigma methodology was one of the most important methods used for the implementation of the Lean management. Performing the process at the first time (timing) and length of stay had the highest frequencies among indicators assessed in the studies. All indicators assessed in the studies have improved after the implementation of Lean management. Among 150 assessed indicators, 69 were meaningfully improved (p < 0.05) and 12 indicators did not have a meaningful improvement (p > 0.05) and 69 indicators did not show any meaningful changes.

Practical implications

A number of implications are drawn out to aid academics, practitioners and policymakers in improving knowledge and skills. The elimination of production wastes is the most important principle of Lean thinking and paying attention to the clients and increasing the value. This will significantly improve quality of services to the patients and reduce costs and losses through preventing wastes. Suitable metrics in Lean management need to be established. A move to placing greater emphasis on understanding the contexts in which theory is implemented is another application.

Research/limitation

The limitation of this study is selection of studies in English and Persian language, excluding gray literatures and unpublished studies and relying on a relatively limited number of databases for the identification of potentially eligible studies. In addition, because of the enormous heterogeneity in the methods and results of the studies, performing a meta-analysis in this study was not possible.

Originality/value

The results of this study show that there were many dispersions and heterogeneities in the way of implementation and content of Lean management in hospitals.
Gender, knowledge and motivation for wine purchasing
Authors: Marques Carlos Peixeira , Guia Ana Teresa Bernardo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify if the gender effects described in the wine consumer behaviour literature, namely, concerning information search and the motivations to buy, may be explained by the mediating effect of subjective knowledge, taking into consideration that the importance of knowledge in the decision process is gender specific.

Design/methodology/approach

A path analysis was modelled with an exogenous variable (gender), a mediating variable (subjective knowledge) and four dependent variables (need for information and three motivational dimensions). The model was assessed with empirical data obtained from a sample of 523 shoppers in large supermarkets in the areas of Lisbon and Oporto, Portugal. Structured interviews were conducted at checkout, collecting information on the relevant variables. Scales measuring the latent variables (knowledge, information and motivation) were previously validated through confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 217 wine consumers.

Findings

Subjective knowledge fully mediates the effects of gender on motivation and information needs. Men think of themselves as more knowledgeable in wines and the mediation effect explains why, compared to women, they use less personal information sources and are more motivated to purchase wine.

Practical implications

The authors suggest promotion programmes in large supermarkets focussing on opportunities for wine knowledge development.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by introducing and validating an alternative formulation of gender effects on wine shopping, emphasising the role of the purchaser’s perceived or subjective knowledge.
Advertising efficiency in the Spanish beer industry: spending too much?
Authors: Sellers-Rubio Ricardo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate advertising efficiency in the Spanish beer industry and to analyse the effects of several environmental variables and brand portfolio scope on advertising efficiency scores.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage double bootstrap procedure is used. In the first stage, advertising efficiency is estimated using a bootstrapped data envelopment analysis on a multiple input-output model of advertising. In the second stage, a bootstrapped truncated regression model is estimated to identify the determinants of advertising efficiency. Both stages are estimated simultaneously. The empirical application is carried out on a sample of Spanish brewers between 2007 and 2014.

Findings

Results show low advertising efficiency scores and highlight the effects that environment and brand portfolio scope have on these estimates.

Originality/values

For the first time, this paper analyses the effect of environmental variables and the brand portfolio scope on advertising efficiency in the beer industry.
Effect of resin content on tribological behavior of brake pad composite material
Authors: Yanar Harun , Ayar Hasan Huseyin , Demirtas Muhammet , Purcek Gencaga
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of straight phenolic resin content on the fade behavior, frictions and wear characteristics of pre-determined brake pad composite matrix having specific amount of barite (BaSO4), rock wool, Kevlar, graphite and magnetite.

Design/methodology/approach

Different amount of resin ranging between 16 and 20 wt. per cent were added by changing only the filler (barite) content of composite matrix. Subsequently, friction and wear behavior of the composite samples were analyzed using a special pin-on-disc type test system developed for brake pad sample. The worn surfaces were investigated by SEM and three-dimensional (3D) surface profilometer.

Findings

The average coefficient of friction (CoF) of composite samples and temperature of the disc surface showed a linear increase with decreasing the resin content. The sample having 20 wt. per cent resin showed the minimum wear rate with smooth worn surface. But the amount of fade is quite high in that sample. Decreasing resin content decreased the fade formation, and the composite with 16 per cent resin brought about the minimum fade formation. As the fade formation is unwanted in brake pad applications, the composite with 16 wt. per cent resin was proposed as the most appropriate one considering the performance parameters related to friction and wear.

Originality/value

This paper optimizes the resin content of composite brake pad materials to achieve the best combination of its tribo-performance and mechanical properties and provides valuable information for scientists and engineers working in that area.
Wear analysis of PVD-coated twist drills under MQL
Authors: Cardoso Marlon José , Polli Milton Luiz , Pintaude Giuseppe
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Deep drilling of hardened steels is a difficult machining operation because of the high wear level of tools. This paper aims to present the main wear mechanisms observed in physical vapor deposition (PVD)-coated twist drills during deep drilling of SAE4144M steel under minimum quantity lubrication, assessed in the production of injection holders.

Design/methodology/approach

Two PVD coatings were tested: TiAlN and AlCrN, industrially processed, the last one being a multilayer coating. The workpiece was heat treated for a hardness of 39 HRC to be applied in a diesel engine component. The tests were performed in an industrial environment for a fixed number of holes. Two levels of cutting speed and feed rate were selected for the experiments. In addition, minimum quantity of lubrication (MQL) was compared with conventional lubrication. Scanning electron microscope was used to reveal the wear mechanisms.

Findings

Spalling of PVD-coating was revealed for conventional lubrication, while adhesion was observed in MQL conditions. The use of multilayered AlCrN-based coating promoted a significant reduction of adhered material on the twist drill, which is the reason for this selection in industrial operation.

Practical implications

Results showed that the MQL regime can be applied for this industrial application.

Originality/value

A detailed description of wear mechanisms, which allows a suitable selection of coating and machining variables was found for a very difficult operation, using a more economic process in terms of lubrication.
Development and analysis of DAYANI arc contour intelligent technique for navigation of two-wheeled mobile robot
Authors: Parhi Dayal R. , Chhotray Animesh
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to generate an obstacle free real time optimal path in a cluttered environment for a two-wheeled mobile robot (TWMR).

Design/methodology/approach

This TWMR resembles an inverted pendulum having an intermediate body mounted on a robotic mobile platform with two wheels driven by two DC motors separately. In this article, a novel motion planning strategy named as DAYANI arc contour intelligent technique has been proposed for navigation of the two-wheeled self-balancing robot in a global environment populated by obstacles. The developed new path planning algorithm evaluates the best next feasible point of motion considering five weight functions from an arc contour depending upon five separate navigational parameters.

Findings

Authenticity of the proposed navigational algorithm has been demonstrated by computing the path length and time taken through a series of simulations and experimental verifications and the average percentage of error is found to be about 6%.

Practical implications

This robot dynamically stabilizes itself with taller configuration, can spin on the spot and rove along through obstacles with smaller footprints. This diversifies its areas of application to both indoor and outdoor environments especially with very narrow spaces, sharp turns and inclined surfaces where its multi-wheel counterparts feel difficult to perform.

Originality/value

A new obstacle avoidance and path planning algorithm through incremental step advancement by evaluating the best next feasible point of motion has been established and verified through both experiment and simulation.
Moderating role of gender amongst various constructs of CRM
Authors: Maggon Mohita , Chaudhry Harish
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interrelationships among the extracted constructs of customer satisfaction (CS), knowledge about customer relationship management (CRM) program, customer attitude and their effect on relationship share (RS). The study also attempts to find if moderating role of gender exists among these constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is developed based on previous studies. In order to address a lack of comprehensive evaluation of B2C relationships in Indian hotels, this study extracted the dimensions of CRM in hotels and used them in the structural model. The conceptual model is tested using structural equation modeling approach through maximum likelihood estimation technique. A sample of 305 domestic travelers was used to test the hypothesized relationships among the constructs.

Findings

The findings indicate that CS and willingness to engage (CWER) in the relationship are major predictors of RS. Besides, CS indirectly affects RS through customer’s attitude toward the hotel. The results of the study also show that customer willingness to engage in the relationship is dependent on attitude of customer toward firm which is further dependent on knowledge about CRM program. One more notable finding of the study states that gender plays a moderating role between CS and customer willingness to engage in the relationship.

Practical implications

In addition to contributing toward academic knowledge, the findings of the present study will help the practitioners to better design CRM program and reap its maximum benefits.

Originality/value

The current study has considered new dimensions of CRM like customer’s knowledge of CRM and this is the first study to capture responses of Indian travelers in relation with various constructs. This is the first study to test the moderating effect of gender between various constructs.
Making change last: leadership is the key
Authors: Page Lesley , Schoder Jacquie
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Multiple models of organizational change provide guidance, goals and strategic steps for organizations to complete initiatives effectively. The purpose of this paper was to discuss the impact of transformational leadership as it relates to organizational change in the twenty-first century and propose a consolidated approach to planned organizational change useful for practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

Practitioners and researchers can benefit by a strategy to apply models of change to organizational initiatives. It is proposed that models by Kotter (2012), Bridges (2017) and Lewin (1951) can be consolidated into a comprehensive approach to achieve successful organizational change. Transformational leadership is a critical component which bonds such models together and guides the leader’s role in the process.

Findings

Kotter, Bridges and Lewin’s approaches all share similar beliefs about the effectiveness of a transformational leader. First, people and process aspects of change take center stage. Second, urgency needs to unsettle or awaken the need for change. Third, people want to be part of the change process. By involving others, engagement, empowerment and buy-in all increase. Fourth, change will only last if it is embedded into the structures and systems which make up the organization’s culture.

Originality/value

The value of the consolidated approach to change proposed in this paper is that it meets leaders at their level of skill and experience, as it offers options depending on the needs of the organization and extent (depth) of the change required.
University spin-offs creation in the Latin American region
Authors: Montiel-Campos Héctor
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically explore the influence that different factors have on the creation of university spin-offs.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study that uses a multilevel design. The study follows a purposive sampling method where data are gathered from a variety of sources. The hypotheses are tested with a sample of 52 universities from the Latin American region using multiple hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that entrepreneurial orientation, incubators or entrepreneurship support programs and goods market efficiency are the factors that positively influence the creation of university spin-offs.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study should be observed in light of some limitations. The sample size is an important factor, as a bigger sample could allow for examination of cross-institutional variation in the context of different countries. In addition, the lack of records or public databases makes it difficult to incorporate more information on spin-offs creation, including features or firm performance.

Originality/value

This study is the first to empirically explore the university spin-offs creation phenomenon in the Latin American region. Hence, it contributes to university entrepreneurship literature, specifically to better understand this phenomenon from a more holistic perspective across different levels of analysis at the same time that it incorporates previous proposals to explain entrepreneurial orientation at universities.
Understanding the intentions of informal entrepreneurs in Peru
Authors: Amésquita Cubillas Fidel , Morales Oswaldo , Rees Gareth H.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the influences that lead individuals to create and continue with operating informal business ventures in Peru. It seeks to empirically identify the factors that are significant in forming the intentions of entrepreneurs to begin or continue with their informal businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) is applied using data gathered from interviews with informal domestic gas cylinder sellers using a formally conducted survey. Using structural equation modelling, the constructs that influence the entrepreneurial intentions of informal gas sellers in Lima, Peru, are determined.

Findings

Of the three TPB constructs, attitude was found to be most significant, reflecting a belief of informality’s benefits, social norm was also significant, revealing the importance of the opinions of family, whereas perceived behavioural control was found not to be significant.

Originality/value

These results provide confirmation of a policy approach developed to address the high rates of business informality while maintaining safety in a highly regulated industry segment. By providing insight into factors beyond economic drivers, the study reveals that an understanding of the prevailing social environment is important for the development of policies dealing with informal entrepreneurship.
Healthcare fraud under the microscope: improving its prevention
Authors: Stowell Nicole F. , Schmidt Martina , Wadlinger Nathan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make readers aware of the extensiveness of healthcare fraud in the USA and how it involves and affects the government, healthcare providers, insurance companies, patients and the public. In addition, recommendations are made that may help control this pervasive type of fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of different journal publications, information from government health institutions and law enforcement websites, healthcare fraud cases and healthcare laws are used as a basis to provide information about how fraudsters are committing healthcare fraud and how to prevent this fraud from occurring.

Findings

Despite increased funding and prosecution efforts by the government, healthcare fraud continues to be a major threat to the US economy and public. While healthcare fraud will never be eradicated, specific efforts can be deployed to help rein in these complex fraud schemes.

Practical implications

The paper provides a useful resource of information on healthcare fraud for healthcare providers, insurance companies, patients and the public that may help combat healthcare fraud and prevent financial losses.

Social implications

Every dollar saved from combating fraud could be used to improve access to more or better health services and can, thereby, save lives.

Originality/value

This paper provides recommendations regarding healthcare fraud that could help prevent this large drain on the US economy.
A cross-cultural study of staying reasons of American brands
Authors: Saeed Munazza , Azmi Ilhaamie Abdul Ghani
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Although researchers have investigated thoroughly the consumer’s brand switching behaviour, the probability of confusion regarding “brand switching” is a less travelled road so far. Therefore, the purpose of current study is to investigate and highlight the underlying convincing parameters in relation to not switching from American brands within the context of millennial Muslim consumers in Pakistan and Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 704 consumers living in two divergent cultures, who were asked about American brands. Two categories of “reasons to stay” were examined: switching barriers and affirmatory factors.

Findings

The main discovery was that staying reasons for specific brands could be different in two different cultures, but they influence the ultimate brand switching behaviour.

Practical implications

This study is important for those firms who have many prospective switchers because it is important to understand why these customers stay and discover to what extent such firms can discourage such consumers from leaving, in both positive and negative ways.

Originality/value

This is the first paper of its kind that examines the brand switching behaviour of millennial Muslim consumers.
Weighing the odds: an exploration of resistance to obesity and overweight
Authors: Conroy Denise , Smith Sandra D. , Frethey-Bentham Catherine
Published: October 2018

Purpose

In 2018, we have surpassed the population landmark of 7.5 billion, and yesterday’s global crisis of under-nutrition in poorer nations is now accompanied by a journey into overweight and obesity. The purpose of our research is to focus on the health and resistance of those who avoid overweight and obesity rather than continuing to focus on the pathology and disease of this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a consumer-centric perspective and using the lens of the social-economic framework, the authors report qualitative research conducted with 31 young people (ages 17-26) who have been resistant to weight gain in an increasingly obesogenic environment, followed by a survey of the general population,n= 921. The authors look at this type of consumer resistance to better understand how to develop government and community leadership and build more obesogenically resilient societies.

Findings

The findings support the contention that obesity is a social problem that requires a social solution.

Originality/value

The main contribution to the conversation addressing increasing levels of overweight and obesity is that this research demonstrates that these are complex social problems and require complex intervention at the societal level, not the individual level.
Knowledge management practices and innovation performance
Authors: Susanty Ade Irma , Yuningsih Yuyu , Anggadwita Grisna
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to concentrate on the conscious and systematic managerial activities associated with handling knowledge in an organization [i.e. knowledge management (KM) practices] for the purpose of improving innovation performance through proactive management of knowledge assets. This study explores the impact of KM practices on innovation performance in the research and training center of government apparatus.

Design/methodology/approach

This research provides empirical evidence on how various KM practices influence innovation performance. The results are based on the survey data collected in four areas of research and training centers of government apparatuses in Indonesia. Partial least squares are used to test the hypothesized relationships between KM practices and innovation performance.

Findings

The study found that IT practices and work organizations are positively and significantly related to innovation performance. This means that better implementation of information and technology will push innovation performance. The study also points out that knowledge-based compensation practice is one of the KM practice variables which is negatively and significantly related to innovation performance. This result shows that innovation performance will decrease by compensating knowledge improvement.

Practical implications

This study implies that in developing innovation performance, the research and training center should not focus on providing compensation, as it will only increase the costs rather than the innovation performance itself.

Originality/value

This study adds a knowledge-based view of government agencies by demonstrating the significance of KM for innovation performance. This study is also valuable from a managerial perspective, as it highlights the most effective KM practice to improve organizational innovation performance.
A systemic and cybernetic perspective on causality, big data and social networks in tourism
Authors: Lloret-Climent Miguel , Montoyo Andrés , Gutierrez Yoan , Muñoz Guillena Rafael , Alonso Kristian
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical model to determine invariant sets, set covering, orbits and, in particular, attractors in the set of tourism variables. Analysis was carried out based on an algorithm and applying an interpretation of chaos theory developed in the context of General Systems Theory and Big Data.

Design/methodology/approach

Tourism is one of the most digitalized sectors of the economy, and social networks are an important source of data for information gathering. However, the high levels of redundant information on the Web and the appearance of contradictory opinions and facts produce undesirable effects that must be cross-checked against real data. This paper sets out the causal relationships associated with tourist flows to enable the formulation of appropriate strategies.

Findings

The results can be applied to numerous cases, for example, in the analysis of tourist flows, these findings can be used to determine whether the behaviour of certain groups affects that of other groups, as well as analysing tourist behaviour in terms of the most relevant variables.

Originality/value

The technique presented here breaks with the usual treatment of the tourism topics. Unlike statistical analyses that merely provide information on current data, the authors use orbit analysis to forecast, if attractors are found, the behaviour of tourist variables in the immediate future.
Modelling and analysis of complex products design based on supernetwork
Authors: Zhang Na , Yang Yu , Su Jiafu , Zheng Yujie
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Because of the multiple design elements and complicated relationship among design elements of complex products design, it is tough for designers to systematically and dynamically express and manage the complex products design process.

Design/methodology/approach

To solve these problems, a supernetwork model of complex products design is constructed and analyzed in this paper. First, the design elements (customer demands, design agents, product structures, design tasks and design resources) are identified and analyzed, then the sub-network of design elements are built. Based on this, a supernetwork model of complex products design is constructed with the analysis of the relationship among sub-networks. Second, some typical and physical characteristics (robustness, vulnerability, degree and betweenness) of the supernetwork were calculated to analyze the performance of supernetwork and the features of complex product design process.

Findings

The design process of a wind turbine is studied as a case to illustrate the approach in this paper. The supernetwork can provide more information about collaborative design process of wind turbine than traditional models. Moreover, it can help managers and designers to manage the collaborative design process and improve collaborative design efficiency of wind turbine.

Originality/value

The authors find a new method (complex network or supernetwork) to describe and analyze complex mechanical product design.