bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A discourse analysis technique for charting the flow of micro‐information behavior
Authors: Nahl Diane
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to describe a discourse analysis technique which can be used to analyze text or speech that is produced by people when discussing their information practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The method involves coding the phrases and sentences of this interpretive discourse into the three domains of behavior investigated in psychology and education, namely, the affective domain of evaluating and intending, the cognitive domain of appraising and planning, and the sensorimotor domain of noticing, perceiving, and executing or acting.

Findings

Samples of discourse from independent published sources were categorized and coded. In every case people's self‐descriptions of their information practices are shown to contain references to their activities in these three domains. A model is presented to depict how information behavior can be represented as a continuous processing flow of satisficing and optimizing behavior. These mental behavioral procedures are practiced by individuals in information settings as members of a group or culture, and are reflected in the verbal accounts they construct about their information behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The model of ecological constructionism, upon which the coding technique is based, needs to be tested in many more diverse contexts. Second, the model needs to address differences in types of information behavior such as searching, computing, blogging, etc., as well as different information settings and purposes of use, e.g. online shopping, doing job tasks with the computer, etc.

Practical implications

The technique can theoretically be automated and applied to the processing of large volumes of text produced daily in the online environment. The results yield a type of average digital code that can serve as an index of people's information behaviors in these diverse settings with regard to their affective, cognitive and sensorimotor activities.

Originality/value

The model or theory was constructed by integrating the concepts of “satisficing” and “optimizing” in decision making with research in information behavior, human ecology, social cognitive theory and ethnomethodology. The model is comprehensive and general enough to provide a potentially useful common topical reference chart for human studies in information science.
Information resources used by children at an English secondary school
Authors: Madden Andrew D. , Ford Nigel J. , Miller David
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the information‐seeking habits of children at an English secondary school. Data from two different research exercises were collated in order to provide an insight into how students perceived and used a range of information resources.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first research exercise, groups of children from each academic year were asked to discuss a set of information resources and to rank them according to perceived usefulness. In the second, students were asked to report, throughout the school year, on the resources they used to complete homework assignments.

Findings

The findings from these two exercises are best interpreted by using them to provide the answers to three questions: Which information resources did students consider to be the most useful? Which information resources did students use the most? When an information resource was referred to, how likely was it that students found it to be useful? The rankings differed considerably, depending on which question was being asked.

Originality/value

The results gave an insight into how different information resources were used for different subjects. They also provide evidence of the fact that students' reliance on other people as an information source begins to decline as they get older, and there is a corresponding increase in their use of books and electronic information sources.
Practical potentials of Bradford's law: a critical examination of the received view
Authors: Nicolaisen Jeppe , Hjørland Birger
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the practical potentials of Bradford's law in relation to core‐journal identification.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature studies and empirical tests (Bradford analyses).

Findings

Literature studies reveal that the concept of “subject” has never been explicitly addressed in relation to Bradford's law. The results of two empirical tests (Bradford analyses) demonstrate that different operationalizations of the concept of “subject” produce quite different lists of core‐journals. Further, an empirical test reveals that Bradford analyses function discriminatorily against minority views.

Practical implications

Bradford analysis can no longer be regarded as an objective and neutral method. The received view on Bradford's law needs to be revised.

Originality/value

The paper questions one of the old dogmas of the field.
About the performance of some viscosity index improvers in a synthetic oil of ester type
Authors: Gospodinova N.N. , Pavlov D.J. , Glavchev I.K.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the influence of chemical structure of ester basestock (trimethylolpropane pelargonate) on the viscosity characteristics of formulations obtained and the operating mechanism of two widely used viscosity index improvers – poly(butadiene‐styrene) and poly(alkyl methacrylate).

Design/methodology/approach

Oil formulations of trimethylolpropane pelargonate and poly(butadiene‐styrene)/poly(alkyl methacrylate) as viscosity index improvers are prepared. Their kinematic viscosity at different temperatures is measured. Relative, intrinsic and characteristic viscosities are calculated from the experimental data.

Findings

The thickening ability of linear polymers from butadiene‐styrene and alkyl methacrylate in a synthetic oil of ester type (trimethylolpropane pelargonate) is clarified. The conformation of these polymers is studied. Results of comparative tests about the influence of the type of polymer and solvent on characteristic and intrinsic viscosity are presented. It has been established that with the increasing of temperature the quality of used synthetic oil decreased and the characteristic viscosity decreased for both polymers. At lower temperatures the intermolecular interaction between the polymeric macromolecules becomes bigger than their interaction with the molecules of solvent. Molecule associates have been possibly formed at low temperature. These associates increase the viscosity of solutions and this increase is bigger at low temperatures in comparison with high temperatures.

Practical implications

Viscosity index improvement of poly(butadiene‐styrene) and poly(alkyl methacrylate) is determined. The information about concentrations and viscosity is of practical interest.

Originality/value

The combination of these synthetic basestock and viscosity index improvers is a new one. The data obtained may have value for the oil production.
Modified determination of fluid resistance for membrane‐type restrictors
Authors: Kang Yuan , Shen Ping‐Chen , Chen Cheng‐Hsign , Chang Yeon‐Pun , Lee Hsing‐Han
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to modify the determinations of flow rate and fluid resistance, which can be realized and confident from the measurements of flow rates in experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

According to coupled physics of solid membrane and lubrication fluid, finite element method is used simultaneously to determine membrane deflection and film thickness. Several cases are simulated by traditional method, finite element method and compared with experimental method for the flow rates and fluid resistances to present the modification of determination results.

Findings

The FEM results for the fixed eight‐section are approximated to actual flow rate and are consistent with the modified determination of the flow rates, and so the modified determinations of the flow rates are verified. When a computer of P4 with 1.8 GHz CPU and 512 MB RAM is utilized, time needed for traditional method or modified formula is fewer than one second. However, more than 4 h is required for FEM by using the same computer.

Originality/value

This study provides the modified method for the determinations of flow rate and fluid resistance in membrane‐type restrictors by using FEM. The FEM results can increase the determination accuracy of the flow rate and restriction coefficient in the design of membrane‐type restrictors.
Energy savings through use of advanced biodegradable lubricants
Authors: Lea Cliff
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to outline the technical characteristics of certain biodegradable lubricants which can lead to potential energy savings.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews the reasons for introduction of biodegradable lubricants, and describes the outcome of development and establishment of suitable range of lubricants for almost all applications.

Findings

Plant‐based lubricants have low toxicity, they are derived from crop resources, they are recognised as safer to use, and are rapidly biodegradable when spilled on to open land or into water. As such they break down to reduce pollution burden and are favoured by the Environment Agency when used near watercourses. Products have been developed now for almost all applications including hydraulics, engines, transmissions, compressors, metalworking, turbines, and for use in all industry sectors. Latest generation biolubricants, however, give additional advantages above and beyond the original concept to reduce pollution: the latest products have high levels of performance in terms of both loading and temperature. In particular, their frictional characteristics have been shown to be considerably more favourable than those for mineral oil, offering energy reduction during use.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is restricted to findings based on ester‐based synthetic lubricants where the esters have been derived principally from renewable resources.

Practical implications

Quite apart from their environmental attributes, reduced energy consumption and therefore lower variable costs are now possible, and the concept of use of these oils to give distinct savings is becoming recognised.

Originality/value

This study emphasises that distinct advantages for synthetic lubricants, particularly for biodegradable synthetic ester lubricants derived from renewable resources, are now being realised.
Between a rock and a hard place
Authors: Edmond Nadia , Hillier Yvonne , Price Mark
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore how higher education (HE) institutions are responding to the workforce remodelling agenda of public services and the emergence of “para‐professions” within traditionally low paid/low status employment.

Design/methodology/approach

With reference to recent research, the article reviews the authors' experience of foundation degrees (FDs) in education and explores tensions in managing the competing needs of the varying stakeholders.

Findings

A model of work‐based learning (WBL) results from the study, which includes consideration of the following key areas: employer engagement; CPD and professional bodies – external validation and professional recognition; progression into HE through the workforce; and pedagogy of WBL

Research limitations/implications

This article identifies a need for the systematic examination of the issues raised by the implementation of FDs as CPD for employed staff. The assumption that FD provision for employees results in more effective WBL is challenged. The importance of FDs in accreditation for a range of occupations in the Children's Workforce also suggests a need for research into the ”professionalisation” of these occupations.

Practical implications

The issue of employer engagement is fundamental and that paper argues that HE has a crucial role to play but that ensuring employer engagement requires responsiveness on the part of university structures, as well as the capacity to stimulate employer engagement and/or sanction lack of employer engagement at the level of individual programmes.

Originality/value

This article provides information about the new phenomenon of implementation of FDs to support workforce development.
Work‐based learning and continuing professional development
Authors: Sobiechowska Paula , Maisch Maire
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an evaluation of the key features of a work‐based, competency‐led curriculum model of continuing professional development for social workers and to present a revised model, which addresses the issues that arise for learners pursuing continuing professional and academic development (CPD) within a work‐based curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

Reflections on and evaluation of both undergraduate and post graduate, work‐based curricula with employers, tutors and learners led to significant revisions to further models of work‐based learning for CPD. These changes are presented in the form of a revised model, which addresses the tensions between work‐based, competency‐led curricula and the issues that arise for learners pursuing continuing professional and academic development in full‐time employment.

Findings

The paper makes explicit the struggle in developing and delivering work‐based, competency‐led curricula while also trying to address the pragmatic issues that arise for learners pursuing professional and academic development in full‐time employment. In order to resolve some of the tensions a revised model of CPD in the workplace is proposed.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on the evaluation of two CPD programmes in post‐qualifying social work at one university, over a ten‐year period. However in this sense the study is limited to the experience of the tutors in a particular context.

Practical implications

The importance of considering the workplace as a learning environment for CPD is emphasised, as are the tensions that arise for learners meeting the demands of academia in full‐time employment.

Originality/value

This paper presents valuable lessons learned from ten years of pedagogic experience developing and delivering work‐based CPD programmes.
Engaging with employers in work‐based learning
Authors: Benefer Richard
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the work of Staffordshire University in engaging with local employers and local further education colleges in the development of a Foundation Degree in Applied Technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an outline of current government policy in employer engagement, the paper identifies – from the literature and recent quality reviews of provision – some issues for higher education institutions in developing a work‐based learning curriculum with industry. It then outlines a case study of the Foundation Degree in Applied Technology – a collaborative venture between Staffordshire University (the awarding body), Burton College (the deliverer of the award) and JCB (the employer). In conclusion, the paper evaluates the case study.

Findings

Evaluation of the case study suggests that the Foundation Degree in Applied Technology, as designed by Staffordshire University and delivered at JCB by Burton College, is a model of good practice in employer engagement.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that the case study illustrates key success factors, for higher education institutions and further education partnerships, in engaging with industry to design and deliver a foundation degree for a major manufacturing employer in the private sector.
Delivering distance education for modern government: the F4Gov programme
Authors: Talbot Jon
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to describe the development and operation of an innovative, work based, distance delivered foundation degree developed by the University of Chester and the British Civil Service. The paper is both a case study in its own right but also the basis for a further quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the programme.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the development of the programme in the broader context of UK Civil service modernisation and the application of the University of Chester's established Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS) framework. Important features of the programme are described including academic content, learner support, assessment and management.

Findings

The paper concludes by identifying three areas for formal evaluation. These are: the implications of employer involvement in the design and management of the programme; the differential nature of the learner experience and the factors underlying performance and the impact of the programme in meeting employer goals.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations in generalising from a particular case study. No formal research questions are posed in the paper or method suggested. Further work is necessary to develop a strategy for evaluation of the programme.

Practical implications

The conclusions are exploratory, awaiting formal evaluation.

Originality/value

The case study is of interest to educators engaged in flexible and distance work based learning. The issue of employer involvement in programme design, management and delivery is of considerable interest to those developing and delivering Foundation degrees and similar programmes. The issues in relation to the student experience are also of considerable interest to those engaged in workplace delivery. The organisational impact of the programme is of interest to employers and educators alike.
Reorganising UNISON within the NHS
Authors: de Turberville Simon
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the rationale underpinning the national development of UNISON's organising strategy and its implementation at regional and branch levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used non‐participant observation case studies in three National Health Service (NHS) UNISON branches of 92, 49 and 17 per cent density and 45 interviews with non‐members, members, branch activists (key‐stewards and stewards), full‐time officers and managers.

Findings

UNISON aimed to devolve financial resources to branches whilst encouraging participation supported by training and increased in‐fill recruitment. Initial regional support diminished because of managerial opposition. Individual attempts by regional staff to resurrect the strategy met with significant resistance within branches as key‐stewards regarded it as largely inappropriate.

Research limitations/implications

Concentration on a single union region, which experienced specific problems, could exaggerate poor articulation of strategy. Small numbers of interviews with full‐time officers may ignore alternative viewpoints within the national and regional levels.

Originality/value

Rather than using the union organising model as a yardstick against which to measure the impact of change, this work examines the incremental development of national strategy and explores the problems of implementation throughout the union to branch level.
A model for analyzing the competitive strategy of health plan insurers using a system of competitive intelligence
Authors: Auxiliadora do Nascimento Mélo Maria , Dumke de Medeiros Denise
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to present a formulation of the System of Competitive Intelligence that is up‐to‐date and responsive to an area of study which enables the constant upgrading and improvement of business management practices, so that a competitive edge may be maintained and a market differentiation established.

Design/methodology/approach

This comprises a study of the existing literature and a review of articles of criticism related to the particularities of competitive strategy, systems of competitive intelligence, and the quality of service rendered by health insurance companies of health services, with a view to identifying the main elements needed to attain competitive advantage. From the results gathered, the construction of the model will be started and its strong and weak points commented upon.

Findings

It was observed that the Model of System of Competitive Intelligence can guarantee the survival of a company, through analyzing information quickly and in an integrated way, thus permitting well‐founded decisions to be made in real time.

Research limitations/implications

The model was based on literary research and it was directed only to one sector of service industry. The suggestion is that this model should be applied to confirm its effectiveness.

Originality/value

This work will go towards making it possible for health insurers in the City of Recife – Brazil to obtain competitive advantage in the health service, through service provided with greater quality, that satisfactorily meets the needs of their clients, besides promoting technological advances in this sector. It will also assist other companies in the health area who wish to adopt the model proposed.
Determining the essential characteristics of Six Sigma Black Belts
Authors: Antony Jiju , Douglas Alex , Jiju Antony Frenie
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to evaluate essential characteristics of Six Sigma Black Belts (SSBBs) in UK manufacturing organisations. Six Sigma Black Belt(s) are considered as high potential employees who work full‐time as a leader of process and quality improvement projects after extensive training.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot survey was undertaken to assess the key attributes of SSBBs. The results of this study are primarily based on descriptive statistics.

Findings

The key attributes of SSBBs identified from this pilot study include: effective communicators, change agents, customer advocators, team builders, results‐driven mindset personnel, positive thinkers, etc. The findings of this study will be extremely beneficial in designing the curriculum of SSBBs citing the key attributes required for a typical SSBB to be successful.

Research limitations/implications

The study was primarily focused on manufacturing companies in the UK. The next phase of the study will be to compare the SSBB characteristics between manufacturing and service organisations. One of the authors will also be executing semi‐structured interviews with SSBBs in various manufacturing and service companies to obtain a greater understanding of the essential attributes or characteristics that SSBBs in manufacturing and service companies must possess.

Originality/value

Although the characteristics of SSBBs are cited widely in various textbooks and professional articles, no empirical study has been carried out to compare the theory and practice. This paper makes an attempt to identify essential characteristics of SSBBs in UK manufacturing companies.
Gender influence on firm‐level entrepreneurship through the power structure of boards
Authors: Smith Elin
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the gender composition and structure of the board of directors in not‐for‐profit organisations and their relation to firm‐level entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey sent to Swedish riding schools. The paper focuses on not‐for‐profit associations and the analysis is based on 60 respondents. The data were analysed by multivariate methods.

Findings

The overall gender composition of boards had no influence on firm‐level entrepreneurship. However, a high proportion of women in powerful positions were found to have a positive influence on one of the study's two dimensions of firm‐level entrepreneurship, i.e. strategic opportunism. No influence concerning gender in powerful positions was found on risk taking, the other dimension of firm‐level entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The attention to gender composition not only focuses on the board at large, but also highlights the specific positions of the chairperson, secretary and treasurer in the board structure. Another valuable insight concerns firm‐level entrepreneurship, here treated as a two‐dimensional concept, consisting of strategic opportunism and risk taking, which finds support in the analysis. Further, the empirical data were collected from an industry that includes a high proportion of women on the boards, i.e. the Swedish riding school industry. The study contributes to the debate concerning the gender composition on the board of directors where a high proportion of women in powerful positions is positively related with strategic opportunism.
Exploring small copreneurial food companies; female leadership perspectives
Authors: Millman Cindy , Martin Lynn M.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The aim of the research was to explore the lead roles taken by women in some successful small copreneurial companies by studying similar small firms in one sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, a multiple case study approach was selected, using narrative as a key focus, to explore the way the business had been set up, and its subsequent growth. The role of both partners was also explored, plus strategy, leadership and work: life balance.

Findings

New insights emerge about copreneurship where females take lead roles in management, both at start up and through company development. Female partners had an equal or overriding need for achievement to their partners, possessed great self confidence, perceived no barriers to women in business, took a strategic role in the firm from start up through development, drew salaries equal to their male partners and managed life at home and at work.

Research limitations/implications

The case study approach gives insights but other studies are needed, both quantitative and qualitative, to identify whether these were isolated examples or a common experience for copreneurial firms or for this sector. Two had left scientific jobs to start a food product business – an unexpected finding, requiring further study given the poor records for female participation in UK science professions.

Practical implications

The study provides insights for those agencies supporting business development by adding to the role models and images of women taking a lead role.

Originality/value

The study focuses on an under‐researched area. Here, the five female copreneurs perceive themselves – and are perceived – as entrepreneurs, taking a lead and developing strategic vision for the firm. This is an under‐researched aspect of female enterprise.
Admission requirements for transfer and non‐transfer students: should one size fit all?
Authors: Pharr Steven , Lawrence John J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To examine the efficacy of admission requirements as predictors of academic success in core business coursework, and as a rationing mechanism for limited course capacity, for both transfer and non‐transfer students following integration of the core business curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis is used to test the efficacy of admission standards in explaining transfer and non‐transfer student performance in the core business curriculum, before and after substantial curricular revision. Fisher's r‐to‐z transformation is used to test differences between student groups and core curriculum formats. Stepwise regression was used to identify an accurate predictor of transfer student performance for the integrated business core.

Findings

Efficacy of the admission standard decreased for transfer students following introduction of the new curriculum. While adequate for all students taking the traditional business core, it is a much less effective predictor of success for transfer students under the new curriculum. A modified admission standard for transfer students restored efficacy to previous levels.

Research limitations/implications

The paper considers only one school's experience with revision of its core curriculum.

Practical implications

Re‐examination of admission standards following curricular revision is necessary to ensure effective screening of transfer students. The root problem, however, may not be addressed in its entirety by a unique transfer student admission standard. Non‐transfer students benefit from acculturation as freshman and sophomores, as well as prerequisite courses specifically modified to prepare them for the integrated curriculum.

Originality/value

This paper documents a potential problem for business schools that have, or are considering, significant curricular revisions.
Is student evaluation of teaching worthwhile?
Authors: Pounder James S.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To present a framework to facilitate comprehension of research on the effectiveness of the teaching evaluation process.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive review of the literature that identifies common categories and factors that can be used to construct an analytical framework.

Findings

Identifies student related, course related and teacher related aspects of research on teaching evaluations. Factors commonly addressed within these aspects are also identified.

Research limitations/implications

Use of the framework to analyse the literature on the student evaluation of teaching (SET) process leads to the view that the time is right to explore other methods of assessing classroom dynamics that could supplement the conventional teacher evaluation process.

Practical implications

Educational literature is replete with studies of the SET system, yet due to the preponderance of these studies, it is difficult to take an overview on the effectiveness of this system. On the basis of a comprehensive survey of the literature, this paper identifies and discusses the central factors influencing SET scores. These factors are then presented in a comprehensible table that can be used as a reference point for researchers and practitioners wishing to examine the effectiveness of the SET system.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the few to attempt to make sense of the myriad of studies on teacher evaluation and to develop a framework to facilitate analysis of the effectiveness of the SET system.
Using the learning satisfaction improving model to enhance the teaching quality
Authors: Chien Te‐King
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to establish an 11‐step “improvement decision model” to enhance learning satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This model integrates Kano's model and the relevant concepts for decision making, and puts forward an “improvement decision diagram and principles”. This paper also establishes “constructs of the learning satisfaction measurement” and a “teaching quality management cycle” to make it easy for instructors, administrators and students to jointly upgrade teaching quality.

Findings

The “improvement decision model” can effectively assist teachers to enhance their instructional materials and elevate student's learning satisfaction.

Originality/value

With enthusiastic participation of four instructors, the results of the case study are found to be satisfactory and support the applicability of the model proposed in this paper.
A process model of brand cocreation: brand management and research implications
Authors: Boyle Emily
Published: April 2007

Purpose

In light of the increasing acceptance of the concept of brand cocreation this paper aims to develop a model of the process in order to elucidate the roles of the various stakeholders, particularly the company and the brand consumers, in it and the implications of the concept for brand managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The process model of brand cocreation was derived from extant literature covering a wide range of topics related to brands, including: various types of marketing, consumer behaviour, psychology, new product development, and marketing communications.

Findings

A five‐stage process of brand cocreation is developed identifying the various stages in which the firm is in control and those which are controlled by the consumers.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the need to reconsider the role of brand managers in the brand cocreation process and identifies various gaps in the knowledge of brands and their management that have become apparent as a result of the development of the model.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in its holistic overview of the complete brand cocreation process and the issues relating to the nature of brand management that it highlights.
Measuring reference price perceptions for new product categories: which measure is best?
Authors: Lowe Ben , Alpert Frank
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance within the reference price literature by investigating which is the best measure of reference price for the, as yet, unstudied context of new product categories. The paper also intends to examine another reference price issue for the new product category context: whether greater price uncertainty in this context makes it worthwhile to measure consumer confidence in reference price perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses the experimental method to determine which measures of reference price are best suited to the new product context, by removing all other confounding influences.

Findings

The findings confirm that consumers tend to evoke the fair price concept for new product categories and the expected price concept for existing categories. The paper also finds that confidence in reference price measures, while theoretically useful, does not add to the understanding of reference price effects in new product categories, probably because respondents tended to be overly confident in their perceptions, despite lacking in more objective measures of product category knowledge.

Originality/value

Several studies in the literature have commented on the issue of fragmented measurement in the reference price domain. Some studies have offered theoretical guidance on measures to use. This is the first study to provide empirically tested theory on which measures to use and is the first study to examine reference price effects in new product categories including testing the usefulness of the confidence measure.
Age at entry in international markets of Spanish SMEs
Authors: Acedo Francisco J. , Casillas José C.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

From a multidisciplinary perspective, combining international entrepreneurship and institutional theory, a model is presented in order to enrich the understanding of the speed of internationalization in small firms. This is achieved by including individual's attitudes and behaviour, as well as factors from the environment that may enhance firms' international behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Information from a random sample of 104 Spanish SMEs was gathered via personal interview with a structured questionnaire. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), specifically Partial Least Squares (PLS), was employed in analyzing the multiple relationships among the proposed constructs.

Findings

The results show how one of the main institutional determinants of the age of entry into international markets are the inter‐firm relationships, specifically the tendency to imitate the behaviour of other firms with successful activities in international markets. In addition, the results note the complementary nature of the approaches used, even though they are apparently distant, and suggest the need to undertake more eclectic research approaches in this field.

Practical implications

Results enhance the importance of having a good competence scanning system in firms as it may help in reducing the time of adoption for certain behaviours, in this case internationalization behaviour. Besides this, the export promotion agencies may find these results useful in improving the results of the implemented policies in order to obtain a greater impact with the same resources, taking advantage of the diffusion of the behaviour.

Originality/value

Both the methodology and the constructs analysed, have scarcely been implemented in the internationalization literature when compared to other management fields.
Metaphor use in the entrepreneurial process
Authors: Gaddefors Johan
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically investigate the use of metaphor in the entrepreneurial process. In particular, the paper focuses on how metaphors are used in the construction of the environment, a precondition for the creation of business opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on a two‐day meeting between Light, a management consultancy firm, and Epsilon one of their clients. The data are drawn from a larger ethnographic study within Light. The consultants and their clients are followed in their daily work. The focus was on how metaphor use influenced their organisational practices.

Findings

Investigating the play of metaphors in Epsilon, it is shown how the firm's environment is created; a pre‐condition for understanding how entrepreneurial opportunities are created. It is shown how use of metaphor, understood as a mode of interpretation, is taking place over time, and how it is part of a relational, context‐dependent process.

Research limitations/implications

The present study provides new ways of understanding the use of metaphor in the entrepreneurial process. It also indicates the need for a continued focus on language use in the entrepreneurial process. One limitation is that not all aspects of metaphor use are investigated.

Practical implications

This research can help to influence practitioners to pay more attention to the use of metaphors, not only as a tool for creative thinking or the questioning of embedded assumptions, but also as a mode for interpreting, structuring and producing images of the environment and the organisation.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to development of influences from the linguistic turn to entrepreneurship studies by exploring metaphor theory. One result of this focus on language is an increased sensitivity to metaphor use in the entrepreneurial process.
Logistics service providers in China
Authors: Hong Junjie , Chin Anthony T.H. , Liu Binglian
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The article attempts to study the current status and future prospects of logistics providers in the whole country as well as a comparatively developed Chinese city (Tianjin); reveal the disparities between China and Tianjin, as well as local firms and their foreign counterparts; and identify the challenges faced by Chinese logistics providers and offer managerial implications for logistics providers in an increasingly competitive environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on two surveys conducted in China and Tianjin, respectively, under the support from government authorities. Comparative analyses were conducted to ascertain the differences between logistics firms in China and developed countries, as well as regional differences within China.

Findings

The results reveal that Chinese logistics providers depend heavily on transportation and warehousing businesses but lack value‐added services and logistics information management. Rate setting ranks highly in provider priority while the importance of lead‐time performance is largely ignored. Significant regional differences in logistics exist and there is a long way for Chinese logistics providers to go in achieving international service standards. Most local firms wish to establish strategic alliances to enhance competitiveness.

Originality/value

This research enriches the literature by investigating the current status and future prospects of logistics service providers in a transitional economy. China being an emerging player in the world economy, an understanding and assessment of China's logistics service providers is appropriate and timely. It offers invaluable information and implications for local providers, government authorities and foreign logistic service providers that are interested in the market.
Arguing for a license to operate: the case of the Swedish wind power industry
Authors: Corvellec Hervé
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the way organizational actors argue to obtain a license to operate for new ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

The design, which addresses the issue at the industry level, consists of a case study of the ways in which power developers argue for the development of wind energy in Sweden.

Findings

The study shows that wind power developers proffer a necessity‐ability‐acceptability line of argument that relies not only on the convincing character of claims grounded in premises, but also on the persuasive character of values, knowledge and opinion likely to win the adherence of the audience.

Research limitations/implications

From a theoretical perspective, this is an illustration of the relevance of bridging the divide between argumentation theories in tune with formal or informal logic and those oriented toward rhetoric and the social practice of communication.

Practical implications

More practically, the paper suggests that in order to obtain a license to operate, managers need to combine and balance in their practice of argumentation a logical approach to factual knowledge with a situational sense for the rhetoric favored by the audience.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the key role played by argumentation in corporate communication.
The credibility of advertising vs publicity for new FMCGs in Turkey
Authors: İnci Çelebi Serra
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the credibility of advertising vs publicity; to examine the credibility of advertising including a promotional endorser (APE) and publicity including a promotional endorser (PPE); to compare the credibility of advertising across the different demographic segments; and to explore the important factors affecting consumers' shopping considerations of new fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was gathered by a telephone survey from a sample of 717 of which 348 respondents wanted to participate from three of Turkey's largest cities, İstanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. The systematic sampling was exercised to select the sample. χ2 and t‐tests were computed and the results of them were significant at 0.05 level.

Findings

For announcing new FMCGs in Turkey, advertising was found to be more credible by the participants with higher income. Respondents' shopping decisions of new FMCGs were affected by price and quality more than the other factors. Consumers tended to rely on publicity more than advertising; more than APE; and more than PPE. They also tended to count PPE more credible than APE.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that it would be appropriate for advertising managers, who wish to market to Turkey, to consider recipients' income levels in regard to the credibility of advertising for new FMCGs. It is also important to note for international companies that price and quality play a major role on Turkish consumers' shopping decisions of new FMCGs among the other factors including experiments, organizational trust, and word‐of‐mouth.
Serial persistence in individual real estate returns in the UK
Authors: Devaney Steven P. , Lee Stephen L. , Young Michael S.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine individual level property returns to see whether there is evidence of persistence in performance, i.e. a greater than expected probability of well (badly) performing properties continuing to perform well (badly) in subsequent periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The same methodology originally used in Young and Graff is applied, making the results directly comparable with those for the US and Australian markets. However, it uses a much larger database covering all UK commercial property data available in the Investment Property Databank (IPD) for the years 1981 to 2002 – as many as 216,758 individual property returns.

Findings

While the results of this study mimic the US and Australian results of greater persistence in the extreme first and fourth quartiles, they also evidence persistence in the moderate second and third quartiles, a notable departure from previous studies. Likewise patterns across property type, location, time, and holding period are remarkably similar.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that performance persistence is not a feature unique to particular markets, but instead may characterize most advanced real estate investment markets.

Originality/value

As well as extending previous research geographically, the paper explores possible reasons for such persistence, consideration of which leads to the conjecture that behaviors in the practice of institutional‐grade commercial real estate investment management may themselves be deeply rooted and persistent, and perhaps influenced for good or ill by agency effects.
Regime switching and asset allocation
Authors: Liow K.H. , Zhu H.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a regime switching asset allocation model that includes six major real estate security markets (USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore) and focuses on how the presence of regimes affects portfolio composition.

Design/methodology/approach

A Markov switching model is first developed to characterize real estate security markets’ risk‐return in two regimes. The mean‐variance portfolio construction methodology is then deployed in the presence of the two regimes. Finally, the out‐of‐sample analyzes are conducted to examine whether the regime switching allocation outperforms the conventional allocation strategy.

Findings

Strong evidence of regimes in the six real estate security markets in detected. The correlations between the various real estate security markets’ returns are higher in the bear market regime than in the bull market regime. Consequently the optimal real estate portfolio in the bear market regime is very different from that in the bull market regime. The out‐of‐sample tests reveal that the regime‐switching model outperforms the non‐regime dependent model, the world real estate portfolio and equally‐weighted portfolio from risk‐adjusted performance perspective.

Originality/value

The application of the Markov switching technique to real estate markets is relatively new and has great significance for international real estate diversification. With increased significance of international securitized property as a real estate investment vehicle for institutional investors to gain worldwide real estate exposure, this study provides significant insights into the investment behavior and optimal asset allocation implications of the listed real estate when returns follow a regime switching process.