bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring and predicting natural hazards in the environment
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a technical insight into the sensors and systems used to monitor and forecast certain natural hazards.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this paper describes the systems used to monitor and forecast earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes. The sensors used in these systems are considered in detail and some experimental techniques are also discussed.

Findings

Numerous national and global systems are used to monitor and predict natural hazards. A wide range of sensors, together with radars and satellite‐based techniques, play a vital role in these. Many new techniques are under study and the most pressing need is for earthquake prediction.

Originality/value

This paper provides a technical review of the role of sensors in natural hazard monitoring and warning systems.
IMTS highlights how the quest for quality drives sensing innovation
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the sensor technology innovations featured at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS).

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews with exhibitors of sensor products were undertaken.

Findings

Sensor technology continues to grow rapidly to keep up with manufacturing trends such as the need for better product quality, nano‐technology, automated testing, and an ever growing interest in 100 percent in process production testing.

Practical implications

Manufacturers are finding answers to many quality assessment needs with the rapid advances being made by sensor device and inspection system suppliers to offer innovative ways to better inspect components.

Originality/value

Manufacturers are finding answers to many quality assessment needs with the rapid advances being made by sensor device and inspection system suppliers to offer innovative ways to better inspect components.
A review of in situ methods and sensors for monitoring the marine environment
Authors: Mills Graham , Fones Gary
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This article aims to review the different devices that are available for the in situ monitoring of analytes found in the marine environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction to the topic, this paper discusses physical‐ and chemical‐based sensors, automatic analysers (flow injection, spectroscopic and spectrometric), electrochemical devices and biosensors.

Findings

A wide range of in situ monitoring systems (and associated deployment apparatus) for measuring concentrations of various analytes (e.g. nutrients, organic chemicals and metallic elements) have been developed in recent decades. Many of these systems are still at the laboratory or prototype stage and are yet to be fully developed into commercially available products. The harsh conditions often found in the marine environment can further limit the utility and application of these sensors. Further development work is needed; however, the need now is for field deployments, validation and inter‐calibration between sensors and other analytical measurement techniques.

Originality/value

This paper provides up‐to‐date information on in situ technologies that are available, either at the laboratory and prototype stages or commercially, and are suitable for deployment in the marine environment. Applications of these sensing systems are discussed together with their associated advantages and disadvantages over other existing water monitoring methods.
DEPLOY: a long term deployment of a water quality sensor monitoring system
Authors: Lawlor Antóin , Torres Javier , O'Flynn Brendan , Wallace John , Regan Fiona
Published: January 2012

Purpose

DEPLOY is a successful technology demonstration project showing how state of the art technology can be implemented to achieve, continuous, real‐time monitoring of a river catchment.

Design/methodology/approach

The DEPLOY system is a wide area network of monitoring stations delivering data in near real‐time. The demonstration sites chosen are based in the River Lee, which flows through Ireland's second largest city, Cork. The sites include monitoring stations in five zones considered typical of significant river systems and demonstrate the versatility of the technology available. Data were collected from stations at pre‐programmed intervals and transmitted to the DEPLOY servers either by short range ISM band radio or directly via the GSM GPRS network. The data were then processed and made available in a controlled manner at www.deploy.ie Findings – The project demonstrates the capability of multi‐sensor systems to remotely monitor temporal and spatial variations in water quality, through the identification of short‐term events. A system like DEPLOY could be used as a decision support tool by regulatory bodies in managing our aquatic environment with the potential to cut overall monitoring costs and provide better coverage representing long‐term trends in fluctuations of pollutant concentrations.

Originality/value

The demonstration of a truly heterogeneous water quality monitoring networked system was one of the first of its kind in Ireland. Based on the collected data DEPLOY can provide recommendations for water quality monitoring systems from various perspectives, technical, operational and strategic.
Fire detection in coal mines based on semiconductor gas sensors
Authors: Reimann Peter , Schütze Andreas
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Due to the environmental conditions, the detection and identification of hazardous situations in coal mines is a challenge. The purpose of this research is to focus on the underground fire detection, especially of smoldering fires, which are characterized by the outgassing of CO and C2H4.

Design/methodology/approach

The study developed a system based on a single semiconductor gas sensor and sensors for relative humidity and temperature. With a high‐dynamic‐range hardware control and data acquisition platform a commercial semiconductor gas sensor is operated with an application‐optimized temperature cycle to improve stability and selectivity.

Findings

A hierarchical evaluation strategy not only allows identification of smoldering fires signified by CO and C2H4 with a ratio of 100:1, but is also suitable for separating or quantifying typical interfering compounds such as CH4, CO, NOX or H2 thus helping to avoid costly false alarms. After promising laboratory pre‐tests, a system was built for field tests including test gases and re‐calibration algorithms. Currently the authors are working on a self‐monitoring strategy based on redundant data from impedance spectroscopy to improve the stability of the system.

Originality/value

This approach allows detection of C2H4 at sub‐ppm concentrations even in the presence of CH4 at levels up to 1 percent with only a single gas sensor. The system achieves classification reproducibility as well as robustness allowing the development of a cost‐efficient under‐ground fire detection system. The novel self‐monitoring strategy will further improve the reliability of the system.
FEM simulation of platinum‐based microhotplate using different dielectric membranes for gas sensing applications
Authors: Prasad Mahanth , Yadav R.P. , Sahula V. , Khanna V.K.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help reduce power consumption by using platinum‐based microhotplate with different dielectric membranes SiO2 and Si3N4 for gas sensing applications, and to develop platinum lift‐off process using DC sputtering method for fabrication of platinum resistor.

Design/methodology/approach

Semiconductor gas sensors normally require high power consumption because of their elevated operating temperature 300‐600°C. Considering the thermal resistant and sensitive characteristics of metal platinum as well as heat and electricity insulating characteristics of SiO2, Si3N4 and combination of both, a kind of the Si‐substrate microhotplate was designed and simulated using ANSYS 10.0 tool. Thermal oxidation of Si wafer was carried out to get a 1.0 μm thick SiO2 layer. Pt deposition on oxidized silicon substrate by lift‐off was carried out using DC sputtering technique.

Findings

The platinum‐based microhotplate requires 31.3‐70.5 mW power to create the temperature 348‐752°C for gas sensing applications. The SiO2 membrane can operate the gas sensitive film at higher temperature than the Si3N4 and combination of both the membranes at same power consumption. The paper also presents the FEM simulation of different heating elements like nichrome and tantalum and its comparison to platinum for microhotplate applications.

Originality/value

Both the simulation and experimental work provides the low cost, high yield and repeatability in realization of microhotplate. The design and simulation work provides the better selection of heating elements and dielectric membranes. The developed experimental process provides the easy fabrication of platinum resistors using DC sputtering technique.
Technological assessment of high temperature sensing systems under extreme environment
Authors: Ghoshal Anindya , Le Dy , Kim HeungSoo
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Presently there exists no way to directly measure strain at high temperatures in engine components such as the combustion chamber, exhaust nozzle, propellant lines, and turbine blades and shaft. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) prediction, which is a critical element for a blade design, is a strong function of the temperature and strain profiles. Major uncertainties arise from the inability of current instrumentation to measure temperature and strain at critical locations. This prevents the structural designer from optimizing the blade design for high temperature environments, which is a significantly challenging problem in engine design.

Findings

Being able to directly measure strains in different high temperature zones would deeply enhance the effectiveness of aircraft propulsion systems for fatigue damage assessment and life prediction. The state of the art for harsh environment, high temperature sensors has improved considerably over the past few years.

Originality/value

This paper lays down specifications for high temperature sensors and provides a technological assessment of these new sensing technologies. The paper also reviews recent advances made in harsh environment sensing systems and takes a peek at the future of such technologies.
A low‐power integrated electronic nose system
Authors: Crego‐Calama Mercedes , Brongersma Sywert , Karabacak Devrez , Van Bavel Mieke
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel approach for fabricating electronic nose (e‐nose) systems for adaptation into autonomous wireless sensor nodes. Such systems must fulfill a combination of requirements that currently cannot be met by existing technologies. The paper also contains an overview of the various application domains that are envisaged for such miniaturized electronic nose systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach makes use of micromechanical systems that are an ideal technology for fabricating miniaturized sensor arrays for low‐power applications. An array of doubly clamped micromechanical beams with integrated piezoelectric transducers is presented.

Findings

The presented approach fulfills the requirements of sensitivity, arrayability, integratability and low‐power operation.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to integrate the structures with low‐power analog readout circuits and to demonstrate simultaneous measurements from multiple structures.

Practical implications

The presented technology makes use of established micromachining techniques and deploys commercial inkjet printing for functionalization of the individual detection elements. This enhances its potential adaptation by industry.

Originality/value

The innovative concept paves the way for autonomous electronic nose systems.
Environmental cleaning in UK healthcare since the NHS Plan
Authors: May Daryl , Pitt Michael
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the policy and guidance that was issued, either as a direct result of the NHS Plan, or part of a subsequent initiative, surrounding cleaning in the NHS.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of the Department of Health and related agency web sites was completed. In addition there was a literature review of the relevant academic journals.

Findings

There is a growing evidence base on environmental cleaning in the NHS and more specifically the relationship between environmental cleaning and infection control. This paper has examined the contradiction in the evidence in the suspected correlation between infection control and environmental cleaning. However, one thing that does appear to be consistent is that a performance measure based on an observation (visual) assessment is not a sufficient tool to evaluate the environmental cleanliness of a hospital ward.

Practical implications

While the clinical community recognise the contribution of environmental cleaning and the impact on healthcare, more needs to be done to have the relevant studies published in the FM domain. Conversely there also needs to be work done to allow the FM community to have a “voice” in the infection control journals. The literature reviewed suggests that a usable technological solution is required to confirm satisfactory cleaning standards in healthcare facilities.

Originality/value

There is relatively little published work on the importance of cleaning to operations in the NHS, particularly in the FM domain.
The impact of hospital bed use on healthcare facilities operational costs
Authors: Boussabaine Halim , Sliteen Samer , Catarina Orlando
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to examine for the first time the impact of the intensity of hospital bed occupancy on healthcare facilities operational costs in France.

Design/methodology/approach

Research methodology is based on empirical data collection from 19 short‐stay care acute and long‐term care hospital facilities in Paris, France, carried out during 2008. Statistic analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of bed occupancy on operational cost of health facilities. The purpose of the analysis is to determine the best practices and provide recommendations to the decision makers for operational cost budgeting purposes.

Findings

The main findings are the relationship between bed usage and operational costs of acute hospital facilities in France. An analysis of annual O&M (operation and maintenance) cost clearly indicated that type of medical activities had a major impact on O&M cost when the influence of all other potential factors, particularly, morphology, quality of construction and age, were excluded.

Research limitations/implications

Data sample is limited to hospitals in the Paris region. Hence, extrapolation from the generated results to other regions in France is limited. Other facilities operational cost drivers, such as conditional surveys of buildings, need to be considered alongside the performance measures included in this study.

Practical implications

The results will help in establishing best practices and benchmarking operational costs in heath care facilities in France. They will also assist in developing and planning strategic heath care operational budgets. One of the most important implications of the results is in assisting decision makers to develop facilities management improvement strategies.

Originality/value

The research described in this paper represents significantly advances in the understanding of the impact of medical activities on operation and maintenance costs of healthcare facilities in France.
Impacts of facility service procurement methods on perceived performance of hospital engineering services
Authors: Yik Francis W.H. , Lai Joseph H.K. , Yuen P.L.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to describe a research study on the impacts of different facility service procurement methods on the perceived performance of hospital engineering services (HES). The procurement methods examined include in‐house organization by hospital staff and through a service level agreement with a government agency, each with and without outsourcing from private sector services providers works for some trades of HES.

Design/methodology/approach

Performance of HES was measured by end‐users' perception obtained through a questionnaire survey. Statistical analysis of the perceived performance scores given in the 444 questionnaire returns was carried out to yield evidence in support of the hypotheses under test.

Findings

The main hypothesis tested was that given the unified management and monitoring system used among the hospitals and the low tolerance for inadequate HES performance in healthcare settings, there should be minimal differences in the perceived performance of the HES despite the fact that facility services for the HES were procured through different methods, which was shown to be largely valid by the survey findings. The second hypothesis tested was that good or poor performance would be dominated by the nature of different trades of HES, which was also validated by the survey findings.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the small number of users involved for some trades of HES, the uncertainties in some mean performance scores are relatively large.

Practical implications

The findings allowed the hospital administration to focus on costs in measuring the cost effectiveness of HES provisions in its hospitals.

Originality/value

A situation that involves co‐existence of different procurement methods is hard to find, and thus the findings are valuable. The performance scores found in the study can be used for benchmarking performance of HES in future.
Crisis brand management in emerging markets
Authors: Custance Paul , Walley Keith , Jiang Dongni
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to address a gap in the literature relating to crisis brand management in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on secondary research and 15 qualitative depth interviews with mothers living in Beijing.

Findings

The study found that the Chinese infant milk powder incident significantly reduced confidence in domestic brands, altered perceptions of domestic brands, and had a profound effect on buying behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based primarily on a consumer perspective and the findings cannot be generalised to a wider population with known levels of statistical significance because of the qualitative methodology and small sample size.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that while crisis brand management requires managers to undertake similar actions whether they work in an emerging or a developed market, the cultural environment may cause them to actually take different actions.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution to knowledge regarding crisis brand management in an emerging market via insight provided by the 2008 Chinese infant milk powder incident.
The moderating role of perceived risk in loyalty intentions: an investigation in a service context
Authors: Lai‐Ming Tam Jackie
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The objectives of this study are twofold: to investigate the impact of service encounter quality dimensions on perceived value, customer satisfaction, and loyalty, and to examine the moderating effect of perceived risk on the relationship of loyalty with perceived value and customer satisfaction in high contact services.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was adopted. Data were collected from customers who had used either hairdressing services or health care services in the past three months. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the validity of the measures and structural equation modeling was used to assess the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Technical quality and empathy were found to display a positive effect on satisfaction in both hairstylist and physician samples. Physical environment was found to display a positive effect on satisfaction in the physician sample, but not in the hairstylist sample, and its effect on perceived value was non‐significant in both samples. The results also showed that there was a significant difference between low and high perceived risk groups in both samples with respect to the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty, and the relationship between perceived value and loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in a professional and relational service context, thus the scope for generalization of the results to other contexts may be limited. Moreover, this study focused on performance risk.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical support for the moderating role of perceived risk in the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty, and the relationship between perceived value and loyalty.
A new conceptualization of salesperson's customer orientation
Authors: Singh Ramendra , Koshy Abraham
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a new conceptualization of a salesperson's customer orientation, as a multi‐dimensional construct. The authors aim to base their new conceptualization on extensive evidence from literature review, and synthesis of the review of literature.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review of the extant conceptualizations and operationalizations of salesperson's customer orientation is first carried out. Based on the review and synthesis of literature, a salesperson's customer orientation with six domain areas is conceptualized, through several propositions in the paper.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that salesperson's customer orientation has six domain areas, namely, providing information to customers, understanding customer needs, fulfilling customer needs, creating and delivering customer value, sustaining customer satisfaction, and maintaining long‐term relationships with customers.

Practical implications

The sales managers can now apply more specifically, any of the six domain areas of customer‐oriented selling, and understand the conditions under which a particular domain area is important for customers.

Originality/value

Salesperson's customer orientation hitherto has been considered only as an application of the marketing concept. The domain of this construct, or its various sub‐domain areas were not clearly delineated so far in the literature. This paper clearly explicates the domain areas of the construct while defining customer‐oriented selling in the changed world of selling today.
Positive and negative cross‐channel shopping behaviour
Authors: Piercy Niall
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Purchasing behaviour across traditional retail and internet routes to market is becoming increasingly integrated. The positive and negative consequences of such behaviour for multi‐channel businesses have not been thoroughly examined – while an offline retail presence may reassure customers purchasing from an online channel, poor service online may negatively influence customer usage of an offline channel. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey of the online customers of four companies is employed and structural equation modelling used to investigate influences of demographic and behavioural variables (purchase involvement, loyalty, experience with the internet, company and product‐type) on positive and negative cross‐channel behaviour (CCB).

Findings

Strong evidence for both positive and negative customer CCB is found. Females, higher purchase involvement, higher loyalty and those with more experience of the company were more likely to display positive CCB; higher education, experience with the product type and online channel negatively influenced positive CCB. Increased age, education, occupation/class and purchase involvement lead to more negative CCB; product and company experience lead to reduced levels of negative CCB.

Research limitations/implications

As a first step towards understanding of customer CCB the research generates many insights; however, more research is required to explore in more depth each of the constructs discussed and measured.

Practical implications

Understanding how different customer groups display different tendencies for CCB can help companies shape fulfilment and delivery strategies across different channels to market.

Originality/value

The study makes contributions to customer cross‐channel customer behaviour, developing implications for future research as well as management practice.
Mapping talent development: definition, scope and architecture
Authors: Garavan Thomas N. , Carbery Ronan , Rock Andrew
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of talent development, define its scope and identify the issues involved in formulating talent development strategies in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the relatively scant and fragmented literature on talent development processes.

Findings

The literature review revealed that talent development is usually discussed as part of a wider talent management process. The literature highlights issues concerning who is the talent to be developed, what competencies should be developed, who drives development, what is the appropriate pace of development and what is the architecture to support the development.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is solely theoretical in nature; however, it does identify gaps for further research.

Practice implications

The paper raises a number of important questions that should be considered by organisations when they engage in talent development.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a perceived gap in the literature and highlights the issues that come within the terrain of talent development.
Employability and talent management: challenges for HRD practices
Authors: Nilsson Staffan , Ellström Per‐Erik
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to illuminate the problems that are associated with defining and identifying talent and to discuss the development of talent as a contributor to employability.

Design/methodology/approach

The world of work is characterised by new and rapidly changing demands. Talent management has recently been the target of increasing interest and is considered to be a method by which organisations can meet the demands that are associated with increased complexity. Previous studies have often focused on the management of talent, but the issue of what exactly should be managed has generally been neglected. In this paper, the authors focus on discussing the substance of talent and the problems associated with identifying talent by using the following closely related concepts: employability, knowledge, and competence.

Findings

Employability is central to employee performance and organisational success. Individual employability includes general meta‐competence and context‐bound competence that is related to a specific profession and organisation. The concept of employability is wider than that of talent, but the possession of talent is critical to being employable. In this paper, the authors suggest a model in which talent includes individual, institutional, and organisational‐social dimensions.

Practical implications

The illumination of different meanings of talent management and the substance of talent is crucial to the practical implication of central human resource development practices, such as training and development.

Originality/value

The paper shows that clarification of the conceptual boundaries and the presentation of a typology that is relevant to the understanding of talent are central to the creation of valid talent management systems that aim to define and develop talent.
Information pathways for the competence foresight mechanism in talent management framework
Authors: Siikaniemi Lena
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the research and literature through the development of the theme of competence foresight. In addition, the aim is to construct information pathways for the foresight mechanism, for the use of practitioners, to enable them to manage talent and competences with an anticipatory perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The research strategy is theoretical research with interpretive concept analysis approach. The research compares, compiles and combines theories and perspectives of strategic human resource management and development, talent management, competence management and foresight.

Findings

The results combine the information pathways and elements of the pathways for the competence foresight mechanism. The main three pathways in the mechanism are the pathways for detecting the needed competences for strategy implementation, the pathways for detecting rapid changes and the loss of competences.

Research limitations/implications

As talent management frameworks are organization specific, so are the mechanisms and information pathways for competence foresight. The results can be adjusted and developed to fit into other organizations.

Practical implications

The analysis and results provide the practitioners in human resources with new perspectives to use systematic foresight processes in talent management and development. The results can also be used for modelling the information pathways for the competence foresight mechanism in talent management software.

Originality/value

The research on human resources development and talent management does not deal with competence foresight. This paper addresses this deficiency and brings new, valuable perspectives of foresight and future studies for researchers and practitioners. This paper challenges further research on various aspects of competence foresight.
Developing managerial talent
Authors: Sheehan Maura
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To examine the association between talent management (TM) and perceived subsidiary performance. Focus is given to the development of one key talent group – line managers – in subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNCs). Specifically, the paper examines: whether there is a positive relationship between Management Development (MD) and perceived subsidiary performance; and whether national context mediates any link between MD and perceived subsidiary performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐respondent survey was undertaken generating a sample of 143 UK‐owned MNCs. For each organisation, interviews were completed with the Head of HR at corporate Head Quarters; the HR Manager/Specialist and a line manager in both the domestic and foreign subsidiaries of the sample organisation. A total of 5 respondents per organisation is used in the analysis.

Findings

The link between the MD variables and perceived subsidiary performance is consistently positive and robust in all of the models estimated. HR having a strategic role in the organisation is positively associated with perceived subsidiary performance; the interaction between strategic HR and the level and extent of MD and perceived subsidiary performance is also highly significant and positive. National context significantly mediates the relationship between MD and perceived subsidiary performance.

Practical implications/limitations

Investing in talent management, specifically the development of the key talent group of line managers, is positively associated with perceived subsidiary performance. The national context in which this investment is undertaken is found to affect the associated returns. The sample analysed is for UK owned MNCs only and, thus, the potential for “country of origin” effects is not examined.

Practical implications

In previous economic downturns, training and development budgets have often been drastically reduced. While any such slashing in MD budgets will reduce expenditure – given the positive association found in this analysis between the level and extent of MD and perceived subsidiary performance – this approach is likely to only have short‐run benefits and could jeopardise future competitive advantage. Continued investment in talent is likely to be pivotal for sustained competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The multi‐respondent and multi‐location methodology used is highly original and the findings contribute to the expanding literature on the relationship between MD and performance/perceived performance of organisations.
HRD practices and talent management in the companies with the employer brand
Authors: Kucherov Dmitry , Zavyalova Elena
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The employer brand could be a key factor of competitiveness for a company in a contemporary labour market. The purpose of this paper is to identify the features of human resource development (HRD) practices and talent management in companies with employer brand (CEBs).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined three economic indicators (turnover rate, average share of HR costs in total costs of company, proportion between the annual HR training budget and annual labour compensation funds). An employee survey was conducted to study the HRD system in the CEBs and in companies without the employer brand (CWEBs). Also, the survey was conducted among applicants (potential workers) about their job preferences and identified that employer brand could be a strong factor for attracting talent to the company.

Findings

The results show considerable differences in terms of economic indicators, HRD practices and talent management in the CEBs in comparison with CWEBs. The potential advantages of employer brand for a company were identified. The results of the study strongly supported that the CEBs gained a number of economic advantages due to lower rates of staff turnover and higher rates of HR investments in training and development activities of employees. Also, the authors found out that in the CEBs internal recruitment practices, internal training programs and highly efficient incentive activities were widespread and employees were actively involved in the decision‐making and management processes.

Originality/value

This paper is the first large‐scale study in Russia that examines the relationship between the HRD system and employer brand and enables companies to modify their HRD policies and practices in order to become attractive employers in an era of the so‐called “war for talents”.
Developing ethnic talent in the Dutch national tax administration: a case study
Authors: Glastra Folke J. , Meerman Martha
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The lack of career movement of members of ethnic minority groups in work organizations has been widely documented. The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into conditions for the realization of diversity goals in the case of talent development.

Design/methodology/approach

In a case study of management development in the Dutch national tax administration, the practice of fostering vertical mobility of ethnic minority personnel through diversity management has been analysed. The authors make use of theories regarding effective diversity management and career advancement of ethnic minority employees. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with 12 participants in the management development course, and a further 25 functionaries involved in the project.

Findings

With regard to diversity management as a means of fostering talent development of ethnic minorities, the authors come to the conclusion that key success factors mentioned in the literature such as top level commitment and strategic integration, are insufficient and overrated conditions. More important are “non‐issues” in the formulation of diversity strategies, organizational alignment of relevant organizational players, strategic coherence and organizational culture.

Research limitations/implications

The case study design used in this research facilitates case‐sensitive analysis, but is limited in estimations of validity and explanatory strength of factors mentioned in the literature, as it is in generalizing across organizations.

Practical implications

Interventions aimed at fostering ethnic diversity in talent development should start with precise analysis of cultural and organizational conditions and processes underpinning standard practices of talent and career development, and not only seek strategic integration and top management commitment but arrange for broad‐based organizational alignment.

Originality/value

While there are many theoretical and normative models tracing diversity outcomes to organizational conditions and diversity management strategies, there is a dearth of empirical studies in this field. The case study explores the merits of these models and adds new insights on an empirical basis.
A model of fish consumption among young consumers
Authors: Thorsdottir Fanney , Sveinsdottir Kolbrun , Jonsson Fridrik H. , Einarsdottir Gunnthorunn , Thorsdottir Inga , Martinsdottir Emilia
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine attitudes towards fish consumption, social pressure, fish preparation and cooking skills, sensory beliefs, health involvement and fish consumption in childhood as predictors of fish consumption among consumers in their early adulthood. While the impact of these factors on fish consumption has been examined in some extent among adult consumers, this is believed to be the first study where the focus is on people in their late teens and their early 20s.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross sectional sample of Icelanders between 17 and 26 years old (n=1,735) responded to a questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was used to estimate the direction and strength of relationships between variables.

Findings

The paper finds that attitude towards fish consumption, social pressure and fish preparation and cooking skills were correlated to fish consumption. Sensory beliefs and health involvement were also correlated to fish consumption, but this relationship was mediated by attitudes. Finally, there was a relationship between fish consumption in childhood and fish consumption but that relationship was mediated by sensory beliefs and attitude.

Research limitations/implications

The number of external variables included in the model is limited and correlational methods were used to estimate the relationship between factors.

Originality/value

The decrease in fish consumption among young consumers is of concern. Understanding the role different variables play in their fish consumption habits can provide health authorities and managers in the fish industry with useful insights for strategies for increasing the intake of fish among young consumers.
A model of consumer response to advertising music
Authors: Lantos Geoffrey P. , Craton Lincoln G.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a model of consumer response to music in broadcast commercials outlining four variables (listening situation, musical stimulus, listener characteristics, and advertising processing strategy) that affect a consumer's attitude toward the advertising music (Aam).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an integrative review of the relevant literatures from the psychology of music, marketing, and advertising.

Findings

Aamcan be positively but also negatively influenced by many factors. Only some of these variables are employed in any typical study on consumer response to music, which may account for some conflicting findings.

Practical implications

The paper discusses factors for effectively using commercial music to affect Aam, with special focus on advertising processing strategy. Advertisers are urged to exercise extreme caution in using music and to always pretest its use considering factors identified in this paper. The paper suggests ways in which the model can guide future research.

Originality/value

The paper integrates diverse literatures and outlines the major variables comprising our model of consumer response to advertising music. Advertisers can use these variables as a checklist for factors to consider in selecting ad music.
The impact of lifestyle and ethnocentrism on consumers' purchase intentions of fresh fruit in China
Authors: Qing Ping , Lobo Antonio , Chongguang Li
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how variables related to lifestyle and ethnocentrism influence Chinese consumers' attitudes and intentions towards the purchase of domestic and imported fresh fruit.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was developed using established scales and focus groups. Data were collected in the city of Wuhan through structured intercept interviews with consumers at major supermarkets and fruit stores. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Chinese consumers' purchase intention of imported fresh fruit is influenced by lifestyle groups, namely risk takers and traditionalists. Also consumers' ethnocentrism tendencies play an important role in shaping their purchase attitudes towards domestic fresh fruit.

Research limitations/implications

Although the research investigated both the sensory and non‐sensory purchase attributes of fruits, it failed to shed light on the intended use of imported fruits, e.g. for gifts, self consumption, children, aged parents and ill patients. Additionally, future research should be conducted that is more product and country specific.

Practical implications

Marketers should ensure that both sensory and non‐sensory purchase attributes of fresh fruit are given due importance, as this will snowball into positive purchase intentions, customer satisfaction and overall profitability for firms.

Originality/value

Despite its potential importance, relatively little is known about consumers' buying behaviour of fresh produce in China. Findings of this study would thus be beneficial to practitioners and policy makers to formulate effective strategies designed to market fresh produce in China.
Liminality and consumption in the aftermath of a natural disaster
Authors: Kennett‐Hensel Pamela A. , Sneath Julie Z. , Lacey Russell
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This study seeks to examine how event‐induced outcomes impact consumption attitudes and buying behavior by surveying victims at distinct intervals following Hurricane Katrina, the largest natural disaster in US history.

Design/methodology/approach

Using van Gennep's liminal transitions framework and Belk's conceptualization of possessions and sense of self, the authors present findings from three studies: depth interviews of 21 victims conducted eight weeks after the storm; an online study of 427 victims that was conducted eight months following the storm; and a follow‐up online study of 176 victims that took place three years after the first online survey.

Findings

The results suggest that when significant life transitions occur, consumption behavior helps to facilitate the process and serves as a marker for each stage.

Research limitations/implications

Because many of the US Gulf Coast region's residents still struggle to cope with the devastation wrought by the storm, the situation offers a unique opportunity to investigate short‐ and long‐term effects of a single catastrophic event on consumers' view of possessions and subsequent consumption behavior.

Practical implications

The studies conducted by the researchers provide insight about the impact of stress and loss on natural disaster victim's purchasing behavior, both in the weeks and months following the storm as well as more than three years later.

Originality/value

The study explores the role of consumption in coping and recovery after a natural catastrophic event. It uses a historic US natural disaster to examine how emotional distress and associated loss of possessions have impacted victims' lives, attitudes, and buying behaviors.
Drivers and barriers to seafood consumption in Australia
Authors: Birch Dawn , Lawley Meredith , Hamblin Denise
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the drivers and barriers to seafood consumption in Australia and to investigate attitudes toward pre‐packaged fresh chilled seafood products.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐stage study of seafood consumption in Australia was conducted comprising ten focus groups across six states (n=60) and a national online consumer survey (n=1,815).

Findings

The main drivers for seafood consumption in Australia are health, taste, convenience, and a desire for diet variety. The main barriers to seafood consumption are price, concerns regarding origin, concerns about freshness, difficulty in evaluating seafood quality, and not liking the taste or texture of fish. The main appeals of pre‐packaged fresh chilled seafood products are convenience and ease of preparation, while barriers include price and concerns about origin and freshness.

Research limitations/implications

The survey focussed on the main or joint grocery buyers in households and thus may not be representative of the entire Australian population.

Practical implications

The findings provide important insights for the Australian seafood industry in developing and delivering seafood offerings that will appeal to Australian consumers and thus stimulate seafood consumption. This knowledge will also assist the Australian Government and health educators to more effectively campaign to encourage increased seafood consumption.

Originality/value

While research on antecedents to seafood consumption in Europe has been extensive, research into the drivers and barriers to seafood consumption in Western countries such as Australia and strategies for increasing seafood consumption is less evident.
What makes sales presentations effective – a buyer‐seller perspective
Authors: Cicala John E. , Smith Rachel K. , Bush Alan J.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This exploratory research aims to examine the commonalities and differences in how buyers and sellers perceive and characterize an effective sales presentation in an attempt to present issues/themes that may help start a dialogue into the theoretical underpinnings of effective sales presentations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper consists of a qualitative study involving both salespeople and buyers.

Findings

The study uncovers three common themes of an effective sales presentation – knowledge, adaptability, and trust – but exposes a gap between buyer and seller expectations and perspectives of these themes.

Practical implications

The findings provide insight for business‐to‐business (B2B) salespeople and managers as to what buyers and sellers consider characteristic of an effective sales presentation.

Originality/value

By focusing on how the two main parties to an exchange – the buyer and seller – define what makes an effective sales presentation, this paper adds knowledge to the area of B2B sales research.