bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OFDI promotion policies in emerging economies: the Brazilian and Chinese strategies
Authors: Carlos Zalaf Caseiro Luiz , Masiero Gilmar
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze how the Brazilian and Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) policies can contribute to the economic development of their home countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The aforementioned objective is achieved through a comparative analysis of the Brazilian and Chinese OFDI policies within a new theoretical framework for examining the developmental implications of OFDI. Both primary and secondary data are utilized to compare Brazilian and Chinese strategies.

Findings

– It was concluded that Brazil and China have shifted from a development strategy centered on internal market self-sufficiency to one that seeks international economic prominence by, among other strategies, adopting OFDI support as a part of their industrial policy agenda. However, while the Chinese Government has focused on cross-national acquisitions of assets that are scarce within the country, the Brazilian Government has preferred to support industries that are already highly competitive internationally. The Chinese strategy has a greater potential to generate positive spillovers to domestic economy.

Social implications

– This paper ends with recommendations on how Brazil, in particular, and emerging economies, in general, may improve their OFDI policies.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this paper to the existent literature relies both on its approach and on its theoretical framework. Differing from the majority of the studies on the internationalization of companies from emerging economies, this paper emphasizes the importance of industrial policies to support OFDI and the developmental dimension of these policies. The authors believe that the theoretical framework developed here can be extended to further analysis of OFDI policies from other emerging economies. Policymakers may also benefit from the conclusions of this research.
Driving first-time and repeat spectators to a motor sport event
Authors: Del Chiappa Giacomo , Tinaz Cem , Michele Turco Douglas
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the differences in expenditure and satisfaction level between first-time and repeat spectators to a motor sport event, as well as differences in their intention to return and to recommend the host destination.

Design/methodology/approach

– A structured questionnaire was developed and data were collected on-site during the 2012 Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Rally Championship (WRC) in Sardinia via 210 interviews. A series of descriptive analysis, independent t-tests, chi-square tests and regression analysis were run for the purposes of the study.

Findings

– Findings showed first-timers spend more and are more satisfied than repeaters, even if no significant differences were reported. Repeaters reported to be more willing to return and to recommend, with significant differences, only in the intention to return.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is based on a convenience sample of a relatively small size, and it might be influenced by the idiosyncratic characteristics of the location. Further, it does not consider the mediating effect that the budget of spectators and their travel/event career ladder can exert over their behaviour.

Practical implications

– Destination marketers and event organizers need to run their marketing operations to renew their customer mix and/or to increase the standard level of quality to be delivered to repeaters. Further, their marketing and communication strategy should be personalized, and incentives should be given to encourage both groups to purchase multiple products simultaneously.

Originality/value

– The paper adds to the growing, and often still inconsistent, research aiming to compare first-timers’ and repeat visitors’ behaviours by offering insights from the context of motor sport events, where no published paper exist so far.
Quality management practices and their relationship to organizational performance
Authors: Sabella Anton , Kashou Rami , Omran Omar
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of total quality management (TQM) practices implemented in Palestinian hospitals and their relationship to organizational performance using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey of 51 hospitals operating in the West Bank of Palestine was conducted in order to test the validity and reliability of TQM constructs and their relationship to organizational performance.

Findings

– The results showed that TQM constructs used in this study are positively related to hospital performance and for the most part the relationship was significant; they were capable of explaining a significant portion of variance in performance. Three elements were found to be strongly significant predictors of performance- people management, process management, and information and analysis.

Research limitations/implications

– Although hospitals operating in the Gaza Strip were excluded from the study, this research promotes critical management practices that help channeling organization resources into areas aimed at improving quality and performance.

Practical implications

– The study showed that there are certain areas where administrators or managers need to focus on should they aspire for better performance. The constructs used in this study can be used to assess the implementation of quality practices and highlight areas for movement.

Originality/value

– This paper provided practitioners, administrators, and academics with a fresh perspective on quality management practices and their impact on organizational performance. It also served as a foundation for future initiatives and programs aimed at improving quality in hospitals.
The role of E-quality within the consumer decision making process
Authors: Wen Chao , R. Prybutok Victor , Blankson Charles , Fang Jiaming
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop and test an empirically grounded comprehensive framework of e-quality that is the composite of the relationship between e-satisfaction and e-loyalty. This study’s objectives were: first, to develop a comprehensive measurement scale of perceived quality from an operations perspective, based on the classic Engel-Kollat-Blackwell (EKB) decision-making process; second, to develop a framework that integrates dimensions of quality and measures perceptions of e-quality during the customer’s decision-making process; and third, to examine the predictive capability of quality attributes in relation to service operations that rely on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following review of the related literature, focus group protocols were developed and interviews conducted. Based on the focus group input, surveys were developed and administered. Survey data from 717 online customers allowed testing the research hypotheses, and structural equation modeling allowed validation of the research framework.

Findings

– The study determined that “e-channel quality”, “e-service quality” (including “web site quality” and “transaction quality”), and “product quality” positively influence customer e-satisfaction within an online operation. These constructs, in turn, influence customer e-loyalty in the e-commerce domain. The findings contribute valuable theoretical and managerial implications that can improve e-service operations.

Originality/value

– The paper fills a relevant gap in the e-commerce and services operations literature by empirically developing and validating a new and robust quality measurement scale based on the EKB consumer decision-making process. The study also makes an important research contribution by providing empirical evidence that quality is pivotal in gaining customer loyalty and a competitive e-commerce edge.
Leadership in OM research: a social network analysis of European researchers
Authors: S. Behara Ravi , Babbar Sunil , Andrew Smart Philip
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the leadership role of authors, institutions, and countries based on research co-authorship networks in the field of operations management (OM) and ranks European authors, institutions, and countries using network centrality measures. It also identifies the primary research areas of each of the leading European authors and maps the areas that European research in general has focussed most on.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on co-authorships in publications appearing in a representative set of three leading OM journals over the 15-year period of 1998-2012, network measures of total degree centrality and betweenness centrality are used to identify influential European agents serving as leaders and bridge builders in OM research. Keyword analysis is used to identify the dominant areas of OM research in Europe as well as the primary areas of research of the leading authors.

Findings

– With UK, Spain, The Netherlands, and Italy accounting for the dominant share of authorship of papers in the journal set, many authors and institutions from these countries are also found to rank high on network centrality measures. While certain authors, institutions, and countries are found ranking high on total degree centrality based on number of direct connections in the network, others are found to play uniquely important roles as gatekeepers and bridge builders in network relationships. The body of research is found to be focussed most on the area of supply chain management. It is also found to be focussed more on manufacturing than service.

Research limitations/implications

– The examination of networks in this study based on co-authorships in publications in the set of three leading journals: Journal of Operations Management, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, and Production and Operations Management, is not all encompassing as there are likely other co-authorship relationships of OM researchers that go beyond publications in this set of journals.

Practical implications

– Co-authorship of papers in the leading academic journals in a discipline provides a window on patterns of collaboration among key researchers within that academic community. The findings of this study inform the community of stakeholders on who the leading European agents in OM research are, what the primary areas of research of the leading European authors are, and areas that European research has focussed most on.

Originality/value

– This is the first study of its kind that identifies and maps key European authors, institutions, and countries based on the analysis of co-authorship networks of researchers who have published in a set of leading OM journals that are considered to be among the most relevant outlets in the field of OM. It also maps the primary areas of research.
Effects of antiwear additives in the base oil on the tribological performance of hydrogen-free DLC coating
Authors: Ng Edward , Kumar Sinha Sujeet
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of zinc dialkyl dithiophophates (ZDDP) and ash-less triphenyl phosphorothionate (TPPT) on hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings. For many years, ZDDP have traditionally been used in engine oils as antiwear (AW) and extreme pressure (EP) additives. However, additives containing sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur (SAPS) have a detrimental effect on the exhaust after-treatment device found on modern vehicles. Besides the automotive industry, DLC is also used in hydraulic applications where zinc-free and ash-less hydraulic fluids have gradually gained popularity in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

– The tribological tests were performed using a disk-on-cylinder tribometer, where the stationary hydrogen-free DLC-coated steel disk formed a line contact with an uncoated rotating steel shaft under lubricated conditions.

Findings

– It was found that TPPT and ZDDP separately at a concentration of 1.0 wt% increased the amount of friction of the base oil by approximately four times. TPPT appeared more effective than ZDDP in minimizing wear on the DLC-coated surface. Also, primary ZDDP seemed to have a more detrimental effect on the DLC-coated surface compared to a mixture of primary and secondary ZDDP. With regard to surface roughness of the hydrogen-free DLC-coated surface, the values corresponding to a lubricant containing TPPT were lower than those obtained for a lubricant with ZDDP and a lubricant without any additive.

Originality/value

– This is the first report on the effects of ZDDP and ash-less TPPT on the tribology of hydrogen-free DLC coatings.
Wet multi-disc friction components heat dissipation capability and optimal oil supply under continuous braking condition
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Wei Bin
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate wet multi-disc brake temperature field and optimal oil supply under continuous braking condition. The oil supply of wet multi-disc brake has a direct impact on the drivability and fuel economy for tracked vehicles. Too small flow will result in the higher temperature and failure of brake while excessive one will lead to slow engagement increasing disengaged torque and the transmission efficiency could decline notably. The optimal oil supply and brake temperature field were obtained in this research.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article investigated on the heat dissipation capability and optimal oil supply of the brake by the means of CFX model. The working condition was continuous braking and the lubricating and cooling factors were included in the model.

Findings

– That the complex trends with increased oil flow is inconsistent with the traditional formula in which the effects of grooves were neglected. The fitting curve of optimal oil supply can predict various needed oil flow in various rotating speed and it provides a theoretical guidance for oil supply design.

Originality/value

– Traditional empirical formula of heat transfer coefficient and Reynolds equation solved by different methods could be difficult to deal with the complex boundary conditions of wet multi-disc brake. CFX model can solve the problem of complex boundary condition. The optimal oil supply curve can provide a theoretical guidance for oil supply design.
Preparation of SiO2 nanoparticles and investigation of its tribological behavior as additive in liquid paraffin
Authors: Peng De-Xing , Kang Yuan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this work is to study tribological properties of liquid paraffin with SiO2 nanoparticles as an additive, which are made by surface-modification method. Taguchi robust designs for optimization in synthesizing SiO2 nanoparticles by sol-gel method.

Design/methodology/approach

– The tribological properties of the SiO2 nanoparticles as additive in liquid paraffin are studied by ball-on-ring wear tester to find out optimal concentration, and the mechanism of the reduction of wear and friction will be investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and atomic force microscope (AFM).

Findings

– Under optimal conditions identified by Taguchi robust designs method, SiO2 nanoparticles with a narrow particle size distribution can be obtained and optimal concentrations of SiO2 nanoparticles as additives in liquid paraffin have better properties than the pure paraffin oil.

Originality/value

– It is shown in the paper that by reducing friction and AW, the lubricant prepared by the methods described can prolong operating hours of machinery.
Investigation of carbon–carbon composite brake pads in wet and dry sliding wear conditions
Authors: Ozsarac Ugur , Aslanlar Salim , Varol Faruk , Ekici Mehmet
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to investigate wear behaviours of brake pads produced from carbon–carbon (C/C) composites in both wet and dry friction sliding conditions. Carbon is probably the most remarkable element in science and also C/C composites are a family of advanced composite materials. They are the most advanced form of carbon and consist of fibre based on carbon precursors embedded in a carbon matrix. In the present work, wear test specimens were prepared according to the related standards and they were exposed to pin-on-disc wear testing in wet and dry sliding conditions with different loads as 10, 20, 30 and 40 N with 1 m/s constant sliding speed. Wet friction process was conducted on all specimens by means of rain water collected from the nature.

Design/methodology/approach

– Pin-on-disc wear test tribology lubrication was used.

Findings

– Mechanical and physical property measurements of C/C composite brake pad materials: hardness, modulus of elasticity, density and water absorption capacity. Wear performance of materials were measured as coefficient of friction, volumetric loss and specific wear rate.

Originality/value

– C/C composite brake pads are used in railway vehicles. Wear performances of them are very important for safety. In this study, wear behaviours of these materials were investigated not only in dry sliding friction condition but also in wet sliding one. Because safety braking is important in all weather conditions for trains, and we used natural rain water to observe the wet sliding friction behaviour of brake pads. “Water lubrication” is an important aspect mentioned in tribology handbooks.
Evaluation of vendors ranking by EATWOS approach
Authors: Bansal Ankit , Kr. Singh Rajesh , Issar Siddhant , Varkey Jayson
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– In order to improve the supply chain performance, organizations need to improve the efficiency of vendors. Although many techniques are used for vendor efficiency measurement, there is a lack of research about defining satisficing level to analyze improvement potential of vendors. The purpose of this paper is to incorporate satisficing level of some outputs to determine efficiency improvement potential of existing vendors.

Design/methodology/approach

– Method used in this paper is an extension of Data Envelopment Analysis, which has been used frequently for efficiency measurement of Decision Making Units. This method is known as Efficiency Analysis Technique with Output Satisficing (EATWOS), which has been mainly used in the field of economics for efficiency measurement.

Findings

– A case illustration of a National Capital Region of Delhi, India, based manufacturer and distributor of packaged drinking water is depicted to portray the practical application of EATWOS in vendor efficiency evaluation and their relative ranking. This method has helped in evaluating the improvement potential in performance of given vendors and helping in strategic decision making for the given organization

Research limitations/implications

– In case of more variables, this method becomes more complex to get the solution. Second, sometimes difference in vendors ranking without and with satisficing concept is very less, as in this case. Therefore, recording and analysis of output data of vendors should be done very carefully.

Practical implications

– Major implications of this study is that while selecting vendors, organizations should also try to understand improvement potential for given vendors by applying satisficing concept as given in this research. This approach helps in analyzing improvement potentials of suppliers.

Originality/value

– This paper explores an innovative approach to rank vendors on basis of certain criteria after considering the satisficing concept and improvement potentials of vendors.
Manufacturing excellence and its critical factors
Authors: Ojha Ravindra , K. Vij Anil , Vrat Prem
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and understand the relationship dynamics amongst the key factors impacting the tier-I auto manufacturing domain which is currently under severe strain. It is an approach for improving the pace of the manufacturing excellence journey.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 20 key factors impacting the manufacturing sector have been identified from the literature review coupled with the inputs from the experienced industry and academic experts. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been adopted for the inter-relationship understanding and in stratifying the factors into drivers and independent clusters. The interpretation of the ISM results with respect to the current environment has also been carried out.

Findings

– Out of the 20 identified key factors, people- excellence related factors have been found to be the key drivers and global presence and visibility, operational cost reduction approach and customer responsiveness have a significant role to play in changing the pace of manufacturing excellence.

Research limitations/implications

– ISM framework does not incorporate the feedback concept and transition dynamics toward manufacturing excellence. These issues may be tested through System dynamics, which will help in identifying the cause and effect relationship between variables and model the transition toward manufacturing excellence.

Practical implications

– The manufacturing framework of 20 variables is a useful trigger to the strategic planners. The deep understanding of these variables in the current challenging environment is highly relevant and would facilitate the strategic industry leaders in their journey to excellence.

Social implications

– The manufacturing sector has been the growth engine for a nation's economy. If the manufacturing sector grows, the impact on the society will always be favorable as it results in greater degree of employment, better earning capacity and improved quality of life. Through this paper an attempt has been made to identify those key factors which could accelerate the manufacturing excellence pace and hence it is very relevant for the society at large.

Originality/value

– The paper provides some useful insight to manufacturing excellence framework and the application of ISM approach to it involving the experienced industry and academic experts.
Development of Balanced Scorecard for healthcare using Interpretive Structural Modeling and Analytic Network Process
Authors: Meena Kailash , Thakkar Jitesh
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a Balanced Scorecard-based performance measurement framework for health care system.

Design/methodology/approach

– An integrated ISM-ANP-based quantitative approach is used for the development of balance scorecard for health care system. The necessary insights are drawn from the secondary literature.

Findings

– This research identifies Key Performance Indicators and their interrelationships for health care system. An integrated approach of ISM and ANP is employed for the development of balance scorecard.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings of the research are based on insights gained from secondary literature and an analysis of five cases in health care segment and hence generalization of proposed framework is limited to the system representing some commonalities with chosen cases.

Practical implications

– Health care is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, illness, injury and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Access to health care varies across countries, groups and individuals, largely influenced by social and economic conditions as well as the health policies in place. The changing nature of today's health care organizations, including pressure to reduce costs, improve the quality of care and meet stringent guidelines, has forced health care professionals to re-examine how they evaluate their performance.

Originality/value

– The Balanced Scorecard health care expanded organization measures beyond financial analysis. It was first proposed by Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton in their book “The Balanced Scorecard (1996, Harvard Business School Press).” This research reports a development of Balanced Scorecard for health care using an integrated approach of Interpretive Structural Modeling and Analytic Network Process is used.
How senior managers perpetuate accounting fraud? Lessons for fraud examiners from an instructional case
Authors: E. Lokanan Mark
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the risk factors that led to the Livent fraud, and the procedures that need to be taken by responsible parties to carefully investigate and address the incidents of misconduct.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper combs through the chronology of events that led to the Livent fraud by looking at both primary and secondary sources. These sources made it possible to examine how the fraud was discovered, and the investigative steps that should have been taken to uncover the fraud.

Findings

– The findings indicate that a corporate culture which focuses on the bottom line coupled with weak to non-existent internal controls were the key elements that led to the Livent fraud. The findings also illustrate that when faced with declining profits, senior managers will go to any length possible to manipulate and falsify their company’s records.

Practical implications

– The paper is useful to management personnel and fraud examiners in that it used an actual accounting fraud case to highlight areas more susceptible to fraud and the approach that can be taken to investigate similar cases of misconduct. The paper also highlighted the practical implications for internal and external auditors in detecting and addressing fraud.

Originality/value

– The study used an accounting fraud case to examine the techniques used by management personnel to produce fraudulent financial statement.
Exploring HECM counselors’ fraud awareness and training
Authors: C. Seay Martin , T. Carswell Andrew , Wilmarth Melissa , G. Zimmerman Lloyd
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research was to explore the growth of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) fraud and the role of housing counselors in its identification and prevention. HECMs are the Federal Housing Administration endorsed version of a reverse mortgage and represent the majority of reverse mortgages on the market.

Design/methodology/approach

– To investigate HECM counselor’s training, and their ability to detect fraudulent activity, a survey was constructed and distributed nationwide using HUD’s publicly available roster of qualified agencies and counselors. The survey consisted of three main sections agency and respondent information including HECM certification process, typical interactions with clients, and mortgage fraud and HECM fraud.

Findings

– Responses indicate that HECM counselors have limited awareness of and training in identifying fraudulent activities.

Originality/value

– The case is made that additional training is needed to raise awareness among counselors so that they might better serve their clients. Given the sizable population that may legitimately need HECMs, it is important to improve awareness and provide training to detect fraudulent schemes and prevent this type of deception from occurring.
Where do we go from here? Towards a theory in Islamic marketing
Authors: Sergius Koku Paul , Jusoh Osman
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to argues for theory development in Islamic marketing and attempts to lay the ground work by drawing on other social sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on a critical review of the literature for insights that advance Islamic marketing.

Findings

– The study suggests that scholars in the area of Islamic marketing should start working towards the development of a theory of Islamic marketing. While this theory will draw on the unique engagement of Muslims with non-Muslims, it will offer an opportunity to explain and predict the world around us.

Research limitations/implications

– This is purely a theoretical piece that is aimed at knowledge development in the field, and, as such, it does not give much guidance to the practitioner, instead in invites other academics to draw on the world around us as they engage in their scholarly activities towards theory building.

Practical implications

– The study gives directions for areas of possible future research in Islamic marketing.

Social implications

– Broadening the research efforts in Islamic marketing as advocated in this paper does have several important social implications.

Originality/value

– This study is rare in terms of the issues it raises.
Exploring a consumption value model for Islamic mobile banking adoption
Authors: Thye Goh Tiong , Mohd Suki Norazah , Fam Kim
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore a consumption values model for Islamic mobile banking acceptance and to identify any differences in perceived consumption values between Muslims and non-Muslims towards the use of Islamic mobile banking services.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using an online survey method, a sample of 183 was collected and the partial least squares (PLS) method was used to evaluate the model and validate hypothesis, as it is ideal for assessing both the psychometric properties of all scales and, subsequently, to test the structural relationships proposed in the model.

Findings

– Empirical results via the PLS method demonstrates that the result satisfactorily explains the adoption of Islamic mobile banking and further demonstrates the use of the consumption values model as an alternate approach for technology adoption. The consumption values model approach appears to have a stronger fit for Muslims than non-Muslims with 66.6 per cent of the variance explained and a goodness-of-fit index of 0.724. The conditional factors are important in the non-Muslims compared to Muslims. Muslims seem to value emotional factors more than non-Muslims.

Research limitations/implications

– The current research findings represent mainly university students with some exposure to Islamic mobile banking experience and familiarity with mobile technology. Indeed, the samples were taken from Malaysia, an Islamic country that has a diverse ethnic and cultural background. Hence, the result may not apply to other Islamic countries, e.g. Arabic countries due to the cultural background differences. Future researchers could overcome the limits of generalisability by increasing sample coverage.

Practical implications

– This research finding is useful as the comparison is made between Muslim and non-Muslim consumers which help practitioners and researchers to better understand the different adoption characteristics and advance insights on how to promote such a technological service for everyday banking needs especially to different segments of the community. In developing Islamic mobile banking interactions, designers should look beyond the system’s ease of use and take advantage of the different consumption values to include personalisation in the service design through automatically recognising Muslim customers and non-Muslim customers during system use.

Originality/Value

– The study contributed to the theory of consumption values model in technology adoption and demonstrated the model is capable of explaining the functional, emotional, epistemic, conditional and social values on consumers in their adoption intention. This research provides empirical findings not reported in previous studies due to the overly represented technology acceptance model approach.
Examining retailers’ behaviour in managing critical points in Halal meat handling: a PLS analysis
Authors: Kalantari Shahijan Milad , Rezaei Sajad , Nigel Preece Christopher , Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail Wan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This research aims to examine the casual relationship between normative belief (NB), subjective norms (SN), retailer’s behavioural belief (RBB), retailer’s attitude (RATT), retailer’s behaviour intention (RBI), retailer’s actual behaviour (RAB) and retail performance (RetailP). Managing Halal meat becomes an issue for retailers due to consumers’ concerns for their religious belief.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 230 questionnaires were distributed among Malaysian meat retailers of which 178 useful questionnaires were collected to empirically test the proposed seven critical points in Halal meat handling. Partial least squares, a structural equation modelling approach was used to examine simultaneously the structural components of both the measurement and causal model for reflective and formative constructs.

Findings

– RBI and RAB are positively related to NB, SN, RBB and RATT in which motivate retailers for high RetailP and critical points in Halal meat handling. The empirical assessment supports the proposed hypotheses and supports RetailP as a formative construct measured by sales revenue, market share and customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– Empirically it was found that theory of reasoned actions (TRA) can be used to predict RetailP in addition to RAB. This study has significant policy implications alongside research implications despite some limitations.

Practical implications

– The current literature and stated policies are focussing solely on consumers to understand the issues in Halal market which may not reach the strategic standpoint for firms and the state in general. The Malaysian Government should appreciate the importance of the Halal business markets in which NB, SN, RBB and RATT are influenced by certain elements discussed in this study.

Originality/value

– This study is among the first few attempts towards “Islamic Retailing”. Prior literature applied TRA in a customer market verses this study examine the attitude and behaviour of businesses market (retailers) in Malaysia. This study explores retailers’ behaviour towards Halal value chain by integrating TRA and critical points in Halal meat handling.
Antecedents and consequences of consumers’ attitudinal dispositions toward cause-related marketing in Egypt
Authors: Hammad Hadeer , El-Bassiouny Noha , Paul Pallab , Mukhopadhyay Kausiki
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the usage of ethical business strategies, in particular those using the corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach, of Egyptian businesses. The authors primarily focus on one facet of CSR strategy – cause-related marketing (CRM) – which has been increasingly used by marketing practitioners in recent times.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the context of Egyptian household goods business, the authors investigate the factors that motivate/hinder consumer participation in their CRM campaigns using a sample of 261 respondents in a mixed research design.

Findings

– Results show that motivational attribution significantly predicts consumers’ responses toward CRM, with moral judgment playing a partial mediating role in such relationship. In addition, several variables such as altruism and religiosity among personality characteristics are found to arouse consumers’ positive motivational attribution, whereas skepticism was negatively associated with CRM responses.

Practical implications

– The findings of this research have both practical and social implications for academics and practitioners alike. Successful campaigns should include the factors inducing motivational attribution, which, in turn, enhances consumers’ attitude toward a company and their purchase intentions. Personal characteristics also impact consumer responses and should be paid attention to.

Originality/value

– In a world characterized by fast-changing pace of globalization, it has become critical to study an important phenomenon like CRM in the Middle East, and this original research provides insights into how effective CRM campaigns can be developed there. This will strengthen our cross-cultural understanding of the similarities and differences in consumer viewpoints between developed and developing countries.
The role of Islamic values on green purchase intention
Authors: Hasnah Hassan Siti
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of religious values (RGV) on green purchase intention (GPI) among middle-class Muslims in Malaysia. The demand for environmentally green products is growing to facilitate the changing consumption pattern due to the substantial interest in ethical consumerism. Despite the potential impact of RGV on ethical consumption, it is difficult to find studies that embark on linking RGV towards this type of consumption, especially in a developing Muslim country such as Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire survey that was distributed using the purposive sampling method. The final useful sample consists of 140 middle-class Muslim participants. The partial least squares (PLS) structural equation was used to develop the model showing the relationship between RGV and intention to purchase green products for middle-class Muslims in Malaysia.

Findings

– The results suggest that there is an indirect association between RGV towards attitude and GPI. RGV directly influence natural environmental orientation and environmental concern. In turn, consumer attitude towards green purchase directly affects the respondents’ GPI via the mediator role of nature orientation, green concern and knowledge. The results, besides indicating the suitability of the PLS in statistical analysis, also contribute to a better understanding of how RGV influence GPI among the Muslim middle class.

Research limitations/implications

– The model developed is specific to the Muslim population in Malaysia. Therefore, the model might only be able to be generalized to nations that have a similar culture to the Muslims in Malaysia or Muslim middle class in other developing countries.

Practical implications

– RGV are important in influencing green consumption behaviour. The environmental problem cannot just be solved with knowledge and technology but must be backed with moral and ethical imperatives. The ethical awareness and consciousness, backed up by legislation and prohibition, can encourage green behaviour not only from the individuals but also at the social group level. The enforcement of the law and the government play an important role in the implementation of green policies for the protection and conservation of mother Earth.

Originality/value

– This paper confirmed that behaviour is influenced by individual-level attributes, as well as by the conditions under which people live.
Industrial cluster involvement, organizational learning, and organizational adaptation:an exploratory study in high technology industrial districts
Authors: Cheng Hilary , Niu Ming-Shan , Niu Kuei-Hsien
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among a firm’s industrial cluster involvement, organizational learning and its ability to successfully adapt to external environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Field survey research method was used, and data were collected from 943 high-technology companies in the USA, China, Taiwan and Sweden. Multiple regression analysis, as well as mediation test, was conducted to analyze the data.

Findings

– The study finds that being positioned in an industrial cluster enhances a firm’s learning and further leads to a firm’s desired adaptive outcomes.

Research limitation

– Using self-reported data could be a potential limitation of this study. It would be preferable to have other forms of data for a study. Further, cross-cultural comparisons are needed to enhance our understanding in this multicultural setting.

Practical implication

– The findings provide business executives, as well as policymakers, a new way of thinking in respect to how to develop holistic learning practices and improve inter-firm trust to appropriately adapt to the fast changing environment.

Originality/value

– The major contribution of this study is an initial attempt to provide a comprehensive approach in analyzing a firm’s industrial cluster involvement. Further, the study attempts to empirically examine learning and cluster involvement in relation to organizational adaptation.
Managerial practices and operative directions of knowledge management within inter-firm networks: a global view
Authors: Del Giudice Manlio , Maggioni Vincenzo
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this special issue s to cover a substantial range of approach to knowledge management penetrating inquiry that goes beyond intra-organizational learning processes to include inter-organizational perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

– As pointed out by the literature on various aspects of the knowledge processes within and between organizations, the work has been organized coherently with two “strains” of topics: the first one focused on managerial practices and operative directions of knowledge management, the other one pointed out on applications of knowledge management to inter-firm networks. Qualitative as well quantitative papers have been welcomed.

Findings

– Opening up the idea of pluralism as a driving force in the knowledge economy pushes the organizations in a permanent cumulative process of adaptation and re-creation through innovative means of social interaction in global environments.

Research limitations/implications

– The dynamic nature of the field is reflected in the fact that this project expanded to encompass emerging works on knowledge models and concepts that grew from conversations within the network.

Originality/value

– This special issue aims to extend the current understanding on how diversity of approaches enhances the process of discovery: the authors convey the sense of where the stimulating challenges lie.
Configuring criminal proceeds in money laundering cases in the UK
Authors: Hamin Zaiton , Rosalili Wan Rosli Wan , Omar Normah , Armadajaya Pengiran Awang Mahmud Awang
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the way in which the courts in the UK have interpreted the meaning of criminal property in the principal money laundering offenses under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA).

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper employs a doctrinal legal analysis and secondary data, which analyze the primary source, which is POCA itself, and secondary sources including case law, articles in academic journals, books and online databases.

Findings

– The authors contend that the courts in the UK have been dynamically interpreting the ambit of money laundering offenses in POCA and that despite such judicial activism in the construction of criminal property, it has provided a much needed certainty to the law.

Originality/value

– This paper could be a useful source of information for the practitioners, academicians, policymakers and students in this particular area of crime.
Social engineering and social marketing: why is one “good” and the other “bad”?
Authors: Kennedy Ann-Marie , Parsons Andrew
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this article is to explore how social engineering and social marketing are connected, and how social marketing is a tool used to achieve adherence to social engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through examination of contemporary and historical thinking around social marketing, we present a conceptual argument that social marketing is another tool of the social engineer, and that social engineering, through methods such as social marketing, is pervasive throughout all societies in positive ways.

Findings

– We develop a conceptual model of social engineering and social marketing, which goes beyond behaviour change to incorporate the essentials of society and the influencers of those essentials. In doing so, we show that social marketing influenced behaviour lies within the social engineering influenced laws, codes and norms of society, which in turn lie within the morals, values and beliefs of society.

Originality/value

– This article provides for the first time a conceptual grounding of social marketing within social engineering, enabling academics and practitioners to contextualise social marketing activities in a broader societal framework.
Rethinking social marketing: towards a sociality of consumption
Authors: Fry Marie-Louise
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how members of an online alcohol reduction community learn, construct and engage in alcohol reduction consumption consistencies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Blog data from 15 individuals participating in the online community of Hello Sunday Morning were collected and analysed. Informants also participated in a series of in-depth interviews to gain a self-reflective perspective of alcohol reduction action, activities and interactions.

Findings

– The findings indicate learning of new alcohol reduction consumption consistencies occurs through three modes or learning infrastructures: engagement, imagination and alignment, enabling a collective sense of connection in the creation of new alcohol-related rituals and traditions, competency of practices and transmission of values and norms beyond the community.

Research limitations/implications

– The results underscore the need for social marketers to recognise learning of alcohol reduction behaviour is continually negotiated and dynamically engendered through socially reproduced conditions, responses and relationships.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the transformational potential of social marketing situating behaviour change as a social interaction between actors within a dynamic market system.
If and when social and economic leader-member exchange relationships predict follower work effort
Authors: Buch Robert , Kuvaas Bård , Dysvik Anders , Schyns Birgit
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize social leader-member exchange (SLMX) and economic leader-member exchange (ELMX) as two separate dimensions of leader-member exchange, and examines how intrinsic work motivation moderates their relationship with follower work effort.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were obtained from 352 employee-leader dyads from the public health sector in Norway (response rate=61.9 percent). Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test the relationship between subordinate rated SLMX and ELMX relationships and leader ratings of work effort.

Findings

– This study replicates prior research showing that SLMX is positively related and ELMX negatively related to followers’ work effort. A significant interaction between SLMX and intrinsic motivation is also revealed, suggesting that SLMX relationships are important with respect to work effort for followers who exhibit lower levels of intrinsic work motivation.

Research limitations/implications

– The data were cross-sectional, thus prohibiting causal inferences.

Practical implications

– SLMX relationships may be particularly important for the work effort of followers low in intrinsic motivation. Leaders may draw on this finding and seek to aid the development of the relationship by means of relationship-oriented behaviors.

Originality/value

– Given the importance of maximizing the performance of all the followers, a better understanding of the conditions under which SLMX and ELMX relationships relate to work effort is particularly important. The present study advances knowledge on SLMX and ELMX relationships by demonstrating how intrinsic motivation moderates how SLMX and ELMX relationships relate to follower work effort.