bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A generic process simulation‐model for educational simulations and serious games
Authors: Hunecker Felix
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview about the design of reusable simulation models for serious games.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the approaches in various well‐established games and deduces a common design methodology. It considers the applicability in different industries and scenarios, describes an actual implementation of the methodology in a serious game and presents the evaluation results.

Findings

The paper concludes the following: reusable simulation models require a flexible framework to be adoptable to different industries. The abstract model only needs to distinguish between two types of entities: processes and resources. Based on these abstract types, most entities can be represented in a simulation.

Originality/value

This paper provides basic knowledge about simulation models in games and presents a generic model that can be reused for various simulations.
Staffing numbers and active support: a case study
Authors: Stancliffe Roger J. , Harman Anthony D. , Toogood Sandy , McVilly Keith R.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of staffing levels (one or two staff) on the amount of assistance provided to residents in one group home, and associated levels of resident engagement in activities prior to and following the implementation of active support.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on staff assistance and resident engagement were gathered by direct observation across six pre‐test and post‐test 80‐minute sessions, using palmtop computers. Percentage of all non‐overlapping data, an index of effect size, was used to analyse these data.

Findings

There was no clear benefit from additional staffing prior to active support training, in terms of staff assistance or resident engagement in activity. However, at post‐test, having two staff yielded increased staff assistance, but with limited evidence of increased resident engagement, despite more continuous staff assistance.

Originality/value

This is the first active support study to examine the impact of staffing levels on resident engagement and staff assistance. Implications for service management and research are presented.
Is there a case for community learning disability teams considering the spiritual needs of people with learning disabilities?
Authors: Wilson Claire
Published: November 2014

Purpose

National guidance in Scotland says that spirituality is part of healthcare. This paper aims to review some of the evidence that this is a relevant but neglected topic across the lifespan for people with a learning disability (PLD) and their families, rarely addressed by healthcare professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The author visited local faith‐based groups for PLD and sought views from service managers, parents, faith‐based professionals and service users about their experience of fostering the spiritual lives of PLD. The author asked: whether this is a legitimate topic for healthcare professionals to enquire about during clinical contacts; what they knew about related training issues; and whether accessible information and communication passports might be helpful.

Findings

There was qualified support for the first and third questions and little awareness of any training for health staff on spiritual matters.

Practical implications

Other strategic priorities within the LD service precluded the first step of auditing what Community learning disability team staff currently do in relation to the spiritual needs of their clients.

Social implications

However, by allowing more obvious pressing concerns to predominate, especially in the context of cutbacks, we may be overlooking a potential source of distress as well as an opportunity to promote an avenue to meaningful relationships.

Originality/value

The author poses questions for future research and practice, giving examples from clinical experience.
Never too late: older people and alcohol misuse
Authors: Mortimer Jacky
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore some of the issues around older people and alcohol.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper highlights good practice through case studies and identifies some practical ways to prevent and reduce the risk of alcohol abuse by older people.

Findings

More brief intervention for older drinkers, more specialist projects for older drinkers, and training and support for staff in all services dealing with older people who misuse alcohol is urgently needed. Additionally, specialist training for dementia services to enable them to work effectively with alcohol‐related brain injury and drinkers in drug and alcohol services who are ageing are also needed. Finally, we need more research on substance misuse in older people, primarily in order to generate practical responses.

Originality/value

The epidemic of excessive drinking described by the media fails to include people over 65, even though there is plenty of evidence to show that they are experiencing many of the same social and economic pressures as young people.
Integrating positivity and negativity in management research
Authors: Pereira Lopes Miguel , Pina E. Cunha Miguel , Rego Arménio
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Much of management research has been based on what can be called a “deficit‐based” approach. In contrast, there is the recent emergence of a new paradigm shift with the appearance of positive organizational studies. This paper aims to discuss how to integrate knowledge coming from both sides of the fence and exemplify it by testing a model that looks for the intricate and paradoxical relationships between optimism and pessimism.

Design/methodology/approach

Using cluster analysis, a theoretical model is developed that includes the existence of a paradoxical type of personality beyond the dichotomous optimistic and pessimistic profiles. The validity of this model is tested in a sample of 343 workers of a company.

Findings

The data evidenced a good fit with the four cluster theoretical model and showed that almost half of the sample (46.36 percent) were clustered as “paradoxical optimists”, individuals that simultaneously reported optimistic and pessimistic expectations towards the future.

Research limitations/implications

Management researchers should make an effort to better understand how positive and negative phenomena in organizations relate to one another, namely by studying paradoxical personality individuals. They should go beyond the normal positive/negative dichotomy and search for more integrative forms of functioning. In the specific case of optimism, they should also distinguish paradoxical optimists from both “purely” optimists and pessimists.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that positive and negative issues in organizations can and should be integrated in more integrative theories. It develops and shows evidence of the construct of “paradoxical optimist”, a personality type that should be better investigated.
How do pleasure travelers manage their travel constraints?
Authors: Kimmm Jeongsun
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper is designed to examine how pleasure travelers manage their travel constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

The leisure activity participation constraint negotiation process framework is presented based on previous studies, and the pleasure travel constraint management process models are suggested based on the research survey and interviews.

Findings

The pleasure travel constraint management process model was suggested as a result of the survey, and the leisure activity participation constraint management model based on the interviews. These models demonstrate how the process of motivation, constraint, influence factors, and desire flows to result in no participation, or participation of pleasure traveling or other leisure activities.

Originality/value

It is the first trial to construct the pleasure travel and leisure activity participation constraint management models.
Landscaping and decoration: beauty in the desert
Authors: Muranda Zororo , Lewa Peter
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Entrepreneurship and small business formation.

Study level/applicability

BA (Entrepreneurship); BA (Small Business Formation); BA (Management).

Case overview

Owing to youth unemployment in sub-Saharan economies, youth entrepreneurship is now a major policy alternative across the subcontinent. It is also an immediate alternative for unemployed school drop-outs. Botswana is encouraging youth entrepreneurship through funding youth projects as an intervention. This case study presents decision alternatives considered by young adults when thinking about the future – to proceed with school or to start their own business. The other set of decision alternatives is which business idea to pursue – turning a hobby into a business opportunity or pursuing a new opportunity altogether. Mr Supang, owner of Swanscapes (Pty) Ltd, has to debate these decision alternatives with himself. Swanscape has to contend with a growing market but is unsure of where to get expansion finance. With expansion finance having been availed, managerial skills limitations will have to be dealt with. The company should focus on three other very important decisions: how to compete with large contractors currently dominant in the market and other small businesses that have recently entered the market in flower pot production; how to develop own skills and those of employees; and finally how to grow the business. Swanscapes remains hamstrung with the decision of which mode of growth strategy to adopt.

Expected learning outcomes

The goal of this case study is to illustrate the tough decision alternatives unemployed youth starting their own small businesses have to juggle with. The case also illustrates the hurdles novice entrepreneurs have to contend with in order to establish a brand for their product or service. It also illustrates the impact of inadequate managerial and technical skills on growth strategies an owner may have.

Supplementary learning materials

Teaching notes are available. Please consult your librarian for access.
Ren–Er Co: how to be successful with marketing plan
Authors: Reyes-Mercado Pável , Rajagopal
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Marketing.

Study level/applicability

The case study is intended for undergraduate students pursuing grades in business, management, environmental, and sustainability areas. It can be used in marketing, entrepreneurship, market research and sales management courses.

Case overview

This case deals with the events surrounding the sales patterns and the marketing practices at a firm that commercializes clean energy equipment, specifically, solar water boilers. Ren-Er Co was founded by Mr Vega and Mr Flores two year ago in a mid-sized city close to Mexico City. At first everything seemed to be going well but as time went by, sales were not reaching the stated objective. In a meeting called by Mr Vega to address this issue many ideas were delivered. Above all, Mr Vega had to collect all relevant information to design a feasible marketing plan that allows the firm to revamp its precarious competitive position. He needed to convince Mr Flores, his partner, to continue operations instead of getting out of the market.

Expected learning outcomes

These include: enhanced ability to perform marketing analysis; development of alternative approaches to selling and marketing problems; development of effective marketing campaigns.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available; contact your librarian for access.
Car-sharing: a feasible business expansion at Hangzhou Omnipay?
Authors: Zeng Amy Z.
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Marketing, entrepreneurship, operations management, and transportation/logistics.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for junior, senior undergraduate and first-year graduate business classes. It can be used entirely in business classes in marketing, entrepreneurship, operations management, and transportation/logistics, and parts of it can be used for discussions in classes related to emerging economies/markets, environmental management, sustainability, and technology management.

Case overview

The case builds on the expansion plan considered by a young software company, called Hangzhou Omnipay located in the city of Hangzhou, China. Mr Chao, Vice President (VP) of Omnipay, is the main character of the case. He was aware of the current car-sharing industry leader – Zipcar headquartered in Boston and also identified multiple stakeholders in the city for decision making. By collaborating with a global student project team, Mr Chao collected a great deal of information and data. This teaching case provides students and educators ample opportunities to examine, from a multitude of aspects, the viability of a car-sharing service in Hangzhou.

Expected learning outcomes

The central goal is to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of car-sharing service in a country's development in sustainability, socio-economy, environmental commitment, and new urban life style, as well as in a technological company's active pursuit of business expansion opportunity. In addition, students will not only understand the social, cultural, technological and strategic perspectives of car-sharing service implementation, but also develop and enhance analytic skills needed to conduct fundamental cost analysis, determine a base-line pricing scheme, and service location network design.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available, please contact your librarian for access.
Supply issues in ACPL – an electrical manufacturing company
Authors: Singh Hari Narain
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Supply chain management.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for post graduates in management, and for those managing small sector supply and manufacturing systems.

Case overview

ACPL is an organisation which moved from trading to manufacturing a technology product instrument transformers (ITs) for power utility companies for 11 years, competing with the best in industry, reducing internal costs, and modernising the supply chain. ACPL was started as a trading organisation in electrical items in Delhi by Munish Kumar, an engineer by profession in 2001. In 2004 he ventured into manufacturing, which expanded in two locations in Ghaziabad, NCR Delhi. Later his two sons, engineer and management graduate, respectively, joined the organisation. In less than a decade, by 2007, ACPL had grown to be a private limited organisation. ACPL manufactures ITs required by power boards and companies for conversion and usage of high voltage (11 kV/33 kV) transmitted power into 220 V single phase/440 V three phase power. From tender/enquiry through manufacturing to inspection and despatch takes a long supply chain cycle time holding space as well as inventory. An interview with the chairman of ACPL in the case highlights issues affecting its margins and growth. The long process to delivery time may be in vogue in this type of industry but this holds up a huge inventory. The company management has been working to resolve this crisis along with an urgent need to grow in a competitive environment. The problem is being addressed.

Expected learning outcomes

This case study should help students to understand the concept of the supply chain and supply cycle, in a manufacturing company in particular. It has been found that students understand the supply chain as part of the marketing function dealing with finished stocks, warehousing and delivery to end customers as per agreements, and arranging payments from customers. The supply chain also deals with in bound materials management. Raw materials planning, purchasing, inventory management are crucial for effective business operations management in any organisation.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available; please contact your librarian for access.
Morocco's Novatis Group: diaper manufacturing in a developing country
Authors: Taj Shahram , Badaa Souheil , Garcia-DeLeone Sarena , George Beena
Published: November 2014

Subject area

This case tackles the diaper industry in a developing country and can be applied to three different undergraduate or graduate level courses, including Marketing Management, Strategic Management, and Operations and Supply Chain Management. The case describes the industry, the manufacturing process, along with detailed information about Novatis Group's business and functions and the overall improving economic environment in Morocco.

Study level/applicability

The Novatis Group case has several objectives that can be applied to three different courses within undergraduate and graduate studies including Marketing Management, Strategic Management, and Operations and Supply Chain Management.

Case overview

The case focuses on Novatis Group, a diaper manufacturing company located in Morocco which competes against multinational companies (MNCs) such as Procter and Gamble and Kimberly Clark in order to satisfy the rising diaper needs of the country. Morocco is a developing country that is strengthening its manufacturing industries. The rising economic conditions have given way to a growing middle class and an increased demand for disposable baby diapers. Novatis uses two distribution channels for the diapers: the multi-tiered distribution channel and the streamlined (straight to retailer) channel. Novatis Group is producing diapers at full capacity; still demand has exceeded supply.

Expected learning outcomes

Students will understand the business processes in a developing country and how a small, local company can compete against large MNCs.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available, please consult your Librarian to access.
Role of “haraam” practices on behavior and performance of employees: a case study of business organization
Authors: Zia-ur-Rehman Muhammad , Rashid Majid
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Management sciences (organizational behavior).

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for MBA students, employees of any organization, human resource practitioners, organization administrators, human resource directors and senior line management.

Case overview

The study deals with unethical or “haraam” practices at the workplace. It is based on the observation of the researchers. The business organization was selected and the behavior of employees was observed for two months. An interesting behavior of an employee was observed and the change in behavior was followed. The study describes the various factors influencing the behavior and performance of the employee and emphasis is made on the “haraam” practices of drinking alcohol and unacceptable behavior. The focus is on the performance of the employee. Major events and changes were elaborated to deduce the descriptive cause and effect results based on observation. It was found that behavior as well as performance was reduced due to “haraam” practices, which can be a lesson for other employees to follow as well as for managers to devise strategies in order to improve the most important resource of their organization, i.e. the human resource.

Expected learning outcomes

As this case was designed for an executive education programme, no detail regarding where it fitted into the curriculum is applicable as would be the case with cases designed for students. The case is intended to develop skills in students to creatively approach a common and wide spread problem and to think about the solution in an innovative way. The overall purpose of the case is to engage human resource practitioners (students) in creatively constructing innovative solutions to address the problem of compulsive drinking in the organizational environment.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available, please consult your librarian for access.
Dilemma in hiring
Authors: Bhatt Seema
Published: November 2014

Subject area

The recruitment and selection process, human resource planning, talent management and succession planning.

Study level/applicability

The case has been tried and tested in the classroom setting with management students pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM).

Case overview

The case is set in the southern part of India in a manufacturing organization, Plomsom Ltd (a disguised organisation). Plomsom Ltd manufactures tractors and has a pan-India presence. The sale of tractors in India fluctuates over time. Sales are largely dependent on the seasonal harvests which in turn are heavily dependent on the monsoon rains. The case is designed for understanding the importance and necessity of finding the right man at the right time with the right skills in a manufacturing set up where production output is a factor of many interdependent variables.

Expected learning outcomes

The learning objectives of the case are: critical analysis of recruitment and selection; importance of job analysis in recruitment and selection; understanding the role of HR planning in running the operations; understanding problems in the manufacturing sector in an Indian context.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available. Consult your librarian for access.
Welcome to Pointsoft family
Authors: Vadhana R. Chandra
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Human resource management, strategic management, organisational behaviour.

Study level/applicability

Graduate and post graduate students of management, organisational behaviour and strategic HRM.

Case overview

This case is about a small company named Pointsoft Pvt. Ltd, which is a 25-year-old software company situated in Pune, India. Thanks to the IT boom, the company grew well under the leadership of Aravind, who is the managing director. Aravind took care of all matters related to human resources (HR) directly. So far, the company never had any HR manager, but now Aravind thought about handing over HR matters to an HR manager. After much scrutiny Meenaxi was appointed as HR manager. The case then proceeds narrating a series of incidents after the arrival of the new HR manager and how there began a clash between the new HR manager and the senior management team of the firm. A situation then arose where the HR manager, after one year of service, submitted her resignation quoting that she was being harassed by the senior management team. The core issues in this case are whether Pointsoft's decision of having an HR manager was right and whether the decision of having appointed Meenaxi was right.

Expected learning outcomes

The case brings out the necessary characteristics of an HR manager by showing the undesirable characteristics of an HR manager. The case also highlights typical issues of working in a small Indian firm which is trying to rise to a globalised setting. The case will also help the students understand about organisational culture and the importance of gelling with the same.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available. Please consult your librarian for access.
Global Synfuels' financial and strategic appraisal of a coal-to-liquid project
Authors: Ahuja Narender Lal , Agarwal Sweta
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Financial management, corporate finance, strategic management, managerial accounting and project management.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for courses such as MBA, Bachelor level business courses (in finance, business strategy) and training programs for working executives.

Case overview

The case study deals with financial and strategic appraisal of a unique coal-to-liquid project. India imported about two thirds of its crude oil requirements resulting in huge outflow of precious foreign exchange. As a result, it became necessary for the country to look for alternative sources of energy. The coal-to-liquid (CTL) technology of coal gasification offers a credible alternative source of fuels as proved by Sasol of South Africa. The Government of India short-listed Global Synfuels Company (name changed) as one of the selected few companies to build a CTL project. While the project is strategically important to the company and highly desirable for the country, there are serious doubts about the commercial viability of the project because of which the company is in dilemma whether to go ahead with the project. The case study presents this decision dilemma in a very interesting way and will be useful for teaching courses in corporate finance and strategic management.

Expected learning outcomes

The case can be used to engage participants to make a SWOT analysis for a new business opportunity, discuss environmental and financial issues facing a company, use DCF techniques to evaluate the project viability, carry out scenario analysis of the project to the changes in variables as well as challenge the participants to generate strategies for the success of a new project. Participants would also develop a better understanding of: environmental issues involved in CTL projects and new technologies to deal with such issues; and the employment impact of large projects such as the CTL.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available; please consult your librarian for access.
Väätsa Agro AS financial distress
Authors: Laidroo Laivi
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Corporate finance, financial management.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for Master's level corporate finance or financial management courses. Sufficient prior theoretical knowledge of corporate finance concepts is required.

Case overview

Väätsa Agro AS is an Estonian dairy farming company. Although the company had operated successfully in the past, its ownership changed significantly in 2006 leading to changes in the company's capital structure. Starting from 2008 milk prices on global markets decreased and this trend had also affected the company's profits. As a result of these developments the company's financial situation had deteriorated since 2008 and towards the end of 2009 the company had problems in meeting its obligations. On 1 September 2009 its owners hired a consultancy firm represented by Karl Kukk to tackle the company's problems.

Expected learning outcomes

The case should help students to: understand the risks of LBOs; understand the importance of an appropriate capital structure of a firm; evaluate a company's financial situation and compare it with competitors; understand the alternatives facing firms in financial distress; and choose the best course of action for a distressed firm considering the pros and cons of each alternative for each stakeholder group.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available; please consult your librarian for access.
Noah Wealth Management
Authors: Velamuri Ramakrishna , Ding Yuan , Zhu Jianhua
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

This case is suitable for MBA, EMBA and advanced undergraduate students.

Case overview

Noah Wealth Management was founded by Ms Wang Jingbo, a lady in her mid 30s with a team of less than 20 members in 2005. Exploiting market opportunities offered by a lack of good wealth management products and services, Noah grew rapidly from one branch office in 2005 to 59 branch offices in 2011, reaching a staff size of 1,031. Noah listed its shares on the New York Stock Exchange in November 2010. In 2011, Noah was ranked No. 38 among the 100 Top Potential Enterprises in China. Nonetheless, Noah faced several problems of internal management during the course of its fast expansion. In the first quarter financial report of 2012, Noah suffered a 52.6 percent decrease in net income over the corresponding period in 2011. Faced with a rapidly declining share price, Noah announced on May 22, 2012 a US $30 million share repurchase program.

Expected learning outcomes

The case supports a basic lesson on the entrepreneurial cycle, including assessing a business opportunity, resource mobilization, identifying a business model, growth of the venture, listing on the stock market, and subsequent growth challenges. Students can learn about some of the typical dilemmas faced by founders of entrepreneurial ventures, including how to maintain the corporate culture while growing fast and how to prevent members of the founding team from becoming bottlenecks to the development of the organization. The case can also provide management students with an overview of China's wealth management industry.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
The rule of traffic forecasting in railway logistics: the case of the central corridor in East Africa
Authors: Mbura Japhet Gabriel
Published: November 2014

Subject area

This case study intends to add knowledge and understanding of supply chain management particularly with respect to international logistics.

Study level/applicability

The case study can be used in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Students pursuing Master of Science in Logistics, Supply Chain Management and those doing bachelor degrees in the same areas can have a better insight and special interest of the case. Professional boards may also use the case to empirically make students understand this area.

Case overview

The railway sub-sector in East Africa – Tanzania in particular – is an important transport mode but has a declining performance. The market share is estimated at only 4 percent of the freight market. Still knowledge about traffic, particularly for freight, is scant. The main dilemma is whether traffic of the central corridor is more intra- or inter-Tanzania. The case studies techniques appropriate for meaningful traffic forecasting and through a simple regression model it resolves the freight conflicts between Kenya rail and the Central Corridor. It provides students with applied traffic forecasting tools.

Expected learning outcomes

The case focuses on techniques of traffic forecasting, development of traffic scenarios and on issues related to intermodal transport especially between road, rail and ocean. At the end of using this Case students should be able to: explain the methods, techniques and models used in traffic forecasting; understand intermodal linkages in international Logistics; use different approaches to make logistics market assessment; and forecast traffic in all modes using different scenarios.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or e-mail support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
High rise in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Venkatesh Sundar
Published: November 2014

Subject area

The case covers capital budgeting practice in a real estate company in Vietnam.

Study level/applicability

The case is ideally suited for participants in MBA, Executive MBA, and Masters in Finance programmes. It can be taught near the end of a course on corporate finance/financial management. It can also be taught as an advanced topic in financial management courses.

Case overview

A real estate company in Vietnam has prepared a capital budget for, what it claims is, a 600 billion VND project. The weighted average cost of capital used by the company is 10.64 percent. An analyst in a consulting company is asked to thoroughly review the capital budget of what appears to be a project that is too good to be true. Lending rates in Vietnam at this time were around 15 percent.

Expected learning outcomes

Participants will learn how to correctly apply the principles of computing: net after tax cash flows from a project; and weighted average cost of capital, particularly in the context of real estate companies.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
A model for ranking entity attributes using DBpedia
Authors: Alahmari Fahad , A. Thom James , Magee Liam
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Previous work highlights two key challenges in searching for information about individual entities (such as persons, places and organisations) over semantic data: query ambiguity and redundant attributes. The purpose of this paper is to consider these challenges and proposes the Attribute Importance Model (AIM) for clustering and ranking aggregated entity search to improve the overall users’ experience of finding and navigating entities over the Web of Data.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed model describes three distinct techniques for augmenting semantic search: first, presenting entity type-based query suggestions; second, clustering aggregated attributes; and third, ranking attributes based on their importance to a given query. To evaluate the model, 36 subjects were recruited to experience entity search with and without AIM.

Findings

– The experimental results show that the model achieves significant improvements over the default method of semantic aggregated search provided by Sig.ma, a leading entity search and navigation tool.

Originality/value

– This proposal develops more informative views for aggregated entity search and exploration to enhance users’ understanding of semantic data. The user study is the first to evaluate user interaction with Sig.ma's search capabilities in a systematic way.
What can Latin‐American entrepreneurs learn from Catalan gazelles?
Authors: Andonova Veneta , Stoyanova Alexandina , Valencia Carlos , Juliao‐Rossi Jorge
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematize the strategic capabilities of seven surviving industrial Catalan companies which were going through explosive growth in 1999.

Design/methodology

We use the comparative case studies method to draw on the common features among the seven in‐debt cases we built. We are well aware that the method of comparative case studies does not provide a sufficient base for bold generalizations. However, the qualitative approach adopted here allows for the first in‐depth look at the strategies that bring surviving entrepreneurs from explosive growth to a more balanced growth path.

Findings

We identify four organizational capabilities as key to the survival of these businesses ten years later: first, ability to prioritize product and market development, including internationalization, over operations; second, ability to reorganize internally and delegate in a timely manner; third, ability to manage innovation and support creativity linked to productivity; and finally, ability to manage economic and financial resources.

Social implications

Implications for the culturally proximate and less‐studied Latin‐American gazelles are presented.
Editorial
Authors: Ogliastri Enrique
Published: November 2014

This edition of the journal presents five papers from nine research institutions in Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia and Spain. The first uses the Johansen cointegration test to predict Argentinian spot steer prices on the basis of Brazilian futures market for live cattle. The second uses an innovative biological model (artificial neural networks) to study the workplace well‐being of female managers in Europe. The third examines the reasons why 100 Spanish companies operating in Latin America have opted to offset the risk of exchange rate fluctuations by hedging with foreign currency debt. The fourth investigates the factors affecting the long‐term survival of gazelle companies which, following periods of extraordinary growth, need to develop and consolidate their market position. The fifth involves a literature review, analysing consumer perceptions of price fairness and the concept of price fairness itself. The journal is planning a special issue on family enterprises.

En este número no especializado se presentan cinco artículos provenientes de nueve instituciones de Brasil, Bulgaria, Colombia y España. El primero utiliza el test de cointegración de Johansen para predecir los precios de ganado vacuno argentino con base en el mercado de futuros brasileño. El segundo utiliza un novedoso modelo de la biología (redes neuronales artificiales) para estudiar el bienestar laboral de mujeres directivas en Europa. El tercero analiza las razones por las cuales cien empresas españolas que operan en América Latina toman la decisión de cubrirse del riesgo de fluctuaciones del valor de la moneda adquiriendo deuda en divisa. El cuarto estudia los factores que inciden en la sobrevivencia a largo plazo de las empresas gacela, aquellas que tras un período de extraordinario crecimiento se deben desarrollar y consolidar en el mercado. El quinto es una revisión de la literatura que analiza la percepción de justicia de los compradores y el concepto de precio justo. La revista propone un número futuro sobre empresas de familia.
UK print media coverage of the food bank phenomenon: from food welfare to food charity?
Authors: Wells Rebecca , Caraher Martin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how British print media have reported the emergence of food banks in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research uses the news database Nexis and focuses on the period since the global financial crisis in 2007 in nine national UK print media titles. The search criteria included mention of the term food bank at least three times in the newspaper article and a UK focus. This resulted in 190 usable articles from the newspapers.

Findings

– There were no UK-focused newspaper articles before 2008 and few until 2012 when the number increased dramatically. A key theme in reporting was increasing numbers of food banks and users of them. The data most often cited were from the Christian charity The Trussell Trust which runs a franchise system of food banks. There were clusters of newspaper articles indicating a common source. Few of the articles used direct quotes from current food bank users. A “frame contest” appeared in 2013/early 2014 with newspaper articles reporting both changes in welfare provision and the proliferation of food banks as the reason for the increase in food banks and food bank use. Tensions emerged between three key sets of players: government ministers, church leaders and The Trussell Trust as the key provider of food banks in England.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors only examined newspapers, the reporting in other media may be different.

Practical implications

– The media reporting of food poverty and the use of food banks has the potential to influence public perceptions and policy.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to look at how food banks are reported by the media.
Social representations of healthy and unhealthy food built by Romanian and Canadian children
Authors: Grabovschi Cristina , N. Campos Milton
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the social representations (SRs) of healthy and unhealthy food built by three groups of children from different cultural backgrounds. The main goal was to determine whether children's age and cultural background operated in the development of these representations.

Design/methodology/approach

– This qualitative study was based on 45 individual semistructured interviews. In total, 45 children aged seven to 12 years from three different cultural backgrounds (French Canadians in Quebec, Canadians of Romanian origin, and children in Romania) were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Interview transcripts were analysed and interpreted using a three-step method derived from theories on social representations.

Findings

– SRs of healthy and unhealthy food underwent similar development processes in all groups according to children's ages. However, cultural context had an effect on the content and complexity of the representations, which were influenced by both culture and ideology.

Practical implications

– The study confirms the importance of developing social campaigns on nutrition education and provides concrete evidence that could be used in conceiving more effective strategies in the field of nutrition education.

Originality/value

– Original developmental and cross-cultural approach to the study of children's SRs of food and nutrition.
Food choice motives of different ethnics and the foodies segment in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Asraf Mohd-Any Amrul , Shahnaz Mahdzan Nurul , Siang Cher Chua
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the food choice motives of consumers in Kuala Lumpur and the relative importance of these factors; to investigate the differences in food choice motives between the Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicities and to examine variations in the food selection motives of foodies and non-foodies of the overall sample.

Design/methodology/approach

– An online questionnaire was employed using a snowballing sampling method with 239 respondents. Food choice motives were measured using Steptoeet al.'s (1995) Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) while a new exploratory measure for foodies was developed to examine respondents’ attitudes, interest and opinions (AIO).

Findings

– The top three factors of food choice motives were Price, Convenience and Sensory appeal. Ethnicities did not differ in their food choice motives except for Familiarity between Malays and Chinese. Foodies and non-foodies displayed significant differences in their food choice motives, specifically in regards to Balanced diet, Mood and Sensory appeal.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is limited to only Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicities in Kuala Lumpur. Future studies should explore motives of other minority ethnic groups and examine differences between age, gender and income groups.

Practical implications

– Suppliers and marketers of the food industry should consider the important aspects of food choice motives to improve the marketing strategies of their products. Products should be reasonably priced, offer convenience and appealing.

Originality/value

– This paper develops a new exploratory measure to capture the AIO of foodies based on Johnston and Baumann (2010) and Cairnset al.(2010).
An evaluation of handover for the core trainees in psychiatry in the North Western Deanery
Authors: Thomas Gareth , Duddu Venu , Acharya Rupali
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Handover is essential to ensure high quality care. It is also a dynamic educational opportunity for trainee doctors. In the UK, the General Medical Council's annual training survey has repeatedly highlighted handover as a major concern in the training of doctors in psychiatry. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the handover experiences for Core Trainees (years one to three) in psychiatry in the North Western Deanery (England).

Design/methodology/approach

– An online questionnaire focusing on current practice, safety and the educational aspects of handover was sent to all Core Trainees (years one to three) in psychiatry from the North Western Deanery in April 2013. The questionnaire had quantitative and qualitative elements and was analysed descriptively, with free text collated into themes by the authors.

Findings

– The survey was completed by 77.7 per cent of trainees, and indicated a wide variety in the structure of the handover process. There were no specific safety incidents but concerns regarding the handover of medical problems and handover from peripheral hospital sites. Trainees felt that handover was an important opportunity to learn, but in practice it had limited educational value. It is important to consider the robustness of handover in the context of the types of problems handed over, multiple sites and a lack of senior involvement. There also needs consideration as to how a high quality handover can be of educational value.

Originality/value

– This is the first report that evaluates clinical handover between Psychiatry trainee doctors in the UK which evaluates both a clinical and educational perspective.
Connecting practice: a practitioner centred model of supervision
Authors: A. Nancarrow Susan , Wade Rachael , Moran Anna , Coyle Julia , Young Jennifer , Boxall Dianne
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse existing clinical supervision frameworks to develop a supervision meta-model.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research involved a thematic analysis of existing supervision frameworks used to support allied health practitioners working in rural or remote settings in Australia to identify key domains of supervision which could form the basis of supervision framework in this context. A three-tiered sampling approach of the selection of supervision frameworks ensured the direct relevance of the final domains identified to Australian rural allied health practitioners, allied health practitioners generally and to the wider area of health supervision. Thematic analysis was undertaken by Framework analysis methodology using Mindmapping software. The results were organised into a new conceptual model which places the practitioner at the centre of supervision.

Findings

– The review included 17 supervision frameworks, encompassing 13 domains of supervision: definitions; purpose and function; supervision models; contexts; content; Modes of engagement; Supervisor attributes; supervisory relationships; supervisor responsibilities; supervisee responsibilities; structures/process for supervision and support; facilitators and barriers; outcomes. The authors developed a reflective, supervision and support framework “Connecting Practice” that is practitioner centred, recognises the tacit and explicit knowledge that staff bring to the relationship, and enables them to identify their own goals and support networks within the context in which they work.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a thematic analysis of the literature which was argely based on an analysis of grey literature.

Practical implications

– The resulting core domains of supervision provide an evidence-based foundation for the development of clinical supervision models which can be adapted to a range of contexts.

Social implications

– An outcome of this paper is a framework called Connecting Practice which organises the domains of supervision in a temporal way, separating those domains that can be modified to improve the supervision framework, from those which are less easily modifiable. This approach is important to help embed the implementation of supervision and support into organisational practice. This paper adds to the existing growing body of work around supervision by helping understand the domains or components that make up the supervisory experience.

Originality/value

– Connecting Practice replaces traditional, more hierarchical models of supervision to put the practitioner at the centre of a personalised supervision and support network.