bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roseimarinus sediminis gen. nov., sp. nov., a facultatively anaerobic bacterium isolated from coastal sediment
Authors: Wu Wen-Jie , Liu Qian-Qian , Chen Guan-Jun , Du Zong-Jun
Published: April 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile and pink-pigmented bacterium, designated strain HF08T, was isolated from marine sediment of the coast of Weihai, China. Cells were rod-shaped, and oxidase- and catalase-positive. The isolate grew optimally at 33 °C, at pH 7.5–8.0 and with 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl. The dominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. Menaquinone 7 (MK-7) was the major respiratory quinone and the DNA G+C content was 44.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolate was a member of the class Bacteroidia, and shared 88–90 % sequence similarity with the closest genera Sunxiuqinia, Prolixibacter, Draconibacterium, Mariniphaga and Meniscus. Based on the phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence presented, a novel species in a new genus of the family Prolixibacteraceae is proposed, with the name Roseimarinus sediminis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Roseimarinus sediminis is HF08T ( = KCTC 42261T = CICC 10901T).
The X-ray Correlation Spectroscopy instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source
Authors: Alonso-Mori Roberto , Caronna Chiara , Chollet Matthieu , Curtis Robin , Damiani Daniel S. , Defever Jim , Feng Yiping , Flath Daniel L. , Glownia James M. , Lee Sooheyong , Lemke Henrik T. , Nelson Silke , Bong Eric , Sikorski Marcin , Song Sanghoon , Srinivasan Venkat , Stefanescu Daniel , Zhu Diling , Robert Aymeric
Published: April 2015

The X-ray Correlation Spectroscopy instrument is dedicated to the study of dynamics in condensed matter systems using the unique coherence properties of free-electron lasers. It covers a photon energy range of 4–25 keV. The intrinsic temporal characteristics of the Linac Coherent Light Source, in particular the 120 Hz repetition rate, allow for the investigation of slow dynamics (milliseconds) by means of X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. Double-pulse schemes could probe dynamics on the picosecond timescale. A description of the instrument capabilities and recent achievements is presented.
Organizational leadership role in the delivery of sustainable construction projects in UK
Authors: Opoku Alex , Cruickshank Heather , Ahmed Vian
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Sustainable construction project delivery should be supported by committed and inspirational leadership, with a clear understanding of the sustainability challenge. Construction organizations need intra-organizational leadership that provides the collective vision, strategy and direction towards the shared common goal of a sustainable future. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of intra-organizational leadership within UK construction organizations charged with the promotion of sustainability practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study adopts a mixed method approach with qualitative data collected through semi-structured interview with 15 leaders, followed by an industry-wide survey of 200 intra-organizational leaders in contractor and consultant organizations in the UK construction industry.

Findings

– The analysis of the data revealed that, the most important role of intra-organizational leadership in promoting sustainable construction practices is to formulate policies, implement procedures and disseminate best practices throughout the organization .

Originality/value

– Nothing has been written on intra-organizational leadership role in promoting sustainability practices in the construction industry. Although leadership and sustainability has been widely covered as separate issues this study provides the empirical evidence of the link between leadership and sustainability in construction.
General image of and beliefs about European food in two mainland Chinese cities
Authors: Wang Ou , Gellynck Xavier , Verbeke Wim
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a picture of the current image and consumer beliefs of European food in mainland Chinese consumers’ minds.

Design/methodology/approach

– A web-based survey was conducted for data collection in December 2013 with 541 participants from two Chinese cities: Shanghai and Xi’an. The participants reported about the image of European food and characterized European food according to 14 items for product-related beliefs and 18 items for perceived profiles. Descriptive analysis, cluster analysis and partial least squares regression were employed for data analyses.

Findings

– Findings show that European food has a unanimously positive image among mainland Chinese consumers. Three consumer segments were distinguished based on attribute beliefs about European food: a positive-beliefs segment, a negative-beliefs segment and an unfamiliar segment. The characteristics of typical European food consumers were high income, having long overseas experience, having visited Europe or living in a big and developed city. In addition, “safe” and “upscale” were the most important attribute beliefs driving mainland Chinese consumers to have a positive image of European food; while “unfamiliar” and “sweet” were the most negative drivers of European food’s image.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to present information about consumer beliefs, general image and consumer segments in relation to European food in mainland China. These insights can help European food marketers to better understand mainland Chinese consumers and the current image of their products in mainland China so that they can develop effective marketing strategies for this huge and potential food market.
Willingness to purchase functional foods according to their benefits
Authors: Schnettler Berta , Miranda Horacio , Lobos German , Sepulveda Jose , Orellana Ligia , Mora Marcos , Grunert Klaus
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore differences in consumers’ willingness to purchase functional foods (FFs) in southern Chile in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, consumer knowledge, and subjective well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was carried out among 400 people in southern Chile. The questionnaire measured willingness to buy FFs with 18 different benefits, knowledge about FFs, socio-demographic characteristics and satisfaction with life and with food-related life.

Findings

– Two dimensions were found for benefits sought in FFs: disease prevention and improvement of bodily functions. Cluster analysis was used to distinguish three types of consumers. The majority (59.8 per cent) showed a significant disposition to buy FFs that prevent diseases or improve bodily functions. Others (25.8 per cent) were less inclined to buy either type of FF. A minority (14.5 per cent) showed greater disposition to buy FFs which improve bodily functions. The types differ according to the size of family, presence and age of children at home, ethnic origin, education, socio-economic status, knowledge about FFs and satisfaction with life and food-related life.

Research limitations/implications

– This study was conducted in the context of only one country in South America. The results reveal a high interest to buy FFs in order to improve bodily functions, and this preference may be associated to lifestyle changes in the population in Latin American countries.

Originality/value

– This study provides information on the willingness to buy FFs and relates it to ethnic origin and satisfaction with food-related life. People from ethnic minorities are less inclined to buy FFs. People who are more inclined to buy FFs are more satisfied with their life and their food-related life.
Different or similar? Acceptability of aseptic-packaged cooked rice among consumers, researchers and experts
Authors: Kwak Han Sub , Kim Misook , Jeong Yoonhwa
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare the acceptance ratings and drivers of liking and disliking attributes of aseptic-packaged cooked rice by consumers, researchers and experts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Descriptive analysis (DA) was conducted using trained panelists. Acceptability was measured by consumers, researchers and experts. The results of DA and acceptability were analyzed using partial least square regression.

Findings

– There was no strong relationship among the three groups in their rating patterns for the samples (r=−0.342-0.445). The liking factors for each group were as follows: consumers (rice cake flavor and moisture), researchers (wet wood flavor and whiteness) and experts (wet wood flavor and size of rice). The disliking factors for each group were as follows: consumers (wet wood flavor and brown particle), researchers (moisture) and experts (old rice aroma). The consumers, researchers and experts seemed to have different acceptances and key descriptive attributes for aseptic-packaged cooked rice.

Research limitations/implications

– The consensus by researchers during the product development process required caution with regard to the fact that the evaluation by the researchers could be different from what consumers or experts prefer.

Practical implications

– Setting-up in-house panelists group would be minimized the discrepancy between consumers and researches.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to understanding of the acceptability by food researchers and comparing to consumers and experts for the first time in sensory field.
Neural network approach to understanding the children’s market
Authors: Haryanto Jony Oktavian , Silva Manuela , Moutinho Luiz
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to explore the main features contributing towards the formation of brand loyalty among children, using a neural network topology.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper used an exploratory study using a semi-structured interviewed with children, psychologist and head of the school. This paper uses survey to collect data and analysed using artificial neural networks (ANNs).

Findings

– Several interesting insights emerge in respect of children’s consumer behavior and, in particular, the factors of emotional authenticity, brand partnerships, brand relationship, brand salience and brand personality in the priming of children’s brand loyalty emerge as important factors.

Research limitations/implications

– This research uses data from Indonesia which is considered as a developing country. Further research is required in the developed country context, as this may present different perspectives. Furthermore, the sample in this study consists of children aged between 10 and 12 years, but there are many age groups into which children can be divided, e.g. below 3 years; 3-5 years; 6-8 years; 9-12 years and even 13-15 years. Hence, future research needs to include these different groups of children to gain a more complete picture of the children’s market.

Practical implications

– A children’s market-driving strategy really should be related with the “grass roots” needs of the segment. Hence, marketers ought to spend two or three days in the company of children and continually update themselves in respect of what is happening in those children’s rapidly changing world. Additionally, marketers need to relate all their marketing activities to the building of autobiographical memory. All events, promotions and other marketing strategies should be integrated to ensure that autobiographical memory really underpins a future market as the children of the present become adults of the future.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to the existing literature and appreciation of the various factors and the inter-relationships between them that have relevance for product longevity in the children’s market.
Crafting the market for bottled water: a social praxeology approach
Authors: Brei Vinicius , Tadajewski Mark
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to account for the crafting of the constellation of brand and consumer values around an everyday product, that of bottled water. This paper situates the exponential growth of this market in its historical and cultural context, paying particular attention to the fostering of the “social conditions of possibility” for this product in the French market. The socio-historical context and the interplay of stakeholders to the respondents’ understanding and uses of bottled water, highlighting the importance of a range of factors that made this market and product resonate with their requirements, are linked.

Design/methodology/approach

– This account responds to the call for more engagement with social theory in marketing and consumer research (Brownlie and Hewer, 2011). It also connects with recent scholarly pleas for a displacement of the consumer from the center of our analytic attention (Askegaard and Linnet, 2011; Holt, 2012). It does so by using the social praxeology approach associated with Pierre Bourdieu to study the affirmation and sedimentation of the practices surrounding the consumption of bottled water in France.

Findings

– Influential institutional actors invoked discourses of purity, nature and health, juxtaposing these with the risks of tap water consumption. These were cemented by the influence of pediatricians who encouraged changes in family drinking habits which translated into long-term shifts in consumer behavior. By contrast to studies of different contexts, our respondents were greatly enamored by the materiality of the products themselves, using these in innovative ways for aesthetic pursuits. The social praxeology approach uncovers how brand and consumer value have been constructed in the French bottled water market.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is based on the historical development and growth of the market for bottled water in France. It would be a valuable exercise to investigate other contexts to determine whether the strategies of symbolic competition, especially the use of expert intermediaries rich in cultural capital that can be identified, are reflected elsewhere.

Practical implications

– Bottled water producers will have to confront the issue of the resource-intensiveness of their products. This feature stands in marked contrast to the symbolic capital and points of differentiation that producers have weaved around bottled water. Such contradictions will be exposed by actors in other fields (e.g. the environmental movement). This can be expected to have an impact on the consumption and viability of this market in future.

Originality/value

– This paper uses a philosophical framework – social praxeology – to chart the development, affirmation and exponential growth of the bottled water market. Via a combination of historical re-construction and empirical research, it highlights the interactive relationships between government, producers and consumers, uncovering brand and consumer value creation.
Loyalty card adoption in SME retailers: the impact upon marketing management
Authors: Hutchinson Karise , Donnell Lisa Victoria , Gilmore Audrey , Reid Andrea
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand how small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) retailers adopt and implement a loyalty card programme as a marketing management decision-making tool.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative and longitudinal case study research design is adopted. Data were collected from multiple sources, incorporating semi-structured interviews and analysis of company documents and observation within a retail SME.

Findings

– The findings presented focus on the loyalty card adoption process to reflect both the organisational issues and impact upon marketing management decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

– This research is restricted to one region within the UK, investigating loyalty card adoption within a specific industry sector.

Practical implications

– SME retailers operate in an industry environment whereby there is a competitive demand for loyalty card programmes. SME retailers need to carefully consider how to match the firm’s characteristics with customer relationship management (CRM) operational requirements as highlighted in this case.

Originality/value

– The evidence presented extends current knowledge of retail loyalty card programmes beyond the context of large organisations to encompass SMEs. The study also illustrates the value of a structured, formal CRM system to help SME retailers compete in a complex, competitive and omni-channel marketplace, adding new insights into the retail literature.
Consumer reactions to professionals who use decision aids
Authors: Palmeira Mauricio , Spassova Gerri
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate consumer reactions to professionals who use decision aids to make recommendations. The authors propose that people react negatively to decision aids only when they are used in place of human expert judgment. When used in combination with expert judgment, decision aids are not perceived negatively and may even enhance service evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three online experiments are presented. Participants indicated their perceptions regarding the recommendation strategy of professionals and their impressions of these professionals using one of three strategies: one based on expertise only, one based on decision aids only and a combination of the two (hybrid approach). Both within and between-subjects designs were used.

Findings

– Contrary to previous research that has found a negative reaction to professionals who use decision aids, the authors find that consumers actually appreciate these professionals, as long as the use of decision aids does not replace expert judgment. The authors also find that when people are given the opportunity to compare a pure expert judgment approach with a hybrid approach (decision aid in combination with expert judgment), they prefer the latter.

Research limitations/implications

– Although findings should extend to various contexts, this research is limited to the three contexts examined and to the type of use of decision aid described.

Practical implications

– It has significant practical implication, as decision aids have been shown to improve decision accuracy, but previous research had indicated that consumers view these professionals in a negative way. The current research more clearly delineates the situations under which negative reactions are likely to occur and makes recommendations regarding circumstances in which reactions are actually quite positive.

Originality/value

– Reactions to professionals using decision aids have been investigated outside the marketing literature. However, this is the first work to show that consumers actually have positive reactions to professionals using decision aids, as long as they do not replace expert judgment.
Show me the money
Authors: Maklan Stan , Peppard Joe , Klaus Philipp
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the conundrum between the increasingly importance of investments in new information technologies (IT) on marketing practice and marketing scholars continuing to question the profitability of IT-led marketing initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

– Systematic reviews of the relevant literature on the financial and market return of customer relationship management (CRM) investments from both Marketing and Information Systems (IS) literature were conducted.

Findings

– Findings suggest that, while both IS and Marketing scholars try to determine what generates returns on CRM investment, the IS community has a more complete conceptualisation as to how these returns are realised. A broader epistemological framework, better suited to observing how organisations benefit from IT-led management initiatives, enables a more comprehensive assessment of CRM investment.

Research limitations/implications

– Supplementing the methods used by Marketing scholars with those frequently used in IS research would likely improve the assessment of IT-led Marketing investments and the resultant prescriptions for Marketing practitioners.

Practical implications

– Failure to assess accurately the return from IT-led Marketing investments hinders managers’ ability to manage them for maximum performance improvements, all the more important now that organisations are preparing for large-scale investments in big data and social media strategies.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to illustrate how a combination of Marketing and IS scholarship can assist Marketing research and practice.
Oblique stagnation flow of Jeffery fluid over a stretching convective surface
Authors: Mehmood R , Nadeem Dr. Sohail , Akbar Noreen
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The present critical analysis has been performed to explore the steady stagnation point flow of Jeffery fluid toward a stretching surface, in the presence of convective boundary conditions. It is assumed that the fluid strikes the wall obliquely. The governing non-linear partial differential equations for the flow field are converted to ordinary differential equations by using suitable similarity transformations. Optimal homotopy analysis method (OHAM) is operated to deal the resulting ordinary differential equations. OHAM is found to be extremely effective analytical technique to obtain convergent series solutions of highly non-linear differential equations. Graphically, non-dimensional velocities and temperature profile are expressed. Numerical values of skin friction coefficients and heat flux are computed. The comparison of results from this paper with the previous existing literature authorizes the precise accuracy of the OHAM for the limited case. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The governing non-linear partial differential equations for the flow field are converted to ordinary differential equations by using suitable similarity transformations. OHAM is operated to deal the resulting ordinary differential equations.

Findings

– OHAM is found to be extremely effective analytical technique to obtain convergent series solutions of highly non-linear differential equations. Graphically, non-dimensional velocities and temperature profile are expressed. Numerical values of skin friction coefficients and heat flux are computed.

Originality/value

– The comparison of results from this paper with the previous existing literature authorizes the precise accuracy of the OHAM for the limited case.
Rogue waves in the (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equations
Authors: Liu Changfu , Wang Zeping , Dai Zhengde , Chen Longwei
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to construct analytical solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equations, and the existence of rogue waves and their localized structures are studied.

Design/methodology/approach

– Function transformation and variable separation method are applied to the (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equations.

Findings

– A series of analytical solutions including rogue wave solutions for the (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equations are constructed. Localized structures of rogue waves confirm the presence of large amplitude wave wall.

Research limitations/implications

– The localized structures of rogue waves are displayed by analytical solutions and figures. The authors just find some of them and others still to be found.

Originality/value

– These results may help to investigate the localized structures and the behavior of rogue waves for nonlinear evolution equations. Applying two different function transformations and variable separation functions to two different states of the equations, respectively, to construct the solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equations. Rogue wave solutions are enumerated and their figures are partly displayed.
Breather soliton and cross two-soliton solutions for the fifth order Caudrey-Dodd-Gibbon (CDG) equation
Authors: Chen Hanlin , Xu Zhenhui , Dai Zhengde
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reveal dynamical behavior of nonlinear wave by searching for the new breather soliton and cross two-soliton solutions of the fifth-order Caudrey-Dodd-Gibbon (CDG) equation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors apply bilinear form and extended homoclinic test approach to the fifth-order CDG equation.

Findings

– In this paper, by using bilinear form and extended homoclinic test approach, the authors obtain new breather soliton and cross two-soliton solutions of the fifth-order CDG equation. It is shown that the extended homoclinic test approach, with the help of symbolic computation, provides an effective and powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear evolution equations in mathematical physics.

Research limitations/implications

– The research manifests that the structures of the solution to nonlinear equations are diversified and complicated.

Originality/value

– The methods used in this paper can be widely applied to the research of spatial and temporal characteristics of nonlinear equations in physics and engineering technology. These methods are also conducive for people to know objective laws and grasp the essential features of the development of the world.
Modeling of multi-phase flows and natural convection in a square cavity using an incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Aly Abdelraheem Mahmoud
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Modeling of multi-phase flows for Rayleigh-Taylor instability and natural convection in a square cavity has been investigated using an incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (ISPH) technique. In this technique, incompressibility is enforced by using SPH projection method and a stabilized incompressible SPH method by relaxing the density invariance condition is applied. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Rayleigh-Taylor instability is introduced in two and three phases by using ISPH method. The author simulated natural convection in a square/cubic cavity using ISPH method in two and three dimensions. The solutions represented in temperature, vertical velocity and horizontal velocity have been studied with different values of Rayleigh number Ra parameter (103=Ra=105). In addition, characteristic based scheme in Finite Element Method is introduced for modeling the natural convection in a square cavity.

Findings

– The results for Rayleigh-Taylor instability and natural convection flow had been compared with the previous researches.

Originality/value

– Modeling of multi-phase flows for Rayleigh-Taylor instability and natural convection in a square cavity has been investigated using an ISPH technique. In ISPH method, incompressibility is enforced by using SPH projection method and a stabilized incompressible SPH method by relaxing the density invariance condition is introduced. The Rayleigh-Taylor instability is introduced in two and three phases by using ISPH method. The author simulated natural convection in a square/cubic cavity using ISPH method in two and three dimensions.
Nu-Ra correlations for natural convection at high Ra numbers in air-filled tilted hemispherical cavities with dome oriented upwards. Disk submitted to constant heat flux
Authors: Baïri Abderrahmane , García de María Juan Mario , Alilat Nacim , Laraqi Najib , Bauzin Jean-Gabriel
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose correlations between Nusselt and Rayleigh numbers for the case of inclined and closed air-filled hemispherical cavities. The disk of such cavities is subjected to a constant heat flux. The study covers a wide range of Rayleigh numbers from 5×107 to 2.55×1012.

Design/methodology/approach

– Correlations are obtained from numerical approach validated by experimental measurements on some configurations, valid for several angles of inclination of the cavity between 0° (horizontal disk) and 90° (vertical disk) in steps of 15°.

Findings

– The statistical analysis of a large number of calculations leads to reliable results covering laminar, transitional and turbulent natural convection heat transfer zones.

Practical implications

– The proposed correlations provide solutions for applications in several fields of engineering such as solar energy, aerospace, building, safety and security.

Originality/value

– The new relations proposed are the first published for high Rayleigh numbers for this type of geometry. They supplement the knowledge of natural convection in hemispherical inclined cavities and constitute a useful tool for application in various engineering areas as solar energy (thermal collector, still, pyranometer, albedometer, pyrgeometer), aerospace (embarked electronics), building, safety and security (controlling and recording sensors).
Effects of gradient density on effective heat capacity of charring ablative material for re-entry vehicles
Authors: Li Weijie , Huang Haiming , Yu Hailing , Xu Xiaoliang
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The effective heat capacity is a key index to estimate the thermal protection performance of charring ablative materials in reentry vehicles subjected to aerodynamic heat loads. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of gradient density on the effective heat capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the Fourier law and the pyrolysis interface model, the authors establish the governing equations for the transient heat conduction with variable density, and then simulate one-dimensional transient thermal behavior of a homogeneous and three types of non-homogeneous charring ablative material in reentry capsules by using the implicit numerical method.

Findings

– The moving rate of pyrolysis interface and the surface temperature of charring ablative material depend on not only the surface heating history, but also the gradient density. And the gradient density can improve the insulation performance of charring materials, e.g. the effective heat capacity in the bilinear design is larger than that in the homogeneous design under a given heat flux condition.

Originality/value

– This study will help the design of the thermal protection system in reentry vehicles.
Rule-breaking and legitimacy: a failure of artful navigation?
Authors: Warren Lorraine , Smith Robert
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the tension between rule-breaking and legitimacy for entrepreneurs, who are expected to challenge and change social or business norms. In doing so, they may be presented as heroes in the media, or alternatively, are cast out as villains with attendant negative press with consequent loss of legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through secondary data methods, the paper analyses the case of Vance Miller, an entrepreneur from the North of England who has achieved economic success amid reports of alleged criminality and poor ethical behaviour. Thus he spans rule-breaking and legitimacy.

Findings

– The paper illustrates how rule-breaking directed towards demonstrable entrepreneurial achievement does not always result in media legitimacy. Miller’s storyline both chimes with and clashes with the discourse of the enterprise culture, providing a cautionary note for aspirant entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

– The hero-villain paradox remains relatively unexplored in the media, and thus further qualitative research is required, particularly for aspirant entrepreneurs with controversial or criminal backgrounds.

Practical implications

– Entrepreneurs should question carefully the extent and potential consequences of rule breaking in regard to legitimacy.

Social implications

– The paper highlights and indeed questions the role of the media in their representations of entrepreneurship, and challenges the valorisation of rule-breaking behaviour by entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

– The paper makes a distinctive contribution to the literature by examining the relation between rule-breaking and legitimacy for an entrepreneur who is represented negatively in the media, yet remains successful, counter to the heroic stereotype.
The legitimacy of entrepreneurial mentoring
Authors: McKevitt David , Marshall Donna
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present findings from longitudinal case studies of small firm mentoring relationships in Ireland. The rationale is to explore the gaps between the theory and practice of small firm mentoring.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a comparative case study design involving interviews, observation and secondary sources of evidence including business plans.

Findings

– In contrast to the literature the paper extends the role of mentors in the small firm context as offering direct and indirect support, which reduces uncertainty in order to increase legitimacy of the business entity.

Research limitations/implications

– The cases highlight a conflict between the broad theoretical scope of the mentor process vs a narrow role assumed by best practice.

Practical implications

– The research presents an opportunity to enhance the pragmatic vs paternalistic perspective of small firm mentoring. The authors argue that for mentoring theory to be useful then a mentor’s role-set in small firms may be wider and should be more direct than mentors in large corporations.

Originality/value

– The emergent theoretical framework combines organisational learning and decision-making theories. The paper contributes to the theoretical development of mentoring by extending the range and defining the role of mentors in the context of small firms.
Protecting organizational knowledge: a structured literature review
Authors: Manhart Markus , Thalmann Stefan
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate pertinent knowledge protection literature. At the same time, however, knowledge protection is often a neglected or underdeveloped area. This is all the more concerning as knowledge protection plays an essential part in preserving an organization’s competitive advantage. Despite the recognition of this issue by scholars, the knowledge management literature has so far tended to concentrate on the facilitation of knowledge sharing rather than on knowledge protection.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the authors present the results of a structured literature review undertaken to investigate the current state of research on knowledge protection. The paper identifies core domains in knowledge protection literature, discusses theoretical perspectives and research methods, sheds light on the role of the information technology (IT) artefact in knowledge protection research and develops a portfolio of knowledge protection measures.

Findings

– In this paper, 48 papers were analyzed by taking five analytical dimensions into account: research domains, research methods and models, the role of the IT artefact, theoretical views and measures to enforce knowledge protection. Based on the discussion of the results, promising avenues for further research were identified and a research agenda was proposed. The authors argued for more research on the protection of tacit knowledge, more in-depth empirical investigations, more research on IT support and a stronger consideration of theories in knowledge protection research, as well as research on how organizations could build a strategy of knowledge protection.

Research limitations/implications

– Tacit knowledge, as well as informal alliances or (social) networks, is under-researched so far. Knowledge protection phenomena need to be investigated in depth to test the assumptions stated in many conceptual papers. IT artefacts should be developed and evaluated. More theory-based research and overarching frameworks or strategies for knowledge protection need to be developed.

Practical implications

– In this paper, a portfolio of knowledge protection measures was developed, which might be of particular interest for practitioners. Further, the paper provides a good overview of the current state of practice regarding knowledge protection.

Originality/value

– So far, there is no structured literature available focussing on the topic of knowledge protection.
Mechanisms to motivate knowledge sharing: integrating the reward systems and social network perspectives
Authors: Lin Sheng-Wei , Lo Louis Yi-Shih
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to develop a theoretical model that integrates two different mechanisms to explain knowledge sharing. First, adapted from traditional reward systems, the calculative-based mechanism (CBM) serves as the benchmark. Second, the relational-based mechanism (RBM) plays a complementary role. RBM is founded on social interaction and consists of two social network constructs: relational deposits (i.e. network and valued network centralities) and withdrawals (i.e. network and valued network densities).

Design/methodology/approach

– This study collected survey data in collaboration with a health-care organization. The data collected from 180 respondents were tested against the research model using a partial least squares analysis.

Findings

– This study found the CBM to be beneficial for knowledge sharing. The findings support the RBM prediction of a positive relationship between the deposit construct and knowledge sharing, but fail to support the RBM prediction on the withdrawal construct. The RBM explained about 15 per cent more of the variance than the CBM. In addition, the withdrawal construct of the RBM predicts respondents’ beliefs in reciprocal obligation.

Research limitations/implications

– RBM does not as strongly associate with economic benefits as the CBM, but it still plays a noteworthy role in increasing the possibility of an individual knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

– The study is the first to propose the concepts of relational deposits and withdrawals. The authors use a roster-based sociometric approach to collect the social network data and to benchmark the effect of RBM with that of CBM on individual knowledge sharing and his/her beliefs in reciprocal obligation.
Positioning organisational culture in knowledge management research
Authors: Al Saifi Said Abdullah
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model for understanding the impact of organisational culture on knowledge management processes and their link with organisational performance. It is suggested that organisational culture should be assessed as a multi-level construct comprising artefacts, espoused beliefs and values and underlying assumptions. A holistic view of organisational culture and knowledge management processes, and their link with organisational performance, is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comprehensive review of previous literature was undertaken in the development of the conceptual model. Taken together, the literature and the proposed model reveal possible relationships between organisational culture, knowledge management processes and organisational performance.

Findings

– Potential implications of organisational culture levels for the creation, sharing and application of knowledge are elaborated. In addition, the paper offers possible new insight into the impact of organisational culture on various knowledge management processes and their link with organisational performance.

Research limitations/implications

– A number of possible relationships between organisational culture factors, knowledge management processes and their link with organisational performance were used to examine such relationships.

Practical implications

– The research model highlights the multi-level components of organisational culture. These are: the artefacts, the espoused beliefs and values and the underlying assumptions. Through a conceptualisation of the relationships between organisational culture, knowledge management processes and organisational performance, the study provides practical guidance for practitioners during the implementation of knowledge management processes.

Originality/value

– The focus of previous research on knowledge management has been on understanding organisational culture from the limited perspective of promoting knowledge creation and sharing. This paper proposes a more comprehensive approach to understanding organisational culture in that it draws on artefacts, espoused beliefs and values and underlying assumptions, and reveals their impact on the creation, sharing and application of knowledge which can affect the overall organisational performance.
Deterrents to knowledge-sharing in the pharmaceutical industry: a case study
Authors: Qureshi Athar Mahmood Ahmed , Evans Nina
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to explore deterrents to knowledge-sharing in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Effective knowledge-sharing is fundamental to stimulation of the process of knowledge absorption. The limited proximal communication between the employees in the pharmaceutical industry stifles their knowledge-sharing behaviour significantly.

Design/methodology/approach

– A cross-sectional case study, consisting of semi-structured interviews with managers and scientists, was conducted in a multinational pharmaceutical company in Australia. Respondents were asked to answer questions regarding their current knowledge-sharing practices and to identify organisational deterrents to knowledge-sharing. The data were condensed into themes according to the thematic analysis method.

Findings

– The pharmaceutical industry is extensively regulated and its excessive competitiveness is cultivating organisational reticence towards the development of a knowledge-sharing culture. Nine categories of deterrents to intra- (within) and inter-organisational (between organisations) knowledge-sharing have been identified. These categories include high cost of sharing knowledge, information technology limitations, knowledge-hiding, lack of socialisation, lack of trust culture, non-educational mindset, organisational politics, poor leadership and time pressure.

Research limitations/implications

– The population of this study consists of managers and practitioners working for a pharmaceutical company. Hence, the generalisability of the findings to other health-care settings is unknown.

Practical implications

– The findings have implications for leaders and managers who should be aware of these professional diversities, instigators as well as the ripple effects of limited knowledge-sharing to guide the organisation towards developing an optimal knowledge-sharing culture.

Originality/value

– A focussed investigation of knowledge-sharing behaviour within the pharmaceutical industry in Australia, considering the pressure applied to this industry over the past decade. This case study specifically focusses on the diversity of deterrents to knowledge-sharing in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
Benefits and Barriers
Authors: Harris Brigitte , Cheng Kwan Fan , Gorley Charlotte
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to describe the design of a provincial government ministry group mentoring program and examine mentees’ and mentors’ experiences in the program.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 151 mentees rated their satisfaction in a post-program survey. The survey was followed by in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 mentees and 11 mentors.

Findings

– In all, 87 per cent of mentees rated their learning as effective. Benefits to mentees were relevance of the learning, and senior leader/mentors use of current issues, events and personal stories. Delivery through a combination of Web conferencing and collaboration technologies was most effective. Mentors learned from mentees and other mentors. Regular and full mentee participation was an identified issue. In addition, not all mentoring teams worked well together.

Research limitations/implications

– The selection criteria favored participants who had a positive experience. Including more participants who were disengaged or less active may have revealed what inhibited full engagement. Complex underlying systemic and cultural issues negatively affected mentee participation and mentoring team effectiveness. It is unclear whether this was caused by intrinsic or extrinsic barriers. Further study could shed light on how to address participation issues.

Practical implications

– Selection criteria favored highly active participants who had a positive experience. Including more disengaged or less active participants may have revealed barriers to full engagement.

Social implications

– Despite a context of extreme organizational churn, this program delivered cost-effective and engaging learning to a large number of employees. Recommendations are made to further strengthen the program.

Originality/value

– This contextually grounded case study will be useful to those who plan to implement a group mentoring program.
How online journalists learn within a non-formal context
Authors: Kronstad Morten , Eide Martin
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of workplace learning, with a focus on the non-formal learning that takes place among online journalists. The focus of this article is journalists working in an online newspaper and their experiences with workplace and non-formal learning, centring on framework conditions and learning environments.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical data in this article are based on qualitative interviews conducted with journalists working in an online newspaper in the Western part of Norway. The sample comprises of five informants. The interviews were based on a combination of open-ended and more specific questions where the aim was to get a broad perspective on the informants’ experiences workplace non-formal learning and to investigate alternative perspectives that emerged during the interviews.

Findings

– The findings indicate that a theory of online journalists’ workplace learning should take into account the fact that learning, in this context, takes place at various levels of conscious awareness, encompassing cognitive, behavioural, motivational and emotional aspects.

Originality/value

– This project provides the field of workplace learning and journalism with context-specific research on the non-formal learning processes of online journalists.
The effects of demographic variables on knowledge sharing
Authors: Boateng Henry , Dzandu Michael Dzigbordi , Agyemang Franklin Gyamfi
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to find the role of demographic variables in knowledge sharing among teachers in senior high schools. The relationship between demographic variables and knowledge sharing has not been clearly established in the existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The survey research design was used as a methodology for the study. The participants of the study were senior high school teachers. These participants were selected using convenience sampling technique. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Data were anaylsed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression.

Findings

– The study found that male teachers share more of their knowledge than female teachers. Additionally, first degree holders were found to share their knowledge more than Higher National Diploma holders.

Originality/value

– This study has established the relationship between demographic variables and knowledge sharing among senior high school teachers in Ghana.