bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Radiofrequency Preceded by Pressure Recording Enhances Success for Treating Sleep‐Related Breathing Disorders
Authors: Tvinnereim Magne , Mitic Svetislav , Hansen Rolf K.
Published: March 2007

Objectives: Sleep‐related breathing disorders (SRBD) that cannot be treated conservatively are commonly treated using uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, although success rates are generally less than 70%. The purpose of this study was to assess a plasma‐mediated radiofrequency (RF)‐based coblation assisted upper airway procedure (CAUP) to treat SRBD patients determined to have obstruction localized to the upper (mid)‐pharyngeal region.

Study Design: Prospective case series (n = 40).

Methods: Six patients had socially bothersome snoring, and 34 patients had mild to moderate sleep apnea (apnea/hypopnea index [AHI] <20), with the primary level of obstruction (>50%) within the upper pharyngeal region as determined using whole night recordings, including airway pressure fluctuation monitoring (ApneaGraph, MRA‐Medical Ltd, Gloucestershire, UK). CAUP consisted of making a lateral palatal incision, ablating three upward channels on each side of the midline (fan‐shaped) into the soft palate using a plasma mediated RF‐based device (ArthroCare Corporation, Austin, TX), and performing a partial uvulectomy. Clinical outcomes included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), partner rating of snoring using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and night‐time apnea and hypopnea events (AHI, hypopnea index [HI], apnea index [AI]).

Results: Patients were 28 to 68 (46 ± 12) years old; 28 (70%) were male. Preoperatively, clinical assessment scores (median ± interquartile range) were as follows: ESS (11.0 ± 3.0), VAS (8.15 ± 1.00), AHI (9.58 ± 5.58), HI (9.00 ± 5.29), AI (0.333 ± 0.625). After CAUP, no postoperative scarring, fibrosis, or any other clinically significant side effects were observed. Postoperatively (9.1 ± 1.5; 7–15 mo), ESS (4.0 ± 1.0), VAS (2.70 ± 1.38), AHI (3.75 ± 2.92), HI (3.58 ± 2.50), and AI (0.167 ± 0.167) were significantly improved (P < .001).

Conclusion: CAUP preceded by site‐specific obstruction diagnosis using pressure recording is a well‐tolerated outpatient treatment that is well suited for treating SRBD.
Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases Regulate the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species by Potato NADPH Oxidase
Authors: Kobayashi Michie , Ohura Ikuko , Kawakita Kazuhito , Yokota Naohiko , Fujiwara Masayuki , Shimamoto Ko , Doke Noriyuki , Yoshioka Hirofumi
Published: March 2007

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in plant innate immunity. NADPH oxidase (RBOH; for Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homolog) plays a central role in the oxidative burst, and EF-hand motifs in the N terminus of this protein suggest possible regulation by Ca2+. However, regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. We identified Ser-82 and Ser-97 in the N terminus of potato (Solanum tuberosum) St RBOHB as potential phosphorylation sites. An anti-phosphopeptide antibody (pSer82) indicated that Ser-82 was phosphorylated by pathogen signals in planta. We cloned two potato calcium-dependent protein kinases, St CDPK4 and St CDPK5, and mass spectrometry analyses showed that these CDPKs phosphorylated only Ser-82 and Ser-97 in the N terminus of St RBOHB in a calcium-dependent manner. Ectopic expression of the constitutively active mutant of St CDPK5, St CDPK5VK, provoked ROS production in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The CDPK-mediated ROS production was disrupted by knockdown of Nb RBOHB in N. benthamiana. The loss of function was complemented by heterologous expression of wild-type potato St RBOHB but not by a mutant (S82A/S97A). Furthermore, the heterologous expression of St CDPK5VK phosphorylated Ser-82 of St RBOHB in N. benthamiana. These results suggest that St CDPK5 induces the phosphorylation of St RBOHB and regulates the oxidative burst.
Research in the School of Information Management, London Metropolitan University
Authors: McGuinness Rosemary
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the practical applications of Information and Knowledge Management to society from the academic team at London Metropolitan University through an introduction to the papers in this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative which provides a social context to Information and Knowledge Management.

Findings

There is a concrete link between the theory and practice of Information and Knowledge Management in delivering an equitable society.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to a descriptive editorial.

Practical implications

Information and Knowledge providers and services are primarily for individuals and organisations in society.

Originality/value

This paper represents an introductory look at the Information Society.
A low‐thrust guidance law based on Lyapunov feedback control and hybrid genetic algorithm
Authors: Yuan Ren , Pingyuan Cui , Enjie Luan
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the development of the on‐board guidance law for multi‐revolutions orbit transfer spacecraft with low‐thrust propulsion systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In the research, first, a set of equinoctial elements is utilized to avoid the singularities in dynamical equation of classical orbit elements. A thruster switch law is derived by analyzing the efficiency of the changing of each orbit elements. Second, by using the theory of Lyapunov feedback control, analytic expressions of thrust angles are derived. Finally, the weights of the Lyapunov function are adjusted by hybrid genetic algorithm to improve the performance of the guidance law.

Findings

First, the dynamical equations of classical orbit elements are always singularity during the orbit transfer. By using modified equinoctial elements, these singularities could be avoided. Second, the trajectory is sensitive to the weights in Lyapunov function. With reasonable weights, the key parameters under the control of the guidance law presented in this paper are very close to that of optimal trajectory.

Research limitations/implications

In further research, some dynamical weights methods will be used in the control law to improve the performance index, and approach the optimal solution.

Practical implications

The guidance law presented in this paper could be easily used as an on‐board algorithm for the multi‐revolutions orbit transfer or stationkeeping. Furthermore, it could also be utilized as an initial design method for low‐thrust orbit transfer.

Originality/value

Providing a low‐thrust guidance law by combining the concept of Lyapunov feedback control with hybrid genetic algorithm. This method has a super convergence and a low‐computational cost.
Survey of internal temperatures of New Zealand domestic refrigerators
Authors: Gilbert S.E. , Whyte R. , Bayne G. , Lake R.J. , van der Logt P.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To collate data on internal temperatures of domestic refrigerators in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 127 domestic refrigerators in urban and rural locations in New Zealand was carried out during 2004‐2005. Data loggers were used to record internal temperatures every ten minutes over a 72‐hour period. A short questionnaire was also administered to participants.

Findings

The overall mean temperature was 5.2 °C (standard deviation 2.5 °C). A significant proportion (34 per cent) had a mean temperature >6 °C, while 55 per cent had a mean temperature of >5 °C. There were no statistically significant differences between mean temperatures in refrigerators in rural and urban (two cities) locations. Most consumers were aware of ideal refrigeration temperatures, but lacked the means (thermometers) to check actual operating temperatures.

Research limitations/implications

The temperature data collected by this survey will be useful for modelling domestic refrigerator storage as a component of food safety quantitative risk models. These data can indicate the amount of time that refrigerators have an internal temperature above a minimum bacterial growth temperature, although the behaviour of bacteria under such fluctuating conditions is not well understood.

Originality/value

These data can assist with food safety promotion and act as an input into food safety risk assessments.
Library of Congress classification: catalogers’ perceptions of the new Subclass KBP
Authors: Mansor Yushiana , Ismā‘īl al‐Shawābikah Younis Ahmad
Published: March 2007

Purpose

Professional cataloguers working in ten university libraries in Jordan, Malaysia, and United Arab Emirates were interviewed with the aim of investigating their perceptions on the new Library of Congress classification's Subclass KBP for Islamic law (IL).

Design/methodology/approach

Specific aspects investigated were accessibility and user satisfaction, clarity of terms, ease of use, inclusiveness and comprehensiveness, modernism and innovation, and systematic arrangement and relationships.

Findings

Three aspects received positive feedbacks from respondents. It is also evident that cataloguers’ familiarity with and skills in applying the Subclass KBP should be improved to ensure effective use of the scheme.

Practical implications

The decision on whether or not to apply the new KBP schedule represents a great challenge for those libraries around the world especially those in the Arab/Islamic countries. In the light of the decision of the LC to apply the newly developed Subclass KBP for IL, libraries are now facing a new challenge and have to decide on the implementation of the new schedule.

Originality value

Deals with issues that need to be more clearly understood in the West.
Estimation of iodine in fortified salts by an improved electrometric method
Authors: Shah Munir H. , Jaffar M. , Shaheen N. , Rasool N.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to apply an improved electrometric method using polarized electrodes to quantify iodine in 241 salt samples pertaining to 15 different brands procured from the local market.Design/methodology/approach – Comparative evaluation of the method is made with the iodometric titration and the colorimetric methods.

Findings

The results obtained reveal that the electrometric method excels in attaining higher level of accuracy, precision and lower detection limit, backed by ease of operation.

Practical implications

The method warrants reproducible results both for replicate synthetic and market samples, with a lower detection limit of about 0.1ppm within an acceptable limit of error.

Originality/value

The study shows significant difference between the estimated and labelled iodine values in various brands of iodized salts. Most of the salt samples analysed contain iodine levels far exceeding the WHO permitted limit. The method has the potential of application for in‐situ iodine measurement in iodine fortified salts to ensure rapid quality control, both at the retailer and production levels.
Institutional impacts on industry structure: the block exemption regulation
Authors: Akpinar Murat
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To understand the impact of the new block exemption regulation on distribution and after‐sales services in the automobile industry in the European Union (EU).

Design/methodology/approach

Strategic responses of the key actors are predicted with the aid of a developed theoretical framework using institutional, industrial organization, and resource‐dependence theories. Both the theoretical framework and the predictions are then tested on natural data, which was obtained from a survey commissioned by the European Commission.

Findings

Supranational regulatory institutions and current industry structure both influence firm strategy. Firms respond by anticipating how the regulatory change may impact the future industry structure.

Research limitations/implications

As data cover a short period after the new regulation, long‐term impact cannot be observed.

Practical implications

Contributes to the understanding of the changing state of automobile‐distribution and after‐sales services in the EU.

Originality/value

Unveils the complex relationships between supranational regulatory institutions, firm strategy, and industry structure.
How do measurement objectives influence the R&D performance measurement system design?
Authors: Chiesa Vittorio , Frattini Federico , Lazzarotti Valentina , Manzini Raffaella
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the problem of designing a performance measurement system (PMS) for research and development (R&D) activities; in particular, it investigates if and how different objectives for the PMS use influence the design of its constitutive elements.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was first conducted, aimed at identifying the constitutive elements of a PMS for R&D and the major purposes for its use. Then, a multiple case study involving four Italian technology‐intensive firms was undertaken for investigating the relationship between PMS constitutive elements and measurement purposes.

Findings

Different PMS objectives imply significantly different design choices for constitutive elements. Even when companies are very different in terms of size and sector of activity, similar objectives lead to very similar PMSs.

Research limitations/implications

The research is qualitative. Further research should aim to increase the rationality and objectivity of the proposed relationships and explore the joint effects of the measurement objectives and other contextual factors on the measurement system design.

Practical implications

R&D managers who plan to design a PMS for their departments can follow the guidelines suggested in the paper to tune the basic features of the PMS to the real objectives they mean to pursue.

Originality/value

It is the first attempt, to the best knowledge of the authors, that explicitly and practically suggests how to tailor the design of each PMS's constitutive element according to the objectives that are pursued.
Assessing the impact of job involvement on performance
Authors: Rotenberry Paul F. , Moberg Philip J.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The hypothesized relationship between the attitude of job involvement and performance has received limited support. In 2002, Diefendorff et al. proposed that previous attempts to confirm this relationship were flawed, and subsequently found support for job involvement's criterion‐related validity. The present study seeks to provide another test of job involvement's association with performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered using a field sample combined within a longitudinal design. Hypotheses were tested using correlation and hierarchical regression.

Findings

Employees’ self‐reported job involvement significantly predicted certain supervisor performance ratings above and beyond work centrality.

Research limitations/implications

The psychological environment may have been disrupted by the public announcement that the focal organization had been acquired by an international firm shortly before data collection began.

Practical implications

Encouraging greater job involvement may positively influence work‐related behaviors, especially individually directed citizenship behaviors.

Originality/value

The present study tested the long‐term relationship of employee attitudes to workplace behaviors with an applied sample, while providing a theoretical context to describe the effects.
Adding value through outsourcing
Authors: Power Damien , Sharafali Moosa , Bhakoo Vikram
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The aim of this research is to understand how customers perceive their logistics service providers in terms of achieving the claimed benefits of outsourcing. This paper is based on research focusing on the state of the 3PL (Third Party Logistics) industry in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of typical business outcomes to which logistics outsourcing is expected to contribute were identified. Customers were asked to rate the contribution of their principal 3PL to these performance indicators. We used competitive priorities of 3PLs, the services provided by them and technologies used by them as predictors and performed regression analysis for each of these.

Findings

The results indicate that customers of 3PLs place significant value on the services they provide, technologies they use and objectives that transcend just low cost. The implication of this final finding shows that customers see a focus on service based solutions as providing a set of benefits beyond mere cost control.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this paper is that it is confined to Australia. So, any extensions of the findings to other regions of the world should be done with caution.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the study is that it provides support for the potential for an effective set of arrangements with 3PLs to help organizations to move out of the world of pure cost based competition, and into one where they could compete on multiple dimensions.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence from customers of logistics service providers indicating that 3PLs provide them with a means for competing through greater flexibility, at the same time as enabling better‐cost management. In this sense, customers see 3PLs as providing them with a potential pathway to more innovative business models.
Market selection for international expansion
Authors: Sakarya Sema , Eckman Molly , Hyllegard Karen H.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

Traditional market selection analysis relies on purely macroeconomic and political factors and fails to account for an emerging market's dynamism and future potential. The objective of this paper is to present a tool composed of four criteria specific to the preliminary assessment of emerging markets (EM) as international expansion opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature pointing out the limitations of international market selection (IMS) models and the need for a specialized approach, additional criteria are introduced to assess emerging market potential. Review of prior work on internationalization, EM and market selection provided the rationale for the selected criteria. Using secondary data and primary data from a sample of 500, the proposed criteria are applied to the assessment of an emerging market for US apparel specialty retailers.

Findings

Assessment of the emerging market with the criteria introduced revealed growth and sourcing opportunities that might otherwise have been overlooked. Case application exposed strong future market potential, manageable level of cultural distance, supportive and developing local industry and positive customer receptiveness for foreign products and business. The findings illustrate the need to improve and supplement assessment criteria of traditional analysis for EM.

Research limitations/implications

Follow‐up studies validating, integrating and determining the relative importance of the criteria introduced will contribute to the development of an assessment model for EM.

Practical implications

A useful complementary tool for international marketers.

Originality/value

The paper develops the body of knowledge on IMS by addressing the shortcomings of traditional analysis and expands the two prior studies on emerging market potential.
Developing statistical thinking for performance improvement in the food industry
Authors: Grigg Nigel Peter , Walls Lesley
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to describe a recently completed research project on the use of statistical quality control (SQC) methods in the context of food and drinks manufacturing. It discusses issues surrounding the successful uptake of such methods, including organisational motivation, possible application, costs and benefits, critical success factors and the central importance of prerequisite statistical thinking (ST).

Design/methodology/approach

A three stage, mixed methods approach was adopted, incorporating surveys augmented by case studies and key informant interviews with industry managers and providers of relevant industry training. All data were combined to produce the final model.

Findings

The paper finds that SQC methods are of relevance in the industry, providing the process is appropriate and management have a basic awareness of the fundamentals of ST. Certain organisational and external factors were found to progressively reduce the effectiveness with which such methods are introduced and sustained. The paper ends with discussion of an original model, developed from the research, which illustrates the “filters” that tend to reduce the effectiveness with which methods are used in the industry, with a discussion of how each can be overcome.

Research limitations/implications

The research in this paper is focused on the European food manufacturing and legislative context, and predominantly UK. Low survey response rates numbers necessitated a nonparametric approach to survey analysis.

Practical implications

The paper shows that the filters model is of generic applicability and interest to current and future managers, and to other researchers in this area.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the “how to” of SQC, and examines an industry where there is not yet widespread literature on the benefits of SQC methods. It presents an original model of the barriers to effective use of statistical methods within a process knowledge and improvement cycle.
A study of customer satisfaction in the context of a public private partnership
Authors: Jamali Dima
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an original satisfaction survey in the context of a new public private partnership (PPP) in the Lebanese postal sector, highlighting traditionally overlooked linkages between PPPs, quality management and customer satisfaction. The ascendancy of PPPs in recent years has been attributed to key drivers including greater value for money, and enhanced service quality. However, very few studies to date have investigated the success of service performance improvement in the PPP context, by gauging customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a literature review and customer satisfaction survey.

Findings

The findings in this paper suggest a good level of satisfaction with the quality of services received through the PPP in question but mixed results concerning the impact of consumer characteristics on satisfaction ratings.

Originality/value

In the paper the relationship between customer satisfaction and quality is reviewed. Customer satisfaction is measured in the PPP context and a neglected dimension in customer satisfaction measurement addressed namely, whether ratings of satisfaction vary systematically on the basis of customer characteristics.
The house of reliability
Authors: Braglia M. , Fantoni G. , Frosolini M.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured methodology for performing build‐in reliability (BIR) investigation during a new product development cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology in this paper represents an extension of the Quality Functional Deployment/House of Quality (QFD/HoQ) concepts to reliability studies. It is able to translate the reliability requisites of customers into functional requirements for the product in a structured manner based on a Failure Mode And Effect Analysis (FMEA). Besides, it then allows it to build a completely new operative tool, named House of Reliability (HoR), that enhances standard analyses, introducing the most significant correlations among failure modes. Using the results from HoR, a cost‐worth analysis can be easily performed, making it possible to analyse and to evaluate the economical consequences of a failure.

Findings

The paper finds that the application of the proposed approach allows users to identify and control the design requisites affecting reliability. The methodology enhances the reliability analysis introducing and managing the correlations among failure modes, splitting the severity into a detailed series of basic severity aspects, performing also cost/worth assessments.

Practical implications

It is shown that the methodology enables users to finely analyse failure modes by splitting severity according to the product typology and the importance of each Severity criterion according to laws or international standards. Moreover the methodology is able to consider the “domino effects” and so to estimate the impact of the correlation between the causes of failure. Finally a cost/worth analysis evaluates the economical consequences of a failure with respect to the incurred costs to improve the final reliability level of the product.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a completely new approach, robust, structured and useful in practice, for reliability analysis. The methodology, within an integrated approach, overcomes some of the largely known limits of standard FMECA: it takes into account multiple criteria, differently weighted, it analyses the product considering not only the direct consequence of a failure, but also the reaction chain originated by a starting failure.
The marketing challenges within the enlarged Single European Market
Authors: Paliwoda Stan , Marinova Svetla
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to present an overview and an assessment of the challenges and opportunities for businesses that emerge from the greater diversity and complexity in doing marketing in the expanding EU.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines how marketing issues have emerged, progressed and diversified with the process of EU enlargement.

Findings

The paper argues that marketers' perceptions of marketing in the EU have changed with the market expansion of companies in the new EU accession states. From first being seen externally as a protectionist fortress, marketing in the EU has emerged internally at least as a protector of diversity across its current member states.

Originality/value

The paper is a reflection on the changing nature of marketing and the new priorities of companies in their marketing strategies and tactics in the largest single regional integration bloc in the world.
Designing the marketing‐sales interface in B2B firms
Authors: Biemans Wim G. , Makovec Brenčič Maja
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper explores the marketing‐sales interface in Dutch and Slovenian B2B firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study included 11 Dutch firms and ten Slovenian firms, with both samples as closely matched as possible. The firms were all manufacturers of physical products that operate internationally, but varied in terms of size and industry. Personal interviews with respondents from both marketing and sales were conducted, followed by interviews of a semi‐structured format.

Findings

In some firms it was difficult to identify the marketing‐sales interface. For instance, in small firms marketing and sales would frequently be combined in one individual.

Research limitations/implications

Since the paper is based on an exploratory investigation of 11 Dutch firms and ten Slovenian firms, the findings are only indicative. Follow‐up research might investigate a larger sample, different industries or different economic contexts. In addition, future research might study the relationship between marketing as an organisational capability and marketing as an organisational function or the development of scales to measure various aspects of the marketing‐sales interface.

Practical implications

The findings emphasize the role of developing an effective marketing‐sales interface in becoming a truly market‐oriented organisation. Thus, they can help managers to evaluate their own marketing‐sales interface and look for improvements as part of becoming more market oriented.

Originality/value

The findings describe how the marketing‐sales interface is organised and managed in B2B firms operating in different contexts. It positions the marketing‐sales interface as just part of a market‐oriented organisation. The findings help academics to understand the functioning of a marketing‐sales interface and assist managers in evaluating their own marketing‐sales interface and develop ways to improve it.
Determinants and antecedents of general attitudes towards advertising
Authors: Petrovici Dan , Marinov Marin
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between determinants and primary antecedents of advertising and attitudes to advertising in the context of European Union accession countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on data from consumer surveys conducted in the major urban areas of Bulgaria and Romania the study conceptualises an extended version of Pollay and Mittal's model of beliefs and attitudes toward advertising. It tests a comprehensive range of attitudes toward the institution of advertising and its instruments in each country to identify similarities and differences in consumer perceptions.

Findings

Findings confirm that consumers in the two countries are more positive about advertising as an institution than the instruments used to promote advertising. While product information acquisition is the main personal use of advertising which influences general attitudes to advertising in Bulgaria, the entertaining value of advertising was found the strongest personal use in Romania. No significant differences were found in the attitudes toward the institution and instruments of advertising in the two countries.

Research limitations/implications

As data used in this study come from major urban areas in Bulgaria and Romania this might account for small research bias if the overall population of the two countries is considered. Interview bias were reduced by eliminating the verbal or non‐verbal cues to the respondents. The diverse composition of the two samples and the random selection of respondents have limited the research bias which is often a problem with other studies in Central and Eastern Europe that use predominantly convenience student samples.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that managers should focus on and exploit the overall positive general attitudes toward advertising in Romania and Bulgaria. Marketers should prioritise the informative power of advertising and use it cautiously in view of its perceived manipulative role especially to children. Advertisers need to devote more specific attention to re‐enforce the credibility of the institution of advertising in both countries.

Originality/value

The paper is a result of an original research that has extended theoretical concepts and compared their applicability to comparable EU accession contexts. Its findings suggest that advertising should be adapted to the personal uses and attitudes to advertising in the researched contexts by putting more emphasis on image building in order to increase its persuasive power and raise public trust in the institution and instruments of advertising.
Economics and politics of advertising: evidence from the enlarging European Union
Authors: Kshetri Nir , Williamson Nicholas C. , Schiopu Andreea
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of economic and political factors on advertising industry in the enlarging EU.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employed random effect time series cross‐section (TSCS) models and cross sectional regressions to investigate the impacts of these factors on advertising industry in the enlarging EU.

Findings

It was found that marketers' advertising spending decisions in these economies are driven by consumers' income level and FDI inflow. Civil liberty related variables, on the other hand, were found to moderate the relationship between income and advertising spending.

Practical implications

This paper helps managers and practitioners understand the dynamics of advertising industry in the enlarging EU as well as in other parts of the world. Some fruitful avenues for future research include examination of consumers' perceptions of advertising in the rapidly changing Eastern European countries; use of qualitative methods to deepen the understanding of how consumers make sense of different forms of advertising; and in‐depth analysis of advertising industries in selected economies.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is two‐fold. First, it is one of the most comprehensive cross‐country advertising studies examining the drivers of advertising industries in 28 European countries. Second, it employs TSCS models which allow for differences in behavior over cross sectional units as well as the differences in behavior over time for a given cross section and hence are likely to be consistent with the way the data were generated.
An examination of cross‐border shopping behaviour in South‐East Europe
Authors: Dmitrovic Tanja , Vida Irena
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper examines consumer motivations for shopping abroad and explores the role of demographic versus socio‐psychological factors in explaining the phenomenon of cross‐border shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected via personal interviews from adult consumers living in Croatia and Serbia and Montenegro. The research instrument consisted of construct measures adapted from previous studies and open‐ended questions related to demographics and consumer motives for cross‐border shopping trips.

Findings

A discriminant analysis of cross‐border out‐shoppers and domestic in‐shoppers in the two countries confirmed the unstable effect of demographic variables on out‐shopping behaviour and established the significant role of economic patriotism in consumer decision making. Differences in the results across the two countries indicate that a contextual approach should be adopted in international out‐shopping studies.

Practical implications

Countries with high level of out‐shopping activity are potentially attractive targets for international retailers and marketers. Our out‐shopper profiles suggest that market opportunities exist for international discount retailers in Croatia and for upscale retailers in Serbia.

Originality/value

Unlike most research focusing on the out‐shopping phenomenon, the distinguishing feature of the study is that it examines socio‐psychological and demographic rather than macro‐economic variables as determinants of cross‐border shopping. In particular, the role of economic patriotism has rarely been investigated in this context.
The de‐marketing of smokeless tobacco for harm reduction
Authors: Capella Michael L.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the confusion and misperceptions regarding the actual risk involved in smokeless tobacco use as an alternative nicotine delivery option for inveterate smokers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper cites published research and current government guidelines to demonstrate misinformation on the part of some in the public health community.

Findings

The paper finds that smokeless tobacco is substantially safer than smoking and is a viable choice to increase smoking cessation for those unwilling or unable to quit.

Practical implications

The public is entitled to know the facts about nicotine and the truth about the actual risk levels involved in consuming various forms of tobacco.

Originality/value

Consumers are capable of making an informed choice for themselves regarding the risks of using smokeless tobacco if the truth is communicated to them.
Trading places redux: employees as customers, customers as employees
Authors: Bowers Michael R. , Martin Charles L.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to show how a company can improve the interface by treating employees as customers and customers as employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This article presents a conceptual model (reinforced with a review of extant literature and numerous examples) demonstrating the desirable consequences associated with the phenomenon we refer to as “trading places,” which occurs when organizations mix the treatment and roles of employees and customers.

Findings

Traditionally organizations have treated employees and customers as separate constituencies. Operations and human resource managers have developed their own approach to deal with employees (e.g. as “resources” to be utilized), while marketing managers have related to customers through somewhat different lenses (e.g. viewing customers as “prizes” to be won). Yet, in service organizations, we find that as employees assume more customer‐like roles and customers increasingly resemble employees, successful organizations are drawing from both approaches – treating employees more like customers, while treating customers more like employees.

Practical implications

As a conceptual piece, this article presents an alternative way of thinking about organizations' relationships with their employees and customers. Particularly relevant to service environments, it shows how organizations, employees, and customers all benefit when the “trading places” phenomenon is recognized.

Originality/value

The article updates the “trading places” perspective by reviewing relevant literature, providing a conceptual model, and illustrating the application of the approach with numerous examples.
To do or not to do: the dilemma of technology‐based service improvement
Authors: Timmor Yaron , Rymon Talia
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a conceptual framework to examine customer satisfaction with a technology‐based service improvement. Three factors are suggested that influence customers' acceptance of the improved service: internal, consistency and external (ICE).

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are constructed by reviewing literature in the areas of customer satisfaction, marketing services and diffusion of innovation. An exploratory study was conducted in an academic setting, to examine changes in learning formats, and the resulting reactions. The empirical research involves three major procedures: personal interviews, focus groups and surveys.

Findings

The findings, based on both qualitative and quantitative research, support the proposed conceptual framework. It was found that students' behavioral intentions regarding a new, technology‐based learning format, can be explained by the following factors: perceived outcome and ease of use (internal factor), technology orientation and consistency of the new with the old delivery process (consistency factor), and the perceived image of the academic institute (external factor).

Originality/value

It is suggested that when considering service improvements, more attention should be paid to the organization's image, the consistency with the traditional service and the customer technology orientation.
An old tool with potential new uses: return on investment
Authors: Nash White Larry
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine potential new uses of return on investment (ROI) in alternative methods for library assessment and valuation.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses examples of recent uses of ROI by libraries to identify potential new applications of ROI in library assessment and valuation.

Findings

ROI investment has historically been used by libraries for the assessment of past performance of library organizations in a reactive/defensive nature or for assessing the value of customer services. ROI has not been widely used as a proactive assessment tool, to introspectively assess administrative or other internal services, or as an offensive assessment and valuation tool, especially for intangible performance assessment and valuation.

Originality/value

New applications of the ROI assessment tool could provide library administrators with proactive means of increasing the effectiveness of library assessment, valuation, and their results.
PSALM for empowering educational stakeholders
Authors: San Antonio Diosdado M. , Gamage David T.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the effect of implementing participatory school administration, leadership and management (PSALM) on the levels of empowerment among the educational stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach, combining the experimental design with empirical surveys, interviews and documentary analysis, was used. Survey respondents (735 for the first survey and 603 for the second survey) were school heads, teachers, students, alumni, parents and community leaders coming from 76 public secondary schools in one provincial school division in the Philippines.

Findings

Stakeholders who implemented PSALM reported higher levels of empowerment compared with the control group; school heads and teachers felt more empowered than the other stakeholders after one year of PSALM implementation; there was a trend for the younger and 51 years + participants to feel less empowered after implementing PSALM. The stakeholders faced challenges in implementing PSALM but they overcame them by opening communication channels and manifesting supportive behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

Only people who indicated willingness to implement PSALM were involved, so there was no way to determine how stakeholders who are hesitant to practice the experimental intervention would react.

Practical implications

It is suggested that the Philippine public schools should expedite the implementation of PSALM via school councils as a way to improve the school system.

Originality/value

The paper presents evidence, drawn from a management experiment, that establishes the link between PSALM and empowerment levels of stakeholders.
TQM emphasizing 5‐S principles
Authors: Withanachchi Nimnath , Handa Y. , Karandagoda K.K.W. , Pathirage P.P. , Tennakoon N.C.K. , Pullaperuma D.S.P.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate an organizational development programme (TQM) that was implemented at the tertiary‐care public hospital that showed the highest total factor productivity growth in Sri Lanka for the 1997‐2001 period.

Design/methodology/approach

Balanced score card approach is used to assess the performance of the hospital under study. Value chain analysis is conducted to identify the changes in organizational management following TQM implementation. Employee feedback is obtained by questionnaire‐based interviews.

Findings

Performance of the hospital with regard to service quality, employee‐performance, fixed‐asset‐performance, and social responsibility improved. Overall, value chain analysis shows that the differentiation was used to improve quality of services. Leadership, team‐work and continuous monitoring were the key factors that facilitated implementation of 5‐S based TQM.

Practical implications

The 5‐S system‐based TQM appears to be a feasible and promising system to initiate management improvement of public hospitals in developing countries.

Originality/value

This paper is of value for hospital managers and policy makers of developing countries, where there are chronic resource shortage and managerial constraints, particularly in government sector health services.
Implementing change in a public agency
Authors: Stewart Jenny , O'Donnell Michael
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The article aims to investigate implementation problems arising from the introduction of a new computer system in a public agency.

Design/methodology/approach

Two analytical lenses were employed: a prescriptive model of technology‐based implementation and planned and emergent models of change.

Findings

Unintended consequences tested the organisation's resilience. It was found that those parts of the organisation with enhanced resilience exhibited localised leadership.

Practical implications

Successful implementation of change involving new technology requires a balance between “top‐down” planning and distributed leadership. Adequate attention to organisational learning is also a significant factor.

Originality/value

Implementation involving new computer systems is a commonly‐encountered problem in the public sector, yet there are few empirically‐based studies that deal with organisational and management issues in this context.
Creating business intelligence from course management systems
Authors: van Dyk Liezl , Conradie Pieter
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This article seeks to address the interface between individual learning facilitators that use course management systems (CMS) data to support decision‐making and course design and institutional infrastructure providers that are responsible for institutional business intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of a data warehouse is proposed that draw data from institutional transactional systems to provide decision support to individual action researchers. A prototype data warehouse is built to evaluate by means of a case study the usefulness validity of analyses performed.

Findings

Many facilitators of learning draw manually the same type of queries from CMS data for purposes of action research. On the other hand, more and more HEI infrastructure providers create data warehouses to support many kinds of decision‐making. It is possible and valuable to follow a business intelligence approach to facilitate the queries drawn by individual action researchers from course management systems (CMSs).

Practical implications

The expectation exists that as the technology on which CMSs, as well as business intelligence tools are built evolves, the creation of full‐scale business intelligence will become more feasible and scalable.

Originality/value

This article addresses the gap between individual action researchers that use CMS data to support decision making and course design, on the one hand, and institutional infrastructure providers that are responsible for institutional business intelligence on the other hand. Research questions are asked and addressed and processes are designed to manage business measurements consistently.
Using GenRel for reliability assessment of mining equipment
Authors: Vayenas Nick , Yuriy Greg
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to formulate, develop and test a reliability assessment model (GenRel) based on genetic algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using genetic algorithm based modelling technique, a computer model was developed to predict mine equipment failures from historical data. Two different approaches in application of this technique are demonstrated.

Findings

A case study representing a test for convergence of the model was successfully performed. This is an indicator that GenRel can be used to predict equipment failures using a genetic algorithm based modeling technique.

Practical implications

The use of classical statistical techniques has proven to be an effective tool for reliability analysis of mining equipment. This paper presents an efficient alternative to these classical probability based reliability analysis methods. GenRel is a software solution which performs predictive reliability based upon genetic algorithms (GAs). The advantage of using this technique is the fact that the assumptions based on GAs are much simpler compared to classical statistical methods. The computer model is developed to accept a variety of user input data, most importantly, the ability to use real life historical data in the form of Time Between Failures (TBFs) or Time To Repair (TTRs).

Originality/value

The proposed research offers an alternative method to conventional statistically based reliability analysis and may lead to the foundation of a new approach for reliability assessment with potential applications in other industrial fields as well.