bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of bis{N′-[(E)-4-hydroxybenzylidene]pyridine-4-carbohydrazide-κN1}diiodidocadmium methanol disolvate
Authors: Afkhami Farhad Akbari , Krautscheid Harald , Atioğlu Zeliha , Akkurt Mehmet
Published: December 2016

In the title compound, [Cd(C13H11IN3O2)2]·2CH3OH, which crystallizes withZ= 4 in the space groupPbcn, the CdIIatom is located on a twofold rotation axis and coordinated by two I−anions and two N atoms from the pyridine rings of the twoN′-[(E)-4-hydroxybenzylidene]pyridine-4-carbohydrazide ligands. The geometry around the CdIIatom is distorted tetrahedral, with bond angles in the range 94.92 (11)–124.29 (2)°. The iodide anions undergo intermolecular hydrogen-bonding contacts with the C—H groups of the organic ligands of an adjacent complex molecule, generating a chain structure along thebaxis. Furthermore, an extensive series of O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions involving both the complex molecules and the ethanol solvate molecules generate a three-dimensional network.
9-Ethyl-6-methyl-7H-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazepin-8(9H)-one
Authors: El Bakri Youness , Harmaoui Abdallah , Essassi El Mokhtar , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: December 2016

In the title compound, C8H11N5O, the triazepine ring displays a boat conformation. Its mean plane is inclined to the triazole ring by 22.10 (9)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form chains parallel to theb-axis direction. Inversion-related chains are linkedviaoffset π–π interactions between the triazole rings, forming ribbons propagating in theb-axis direction. The terminal CH3group is disordered over two sets of sites, with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.48 (6):0.52 (6).
Ethyl 2,2-dimethyl-4-oxo-6-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-5-carboxylate
Authors: Sharmila N. , Sundar T. V. , Sakthivel P. , Venkatesan P.
Published: December 2016

The title compound, C16H18O4, is a derivative of 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-one. The plane of the pyranone ring system forms a dihedral angle of 42.76 (10)° with that of the phenyl group. The crystal structure is stabilized by C—H...O interactions that enclose anR21(6) ring motif and link the molecules into chains along thecaxis. A short intramolecular O...O contact [2.942 (3) Å] gives rise to anS(5) motif.
2,3-Dihydrobenz[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole
Authors: Moussaif Ahmed , Ramli Youssef , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: December 2016

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C9H8N2S, consists of two independent molecules (AandB) differing in the conformation of the thiazole ring: twisted for moleculeAand planar for moleculeB. In the crystal, molecules stack along thecaxis in alternatingAandBlayers. Within the layers, molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions, and inversion-relatedBmolecules are linked by offset π–π interactions [inter-centroid distance = 3.716 (1) Å]. The two molecules are also linked by a C—H...N hydrogen bond, which results finally in the formation of a three-dimensional structure.
Evaluating the outcomes of VCA-led improvement projects
Authors: Johns Craig Michael , Kimber Nathan , Howieson Janet , Lawley Meredith
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the potential benefits of value chain analysis (VCA) improvement projects by evaluating their effectiveness for all chain members.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an action research approach to extend VCA methodology by implementing an improvement project developed through the VCA process, and the subsequent evaluation of this project using a combination of techniques.

Findings

The paper addressed a key research gap around the evaluation of improvement projects and has shown that the implementation of VCA, both as a guiding framework for developing interventions and a basis for evaluating their effectiveness, can provide significant benefits to all industry stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The research focussed on evaluating the outcomes of a single project within an industry case study. While the diversity in different industry structures and the range of improvement projects possible makes it difficult to generalise the findings, the methodology and evaluation options make a valuable practical and theoretical contribution.

Practical implications

The case study highlights the advantages of improvement projects guided by VCA and offers a variety of evaluation options for both private and public sector VCA practitioners.

Originality/value

This study is one of the very few to evaluate the implementation of activities identified during the diagnostic phase of an agribusiness VCA.
The social value of rescuing food, nourishing communities
Authors: Mirosa Miranda , Mainvil Louise , Horne Hayley , Mangan-Walker Ella
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the social value food rescue enterprises can create for both their stakeholders and the wider community “in the meantime” whilst longer term solutions to the problems of insecurity and waste are sought.

Design/methodology/approach

FoodShare, a New Zealand urban-based social enterprise specialising in food redistribution, served as a case study for this research. Semi-structured interviews (n=13) were conducted with FoodShare staff and key stakeholder groups (food donors, financial donors, recipient agencies and volunteers). In addition, an anonymous online survey (n=40) was completed by the wider organisational volunteer network. The interview guides were structured around a new social value evaluation tool, Social Return on Investment, which is increasingly used to demonstrate the impact of such programmes. Deductive methods were used to code the resulting transcripts to identify key outcomes experienced by FoodShare’s stakeholders.

Findings

The outcomes of FoodShare’s work differed for the various stakeholders. For food donors, outcomes included “more involved relationships with community”, and “improved perceptions of corporate social responsibility”. Identified key outcomes for the financial donors included “key promotional opportunity” and “do something good”. For recipient agencies, important outcomes were “greater volume of food” and “increased reach”. Volunteers reported “meeting new people”, “a sense of accomplishment in helping others” and “learning new skills”. There were also a number of nutritional and environmental outcomes for the wider community.

Originality/value

Given the dearth of evidence on the societal value that is created in redistributing unsold food to people in need, this novel perspective makes a significant contribution to the literature in this area.
Perceptions of Chinese traditional food and European food among Chinese consumers
Authors: Wang Ou , Gellynck Xavier , Verbeke Wim
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore Chinese consumers’ perceptions in relation to both Chinese traditional and European food.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based free word association test was administered to 302 consumers in China. They were asked to give the first three words that came into their minds when they were presented with each of two stimulus words, “traditional food” and “European food”. Three researchers grouped the elicited words into classes and then into dimensions. χ2 association tests were used to assess and identify statistically significant differences in the frequencies of classes and dimensions for the two food concepts between socio-demographic groups.

Findings

The findings show that Chinese consumers define Chinese traditional food and European food through ten similar dimensions: Sensory appeal, Health, Origin, Marketing, Safety, Variety, Heritage, Symbolic meaning, Simplicity and Mood. Additionally, they associate Chinese traditional food with the dimensions Elaboration, Celebration and Habit, as well as link European food to the dimensions Convenience and New. Although ten dimensions are the same, obvious differences can be identified by comparing the classes for the two food concepts. Further, there are significant differences in the class associations for European food between age groups and in the dimension associations for Chinese traditional food between gender groups.

Originality/value

By using an online qualitative research method, this study is one of the first to address how Chinese consumers define both European food and their own traditional food in China, the largest East Asian country. The findings are particularly useful for the future development of traditional food products and for the future export of European food products onto China and even other countries in East Asia.
Understanding psychological processes of applicants’ job search
Authors: Jung Yuhee , Takeuchi Norihiko , Takeuchi Tomokazu
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it empirically examines two theory-based models of applicants’ job search developed from planned happenstance theory (PHT) and theory of planned behavior (TPB). Second, it tests the cross-cultural compatibility of these models in Japan and Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested two theory-based job search models, PHT model and TPB model based on samples of college students from Japan (n=175) and Korea (n=172).

Findings

The results indicated that the TPB model was a significantly better fitting to the data than the PHT model. Moreover, a multi-group test of the TPB model demonstrated that the TPB model was invariant between the Japanese and the Korean samples.

Originality/value

Although there had been an important question among job search literatures regarding how important the planned behavior in the job search processes would be, the study gave an empirical support to the TPB job search model in contrast to the PHT model. Another contribution is that the study tested the Western-driven theories using Asian samples from Japan and Korea, constituting an important benchmark for further studies that attempt to test the generalizability of the TPB model, particularly in countries/areas that employ different employment systems.
Abusive supervision, public service motivation, and employee deviance
Authors: Vogel Rick , Homberg Fabian , Gericke Alena
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine abusive supervision and public service motivation (PSM) as antecedents of deviant workplace behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in a cross-sectional research design with survey data from 150 employees in the public, private, and non-profit sector in Germany and the USA.

Findings

Abusive supervision is positively associated with employee deviance, whereas PSM is negatively related to deviant behaviours. The employment sector moderates the negative relationship between PSM and employee deviance such that this relationship is stronger in the public and non-profit sector.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations arise from the convenience sampling approach and the cross-sectional nature of the data set.

Practical implications

Human resource managers should consider behavioural integrity in the attraction, selection, and training of both supervisors and subordinates. Private organisations can address the needs of strongly public service motivated employees by integrating associated goals and values into organisational missions and policies.

Originality/value

This is the first study to introduce PSM into research on employee deviance. It shows that a pro-social motivation can drive anti-social behaviours when employees with high levels of PSM are members of profit-seeking organisations.
The four stages of the employment interview
Authors: Wiersma Uco J.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual model of the standard employment interview that practitioners may use to improve their interview skills and the accuracy of their selection decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamics of each discrete stage of the interview model are supported by empirical findings from the research literature on employment interviewing.

Findings

An interview transitions through four naturally occurring stages: the initial impression formed in the first few seconds when the candidate and interviewer first lay eyes on one another; a rapport building stage of several minutes to help each party settle in; the body of the interview in which job skills and culture-fit are assessed; and the close, when the interviewer asks if the candidate has any questions about the job or company.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for research include providing solutions to the problem of difficult-to-control personal biases (especially during Stages 1 and 2), as well as conducting holistic studies that include the factors that influence decision making across all four stages to determine their relative weights.

Practical implications

The four stage model can be used to design interview training programs. By dividing the interview into discrete stages, practitioners can become aware of the pitfalls within each stage and use evidence-based findings to correct mistakes.

Social implications

Companies and job candidates benefit alike when selection is based on job skills and person-organization fit rather than on how well job candidates can interview.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to propose that employment interviews move through four discrete stages and to support the assertion with findings from secondary empirical research.
Evaluating Iranian state university websites using WebQEM
Authors: Gharibe Niazi Monireh , Karbala Aghaei Kamran Masumeh
Published: December 2016

Purpose

As a result of the so-called information explosion, it is very important for researchers, faculty members and students to access scientific and research information, which highlights the importance of designing university websites. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate Iranian state university websites using the Web quality evaluation method (WebQEM).

Design/methodology/approach

The research method was a combination of a descriptive survey and Delphi technique. The research population included 100 Iranian state university websites. Data collection was done using the checklists prepared by WebQEM. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and analysis statistics (Spearman rank-difference correlation coefficient) were used for data analysis.

Findings

The results indicated that Iranian state university websites met the four main criteria considered in WebQEM; reliability (mean = 0.67), efficiency (mean = 0.66) and functionality (mean = 0.62) were in a “good” condition, and usability was in a “middle” condition (mean = 0.59). Also, the findings showed that 60 per cent of the websites were in a good condition and 37 per cent were in a middle condition. In conclusion, Iranian state university websites were found to be in a “good” condition (mean = 0.63). Also, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad was ranked in the first place (score = 0.822). The hypothesis that there was a very weak correlation between Iranian state university ranking and Iranian state university websites ranking was confirmed (with the correlation of 0.22).

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of user interface of academic websites. This paper fills a part of the gap in terms of an urgent need for research on how university websites can be standardized. If university websites have significant and necessary standard factors (i.e. ISO 9126-1), students may succeed in academic information retrieval. Using the results of this research can help university website designers to fix weaknesses for active participation in these websites.

Originality/value

This study has evaluated Iranian state university websites using WebQEM.
Global research trends on membrane biological reactor (MBR) for wastewater treatment and reuse from 1982 to 2013
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Zhang Baogang , Liu Ye , Huang Wenli
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Membrane biological reactor (MBR) is recognized as an efficient and steady wastewater treatment process. The purpose of this study is to reveal the research trends of scientific outputs on MBR for the past 32 years.

Design/methodology/approach

A method of bibliometric analysis was performed, based on the online version of the Science Citation Index Expanded, Web of Science, from 1982 to 2013. In total, 5,305 articles related to MBR were evaluated. A new method named “word cluster analysis” was also used for further analysis.

Findings

Results showed a rising trend of publications in this research field. English was the main language used in these articles. Journal of membrane science published the most articles, proving to be one of the most authoritative journals. China and Dalian University of Technology were the most productive country and institute, respectively. Except for “membrane bioreactor” and “MBR”, “membrane fouling” was the most cited keyword, indicating the research hotspot nowadays and future.

Originality/value

This study serves as an alternative and innovative way of revealing the research trends in MBR research.
A curriculum-based virtual and physical mobile learning model for elementary schools in museums
Authors: Hsu Tien-Yu , Kuo Fan-Ray , Liang Hsin-Yi , Lee Min-Feng
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a curriculum-based virtual and physical mobile (CVPM) learning model, which integrates related physical and e-learning resources associated with elementary school curricula and supports elementary education.

Design/methodology/approach

This model provides a highly participative and well-monitored environment with fruitful interactions among students, teachers and museum staff. A practical system was implemented in the National Museum of Natural Science in Taiwan.

Findings

The results show that the proposed model can effectively extend related learning resources to satisfy the requirements of elementary education. In addition, this model can engage students’ self-directed explorations through problem-solving learning content during the learning process.

Research limitations/implications

This learning model was implemented in a one-day theme-based learning activity. Generic learning outcomes and qualitative analysis were used to examine the students’ perceptions and the teachers’ feedback of this learning model, respectively.

Practical implications

The results show that both students and teachers highly appreciated this learning model. The model not only strengthens the connection between museum and elementary curricula but also enhances students’ perceptions and positive attitudes toward natural science courses. Finally, this study offers suggestions for future research.

Originality/value

This study develops a CVPM learning model which integrates elementary school courses to satisfy the requirements of elementary education and meet museums’ educational strategies for schools. The practical learning system and services have been successfully implemented and are widely available to elementary schools in Taiwan.
Integrated MCDM for evaluating fashion design schemes
Authors: Lin Shi-Woei , Jerusalem Mohammad Adam
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop comprehensive criteria for evaluating fashion design schemes and used an integrated model which considers the interrelation between the clusters of evaluation and the influence between criteria for evaluating alternative fashion design schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated approach uses the advantages of all three methods: the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) can be used to analyse the interrelations between the major clusters of fashion design evaluation. The analytical network process can calculate the criterion weight that is adjusted based on the influence between different elements in the decision framework. The Visekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) determines the best fashion design by ranking a set of designs by using ten conflicting criteria.

Findings

Style is the decisive dimension because it is highly affected by other clusters. The comfort of the style is the most crucial criterion. “Veracious” is the best and most preferred design scheme.

Originality/value

The study develops the decisive cluster and criteria in designing a fashion design scheme. The proposed approach can be used as a decision analysis tool in fashion design and other fields and has various advantages (e.g. considering interrelations between clusters and influences between criteria, and ranking a set of alternatives), and therefore, is appropriate for practical circumstances.
Influence of different chemical treatments on the properties of PC fabric used as lining
Authors: Islam Mohammad Tajul , Rashid Mohammad Rafiqur , Rana Md Rafiqul Islam
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The properties of polyester/cotton (PC) fabric after chemical treatments as lining in woolen suits has been investigated, as the purpose of this paper is to study the influence of different finishing agents and their concentration on the properties of PC fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different chemical finishes such as anti-slip finish, softener and moisture management finish were applied to currently popular 80/20 PC pocketing fabric at three different concentration levels. A total of 60 seams were produced from 2/1 twill woolen shell fabric and chemically treated lining. Six important tests defining comfort and seam’s quality of lining fabric were chosen, namely, seam strength, seam slippage, stiffness, drape, water vapor transmission (WVT), abrasion resistance to study its properties and testing were done as per standardized test methods.

Findings

Chemical treatments affect the properties of PC fabric used as lining significantly in terms of seam strength, seam slippage, WVT and abrasion resistance. Among the three applied chemical finishes softener, at 20, 40 and 60 g/l, was found to be the best choice to make PC fabric suitable in terms of seam performance, durability, drape and comfort for use lining in suits with economic advantage.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to understanding the properties of relatively cheap 80/20 PC pocketing fabric used as lining in a suit.
Structure and mechanical properties of polyethylene melt blown nonwovens
Authors: Yesil Yalcin , Bhat Gajanan S.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Recently, the usage of melt blown products in many areas has increased. In melt blown process, generally polymers have been used. There are a variety of polymers. Characteristics of melt blown nonwovens have changed significantly depending on the polymer type. Also, there are several parameters such as die temperature, die-to-collector distance (DCD), air pressure, etc. that modify the nonwovens in melt blown process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of these parameters on the characteristics of nonwovens made up of polyethylene (PE).

Design/methodology/approach

In the melt blown process, two die temperatures, three different die air pressures and three different DCDs were used. In total, 18 samples were produced. On produced samples, thickness, tear and tensile strengths, fiber diameter, basis weight tests were done. Also SEM observations were obtained.

Findings

It was observed that parameters studied have a significant effect on characteristics of the produced nonwoven. Fiber diameter, basis weight and strength decrease by depending on factors. Also, it was observed that temperature has an effect, but slight. This work shows that higher temperatures should be studied. Finer and uniform fiber diameter is obtained with an increase in air pressure.

Research limitations/implications

PE is becoming increasingly important in nonwovens due to its lower melting point for processing and softer feel in nonwoven products.

Practical implications

Although the use of PE in polymer-laid nonwovens, especially as bicomponent fibers, has been growing in recent years, there are limited data on their processability and performance. In this context, with the availability of relatively higher melt flow rate PE, understanding the processability and structure and properties of the melt blown PE is very helpful in designing and developing the right products. This research was conducted to evaluate the processability of the PE resin using a typical PP melt blowing pilot line and to determine the structure and properties of the formed webs.

Originality/value

PE has superior properties such as excellent chemical resistance, good fatigue, wear resistance and higher impact strength. Also, PE provides good resistance to organic solvents, degreasing agents and electrolytic attack. PE has lower working temperatures than polypropylene, is light in weight, resistant to staining and has low moisture absorption rates. Thus, this study provides important contributions to the area since there are no data reported about the effect of various processing parameters on the structure and properties of PE melt blown nonwovens.
Apparel recommendation system evolution: an empirical review
Authors: Guan Congying , Qin Shengfeng , Ling Wessie , Ding Guofu
Published: December 2016

Purpose

With the developments of e-commerce markets, novel recommendation technologies are becoming an essential part of many online retailers’ economic models to help drive online sales. Initially, the purpose of this paper is to undertake an investigation of apparel recommendations in the commercial market in order to verify the research value and significance. Then, this paper reviews apparel recommendation techniques and systems through academic research, aiming to acquaint apparel recommendation context, summarize the pros and cons of various research methods, identify research gaps and eventually propose new research solutions to benefit apparel retailing market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes empirical research drawing on 130 academic publications indexed from online databases. The authors introduce a three-layer descriptor for searching articles, and analyse retrieval results via distribution graphics of years, publications and keywords.

Findings

This study classified high-tech integrated apparel systems into 3D CAD systems, personalised design systems and recommendation systems. The authors’ research interest is focussed on recommendation system. Four types of models were found, namely clothes searching/retrieval, wardrobe recommendation, fashion coordination and intelligent recommendation systems. The forth type, smart systems, has raised more awareness in apparel research as it is equipped with advanced functions and application scenarios to satisfy customers. Despite various computational algorithms tested in system modelling, existing research is lacking in terms of apparel and users profiles research. Thus, from the review, the authors have identified and proposed a more complete set of key features for describing both apparel and users profiles in a recommendation system.

Originality/value

Based on previous studies, this is the first review paper on this topic in this subject field. The summarised work and the proposed new research will inspire future researchers with various knowledge backgrounds, especially, from a design perspective.
Convenience stores and discretionary food consumption among young Tokyo consumers
Authors: Marshall David
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the question of young consumer’s discretionary consumption in Japan where the ready access to convenience stores, or “konbini”, presents a unique retail landscape and to look at how young Japanese consumers use this store format as part of their discretionary food consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study that draws on primary qualitative data based on in store observations, accompanied shopping and a survey with young Japanese consumers. This approach provides an insight into the convenience store food offering and young consumer’s everyday food practices and experience of using these retail stores.

Findings

The data reveals a relatively limited range of purchases on each store visit with some variation across time of the day and between individuals and groups of young consumers. Visits before and after school remain the most popular and young consumers make around two to four visits per week to a convenience store. It finds young consumers actively engaged in independent purchasing decisions in this retail format.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploratory study with a geographically constrained sample conducted in several areas in and around Tokyo, Japan. It is a convenience sample recruited using student contacts and snowballing techniques.

Practical implications

Convenience stores represent an important “shopping habitat” for young consumers to engage in discretionary food shopping. While these convenience store purchases are not always unhealthy the promotion and pricing strategies used by retailers can have an influence on the final selection of products and convenience stores provide a unique opportunity to cultivate more healthful behaviour among young consumers.

Originality/value

This offers a unique insight into the relationship between young consumer’s discretionary food choice and local retail provision in the convenience sector. It adds to the debate on the role of food environment on food choice and the extent to which young Japanese consumers are socialised into particular food practices through their engagement with the convenience retail sector.
Extending the UTAUT model to understand the customers’ acceptance and use of internet banking in Lebanon
Authors: Tarhini Ali , El-Masri Mazen , Ali Maged , Serrano Alan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

A number of studies have shown that internet banking (IB) implementation is not only determined by banks or government support, but also by perceptions and experience of IB users. IB studies have showed encouraging results from academics in developed countries. Yet little is known about the user adoption of IB in Lebanon. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that may hinder or facilitate the acceptance and usage of IB in Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was developed through extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) by incorporating two additional factors namely; perceived credibility (PC) and task-technology fit (TTF). A quantitative approach based on cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 408 IB consumers. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling based on AMOS 20.0.

Findings

The results of the structural path revealed that performance expectancy (PE), social influence, PC and TTF to be significant predictors in influencing customers’ behavioural intention (BI) to use IB and explained 61 per cent of its variance, with PE was found the strongest antecedent of BI. Contrary to the UTAUT, the effect of effort expectancy on BI was insignificant. In addition, both BI and facilitating conditions were found to affect the actual usage behaviour and explained 64 per cent of its variance

Practical implications

This study would be helpful for bank managers and policy makers to explain the currently relatively low penetration rate of IB in formulating strategies to encourage the adoption and acceptance of IB by Lebanese customers, where IB is still considered an innovation.

Originality/value

This study is the first research that extend the UTAUT by incorporating two additional factors namely; PC and TTF to study the IB in the Lebanese context. This study contributes to the research on computer technology usage by looking at IB adoption and incorporation into the lives of customers via the BI to use and actual usage of IB in Lebanon.
Enhancing knowledge sharing intention through the satisfactory context of continual service of knowledge management systems
Authors: Dong Tse-Ping , Hung Chia-Liang , Cheng Nai-Chang
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how continual enhancement of knowledge management systems (KMSs) enhances knowledge sharing intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study integrates information system (IS) success with social cognitive theory (SCT) to explain knowledge sharing intention. Based on a survey of 276 KMS users in Taiwan’s information technology industry, the structural equation model has been applied to examine the influence process from a user satisfactory context to personal cognitive beliefs, and thus knowledge sharing intention.

Findings

The results indicate that the user satisfactory context stimulated by continual KMS enhancement increases knowledge sharing intention through the mediation of personal cognition of self-efficacy and outcome expectancy.

Practical implications

The results have empirical implications for learning how to motivate developers’ patience and passion for follow-up improvements to meet user expectations empathically, which has been emphasized for service provision.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is its explanation of system adoption behavior, which combines the core of IS success with SCT, links user satisfaction to intention to use, and concerns behavior within a specific context.
How do students trust Wikipedia? An examination across genders
Authors: Huang Jun , Shi Si , Chen Yang , Chow Wing S.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to tend to further develop an understanding of information trustworthiness in the context of Wikipedia and examine the moderating effects of gender on the association between trustworthiness and intention to adopt Wikipedia information.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a four-dimensional framework of information trustworthiness, the authors began the research by identifying Wikipedia as an application of online information so as to construct a model and develop an instrument based on this trustworthiness framework.

Findings

The results confirm that information accuracy, stability, and validity are significantly related to users’ intentions to adopt information from Wikipedia, but objectivity is not. Meanwhile, moderating role for gender on some of these effects is confirmed. Academic and practical implications are discussed.

Originality/value

Previous research considers the open-editing characteristics of Wikipedia as both strength and weakness; it allows for wide coverage of the information contributed by various users, but can also lead to a lack of trustworthiness. It has also been suggested that trustworthiness is perceived differently by males and females. Understanding how gender plays a role in differentiating the impact of trustworthiness on user intentions to adopt Wikipedia information could benefit both academics and practitioners.
The impact of accreditation on healthcare quality improvement: a qualitative case study
Authors: Melo Sara
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Research on accreditation has mostly focused on assessing its impact using large scale quantitative studies, yet little is known on how quality is improved in practice through an accreditation process. Using a case study of an acute teaching hospital in Portugal, the purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics through which accreditation can lead to an improvement in the quality of healthcare services provided.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the case study was collected through 46 in-depth semi-structured interviews with 49 clinical and non-clinical members of staff. Data were analyzed using a framework thematic analysis.

Findings

Interviewees felt that hospital accreditation contributed to the improvement of healthcare quality in general, and more specifically to patient safety, as it fostered staff reflection, a higher standardization of practices, and a greater focus on quality improvement. However, findings also suggest that the positive impact of accreditation resulted from the approach the hospital adopted in its implementation as well as the fact that several of the procedures and practices required by accreditation were already in place at the hospital, albeit often in an informal way.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in only one hospital. The design of an accreditation implementation plan tailored to the hospital’s context can significantly contribute to positive outcomes in terms of quality and patient safety improvements.

Originality/value

This study provides a better understanding of how accreditation can contribute to healthcare quality improvement. It offers important lessons on the factors and processes that potentiate quality improvements through accreditation.
From boundaries to boundary work: middle managers creating inter-organizational change
Authors: Oldenhof Lieke , Stoopendaal Annemiek , Putters Kim
Published: December 2016

Purpose

In healthcare, organizational boundaries are often viewed as barriers to change. The purpose of this paper is to show how middle managers create inter-organizational change by doing boundary work: the dual act of redrawing boundaries and coordinating work in new ways.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically, the paper draws on the concept of boundary work from Science and Technology Studies. Empirically, the paper is based on an ethnographic investigation of middle managers that participate in a Dutch reform program across health, social care, and housing.

Findings

The findings show how middle managers create a sense of urgency for inter-organizational change by emphasizing “fragmented” service provision due to professional, sectoral, financial, and geographical boundaries. Rather than eradicating these boundaries, middle managers change the status quo gradually by redrawing composite boundaries. They use boundary objects and a boundary-transcending vocabulary emphasizing the need for societal gains that go beyond production targets of individual organizations. As a result, work is coordinated in new ways in neighborhood teams and professional expertise is being reconfigured.

Research limitations/implications

Since boundary workers create incremental change, it is necessary to follow their work for a longer period to assess whether boundary work contributes to paradigm change.

Practical implications

Organizations should pay attention to conditions for boundary work, such as legitimacy of boundary workers and the availability of boundary spaces that function as communities of practice.

Originality/value

By shifting the focus from boundaries to boundary work, this paper gives valuable insights into “how” boundaries are redrawn and embodied in objects and language.
Understanding healthcare innovation systems: the Stockholm region case
Authors: Larisch Lisa-Marie , Amer-Wåhlin Isis , Hidefjäll Patrik
Published: December 2016

Purpose

There is an increasing interest in understanding how innovation processes can address current challenges in healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the wider socio-economic context and conditions for such innovation processes in the Stockholm region, using the functional dynamics approach to innovation systems (ISs).

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on triangulation using data from 16 in-depth interviews, two workshops, and additional documents. Using the functional dynamics approach, critical structural and functional components of the healthcare IS were analyzed.

Findings

The analysis revealed several mechanisms blocking innovation processes such as fragmentation, lack of clear leadership, as well as insufficient involvement of patients and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, innovation is expected to occur linearly as a result of research. Restrictive rules for collaboration with industry, reimbursement, and procurement mechanisms limit entrepreneurial experimentation, commercialization, and spread of innovations.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the authors analyzed how certain functions of the functional dynamics approach to ISs related to each other. The authors grouped knowledge creation, resource mobilization, and legitimacy as they jointly constitute conditions for needs articulation and entrepreneurial experimentation. The economic effects of entrepreneurial experimentation and needs articulation are mainly determined by the stage of market formation and existence of positive externalities.

Social implications

Stronger user involvement; a joint innovation strategy for healthcare, academia, and industry; and institutional reform are necessary to remove blocking mechanisms that today prevent innovation from occurring.

Originality/value

This study is the first to provide an analysis of the system of innovation in healthcare using a functional dynamics approach, which has evolved as a tool for public policy making. A better understanding of ISs in general, and in healthcare in particular, may provide the basis for designing and evaluating innovation policy.
Stress among public middle managers dealing with reforms
Authors: Giauque David
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify social and organizational antecedents of stress. This paper also investigates whether attitudes toward organizational changes and reforms might explain stress perception (SP) and mediate the relationships between social and organizational job characteristics and SP.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach is used to identify the relationships between the research variables. The investigated population is composed of middle managers working in Swiss public hospitals (n=720), which are currently being confronted by major reforms.

Findings

The findings show that perceived social support (work relationships with and support from colleagues), as well as several job characteristics (autonomy in performing tasks, flexibility in the organization of working time, degree of conflict) are significantly related to SP. Moreover, positive attitudes toward change are negatively related to stress, and mediate the relationships between perceived social support as well as job characteristics and SP.

Practical implications

This paper sheds light on several job characteristics which could contribute to mitigating SP among middle managers. The findings could therefore guide HRM specialists in their efforts to create a favorable work environment so as to facilitate middle managers’ activities.

Originality/value

The innovation of this paper is grounded in the specific population the author investigate, as the empirical inquiry concerns middle managers working in public hospitals. Moreover, this research highlights the central role of job characteristics and attitudes toward change in explaining SP.
Can speed kill?
Authors: Cucinelli Doriana
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This study aims to analyze bank lending behavior before and during the most recent financial crisis. Banks are more willing to grant loans during economic expansion. However, this behavior can result in reduced portfolio asset quality. The analysis tries to facilitate understanding of whether this relationship is always true. A second aim of the study is to highlight whether the impact of credit risk on bank lending behavior during a financial crisis is greater for banks that grew faster during the pre-crisis period than for other banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a sample of banks in Italy, an example of a country undergoing a credit crunch without a lending bubble burst. The methodology is based on a panel regression and author uses different models to test his hypothesis: an ordinary least squares, a fixed effect, a least absolute regression and a Generalized Method of Momentum (GMM). This allows to mitigate some of the endogeneity problems.

Findings

The essay shows that effectively, most of the banks that grew faster during a pre-crisis period show a higher growth of non-performing loans and a greater reduction in lending activity during a financial crisis. However, 34 per cent of banks that grew faster during a pre-crisis period have a low growth of non-performing loans in the subsequent years. Finally, the results suggest that credit risk negatively affects bank lending behavior, but a higher impact relative to fast banks with respect to other banks cannot be emphasized.

Practical implications

Findings have some policy implications. First, given the adverse effect of the increase of non-performing loans (NPLs) on the bank’s lending activity and on the broad economy in general, there is merit to strengthen supervision to prevent a further increase and accumulation of NPLs in the bank’s credit portfolio. In addition, the supervisors could require that banks take always high credit standard when extend credit, both during positive economic cycle and during period of contraction. The using of higher credit standard could be helpful in the reduction of the pro-cyclicality of bank’s lending behavior and credit risk. Furthermore, the fact that high level of NPLs continues to impact on the bank’s lending activity and that this activity is very important for the economic recovery underlines that banks should clean-up their credit portfolios as soon as possible.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature in various ways. The study analyzes the cyclical effect of credit growth, i.e. banks increase their bank lending behavior during good times, which leads to an increase in bad loans and a high credit risk in their portfolio. These cyclical effects are not knowingly studied together, but the literature usually analyzes the single steps of the cycle. Second, studying listed and unlisted banks allows to have a more representative sample and to analyze better the real bank lending activity considering both commercial than cooperative banks.
Announced versus canceled bank mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Varmaz Armin , Laibner Jonas
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically analyze the success of European bank mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by an analysis of the shareholder value implications of stock market reactions to announced and canceled M&As in the period from 1999 to 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis of a sample of 467 announced and 54 canceled European bank M&As is conducted using event study methodology. The determinants of the shareholder value creations in M&A are observed in cross-sectional regressions. The likelihood of M&As being canceled is estimated in logit regressions.

Findings

The paper finds that European bank M&As have not been successful in terms of shareholder value creation for acquiring banks, whereas targets experienced significant value gains. Abnormal returns for bidders and targets exhibit the same characteristics upon the announcement of M&As that are canceled at a later date, whereas the results for transaction cancelations deviate. Targets experience negative abnormal returns at a larger size than upon the transaction announcement. The findings for bidders are striking, as they destroy shareholder value upon the transaction cancelation, also, consequently they suffer twice. In particular, banks with higher profitability, higher efficiency and lower liquidity experience negative abnormal returns around the announcement dates. Negative abnormal returns prior to the transaction announcement and provision for loan losses increase significantly the likelihood of M&A cancelation.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature expanding existing analyses to the shareholder value implications of canceled European bank M&As in a 17-year long time period. The findings reveal the destructive characteristics of canceled bank M&As and provide innovative insights into European capital market reaction to canceled M&As.