bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shared leadership in projects: a matter of substance over style
Authors: Clarke Nicholas
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to advance understanding of the conditions under which shared leadership would contribute to successful outcomes in projects and factors associated with its development.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that draws on existing research on shared leadership in teams and the literature on the characteristics of soft projects, to put forward a number of testable propositions to form the basis of future research in this area.

Findings

The assumptions underpinning style perspectives of leadership and their usefulness for projects are called into question given the ambiguity and complexity with which the majority of projects now have to contend. Instead, shared project leadership is suggested to be better suited to respond to the dynamic and changing circumstances characteristic of most projects.

Research limitations/implications

Three major areas of research are proposed that focus on external factors enabling shared leadership, internal factors enabling shared leadership, and shared leadership processes. Longitudinal, qualitative studies that capture the contextual variables and conditions that influence shared leadership in projects are suggested to enhance our theoretical understanding of this systems‐level perspective on leadership.

Originality/value

Style leadership perspectives have dominated research on leadership in projects offering a parochial and narrow understanding of the contribution leadership perceived more broadly can make to the effectiveness of projects. The propositions put forward in this paper aim to extend our theoretical understanding of shared leadership specifically within project contexts.
Business performance and maintenance
Authors: Narayan Venkatraman
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Process plant safety, asset integrity, reliability, quality, profitability and maintenance are traditionally compartmentalized, each being treated as a stand‐alone subject. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether they are closely related, with common drivers of performance. This allows us to consider a holistic approach that is effective and economically viable.

Design/methodology/approach

In achieving business performance targets, the focus is often on technology and hardware. The human interface is not always given sufficient importance. This paper attempts to show that sustainable performance depends on achieving a proper balance.

Findings

Focusing on just three drivers – reliability, productivity and sustainability – good results can be facilitated in terms of quality, process safety, and profitability. Working on individual initiative alone is not sufficient and all the links in the causal chain have to be strengthened.

Practical implications

There are several factors that affect the above drivers. By managing these factors effectively, high performance can be achieved over the lifetime of the business. An integrated plan of action is thus preferable to flavour‐of‐the‐month initiatives.

Originality/value

The paper shows that combining the technological and human behavioural aspects brings a holistic approach. The links shown between maintenance, reliability, quality, asset integrity, process safety and profitability provide a business focus. A discussion of these concepts with professionals and experts can help create a solid foundation for lasting improvements.
Quality of maintenance: Mirce Mechanics axiom
Authors: Knezevic Jezdimir
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a science‐based formulation of quality of maintenance processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of scientific analysis of the faulty maintenance tasks to determine the pattern of phenomena and to understand the nature of causing mechanisms.

Findings

Faulty maintenance tasks are found to exist in statistical analysis of the tens of thousands of maintenance tasks in defence, aerospace, transportation (including Formula 1 Grand Prix racing), communication and other industries, which has led to the formulation of the probabilistic axiom of the quality of maintenance.

Practical implications

This axiom has a profound impact on the properties of any maintainable system, such as reliability, availability, safety, cost, effectiveness and many others, on the one hand, and associated processes such as manufacturing, operation, logistics support, on the other.

Originality/value

The paper presents the formulation of the second axiom of Mirce Mechanics, which is related to the quality of the maintenance processes and a new classification of quality‐based maintenance tasks.
Additive manufacturing: rapid prototyping comes of age
Authors: Campbell Ian , Bourell David , Gibson Ian
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a personalised view by the Editors of the Rapid Prototyping Journal.

Design/methodology/approach

It collects their years of experience in a series of observations and experiences that can be considered as a snapshot of where this technology is today.

Findings

Development of these technologies has progressed according to application, materials and how the designers have applied their creativity to such a unique manufacturing tool.

Originality/value

The paper predicts how the future of additive manufacturing will look from the perspective of three key elements: applications, materials and design.
In situ flaw detection by IR‐imaging during electron beam melting
Authors: Schwerdtfeger Jan , Singer Robert F. , Körner Carolin
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibility of in situ flaw detection for powder bed, beam‐based additive manufacturing processes using a thermal imaging system.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compare infrared images (IR) which were taken during the generation of Ti‐6Al‐4V parts in a selective electron beam melting system (SEBM) with metallographic images taken from destructive material investigation.

Findings

A good match is found between the IR images and the material flaws detected by metallographic techniques.

Research limitations/implications

First results are presented here, mechanisms of flaw formation and transfer between build layers are not addressed in detail.

Originality/value

This work has important implications for quality assurance in SEBM and rapid manufacturing in general.
Rapid manufacturing of metallic objects
Authors: Karunakaran K.P. , Bernard Alain , Suryakumar S. , Dembinski Lucas , Taillandier Georges
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review additive and/or subtractive manufacturing methods for metallic objects and their gradual evolution from prototyping tools to rapid manufacture of actual parts.

Design/methodology/approach

Various existing rapid manufacturing (RM) methods have been classified into six groups, namely, CNC machining laminated manufacturing, powder‐bed technologies, deposition technologies, hybrid technologies and rapid casting technologies and discussed in detail. The RM methods have been further classified, based on criteria such as material, raw material form, energy source, etc. The process capabilities springing from these classifications are captured in the form of a table, which acts as a database.

Findings

Due to the approximation in RM in exchange for total automation, a variety of multi‐faceted and hybrid approaches has to be adopted. This study helps in choosing the appropriate RM process among these myriad technologies.

Originality/value

This review facilitates identification of appropriate RM process for a given situation and sets the framework for design for RM.
Improving the process of making rapid prototyping models from medical ultrasound images
Authors: Vaezi Mohammad , Kai Chua Chee , Meng Chou Siaw
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Today, medical models can be made by the use of medical imaging systems through modern image processing methods and rapid prototyping (RP) technology. In ultrasound imaging systems, as images are not layered and are of lower quality as compared to those of computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the process for making physical models requires a series of intermediate processes and it is a challenge to fabricate a model using ultrasound images due to the inherent limitations of the ultrasound imaging process. The purpose of this paper is to make high quality, physical models from medical ultrasound images by combining modern image processing methods and RP technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel and effective semi‐automatic method was developed to improve the quality of 2D image segmentation process. In this new method, a partial histogram of 2D images was used and ideal boundaries were obtained. A 3D model was achieved using the exact boundaries and then the 3D model was converted into the stereolithography (STL) format, suitable for RP fabrication. As a case study, the foetus was chosen for this application since ultrasonic imaging is commonly used for foetus imaging so as not to harm the baby. Finally, the 3D Printing (3DP) and PolyJet processes, two types of RP technique, were used to fabricate the 3D physical models.

Findings

The physical models made in this way proved to have sufficient quality and shortened the process time considerably.

Originality/value

It is still a challenge to fabricate an exact physical model using ultrasound images. Current commercial histogram‐based segmentation method is time‐consuming and results in a less than optimum 3D model quality. In this research work, a novel and effective semi‐automatic method was developed to select the threshold optimum value easily.
Thickening of surfaces for direct additive manufacturing fabrication
Authors: Bordoni Manlio , Boschetto Alberto
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new way of prototyping surfaces, taking the mathematical background into account, without involving drawing environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors thicken surfaces from a mathematical point of view to obtain solids. Next they look for an operative procedure to build virtual models and interchange files. The authors build a sample of Enneper thickened surface by fused deposition modelling and verify the prototype by reverse engineering techniques.

Findings

The authors provide a formulation able to thicken surfaces in mathematical terms. An operative procedure generates virtual solids and interchange files in the same environment. The approximations necessary for additive fabrication, such as triangulations and mesh geometry, can be chosen at this stage.

Research limitations/implications

The approach is useful at the product/process development stage, in which surfaces are delivered by theoretical analysis. At this stage a prototype can give useful advice permitting functional tests. The limitation is that, when the mathematical formulation is not available, it is difficult to translate a concept without fundamentals of differential geometry.

Practical implications

Approximations of drawing environments typically lead to fault models, not ready for fabrication by additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, needing empiric, not at all obvious and not rapid repair interventions. The authors' approach eliminates this stage, permitting a faster and simple managing of modifications due to functional and technological requirements, that are frequent at concept stage. This leads to a time‐to‐market reduction in the course of product/process development.

Originality/value

This paper extends the capability of a mathematical approach to solve surface prototyping problems. By reducing the required stages, the proposed methodology finds a theoretical and practical shorter route to direct fabrication.
Relating additive and subtractive processes in a teleological and modular approach
Authors: Townsend Victoria , Urbanic Jill
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to relate additive manufacturing (AM) and machining (CNC) synergistically in a modular approach in the design and manufacturing domains, to generate value for end‐users and manufacturers (a teleological system).

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology decomposes a part into modules, by employing a teleological systems theory approach paired with principles of modular design. Modules are manufactured with either additive manufacturing (fused deposition modeling, FDM) or machining (CNC). Process selection is determined by a decision‐making framework that quantifies strength and weakness comparisons of FDM and CNC machining processes, accomplished using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP).

Findings

The developed methodology and decision‐making framework is successfully applied to the design and manufacturing of a large, complex V6 engine section sand casting pattern. This case study highlights the merits of the research.

Research limitations/implications

The research assumes that the processes being considered are capable of meeting the product functional requirements. The proposed methodology can be extended to evaluate additional processes.

Practical implications

Value is assessed in this research relative to: time and cost opportunities, managing knowledge limitations of a process by leveraging hybrid options, and aligning design and manufacturing to create a product that accomplishes the goals of the end‐user (teleological effectiveness).

Originality/value

Utilizing the AHP process and a teleological perspective are new, and proven effective, approaches in relating additive and subtractive processes in a hybrid approach with end‐user perspectives. The research demonstrates a systematic methodology to quantify additive and subtractive process selection.
Creating consumer‐based brand equity for young Iranian consumers via country of origin sub‐components effects
Authors: Moradi Hadi , Zarei Azim
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to decompose the concept of country of origin (COO) and to investigate the influence of country of brand (COB) and country of manufacture (COM) on brand equity formation. Moreover, the secondary aim of this research is to examine the moderating role of product involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish this, a conceptual framework was designed and relationships between its constructs (COB image, COM image, brand equity dimensions, overall brand equity) were hypothesized. Data were collected from Iranian students who were the owners of selected brands of laptops and mobile phones. All hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) in LISREL.

Findings

As a result of exploratory factor analysis, three factors, namely brand loyalty, perceived quality and brand association/awareness were introduced for the brand equity dimensions. Results indicated that unlike COM, COB has a direct and significant effect on brand loyalty and COB positively influences perceived quality and brand awareness or association. Brand loyalty has a positive and direct effect on the overall brand equity. The results also indicate the moderating effect of product involvement on relationships between COB and brand equity dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

This study only investigates in the country of origin of the product. The effect of laptops and mobile phones from a student's point of view were not taken into consideration, which includes other controlled variables (e.g. income, gender) and moderating factors (e.g. product familiarity).

Originality/value

This paper is important in order to identify the effect of brand equity formation from the point of view of young Iranian consumers. Product involvement effect is another important case in this research.
Perceived risk and trust as antecedents of online purchasing behavior in the USA gemstone industry
Authors: D'Alessandro Steven , Girardi Antonia , Tiangsoongnern Leela
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to seek to investigate the impact that perceived risk and trust have on online purchasing behavior, in particular the nature of purchasing associations within the expensive, complex, high risk and credence products such as gemstones.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of purchases of Thai gemstones was used to collect the data. Partial Least Squares was used to test the conceptual model of the study.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that the type of internet marketing strategy used by the seller (the place strategy) and the buyer's privacy and security practices influence a buyer's perceived risk to purchase gemstones online. Furthermore, the study showed that perceived risk reduces trust and perceived risk reduces online purchases.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of these results are that privacy and security concerns of online buyers must be addressed in order to reduce perceived risk and thereby increase trust which is fundamental to the amount purchased online.

Practical implications

Online marketers of highly risky products need to consider that policies that promote trust and reduce risk are important means of increasing purchases. In particular, the use of multichannels will reduce perceived risk.

Originality/value

This is a rare study which examines purchases of expensive, complex, high risk and credence products such as gemstones. It is also a study which examines the behaviour of organisational buyers. Also actual reported online purchases are investigated rather than just intent.
Wine product involvement and consumers' BYOB behaviour in the South Australian on‐premise market
Authors: Bruwer Johan , Huang Jieshan
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory study is to identify how consumers' involvement with wine as a product impacts upon their on‐premise behaviour, with special focus on the BYOB (bring‐your‐own‐bottle) behaviour aspect.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected through the use of a self‐administered highly structured questionnaire in both metropolitan and rural areas of Adelaide in South Australia. The sample consists of consumers who had at least one time BYOB of wine experience. A response rate of 73 percent was achieved resulting in 101 useable surveys. During the operationalization process a scale was designed for measuring consumers' wine involvement level.

Findings

Consumers' involvement level with wine as a product has a direct effect on consumers' BYOB of wine behaviour. High‐involved wine consumers have a higher tendency to BYOB than low‐involved wine consumers. Although there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of financial motivations for BYOB, high‐involved wine consumers are more concerned about functional reasons, while low‐involved wine consumers are more concerned about social and time reasons. There is a positive relationship between consumers' wine involvement level and their attitudes towards having to pay corkage fees for BYOB.

Research limitations/implications

The restaurant and wine industries could enter into mutually beneficial arrangements to cope with the increasingly popular BYOB practice. For example, wineries can partner with restaurants to have permission for consumers to BYOB of their wine to the partnered restaurant without paying any corkage fees. In return, the wineries can provide a “corkage fee subsidy” to the partnered restaurants. Although tentative due to the exploratory nature of this study, these findings may provide useful information to the restaurant and wine industry and would benefit further from investigation on a larger scale.

Originality/value

This study is of value to academic researchers, the restaurant industry and the wine industry alike. It is unique in that it examines the relationship between consumer involvement with wine as a product and how this impacts upon their on‐premise behaviour, with a specific focus on their BYOB behaviour.
Career satisfaction
Authors: Joo Baek‐Kyoo (Brian) , Ready Kathryn J.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of personal characteristics (proactive personality and performance goal orientation) and contextual characteristics (organizational learning culture and leader‐member exchange quality) on employees' career satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were drawn from 232 employees in aFortuneGlobal 500 company in Korea. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for measurement model assessment. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to explain the variance in career satisfaction.

Findings

As a result of correlation analysis, all the constructs were found to be significant predictors of career satisfaction. Accounting for 22 percent of the variance in career satisfaction, employees exhibited the highest career satisfaction, when they had higher performance goal orientation, and when they perceived higher learning culture and better relationship with supervisor. LMX turned out to moderate the relationship between performance goal orientation and career satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The contributions of this study to theory lie in the fact that it: took an integrative approach encompassing both personal and contextual factors; examined little researched constructs in career development, organizational learning culture and goal orientation; and was an international study, based on the Korean cultural context.

Practical implications

To support employees' career satisfaction in the Korean cultural context, the contextual factors (i.e. organizational learning culture and LMX quality) are more important than the personality factors. HR/OD practitioners can play a pivotal role in improving career satisfaction by adopting such practices as cultural change and leadership development using coaching/mentoring.

Originality/value

This paper is original in that it takes an integrative approach encompassing both personal and contextual factors, examines organizational learning culture and goal orientation, which have previously been the subject of little research, and has an international dimension, being based on the Korean cultural context.
The deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) and adult safeguarding
Authors: Hewitt David
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to consider the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and, in particular, the extent to which the functions of supervisory bodies can, or should be, performed as part of wider “safeguarding” responsibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the views of practitioners, given in response to comments made by the Care Quality Commission.

Findings

Some practitioners believe that DoLS and safeguarding functions should be consolidated, and some, that they should remain discrete; most, however, accept that the two functions should work closely together, and also that an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act is important for each; there is a suspicion that DoLS‐activity is greatest where the two functions are kept discrete (and, it is assumed, DoLS practitioners therefore have more to prove); there is also concern about financing, particularly within discrete DoLS services, and, furthermore, some suspicion about the whole business of “safeguarding”; the Neary case continues to cast a long shadow.

Originality/value

This is believed to be the first time practitioners' views have been sought or at least published on this question.
“Not just grapes and flowers”: older people's perspectives on the role and importance of hospital visiting
Authors: Green Bert , Raymond Gwyneth , Peardon John , Fox David , Hawkes Barbara , Cornes Michelle
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present findings from a service user controlled research project; essentially it seeks to provide commentary by older people on their experiences as visitors to hospital or as patients receiving visitors.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of data collection was to facilitate discussions (focus groups) with diverse older people at eight different locations in North Lancashire and South Cumbria. They were asked about their recent experience of hospital visiting and its value to them, given their individual circumstances and those prevailing at the hospitals.

Findings

From verbatim transcripts the authors identified particular concerns or vivid experiences of individuals that were interpreted and classified into common themes such as: getting there and back; on the ward; the value of visiting.

Research limitations/implications

The project maximised the participation of older people at all stages of the research process.

Practical implications

The paper makes recommendations for practice that could improve hospital visiting for older people, and consequently their wellbeing, including: times and rules for visitors; the response they get from staff; the potential of older visitors to help improve the welfare of the older patient; locating older people's wards.

Originality/value

The literature of hospital visiting hardly refers to older people's experience; however some articles of general application suggest that visitors' needs are not always being met. The findings from the perspectives of older people broadly confirm this conclusion.
The restaurant within the home: experiences of a restaurant‐style dining provision in residential homes for older people
Authors: Kenkmann Andrea , Hooper Lee
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This study aims to explore the experiences of residents and staff with new restaurant‐style meal provision in four residential care homes in Norfolk, England.

Design/methodology/approach

Meal and drink provision were observed over a full day in each home and unstructured individual interviews with 16 residents and 32 staff recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to discover and explore main themes.

Findings

Although older care home residents enjoyed the restaurant experience, they valued stable table companions more highly than flexibility. Residents appreciated attractive surroundings, good food and their ability to make choices, but in some circumstances and for frailer residents, choice was more limited with care staff making some decisions. While the central restaurant was valued for the main meal some residents indicated they preferred smaller “family‐type” dining for other meals. Care staff sometimes found the negotiation of their waitressing and caring roles difficult. Available space and the dining‐room's location also contributed to the comparative success of the restaurant‐style provision.

Research limitations/implications

Residents valued the restaurant experience with attractive food, surroundings and the ethos of being served at lunch time, but other residents or the same residents at other meals, valued cosier stable family‐type dining more highly. Staff were also torn between service roles implied by restaurant settings and supporting residents to remain independent in the domestic model.

Practical implications

When planning new eating facilities thought needs to be given to ensuring both restaurant and family‐type food provision are available, and staff roles in these settings discussed and negotiated.

Originality/value

The research provides insights into the experiences of residents and staff of new dining facilities.
Physiotherapists' attitudes towards old and young patients in persistent vegetative state (PVS)
Authors: Inbar Noit , Doron Israel , Ohry Avi
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover attitudes of physical therapists (PTs) who treat vegetative state (VS) patients, and to raise awareness to ethical and professional dilemmas: Are PTs influenced by ageist perceptions? Do they consider physiotherapy to be effective or futile?

Design/methodology/approach

Ethical questions and complex dilemmas are by and large subconscious and rarely explicitly voiced, but can be identified by revealing implicit therapists' personal and professional approach to patients. A quantitative six‐point Likert scale questionnaire was developed, which presented two VS cases – young and old, followed by practical‐ethical questions concerning key issues including: treatment choices, quality of life, prolongation of life, futile treatment (n=101, 68 percent return rate).

Findings

The results reveal a complex reality: on the one hand PTs expressed a positive perception of their profession, and consider all treatment components important for VS patients and their families regardless of age; on the other hand, significant preference for treating the younger VS patient was found.

Practical implications

There is a need for raising awareness of physiotherapists to the social phenomenon of ageism and its implications on daily professional and ethical conduct.

Originality/value

While other studies revealed ageism in various health care settings, this study was original both in its methodology (examining implicit ageism via contrasting vignettes), and its unique context (VS patients) which in theory could be viewed as “ageless” in light of the patients' permanent condition.
A nutrition information needs survey among older adults: application of adult learning principles
Authors: Schultz Ulrike , Nothwehr Faryle , Hanson Jessica , Chrisman Matthew , Haines Heidi
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore older adults' nutrition information needs. The paper seeks to describe the development and findings of a nutrition information needs assessment among older adults, with the application of principles of adult learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A telephone survey among 321 older adults who were between 60 and 80 years old in the Midwest was conducted. The study was guided by principles of adult learning, and by self‐efficacy, a key‐construct of social cognitive theory.

Findings

The majority reported to be white, with a mean age of 69 years. In total, 95 percent rated their knowledge about nutrition, and their interest in healthy eating as excellent/very good/ or good. Preferred nutrition information sources were health professionals, sources they have at home, nutrition classes, flyers/brochures/health newsletters, and public libraries. The majority was interested in information about eating healthfully, heart healthy diets, and strategies for healthy eating. The majority stated they think about taste and feeling better when they choose their food, and fewer participants stated they think about cost, convenience, losing weight, and better appearance. Major motivations to eat healthier were maintaining their health status, preventing disease and disability, as well as personal fitness.

Originality/value

This research is an example of how using adult learning principles in combination with behavior change theories may be helpful in the assessment of nutrition information needs among older adults, and the design of nutrition information interventions in the future.
HR talent and the new HR competencies
Authors: Ulrich Dave , Younger Jon , Brockbank Wayne , Ulrich Mike
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This article aims to describe partial results of the 2012 Global Human Resources Competency Study (HRCS), led by the RBL Group and the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the past 25 years, this ongoing research project has provided the most global, comprehensive, and empirical identification of the competencies expected of HR professionals, and the impact of these competencies on both individual HR professional effectiveness and business performance.

Findings

This article points out a number of the key findings of the research – including the six fundamental competency domains that HR professionals must demonstrate to impact business performance – and identifies implications of the study findings for HR talent planning, assessment and development.

Originality/value

HRCS findings have influenced thousands of HR departments, from global giants to smaller organizations in every continent.
CFTC adopts significant changes to CPO and CTA registration and compliance requirements
Authors: Rosenzweig Kenneth M. , Cohen Wendy E. , Okoshi Marilyn S. , Santo Fred M.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the final rules adopted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on February 9 amending its Part 4 regulations governing commodity pool operators (CPOs) and commodity trading advisors (CTAs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains, among other things, changes to CPO registration exemptions, additional reporting obligations for registered CPOs and CTAs, the imposition of new requirements for registered CPOs relying on certain exemptions, to provide annual financial statements, required risk disclosures regarding swap transactions, required annual affirmation and eligibility for exemptions and exclusions from CPO and CTA registration, and an initiative to harmonize CPO reporting, disclosure, and recordkeeping requirements of the CFTC and the SEC for registered investment companies.

Findings

Since the adoption of Rule 4.13(a)(4) in 2003, fund sponsors have frequently relied on the exemption made available by that rule to avoid both registration with the CFTC as CPOs and compliance with the CFTC's disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The CFTC has now rescinded that exemption.

Practical implications

All advisers to registered investment companies need to evaluate their exposure to CFTC regulation after this rule amendment.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
Venture capital funds – recent European developments
Authors: McGowan Peter , Everitt Kimberly
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This article aims to trace current developments in the treatment of the venture capital industry in the European Union (EU), including recently proposed legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides an analysis of current EU venture capital industry trends by detailing some of the important aspects of the newly proposed EU marketing regimes for venture capital and social entrepreneurship funds, noting the impact on venture capital of the UK's discussion paper on AIFMD implementation and examining a recent EU Parliament study on the potential of venture capital in the EU.

Findings

There appears growing recognition in the EU that the venture capital industry requires specialist legislation that balances the compliance burden with a constructive facility for marketing venture capital funds cross‐border.

Originality/value

This article provides an expert view of recent European trends in the venture capital industry by specialist lawyers.
International distribution of mutual funds legal and compliance issues: historical considerations and practical pointers
Authors: Sobol Robert N.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the distribution of mutual funds around the world, including a background on the lack of sales of US funds offshore and initial practical legal and compliance considerations regarding fund structure, multi‐jurisdictional compliance, and strategic approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

From the perspective of a legal practitioner with hands‐on experience in this area, the paper analyzes possible legal and compliance reasons why US‐registered funds have not benefited from recent developments in the international distribution of mutual funds and do not yet enjoy widespread investment flows from retail foreign investors. The paper discusses some of the practical issues around offshore‐domiciled fund structural considerations, then outlines a few critical considerations asset management companies that their legal counsel and compliance personnel should engage in prior to launching and selling offshore funds to international investors.

Findings

The paper reveals that strong tax considerations appear to be a major reason why US funds have not been successful offshore, effective offshore options have developed as alternatives, and serious compliance and legal traps for the unwary remain in this complex multi‐jurisdictional area.

Research limitations/implications

A synthesized multi‐jurisdictional review reveals an inconsistency among countries due to the varying stages in regulatory maturity. This means there may be further opportunity in sharing and making more consistent such regulatory regimes and optimizing capital flows and investment choices among otherwise likely similar emerging sets of investor classes.

Practical implications

Strong consideration should be given to making US funds more competitive offshore via changes in the tax code. Continuing caution should be practiced as fund managers new to this area find it necessary to compete internationally for assets.

Originality/value

This paper sets forth a summary compendium of multijurisdictional legal and compliance knowledge heretofore contained in multiple practice areas with limited availability of focused resources to business decision makers.
Suppliers' perception of destination competitiveness in a winter sport resort
Authors: Hallmann Kirstin , Müller Sabine , Feiler Svenja , Breuer Christoph , Roth Ralf
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Tourism has become a global industry, with the destination being at the core of the tourism product. Due to an increasingly competitive market place, ensuring destination competitiveness is vital. The aim of this study is to detect which factors destination suppliers perceive as important for the competitiveness of their destination.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research paradigm was chosen. A survey was conducted using a self‐administered questionnaire containing questions referring to the five dimensions of the destination competitiveness model by Ritchie and Crouch. The convenience sample comprised n=71 stakeholders of the supply‐side. Indices for the dimensions were computed. A MANOVA was conducted to test for differences in the perception of the destination competitiveness dimensions. Post‐hoc tests were employed to test between which groups the differences lay.

Findings

Six stakeholder groups were detected. The estimated model suggested that significant differences regarding the stakeholder's perception of destination competitiveness and the dimensions core resources, destination management, and destination policy exist.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is rather small and, moreover, future research should additionally include the demand‐side of destinations.

Practical implications

Communication from the destination managing organization is recommended in order to promote a more coherent picture of the destination toward the tourists.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the complexity of the tourism product. Moreover, it is shown that differences in the perception of the destination competitiveness dimensions occur based on the industry the respondent works in. Overall, the usefulness for measuring destination competitiveness by the Ritchie and Crouch model is confirmed.
From mobility space towards experience space: implications for the competitiveness of destinations
Authors: Pechlaner Harald , Pichler Sabine , Herntrei Marcus
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Destinations are embedded in a competitive environment, in which quality and service alone do not satisfy the customer, and are no longer useful for differentiation. Thus experiences, as a source of customer value, are gaining importance in destination management. Experiences are provided at isolated attraction points, rather than as networks within spaces. Thus, destinations are forced to provide emotional experiences along the entire tourist service chain within the destination space. The challenge is to transform the space of the tourist's movements into one of experiences. The main purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework for the mobility offer in the destination, the realised mobility and the relative experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The construct was empirically tested on the culture event MANIFESTA 7, one of Europe's biggest events for contemporary art, which took place on four different, spatially unconnected locations in the northern Italian region of Trentino‐South Tyrol. In total 1,394 quantitative face‐to‐face interviews were conducted.

Findings

The results of the study show that the concept of different spaces can be elaborated and measured. Further, a causal relationship between the spaces was found. Thus, the spaces build on one another. It was also found that the experience space has a strong influence on overall satisfaction of the visitors and likelihood of recommendation.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations, including that further research on this approach is needed in order to find ways to measure individual experiences and spatial behaviour simultaneously.

Originality/value

The findings from this study constitute an attempt to determine a structured approach to this interdisciplinary field of research. They should also help managers and planners to improve the attractiveness and competitiveness of destinations.
The role of commitment in the succession of hospitality businesses
Authors: Peters Mike , Raich Margit , Märk Stefan , Pichler Sabine
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The take‐over of the hospitality family business by the entrepreneur's daughter or son is a complex process. The aim of the paper is to analyse the impact of commitment on succession in hospitality family businesses from the viewpoint of the successors. The contribution aims to shed more light on the different dimensions of commitment relevant for the succession process.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the role of commitment in the succession process this study uses a qualitative approach. Interviews were carried out with 15 successors of hospitality businesses in South Tyrol, Italy. The obtained narrative texts have been transcribed and evaluated with GABEK®, a tool for analyzing qualitative data. The transcripts of the interviews were separated into text units and coded, developing a network of data. This rule‐based procedure of systematizing, coding and interpreting considers both syntax and semantics and enhances the validity of the results.

Findings

The results reveal that commitment seems to play a very major role in the whole succession. A cluster analysis indicates the linkage of three topics: Motives, Family business and Take‐over constitute the construct “Commitment”. The motives show that parents' heritage or the successors' perceptions of the business as the home where they have grown up are important reasons to run this family business. Also trust or personal support through family members can be interpreted as push motives to become the successor.

Research limitations/implications

Results may be influenced by the geographical concentration, but also by the selection process of the interviewees. The research is based on qualitative data that were gathered in one particular region in South Tyrol, Italy. Furthermore, the successors who participated in the survey mostly were very successful businesses keen on joining this research. Further research should focus on the role of commitment and its antecedents and consequences. In addition, commitment bases should be investigated from the predecessor but also from the successors' perspective in the light of the current and past business and business environment situation.

Practical implications

The results highlight that in the succession process, different bases of commitment exist which particularly influence the perception of succession process. Furthermore, they can be interpreted as hurdles or facilitators to the transition of the family business.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information on the impact of commitment on succession in hospitality family businesses from the viewpoint of the successors.
Dialogue‐based modeling of rich internet applications: the Rich‐IDM approach
Authors: Mainetti Luca , Paiano Roberto , Bolchini Davide , Pandurino Andrea
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Rich Internet Application (RIA) technologies offer designers the opportunity to experiment with novel interaction grammars, whose implications for conceptual modeling still need to be fully understood. An open problem is the ability to characterize the fluid, smooth and organic nature of the user interaction and navigation in ways that allow web engineers to share through a common vocabulary, as well as sketch, explore and specify design decisions in the light of usability requirements and stakeholder's goals. The purpose of this paper is to address this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

To meet this challenge, the authors extend IDM (Interactive Dialogue Model), a dialogue‐based approach focusing on the conceptual dialogue flow with the user, codifying a set of key modeling constructs in order to describe the new dialogue features of RIAs.

Findings

The approach, called Rich‐IDM demonstrated some relevant features: expressiveness to capture interactive features at a high level of abstraction, semi‐formality to facilitate the establishment of a common ground between designers and web engineers, and traceability of the design to important usability requirements.

Research limitations/implications

The paper proposes a simple way to fill the gap between hypermedia design and user experience design for RIAs, which is an open issue, both from the web engineering point of view and the human‐computer interaction point of view.

Practical implications

The authors have described how Rich‐IDM can help designers to capture and cope with some RIA interface flaws. In this case, the benefits of the approach are directly related to the semantics of its primitives.

Originality/value

The authors' proposal is the first, consolidated step of a promising research avenue.
Gender, ethnic identity and patronage likelihood for a unisex hair salon
Authors: Dean Dwane H.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether young consumers, growing up during a time of cultural hybridization and at a time when the unisex hair salon has proliferated, will exhibit segments in their patronage likelihood toward a unisex hair salon staffed by young, white women. Based on social identity theory and the similarity‐attraction principle, it was hypothesized that identity groups (white men, white women, non‐white men, non‐white women) would differ in patronage likelihood toward a unisex hair salon with an all‐white, female staff. Further, based on prior qualitative research of African‐American barbershops, it was proposed that non‐white men would prefer a male haircutter.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sample of 190 university students was obtained, self‐categorized into the four identity groups. Respondents reported their perceptions of a unisex hair salon presented in text and photo‐collage format. Responses were analyzed with the Kruskal‐Wallis H test, a non‐parametric analogue to one‐way ANOVA.

Findings

Compared to other groups, non‐white men reported significantly lower patronage likelihood and image congruence for the described unisex salon. Also, the non‐white male group was unique in having a strong preference for a male barber/stylist.

Research limitations/implications

The non‐white male group was largely composed of a single ethnic minority and the perceptions of this group may not represent those of other minorities.

Originality/value

The idea that gender and ethnic identity of the servicescape affects consumer approach and avoidance behavior has not been well researched. The paper's findings suggest that if a unisex hair salon wishes to attract a non‐white male clientele, the salon should have at least one non‐white male service provider on staff.