bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of company learning and growth capabilities on the customer‐related performance
Authors: Islam Majidul , Yang Yi‐Feng , Mia Lokman
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between a company's customer‐related performance and its learning and growth capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Four banks in Taiwan – Citibank, Chinatrust, Taipei Fubon Bank and Taiwan HSBC – have recently applied the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) perspective to their customer service. This research was designed to use the data of these sample banks and analyze it to build the theoretical relationship.

Findings

The results reveal that a company's customer‐related performance is positively associated with the interactions of its Human Resource Service Capability (HRSC), Information Technology Service Capability (ITSC) and Marketing Service Capability (MKSC).

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence that when an organization establishes and raises levels of company learning and growth capabilities by using HR‐service capability, IT‐service capability, and MK‐service capability, conjoint effects of these result in a favorable interaction relationship and thus can help achieve a higher level of customer‐related performance.
TQM dimensions and their interrelationships in ISO certified engineering institutes of India
Authors: Burli Shivakumar , Bagodi Virupaxi , Kotturshettar Basavaraj
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dimensions of TQM, analyse interrelationships and their combined influence on results achieved in ISO certified engineering institutes in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the questionnaire survey of a sample of 216 faculty members serving in various ISO certified institutes of southern states of India. The data were obtained using a questionnaire that is in line with the self‐assessment philosophy of European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model (EFQM). The dataset was subjected to exploratory factor analysis using SPSS17.0 program for Windows. The confirmatory and causal analyses were carried out using AMOS 16.0 software.

Findings

The factor analysis confirmed the existence of ten important dimensions of TQM that guide ISO institutes in their quality journey. Structural equation modelling was used to validate the developed TQM model. Leadership of top management was the main driving force for establishing an effective quality management system (QMS) in engineering institutes.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is related to the notion of causality. The study has considered perception data for the predictive analysis.

Practical implications

The paper unfolds ten important TQM factors that need attention from education administrators to manage quality in engineering education. The six enablers of the proposed TQM model significantly influence result criteria. The results obtained in this study encourage academic leaders to implement TQM concepts in their institutes to achieve a higher level of stakeholder satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper is a new contribution to broad understanding of TQM concepts and their impact on performance measures in engineering education in India.
Evaluation of irrigation efficiencies for water users' associations in a major irrigation project in India by DEA
Authors: Sitaram Phadnis Sanjay , Kulshrestha Mukul
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The quantity and quality of available water resources have been recognized limiting factors in development of most of the arid and semi arid regions. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency, for water users' associations (WUA), of irrigation project Samrat Ashok Sagar (Halali) in India, using benchmarking by data envelopment analysis as the performance evaluation tool and to integrate the outcome of the benchmarking process for planning, design and effective management of available water resources.

Design/methodology/approach

To collect information or data required to calculate indicators, there was personal interaction with water users and executive engineers in‐charge of the project, and competent authority for WUA (sub‐engineers), with other technical staff and with establishment staff and the purpose of the study explained. In the analysis, the performance gap was compared within the scheme. The causes of the performance gap and the action required for closing the performance gap were explored. Data envelopment analysis was done for different sets of input output by input‐oriented model through software. The data collected were real time and validated from Samrat Ashok Sagar Irrigation and Drainage Project Authority.

Findings

It was found that the majority of WUAs as per model I to model VI had efficiency below 70 per cent, which is a matter of serious concern. It is evident that considerable variations occur amongst the various WUAs in terms of the operational characteristics reflected by the independent variables.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that it is evident that considerable variations occur amongst the various WUAs in terms of the operational characteristics reflected by the independent variables.
Overcoming benchmarking reluctance: a literature review
Authors: Williams John , Brown Cheryl , Springer Anita
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify reported barriers to benchmarking and strategies to surmount these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a qualitative meta‐analysis of 32 peer‐reviewed sources from January 2005‐July 2010. The authors sought recently published authoritative information on the topic of benchmarking reluctance to formulate an up‐to‐date framework explaining this phenomenon. Content analysis was used to identify reasons for benchmarking reluctance and ways to overcome reluctance.

Findings

The study concludes that organizational leadership best practices have been found to counter each of the four major benchmarking reluctance concerns: soundness of benchmarking theory/practices; lack of resources for benchmarking; inertia impeding pursuit of new practices; and specific impacts of implementing new practices.

Practical implications

The findings of this literature review may assist leaders to anticipate potential benchmarking barriers and to follow best practices for addressing these impediments.

Originality/value

Given the limited amount of recent literature focused on the topic of benchmarking reluctance, this paper provides valuable resources to help organizations succeed in their benchmarking efforts.
Challenges in the development of environmental management systems on the modern university campus
Authors: Bero Bridget N. , Doerry Eckehard , Middleton Ryan , Meinhardt Christian
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe challenges and lessons learned in the design and development of a comprehensive, flexible environmental management system (EMS) in a real university setting; also to inform development of similar systems elsewhere and provide a modular, extensible software architecture for such efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

A modular, flexible software architecture was designed as the cornerstone of a comprehensive, secure web‐based data collection and analysis framework. Environmental data such as utility usages, waste generation and transportation services were identified, collected, and entered into the evolving system. The system is easily extensible to new environmental data types, and supported manual and automated data entry, custom “at‐the‐source data entry” mechanisms, and flexible tools for visually analyzing environmental data captured.

Findings

Development of automated EMS systems for large institutions is significantly complicated by profound heterogeneity in campus infrastructure, management policies, and limited data accessibility; legacy data are often incomplete or inaccurate. Successful EMS initiatives must explicitly address these challenges through realistic project planning, choice of software technologies, design of system architecture, and administrative commitment. Detailed insights in each of the above areas are provided.

Originality/value

The authors provide clarifying discussion of sustainability plans versus monitoring systems, place popular technological gadgets such as live building energy monitors into perspective within this framework, and describe design and implementation of a comprehensive environmental monitoring framework. The modular concept for system architecture, design approach, and lessons learned can inform the development of similar comprehensive EMS development efforts.
Introducing whole‐systems design to first‐year engineering students with case studies
Authors: Blizzard Jackie , Klotz Leidy , Pradhan Alok , Dukes Michael
Published: March 2012

Purpose

A whole‐systems approach, which seeks to optimize an entire system for multiple benefits, not isolated components for single benefits, is essential to engineering design for radically improved sustainability performance. Based on real‐world applications of whole‐systems design, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is developing educational case studies to help engineers expand their whole‐systems thinking. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of these case studies in multiple sections of a first‐year engineering course.

Design/methodology/approach

The comprehension of whole‐systems principles by 165 first‐year engineering students at Clemson University was evaluated through surveys and open‐ended questionnaires, before and after introducing the educational case studies.

Findings

The pilot study results show that introducing the case studies improves students' consideration of several essential whole‐systems design concepts. The case studies were particularly effective in strengthening student consideration of the clean sheet approach, integrative design, design for multiple benefits, optimization of the entire system, and the possibility of drastic efficiency increases with current technology.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted at a single institution and with a fairly homogeneous group of students. These factors should be considered when interpreting the implications of the findings for other groups.

Originality/value

This preliminary research shows that case study examples like these can help increase consideration of the whole‐systems design approach that leads to improved sustainability performance.
Impact Planning and Assessment (IPA) of the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Authors: Streatfield David
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper has the aim of introducing the Special Issue on Impact Planning and Assessment (IPA) of the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to provuide public access to information through computers in public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive paper introduces the work of the Global Libraries Initiative and its IPA Specialists.

Findings

As more countries have joined Global Libraries, there has been a gradual increase in interest by IPA Specialists and their colleagues in employing a broader range of evidence‐collection methods in attempts to show more clearly whether and how greater access to information through public access computing leads to changes in users and their lives. There is still a great deal to be done before a likely move into the realm of systematic measurement of changes to people's lives and it is highly questionable whether IPA Specialists could ever achieve such a goal by enthusiasm, energy and collaboration alone. There is scope for more consistent application of qualitative research methods within and across countries, as well as for developing common impact measures based on user self‐assessment and reporting.

Originality/value

The paper introduces and discusses the Impact Planning and Assessment (IPA) of the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and suggests how research to improve the GL Initiative can move forward.
Introduction
Authors: Streatfield David
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce national reports from the Global Libraries Initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a brief outline and introduction.

Findings

There are no findings in this paper.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in its overview of the eight national projects.
Vietnam and Indonesia
Authors: Truc Phan Quynh , Tryono Prijosoesilo , Rosalina Titi
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the initial steps in creating a Global Libraries Initiative program in Vietnam and Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the requirements and initial steps that have been taken in the two countries.

Findings

There are no findings at this stage of the two programs.

Originality/value

There has been no similar offering from either country.
Bulgaria
Authors: Devetakova Luba
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe developments and results of the Glob@l Libraries – Bulgaria (GLB) project.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an analysis of the results of the assessment of the impact of the Glob@l Libraries – Bulgaria (GLB) project so far among the public libraries of Bulgaria.

Findings

The findings described are not surprising, although the most striking are two facts concerning the population – the high level of computer and internet usage among the population from different age groups and types of settlement; and that the majority of computer and internet users are not able to create content using software and the low level of information literacy associated with finding trusted information on the internet. These two facts suggest the niche for the modern public library in Bulgaria as a centre not just providing books but more intensive training and consultation for different target groups of users.

Originality/value

The paper presents a wide range of improvement examples that can be easily transferred to other countries.
Romania
Authors: Chiranov Marcel
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasize some of the qualitative results from the data collection throughout the second year of the Biblionet Program in Romania.

Design/methodology/approach

Concentrated here are the conclusions drawn from reports of the County Coordinators, online questionnaires, quantitative and qualitative research reports, and information from colleagues in the Biblionet team.

Findings

The results and findings have been grouped under the four key objectives of the Biblionet Programme: the citizens' information needs are better fulfilled with the help of public libraries; librarians provide better services to communities; for the National Association of Librarians and Public Libraries in Romania (ANBPR) to improve its capacity to provide services to members; and public authorities to increase their support for library development.

Originality/value

A wide range of improvement examples are provided that can be easily transferred to other countries.
Poland
Authors: Kochanowicz Maciej
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the current status of the Global Libraries Initiative program in Poland.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper lists the preliminary results and conclusions from the early phases of the progam.

Findings

Among the conclusions so far gathered for developing actions are: developing support for libraries for three new types of services: assistance in job seeking (because while many users make use of computers in libraries for that purpose, but only a few libraries offer relevant special activities); healthy lifestyles (some libraries have already introduced such activities, but it is hoped to develop them in a more systematic way – this area is also consistent with the overall priorities of the Global Libraries Initiative) and e‐banking for senior citizens; and improving the advocacy and outreach capabilities of libraries through additional training, as this was diagnosed as one of the weaknesses after the first round of the programme.

Originality/value

A wide range of improvement examples are provided that can be easily transferred to other countries.
Botswana
Authors: Taolo Resego
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe developments and results of the Global Libraries Initiative project in Botswana, popularly known as Sesigo project, which started in 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an analysis of the results of the assessment of the impact of the Sesigo project so far among the public libraries of Botswana.

Findings

The findings, among many others described, reveal that libraries with public access to ICT experienced an increase in membership, while those without it experienced an overall decline.

Originality/value

The paper provides a wide range of improvement examples that can be easily transferred to other countries.
Developing Impact Planning and Assessment at national level: addressing some issues
Authors: Streatfield David , Paberza Kristine , Lipeikaite Ugne , Chiranov Marcel , Devetakova Luba , Sadunisvili Renata
Published: March 2012

Purpose

As more countries have joined the Global Libraries (GL) Initiative, the IPA Specialists have gradually evolved into a cohesive team that finds opportunities to meet fairly regularly. Their discussions about the practicalities and challenges of conducting IPA at the country level have drawn attention to a number of issues that are likely to be relevant to other IPA specialists working in similar roles in other countries and to library service managers who are interested in impact evaluation. This paper aims to summarise some of the collective experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Several of the IPA Specialists have “adopted” an issue. Some describe their own country approach to the topic; others have been more analytical in their presentations.

Findings

Opinions and findings about four topics are described. They are: sharing learning within the country and sharing beyond that country; ensuring that IPA evidence reflects government and international priorities, and finally combining qualitative and quantitative evidence‐forming strategic collaborations and telling stories.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in informing other IPA specialists in similar roles in other countries, and library service managers who are interested in impact evaluation.
Lithuania
Authors: Lipeikaite Ugne , Sadunisvili Renata
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe developments and results of the Global Libraries Initiative – the “Libraries for Innovation” project – implemented by the Martynas Mazvydas National Library of Lithuania together with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an analysis of the results of the assessment of the impact of the “Libraries for Innovation” project so far among the public libraries of Lithuania.

Findings

The findings describe a wide range of improvements to existing services, including: strengthening the capacities of public libraries; provision of opportunities for Lithuanian residents to use the internet; and the opening up of new possibilities for communication and information technologies.

Originality/value

The paper provides a wide range of improvement examples that can be easily transferred to other similar countries.
Entrepreneurship and the social integration of new minorities: Iranian hospitality entrepreneurs in Scotland
Authors: Mostajer Haghighi Azin , Lynch Paul
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at perspectives of new minority entrepreneurs towards entrepreneurship, either as a facilitator or as a barrier to the integration of minorities. The research objective is to explore the role of hospitality and tourism entrepreneurship in the integration process of new minorities. It is attempted to explore the perspectives of new minority entrepreneurs about the concept of integration, the possibility of integration through self‐employment in hospitality and the relationship between entrepreneurship and integration.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a subjective perspective and a social constructionist approach to understand what the new minorities perceive as their reality. An in‐depth qualitative methodology is adopted for this research as it tries to understand inductively the phenomenon of hospitality entrepreneurship and ethnic minority integration.

Findings

The findings suggest hospitality entrepreneurship can act both as a facilitator and as a barrier to integration of the new minorities. Although it facilitates economic integration of the new minorities into the host society by providing wealth for them, at the same time it acts as a barrier to their social and cultural integration. It was revealed that ultimate integration is not possible because of high cultural differences between the host and their original cultures.

Originality/value

The paper proposes that integration is a continuum rather than a predefined point to achieve. Integration happens between two extreme points of complete isolation of migrants to their complete assimilation. The respondents of this research did not locate themselves in either ends of this continuum.
An exploration of the flipside of international marketing: the acculturation of foreign born residents of the US
Authors: Reisinger Yvette , Crotts John C.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the acculturation process of foreign‐born residents of the US. In particular, the study seeks to identify factors that influence acculturation of foreign residents, the degree to which their acculturation takes place and its effect on individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of Korean‐born residents of the US was surveyed regarding their socio‐demographic characteristics and lifestyle preferences. Hofstede's five culture measures were used to identify the values of Korean and host culture. T‐tests were performed to determine if Korean respondents differed from their host culture and to identify the effects of marital status, spouse country of birth, and residence preferences. Correlations were run to assess the relationships between time (years residing in the US) and acculturation as measured by language, food and community preferences.

Findings

The study found that acculturation occurred, as measured by language preferences and Hofstede's culture measures, but only to a limited extent. Time, age, marital status, spouse country of birth, and preferred country of residence had only modest influence on acculturation. Most foreign‐born Korean residents of the US maintained a strong preference for their native culture.

Originality/value

Tourism destinations are becoming increasingly more ethnically diverse societies, due in part to immigration. From a marketing perspective, the increasing diversity in the foreign‐born population increases the need for new market segmentation. This, in turn, requires an understanding of if and how quickly foreign‐born residents abandon aspects of their native culture and become fully assimilated into their adopted host culture.
The integration of a Swedish minority in the hotel business culture: the case of Riva del Sole
Authors: Valeri Marco , Baiocco Silvia
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the integration of minorities into the hotel industry stimulates innovation by promoting competitiveness in the tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses the co‐evolutionary perspective of firms and the environment: firms co‐evolve with the environment in the search for competitive advantage. This paper follows the qualitative methodology of case study research.

Findings

Empirical evidence demonstrates that the Riva del Sole company has been able to grasp the tangible and intangible factors that distinguish the multifaceted Tuscan territory, and enhance them through its own business strategy, transforming them into a competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

The interpretation of the survey is limited by being the observation of a single unit of analysis. Further improvements could result from the use of statistical models of analysis results, the use of analysis of information which emerged from the interviews on the strategic behavior of local actors and clients.

Practical implications

The innovative offering of Swedish minority entrepreneurship (Riva del Sole) was the offering of a hotel service articulated on various inhabitable units that comprised the hotel and which were nourished by the typical resources of the territory, offering a hospitality service strong in experiential content and rich in local flavor.

Originality/value

The paper offers a novel approach (co‐evolutionary perspective between firms and the environment) to see and understand newly‐emerging dynamics in the tourism business sector.
Societal marketing: integration of European experiences into business practices in Belarus
Authors: Andrianova Olga , Yeletskikh Taisiya
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether the concept of societal marketing being practised in developed countries can be directly applied to countries in transition, such as Belarus, and what adjustments would be beneficial to achieve this. The paper takes a comprehensive view of the complex linkages between the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles by examining elements of societal marketing in the European Union (EU) countries and in Belarus.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are provided by the web sites of European best practice companies and data from the Global Compact that identifies socially‐responsible companies in the EU and Belarus. The results for Belarus are combined with the insights from capacity building activities on societal marketing organised by the Local Network Global Compact (LNGC) Belarus, for private and public enterprises.

Findings

The research presents two groups of companies in Belarus: Start‐up companies see their CSR activities as philanthropic actions; and On‐the‐way companies integrate elements of societal marketing such as vision and stakeholder management into their practices. The European societal marketing experience can act as a mechanism for further integrating CSR principles into business practices in Belarus. This depends on the aptitude of the companies for social innovation, the level of stakeholder involvement and the governmental support for CSR policy creation.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the research should be broadened out to other industries and tested with a larger sample, including small‐and medium‐sized firms. It is also necessary to analyse other key drivers of the CSR in Belarus, which can impact on further use of societal marketing components.

Practical implications

This research has implications for practitioners, specifically the groups of stakeholders involved in CSR programmes in Belarus. The results suggest how stakeholders can apply societal marketing and differentiate themselves from competitors in the EU and in Belarus.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a framework on societal marketing that considers the factors that influence CSR development and provides recommendations for businesses operating in Belarus on how to achieve a competitive advantage in a country in transition.
Dynamic risk‐return relation with human capital: a study on Indian markets
Authors: Shijin Santhakumar , Gopalaswamy Arun Kumar , Acharya Debashis
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test a discrete time asset pricing model where a non‐marketable asset (human capital), along with other factors predicting stock returns, explain risk return relationship. The paper will add to the literature on risk return relationship with human capital by investigating the hypothesis that human capital is a significant factor affecting stock prices.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic inter‐linkages of factors representing financial and human components of wealth in predicting stock returns is tested in the Indian market for the period of 1996:04 to 2005:06. The procedures employed include Granger causality tests, impulse response functions and seemingly unrelated regression estimates.

Findings

Empirical findings validate the model that including human capital as a proxy for aggregate wealth in the economy can better predict stock prices than the standard empirical capital asset pricing model. There is a Granger cause relationship between security prices and labor income and it is further concluded that labor and dividend are significant factors affecting security prices.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to study the human capital aspect in predicting stock returns in the Indian market. In addition, the paper provides important insights into the causal relationship of human capital and market return in explaining the risk return relationship.
Competitive advantage of German renewable energy firms in India and China
Authors: Dögl Corinna , Holtbrügge Dirk , Schuster Tassilo
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the competitive advantage of German renewable energy firms in India and China. Porter's diamond model is modified and specified for the renewable energy industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Porter's diamond model of competitiveness, the authors examine the demand for renewable energies in India and China and the ability of German firms to meet this demand.

Findings

While the overall demand for renewable energies in India and China is significant, the study reveals remarkable differences in the fields of biomass, solar and wind energy. The findings are meant to address managers in the renewable energy industry and to aid policy makers in environmental support and action.

Research limitations/implications

A major theoretical contribution of the study is the application of Porter's diamond model to the renewable energy industry, as well as the identification and operationalization of the relevant causal and proxy variables.

Practical implications

The paper provides a detailed analysis of the factors on which the competitive advantage of German renewable energy technologies in India and China is based. This helps managers of renewable energy firms to focus on those areas where they have particular strengths and to introduce measures to overcome potential weaknesses.

Originality/value

The authors used a modified version of Porter's diamond model and specified it for the renewable energy industry. The model was tested empirically in Germany and both emerging countries on the basis of secondary data.
Integrating spatial models into regional energy system optimisation: focusing on biomass
Authors: Schardinger Ingrid , Botzenhart Florian , Biberacher Markus , Hamacher Thomas , Blaschke Thomas
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline an integrative modelling approach that includes agricultural and forestry process chains in an energy system model, on a regional scale. The main focus is on land use for biomass production, aimed at satisfying the demands for energy, food, and materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The described model combines geographic modelling with a linear optimisation approach. The cost‐based optimisation of the energy system includes agricultural and forestry process chains. The system's commodities and processes are identified and these are linked appropriately in the specifications of the reference system. Spatial models provided geographically specific input data for the optimisation; these spatial models were based on publicly available data, regional heat and electricity demands, and regional biomass potentials. The optimisation tool was applied in two case studies.

Findings

The optimisation results allow an improved understanding of the interdependencies between regional agricultural and forestry structures and the regional energy system. Future developments of the energy system can be quantified. The application of the model in the case studies has revealed the limits on biomass availability, even in rural areas, and the fossil fuel price sensitivity of an optimal system setup.

Originality/value

Geographic models linked to a forecast model approach and based on publicly available data allow a high spatial resolution by taking into account the region‐specific conditions and mean that the modelling approach is transferrable to other regions. This paper provides an initial insight into the linkage between bottom‐up optimisation and spatial modelling, representing an innovative approach that is yet to be well explored.
Evaluation of renewable energy options for cooling applications
Authors: Srinivasa Ramana Aluru , Chidambaram Lakshmanan , Kamaraj Govindarajulu , Velraj Ramalingam
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess renewable energy‐based cooling technologies using multi‐criteria methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology is applied to obtain the ranking of renewable energy options for cooling technology using five different criteria. In total, seven technologies were analyzed, based on the opinions obtained from experts and the extensive literature survey made and the ranking was obtained using AHP method.

Findings

The present findings revealed that the ranking for the renewable energy‐based cooling technologies were in the following order: biomass combustion, biogas, trigeneration, SPV, biomass gasifier, solar thermal storage, and hybrid technology. Only 5 per cent variation in global priority exists among top three options. This variation is considered insignificant due to rapidly varying factors such as technological advancements, government promotional schemes, fuel availability, etc. and hence these three options may be ranked equally.

Research limitations/implications

The research output is helpful in identifying the technology, with promising potential for promoting technology on a wider scale. Additional attributes and sensitivity analysis can be included for further research.

Originality/value

The paper usefully describes the AHP methodology utilized in the present study and the ranking made for the evaluation of renewable energy‐based cooling systems. The outcome of the present study would benefit policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs when choosing the appropriate cooling technology.
Estonian‐Swedish wood fuel trade and market integration: a co‐integration approach
Authors: Olsson Olle , Hillring Bengt , Vinterbäck Johan
Published: March 2012

Purpose

In the Baltic Sea area, wood fuels have been traded internationally on a relatively large‐scale since the 1990s, with trade flows primarily from the Baltic States to Sweden and Denmark. This has been driven by strong demand for renewable energy in Scandinavia, inexpensive wood resources in the Baltic States and relatively low costs of sea transport. The purpose of this paper is to clarify if this trade has contributed to integration between the wood fuel markets of Sweden and Estonia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use co‐integration analysis of quarterly price series data from 1998 to 2010, in order to determine whether there are interconnections between wood fuel prices in the two countries. As wood fuels generally are rather bulky, transport costs often have an important impact on price levels. For this reason the analysis is expanded to include estimated transport costs from Estonia to Sweden.

Findings

It is concluded that wood fuel prices in Sweden and Estonia are not co‐integrated, regardless of whether the transportation costs are taken into account or not. In other words, the wood fuel markets in the two countries cannot be considered integrated, which could be seen as a sign that international wood fuel markets still are far from fully developed.

Research limitations/implications

There are some uncertainties about data quality and lack of information on market structure – in terms of, for example, fuel delivery contract specifications and shipping arrangements.

Practical implications

Lack of market integration implies a lack of market efficiency in the international wood fuel market.

Originality/value

Co‐integration analysis has been applied to many commodity markets, but there are only very few studies of international wood fuel markets.
Long run energy demand in Iran: a scenario analysis
Authors: Moshiri Saeed , Atabi Farideh , Hassan Panjehshahi Mohammad , Lechtenböehmer Stefan
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Iran as an energy‐rich country faces many challenges in the optimal utilization of its vast resources. High rates of population and economic growth, a generous subsidies program, and poor resource management have contributed to rapidly growing energy consumption and high energy intensity over the past decades. The continuing trend of rising energy consumption will bring about new challenges as it will shrink oil export revenues, restraining economic activities. This calls for a study to explore alternative scenarios for the utilization of energy resources in Iran. The purpose of this paper is to model demand for energy in Iran and develop two business‐as‐usual and efficiency scenarios for the period 2005‐2030.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a techno‐economic or end‐use approach to model energy demand in Iran for different types of energy uses and energy carriers in all sectors of the economy and forecast it under two scenarios: business as usual (BAU) and efficiency.

Findings

Iran has a huge potential for energy savings. Specifically, under the efficiency scenario, Iran will be able to reduce its energy consumption 40 percent by 2030.The energy intensity can also be reduced by about 60 percent to a level lower than the world average today.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comprehensive study that models the Iranian energy demand in different sectors of the economy, using data at different aggregation levels and a techno‐economic end‐use approach to illuminate the future of energy demand under alternative scenarios.
Toward understanding management in first century Palestine
Authors: Dyck Bruno , Starke Frederick A. , Weimer Jade B.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the role of management in first century Palestine, and point to implications this has for subsequent management scholarship, especially Weber's widely accepted argument that contemporary management theory and practice is grounded in a Judeo‐Christian ethic.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on the role and activities of managers in first century Palestine is reviewed and used to evaluate management scholarship that draws on biblical writings from this era.

Findings

Managers played an increasingly important role in all aspects of social life in first century Palestine, and functioned as go‐betweens amongst households that were embedded in a web of patron‐client relationships. Based on analysis the paper contends that it seems unlikely that the core features of the Protestant Ethic would have been a prominent part of the Judeo‐Christian ethic in first century Palestine. The paper's contention is consistent with the observation that in first century Palestine, the hallmarks of the Protestant Ethic – such as “calling,” “rationalization” and “spiritual (vs political) salvation” – would have been welcomed by the social elite but would have been perceived as a threat by the poor, whereas the historical record indicates that first century exemplars of the Judeo‐Christian ethic were instead welcomed by the poor and perceived as a threat by the elite.

Research limitations/implications

The paper questions whether the hallmarks of the Protestant Ethic as described by Weber represent a plausible interpretation of the biblical record. The paper also provides a basis for challenging common assumptions in the literature that contemporary management theory is based on a biblical Judeo‐Christian ethic.

Practical implications

This paper may facilitate a more accurate interpretation of historical texts as they relate to management, and inform the study and development of alternative ways of managing.

Originality/value

The research described here provides a foundation for examining aspects of Weber's widely accepted thesis, as well as the writings of modern scholars.
Women issues to Wonder Woman
Authors: Prieto Leon C.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This article seeks to depict the pivotal role Hugo Munsterberg, the great pioneer in industrial psychology, played in the lives of his students, some of whom were feminists regardless of his own chauvinistic opinions. The article aims to examine the contributions made by Mary Calkins, Ethel Puffer, and William Marston, all former students of Munsterberg, who went on to make valuable contributions in psychology, women's issues, the polygraph, and the creation of the first and most famous comic book super heroine.

Design/methodology/approach

Synthesizing articles from history journals, writings about the figures of interest, published works by the figures themselves and other resources, this paper illustrates how Hugo Munsterberg impacted the scholarly careers of Calkins, Puffer, and Marston who all made valuable contributions to academia and popular culture.

Findings

This paper concludes that Munsterberg's influence was evident in the works of Calkins, Puffer, and Marston in areas as diverse as the psychology of beauty to the detection of deception. Despite his own chauvinistic views Munsterberg had an amicable and productive relationship with the aforementioned students, which sometimes extended beyond a professional relationship. Consequently, they initiated a research agenda that was greatly influenced by Dr Munsterberg.

Originality/value

This article highlights Dr Hugo Munsterberg's influence on Calkins, Puffer, and Marston, who made valuable contributions in women's issues, as well as the development of DISC theory, and the super‐heroine Wonder Woman.
The evolution of management as an interdisciplinary field
Authors: van Baalen Peter , Karsten Luchien
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insights into the evolution of the concept of interdisciplinarity in management science and management education.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of recently published (1993‐2002) works, which aim to provide practical advice rather than theoretical books on pedagogy or educational administration, are critiqued to aid the individual make the transition into academia. The sources are sorted into sections: finding an academic job, general advice, teaching, research and publishing, tenure and organizations.

Findings

The paper finds that in the evolution of management education and management science interdisciplinarity took different forms: synoptic and instrumental. Both forms resulted from different knowledge strategies of competing and cooperating disciplines. It concludes that in The Netherlands instrumental versions of interdisciplinarity in management research and education prevailed.

Research limitations/implications

The paper studies the evolution of interdisciplinarity in management education and management science in the Dutch higher education context. It assumes that the pattern of evolution differs from country to country.

Practical implications

Interdisciplinarity is a complex concept. This study provides practical insights into the dynamics of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Originality/value

Much has been written about interdisciplinarity in science and education. However there is hardly any empirical and historical research on this topic.
Delivering economic stimulus, addressing rising public debt and avoiding inflation
Authors: Wood Richard
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review monetary policy options in countries assumed to be suffering from two common economic problems: deficient private demand and high and rising public debt.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical approach assumes that relevant authorities have decided that new money creation is necessary to address their economic problems. The paper asks the question: how should this new money creation best be deployed to create the required economic stimulus in the context of rising public debt?

Findings

The first finding is that the latest rounds of “quantitative easing” in the USA (QE2) and Japan are likely to be inefficient, largely ineffective and have adverse side‐effects, and that in periphery countries the risk of debt default is being increased by current defensive policy settings. The second finding is that the policy of financing budget deficits by printing new money is likely to be more effective (than “quantitative easing” and current Eurozone policy) in raising demand, output and employment without adding unnecessarily to already high levels of public debt.

Practical implications

There are very substantial practical policy implications, involving a potential change of monetary policy strategies for two of the world's largest economies and for Eurozone periphery countries. Post‐earthquake reconstruction in Japan could be financed in the manner recommended in this paper.

Originality/value

The originality/value lies in demonstrating that current monetary policy orthodoxy is misplaced, and that an alternative policy strategy has been overlooked and is likely to be more effective.
The role of defective mental models in generating the global financial crisis
Authors: Willett Thomas D.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to stress the role that several defective theories or views of the world played in generating the subprime financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This is done by describing these views, showing that they were widely held by relevant decision makers, and by analyzing the flaws in these views. A considerable amount of literature is surveyed in the process.

Findings

It was found that these defective views did play a major role in generating the crisis.

Research limitations/implications

Implications of the analysis for future research are discussed.

Practical implications

Implications of the analysis for reform of private and public sector financial policies are discussed.

Originality/value

While most of the arguments in the paper are not new, no paper of which the author is aware pulls them together with the same emphasis on how faulty mental models interacted with dangerous incentive structures to play a prime role in generating the crisis. The paper also references a much wider range of literature on the crisis than any study of which the author is aware. The paper should be of value to any one interested in the causes of the crisis and ways to make future crises less likely.
Janus kinase Inhibition and its effect upon the therapeutic landscape for myelofibrosis: from palliation to cure?
Authors: Harrison Claire , Verstovsek Srdan , McMullin Mary F. , Mesa Ruben
Published: March 2012

Following the discovery of the Janus kinase (JAK) 2 V617F mutation in 2005 the explosion of research and drug development activity has not only advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) but also triggered debate about classification, allowed revised diagnostic and response criteria, provided a target for treatment and a mode of monitoring its success. These changes and the resultant clinical research are discussed in this article where we argue that discovery of the JAK2 V617F mutation has signalled the much delayed change in therapeutic paradigm for myelofibrosis and possibly other MPNs from palliation and allowing us to move closer to, but not yet attain, a cure.