bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological adjustment and social capital: a qualitative investigation of Chinese expatriates
Authors: He Beiting , An Ran , Berry John
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the psychological adjustment process of expatriates from Chinese multinational enterprises, including how their social capital affects this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative investigation was based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 26 Chinese expatriates. The grounded theory method was applied to guide the data collection and analysis.

Findings

The psychological adjustment process of Chinese expatriates includes three periods: crisis, self-adjustment and self-growth period. In addition, bonding capital (including organizational, family and co-cultural colleagues’ support) is more conducive to Chinese expatriates’ psychological well-being than bridging capital (e.g. host-nationals’ support). Finally, a separation acculturation strategy is more conducive to psychological adjustment, rather than an integration strategy.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on expatriates themselves. Future research should consider other stakeholders (e.g. organizations, family), and examine expatriate adjustment from new perspectives (e.g. strategic human resource management, work-family balance). This study had a small sample and focused on only one organization. Future research could usefully add other Chinese multinational corporations, and other Chinese expatriates to expand the generalizability of the current findings.

Practical implications

This study suggests the possible benefits of management practices for expatriates. Organizations can develop an “expatriate bubble” to help structure basic life overseas. Organizations could develop family-support programs and make them expatriate-supportive. Organizations should also strengthen the connections between expatriates and local colleagues.

Originality/value

Few scholars have elaborated on how different support groups (based on their cultural backgrounds) influence the psychological adjustment of expatriates. Until now, mainland Chinese expatriates have received little attention. In addition, this research takes a significant step forward by illuminating the psychological adjustment of Chinese expatriates from a social capital perspective.
Is satisfaction a necessary and sufficient condition to avoid switching? The moderating role of service type
Authors: Sánchez García Isabel , Curras-Perez Rafael
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the drivers of service provider switching intention other than satisfaction and, additionally, analyse the moderating role of the type of service (utilitarian vs hedonic). Specifically, the authors study the effects of alternative attractiveness, post-purchase regret, anticipated regret and past switching behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative survey with 800 consumers of mobile phone services (utilitarian) and holiday destinations (hedonic) was carried out.

Findings

Satisfaction is not a significant antecedent of switching intention in the hedonic service and its effect is marginal in the utilitarian service. In the utilitarian service, the main predictor of switching intention is post-purchase regret, whereas in the hedonic service, the main determinants of switching intention are past switching behaviour and anticipated regret.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is the analysis of the determinants of provider switching behaviour that may explain abandonment by satisfied customers, to see if their influence is greater or smaller than that of satisfaction itself, which has been the most analysed variable. Furthermore, there are expected to be differences between utilitarian and hedonic services, an aspect which is also studied in this work.
Family board ownership, generational involvement and performance in family SMEs
Authors: Maseda Amaia , Iturralde Txomin , Aparicio Gloria , Boulkeroua Lotfi , Cooper Sarah
Published: February 2019

Purpose

In order to deepen our knowledge of governance of family firms, the purpose of this paper is to focus our attention on the relation between family owners who are members of the board of directors and firm performance. Also, this study sheds more light on how the generation in charge of the family firm affects that relationship, as generational involvement may be a unique predictor of governance behavior in these firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied a cross-sectional ordinary least squares regression model to test the hypotheses on a sample of 313 non-listed Spanish family SMEs. The authors suggest the possibility of a non-linear relationship between the percentage of ownership by family members of the board of directors and firm performance, and specifically, the authors propose an S-shaped effect that implies two breakpoints.

Findings

The authors find not only that an inverted U-shaped relationship exists, but also an S-shaped relationship between family board members’ ownership and firm performance in family SMEs. Nevertheless, the results are different in comparing first-, second- and later-generation family firms.

Originality/value

This is one of the few empirical studies that examine the relationship between family board ownership and firm performance in the context of non-listed family SMEs. The authors consider that the influences of family directors on the board of directors as well as the concentration of family ownership on the board of directors are worth studying in non-listed family SMEs. Moreover, previous studies have focused mainly on large listed family firms but not on unlisted ones.
Bank relationships’ contributions to SME export performance
Authors: Lundberg Heléne
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent, and in what ways, various types of bank support improve small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) export performance. It contributes to bank marketing and international marketing theory and practice by clarifying bank contributions to SME export performance at the firm level.

Design/methodology/approach

The study method is an on-site survey, encompassing 135 manufacturing Swedish SMEs. Five hypotheses are tested using ordinary least squares regression.

Findings

The higher the export performance, the greater the importance attributed to bank funding of international business. The importance of transaction and/or currency services provided by banks for SMEs’ ability to do business abroad was confirmed, but with the important limitation that the effect diminishes as the number of markets increases. Furthermore, the results indicate that SMEs with low export performance attach a high importance to the advisory services that banks can offer regarding international business. No significant results for knowledge sharing or support from bank contacts were found.

Practical implications

SME managers are encouraged to view banks as potential providers of a diverse set of value-added resources while taking into consideration that some banks will have more developed resources and support policies than others. The study results also assist banks in building effective strategies for enhancing their relationships with SME clients, as it provides detailed information on how SMEs relate different kinds of bank services to their export performance.

Originality/value

As the first paper to describe SME-perceived relationships between different bank services and export performance, this study informs bank marketing and international marketing theory about bank contributions to SME internationalisation.
Service innovation, service delivery and customer satisfaction and loyalty in the banking sector of Ghana
Authors: YuSheng Kong , Ibrahim Masud
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The concept of innovation is gaining ground steadily in the context of an increasingly competitive and highly volatile banking sector. The purpose of this paper is to find out the role of service innovation (SI) in the relationship between service delivery (SERVD), customer satisfaction (CSAT) and loyalty in the banking sector of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from banking and marketing literature, a conceptual framework was developed and tested using data from 450 sampled customers of commercial banks in Ghana. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings indicate that SI has direct influence on SERVD and CSAT. Again the findings revealed a positive relationship between SERVD, CSAT and bank customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers theoretical support for the adoption of innovative techniques in service provision and delivery.

Originality/value

This paper provides an initial study into innovation management in financial services context in an emerging economy.
Servant leadership and proactive customer service performance
Authors: Ye Yijiao , Lyu Yijing , He Yanzhen
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of servant leadership on hospitality employees’ proactive customer service performance (PCSP) by focusing on the sequential mediating roles of harmonious passion and customer orientation and the moderating role of others’ approval of contingent self-esteem.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses structural equation modeling with the four-wave data collected from eight Chinese hotels.

Findings

This study finds that servant leadership can promote hospitality employees’ PCSP by sequentially boosting their harmonious passion for work and customer orientation. Moreover, others’ approval of contingent self-esteem strengthens servant leadership’s effect on harmonious passion for work.

Originality/value

First, this study extends the servant leadership research by extending its outcome to hospitality employees’ PCSP. Second, this study enriches the understanding of the mediating mechanism between servant leadership and PCSP. Third, this study advances the research on servant leadership by identifying the moderating effect of employees’ others’ approval of contingent self-esteem between servant leadership and harmonious passion.
Entrepreneurial approaches to the internationalisation of Portugal’s hotel industry
Authors: de Correia Ricardo J.C. , Lengler Jorge , Mohsin Asad
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess motivational factors in the internationalisation of Portuguese hotel firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The epistemological approach that supports the development of this study is based on a deductive strategy. A comprehensive multi-case study was performed in which theoretical propositions were tested prior to further development.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that the internationalisation process of Portuguese hotel companies was triggered by managers’ entrepreneurial attitudes and international vision that in themselves embraced a combination of particular resources and competencies.

Research limitations/implications

Noteworthy are study’s contributions to international entrepreneurship as an individual act within existing social networks established by managers and the management team as a result of previous business experiences. The impact of this overall entrepreneurial profile on firms’ behaviour is also of interest. Limitations of the study relate to its cross-sectional nature and the number of interviewees.

Originality/value

The integration of economic paradigms with behaviour theories and the resource-based view to understand how and why Portuguese hotel companies engage in international endeavours is a major contribution of this study.
Workplace friendship in hospitality organizations: a scale development
Authors: Omuris Ece
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore workplace friendship in hospitality organizations and to develop an appropriate scale that combines qualitative and quantitative methods.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods design was selected to capitalize on the strength of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to reveal robust findings. First, in-depth interviews were carried out to determine the forms of workplace friendship. Second, an instrument was developed on the basis of the interviews, and 6 factors were extracted from exploratory factor analysis with 507 Samples-1. Third, confirmatory factor analysis with 507 Samples-2 was performed to identify the validity of the workplace friendship scale.

Findings

A 65-item, six-factor workplace friendship scale was developed. The six dimensions are trustworthiness, competency, having someone’s back, value-life interest similarity, caring personal relationships and socio-cultural similarity.

Research limitations/implications

The sampling approach may limit the generalizability of the study findings as the data were collected from Turkish employees in Turkey. Cultural differences in individual relations may affect individual approaches to workplace friendship. Therefore, future cross-cultural research with samples from different populations and workplaces would be useful to explore similarities and differences with the findings of this study and to better understand the intricate structure of friendship.

Originality/value

This study contributes a reliable and valid measurement scale to address workplace friendship hospitality organizations.
Well-being among hotel managers
Authors: Haver Annie , Olsen Espen , Akerjordet Kristin
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to test a theoretical research model specifying how two emerging job stressors, i.e. centralized authority and reporting requirements, influence hotel managers’ well-being. A mediated model through reappraisal is hypothesized.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested on 600 Norwegian and Swedish hotel managers using a questionnaire survey (72 per cent response rate). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analyses, correlation and structural equation modeling, which included bootstrapping.

Findings

Job stressors were negatively related to well-being, whereas reappraisal had a positive influence on well-being. A positive relationship was found between reporting requirements and reappraisal, while the opposite appeared for centralized authority. A negative mediating role of reappraisal existed in the relationship between centralized authority and well-being, while there was a positive one in the relationship between reporting requirements and well-being.

Practical implications

The findings will have important implications for management practices, as they illuminate how job stressors reduce well-being on the one hand and how reappraisal positively influences well-being on the other. This knowledge indicates that reappraisal is important for well-being when faced with stressful environments. The findings illustrate the importance of controlling stress in the managerial environment, and for hotel managers to maintain the ability to reappraise.

Originality/value

The study advances the knowledge of the managerial role, as well as the importance of reappraisal and well-being. This is the first empirical study among hotel managers testing a research model that illustrates how job stressors and reappraisal influence well-being.
Exploring the entrepreneurial intentions of Syrian refugees in the UK
Authors: Mawson Suzanne , Kasem Laila
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Few studies have sought to explore the issue of entrepreneurial intention (EI) within refugees, despite wide recognition of refugee entrepreneurial potential. The purpose of this paper is to explore EI among recently arrived Syrian refugees in the UK, including the role that their migration experience plays in shaping these intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows an interpretive phenomenological research approach, contextualised within the EI literature. It draws on data collected from in-depth interviews with nine Syrian refugees, five of whom arrived independently and four of whom arrived via the UK Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement Programme.

Findings

All participants were found to have strong perceptions of desirability towards entrepreneurship. Individuals who arrived independently demonstrated more confidence in their abilities, and in turn somewhat stronger start-up intentions. The findings indicate that the personal development of independent refugee arrivals linked to their migration experiences may help shape the intention to engage in entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

As this paper draws on a small sample in a single geographic location, the findings presented are phenomenological, context specific and not necessarily applicable to other spatial locations or to other (refugee) groups.

Social implications

A number of practical and social implications are provided. Support interventions focussed on strengthening the perceived abilities and capabilities of refugees would be of considerable benefit.

Originality/value

This paper provides new and important insight into the nature of EI within a novel focal group. It makes a valuable contribution to the literature by considering the issues of context and process, specifically the relationship between personal forced migration experience and the perceived capability to start a business.
Remote education vs traditional education based on effectiveness at the micro level and its connection to the level of development of macro-economic systems
Authors: Sibirskaya Elena , Popkova Elena , Oveshnikova Lyudmila , Tarasova Irina
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the developed hypothesis on the basis of comparison of remote education and traditional education in terms of its effectiveness at the micro-level, as well as to determine the presence, degree and nature of correlation between the share of remote education and level of development of economic systems of separate states (macro-level).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodologies of this paper are based on the system approach and include methods of research investigation such as problem, logical, comparative analysis, synthesis and formalization, as well as a purposely designed author’s method of assessment of the effectiveness of remote education and traditional education. In addition to the specified methods, this methodology also includes the methods of correlation and regression analysis which are used by the authors to determine the presence and degree of correlation between the share of remote education and the state of macro-level economic systems. The authors have analyzed the correlation between the share of remote education in the higher education structure according to the summarized data of the ICEF Monitor and the existing studies and publications on this topic (y) with indicators of macro-level economic systems such as GDP, billions of dollars (x1); GDP per capita (x2); Education Index according to the United Nations Development Program (x3); Knowledge Economy Index according to The World Bank Group (x4); and the index of innovative development of socioeconomic systems according to INSEAD, WIPO and Cornell University (x5). The econometric analysis of the mentioned factors was performed after that.

Findings

The authors have come to conclusion that remote education is indeed much more effective at the micro-level, since it allows the students to receive similar educational services with greater convenience, a wider choice of higher educational institutions and at a lower cost compared to traditional education. At the same time, no negative influence of remote education on the macro-level economic system has been revealed; on the contrary, a positive, albeit slight, influence similar to traditional education has been found. For this reason, promotion of the formation and development of remote education is recommended instead of limitation, since it allows modernizing the educational system for the benefit of both supply and demand.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the development of the concept of socioeconomic development of economic systems through clarification of influence of remote education on it.
Influence of remote education on consumer value of university education
Authors: Bogoviz Aleksei V. , Lobova Svetlana , Ragulina Julia , Alekseev Alexander
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of remote education on the consumer value of university education by the example of modern Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors determine the consumer value of university education in modern Russia in the conditions of the availability of predominantly traditional education; determine socio-economic problems that are caused by the low consumer value of university education in modern Russia; determine the potential of remote education in the increase of the consumer value of university education; and develop recommendations for the increase of the consumer value of university education in modern Russia through the development of remote education.

Findings

It is concluded that traditional university education is dominating in Russia. It is standardized and does not allow for the full consideration of individual capabilities and needs of each separate student, which causes the low consumer value of university education. The limitation of traditional and remote education, caused by the fact that educational services in each form are provided by completely different universities, hinders the development of the potential of remote education in stimulating the increase of the consumer value of university education.

Originality/value

In order to solve this problem, it is recommended to unify traditional and remote education within the diversification of the forms of the provision of educational services by modern Russian universities. For that, a conceptual model for increasing the consumer value of university education in modern Russia through the development of remote education is presented. This model focuses on applicant and students with their individual capabilities and needs and universities with their material and technical, intellectual, marketing and other resources. At that, the educational form goes to the background, being not a self-goal but a method of its achievement – the provision of the high consumer value of university education.
Problems and perspectives of state regulation of system of education in the context of provision of Russia’s national security
Authors: Vodenko Konstantin V.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current problems and the main perspectives of the development of state regulation of the Russian system of higher education in the context of the provision of Russia’s national security.

Design/methodology/approach

The research of formation of the system of national security in Russia and the problems of the development of education is based on the methods of Russian and foreign Institutionalists (D. North, S.G. Kirdina, R.M. Nureev, Y.V. Latov, etc.). The research is also based on the theory of inequality in the system of education (D.L. Konstantinovsky), the idea of cultural aspects of social inequality (Pierre Bourdieu) and the theory that connects the problem of the development of the educational system with the system of national security and social inequalities (A.V. Vereshchagina, S.I. Samygina, etc.).

Findings

The modern state and perspectives of state regulation of higher education in the modern Russian conditions are analyzed in this paper. A complex analysis of risks of the modern state of Russia’s educational system is performed, and educational inequality as a risk to national security is studied in this paper. Perspectives of state regulation of higher education in view of the national model of socio-economic activities and principles of national security are viewed in this paper. The main directions of improving the educational system in the context of the provision of national security of the state are given in this paper.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the research could be used for correcting the main directions of Russia’s socio-economic policy in the long term. The central trend of this policy is the reformation of the development of the sphere of education as a factor of the formation of the system of Russia’s national security.

Practical implications

The results of the research could be used for correcting the main directions of Russia’s socio-economic policy in the long term. The central trend of this policy is the reformation of the development of the sphere of education as a factor of formation of the system of Russia’s national security.

Social implications

The ideas of the research could stimulate the reconsideration and harmonization of perspectives of the development of social policy of the state, which includes the interaction of the development of higher education and system of national security.

Originality/value

Originality of this paper consists in setting the problem of the implementation of social senses of the development of state policy in the sphere of higher education into the discourse of theoretical and practical consideration of the problems of national security.
Marketing model of promotion of remote education by modern university
Authors: Przhedetskaya Natalia , Borzenko Ksenia
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to substantiate the necessity of marketing of remote education by the example of leading universities of Rostov Oblast of modern Russia and to develop the marketing model of promotion of remote education by the modern university.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the method of economic statistics and regression and correlation analysis. Based on the data of the single information system of the Russian Federation in the sphere of purchases, the authors selected orders of the leading universities of Rostov Oblast for access to the internet for 2017, which are the indicator of their modernization on the basis of new information and communication technologies. Based on the data of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, the authors determined the incomes of the leading universities of Rostov Oblast in 2017 and their positions in the regional ranking of effectiveness of activities of universities of Rostov Oblast. These data became a statistical basis for compiling the regression curve, which reflects regression and correlation of expenditures for access to the internet and total expenditures of the leading universities of Rostov Oblast in 2017.

Findings

It is concluded that modernization on the basis of new information and communication technologies (primarily, the internet) stimulates the growth of modern university’s competitiveness. Due to this, remote education is a perspective direction of development and increase of effectiveness of modern university’s activities. The necessity for marketing of remote education is predetermined by its lower value as compared to traditional education and, accordingly, lower demand for educational services that are provided in the remote form.

Originality/value

The authors’ marketing model of promotion of remote education by modern university is developed and presented. The advantage of this model is harmonization of commercial and non-commercial goals and priorities of modern university’s activities, due to which balance of its social function in the economic system and its entrepreneurial function, which consists in the necessity for providing self-financing and maximization of the received profit, are ensures.
Exploring the impact of lesson study through the views of Lao mathematics teacher educators on the needs, learning and difficulties
Authors: Shingphachanh Sommay
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively explore the current situation of lesson study (LS) implementation and practice among Mathematics Teacher Educators (MTEs) in Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) across the country in Laos. Moreover, the study investigates MTEs’ professional learning through LS experience, the difficulties they encountered during practicing LS and their urgent needs to deepen their comprehension in the context of LS.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through semi-structured interview with 45 MTEs from 7 TTCs in February/March 2018 (seven weeks). The study also collected 14 LS reports, 7 LS posters from the respondents and observed one cycle of LS practice in 2 TTCs. The data were systematically analyzed using inductive category formation through the procedure of transcribing and reading the transcription, thematic coding and categorizing and interpreting the meaning of thematic ideas (Mayring, 2015; Merriam, 2009). Licensed software MAXQDA 10 was used for this qualitative study.

Findings

The study argued based on LS practice in LS model 1 and model 2. MTEs that followed LS model 1 practiced LS in a superficial aspect and quantitatively relied upon the results from the checklists. They majorly satisfied the immediate measurement of teacher teaching’s behavior and student learning’s behavior. Frequently, time constraints, writing LS reports and collaboration were the great challenges. In contrast, MTEs that followed LS model 2 practiced LS in order to deepen understanding of students’ mathematical thinking. Although LS helped them by adjusting appropriate learning task, they encountered difficulty to innovate it effectively. LS also helped them in offering students’ autonomy to explore mathematical ideas, but they failed to understand the values of utilizing students’ mathematical ideas.

Research limitations/implications

The findings from this study are beneficial for LS practice in the country and similar LS initiatives to find a measure to enhance the effectiveness of LS in schools and TTCs. The study suggested providing clear details of each step, the essential aspect and the core concept of LS to MTEs for successful transposition of LS to a non-Japanese context. Providing LS advisors who have had great experience in conducting LS not just high teaching or working experience only is highly recommended. This study has a limitation in observing LS practices from all seven TTCs.

Originality/value

Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) recognizes the significance of implementing LS in TTCs to enhance the quality of teaching-learning, though the progress of LS in those TTCs has not yet been addressed. Current situation of LS revealed in this study is valuable for similar initiatives, MoES and Japan International Cooperation Agency to make an effort in order to move LS forward.
Economic growth in European Union: does IFRS mandatory adoption matter?
Authors: Oppong Clement , Aga Mehmet
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption on economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from 2005–2014, the study examined whether the mandatory adoption of IFRS increases economic growth synchronicity in the European Union (EU) context. The study utilizes a sample of 28 countries containing 10-year observations in the EU market where IFRS have been adopted since 2005. The empirical model, relating to economic growth synchronicity with the adoption of IFRS, and other country-specific control variables were analyzed using the dynamic panel data technique.

Findings

Different specifications of the model results showed that IFRS adoption improves the economic growth and that IFRS adoption matters for developing economies than developed ones. It is, therefore, recommended that authorities in Europe should try to enforce the adoption and implementation of IFRS, especially among the developing economies.

Originality/value

The paper’s investigation of the impact of IFRS on economic growth expands the extant literature. Studies that dealt with IFRS impacts mostly fixate on the accounting benefits of IFRS adoption to institutional investors and fail to capture the commensurate impact of IFRS adoption on macroeconomic indicators. This little attention is because prior researchers suggest IFRS adoption is important in shaping financial reporting characteristics which provide useful information to the prime users of financial reports. Also, separating the study’s countries into developed and developing countries would help delineate the impact of IFRS adoption on economic growth based on the stage of development.
Understanding technology diffusion in emerging markets
Authors: Olaleye Sunday Adewale , Ukpabi Dandison , Karjaluoto Heikki , Rizomyliotis Ioannis
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the consumer-based discrepancy theory to examine consumers’ behavioral motivations for using mobile devices and the factors that influence the rapid diffusion of Chinese mobile devices in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using focus group interviews with samples cutting across users, technicians and experts from Port Harcourt, Nigeria’s industrial capital. This study conducted a thematic analysis of the data with NVivo Pro 11 for deductive coding.

Findings

The authors found that weak regulatory environment opened the Nigerian mobile market to the influx of mobile devices from Chinese local manufacturers. Though largely absent in developed markets, Chinese mobile devices are household names in Africa, particularly Nigeria. Having studied the Nigerian market, Chinese mobile device manufacturers have incorporated features and specifications in their mobile devices that are adapted specifically to this market. Our findings also show that these “China phones and tablets” are significantly inferior to those manufactured by global brands. However, consumer complaints have led to significant improvements in their quality. Consequently, due to their successful diffusion, Nigeria is being used as a launching pad to other African countries.

Research limitations/implications

While the study could not look at the economic, environmental and health implications of the high death rate of the mobile devices, it however provides useful insights on the application of the consumer-based discrepancy theory: expectation vs performance, in the Nigerian mobile market context.

Originality/value

The study is the first to empirically examine the diffusion of Chinese mobile devices in one of the key emerging markets in Africa. The study provides blueprint for the local regulatory authorities on how to strengthen their regulatory oversight and also advances critical understanding on how Chinese mobile device manufacturers can improve their technologies and optimize market opportunity in Africa.
Bullwhip severity in conditions of uncertainty: regional vs global supply chain strategies
Authors: Alvarado-Vargas Marcelo J. , Kelley Keith J.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Using a phenomenon known as the bullwhip effect, the authors explore why additional uncertainty in the marketplace can create severe disruptions in global supply chains (GSCs). The purpose of this paper is to analyze related risks in regional vs GSCs during low and high levels of uncertainty. The authors propose and discuss a number of potential implications alongside some tactics that may help mitigate disruptions in some cases before they become terminal problems for the supply chain sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Monte Carlo simulation is used to generate the conditions of uncertainty and various scenarios that may emerge to challenge GSCs. Vensim software is utilized as a tool for simulation purposes. The authors considered scenarios applicable to manufacturing and retail sectors specifically because of storability property of goods.

Findings

Regional supply chains, as opposed to global ones, are more stable and reliable (less risk of disruption) during low and high levels of uncertainty. During uncertain times, upstream suppliers are at greater risk in GSCs. Firms must make strategic decisions that will secure its supply chain functionality and assess the likelihood of such events since many firms entered emerging markets.

Originality/value

Building on internalization theory, it shows that risk and survival are components of decision making that are further complicated by supply chains now operating globally in emerging markets. The paper demonstrates with simulation that GSCs are riskier than regional supply chains in low and high levels of uncertainty, particular as it relates to the bullwhip effect. It also provides recommendations about supply chain restructure and investments in communication improvements to reduce the bullwhip effect in the supply chain.
Lean thinking for education: development and validation of an instrument
Authors: Sfakianaki Eleni , Kakouris Andreas
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to respond to the increasing demands that education currently faces and develop a structured approach for the implementation of lean thinking (LT) in primary and secondary education (P&SE) and empirically validated it.

Design/methodology/approach

An extended literature review was conducted of studies on LT in education, service and manufacturing, in which a preliminary list was formed of LT dimensions, which were subsequently reviewed by a focus group. An instrument was generated, which was distributed to 1,400 education professionals, and 394 replies were received. The measures were tested for validity and reliability. After the first round of analyses, measures were tested further to strengthen the proposed instrument.

Findings

The findings confirmed that the instrument developed is both valid and reliable and that the proposed measures consist actual dimensions of LT in P&SE. A number of success factors that would be required for LT initiatives to be implemented effectively within the P&SE context in a holistic perspective were revealed.

Practical implications

Although a number of studies have been developed on LT in the manufacturing or service sector, its implementation in education and particularly in P&SE remains scant. The instrument developed provides sufficient knowledge of which are the most important dimensions to consider when pondering LT in education.

Originality/value

While LT has been the subject of previous research in education, this study represented the first look at lean in P&SE and was the first of its kind to develop and validate in a real environment a lean implementation instrument for use in educational institutions. Researchers and practitioners can use the proposed instrument to build models of facilitating practices to improve performance while contributing to economic growth and enhancing social empowerment.
Copula based constant-stress PALT using tampered failure rate model with dependent competing risks
Authors: Srivastava Preeti Wanti , Gupta Tanu
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Accelerated life tests (ALTs) are used to make timely assessments of the lifetime distribution of highly reliable materials and components. Life test under accelerated environmental conditions may be fully accelerated or partially accelerated. In fully accelerated life testing, all the test units are run at accelerated condition, while in partially accelerated life testing, they are both run at normal and accelerated conditions. The products can fail due to one of the several possible causes of failure which need not be independent. The purpose of this paper is to design constant-stress PALT with dependent competing causes of failure using the tampered failure rate model.

Design/methodology/approach

Gumbel–Hougaard copula is used to model and measure the dependence between the life times of competing causes of failure. The use of the copula simplifies the model specification and gives a general class of distributions with the same dependent structure and arbitrary marginal distributions.

Findings

The optimal plan consists in finding optimum allocation of test units in different chambers by minimizing the reciprocal of the determinant of Fisher Information Matrix. The confidence interval for the estimated values of the design parameters has been obtained and sensitivity analysis carried out. The results of sensitivity analysis show that the plan is robust to small deviations from the true values of baseline parameters.

Originality/value

The model formulated can help reliability engineers obtain reliability estimates quickly of high reliability products that are likely to last for several years.
The effect of transformer parameters on reliability assessment with the help of health index
Authors: Chantola Neelam , Singh S.B.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study various reliability measures like reliability, mean time to failure (MTTF) and sensitivity of transformer including different parameters of insulating oil/paper as health index.

Design/methodology/approach

The reliability characteristics of transformer incorporating different parameters of insulating oil as well as paper have been evaluated using Markov process incorporating Gumbel–Hougaard copula, Laplace transforms and supplementary variable technique. The parameters taken into consideration are breakdown voltage (BDV) and moisture content (MC) of both insulating oil and paper, and other parameters considered are interfacial tension (IFT), dissipation factor (DF), degree of polymerization (DOP) and furanic content (FC) for insulating oil and paper, respectively. By probability consideration and continuity influence, difference-differential equations have been obtained for the considered model.

Findings

Transition state probabilities, reliability, MTTF and sensitivity of the transformer corresponding to different parameters of insulating oil and paper have been evaluated with the help of aforementioned technique. Variations of reliability with respect to time along with the variations of MTTF and sensitivity have also been examined. Remarkable points during the study have also been pointed out.

Originality/value

Reliability characteristics of the transformer have been evaluated including two parameters: insulating oil and paper with the help of supplementary variable technique, considering two different types of repairs incorporating Gumbel–Hougaard family of copula unlike done earlier. Reliability, MTTF and sensitivity of transformer have been analyzed considering the parameters: BDV, MC, IFT and FC of insulating oil, and BDV, MC, DOP, DF of insulating paper.
Understanding governance at university: from management to leadership
Authors: Martínez-García Inmaculada , Padilla-Carmona M. Teresa , Alastor Enrique
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The higher education system must move closer to society and its requirements, and therefore, the process of transformation in the university context brings new challenges. The purpose of this paper is to present research on a case study that examines the perception of the middle managers’ role from their own perspective: how they describe it, the associated tasks, the skills perceived as necessary and what they think about the need to become academic leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have adopted a mixed-method approach. Data were collected through an in-depth interview and an adapted version of the Personal Construct Grid (Kelly, 1955). Two types of analyses have been carried out: statistical analysis and content analysis following a category system. The participants were academics performing a management position selected in accordance with certain criteria relevant for the study.

Findings

The research shows how their perception collides with the traditional characteristics of the university, which focus on the managerial and bureaucratic tasks of the middle managers. The study also reveals evidence of the poor visibility of these managers with no place for action due to their lack of power and decision-making opportunities.

Originality/value

The participants claim that it is necessary for people who hold the position to become agents of change by creating a shared identity through teamwork and collaboration. To this end, this paper presents a proposal for the development of a framework for action.
Relating knowledge creation factors to construction organizations’ effectiveness
Authors: Dang Chau Ngoc , Le-Hoai Long
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to relate knowledge creation factors (KCFs) to construction organizations’ effectiveness, which can be measured by different effectiveness outcomes (EOs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data with regard to KCFs and EOs are collected from construction organizations in Vietnam using a survey questionnaire. Regression analysis is used to relate KCFs to EOs.

Findings

Various lists of specific KCFs that may significantly affect EOs are identified. Furthermore, several key KCFs that could play a vital role in enhancing different EOs are highlighted.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the use of data collected from construction organizations in Vietnam, the results of this study cannot be directly applied to other types of organization in other countries without using any other extra data.

Practical implications

Based on the results of relating KCFs to different EOs, construction organizations would know which specific KCFs are vital to their organizational effectiveness. Hence, they may enhance different organizational effectiveness aspects by focusing more on such KCFs.

Originality/value

In this study, 16 KCFs and 10 EOs which may be useful for organization-level knowledge management practices in construction are introduced. Furthermore, the specific controllable KCFs vital to different EOs are identified. Hence, construction organizations would establish KCFs-based strategies for their management activities to improve various organizational effectiveness aspects.
How ethnographic research can help conceptualize expatriate acculturation
Authors: Potter Adam , Richardson Christopher
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the theory of researcher positionality can help international business researchers and human resource managers clarify the ideal position of the expatriate in relation to host country nationals (HCNs), so that selection and cross-cultural training (CCT) can be more targeted and assignment specific.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper linking positionality theory and the methodological practice of reflexivity from ethnographic research and other social sciences to the research of expatriate acculturation.

Findings

This conceptual paper outlines theory from ethnographic research that, when applied to expatriate selection and acculturation, increases the field’s understanding of the expatriate’s position in relation to HCNs. This theory practically informs selection criteria, CCT programs and support plans as they pertain to specific international assignments. A novel theoretical model is then proposed.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is conceptual in nature. Empirical research is needed to test the value of this paper and its proposed positionality gap model (PGM) model.

Practical implications

The research and conceptual model proposed in this paper has the potential to improve how multinational enterprise (MNE) managers conceptualize expatriate assignments, expatriate selections and expatriate CCT leading to more effective work and value added to stakeholders.

Social implications

The PGM model proposed in this paper highlights the value of HCN’s culture and preferences as input for selection and CCT of an expatriate worker and contributes to the body of literature that views expatriation with multiple stakeholder perspectives.

Originality/value

This paper’s originality stems from the application of a well-understood phenomenon in ethnographic research and other social sciences to expatriate acculturation. The common practice of reflexology and theory of positionality can clarify the ideal position for an expatriate in relation to the MNE and HCNs for both researchers and practitioners.