bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A CERIF‐compatible research management system based on the MARC 21 format
Authors: Ivanović Dragan , Milosavljević Gordana , Milosavljević Branko , Surla Dušan
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Entering data about published research results should be implemented as a web application that enables authors to input their own data without the knowledge of the bibliographic standard. The aim of this research is to develop a research management system based on a bibliographic standard and to provide data exchange with other research management systems based on the Common European Research Information Format (CERIF) data model.

Design/methodology/approach

Object‐oriented methodology was used for information system modelling. The modelling was carried out using the computer‐aided software engineering (CASE) tool that supports the Unified Modelling Language 2.0 (UML 2.0). The implementation was realised using a set of open‐source solutions written in Java.

Findings

The result is a system for managing data about published research results. The main system features are the following: public access via the web; authors input data about their own publications by themselves; data about publications are stored in the MARC 21 format; and the user interface enables authors to input data without the knowledge of the MARC 21 format.

Research limitations/implications

A method of verifying accuracy of entered data has not been considered yet. It is necessary to allow authorised persons to verify the accuracy of the data. After verifying the accuracy the authors cannot change the data.

Practical implications

This software system has been verified and tested on data about published results of researchers employed at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia. This system can be used for evaluation and reporting on scientific research results, generating bibliographies of researchers, research groups and institutions etc.

Originality/value

A part of the research management system for entering data about authors and published results is implemented. Data about publications are stored in a bibliographic format and authors can input data about their own publications without the knowledge of the bibliographic standard. The main feature of the system architecture is mutual independence of the component for interaction with users and the component for persisting and retrieving data from the bibliographic records database.
Use of ICT in college libraries in Karnataka, India: a survey
Authors: Sampath Kumar B.T. , Biradar B.S.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of information communication technology (ICT) in 31 college libraries in Karnataka, India by investigating the ICT infrastructure, current status of library automation, barriers to implementation of library automation and also librarians' attitudes towards the use of ICT.

Design/methodology/approach

Data‐gathering tools used included questionnaire, observation and informal interview with selected college librarians.

Findings

Application of ICT in Indian college libraries has not reached a very high level. Lack of budget, lack of manpower, lack of skilled staff and lack of training are the main constraints for not automating library activities. Even though library professionals have shown a positive attitude towards the use of ICT applications and library automation, they need extensive and appropriate training to make use of ICT tools.

Originality/value

This is a comprehensive study on the use of ICT in Indian college libraries. Its findings should help college librarians, local government and also the University Grants Commission, New Delhi.
Two years on: Koha 3.0 in use at the CAMLIS library, Royal London Homœopathic Hospital
Authors: Bissels Gerhard , Chandler Andrea
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the further development of the Koha 3.0 library management system (LMS) and the involvement of external software consultants at the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Library and Information Service (CAMLIS), Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a report based on internal documentation.

Findings

Since its implementation in winter 2007/8 Koha has grown into an LMS that supports the wide‐ranging needs of a busy and fast‐growing specialist library. CAMLIS had Koha modules modified and added to meet its needs flexibly, using simultaneously both UK‐based consultancy firms with Koha expertise.

Originality/value

This is among the first implementations of Koha in the UK. Experience and conclusions from this installation might influence decisions at other libraries.
Establishing trade unions within foreign companies in China
Authors: Qingjun Wu
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This article aims to study unionisation of foreign companies in China and to evaluate its effectiveness on representing labour rights and interests, so as to explore the relationships between the Chinese unions and other industrial relations actors.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on in‐depth interview of key stakeholders from national, regional and company trade unions, as well as company management personnel. An archive study of union and company files is also conducted.

Findings

The Chinese trade union has realised that its interests stem from both the increase of membership dues and expansion of the membership base. Unionisation in transnational corporations (TNCs) is a key approach to achieve the interests of the union, which conducts grassroots mobilisation to counteract non‐operative companies but turns a blind eye on labour interest violations in collaborative firms. From the aspect of the union, the effectiveness of unionisation depends on raising its power leverage by affording fewer duties for the workers. Labour rights and workers' demands are not the structural concern of unionisation in TNCs.

Originality/value

The article challenges the research framework about Chinese unionism, which mainly emphasises a state‐union relationship or draws a corporatism perspective. The article concludes that the power relationship between the union and firm has acted as the key theme of the power struggle among industrial relations actors of China.
Can employee share‐ownership improve employee attitudes and behaviour?
Authors: McCarthy Dermot , Reeves Eoin , Turner Tom
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the outcomes of a substantial broad‐based employee share‐ownership scheme for employee attitudes and behaviour in a privatised firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Results are based on a survey of 711 employees in Eircom, an Irish telecommunications firm, which is 35 percent employee‐owned.

Findings

The ESOP has created sizable financial returns and has had extensive influence in firm governance at the strategic level. However, findings show only a limited impact on employee attitudes and behaviour. This is attributed to a failure in creating a sense of employee participation and line of sight between employee performance and reward.

Practical implications

The aim of employee share‐ownership often includes aligning employee objectives with those of other shareholders, and thus improving labour performance. The findings in this study highlight a need to provide employees with a sense of ownership and control. Findings also question the assumption that where employees have a substantial shareholding, they will focus on securing the long‐term prospects of the firm.

Originality/value

Little research has examined the impact of a large employee shareholding on attitudes and behaviour within a public‐quoted firm. The substantial and unparalleled size of the Eircom ESOP presented a unique opportunity to conduct such a study.
The utility of operationalising the concept of skill ecosystems
Authors: Anderson Pauline
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to highlight the utility of operationalising the concept of skill ecosystems, or more accurately “intermediate occupational skill ecosystems”.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the process and findings of an empirical study of intermediate occupations in Scotland which set out to explore changing systems of initial skill creation and related problems of skill by embedding these systems within the broader canvas of skill ecosystems.

Findings

Operationalising skill ecosystems not only provided a framework from which to explore and provide an explanation of changing initial systems of skill creation but also supported broader conjectures on the nature of developments and problems within intermediate occupations.

Practical implications

The operationalisation presented has relevance to policy makers and academics beyond the scope of this particular examination of intermediate occupations. For policy makers, it emphasises that better skills utilisation cannot be reduced to the level of the individual; that the supply, demand, development and deployment of skills are interrelated and not discrete; and that the roles and relative influences of actors in a position to help build and sustain better skill ecosystems are changing. For academics concerned with exploring changing systems of skill creation, this, or some similar, operationalisation, has potential practical application in terms of supporting key stages in the research process.

Originality/value

This paper's value centres around the proposition, and illustration, that it is possible to effectively utilise a simple operationalisation of the inherently “messy” concept of skill ecosystems without losing the essence and complexity of the relations and dynamics embodied in the concept.
Impact of exchange rates on periodicals subscription in Indian libraries
Authors: Kapoor Kanta
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of exchange rates of foreign currencies on the material budget in the libraries in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of journals costing in foreign currency was selected for the purpose of study. A comparison of inflation rate pertaining to serial price is done with the general rate of inflation in India.

Findings

The paper finds that exchange rates of foreign currencies have extensive impact on the acquisitions budget of the libraries in India.

Practical implications

Academic institutions may protect the buying powers of the libraries while allocating funds, keeping in mind the strengthening or weakening of Indian Rupee in comparison to foreign currencies.

Originality/value

This is one of the comprehensive studies on the impact of foreign exchange on subscription in Indian libraries system.
Assessment of the problems LIS postgraduate students face in accessing e‐resources in Makerere University, Uganda
Authors: Okello‐Obura Constant
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper is part of the study that was conducted to analyse the LIS postgraduate e‐resources seeking behaviour in Makerere University, Uganda. Its purpose is to present and discuss specifically the problems LIS postgraduate students face in accessing e‐resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey research techniques were used in which the data collected using structured questionnaires were carefully handled and analysed using the Excel computer program to generate the frequencies, percentages and pie charts.

Findings

The respondents have positive attitudes towards e‐resources utilization and they indicated varied problems faced in e‐resources utilization and proposed different strategies to improve on e‐resources in the University. Among the problems identified are: slow Internet connectivity, inadequate networked computers, lack of access to low cost printers in the library, using advanced search strategies of most databases and lack of awareness of most of the e‐resources.

Originality/value

Without knowing exactly what is wrong with a system, it becomes very difficult to plan and execute meaningful strategic measures to mitigate the problems. This study will help library planners and LIS educators to rethink on how to improve on e‐resources access and utilization. It will provoke new thinking to revamp the situation in the University library.
Musically‐informed writing on the American songbook: four essential books
Authors: Koblick Rebecca
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce librarians who are not necessarily music specialists to four books on a subset of American popular song literature (“the American songbook” or “standards”), all of which assume some degree of musical literacy on the reader's part. This assumption sets these books apart from most writing on the subject, and the paper suggest reasons why this is the case.

Design/methodology/approach

The books are grouped into pairs. The first two books are by a single author whose previous scholarship may make his interest in the American songbook seem surprising. In the other pair the second book is both a continuation of the first and a response to it. In both pairs the earlier book breaks new ground.

Findings

All four books should be regarded as essential parts of a library's music literature collection. The first book discussed is more technical than the others, but its pioneering status makes it a landmark.

Originality/value

The author's research indicates that the oldest of the books considered was not discussed in scholarly journals until many years after its publication, while the most recent appears to have received only glancing consideration in peer‐reviewed literature.
Establishing the RIE index: a review of the components critical to progress measurement
Authors: Natoli Riccardo , Zuhair Segu
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to propose a progress framework revolving around the utilisation of three key constructs: resources, infrastructure and environment (index).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilises a composite indicator and an interdisciplinary approach to construct a comprehensive measure of progress.

Findings

The findings reveal that the methodological approach employed above allows components that are vital to progress to be incorporated into a coherent framework.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed progress framework could be applied to countries, or act as a foundation for future progress measures. It is also hoped to promote interdisciplinary research between schools.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an alternative measure of progress for nations that has the capability to capture more aspects important to progress.
Labor force participation of married women in Punjab (Pakistan)
Authors: Azid Toseef , Ejaz Ali Khan Rana , Alamasi Adnan M.S.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the factors that influence the decision of married women (in the age group of 16‐60 years) to participate in labor force activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study employing the non‐linear maximum likelihood probability (probit) function on primary data (3,911 observations).

Findings

Besides other variables it has been observed that poverty remains an important determinant of female labor participation.

Research limitations/implications

On the basis of this paper, a socio‐economic policy can be formulated for a developing country like Pakistan.

Practical implications

A development policy (especially considering the gender aspects) can be formulated on the basis of this research for the enhancement of human resource development for a developing and an orthodox economy like Pakistan.

Originality/value

This paper is beneficial to researchers, policy makers, and social scientists for the enhancement of the level of social welfare and equity through its findings.
Income inequality‐economic growth and non‐linearity: a case of Pakistan
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between income inequality and economic growth, both in linear and non‐linear specifications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has employed annual time series data over the period of 1971 up to 2005. Autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) bounds testing approach has been used for cointegration and error correction model for short run behavior. Unit root problem is handled by the use of augmented Dickey‐Fuller unit root test.

Findings

The analysis findings are sharply contrasted to the significant association between income inequality and economic growth found in 1994 by Alesina and Roderick and by Persson and Tabellini. The empirical evidence provides support for the existence of Kuznets inverted‐U as well as inverted S‐shaped curve in Pakistan.

Practical implications

This paper opens up new directions for policy‐making authorities to equalize income distribution in the case of a small transition economy like Pakistan.

Originality/value

This paper convincingly argues that there is a need for case‐by‐case study on such a project in view of each country's unique characteristics. This paper makes a unique contribution to the literature with reference to Pakistan, being a pioneering attempt that employs ARDL cointegration approach.
Consumer animosity, economic hardship, and normative influence
Authors: Huang Yu‐An , Phau Ian , Lin Chad
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the concept of “consumer animosity”, model its antecedents, and assess its influence on intention to purchase.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey questionnaires were distributed by a quasi‐random sample of school pupils across Taiwan to an adult member of their household, for completion and return. A return rate of 70 percent yielded 456 usable questionnaires, the data from which were analysed by the LISREL structural equation modelling software.

Findings

The results suggest that perceived personal economic hardship and the normative influence of members of a consumers' reference group have a positive impact on the phenomenon of consumer animosity, which in turn negatively affects the intentions of consumers in Taiwan to purchase products originating in mainland China and Japan. Contradicting previous studies, consumer animosity was found to be dependent on judgments of product quality.

Research limitations/implications

The research model was built from data collected by non‐probability sampling in a single country. There was no evidence of sampling bias, but future studies would benefit from inclusion of more independent variables and a wider geographical scope.

Practical implications

The findings contain many practical lessons for planners of export marketing strategy.

Originality/value

Two existing theories of social behaviour are integrated with the concept of consumer animosity to explain consumption choices in an international context.
Selecting distribution channel strategies for non‐profit organizations
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Niu Run H. , Castillo Ignacio
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the selection of a distribution channel strategy for a non‐profit organization selling products or services to its end customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Two channel strategies are generally considered: an integrated channel where the non‐profit organization sells its products or services using its own selling departments or branches; and a decentralized channel where the non‐profit organization sells through a for‐profit retailer. The fundamental question is: how should a non‐profit organization select its distribution channel strategy under certain market conditions?

Findings

It was found that selecting a decentralized channel strategy results in an optimal retail price that is higher than that under an integrated channel strategy, which results in lower customer welfare under the decentralized channel. It was also found that a decentralized channel behaves as an integrated fully for‐profit channel. Thus, whether a non‐profit organization should choose an integrated or a decentralized channel when facing competition from an integrated or a decentralized fully for‐profit channel depends on its cost structure and the level of substitutability of the products or services offered by the two channels.

Practical implications

When competing with an integrated fully for‐profit channel, the non‐profit organization is better off using an integrated channel under strong competition or a decentralized channel under weak competition. When competing with a decentralized fully for‐profit channel, the selection is more complicated. It was found that a decentralized channel is the best choice if the price competition factor, where threshold value depends on the cost structure, is large.

Originality/value

Non‐profit organizations have a clear (perhaps increasing) need for distribution centers or retailers in order to reach people who need their products or services. Moreover, it has been reported that the interactions between for‐profit and non‐profit sectors continue to grow, thus increasing the forms of community involvement available to reach people. It is thus clear that additional research is needed to better understand the selection of a distribution channel strategy for a non‐profit organization selling products or services to its end customers, and also the related managerial implications.
A new understanding of satisfaction model in e‐re‐purchase situation
Authors: Ha Hong‐Youl , Janda Swinder , Muthaly Siva K.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the satisfaction consequences in repurchase situations.

Design/methodology/approach

Online travel services are chosen because customers in these types of services had direct contact with firms. A conceptual model of CS‐RPI link is developed and used to test proposed hypotheses. A total of 514 respondents are used to test the proposed model.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that psychological mediators are useful when repurchase situations are considered. The study provides the roles of positive attitude in the formation of CS‐RPI link. Also, three factors: adjusted expectations, trust, and positive attitude, are found to have a significant mediating influence on the link of CS‐RPI.

Research limitations/implications

Future researchers attempting to replicate and extend these findings may wish to collaborate with companies marketing products and services online and track customers' actual behaviors. This would be an excellent way to validate the current model relationships, particularly those involving repurchase intentions and customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

The results can be used by web site designers to tailor their sites' features and marketing analysts to monitor the changes of click‐through rates as a parameter of the CS‐RPI. The discovery of significant interrelationships between satisfaction and trust, such as adjusted expectation, positive attitude and repurchase intention, reinforces the importance of the psychological state when repurchasing behavior is considered. For instance, it was observed that the three mediators result in lower levels of the indirect effect, but this is not limited in the whole process of the CS‐RPI.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework is tested in an understudied e‐service context that is characterized by consumer‐focused competition. This context is noteworthy because no research has investigated determinants between the two parties. Research suggests that companies should understand how to capture determinants on post‐satisfaction, since competing businesses are only a mouse‐click away in e‐commerce settings.
The formation and effect of attitude importance in professional sport
Authors: Pritchard Mark P. , Funk Daniel C.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Current research has largely overlooked importance as a meta‐attitude consumers develop from related judgments. Drawing from observations by consumer theorists and attitude strength researchers, the present study seeks to investigate the formation and effect of attitude importance in an experiential setting, spectator sport.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adapts a stimulus‐response framework to conduct a structural examination of attitude importance. The investigation includes a multi‐stage sampling procedure that distributed surveys to spectators attending five professional sport matches (n=370).

Findings

Path analysis of a multiple indicator‐multiple cause (MIMIC) model revealed that perceptions of technical and functional aspects of the service experience fuel a meta‐attitude of importance. When evident in dual judgments of product interest and brand importance, the construct is able to play a significant role in patron responses.

Research limitations/implications

These findings offer insight on the nature of importance and its role in moderating spectator behavior. Support for the structural sequence also holds implications for researchers interested in delineating other strong attitudes. However, study findings are limited to hedonic service consumers and await replication in other product settings.

Practical implications

Practical implications consider different mixes of dual judgments and strategies organizations might use to leverage a meta‐attitude of importance in their patrons. Examples of scenario‐based challenges to managing this disposition in the sport industry and in other consumer contexts are discussed.

Originality/value

Despite early attention by marketing practitioners on the importance of individual product features, explanations of how a larger meta‐attitude forms and affects customers are rare. The study developed a MIMIC model and used path analysis to address the matter.
SME brand building and management: an exploratory study
Authors: Spence Martine , Hamzaoui Essoussi Leila
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess brand identity, equity and brand management in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on the analysis of four site cases of consumer goods SMEs through in‐depth interviews and related documents.

Findings

Results showed that the founders' value and beliefs set the tone for the core competencies to be developed and transmitted through brand identity. A bundle of marketing innovations, including coherent marketing programs and the use of the country of origin image, support the brands. Brand diversification strategies contribute to SMEs' growth.

Research limitations/implications

Results need to be expanded and confirmed with other international SMEs that are not as well established and that do not use the country of origin in their brand image.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurs need to be aware that their public image may reflect consumers' perception of their firms. Consequently, this image should be carefully nurtured. Because of resource constraints, a limited number of product or service features that complement the entrepreneur's core values should be selected to enhance brand equity. Among those, features linked to the firm's capabilities and to the country of origin would be the most cost‐efficient and effective. Moreover, a number of brand diversification strategies can be used by SMEs to spur their growth.

Originality/value

The study emphasizes the use of strong brand associations by SMEs, primary and secondary, a focused and integrated communication strategy to enhance the brands as well as a creative approach to brand strategies to contribute to their growth.
Countering negative country‐of‐origin effects
Authors: Chu Po‐Young , Chang Chia‐Chi , Chen Chia‐Yi , Wang Tzu‐Yun
Published: July 2010

Purpose

As multinational firms seek to acquire competitive cost advantages through global sourcing, it is also important for them to develop effective strategies to reduce possible damage of a negative country‐of‐origin (COO) effect. This study aims to examine whether brand image and evaluation mode could alleviate a negative COO effect.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2(COO)×2(brand)×2(evaluation mode) experimental design was employed in order to examine whether brand and COO effects on product evaluation vary under different evaluation modes. The data were analyzed by a repeated measure MANOVA.

Findings

The results showed that products made in favourable countries were rated higher in joint evaluation mode than in separate evaluation mode. Conversely, products made in unfavourable countries were better evaluated in separate evaluation mode than in joint evaluation mode. The results of the study are not in favour of the notion that a strong brand image could overcome the negative effect of COO.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusions of the study suggest that the COO effect plays an equally important role in consumer product evaluation for both strong and weak brands. Thus, even for a product with strong brand image, the negative consequences of COO stemming from consumersˇ unfavourable attitudes towards the manufacturing country are not likely to be completely eliminated. Moreover, to alleviate the negative impact of unfavourable COO, marketers may want to avoid direct comparison between products made in unfavourable countries with those made in favourable countries, regardless of their brand strength.

Practical implications

When marketing a product made in an unfavourable country, marketers should manage to create a selling environment facilitating a separate evaluation mode. In contrast, marketers should proactively manage to display products from favourable countries along with those from unfavourable countries in order to further enhance quality perceptions.

Originality/value

The results of the study could help marketers employ advantageous merchandizing or advertising strategies to lessen the negative effect of COO.
Defensive strategy framework in global markets
Authors: Karakaya Fahri , Yannopoulos Peter
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework for defensive strategy by integrating market entry modes and the typology of firms suggested by Day and Nedungandi, and to attempt to propose how local incumbent firms utilize their mental models in order to react against market entry of new competition in global markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical perspective adopted in the study is how mental models used by incumbent firms influence their reaction to market entry of new competition in developing defensive strategies to defend their markets.

Findings

Mental models of incumbent firms, categorized as self‐centered, competitor‐centered, customer‐oriented, and market‐driven firms, impact their reaction and the development of defensive marketing strategies against market entrants using a variety of market entry modes in global markets.

Originality/value

The paper presents an extensive review of the defensive marketing and mental models literature and shows how the way in which incumbent firms react to market entry of new competition contributes to understanding of incumbent reaction to market entry of new competition in global markets. Research directions for future research and managerial implications are also provided.
Shipper‐carrier integration
Authors: Hammervoll Trond , Bø Eirill
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the efforts of a wholesaler in overcoming one of the main barriers to successful marketing channels – namely the “transparency problem”.

Design/methodology/approach

A decision‐support tool that is capable of providing detailed cost‐analysis of transportation arrangements is developed and applied within the context of an action research project set up to improve information exchange of sensitive information between a shipper and two carriers in a Norwegian grocery supply chain.

Findings

The study finds that the application of the decision‐support tool is associated with: a transition from arm's‐length transactional relationships to integrated collaborative relationships; enhanced communication and trust between the parties; and substantial savings in distribution costs.

Research limitations/implications

Action research methodology confined to a single shipper and two carriers limits the confidence with which the findings can be generalised; future studies should formally test the effects of communication and trust on integration.

Practical implications

The study provides practical suggestions for achieving mutual benefits from closer collaboration between buyers and suppliers of transportation services.

Originality/value

The study extends knowledge of how to achieve integrated supply‐chain relationships in practice through the utilisation of a new and comprehensive decision‐support tool.
The political role of government‐sponsored social marketing campaigns
Authors: Raftopoulou Effi , Hogg Margaret K.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the political functions of government‐sponsored social marketing campaigns aimed at changing citizens’ behaviour and to argue for the reconsideration of the boundaries between political, public sector and social marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical discourse analysis of print advertisements and promotional material of a government‐sponsored social marketing campaign is used.

Findings

The paper identifies the discursive ways in which the campaign influences the public's views of social issues and actors and discusses the role of such campaigns in the redefinition of the relationship between the citizen and the state.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to critical perspectives on the wider impact of social marketing activities on democracy by demonstrating the political impact function and effects of campaigns run by governments.
The study of Malaysian Public Universities' performance on the World Wide Web
Authors: Didegah Fereshteh , Amin Erfanmanesh Mohammad
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of Malaysian Public Universities on the web using correspondence analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Webometrics methods and correspondence analysis were used toanalyze the attributes of websites. In total, 20 Public University Websites were surveyed which were accessible on Malaysia Government Website.

Findings

The results show that Malaysian Public Universities have functioned pretty well on the web. As a whole, University of Malaya has performed properly in almost all criteria but University Pertahanan National Malaysia has had a weak function based on all evaluation criteria among other universities. Correspondence analysis classified the surveyed universities' websites into three groupings which were related based on some attributes.

Originality/value

The paper evaluates performance of Malaysian Public Universities' websites based on criteria obtained from Alexa databank.
Patient safety: a casualty of target success?
Authors: Dermot Williams Mike , Smart Andi
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a conceptual resilience‐based model that takes account of the competing success factors of patient safety, finance, improvement targets and staff workload in NHS hospitals in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A safe working envelope model was developed from the literature and adapted for use in the NHS. The proposition that finance and targets receive greater management attention was then tested by a pilot study using content analysis of risk management documents of four NHS hospitals.

Findings

The need to succeed on finance and targets received greater attention in the risk management documents than patient safety and staff workload.

Research limitations/implications

This is a pilot study only, using content analysis of risk management documents from four hospitals to see whether the model developed from the literature warrants further study.

Practical implications

Using the proposed safe working model will allow the setting and monitoring of failure and marginal boundaries and make more explicit the pressures from the competing success factors in public sector hospitals in the UK.

Originality/value

The development of the conceptual model using ideas from resilience engineering and applying them to NHS hospital management provides a policy and practical approach to improving patient safety.
Hand evaluation and formability of Japanese traditional Chirimen fabric
Authors: Inoue Takako , Niwa Masako
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Japanese traditional Chirimen fabrics are used for making kimonos, which have a fixed structure and are worn in very particular ways. These fabrics have also been used as dress fabrics in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the characteristics of the mechanical properties of various types of Chirimen to clarify differences in their hand value (HV) and clothing appearance.

Design/methodology/approach

Chirimen fabrics were collected from the largest producing area, the Tango district, plus silk Chirimen and 40 polyester Chirimen samples, resulting in a total of 311 samples. The mechanical properties, HVs, and formability of Chirimen fabrics used for kimono fabrics were compared to those of Western fabrics, and their unique features were clarified.

Findings

Values of the weft direction of bending properties of all Chirimen groups, men and women's suit fabrics, and dress shirt fabrics were at the same level. A significant feature of the mechanical parameters of each Chirimen group (excluding logSP which are compound values of bending properties and shearing properties) was that they were in the range for ideal men's suiting zone. HV KOSHI of Chirimen is found to be closely related to the bending properties, thickness and weight of the fabric, and HV TEKASA of Chirimen is found to be closely related to the thickness and weight of the fabric.

Originality/value

This paper clarifies Chirimen's mechanical properties which contribute to traditional subjective evaluation by fabric experts.
One educational built environment
Authors: Fram Sheila M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an example, for, school administrators and planners, of the cohesiveness of community policies and school design and planning endeavors during the 1980s in Arizona, USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the results of a qualitative, discourse analysis involving images of the exterior and interior of a high school.

Findings

The built environment included three separate discourses which supported a community ideology that was common in the late 1980s. The three discourses involved natural surveillance, fostering neighborly interactions, and planned diversity of spaces.

Practical implications

This paper provides insight into school design and planning, the integration of the surrounding community and how schooling practices can be influenced because of this context.

Originality/value

Tanner's article in 2000 discussing the influence of school architecture on academic achievement introduced this discussion to administrators and planners and articles in the May issue of Journal of Educational Administration continued the discussion. This paper furthers the discussion through a qualitative, visual study; so as to generate new understandings.
Exploring organizational learning mechanisms in special education
Authors: Schechter Chen , Feldman Niv
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The notion of organizational learning (OL) has reached the forefront of both school change discourse and academic inquiry. However, this notion has not yet undergone deliberate thinking and research within the special education domain. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap in the literature by empirically investigating OL through a structural concept – organizational learning mechanisms (OLMs) – as embedded into the learning values (culture) of special education.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of three student's functioning levels (low, intermediate, and high) in a special education school provided the context for studying OLMs and the learning values (culture) influencing their productivity.

Findings

This paper supports the existence of and the capacity for systematic learning through institutionalized structures and procedures in a special education school. This paper also illuminates the effect of learning values (culture) on the effectiveness of OLMs in a special education school.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizing from this case study (a special education school comprising three levels of student functioning) is quite problematic. However, this paper supports the merit of empirically researching OL in special education schools through the structural‐cultural framework.

Originality/value

This paper provides a useful conceptual and empirical framework to evaluate special education schools as learning organizations.
Customer profitability analysis with time‐driven activity‐based costing: a case study in a hotel
Authors: Dalci Ilhan , Tanis Veyis , Kosan Levent
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the implementation of customer profitability analysis (CPA) using time‐driven activity‐based costing (TDABC), in a Turkish hotel.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted in a four‐star hotel with 100‐room capacity in the Çukurova region of Turkey. Interviews, direct observations, and documentation collection were used to collect the data.

Findings

The results showed that some of the customer segments which were found unprofitable under the conventional ABC method were determined profitable using TDABC. The case study also revealed the cost of idle resources devoted for front office, housekeeping, food preparation, and marketing activities.

Research limitations/implications

Only a single hotel operating in Turkey is examined in this paper. Further research should focus on implementing CPA using TDABC in other hotels in Turkey and abroad.

Practical implications

Based on the results of the study, the hotel management is better able to understand profitability of different customer segments and implement appropriate strategies. Moreover, the time equations of TDABC are considered to provide hotel management with an opportunity to better balance the capacities supplied in departments.

Originality/value

There is limited research relating to profitability analysis in service companies in general and in the hotel industry in particular. Therefore, this paper is unique in the sense that it analyzes the use of TDABC systems for CPA within a real case hotel.
The impact of hotel management contracting on IHRM practices
Authors: Gannon Judie , Roper Angela , Doherty Liz
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The international hotel industry's growth has been achieved via the simultaneous divestment of real estate portfolios and adoption of low risk or “asset light” market entry modes such as management contracting. The management implications of these market entry mode decisions have however been poorly explored in the literature and the purpose of this paper is to address these omissions.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was undertaken with senior human resource executives and their teams across eight international hotel companies (IHCs). Data were collected by means of semi‐structured interviews, observations and the collection of company documentation.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that management contracts as “asset light” options for international market entry not only provide valuable equity and strategic opportunities but also limit IHCs' chances of developing and sustaining human resource competitive advantage. Only where companies leverage their specific market entry expertise and develop mutually supportive relationships with their property‐owning partners can the challenges of managing human resources in these complex and diversely owned arrangements be surmounted.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this paper is the focus on the human resource specialists' perspectives of the impact of internationalization through asset light market entry modes.

Originality/value

This paper presents important insights into the tensions, practices and implications of management contracts as market entry modes which create complex inter‐organisational relationships subsequently shaping international human resource management strategies, practices and competitive advantage.
Job satisfaction and organizational commitment of hotel managers in Turkey
Authors: Gunlu Ebru , Aksarayli Mehmet , Şahin Perçin Nilüfer
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify the effects of job satisfaction on organizational commitment for managers in large‐scale hotels in the Aegean region of Turkey and, in addition, to examine whether there is a significant relationship between the characteristics of the sample, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Two structured questionnaires were administered to large‐scale hotel managers in the tourism industry. The survey instruments were adopted from the validated Minnesota Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment Questionnaire of Meyer‐Allen. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 13.0.

Findings

The findings indicate that extrinsic, intrinsic, and general job satisfaction have a significant effect on normative commitment and affective commitment. In addition, the findings suggest that the dimensions of job satisfaction do not have a significant effect on continuance commitment among the managers of large‐scale hotels. When the characteristics of the sample are regarded, age, income level, and education have a significant relationship with extrinsic job satisfaction whereas income level indirectly affect affective commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Participants are limited to the managers of large‐scale hotels in Aegean region of Turkey so the results could not be generalized to the whole country; however, the number of respondents is assumed to be sufficient to provide comprehensive results.

Practical implications

Although job satisfaction is found to affect organizational commitment, practitioners should not disregard the fact that there is an interactive relationship between the two factors; otherwise, the organizations might be at risk. In addition, the governmental support is very important in minimizing the effects of seasonality problem in tourism.

Originality/value

The previous research studies in Turkey generally have focused on the organizational commitment and job satisfaction correlation among the employees in different sectors of Turkey but usually within one organization. Upper level managers' views and the tourism sector have sometimes been neglected. This research was conducted to address this deficit in Turkey in terms of reaching various hotels in a region, trying to measure the viewpoints of the upper level managers, and conducting the research in a labor‐intensive sector such as tourism.