bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A situated cultural approach for cross‐cultural studies in IS
Authors: Ali Maged , Brooks Laurence
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive framework of a situated culture approach to studying culture within the IS discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

This is achieved via an articulation of structuration theory and the provision of an approach to study cross‐cultural phenomena within the IS discipline. The paper proposes two main components of a structuration theory based analysis model which is proposed as a way to study culture within IS discipline. First, the paper presents ideas behind the practice lens for studying the use of technology, as proposed by Orlikowski. Second, the paper presents a structurational analysis approach as detailed by Walsham. The paper argues that using a practice lens contributes to identifying the mediated shared structures between actors through understanding the actions of the actors within the phenomena. Then, using a structurational analysis approach contributes to identifying the cultural dimensions that are embedded in the identified mediated shared structures.

Findings

This paper contributes to cultural studies within the IS discipline and provides a framework for researchers aiming to investigate cultural influences for different phenomena within IS.

Originality/value

Cultural anthropology seeks to understand the similarities and differences among groups of people in the contemporary world. Although there are many different models of national culture, most IS research has tended to rely almost solely on Hofstede's cultural model. However, Hofstede's cultural model been criticised, and using structurational analysis will provide researchers within cultural studies in the IS discipline with a more broad perspective for the phenomena.
Exploring the relationship between IT governance practices and business/IT alignment through extreme case analysis in Belgian mid‐to‐large size financial enterprises
Authors: De Haes S. , Van Grembergen W.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Many thought leaders are promoting information technology (IT) governance and its supporting practices as an approach to improve business/IT alignment. This paper aims to further explore this assumed positive relationship between IT governance practices and business/IT alignment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the relationship between the use of IT governance practices and business/IT alignment, by creating a business/IT alignment maturity benchmark and qualitatively comparing the use of IT governance practices in the extreme cases.

Findings

The main conclusion of the research is that all extreme case organisations are leveraging a broad set of IT governance practices, and that IT governance practices need to obtain at least a maturity level 2 (on a scale of 5) to positively influence business/IT alignment. Also, a list of 11 key enabling IT governance practices is identified.

Research limitations/implications

This research adheres to the process theory, implying a limited definition of prediction. An important opportunity for future research lies in the domain of complementary statistical correlation research.

Practical implications

This research identifies key IT governance practices that organisations can leverage to improve business/IT alignment.

Originality/value

This research contributes to new theory building in the IT governance and alignment domain and provides practitioners with insight on how to implement IT governance in their organisations.
Blended and online learning: student perceptions and performance
Authors: Adam Stewart , Adam Stewart
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve educator knowledge of the antecedents and consequences of blended learning in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal case study approach is adopted. Three case studies each involve tracking a student evaluations of teaching (SET) measure (willingness to recommend) and grade point average for three subjects from the same business discipline over six years. The cases involve comparison of: a business subject taught solely online; a business subject where experimentation in the blend of face‐to‐face teaching and learning is involved; and a business subject where face‐to‐face teaching is primarily used, and where in the most recent iteration online content supplements the learners' experiences.

Findings

The findings suggest that there are situations where integrated use of blended learning involving face‐to‐face teaching, digital media and digital communication with simple navigation between the content items leads to positive student perceptions. This is in contrast to negative student perceptions in the situation where learners must navigate in online learning, and where there is little or no face‐to‐face instruction. While not examined in detail, nor part of the research question, it is not surprising to find no relationship between learning mode and grade point averages is evidenced.

Research limitations/implications

The effects of prior computer literacy and language proficiency across the students used in this study, and potential demographic and experiential differences between on‐campus and off‐campus students are not controlled for. Additionally, only three business subjects are investigated and it is recognised that there is a need for a broader study. Finally, with response levels to the university‐controlled SET that typically range between 20‐43 per cent for these large subjects, there is possible non‐response bias that it was not possible to counter over the six years involved.

Practical implications

The findings in this study suggest that while blended learning offers many benefits to higher education institutions and learners alike, care needs to be taken in the manner in which such approaches are implemented in light of possible negative learner perceptions where a less traditional approach is taken.

Originality/value

A major contribution of this study is the fact that experimentation has taken place in terms of the degree of face‐to‐face and online learning that have been blended in at least one subject (case study two), and the fact that the SET for this subject are compared, longitudinally, with two other subjects which lie on either side of this subject in terms of the extent of online and face‐to‐face teaching and learning employed – 100 per cent online in case study one and almost 100 per cent face‐to‐face in case study three.
Revisiting e‐learning effectiveness: proposing a conceptual model
Authors: Macgregor George , Turner James
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The use of e‐learning is largely predicated upon the assumption that it can facilitate improvements in student learning and therefore can be more effective than conventional techniques. This assumption has been supported by some in the literature but has been questioned by a continuing body of contrary or indifferent evidence. The purpose of this paper is to improve the theoretical understanding of the variables influencing e‐learning effectiveness, the manner in which these variables have been studied to date, and to propose a suitable conceptual model of e‐learning effectiveness to aid its evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper revisits and critically reviews major contributions to the e‐learning effectiveness literature.

Findings

Owing to a variety of issues prevalent in the literature, it is clear that the variables influencing effectiveness are multifarious and few researchers impose adequate controls or factor them into research designs. Drawing on the work of Dewey, Englebart, and Kaplan, a conceptual framework of e‐learning effectiveness is proposed. This model maps out the key variables involved in the study of e‐learning effectiveness and the interactions between variables.

Originality/value

It is anticipated that such a model will assist researchers in developing future evaluative studies which are both sufficiently robust and holistic in design. It is also hypothesised that studies designed using the conceptual model will be more likely to yield results corroborating the ability of e‐learning to affect improvements in student learning.
Combining learning and assessment in assessment‐based gaming environments
Authors: Zapata‐Rivera Diego , VanWinkle Waverely , Doyle Bryan , Buteux Alyssa , Bauer Malcolm
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and demonstrate an evidence‐based scenario design framework for assessment‐based computer games.

Design/methodology/approach

The evidence‐based scenario design framework is presented and demonstrated by using BELLA, a new assessment‐based gaming environment aimed at supporting student learning of vocabulary and math. BELLA integrates assessment and learning into an interactive gaming system that includes written conversations, math activities, oral and written feedback in both English and Spanish, and a visible psychometric model that is used to adaptively select activities as well as feedback levels. This paper also reports on a usability study carried out in a public middle school in New York City.

Findings

The evidence‐based, scenario design framework proves to be instrumental in helping combine game and assessment requirements. BELLA demonstrates how advances in artificial intelligence in education, cognitive science, educational measurement, and video games can be harnessed and integrated into valid instructional tools for the classroom.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides initial evidence of the potential of these kinds of assessment‐based gaming tools to enhance teaching and learning. Future work involves exploring student learning effects in randomized controlled studies and comparing the internal assessment models to more traditional assessment instruments.

Originality/value

BELLA is the first step toward achieving engaging, assessment‐based, gaming environments for a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)‐related areas with explicit support for English language learners.
Course management systems in higher education: understanding student experiences
Authors: Yuen Allan , Fox Robert , Sun Angie , Deng Liping
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The course management system (CMS), as an evolving tool and innovation, is increasingly used to promote the quality, efficiency and flexibility of teaching and learning in higher education. This paper aims to examine students' experiences of CMSs across faculties at a comprehensive university in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study. With questionnaires as the means of data collection, the exploration focuses on: perceived usefulness of technologies for study, usage pattern of CMSs, students' perceptions of CMSs, user support preference, and self‐reported experiences.

Findings

The results show significant differences between academic levels of students in their uses and perceptions, and shed light on issues concerning technology, pedagogy, and implementation strategies of CMSs in higher education.

Research limitations/implications

This is a small‐scale study and results will not produce generalizations that can be applied directly in other institutions. However, empirical studies in CMS implementation are relatively rare, and results of this study provide initial evidence to shed light on a number of issues concerning the implementation of CMSs.

Practical implications

On the whole, this study centering on university students' experiences and perceptions could inform the decision‐making process concerning successful implementation of CMSs.

Originality/value

Many studies concerning e‐learning have focused on practitioner perspective or course design and overlooked students' voices. In this study, students' experiences are central. In particular, the paper probes the possible differences between academic levels of students.
Global health partnerships: leadership development for a purpose
Authors: Hockey Peter , Tobin Alexandra , Kemp Juliette , Kerrigan Janet , Kitsell Fleur , Green Penny , Sewell Amanda , Smith Christopher , Stanwick Stephanie , Lees Peter
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel approach to leadership development for UK healthcare workers, while contributing to health service improvement in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

A quality improvement faculty are used to teach and mentor National Health Service (NHS) International Development Clinical Fellows in quality improvement (QI) methods. Using accepted QI methods, sensitive and practical improvement projects are selected in partnership with local people in Cambodia in order to start achieving United Nations Millennium Development Goals related to child and maternal health. Simultaneously, NHS International Fellows gain an unparalleled opportunity to develop their leadership skills, which should benefit the NHS on their return to the UK.

Findings

Healthcare quality improvement methods, developed in First World countries, are transferable to the developing world and also function as a vehicle for developing leadership skills in experienced healthcare workers.

Practical implications

This leadership development programme fits with the stated aims of the Global Health Partnerships report, which encourages the NHS to play a global role in healthcare development in the developing world. Other First World healthcare systems could adopt this leadership development method to both improve the leadership capability of their own staff while also making a significant contribution to less well‐developed healthcare systems.

Originality/value

The combination of leadership development through quality improvement is novel – promising to benefit both providers and recipients.
Learning together: a cohort approach to organizational leadership development
Authors: Sharlow Janice , Langenhoff Paula , Bhatti Aslam , Spiers Jude , Cummings Greta
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the formation of the Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) and to demonstrate how the program was collaboratively tailored to meet the organizational and developmental needs of leaders in the organization, using a learning cohort approach for implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes how the LDI was designed, implemented, and assessed through its various stages of formation. Beginning with theory, a learning cohort approach was envisioned to not only bridge organizational departments by bringing leaders from all divisions to learn together, but would also be more sustainable in the long term. A participatory action research study was used to enhance program development and to ultimately explore the effectiveness of the LDI.

Findings

The LDI was critical to developing leadership and management competencies/skills, organizational networking, relationship building, and fostering a philosophy of leadership as collaborative visionary practice toward a common goal.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual framework of the LDI using a learning cohort approach may provide an approach for further development of leadership programs in other healthcare organizations.

Practical implications

The LDI demonstrated how internally developed leadership programs can be an effective approach, with evaluation and application of research findings to continually improve and enhance the program, when resources are limited but the desire to learn is not.

Originality/value

The LDI program is a peer based, cohort approach established through a conceptual framework based on advanced leadership theories and practices.
Gender differences in professional development of healthcare managers
Authors: Gumus Gulcin , Borkowski Nancy , Deckard Gloria J. , Martel Karen J.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

As a profession, healthcare management values commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Individual participation, however, is voluntary and healthcare managers choose to participate based in part on perceptions of organizational support (rewards, promotion and recognition) as well as on individual values. As women are narrowing the career attainment gap, participation in development activities may play a critical role. This paper aims to present a pilot study which assesses the differences in male and female healthcare managers' participation in professional development activities and perceived organizational support.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory survey was emailed to current and past members of three professional associations who share similar missions “to provide educational and networking opportunities” for their members in the southern region of Florida.

Findings

The findings suggest that women healthcare managers are less likely to pursue professional development activities than their male counterparts even when the outcome (i.e. obtaining professional certification) is associated with career advancement and salary increases. Furthermore, men are more likely than women to attend multiple continuing education programs when paying out of pocket.

Research limitations/implications

This pilot study is one of the first attempts to account for the factors that explain gender differences in pursuing personal development activities. Rather than conclusive judgments, it provides directions for further research.

Practical implications

As professional and leadership competencies become more ingrained in the industry, women may need to recognize and commit to development activities associated with healthcare leadership and management.

Originality/value

Competencies gained through professional development activities may impact career attainment.
Transformations in Canadian health systems leadership: an analytical perspective
Authors: Dickson Graham
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to articulate the shifts in the theoretical conceptualization of, and the practice of leadership in health care in Canada that are happening as a response to challenges of system transformation; and the implications of those shifts for individual leaders, for health services delivery, for research into health system leadership, and for leadership development approaches in university and health agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with an analysis of the historical, contemporary, and futuristic context that shapes the conceptualization and practice of leadership now and into the future. The context consists of two parts. First, the need for leadership in health systems in Canada will be established. Second, a conceptual and practical exploration of leadership in health care, beginning with a review of the literature and moving on to exploration of two key projects pertaining to health leadership and health leadership development in Canada, commissioned by senior leaders in health care, will be analyzed for their contribution to defining leadership.

Findings

The findings outline key shifts in leadership that must take place to respond to changes in the national health environment and be pro‐active in shaping it. A typology of those shifts in order to show the constituent elements framing the evolution of leadership is outlined.

Research limitations/implications

Further research on different models and approaches to leadership being promulgated in Canada, their impact on health system capacity building for change, and on new models of education for leaders, is needed.

Practical implications

As the speed of change in health service delivery grows, the form of leadership required to steward it in a productive fashion changes. As a lag grows between “old” models of leadership and “new” models, leaders themselves experience frustration at their ability to be effective in creating system change. This has implications for our expectations of, and ability to practice leadership; and for our developmental approaches to developing leadership.

Originality/value

The paper helps to explain what kind of leadership is required to truly transform health systems on a national scale. It also contributes to the international dialogue around health systems transformation, capacity building, and improving health service delivery.
Sources of alpha and beta in property funds: a case study
Authors: Baum Andrew , Farrelly Kieran
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Since the mid‐1990s, in a generally strongly performing property market, there has been huge growth in the aggregate size and number of global property funds in both listed and unlisted formats. Managers have been able to raise significant capital, which potentially rewards them with performance fees without necessarily being able to provide clear evidence of out‐performance against defined market benchmarks or performance targets. In a more challenging, mature and increasingly transparent market this is unlikely to continue to be the case as it will be increasingly possible to assemble performance records. The purpose of this paper is to describe the sources of risk and return within property funds and set out a more holistic performance attribution framework encompassing the concepts of alpha (out‐performance) and beta (risk), which traditional attribution frameworks in property fund management do not.

Design/methodology/approach

A four component risk and return attribution framework is put forward. The first two components are portfolio structure which measures the impact of allocations to more or less risky markets, and stock selection which considers more or less risky assets. Fund structure, measures the impact of financial leverage and fees and finally the return impact of timing is attributed to the movement of capital into and out of the fund.

Findings

A case study of a single unlisted fund has been used to compare traditional attribution results with an examination of alpha and beta return attribution. In this instance fund structure, which is largely the financial leverage impact, is found to be significant. This simply reflects extra risk taking and there is no clear evidence of manager out‐performance, yet significant performance fees are paid to the manager.

Originality/value

The paper provides a complete framework for the performance measurement and attribution of property funds, which enables investors to gain a fuller understanding of these increasingly used investment conduits.
Does noise have a stationary impact on residential values?
Authors: Marmolejo Duarte Carlos , González Tamez Carlos
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Environmental noise has become a major issue in densely urbanized areas. The impact of this externality on the quality of life is reflected by a decrease in the residents' well‐being, and subsequently a decrease in property values. A considerable number of studies have used hedonic pricing (HP) to assess the impact of noise on property markets, but few of them have considered the existence of submarkets. Theoretically, it could be expected that the marginal value of 1 dB varies according to the neighbourhood's noise exposure, the property characteristics (e.g. insulation level) and the annoyance experienced by residents. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether noise has a stationary impact on property prices.

Design/methodology/approach

Geographically weighted regression is used, which resolves spatial dependencies (i.e. spatial autocorrelation) and considers “soft borders” between submarkets to study the impact of noise on the value of a sample of multifamily dwellings in Barcelona.

Findings

The analysis suggests that the noise level does matter, although the noise depreciation sensitivity index (NDSI) found (0.08 per cent) is in the bottom decile of the HP studies reviewed by Navrud. However, the NDSI is not stationary throughout the city, suggesting that 1 dB has a different impact in different areas.

Originality/value

Noise impact seems to depend not only on the noise intensity to which dwellings are exposed but also on the nature of the noise source. This may suggest the presence of other externalities that arouse social aversion.
An overview of residents' perceptions toward gaming development in local community
Authors: Lee Choong‐Ki , Back Ki‐Joon
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to overview empirical research on gambling impacts, theories employed to these gambling impact studies and methodology of gambling impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive review of literature on several gaming and tourism journals is presented.

Findings

The paper summarizes theories associated with gaming research, gaming impact variables and methodological perspectives in gaming research.

Practical implications

The overview of residents' perception provides policy makers to take appropriate actions, minimizing negative impact and maximizing positive impact of gaming industry.

Originality/value

The paper is the most comprehensive review of both theories and methodologies of journal articles dealing with residents' perception toward gambling development from early 1980s through 2009.
Casino customers in Asian versus western gaming jurisdictions
Authors: Kale Sudhir H. , Spence Mark T.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Most of the growth in casino expansion for the foreseeable future will take place in Asia. Western casino operators appreciate the immense opportunities afforded by the Asian markets, but judging by their performance abroad some have not adapted in ways necessary to survive and prosper. The purpose of this paper is to expose key differences between Asian and Western gaming jurisdictions. In light of these differences, it is a serious mistake for Western casino executives to follow an ethnocentric approach when planning marketing activities and customer service initiatives for Asian customers. To rectify this situation, a framework is advanced that will assist Western operators to adapt to Asian markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Differences between Asian and Western gamblers in both their game preferences and behaviours are based upon cited data sources and upon the authors' observations during flied trips to various casino jurisdictions. When appropriate, insights gleaned from a series of informal interviews conducted with senior executives in Macau as well as gaming‐related consulting conducted by the authors in both Asia and North America are shared, albeit for legal reasons the sources are confidential. The TROPICS framework presented herein was developed by the lead author and presented to senior gaming executives at the University of Nevada, Reno 2008 executive development program. The seven elements of this framework – now refined – are targeting, retention, organization, people, incentives, culture, and systems.

Findings

This paper concludes that in order to better serve Asian markets, there is an urgent need to empirically assess patron behavior and the attendant casino marketing adaptations that will be required to succeed in these markets.

Practical implications

A series of questions and issues related to each of the seven elements in the TROPICS framework are raised. The proposed framework is equally applicable to firms operating in Western countries as well as those in Asia; however, when put into practice, the outcome will be different marketing strategies adapted to each casino's market structure and macro‐environment. Regardless of context, this systematic approach to strategy formulation will ensure consistency and alignment across various elements of strategy.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the differences between Asian and Western gamblers to assist Western operators to adapt to Asian markets.
Senior citizen gaming: more than just buffets
Authors: Steve Wu Sze‐Wei , Wortman James
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are: to review senior gambling literature and summarize the current situation; to discover the gambling characteristics of senior citizens; to discover senior casino patrons' motivational factors for gambling; and to suggest potential research areas.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an extensive review of literature about senior citizen gaming is performed.

Findings

This paper illustrates the current situation and the gambling characteristics and motivational factors for the elderly and provided marketing strategies for casinos and destination marketers.

Practical implications

Seven marketing strategies are provided based on the findings of this paper.

Originality/value

This paper will be of value to anyone seeking to better understand the current situation and motivational factors for senior gaming.
An overview of consumer non‐problem gaming research
Authors: Zemke Dina , Shoemaker Stowe
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the extant research around the non‐pathological gaming customer and then propose research for future study of this customer.

Design/methodology/approach

Academic literature combined with the results of primary research is used to examine the incidence of gambling and non‐problem gaming research trends in the hospitality industry.

Findings

The overview of the publicly available research on the casino gaming consumer leads to a host of suggestions for future research.

Practical implications

The practical implications include recent developments in gaming consumer profiles, as well as suggested for future research to further understand the non‐problem gaming consumer.

Originality/value

The paper examines existing literature and is valuable for anyone who wishes to begin studying the gaming consumer. This paper provides direction for future study.
When something goes wrong
Authors: Alain Marc , Dessureault Danny , Brunelle Natacha , Crête Chantal
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Loto‐Quebec's strategy as it adopts the new concept called Ludoplex.

Design/methodology/approach

The stakeholders' (public health representatives and police officials) viewpoint is obtained during interviews.

Findings

This paper concludes that the next year and a half will be decisive for the survival of a marketing strategy that still has to prove its worthiness.

Practical implications

This paper describes a new type of gaming operation that is compatible with an entertainment complex attracting families and older children. The concept has a potential for application in tourism destinations that allow gaming.

Originality/value

The paper provides the viewpoint of the new strategy announced by Loto‐Quebec by interviewing the stakeholders. It offers practical viewpoint for readers.
Customer reinvestment analysis in the gaming industry
Authors: Klebanow Andrew
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Over the past several years, the term “Player Reinvestment” been used more frequently when describing the money and effort casinos expend in retaining profitable gaming customers. Most often, player reinvestment refers to the suite of benefits and offers that casinos give to various segments of their databases. The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of player reinvestment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the author's experience in the gaming industry as well as studies that have been done by his organization, Gaming Market Advisors.

Findings

This paper provides definitions for the components that make up player reinvestment, and how casinos measure those costs and the benefits that these investments contribute to their revenue streams. Further, the paper shows the range of expenditures that casinos in the US gaming market expend on fostering customer loyalty.

Practical implications

This paper is written by a gaming industry executive for gaming industry managers. It contains conceptual as well as specific information on how to manage a player reinvestment program.

Originality/value

The player clubs in casinos have to be looked at as an investment to bring existing players back to the casino. This paper explains the concept of player reinvestment, an emerging practice in casino management.
Can casino gaming be used to maximize the benefits for tourism destinations?
Authors: Back Ki‐Joon , Bowen John
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the contribution made by this theme issue to the question: can casino gaming be used to maximize the benefits for tourism destinations?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews some of the key contributions arising from this theme issue.

Findings

If properly structured gaming can provide benefits for tourism destinations.

Practical implications

There are many stakeholders involved in the provision of alcoholic beverages and suppliers, vendors, licensees, regulators, and other agencies will need to work closely together in order to limit what is viewed by many as an escalating problem.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight into the gaming industry with a focus on minimizing the social costs and maximizing the economic benefits of gaming.
Service innovation in cultural heritages management and valorization
Authors: Della Corte Valentina , Savastano Iris , Storlazzi Alessandra
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study service innovation applied to archaeological sites' management, in terms of enrichment of primary cultural product with auxiliary products (cultural activities).

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is based on the application of the main issues in strategic management, with particular reference to resource‐based theory and service‐dominant logic, to cultural archaeological sites' management. The empirical part concerns a case study analysis conducted on some cases in the Mediterranean area: Hercolaneum (Italy), Masada (Israel) and Petra (Giordania).

Findings

By the cases' study, it comes out a clear awareness of the need to bring innovative forms to archaeological sites' management, both through the use of information and communication technology techniques and to the enrichment of “integrated and complex” offers that go far beyond the archaeological core product.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis provides a foundation for further development in the field of service innovation applied to archaeological sites' management. The paper proposes an analytical model and a positioning matrix, according to some variables, that could be applied to other cases for a more relevant analysis.

Practical implications

The paper provides policy makers, private and public actors a possible approach for developing and applying strategic management concepts to cultural offer in an innovative way.

Originality/value

The paper gives some first important hints to innovate cultural service in archaeological sites. It is not just an attempt to apply a managerial optic in this business: an interdisciplinary approach is adopted, even consulting scholars in culture and archeology, trying to enrich the contents of managerial approach.
Creating value in multiple cooperative relationships
Authors: Ippolito Adelaide
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how service companies can create value by developing cooperative relationships between different network actors, with particular focus on the role of the customer.

Design/methodology/approach

The actual analysis is preceded by a review of the principal articles on service management, with particular reference to the move from Fordist to neo‐industrial logic as well as the role of customer participation in value creation, highlighting how the role of the customer in service production has changed and how the customer can participate in creating value in a network perspective.

Findings

Effectively developing cooperative relationships in a network is linked to the key role played by the strategic centre firm. This paper highlights the role of the strategic centre firm in organizing relationships by coordinating all the actors involved.

Originality/value

This paper shows how each actor in the network makes an important contribution to value creation by actively participating in multiple cooperative arrangements coordinated by the strategic centre firm.
Measuring e‐commerce‐quality: an exploratory review
Authors: Gotzamani Katerina D. , Tzavlopoulos Yannis E.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

There are various influences that affect e‐commerce quality which in turn affect customer online purchasing decisions. An understanding of these influences can lead to greater electronic marketing effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to conduct an exhaustive literature review on this issue in order to help identify the main aspects influencing e‐commerce quality.

Design/methodology/approach

First, there is an explanation regarding the main attributes of the concepts that are examined in the paper, with special attention being paid to the factors that are influencing e‐commerce quality and the relationships among them. This is followed by an examination of the validation processes of the various measuring instruments. Finally, the paper maps and measures all possible factors that are influencing e‐commerce quality.

Findings

After the examination of numerous studies, the paper identifies the main factors that are influencing the perceived quality in e‐commerce and their relative importance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper assumes that improving e‐commerce quality helps enhance customers' online purchasing decisions, having a favorable effect on transaction results. Also, the paper is only theoretical, based mainly on thorough literature review and needs further empirical support.

Practical implications

The paper offers a comprehensive framework and practical guidelines for identifying and improving quality in e‐commerce. Furthermore, the results of this paper can then be used as a basis in order to empirically investigate this issue in the Greek market.

Originality/value

Most studies of quality in e‐commerce have focused on web design aspects and models that measure the degree to which a web site facilitates effective and efficient purchasing. Moreover, the existing literature regarding internet consumers' behavior has not yet fully analyzed profits generated by higher perceived quality in terms of user satisfaction and loyalty.
The board's role in sustaining major organizational change
Authors: Alänge Sverker , Steiber Annika
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The importance of top management commitment for the success of major change initiatives has been emphasized in the literature, while the role of boards of directors (the board) has been in less focus. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the boards affect the sustainability of major organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on three case studies of the diffusion of total quality management (TQM), Toyota production system (TPS), and lean production (LP). Findings from these case studies are then compared to literature on management and organization and corporate governance.

Findings

A TQM/TPS/LP transformation is a long‐term process. In the case studies, top management commitment is crucial for the sustainability of the implemented change programs. However, a committed top management does not “last forever.” The issue of sustaining change therefore falls back on the governance structure. If the board does not understand the essence of an organizational change, the risk is that top management is replaced with new leaders, who are given new directions by the board. Issues identified as important in order to create board commitment for sustainability of major organizational change are: board competence and experience, board meeting dynamics, board as a provider of critical resources, and the process of replacement of chief executive officers. The dominating agency theory within corporate governance also needs to be questioned and complemented by more recent theories such as the stewardship and the resource‐dependence theories.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into the board's role in sustaining major organizational change.
Leadership and service quality in higher education
Authors: Trivellas Panagiotis , Dargenidou Dimitra
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of leadership roles on the quality of services provided in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a sample of 134 faculty and administration members at the Technological Educational Institution (TEI) of Larissa, a structured questionnaire is developed to measure leadership roles and quality in services and internal processes. The competing values model is adopted to operationalise the eight leadership roles.

Findings

Results indicate that different leadership roles are linked with different dimensions of higher education service quality. The importance of the innovator and monitor role in explaining the variance of two out of four teaching quality aspects is confirmed, while the broker and facilitator roles are strongly associated with both dimensions of administration quality. The producer, director and coordinator proved to be the most prevalent roles among administration staff, while the director, coordinator and mentor roles dominated among faculty members.

Research limitations/implications

The possibility to generalise the results to other countries with different characteristics (e.g. regulatory framework, economic development) needs to be verified, by executing similar research projects.

Practical implications

Understanding the nature of the association between leadership and higher education service quality would enable academics and administrators to pursue or cultivate these roles and behaviours fostering both the quality of teaching and administration.

Originality/value

The research led to the diagnosis of the leadership role profiles of both administration and faculty members. Findings also highlight the importance of specific leadership roles in explaining the variance of different aspects of higher education service quality.
Is market orientation a relevant strategy for higher education institutions?
Authors: Bugandwa Mungu Akonkwa Deogratias
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to encourage the development of a research stream on the market orientation concept in higher education. Specifically, the author explains why this concept has emerged as a potentially relevant strategy to manage higher educational institutions. The paper raises the main problems surrounding the use of market orientation in higher education, and thereby, suggests an extensive research agenda which is expected to improve the importation of marketing concepts in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on an extensive critical literature review on market orientation, and a document analysis to grasp the major changes that have affected higher education institutions' context since the middle of the 1980s. A bulk of research agenda is proposed and summarised in a table. The different topics are rooted in the link the author has attempted to put between marketing theory and higher educational context.

Findings

Research on market orientation in higher education still has many rooms to explore. These are: competition, quality issues, the impact of budget cuts on marketing implementation and market orientation operationalisation, etc.

Originality/value

While the market orientation strategy has been widely studied in commercial sector, its use in public and non‐profit sector such as higher education is still unsatisfactory. The paper: points on the limits of conceptual transpositions; discusses why market orientation is important to face the new context of higher education; and raises a number of research directions that have tremendous promises in the endeavour to build richer theories of marketing management, and to address significant problems of marketing practice in higher education.
Public services co‐production: exploring the role of citizen orientation
Authors: Cassia Fabio , Magno Francesca
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Since the introduction of “new public management” in the 1980s, public officials have looked for solutions to increase citizen participation in services planning and provision. Despite recent advancements in co‐production and value‐creation literature, the public sector is still lagging behind. A few studies have recently tried to investigate factors leading to public officials' resistance to adopting these new practices and tools, but they only analyze structural and objective antecedents. This has led to unconvincing results. The purpose of this paper is to broaden the perspective by adopting public officials' point of view, developing a scale for the construct “citizen orientation” and investigating its explanatory power.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail survey is conducted among a sample of Italian town mayors. Factor analysis and regressions are used, respectively, to develop the scale for citizen orientation and to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results support the hypothesis, showing that public officials' citizen orientation is a significant antecedent of the intention to increase the level of co‐production.

Research limitations/implications

Results could have been influenced by the degree of new public management development within the specific research setting. Further studies with larger samples are needed to strongly corroborate findings.

Practical implications

Findings imply that a cultural change is needed among public officials in order for public organizations to become facilitators of value co‐production processes.

Originality/value

This paper develops a scale for citizen orientation as an adaptation of the customer orientation construct to explain public officials' attitude toward co‐production within local government. This perspective complements the more common approaches based only on objective antecedents.
The institutional pillars of management accounting function
Authors: Järvenpää Marko
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theorize the institutional pillars of management accounting function.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a comparative case study approach.

Findings

Institutional pillars of management accounting are explored on the basis of two longitudinal case studies. Competitive/economic forces and three analytical elements of institutional theory are composing institutions: regulative, normative and cultural‐cognitive pillars. Each element is important, and all of them may work in combination, but they operate through distinctive mechanisms and processes. This paper illustrates how they provide the basis for compliance, order and the legitimacy of not the whole organization, nor of the management accounting systems but of the management accounting function. This “organizational legitimacy” of management accounting function may provide one potential additional explanation for the change and stability of management accounting in organizations.

Originality/value

This paper creates an institutional interpretation of accounting change or stability at the level of an accounting function. It illustrates how the pressure for change or stability in management accounting is collectively constituted in organisations, how it is given meaning and how individuals are making sense of things, i.e. how accounting is institutionally embedded.