bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isostatic pressing assisted indirect selective laser sintering of alumina components
Authors: Deckers J. , Shahzad K. , Vleugels J. , Kruth J.P.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess a new powder metallurgy process to make alumina parts through indirect selective laser sintering (SLS). Density measurements, some geometrical assessments and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructural analyses are performed after each stage of the process, allowing an objective overview to be provided of the challenges and possibilities for the processing of high density technical ceramic parts through SLS of ball milled alumina/polyamide powder agglomerates.

Design/methodology/approach

The powder production by ball milling, SLS, cold isostatic pressing (CIP) or quasi isostatic pressing (QIP), debinding and sintering (FS) stages of the powder metallurgy process were sequentially investigated.

Findings

Alumina parts with a density up to 94.1 per cent could be produced by a powder metallurgy process containing an SLS step. Microstructural investigation of the sintered samples reveals an alumina matrix with a grain size of ∼5 μm and two different kinds of pore morphologies, i.e. long elongated pores, which stem from the intergranular spacings during SLS, and intermediate pores, which likely originate from larger polyamide agglomerates in the ball milled powder. Also, QIPing at elevated temperatures is found to be a promising alternative for CIPing at room temperature to increase the final part density.

Research limitations/implications

Cracks, long elongated pores and intermediate pores remained in the sintered parts. Homogenizing the microstructure of the parts through optimizing the composite starting powder, the deposition during SLS, the SLS parameters and QIPing parameters is essential to overcome these limitations.

Practical implications

Homogenizing the starting powder mixture and the microstructure of the SLS material is the key issue for producing ceramic parts through indirect SLS.

Originality/value

Indirect SLS of ceramics has hardly been reported and the combined use of SLS and QIPing is innovative in the field of indirect SLS of ceramics.
Amazon.com's Orwellian nightmare: exploring apology in an online environment
Authors: Timothy Coombs W. , Holladay Sherry J.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to understanding of crisis communication application and theory by analyzing online reactions of discussion board participants to assess the effectiveness of an apology issued online.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a content analysis of naturally‐occurring online reactions to an apology issued as a crisis response strategy. The Janis‐Fadner Coefficient of Imbalance was used to quantify the magnitude of negative and positive reactions to the apology.

Findings

Most posts indicated acceptance of the apology and positive purchase intentions, thus confirming its effectiveness in managing the crisis as prescribed in Situational Crisis Communication Theory. Analysis of rejection reactions provided insights into additional actions crisis managers might take in this situation and how organisations might make their crisis communication more interactive in an online environment.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by the focus on people responding to the apology online. It does show the potential value of online responses as a data source for crisis communication research.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates the utility of the research method for future studies designed to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of crisis communication strategies. Real time monitoring may signal if the response strategy is effective and, if not, reveal stakeholder concerns that should be addressed in follow‐up responses.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight into how online comments can be used to evaluate reactions to apologies used in a crisis. The method can be helpful when crisis managers have access to online reactions to their crisis communication.
The “greening” of the annual letters published by Exxon, Chevron and BP between 2003 and 2009
Authors: Domenec Fanny
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the “green communication” of Exxon, Chevron and BP with a view to studying how they assert environmental values.

Design/methodology/approach

From a linguist's perspective, the paper examines how the climate change controversy has influenced corporate discourse in the annual letters to the stockholders and to the stakeholders published between 2003 and 2009. A modular approach was used to analyse three main aspects of organisational green communication: the references to environmental issues, the CEOs’ rhetorical strategies and their lexical choices.

Findings

The analysis has evidenced a gradual shift in annual letters towards a “re‐creation of meaning”: while environmental values were deemed a potential threat for company performance, they have become fully‐fledged valorisation tools. The annual letters are aimed to communicate a positive image of the companies, stressing a responsible and proactive behaviour regarding environmental issues.

Research limitations/implications

As the analysis is based on a period of six years and restricted to three companies, the findings need to be checked against a broader sample of risk companies over a longer period of time. In order to assess the efficiency of corporate communication, researchers are encouraged to survey various stakeholder groups and analyse their reactions to the letters.

Originality/value

This paper argues that though financial indicators still play an eminent role in corporate reporting, green communication should not be overlooked by corporate communication managers, as discourse analysis evidences the role of efficient language and rhetoric in bolstering corporate performance.
Managing political crisis: an interactional approach to “image repair”
Authors: Eriksson Göran , Eriksson Mats
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the image repair theory by focusing on the largely ignored context of the face‐to‐face communication. The paper offers an exploratory study of how image repair work is carried out in interviews with politicians in the context of press conferences.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines theoretical reflections with two qualitative case studies of press conferences of Swedish politicians. These press conferences were held to manage the challenge posed to the politicians’ public image by the media criticism. The analytical frame employed in this study is Conversation Analysis (CA).

Findings

The way journalists act during interviews and how they pose questions have noticeable consequences for the accused actor's image repair work. Image repair strategies like “apologizing” and “mortification” during the speech section of a press conference tend to be more effective as they give the accused greater opportunities to take control of the interaction.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the exploratory nature of this interactional approach and the fact that the analysis involves only two cases, the findings must be seen as provisional.

Practical implications

The knowledge of how journalists construct a question is of high relevance for crisis communication and image repair work, and therefore of high value of public relations practitioners.

Originality/value

The interactional approach to image repair offers a new theoretical frame for the understanding of crisis management in interview situations. The approach especially highlights the importance of journalists’ questions in image repair work.
The need for all services to be psychologically informed
Authors: Walton Keith , Walton Ian
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments (PIEs) in services for homeless people.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment, based on the specialist experience and viewpoint of the authors in education on mental health issues in primary care.

Findings

The new operational guidance is welcomed, with some provisos. Psychologically informed environments are needed not just in homelessness resettlement, but in all areas where services are commissioned; and all commissioned services should take particular care to collect suitable data on the outcomes they aim for and intend to achieve.

Originality/value

There is a great opportunity with GP commissioning to commission services that are psychologically informed and holistic, although it may be hard to ensure services remain user‐focused and not disjointed if split up for tendering. Public health leadership on the new Health and Wellbeing Boards will be crucial to integrate services so the new system will not make things worse. Given the need, hopefully a similar drive for PIEs everywhere – the criminal justice system, care homes and community wellbeing – will follow.
Psychologically informed services: a counsellor's response
Authors: Conolly John
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments (PIEs) in services for homeless people.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the specialist experience and viewpoint of the author as lead counsellor in an inner‐city homelessness service.

Findings

The new operational guidance is welcomed as it describes the author's experience of working with individuals with complex needs. Nevertheless, the author is concerned that this development should be seen and presented as supporting staff, rather than as indicating their failings.

Originality/value

Fundamental to the successful implementation of PIEs will be the adoption of the concept by management teams, as it may require changes to current service policies and training of staff at all levels in an organisation.
Process improvement: the case of a drugs manufacturing company
Authors: Nwabueze Uche
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Based on a case study of a drugs manufacturing plant in the UK, the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how best to improve manufacturing processes using a hybrid model of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Business Process Reengineering (BPR). Insights are provided to a phased implementation of TQM at the strategic, organisational, and process levels of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The case method was utilized to demonstrate the implementation of a theoretical concept.

Findings

Managers naively agree that process improvement failures may be due to the absence of executive‐level commitment and poor execution; however, it is evident from the paper's findings that the poor performance of process‐related techniques is based on the fact that they are often applied organisationally rather taking an operations, strategy and people focused, approach, which would require the interdependence that must exist between strategy and people, people and strategy; and strategy and operations.

Practical implications

The paper, based on extensive research and consultancy work, suggests that the most effective mechanics for enhanced and sustainable improvement of manufacturing processes is through the so‐called old, redundant technique – a hybrid of BPR and TQM. Evidence from practice and academic research demonstrates that the high failure rate of improvement programmes based on BPR, TQM, Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and more recently, Six Sigma, is because each of these models is not a stand alone operational tool, and thus a hybrid model, which encompasses two or more is usually the best approach to bring about dramatic improvement in operational quality, speed, cost and service and product reliability.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the high failure rate of improvement programs can be overcome through using a combination of models.
Integration of value stream mapping and agent‐based modeling for OR improvement
Authors: Xie Yikun , Peng Qingjin
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the research for improvement of the operating room in a hospital, to reduce patient waiting time and increase the resource utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

Value stream mapping (VSM) is used to represent the entire operating room (OR) process and patient flow to identify problems. Agent‐based simulation (ABS) is applied to model human behaviors in the OR operation. Agents perform human factors in the simulation model with autonomous and interactive functions actively.

Findings

The research outcomes prove the effectiveness of integrated VSM and ABS to improve decision making in human‐centred healthcare environments.

Research limitations/implications

Because the state is dynamically changed, the task priority needs to be updated dynamically. The nurse schedule to transport patients between different units is to be detailed.

Practical implications

Long waiting lists in hospitals lead to patient dissatisfaction and care quality reduction. It is crucial to identify inefficiency and to improve the healthcare delivery effectively.

Originality/value

The paper shows how VSM and ABS are integrated in the modeling for the dynamic OR planning. It improves the simulation modeling of healthcare delivery.
A framework for the alignment of business model and business processes
Authors: Solaimani Sam , Bouwman Harry
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The creation of a service is enabled by a “strategic‐level” business model (BM), while the implementation or execution of the service is described by “operational‐level” business processes (BPs). In many innovation projects, especially trans‐sector projects, a lack of alignment between the strategic “what to do” and the operational “how to do it” is often a severe obstacle undermining BM viability and feasibility. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework that identifies the generic horizontal and vertical inter‐organizational and intra‐organizational interaction components to bridge BM with underlying BPs, with the aim of improving the alignment between the two levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper identifies a theoretical gap between strategic BM and operational BPs. Building on existing literature the authors synthesize various theoretical concepts to create a generic framework to analyze the theoretical gap.

Findings

The proposed conceptual framework is useful in innovation projects, especially in complex scaled‐up trans‐sector innovation projects, where numerous BPs stemming from multiple actors from diverse industries should support a collective BM. This framework can be used as an analytical basis for further research into BM/BP alignment.

Practical implications

There are many BM theories and concepts, and BP ontologies available. The proposed alignment framework can be used to bridge the gap between the BM theories and concepts such as BMO Canvas and BP tools and ontology's (e.g. ARIS, ArchiMate or BPMN).

Originality/value

Through a novel integration of a number of relevant theoretical concepts, a generic conceptual BM/BPs alignment framework is proposed and the practical implications and applications of the proposed framework are presented.
Towards a critical societal knowledge management
Authors: Käpylä Jonna
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to tackle the problem of societal knowledge management from the perspective of critical management research. The focus is on national intellectual capital analysis as part of societal knowledge management. First, the aim is to identify the dominant discourse that governs the discussion around national intellectual capital and its measurement. Second, the aim is to explore the prospects for an alternative conceptualisation and to propose a heuristic tool through which it is possible to approach national intellectual capital and its measurement in a critical, informed and analytic way.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes a critical standpoint and leans loosely on the methodology of critical discourse analysis by Norman Fairclough.

Findings

The paper argues for the emancipation of national intellectual capital from the orthodoxy that relates it to economic growth, quantitative measurement, objectivity and universality towards a discourse that regards the value of national intellectual capital and its analysis more broadly, recognising the contextual and subjective nature of national intellectual capital.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual analysis provides a basis for further empirical assessment of national intellectual capital.

Societal implications

The paper offers a critical conceptual lens through which to approach societal knowledge management. The constructed heuristic tool for analysing national intellectual capital can serve as a basis for strategic knowledge‐based development.

Originality/value

The paper offers a critical reflection of intellectual capital on the national/societal level and a starting point for critical societal knowledge management.
A methodology to assess value creation in communities of innovation
Authors: Grimaldi Michele , Cricelli Livio , Rogo Francesco
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to assess the capacity of communities of innovation (CoI) to improve the value creation process. The methodology consists of a sequence of successive steps, which aim at identifying the characteristics, the influence, and the relationships between the intellectual capital (IC) elements, and finally evaluating their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology has been defined through the joined activity of academic researchers, experienced consultants, and community managers and is grounded on an interview‐based approach. The methodology has been implemented into the CoI of Finmeccanica, the Italian leading company in the industry of high technology for aerospace, defence and security.

Findings

The methodology has been shown to be suitable in singling out the factual contribution of every IC element and its direct and indirect influence on the economic performance of the CoI.

Originality/value

The implementation of the methodology into the CoI of Finmeccanica has encouraged the development of a more distributed leadership which has supported the dissemination of new knowledge. The building of a sort of “knowledge marketplace” has aimed to foster a systemic open innovation by exchanging continuous learning activities from inside and outside the organization and attracting excellence into the network of CoIs.
Exploring the policy relevance of national intellectual capital information
Authors: Salonius Henna , Lönnqvist Antti
Published: July 2012

Purpose

National intellectual capital (IC) measurement models produced by academics provide potentially valuable information for policy making. However, there is a lack of research explaining how policy makers actually deal with issues related to national IC. The purpose of this paper is to examine the phenomenon of national IC from the perspective of policy makers. The aim is to understand how they perceive the concept of national IC and how it manifests in the actual work processes they perform.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data comprise interviews from eight ministry officials representing six ministries in Finland. These ministries are expected to be the main potential users of national IC information.

Findings

The findings show that the policy makers are not familiar with the concept of national IC. However, the elements of national IC (e.g. competence level, national brand) are easily identified and highly valued. The information the policy makers have on the different elements of national IC is obtained from various sources and there is no specific national IC measurement model in use.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study contribute to the research stream of measuring national IC by taking into account the information users’ perspective. This could help researchers in the further development and implementation of the models.

Originality/value

There appears to be a significant disconnection between the academics producing novel solutions to measure national IC and the practitioners dealing with national IC‐related development initiatives. This paper produces new knowledge for bridging that gap.
Intellectual capital information and stock recommendations: impression management?
Authors: Abhayawansa Subhash , Guthrie James
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate what and how intellectual capital information (ICI) conveyed through analyst reports varies by the type of stock recommendation. It draws on the theory of impression management.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis is used to investigate ICI in the full text of sell‐side analysts’ initiating coverage reports. It categorises ICI by type and three qualitative characteristics: evidence; time orientation; and news‐tenor. It explores how the extent, types and qualitative characteristics of ICI found in analyst reports vary by the type of stock recommendation accompanying the analyst report.

Findings

Given the conflicting interests facing analysts and relative amenability of ICI, it was found that analysts use ICI to manage perceptions. In particular, analysts attempt to use ICI in their reports to subdue the pessimism associated with an unfavourable recommendation, increase credibility of favourable recommendations and distinguish sell from hold recommendations.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to the literature on impression management by extending its application to the study of sell‐side analysts’ decision processes and it alerts future researchers to the wider role played by ICI beyond its use in generation of forecasts and valuations. The paper's findings have implications for consumers of analyst reports, as the level of negativity/positivity of forecasts and recommendations may be altered as a result of the semantics associated with ICI.

Originality/value

This paper explores analysts’ use of ICI conditional on the type of stock recommendation accompanying the report. Findings are explained using the theory of impression management.
Dynamics of Chinese emerging multinationals in cross‐border mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Ng Artie W. , Chatzkel Jay , Lau K.F. , Macbeth Douglas
Published: July 2012

Purpose

China's emerging multinationals (CEMs) have gained attention for their increasing activities in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) within the global arena. Harnessing previous studies about the significance of their cultural baggage and an underlying strategic intent in reverse technology transfer through cross‐border M&As, the purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics of CEMs in their process of cross‐border M&As through the perspectives of intellectual capital.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on an interdisciplinary literature review, a theoretical framework is devised to exemplify such dynamics within a CEM during the course of reverse technology transfer and swift transformation into a global enterprise for technological innovation through M&As. A longitudinal case study is adopted to examine how two technology‐based CEMs continue to modify and reconfigure their respective committed intellectual capital resources while undergoing cross‐border M&A transactions.

Findings

The study suggests the relevance of a conceptual framework and unveils a causal development of dynamic capabilities that is evidenced by resource reconfiguration and post‐merger performance. It further reveals a reinforced dynamic capability development process that would enhance reverse technology transfer for domestic rather than overseas market development while pursuing equilibrium of knowledge.

Originality/value

This is an original paper that explores the cultural dynamics of CEMs and what influences their intellectual capital development during their cross‐border M&As. This paper articulates that CEMs need to create their own unique intellectual capital that contributes constructively to their international operations throughout their post‐merger integrations.
Antecedents and outcomes of human resource information system (HRIS) use
Authors: Normalini  , Ramayah T. , Kurnia Sherah
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test some antecedents and outcomes of human resource information system (HRIS) use in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model based on a questionnaire gleaned from the literature was used to collect data through a purposive sampling technique, whereby only those companies in Penang, Malaysia which are using HRIS were targeted. The data collected were analyzed using structural equation modelling technique with the use of partial least squares approach.

Findings

Results show that four out of the five antecedents are significant predictors of extent of use and that extent of use is significantly related to all five outcome variables. This paper provides further evidence on the appropriateness of using Roger's innovation attributes to measure different dimensions of attitude towards extent of HRIS use and Remenyi's and Zuboff's IT framework to measure the outcomes from the extent of HRIS use.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study cannot be generalized to all other individuals as the respondents are confined to HR professional employees in local services companies and multinational companies. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized to individuals working in other industries. Second, the study's is carried out using a particular type of technological innovation, which is the HRIS system in this case. As such, the research needs to be replicated to examine the robustness of the findings across a wider range of technologies solution and samples.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that information technology (IT) appears to serve as an empowering function for HR professionals, providing a medium in which HR professionals can provide increased value in their work. The paper will help organizations in the implementation or deployment of new information technology products, systems or processes. Organization can now ensure a smoother implementation plan by addressing the attributes of the innovation that will most likely concern its employees.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the existing literature of HRIS antecedents and outcomes in a developing country setting. Although there has been some research on the same issue, the number is very small in comparison to the literature appearing from the developed countries.
Market orientation, learning orientation, and the performance of nonprofit organisations (NPOs)
Authors: Abdulai Mahmoud Mohammed , Yusif Baba
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Nonprofit organisations (NPOs) are challenged with continuous change, which provides the impetus for adopting organisational change models. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the adoption of market and learning orientations on NPO performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on extant management literature to theorise the interrelationship between market orientation, learning orientation, and economic and non‐economic NPO performance. Using a survey design, the authors draw a convenience sample of 118 NPOs in Ghana to test their theoretisation.

Findings

Evidence is found that although the relationship between market orientation and NPO performance is significant (on both economic and non‐economic indicators), what best accounts for enhanced performance is learning orientation. Additionally, non‐economic performance mediates the relationship between learning orientation and economic performance.

Research limitations/implications

Replicating the study with larger samples, using objective performance data, and applying more rigorous approach to data analysis, among other things, could significantly improve the generalisability of the results.

Practical implications

NPO managers are reminded that non‐economic performance (e.g. service or program effectiveness) represents part of the underlying mechanism through which the financial assurances of market and learning orientations can be exploited.

Originality/value

The paper builds on the market orientation literature by theorising and demonstrating empirically a route through which market orientation is related to the firm's financial performance.
Forecasting project performance considering the influence of leadership style on organizational agility
Authors: Aurélio de Oliveira Marco , Veriano Oliveira Dalla Valentina Luiz , Possamai Osmar
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of leadership style and factors associated with organization agility on project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a case study carried out at a leading corporation driven towards innovation projects. Literature on this subject seems to be mainly focused on the contribution of processes and strategies that lead to agility, and few cases report the influence of people and leadership style on this factor. Upon analysis, a proposed characterization of the relationship between leadership, agility and project performance is presented. A Bayesian Network (BN) model is employed as a modeling tool, enabling both inferences and sensitivity analysis and also visualization and quantification of the propagation of effects between variables.

Findings

The main result of this study is the characterization of under which combination of leadership style, agility and organizational factors the highest project performance can be achieved.

Originality/value

The paper helps clear up the mistaken view that high agility only takes place when all constituent factors display maximum values. The leadership style and people contribution to agility is clearly addressed. This kind of approach is original and helps to answer the question found in the literature of how much agility is needed, through the identification of the individual contributions of each of the system variables. The view offered by the model discussed in this paper enables understanding and visualizing how this takes place, thus allowing for gearing more focused and effective actions towards the key variables.
Logics of local actors and global agents: divergent values, divergent world views
Authors: Molz Rick , Ratiu Catalin
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to develop a theoretical explanation of conflicts and incompatible interpretations of events between agents of multinational corporations (MNCs) and actors present in certain host countries. It aims to situate the argument in comparative economic systems as a part of a broader social system. The socio‐economic system can be modeled using institutional theory, particularly using Scott's three pillars and the concept of formal and informal institutions. Within different socio‐economic systems a dominant logic is developed, and this becomes internalized among actors and agents as behavioral scripts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a multi‐level and multi‐disciplinary conceptual analysis, developing a model of dominant logic and behavioral scripts with MNC agents and traditional emerging economy actors.

Findings

MNC agents and traditional emerging economy actors have difficulty comprehending the logic of the other, creating a fertile context for conflict.

Research limitations/implications

An ideal type template is developed that can be used for empirical investigations focusing on situations where disagreement and conflict occur when MNCs operate in traditional emerging economies.

Practical implications

By integrating the authors' conceptualization into training for expatriate managers, the potential for conflict can be reduced.

Originality/value

This multi‐level and multi‐disciplinary model allows grounded development of understanding of conflicts or potential conflicts in the MNC agent‐traditional emerging economy actor context.
The emerging market hype – putting market size and growth in BRIC countries into perspective
Authors: Heinz David B. , Tomenendal Matthias
Published: July 2012

Purpose

There is a stream of literature highlighting the enormous growth potential of emerging markets. This literature forms the basis for strategic investment decisions made by multinational corporations (MNCs). Seeking to question the findings of this literature, this paper aims to undertake a comparison of the BRIC countries with that of Germany as a representative mature market to put into perspective the short to medium‐term market potential of BRIC markets.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the geographical investment priorities of 25 DAX multinationals operating in the real economy and a statistical comparison of market size and growth between BRIC countries and Germany are undertaken.

Findings

While the majority of the DAX companies examined focused their strategic investment priorities on emerging markets, the short‐ to mid‐term revenue potential of the BRIC countries – currently the most important emerging markets – are expected to be lower in absolute terms than those for mature markets such as Germany. This holds true on several levels of granularity, such as GPD per capita, size and growth of high‐income market segments.

Research limitations/implications

The considerable “hype” surrounding focusing investment on emerging markets needs closer scrutiny. Further research is required to subject the reasons behind the strategic investments of MNCs in BRIC countries to more detailed analysis. This encompasses, for example, a closer consideration of the extent to which messages from the company reports might not reflect true strategic priorities but rather represent a means of public relations or tactical ploys. Next, the impact of real long‐term expectations and potential bandwagon effects require further study. Finally, a comprehensive theoretical model placing emerging market growth into a broader perspective has yet to be developed.

Practical implications

Decision makers in business, government and NGOs should not be misled by the “hype” surrounding emerging markets. In many industries, BRIC countries do and will provide smaller markets when compared to mature markets like Germany.

Originality/value

Direct comparison of market growth in the BRIC countries and that in Germany reveals greater short‐ to medium‐term absolute growth potential in Germany, a fact often ignored by current literature on international growth strategies and not reflected in the growth priorities published by German DAX companies.
Perceptions of information system success in the public sector
Authors: Sørum Hanne , Medaglia Rony , Normann Andersen Kim , Scott Murray , DeLone William
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between constructs of information system (IS) success in the public sector, as perceived by webmaster intermediaries, and investigate how user testing affects these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Online surveys were conducted, using questionnaires, with webmasters in Denmark and Norway who participated in the public sector web award contests organized by the government (n=1,237, n=541; response rate 44 per cent).

Findings

It was found that the frequency with which webmasters carry out user testing affects their perceptions of IS success, with those who conduct no user testing displaying the weakest associations among success variables. Findings also suggest that webmasters who do little or no user testing conveniently assume that citizen users are satisfied, while webmasters who are more knowledgeable of the user experience have a greater perception of levels of success.

Practical implications

The fact that the majority of webmasters do not perform any type of user testing triggers a reflection on the need for such important intermediaries to enhance their feedback channels. User involvement in assessing IS success cannot be overlooked, especially considering that user empowerment in the design, implementation, and evaluation of information systems matches a window of opportunity originating in the ongoing growth of web interactivity.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the few that investigates constructs of IS success in the public sector, and arguably the first one that focuses on the impacts of user testing on the relationships between constructs of IS success in a public setting.
Evaluating the impact of alternative socially innovative public sector service initiatives on social cohesion (ALLIANCE)
Authors: El‐Haddadeh Ramzi , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: July 2012

Purpose

For many years, proponents of new public management (NPM) have been presenting it as a formula for improving the public sector through making the public sector more businesslike. However, reforms based on NPM have failed to prove that they deliver more efficient, effective and quality services for citizens. The purpose of this paper is to describe to evaluate the effect that alternative socially innovative service initiatives have in facilitating social cohesion.

Design/methodology/approach

The ALLIANCE project is designed to be conducted in two main phases. Phase one concentrates on conceptualising the concept (social cohesion and new public management) and ends with a quantitative empirical survey to comparatively measure key performance indicators for pre and post NPM initiatives. Phase two, on the other hand, is focused on identifying and simulating alternative scenarios for service delivery and qualitatively evaluating them.

Findings

This research note demonstrates the need for an empirical investigation to measure the impact of pre and post NPM initiatives on improving social cohesion.

Originality/value

Using the principles of social entrepreneurs, ALLIANCE will help to establish a better understanding of alternative socially innovative service initiatives to instil social cohesion within the diverse European societies. In this respect, ALLIANCE will facilitate the development of a key performance indicator matrix for measuring social cohesion; and improve stakeholder participation in defining and shaping alternative socially innovative service initiatives for the public sector.
Pressure to perform: a content analysis of critical considerations in health coalition development
Authors: Muenchberger Heidi , Kendall Elizabeth , Rushton Carole
Published: July 2012

Purpose

There is evidence that many promising coalitions fail to thrive, languishing for indefinite periods and/or collapsing before achieving their goals. The purpose of the current study is to conduct a qualitative investigation of a local coalition established to build a healthy community.

Design/methodology/approach

Text analysis and thematic coding of coalition interviews over two separate time points provided first hand insights into the experiences of coalitions as they develop and begin to implement change.

Findings

Two overarching processes defined each phase, namely: establishing potential (development phase) and fulfilling purpose (implementation phase). At the development phase, critical considerations related to the themes of “The Local Context”, “Processes” and “Time”, whereas at the implementation phase, critical considerations were focused on “Programs”, “Information” and “Funding”. The data clearly supported a shift in attention among coalition members that could be used in a preventative manner by coalition managers.

Originality/value

Left unattended, these critical considerations may contribute to coalition under‐performance by compromising the functional integrity of the members and the entity as a whole. The processes identified in this paper offer a way of conceptualising what topics are critical to coalition members at different phases of the coalition life cycle.
National health policy, the need of the hour: an analysis in Indian perspective
Authors: Subhashini R.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The national health policy should strive towards achieving the concept of “healthcare for all” conceptualized by the World Health Organization (WHO) through health insurance scheme. The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the various gaps affecting the health care systems and to evolve strategic issues in health care in India through an exploratory survey.

Design/methodology/approach

The main thrust is to analyze the problems of India's health care system and review of related literature, to identify the areas in the field of healthcare and health insurance which are unexplored or need to be tapped. This evaluation would give ample data to reinforce these areas and would lead us ultimately to the pre‐set target of WHO.

Findings

India's march to prosperity faces a serious risk of slowing down due to the main reason – lack of proper access to health care due to the absence of a well laid out public policy. Therefore, the key stakeholders of the health insurance industry jointly need to build a robust health insurance system and help to bridge the gap that exists in reaching quality healthcare in India. A review of the health policy for modifications and to implement it successfully through health insurance without road blocks is called for.

Practical implications

The results of this study, it is hoped, will outline equity in health care, which matters to every Indian citizen and how it can be achieved in India.

Originality/value

This paper suggests the adoption of an approach of management science called the gaps model of service quality in dealing with India's healthcare system problems, a new indicator aimed at assessment of the deficit in access to health services through a structured integrated way. The strategy takes account of the significant gaps identified to suggest new pragmatic methods to close the gaps.
The quarter century record on housing affordability, affordability drivers, and government policy responses in Australia
Authors: Worthington Andrew C.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the record on housing affordability in Australia over the period 1985 to 2010, conceptually link this with the purported demand and supply drivers given in the literature, and comment on government policy responses. The paper also provides a suggested framework for future research on housing affordability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs descriptive analysis of measures of affordability using commercial and other information. In addition, the paper undertakes analysis of the affordability drivers and government responses using recent governmental inquiries and other research into housing affordability.

Findings

Housing affordability in Australia has worsened significantly in the past quarter century, including in both urban and regional areas, and is now among the world's most unaffordable. The main contributor at the national level has been the escalation of housing prices because of continuing strong demand arising from strong economic and population growth, the availability of cheaper and more accessible finance, and tax and other incentives for home and investor housing ownership. An additional contributor is unresponsive housing supply resulting from an extensive governmental role in land release and zoning, infrastructure charges, and building and environmental regulation.

Research limitations/implications

As an analytical paper, the central aim is to summarise the findings and conclusions of other work and provide a suggested framework for future research. Accordingly, no attempt made to model directly the relationship between housing affordability, its demand and supply drivers and government policy responses.

Practical implications

There is a need to reassess government policy at all levels as it relates to population, economic, urban, and environmental planning and government regulation and taxation and housing affordability. Need for future empirical work to quantify the causes and consequences of housing affordability.

Originality/value

This study provides a complete account of housing affordability and policy and the literature on housing affordability in Australia over the past 25 years.
Aligning business owners for a successful downtown brand
Authors: Sang Ryu Jay , Swinney Jane
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Although place branding has been practiced for many years, limited studies have examined its impacts on economic performance from business owners' perspectives. The purpose of this study is to explore the causal relationships between the internal branding of business owners and the external perception of downtown and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 167 downtown business owners of small communities in a Midwestern state in the USA. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate reliability and validity of the measurement model, and structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses and research model.

Findings

The findings suggest that internal communication about downtown branding increased business owners' downtown brand congruence (internal branding) and in turn downtown commitment. Positive links from business owners' downtown commitment to their perception of downtown performance and individual business performance were also identified.

Practical implications

This study expands the scope of place branding with the perspectives of small communities' business owners. The findings suggest that “branding the downtown” may be an effective strategy to revitalize their downtown. Internal communication about downtown branding could encourage business owners to be integral parts of this strategy.

Originality/value

This study is unique in investigating place branding and internal branding quantitatively from the context of the business owner operating in the downtown.
Greenhouse gas emission practices and financial performance
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Prado‐Lorenzo José‐Manuel
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The ambiguous effect of sustainable business practices on business financial performance is explained empirically as the result of the disparity of the practices analyzed, the inadequate relation proposed and the misspecification of the moderating variables. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect that each of these factors can have as justification for the divergence of outcomes in previous studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Several dependence models have been estimated in order to observe the type of effect of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) practices on FP, attempting to establish whether this relationship is linear, positive or negative, or a curve. Additionally, the authors interacted these GHGE practices with the level of firms' innovation in relation to their competitors.

Findings

The results show that greenhouse gas emission controls have an inverse‐linear effect on firm performance, independently of their level of innovation. This relationship is justified in that in contrast to previous articles, the authors have evidence of a null relationship between particular corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and research and development expenses.

Originality/value

It is shown that it is the type of CSR practice observed and the business motives underlying it that is the determining factor of these divergences.