bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration of men's brand relationships
Authors: Tuncay Zayer Linda , Neier Stacy
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the applicability of the consumer‐brand typology developed by Fournier to a segment of heterosexual male shoppers of fashion and grooming products.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews, collage constructions, and shopping trip observations are the three methods of inquiry in this research.

Findings

A total of 13 of the 15 brand relationships detailed by Fournier are affirmed. Three new relationships emerge in the data demonstrating the fluidity of the typology across market segments and sociocultural contexts.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings provide implications for other consumption contexts which aid in identity construction. In addition, some of the new relationships that emerge from the text may be prevalent among other segments of men, and/or women.

Practical implications

Managers must be cognizant of the variety of brand relationships that men form with regard to fashion and grooming in order to effectively appeal to this growing market. The new relationships identified exhibit the goal‐driven nature of men's engagement with brands. The prevalence of secretive and adversarial relationships also demonstrates that marketers and retailers must be mindful of men's boundaries of consumption.

Originality/value

Fournier highlights the importance of context to brand relationships. However, little research has investigated the relevance of the original typology across contexts and across segments. This research explores a particular sociocultural consumption context and discovers new relationship forms not previously identified among a segment of male shoppers.
Applying the nominal group technique to specify the domain of a construct
Authors: Lloyd Stephen
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide research insights into stakeholder specifications of the domain of the corporate reputation (CR) construct thereby obtaining greater content validity of scale items.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple research technique is identified (the nominal group techniques (NGT) which, when used in the context of a formal procedure, addresses content validity issues.

Findings

The study confirms the value of NGT in providing content validity through stakeholder (rater) involvement in construct definition and domain specification.

Research limitations/implications

The stakeholder makes a vital contribution to construct definition and to scale item development.

Originality/value

The development of a method based on what is in the minds of stakeholders and which has relevance at the level of meaning as well as explanation. Stakeholders have not so far been involved directly in CR scale item development.
Remodelling the corporate visual identity construct
Authors: Bartholmé Roland H. , Melewar T. C.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Despite a well‐established corporate identity construct there is still ambiguity and disorientation regarding the corporate visual identity construct. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the inconsistent use of terminologies such as “symbolism” and “corporate design” as well as pointing towards an insufficient conceptualisation of the corporate identity and visual identity construct vis‐à‐vis other sensory dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of existing categorisations and conceptualisations of the corporate identity and visual identity construct is provided.

Findings

The paper presents a remodelled corporate visual identity construct that takes a holistic sensory perspective and proposes the corporate sensory identity construct as a more adequate and flexible reflection of current business reality.

Practical implications

The paper offers fundamental guidance for managers regarding the integrated and holistic utilisation of a set of sensory communication activities as part of their corporate identity management.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the further understanding of the complexity of corporate identity management by addressing additional sensory dimensions apart from visual identity management. Moreover, by stressing the particular relevance of music and sound, this paper stimulates the integration of the auditory dimension as additional facet of a communication tool kit.
Naming an organisation: a (socio)linguistic perspective
Authors: Fox Renata
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for the usefulness of the sociolinguistic perspective and sociolinguistic theories for knowledge production in corporate naming research.

Design/methodology/approach

Companies' naming practices have been researched from various aspects, mainly within the disciplinary frame of organisational studies, and with a focus on corporate branding. Because a company name is a sociolinguistic representation, and corporate naming a sociolinguistic process, it is logical to assume that corporate naming research can benefit significantly by embracing a sociolinguistic perspective.

Findings

The paper explains how (socio)linguistics can help organisational scholars to view corporate naming practices as interacting with cognition, society and social knowledge, and as a product of defined social circumstances. Once perceived as accredited within organisational studies, (socio)linguistics, the paper suggests, will become an integral part of theorising both organisational discourse and corporate naming as a part of that discourse.

Practical implications

An increased transdisciplinarity of the research into corporate naming practices will definitely contribute to the marketability and commercial value of the knowledge thus produced.

Originality/value

Advocating a dialogue between corporate naming research and (socio)linguistics, this paper constitutes yet another step towards overcoming limitations the disciplinary frame of organisational studies imposes upon research into discourse‐related issues within an organisation.
A sequential triggering technique in cascaded current source for low power 12‐b D/A converter
Authors: Cui Zhi‐Yuan , Choi Ho‐Yong , Cho Tae‐Won , Kim Nam‐Soo
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a low power digital‐to‐analog converter (DAC) by using a sequential triggering technique in cascaded current source.

Design/methodology/approach

The block of current cell consists of current switch and source. A sequential switching on process is implemented with the current triggering technique in source. An experiment of 12‐b 150‐MS/s DAC has been integrated in a single‐poly four‐metal 0.35 μm CMOS process.

Findings

Compared with conventional cell array in 12‐b 150‐MS/s DAC, the proposed cell array shows that more than 30 percent of power consumption is reduced in full digital bit operation with allowable linearity error of 0.4 LSB.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new operation method of cell array in a current‐steering digital‐to‐analog converter (DAC) to reduce the power consumption significantly.
Study of electrical characteristics of ZnO Schottky photodiode on Si substrate
Authors: Chuah L.S. , Hassan Z. , Tneh S.S. , Teo S.G.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the n‐ZnO/p‐Si Schottky photodiodes.

Design/methodology/approach

A Zn film was deposited on silicon substrate by dc sputtering deposition technology from high purity zinc (Zn) targets. Then, the Zn films were then annealed under flowing oxygen (O2) gas environment in the furnace. ZnO nanorods morphologies have been successfully prepared through a simple method. No catalyst is required.

Findings

The structures and morphologies of the products were characterized in detail by using X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). According to experimental results, the current‐voltage characteristics of the device show the typical rectifying behaviour of Schottky diodes. The UV photocurrent measurement was performed using an UV lamp under a reverse bias.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that the n‐ZnO/p‐Si diodes exhibit strong rectifying conduct described by the current‐voltage (I‐V) measurement under a dark and illumination conditions.
Evaluation of the electrical properties under extreme stress in photovoltaic solar modules
Authors: Sidawi J. , Abboud N. , Jelian G. , Habchi R. , Salame C.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effect of electric reverse stress currents on the performance of photovoltaic solar modules.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of a reverse introduced current as a function of time is studied on the I‐V and C‐V characteristics and parameters which were extracted and analyzed using numerical analysis based on a reliable double exponential model.

Findings

The effect of an introduced reverse current for different periods simulated the effect of accumulated extreme reverse currents which may arise in solar cells and modules due to different reasons, causing dramatic changes in the shunt resistance as well as other characteristics, mainly when the time of the current application exceeded a certain limit.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the research on the damaging effects of reverse currents on the normal operation of the solar cells and modules.
Temperature cycling analysis for ball grid array package using finite element analysis
Authors: Nubli Zulkifli Muhammad , Azhar Zahid Jamal Zul , Abdul Quadir Ghulam
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the capability of finite element analysis (FEA) in performing the virtual thermal cycling reliability test to evaluate the reliability of solder joints in a ball grid array (BGA) package.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermal cycling test has been used to evaluate the reliability or fatigue life of the solder joints in BGA package using commercially available FEA software, ANSYS™. The effect of different temperature cycling condition is studied by applying different value of dwell time and ramp rate. Two types of analyses are used namely, the physics‐based analysis and the statistical‐based analysis. Two screening design methods namely, central composite design (CCD) and Box‐Behnken Matrix Design method are used to isolate the most important factors amongst six selected design variables. The optimization process is carried out using response surface methodology (RSM).

Findings

It is observed that changes in ramp rate produce significant effect in solder fatigue life than changes in dwell time but the dwell time at high temperature has a negligible contribution to solder fatigue life. It has been found that the thickness of the mold has a significant effect on the performance of the solder joint reliability (more than 50 percent) as compared to that from other factors. Besides, the effect of individual factor, the interaction among factors also changes the solder joint reliability. RSM based on Box‐Behnken Matrix design offers the highest characteristic solder joint fatigue life with a value of 2,861 cycles.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive method to evaluate the reliability of solder joints in terms of physics and statistical‐based analysis.
A novel application of planar‐type meander sensors
Authors: Djuric Snezana M. , Nagy Laszlo F. , Damnjanovic Mirjana S. , Djuric Nikola M. , Zivanov Ljiljana D.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the measurement performances of a planar‐type meander sensor installed in robot foot in order to examine its potential application as ground reaction force sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

A planar‐type meander sensor is composed of two pairs of meander coils. Variation of input inductance between coils serves as a measure of small displacements in a plane. Pairs of meander coils are installed in an actuated robot foot to measure displacements proportional to normal or tangential components of ground reaction force which acts upon the foot. The sensor was modeled by the concept of partial inductance and a new simulation tool was developed based on this concept.

Findings

Pairs of meander coils were tested against angular displacements, and results showed that the sensor gives correct information about displacement regardless how the foot touches the ground with its whole area. Deviations between position of computed and real acting point of ground reaction force are relatively small. Owing to good results obtained, a miniaturized sensor was developed having the same performances as previously developed prototype.

Originality/value

This paper presents initial work in implementing a planar‐type meander sensor in robot foot as to measure ground reaction force. Developed simulation tool gives accurate analysis of inductance variation of meander structures. In addition, the measurement error and sensor's nonlinearity are analyzed. Calculated results show a good agreement with experimental results. Hence, miniaturized sensor, easier for implementation, is proposed.
Influence of Mg2+substitution on the magnetic and electrical properties of Li‐Zn ferrite thick films synthesized with PVA matrix
Authors: Rendale M.K. , Kulkarni S.D. , Kulkarni D.C. , Puri Vijaya
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of Mg2+substitution on the magnetic and electrical properties of Li0.35−x Mg2x Zn0.3 Fe2.35−xO4 thick films synthesized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix.

Design/methodology/approach

The nanoferrites Li0.35−x Mg2x Zn0.3 Fe2.35−xO4 (x=0, 0.07, 0.14, 0.21, 0.28 and 0.35) were synthesized by chemical technique using aqueous solution of PVA (the matrix) and thick films were fabricated by screen printing technique. The DC magnetic hysteresis measurements, AC magnetic susceptibility and DC electrical resistivity were measured as a function of temperature.

Findings

The lattice parameter of thick film Li0.35−x Mg2x Zn0.3 Fe2.35−xO4 (x=0, 0.07, 0.14, 0.21, 0.28 and 0.35) increases with the substitution of Mg2+ions for Li1+and Fe3+. The surface morphology of the thick films showed the grain size increasing with Mg2+substitution till x=0.21 and then decreasing for the higher concentrations of magnesium. The magnetic moment nB (μB) computed from the Ms obtained by extrapolation of the magnetization curve showed a gradual decrease with the composition till x=0.21, beyond which a sudden decrease was observed. The resistivity of the films at room temperature had variation with composition x, similar to that of magnetic moment. The activation energies ΔEF and ΔEP were found to vary with composition x of the ferrite system.

Originality/value

The paper reports, for the first time, the magnetic and electrical properties of fritless Li0.35−xMg2xZn0.3Fe2.35−xO4 thick films using PVA polymer matrix. Up to x=0.21 (Mg2+), grain size increases and Curie temperature decreases beyond which reverse effect takes place.
Innovation modes and design as a source of innovation: a firm‐level analysis
Authors: Filippetti Andrea
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the empirical literature, which investigates innovation modes, by exploring the role of design as a source of innovation.

Design‐methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is carried out at the firm‐level, on the ground of a recent survey covering more than 5,000 European firms. A factor analysis is carried out first, followed by a cluster analysis based on identified factors in order to ensure a significant number of homogeneous groups of firms.

Findings

The paper finds that: design and R&D are complementary sources of innovation; design is predominant in firms characterized by a complex innovation strategy and intense interactions with the external environment; and these types of firms also show better economic performance.

Social implications

Policies should recognize the importance of design‐based competences, as they differ from those related to R&D activities.

Originality/value

To date, in this empirical research, R&D activity is regarded as the major internal source of knowledge, as well as a fundamental driver of firms' competitiveness. This paper's results show how design enters in this framework and suggests future research directions.
Small manufacturing and service enterprises as innovators: a comparison by size
Authors: Forsman Helena , Rantanen Hannu
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on innovation development in enterprises with fewer than 50 employees. It explores differences in innovation capacity and in the diversity of developed innovations across the four enterprise size categories within the small manufacturing and service enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical evidence is based on quantitative data gathered through an e‐mail questionnaire, which yielded 708 responses from the representatives of Finnish small enterprises. The analysis is based on non‐parametric tests.

Findings

The findings display a broad diversity of innovation patterns among small enterprises. The evidence identifies differences and similarities in innovation capacity and innovation development across the different size categories within the manufacturing and service sectors. Finally, a summary of the characteristics of small enterprises as innovators across size categories is provided.

Research limitations/implications

This paper studies innovation patterns based on innovation capacity and developed innovations. There is a need to study how innovation capacity has been transformed into innovations; thus, the innovation process should be included in the examination.

Practical implications

At a public policy level, the results of this study give ideas for encouraging innovation development in small enterprises. The evidence suggests that there are significant discrepancies between the enterprises as innovators. It should be acknowledged that small enterprises comprise several divergent target groups for policy making.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution to academic literature by crystallizing the relationship between the size of an enterprise and innovation development. Applying these results will provide more specific questions for studying the nature of innovation development in small enterprises.
The open innovation paradox: knowledge sharing and protection in R&D collaborations
Authors: Bogers Marcel
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the paradox that arises when firms simultaneously share and protect their knowledge in an alliance with other organizations. The goal of this paper therefore is to explore this tension field in such a coupled open innovation process and to identify which strategies can be developed to cope with this tension.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was initially guided by a literature review and exploratory interviews, and it ultimately develops an inductive framework based on a multiple case study approach. The paper presents eight cases of a focal firm involved in a particular R&D collaboration. The case studies are based on a variety of data sources, including a number of semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

This paper unravels the tension field of knowledge sharing and protection in R&D collaborations, with the knowledge characteristics at the core and with the knowledge embodiment and relational dimension as mediating factors. These forces are in turn influenced by the collaboration characteristics and environment. Moreover, the case studies show different ways to cope with the tension between knowledge sharing and protection, such as an open knowledge exchange strategy and a layered collaboration scheme with inner and outer members. Licensing is moreover presented as a concrete way to implement such coping strategies.

Originality/value

This paper provides an holistic perspective on the knowledge paradox in R&D collaborations as a coupled process of open innovation. Moreover, it describes two concrete strategies to cope with the tension field as well as the role and implications of licensing as a particular mechanism to overcome the open innovation paradox.
Organizational knowledge assets and innovation capability
Authors: Delgado‐Verde Miriam , Martín‐de Castro Gregorio , Emilio Navas‐López José
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Organizational knowledge assets are key organizational factors responsible for firm innovation, as well as effective management. Traditionally, a good piece of research takes the innovation processes from an external perspective, leaving aside the internal complexity that characterizes innovation dynamics. Nevertheless, the innovation capability of a certain firm depends very closely on the intellectual assets and organizational knowledge that it possesses, as well as on its ability to deploy them. In this sense, this paper aims to test empirically the relationships between organizational knowledge assets and the innovation capability of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection was carried out through a questionnaire on a sample of 251 Spanish high and medium‐high manufacturing firms. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and multiple linear regressions were also used.

Findings

Based on the literature review, this work explores the nature and measurement of organizational capital as well as its role on innovation performance in high and medium‐high manufacturing firms.

Practical implications

This paper proposes a theoretical and empirical model of technological innovation that, based on organizational knowledge assets, highlights the importance of culture and CEO commitment towards innovation, as well as the role played by communication and information technologies (CITs) applied to management on product innovation capability within high and medium‐high manufacturing firms.

Originality/value

The scarcity of empirical works analyzing the innovation phenomena from an internal point of view adds value to the current academic literature, specifically from an intellectual capital‐based view.
Towards an ontology for the intellectual capital domain
Authors: Vlismas Orestes , Venieris George
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This study attempts to formulate an ontological proposition for the intellectual capital (IC) domain. This study is motivated by the debate of contemporary thinking for different IC research streams (IC1‐ostensive versus IC2‐performative) and their different ontological perceptions for IC. The proposed ontological proposition aims to serve the epistemological requirements towards the development of a common accepted generic IC theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The formulation of the ontology for the IC domain is based on contemporary tools within the fields of ontology and conceptual modelling. The principal dimensions of the ontology for the IC domain are identified following the directions of the Sowa's generalised theory for ontological frameworks. For each dimension, a generic entity is defined by drawing inferences from disciplines relevant to the contemporary IC inquiry. The relationships between the generic entities are modelled with the semantic representations of General Systems Theory (GST).

Findings

This paper provides an answer to the epistemological problem of how to perceive the substance of the IC domain. The derived ontology for the IC domain recognises different IC ontological dimensions that correspond to the IC ontological assumptions of different IC research streams, attempts to associate the IC of an organization with the tangible dimension of the enterprise, and provides conceptual semantics for modelling firm‐specific IC domains under the prism of different epistemological perspectives for IC.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed ontological proposition for the IC domain is an abstract ontology. It might empower researchers with guidelines for systemising the formulation of theoretical propositions and descriptions for their research fields. Yet, as an abstract ontology, it might create difficulty in its practical implementation.

Originality/value

The ontological proposition for the IC domain can contribute towards the debate on the establishment of a common research communicational rationalism within the IC research community for coordinating individual research efforts.
Competitive advantage: mediator of intellectual capital and performance
Authors: Kamukama Nixon , Ahiauzu Augustine , Ntayi Joseph M.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of competitive advantage in the relationship between intellectual capital and financial performance in Uganda's microfinance institutions. The major aim is to establish the role of competitive advantage in the relationship between intellectual capital and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts MedGraph program (Excel version), Sobel tests and the Kenny and Boran approach to test for mediation effects.

Findings

Competitive advantage is a significant mediator in the association between intellectual capital and financial performance and boosts the relationship between the two by 22.4 percent in Ugandan microfinance institutions. Further findings confirmed a partial type of mediation between the intellectual capital, competitive advantage and financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

Only a single research methodological approach was employed and future research through interviews could be undertaken to triangulate. Furthermore, the findings from the present study are cross‐sectional. Future research should be undertaken to examine the mediation effects studied in this paper across time.

Practical implications

In order to have a meaningful interpretation of the results of the relationships between study variables, it is always vital to assess the role of the third variable (competitive advantage) in the relationship. This enables practitioners and scholars to comprehend and make legitimate decisions and conclusions that can foster business growth.

Originality/value

This is the first study that focuses on testing the mediating effect of competitive advantage on the relationship between intellectual capital and financial performance in Ugandan microfinance institutions.
Immigrant effects and international business activity: an overview
Authors: Enderwick Peter , Tung Rosalie L. , Chung Henry F.L.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the myriad linkages between cross‐border migration and international business activity through a conceptual framework of international arbitrage.

Design/methodology/approach

While labour is internationally the least integrated of the various markets (capital, product, labour) the increasing co‐movement of both tasks and workers has created opportunities for the arbitrage and exploitation of differences between national labour markets. Because national labour markets typically display the two characteristics of separation and price discrepancy it is possible to utilise the principle of arbitrage and within this framework examine cost, intellectual, knowledge and employment arbitrage.

Findings

The discussion suggests that international business offers valuable insights into migration processes and effects which have been dominated by the research approaches of other disciplines. It is found that migrants can help reduce transaction costs for bilateral trade, contribute to nostalgic trade, encourage outsourcing and foreign direct investment through referrals and performance signalling, assist country of origin development through remittances and return migration and provide valuable knowledge to their employers in the country of residence.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a conceptual one which offers no new empirical results but does provide a context for the interpretation of the more specialised studies that appear in this special issue. There is a need for research on this topic to be firmly grounded in the contemporary context of an increasingly integrated global economy. It also suggests a number of specific areas where further work would be useful.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the paper is in developing a comprehensive conceptual framework – that of labour market arbitrage – which enables a clearer understanding of the complex impacts of international migration on international business activity. It also distinguishes between direct and indirect effects.
Immigrant effect in melting pot and multicultural societies: a comparison between the USA and Canada
Authors: Ghorbani Majid
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of socio‐economic institutions on immigrant effect (IE). The IE is to be empirically tested in two multi‐ethnic societies of the USA and Canada; comparing it in a melting pot and a multicultural approach. This effect is also separately to be examined in several provinces and states, each with its own social setting, in both countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines data mainly collected from the census, immigration, and trade/export data in both countries, for the six‐year period of 2000‐2005. The paper compiles data in a panel data format on immigrant groups and trade with the country of origin of 27 (US) and 29 (Canada) immigrant groups.

Findings

The analysis implies findings almost the opposite of what was expected; immigrant effect exists in a melting pot and is not significant in a multicultural society.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to two societies, and still needs to be tested in other multicultural and melting pot countries across the globe.

Practical/ implications

While immigrants to Canada identify themselves more strongly with their new home than immigrants to the USA, Canada in general is not fully utilizing their potential in boosting foreign trade with the countries of origin of these immigrants. The paper also addresses some practical implications of the study for managers interested in better exploiting the benefits of immigrant effect.

Originality/value

Immigrant effect and its values in two very large immigrant recipient countries with very dissimilar social and institutional settings are systematically investigated. Based on the results of this investigation a number of implications for practitioners and policy makers is suggested.
Ethnic entrepreneurial business cluster development: Chinatowns in Melbourne
Authors: Selvarajah Christopher , Masli Eryadi K.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review the concept of clustering and to examine both mature and newly evolved natural ethnic entrepreneurial business clusters in Melbourne, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Phenomenological methodology was employed in this research. This qualitative research technique examines life experiences in an effort to understand and give them meaning. This method is seen to be appropriate as the study is investigative and explores the historical development, maintenance and growth of ethnic entrepreneurship clusters.

Findings

Box Hill has evolved into a second Chinatown in Melbourne through natural ethnic entrepreneurial business cluster. The key features of these entrepreneurs are high educational and professional competence; focus on hard work and persistence; independence and sense of freedom as the key driving force; maintaining cultural linkage with countries of origin; almost no assistance from government agencies; succession or exit is not a major issue; and strong belief in providing employment and making a contribution to society.

Practical implications

The ethnic Chinese entrepreneurs in Box Hill as well as in CBD Melbourne's Chinatown and the Chinese community at large realize that they needed to be socially participative and politically active. Through active participation in local politics, the ethnic community members are able to improve and provide more services and facilities to the community. As a result, the cluster becomes bigger and serves better the social needs of the community members, ethnic as well as non‐ethnic group members.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of literature on ethnic entrepreneurial business clusters that seem to be a growing feature of many cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Vancouver, Los Angeles and other cities in the western hemisphere. This paper investigates this phenomenon in Melbourne.
Acquiring overseas market knowledge: a comparison of strategies of expatriate and immigrant employees
Authors: Enderwick Peter
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This conceptual paper starts from the recognition that internationalisation of business is an information‐intensive process and aims to investigate two key modes for the acquisition of knowledge: expatriates and immigrant employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sets out a conceptual framework which examines nine popular modes of knowledge acquisition essential to the internationalisation process and their comparative strengths and weaknesses. This is coupled with a more intensive evaluation of the relative merits of the two strategies of expatriates and immigrant employees.

Findings

The analysis suggests that the modes of expatriates and immigrant employees can both be cost effective and yield high levels of relevant knowledge underpinning internationalisation. However, there are key differences between the two and it may be more useful to consider them as complements rather than simply substitutes. The strength of expatriates is their considerable knowledge of the home market, industry and firm. Their weakness is the need to gradually acquire overseas market knowledge. The strength of immigrant employees is their knowledge of overseas target markets. Their weaknesses are limited understanding of the home country business system, the firm and even the industry.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has several limitations. It is conceptual in nature and tentative in assessment. It does not consider all available knowledge gathering modes. To fully understand this process more research is required, particularly work that extends the narrow case approach typically used.

Practical implications

The analysis suggests that different information gathering modes offer different advantages with none clearly superior in all situations. A similar situation appears to also hold for the modes of expatriates and immigrant employees and the two modes may be more usefully considered as complements.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the paper is in evaluating these two modes from the perspective of market knowledge and diffusion.
Valuation, diversity and cultural mis‐match: immigration in New Zealand
Authors: Clydesdale Greg
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the economic effect of immigration, in particular, government's ability to select human capital that benefits the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of recent migration to New Zealand are examined, drawing on government statistics. Outcomes are contrasted with policy intentions, and the effect of diversity is considered before examining the economic effect on Auckland city.

Findings

The government's assessment of human capital does not reflect market assessment. Reasons include systemic abuse, government valuation of qualifications that are not transferable, and insufficient value placed on language, culture, nor time required for adaptation. The best performing immigrants are those with similar cultures to the dominant NZ ethnic group.

Research limitations/implications

More research is needed to quantify impacts, however migration can also be linked to some barriers to growth including congestion costs and diversion of investment to low growth areas.

Practical implications

Government policies need to recognise culture is not neutral and the economic benefits of diversity may vary in time and region.

Social implications

Failure to recognise culture results in unemployment and under‐employment while migrants endure un‐met expectations. Migrants not assessed for human capital also exhibit cultural mis‐match, and is in danger of creating an emerging underclass.

Originality/value

There is a need to distinguish between economic leading immigrants and economic followers. Migrants from different cultures can lead economic growth by developing export markets but the market for such migrants can get saturated. The effects of migration change over time and each situation requires its own analysis.
Evaluation of supply chain collaboration: a case of apparel retail industry in India
Authors: Anbanandam R. , Banwet D.K. , Shankar Ravi
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose a methodology to measure the extent of collaboration between apparel retailers and manufacturers in the apparel retail industry in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model for measuring collaboration considers variables like top management commitment, information sharing, trust among supply chain partners, long‐term relationships and risk and reward sharing. Level of collaboration is measured using graph theory.

Findings

The survey results confirmed the validity of the proposed collaboration index for measuring collaboration. The findings also show that the collaboration index is positively associated with operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could consider larger sample sizes and cover other industrial sectors.

Practical implications

Supply chain partners will be able to measure the extent of their collaboration and seek improvement in their performance. This approach helps to compare organizations in terms of their collaboration capability.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by introducing an index for measuring the extent of supply chain collaboration. This measure can be used by any participant (member) in a supply chain to determine the level of collaboration and seek improvement.
How the BSC implementation process shapes its outcome
Authors: Agostino Deborah , Arnaboldi Michela
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper has the aim of understanding how the reasons behind the adoption of the balanced scorecard (BSC) and the approaches undertaken during the entire change process influence the outcome, both in terms of BSC structure and use.

Design/methodology/approach

The research studies the BSC change process and its use, adopting a multiple case study methodology which has been conducted in seven medium‐to‐large Italian non‐financial companies. The results have been analysed from an institutional perspective, considering the management accounting change process and its outcome not only as a technical problem, but also as a broader organizational issue.

Findings

The results show the interdependence between the change process, which is influenced by organizational forces, and its outcome. Different reasons for the adoption and different approaches in the design and implementation give rise to different BSC structures and styles of use.

Research limitations/implications

The case study methodology that has been adopted does not allow the results to be generalized. Further research is needed to examine the BSC change process in order to support the findings.

Practical implications

The findings could help managers decide when to introduce the BSC. Depending on how they use the device, they could become aware of the most suitable approach to adopt during the change process, a key feature in translating techniques into practice.

Originality/value

The paper explains the reasons behind the high fluidity of practice, considering the approach adopted during the management accounting change process.
A performance measurement view of IT project management
Authors: Tadeu de Oliveira Lacerda Rogério , Ensslin Leonardo , Rolim Ensslin Sandra
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to develop a methodology and a framework to assess performance measurement and generate a better understanding of the project context. The paper aims to present an application to illustrate the proposed methodology, to identify and measure the success parameters for a project.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is a mixture of qualitative and quantitative and it is applied to a case study. The primary data were gathered using unstructured interviews with decision makers. Bibliographic research is used in order to construct the theoretical framework and the intervention instrument adopted is the multicriteria decision aiding methodology – constructivist (MCDA‐C).

Findings

The methodology makes it possible to visualize the criteria that must be taken into account according to the decision makers' values in the project selection process. The framework supports the ordinal and cardinal measurement of the project performance, making it possible to compare and rank proposals, as well providing a process to improve project proposals.

Practical implications

This process has helped in negotiations between stakeholders in the project, and, consequently, has helped the chief project officer to select and prioritize strategic projects within the demand for new products.

Originality/value

This paper offers an empirical understanding of the application of performance evaluation to project management and identifies a complementary tool in this interdisciplinary area.
Development of a design performance measurement matrix for improving collaborative design during a design process
Authors: Yin Yuanyuan , Qin Shengfeng , Holland Ray
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to measure collaborative design performance and, in turn, improve the final design output during a design process, with a clear objective to develop a design performance measurement (DPM) matrix to measure design project team members' design collaboration performances.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted in this research uses critical literature reviews, in‐depth focus group interviews and a questionnaire survey.

Findings

The main finding of this study is a DPM matrix that addresses five DPM indicators: efficiency, effectiveness, collaboration, management skill, and innovation, and 25 detailed DPM criteria. It was found that decision‐making efficiency is the most important DPM criterion for collaborative design efficiency; plus delivering to the brief for effectiveness; clear team goal/objectives for collaboration; decision‐making ability for management skill; and competitive advantage for innovation.

Research limitations/implications

As the present study was focused on exploring DPM during a design process, some key DPM criteria which are not measurable during a design development process were not included in this study. The proposed multi‐feedback approach for DPM matrix implementation needs to be validated in future research.

Practical implications

The DPM matrix can be applied to support a design manager in measuring and improving collaborative design performance during a design process, by reviewing and modifying collaborative design development, identifying the design team strengths and weaknesses, improving team communication, and suggesting suitable responsive actions.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this study is the investigation and development of a DPM matrix to measure collaborative design performance during a design process.
Six Sigma vs Lean
Authors: Antony Jiju
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the fundamental and critical differences between two of the most powerful methodologies in a process excellence initiative in any organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken was to collate opinions from a number of leading academics and practitioners from five different countries. It was also important to ensure that all participants have a good knowledge and expertise in the field of both Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Findings

Although both methodologies are focused on process and quality improvement, Lean is formalisation and codification of experience and judgement which is not a feature of Six Sigma. Lean emphasises speed and waste, however Six Sigma emphasises variation, defects and process evaluation.

Research limitations/implications

The viewpoints expressed in the article are those of a few academics and practitioners. It is important to capture the viewpoints of more academics and practitioners to arrive at sound and valid conclusions.

Originality/value

The paper provides an excellent resource for many researchers and for practitioners who are engaged in research and applications of the most two powerful methodologies for achieving and sustaining operational excellence. It is also critical to understand the fundamental differences between these two methodologies.
Becoming “world‐class”? Reputation‐building in a university merger
Authors: Aula Hanna‐Mari , Tienari Janne
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This study of a university merger seeks to shed new light on reputation‐building, which has remained unexplored in the mergers and acquisitions (M&As) literature. It aims to study how key actors seek to build the reputation of the new university and how issues related to reputation become (re)constructed in different forums andvis‐à‐visdifferent stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a longitudinal critical discourse analysis of a merger of three universities in Finland. The qualitative empirical material comprises university communications materials and media texts.

Findings

The study illustrates dynamics of reputation‐building in a university merger. It shows how the need to become an innovative “world‐class” university acts as an imaginary incentive, and predictions of an inevitable future are used to legitimize radical actions. The study also highlights the contradictions and controversies involved.

Originality/value

The study complements extant M&As literature by offering a unique focus on reputation‐building. More broadly, it offers an empirically‐based critical analysis of university reform in the global economy. It suggests that the ways in which reputation‐building activities impact on the (dis‐)identification of academic staff in higher education reforms needs to be studied further.
Subsidiary power in multinational corporations: the subtle role of micro‐political bargaining power
Authors: Dörrenbächer Christoph , Gammelgaard Jens
Published: January 2011

Purpose

As subsidiary power has received relatively little attention in existing research, this paper aims to enhance the understanding of genuine sources of subsidiary power and how they work in headquarters‐subsidiary relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of the relevant literature and four illustrative case studies, which are written on the basis of secondary sources. Each case was selected because it adequately represents a particular type of power. This allows for cross‐case comparisons of the strengths and sustainability of different types of power, and facilitates the exploration of the application of subsidiary power in headquarters‐subsidiary relationships.

Findings

Four genuine types of subsidiary power are identified. One of these – micro‐political bargaining power – plays a subtle but crucial role, as it is important in the enactment of the three other types of power, i.e. systemic, resource‐dependency, and institutional.

Practical implications

As headquarters have unlimited access to formal power, subsidiaries find it necessary to constantly apply micro‐political bargaining power. The empirical material suggests that the effectiveness of micro‐political bargaining power for subsidiary actors is based on two factors: information retrieval from headquarters and the leveraging of such information in issue‐selling or conflict‐handling processes.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by theoretically delineating genuine types of subsidiary power and by illustrating the strength, sustainability and interaction of these types of power in headquarters‐subsidiary relationships.