bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compulsive buying in a product specific context: clothing
Authors: Johnson Tricia , Attmann Julianne
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to investigate compulsive consumption within a product specific context (compulsive buying of clothing) using a hierarchical model adapted from Mowen and Spears.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous researchers found that compulsive buyers tend to be young females who purchase clothing. Edwards' general compulsive buying scale was modified to measure compulsive clothing buying. The scale was then pre‐tested for reliability and validity. Following the pre‐test, data were collected from 228 undergraduate females to assess the relationships between compulsive clothing buying and several variables previously found to be associated with general compulsive buying: neuroticism, materialism, and fashion interest.

Findings

Path analysis results revealed significant relationships between neuroticism and materialism, neuroticism and compulsive clothing buying, materialism and fashion interest, and fashion interest and compulsive clothing buying. The path between materialism and compulsive clothing buying was not significant.

Research limitations/implications

The present study examined the compulsive buying of a specific product, therefore it may be valuable to study other populations to determine whether young female compulsive clothing buyers continue the behavior as they age, or potentially, begin compulsively buying products other than clothing.

Originality/value

This is the first known study to examine compulsive buying in a product specific context.
Sexual orientation and gender effects of exposure to gay‐ and lesbian‐themed fashion advertisements
Authors: Dotson Michael J. , Hyatt Eva M. , Petty Thompson Lisa
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the responses of a convenience sample of 65 heterosexual and 64 homosexual respondents to a series of fashion oriented print advertisements depicting overt or ambiguous gay male or lesbian themes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based upon the survey responses of a group of heterosexual and homosexual university students enrolled at three universities in the southeastern United States. Advertisements selected for inclusion in the study were drawn from magazines that target this group. One advertisement representing each level of homosexual content (overtly gay male, overtly lesbian, ambiguously gay male, ambiguously lesbian) as well as one heterosexual advertisement were used in the study in a within subjects design. Paired t‐tests were used to compare mean Abrand and Aad responses across various groups.

Findings

Attitude toward the ad and before‐after exposure toward the brand were compared in male and female heterosexual and homosexual respondents. Results show that heterosexual males and females prefer less overt gay male and lesbian depictions, while gay males and lesbians prefer more overt depictions of themselves, particularly gay male imagery.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines the responses of one specific segment of the gay and lesbian population: traditional‐aged university students. Characters portrayed in the advertisements were also young people and do not represent the inherent diversity in this population. It would be desirable, therefore, to extend this study to an investigation of the broader gay and lesbian population.

Practical implications

Implications for marketers of fashion products suggest that effectual character depictions in fashion advertisements vary by both gender and sexual orientation.

Originality/value

This paper represents a cross‐sectional examination of heterosexual and homosexual responses to a series of fashion advertisements in the United States and provides useful insights to marketers of fashion products.
Consumers of charity bracelets: cause‐supporters or fashion‐followers?
Authors: Yurchisin Jennifer , Jin Kwon Yoo , Marcketti Sara B.
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare personal characteristics of buyers of rubber charity bracelets with those of non‐buyers so that a deeper understanding of the success of this cause‐related fashion product may be attained.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sample of 244 individuals in Texas and Iowa was gathered via a survey method. Items on the questionnaire were contained within three sections: assessing participants' level of fashion involvement and celebrity involvement; participants' attitudes toward the consumption of cause‐related fashion products; and demographic information.

Findings

Results from this study indicated individuals who purchased rubber charity bracelets were more involved with fashion and celebrities than individuals who did not purchase rubber charity bracelets and that those who purchased the bracelets had purchased significantly more cause‐related fashion products than those who had not purchased any bracelets. Purchasers of bracelets were significantly less involved with the cause than those who had not purchased any bracelets. Purchasers did not have a significantly more positive attitude toward purchasing cause‐related fashion products than those who had not bought any bracelets.

Research limitations/implications

The predominately female sample of young adults may not be representative of the average US consumer.

Practical implications

This study provides useful information to manufacturers and sellers of cause‐related products. Future efforts to manufacture and sell cause‐related products should focus on developing products that incorporate fashion trends with celebrity endorsers.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information for organizations wishing to create similarly successful cause‐related fashion products.
An investigation of salesperson appearance and organizational identification
Authors: Yurchisin Jennifer , Lynn Damhorst Mary
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship that exists, if any, between employee appearance and organizational identification in the context of apparel retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

Salespeople from a variety of apparel retail stores were interviewed using a semi‐structured technique.

Findings

Salespeople's level of identification was related to the congruency they perceived to exist between their identity and store's identity. Those who identified with their employment organization felt uncomfortable when the apparel items they wore to work were inconsistent with the store's identity. Additionally, those who identified with their employment organization did not feel uncomfortable wearing apparel items from that store to engage in activities outside of work.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the body of literature on employee‐organization identification by providing evidence of a relationship between appearance and identification. Future research is needed to examine the relationship with a random sample of employees from additional employment contexts.

Practical implications

Participants indicated that their level of identification was positively related to their level of job satisfaction, which in turn was negatively related to their intention to leave. Apparel retail store managers may be able to use appearance‐related factors to select employment candidates who will most likely experience identification with the apparel retail store. Furthermore, potential apparel retail salespeople should be encouraged to consider image congruency when applying for employment.

Originality/value

In this study, a first effort was made to investigate the previously hypothesized relationship between employee appearance and employee‐organization identification.
Delays and cost overruns in the construction projects in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Enshassi Adnan , Al‐Najjar Jomah , Kumaraswamy Mohan
Published: July 2009

Purpose

Delays and cost overruns are evidently frequent problems in the construction industries of many developed and developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to assess factors leading to time overruns (delays) and cost overruns in construction projects in the Gaza Strip. Since there appear to be additional special contributors to delays here, the relative perceptions of contractors, consultants and owners are compared, based on a listing of causal factors derived from previous studies elsewhere, together with other factors arising from special conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of a randomly selected samples yielded responses from 66 contractors, 27 consultants, and 31 owners. The survey included 110 delay factors/causes which were grouped into 12 major groups. The same survey also included 42 cost overrun factors. The level of importance of the delays and cost overrun factors were measured and ranked by their importance indexes, according to the perspectives of contractors, consultants, and owners.

Findings

There seems to be a general agreement between contractors, consultants and owners regarding causes of delays and cost overruns. The main four causes of time delays included strikes and border closures, material‐related factors, lack of materials in markets, and delays in materials delivery to the site. Additionally, the main three causes for cost overruns included price fluctuations of construction materials, contractor delays in material and equipment delivery, and inflation.

Originality/value

The outcome of this paper will assist owners, contractors, and consultants in understanding the reasons for delays and cost overruns, thus eliminating or minimizing these causes. This could be achieved by better management of the projects and by finding new methods for storing the critical materials from the beginning of the project. Furthermore, the local government is advised to initiate legislation to overcome problems arising from monopolies in the supply of construction materials.
The impact of contractors' management capability on cost and time performance of construction projects in Nigeria
Authors: Aje O.I. , Odusami K.T. , Ogunsemi D.R.
Published: July 2009

Purpose

Management capability is one of the major criteria for evaluating construction contractors during prequalification and tender evaluation This paper aims to investigate the impact of contractors' management capability as a prequalification criterion on cost and time performance of selected building projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Prequalification assessments of management capability of wining contractors as well as cost data relating to 77 completed building projects executed between 2004 and 2007 are obtained. The data obtained from a questionnaire and archival data are analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and multiple regression.

Findings

The results reveal that contractors' management capability has significant impact on cost and time performance of building projects as evidenced by p‐values of 0.042 and 0.039, respectively.

Practical implications

The research could be of significant benefit at the research implementation stage of public procurement practice especially in relation to the construction industry in Nigeria. Construction practitioners involved in prequalification and tender evaluation should continue to seek relevant information relating to management capability from the candidate contractors during prequalification and tender evaluation.

Originality/value

Models capable of predicting the final cost and duration of building projects are eventually derived based on prequalification assessment of contractors on management capability, proposed contract duration and the initial contract figure. The goodness of fit of the models as defined by the value of R2 is found to be 96.2 percent and 90.01 percent for cost and time, respectively; thus signifying high predictive efficacy of the models.
Determinants of knowledge sharing using Web 2.0 technologies
Authors: Paroutis Sotirios , Al Saleh Alya
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the key determinants of knowledge sharing and collaboration using Web 2.0 technologies by exploring the reasons for and barriers to employees' active participation in its various platforms within a large multinational firm.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a case study design. In total, 11 in‐depth interviews were conducted. In addition, secondary data was collected. The data was analysed using a grounded approach.

Findings

The authors reveal four key determinants of knowledge sharing using Web 2.0 technologies: history, outcome expectations, perceived organizational or management support and trust.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations are related to the small sample size and the assumptions on which the study was based. First, Web 2.0 technologies were perceived as a single set of technologies whose adoption and use is determined by the same range of factors. Secondly, the study assumes that knowledge sharing using Web 2.0 is an effective means to collaborate.

Practical implications

Managerial recommendations derived from this study include: playing an active role in supporting Web 2.0 technologies as a strategic knowledge management initiative, clearly communicating its benefits, providing the necessary training and finally, rewarding participation.

Originality/value

Online collaboration tools have become the knowledge management tool of choice for an increasing number of organisations. However, very little is known about factors leading to their success or failure. This study narrows this gap by offering unique empirical evidence from TechCo (pseudonym), one of the largest companies deploying such technologies.
A new institutional reading of knowledge management technology adoption
Authors: Rizzi Carlo , Ponte Diego , Bonifacio Matteo
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new institutional perspective of knowledge Management technology adoption through an empirical study of a knowledge intensive firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved collection of qualitative data about knowledge management practices. The analysis was carried out over a six month period by means of ethnographic research and a series of interviews. It focused mainly on the personnel involved in Knowledge Management initiatives within two information technology units of a telecommunication firm.

Findings

This article proposes a new institutional perspective of knowledge management as an alternative of the instrumental point of view. The authors argue that knowledge management initiatives are better understood if considered as rational myths instead of rational choices.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has some limitations. First, the research is based on a single case study; secondly, the authors acknowledge the difficulty in having full access to decision‐making rooms or corridors “of power” where institutional pressure is exerted. To improve the theoretical framework and the methodological approach, both qualitative and quantitative analyses are recommended.

Originality/value

Why do organizations, even in the face of the poor results produced by knowledge management initiatives, continue to invest financial and organizational resources in knowledge management related technologies? This article proposes that this apparently irrational behaviour can be explained when evaluating knowledge management initiatives, rather than in their instrumental value, as symbolic means to legitimate the organization in an environment where the management of knowledge is said to be a core feature of modern organizations.
What is practical knowledge?
Authors: Guzman Gustavo
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the key dimensions of practical knowledge. It is argued that practical knowledge and practice are two sides of the same phenomenon and possess objective and subjective dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of this paper involved an in‐depth review of the workplace learning, cognitive education and practice‐based management literatures supported by Giddens and Habermas' insights on action.

Findings

The proposed framework complements practice‐oriented management research. While there is a significant body of literature dealing with workplace action‐learning approaches, still it is not clear what approach to use in what situation. The proposed framework might assist in this task since it recognises different configurations of practice and their associated PK.

Originality/value

This paper integrates parallel literatures from different theoretical backgrounds in order to explain the main dimensions of practical knowledge.
Mapping knowledge flows in virtual teams with SNA
Authors: Behrend Frank D. , Erwee Ronel
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the use of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to map information and knowledge flow in six virtual project teams with members of diverse cultures in private and public sector companies in different sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the area of research, the authors supplemented the in‐depth interviews with an embedded SNA questionnaire and two stage analysis.

Findings

The SNA findings demonstrated that network ties are useful predictors of how information and knowledge flows in virtual project teams and can be better indicators than formal project structures. assessment of participants' prestige, activity and influence and their generic formal team functions, thus leadership, member and support roles.

Research limitations/implications

SNA does not yield information about causal factors, context or history of the team contributing to the current team relationships.

Practical implications

SNA as a method in this study delivers information on diverse members' influence, prestige and specific team member‐related brokerage roles. It highlights what boundary‐crossing knowledge sharing activities they engage in and maps the knowledge and information flows between members of the virtual project teams within the companies.

Originality/value

The multi‐method research design represents a sound approach to target knowledge management in virtual project environments in international contexts.
Enhancing knowledge transfer during and after international assignments
Authors: Anne Crowne Kerri
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand the research in knowledge management, by specifically examining knowledge transfer among expatriates, repatriates and top management teams. The relationships posited here should aid multinational firms in increasing their international assignment return on investment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on previous literature, a theoretical model of the anticipated impact of feedback seeking behaviors and social networks among international assignees and top management teams is presented.

Research limitations/implications

While this article expands the literature in knowledge transfer and encourages multinational enterprises to examine their knowledge management strategies among expatriate, repatriates and top management teams, the model presented is limited. It does not integrate some elements that may cause difficulties for expatriates and repatriates and hinder knowledge transfer.

Practical implications

Top management teams should take an active interest in increasing the knowledge transfer from expatriates and repatriates in the organization because of the expected positive impact it will have on global performance. In order to be more proactive, firms need to implement formal mechanisms, as well as encouraging informal mechanisms in order to transfer knowledge, which should aid the organization in such areas as their expatriation‐repatriation process and foreign subsidiary operations.

Originality/value

To date, no article has addressed how feedback‐seeking behaviors and social networks, together, can enhance knowledge transfer among expatriates, repatriates and Top Management Teams. Furthermore, evidence of effective knowledge transfer during international assignments is scant. Therefore this article fills a gap in the literature by expanding the research on knowledge management.
Knowledge management in project environments
Authors: Hanisch Bastian , Lindner Frank , Mueller Ana , Wald Andreas
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is show how the management of knowledge in temporary organizations is an increasingly important factor in many industries. This paper aims to examine knowledge management in and between projects.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of 27 structured interviews with project managers and knowledge management experts in different corporations mainly located in Germany and German speaking countries, the prevalence, the organization and the success factors of project knowledge management are analyzed.

Findings

As a result, most interviewees stated an urgent need for a significant improvement of project knowledge management although only in few companies a systematic approach exists. The success of project knowledge management is mainly determined by cultural factors whereas technical aspects like information systems and project management methods are considered to serve as supporting factors only.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should include large‐scale surveys to systematically analyze the causalities of successful project knowledge management in different types of projects, organizations, and industries. Further research involving companies located in other cultural areas could help extracting possible effects caused by cultural or societal influences.

Originality/value

The authors present a cross‐sectional study on project knowledge management comprising companies from different industries.
Passion and expertise knowledge transfer
Authors: Sié Laurent , Yakhlef Ali
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that experts' degree of passion for, and attachment to their expertise knowledge facilitates knowledge acquisition and its transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws on case study methodology. Twenty experts within the petrol industry were interviewed with a view to examining the motivators and inhibitors of transferring their expertise knowledge to freshly recruited engineers.

Findings

It seems to emerge that the more passionate an expert is the more intent they will on seeing thrive and diffuse to others. Assuming that expertise is dialogical, that is, the process of transferring is at the same a process of acquiring it. The two processes are conflated.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is that it relies on an in‐depth case study within a specific, scientific industry. How relevant are the findings remains to be studied.

Practical implications

To the extent that passion is an intrinsic motive and since it is not amenable to management control and intervention (“expertise cannot be managed!”), attempts at managing it may be counter‐productive. If curiosity and passion are the main drivers behind transferring (and pursuing intellectually challenging tasks) are the mainspring, managers are faced with providing context that stimulates such drives, not necessarily resorting to monetary rewards.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is to emphasize the significance of passion in the process of transferring and acquiring knowledge.
Looking ahead: energy, climate change and pro‐poor responses
Authors: Malyshev Teresa
Published: July 2009

Purpose

In the absence of new policies, global trends in energy supply and consumption are unsustainable all around. Today, roughly 2.6 billion people use fuelwood, charcoal, agricultural waste and animal dung to meet most of their daily energy needs for cooking and heating. There are 1.6 billion people in the world without electricity, equal to over a quarter of the world population. The purpose of this paper is to present pro‐poor solutions for addressing the crippling impacts of current global energy use on the world's poorest people.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper lays out scenarios for global energy demand and greenhouse‐gas emissions and highlights the impact of these trends on developing countries. Based largely on publications and research from the International Energy Agency, it shows that better targeted subsidies, capacity building, integrated policy approaches and improvements in data collection can help to alleviate the impacts of current energy use on health and the environment.

Findings

Decisive action is needed to expand energy access and to arrest the potential impacts of climate change in poor countries. It is demonstrated here that investments in programs that are tailored to promoting development and addressing climate change simultaneously can be successfully deployed.

Originality/value

There is an urgent need for policymakers in rich and poor countries to join together and tackle the global energy and climate challenges, and, as this paper shows, pro‐poor foresight is needed to ensure that these challenges are met in an equitable and sustainable way.
The future of science and technology and pro‐poor applications
Authors: Damrongchai Nares , Michelson Evan S.
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the overall lack of focus of existing foresight analysis concerning the future of science and technology on the issue of poverty. The paper looks to re‐orient the technology foresight community to adopting an explicit pro‐poor perspective when considering future developments in science and technology (S&T).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a general overview of existing technology foresight studies from organizations located in North America, Europe, and Asia. By describing the key points made in a selection of foresight studies, the paper emphasizes the conceptual links between forward‐looking analysis related to S&T and poverty‐related issues.

Findings

The paper reaches two main conclusions about the role of S&T foresight and development. The first is that the foresight research community needs to interact more closely with the development community in order to enhance the value of the findings in each field to the other. Second, the pressing matter of poverty alleviation requires that the foresight community should come together and create a sense of urgency in issues that have long‐term implications but need immediate action and attention.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to an approach that provides an overview of existing work in technology foresight. While no such review could be comprehensive, this paper provides examples of technology foresight analysis from a range of geographies, sectors, and perspectives to help mitigate this gap.

Practical implications

The argument suggests that technology foresight practitioners should make issues of poverty an explicit topic or category of analysis in future technology foresight activities. Including poverty issues in future scenario activities would go a long way to closing this gap.

Originality/value

This paper synthesizes ideas from a variety of forward‐looking studies addressing the future of science and technology and identifies the need to include poverty as a dimension for analysis in future studies. In addition, the paper provides an introduction to technology foresight work being conducted in Asia by the APEC Center for Technology Foresight.
Process integration for paperless delivery using EPC compliance technology
Authors: Mo John P.T. , Gajzer Slavica , Fane Murray , Wind Gerry , Snioch Tania , Larnach Kevin , Seitam Drew , Saito Hiroyuki , Brown Stewart , Wilson Fergus , Lerias George
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the research work of managing returnable assets such as pallets by radio frequency identification (RFID) methods on a national scale.

Design/methodology/approach

The project is an extension of an earlier project which tracks pallets and cartons through a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chain. This extension project investigates how RFID information can be applied for integrating business processes. The project team developed a national business information network with electronic product code (EPC) compliance devices and systems. To implement an effective pallet management business process, the project team carried out detailed process modelling study of the effect of RFID processes and measured the improvement in performance and efficiency.

Findings

The key to success in the extension project is the adoption of EPC compliance technology that enables efficient communication of business data across platforms and companies. The project found that there is an average 18 per cent improvement in system efficiency should an EPC compliance technology be adopted for supporting paperless proof of delivery. There are also additional administrative and unquantifiable savings in support systems and services.

Research limitations/implications

The research is related to the FMCG industry sector. The business processes in this sector can vary significantly. The project is conducted under a controlled business environment on the condition that the changes would not affect main business activities of the partners. The system efficiency improvement and savings estimated from the project findings should be taken as reference figures only.

Originality/value

The combination of process modelling approach and validation of system performance data by simulation in this paper provide a basis for generalisation of the methodology in similar national scale research studies. The estimated data could be used as reference for preliminary feasibility studies of similar EPC applications.
Managing e‐service development – comparing two e‐government case studies
Authors: Melin Ulf , Axelsson Karin
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the progress and the success vs failure in e‐government development, based on case studies of two inter‐organizational (IO) e‐service projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis in the paper is made from an e‐government systems development life cycle perspective and a challenge and success factor perspective. The point of departure is theory and a comparative analysis of two e‐government projects.

Findings

The main results in this paper are: a combination of perspectives (in a project stage and analysis grid) that can serve as a support when managing e‐service development and a set of identified crucial success factors within an IO e‐government project including project manager skills and position in the agency organization as well as when and how systems maintenance issues are introduced into a project. Existing theory and perspectives are also criticised based on the present study.

Practical implications

Lessons to learn from a challenge and success factors perspective in two different e‐government projects, and suggestions to revise an e‐government development life cycle in order to perform a better practice in the field. The revised/developed project stage and analysis grid presented in the paper is one way to deal with the challenges related to the management of e‐service development in the public sector.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a number of challenges of complexity and risk that e‐government initiatives face. It is not an easy matter to realize such initiatives' potential. A key research issue for the e‐government field, as well as the information systems field in general, is to understand why some projects progress to success while others end in failure. This is the niche for the present paper.
The suitability of care pathways for integrating processes and information systems in healthcare
Authors: Crocker Thomas , Johnson Owen , King Stephen
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the suitability of current care pathway modelling techniques for supporting business improvement and the development of information systems. This is in the light of current UK government policies advocating the use of care pathways as part of the £12.4 billion programme for Information Technology and as a key strategy to reducing waiting times.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative analysis of the variety in purpose, syntax and semantics in a selection of existing care pathways is conducted.

Findings

Care pathways are typically modelled in anad hocmanner with little reference to formal syntax or semantics.

Research limitations/implications

The research reviews a small selection of existing pathways. The feature set used for evaluation could be further refined. Future research should examine the suitability of applying existing process modelling techniques to care pathways and explore the motivations for modelling care pathways in anad hocmanner.

Practical implications

The development of care pathways can aid process improvement and the integration of information systems. However, while syntax and semantics are not standardised the impact of care pathways in the work of Department of Health agencies, in particular Connecting for Health, is likely to be limited.

Originality/value

The results provide insight into the limitations of the state of the art in care pathway models. This highlights a significant omission in the Department of Health's approach and identifies an important direction for further development that will aid Connecting for Health, healthcare organisations and healthcare professionals to deliver more effective services.
Investigating the importance of factors influencing integration technologies adoption in local government authorities
Authors: Mustafa Kamal Muhammad , Alsudairi Mohamed
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The application of enterprise application integration (EAI) technologies in integrating heterogeneous information systems (IS) has been pursued by several private and public organisations. However, where EAI has added effectiveness and strengthened the information technology infrastructures in the private domain, local government authorities (LGAs) have been slow in adopting cost‐effective EAI solutions to significantly expand the capabilities of their conventionally inflexible IS. Despite EAI represents an attractive proposition to LGAs and offers the opportunity to leverage the IS into a seamless chain of processes, EAI has not been widely investigated in LGAs. Literature indicates several research studies mainly focusing on a number of different factors (e.g. benefits, barriers) influencing EAI adoption. However, due to plethora of different factors, it may not be sufficient for LGAs to take decisions by merely focusing on factors. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to assess and prioritise the factors influencing EAI adoption in LGAs through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the less acknowledged phenomena like EAI adoption in LGAs, the author follows an interpretive, qualitative case study approach to conduct this research. This approach will assist in examining the phenomenon in its natural setting, examine the in‐depth complexities and processes, e.g. analysing and prioritising the importance of factors influencing the decision‐making process for EAI adoption, and provide considerable flexibility during interviews and observations.

Findings

According to the empirical findings, the proposed EAI adoption factors are appropriate for studying the research context. The analysis and study of the factors is made carefully and specifically to fit and be compatible within the context of an LGA. As a result, it is apparent from the empirical findings that most of the factors have influenced the decision‐making process for EAI adoption except two factors that are not tested.

Originality/value

The author takes into consideration the literature void and prioritise the importance the factors by introducing the AHP technique. This technique is substantial as it may enhance the analysis of EAI adoption in LGAs, tests and justifies the feasibility of AHP technique by a case study, and facilitates LGAs in realising the importance of EAI adoption factors. Hence, it significantly contributes to the body of knowledge and practice in this area and providing sufficient support to the management by speeding up the EAI adoption process.
Live or let die: managing safety management system strategies and stakeholders
Authors: Kevin Loebbaka Jon , Lewis Alfred
Published: July 2009

Purpose

Safety management systems are created by firms to insure workplace safety while managing acceptable levels of risk. Global competition and the need to assimilate new processes, materials, and technologies, have imparted a more immediate financial and societal imperative in identifying the firm's safety stakeholders. This research identifies a strategic framework to be used by organizations in managing their safety management systems and stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Management's ability to organize stakeholders' demands is central to prioritizing safety knowledge and channeling that knowledge effectively through the organization. Management's safety strategy dilemma can be condensed through the optic of a knowledge‐based decision cycle. The three‐stage decision cycle developed in this research asserts that setting safety strategy is simultaneously a knowledge management challenge for the firm and a process of identifying stakeholder salience.

Findings

The safety management system model presented classifies the organization's stakeholders critical to each stage of the strategy setting process. Clarifying stakeholders' power, legitimacy, and urgency is essential in prioritizing and developing those stakeholders' safety knowledge. This decision model should improve the prospect of managers implementing successful safety management system strategies.

Originality/value

The societal and financial costs of workplace safety management system failures diminish organization's effectiveness. This model provides a new approach to implementing knowledge based safety strategies from the organization's stakeholders.
Leadership and the Great Value Shift©: recognizing and responding to change in a changing world
Authors: Simpkins Robert A.
Published: July 2009

Purpose

To improve the capabilities of senior leadership and operational personnel to recognize internal and external changes that are, and will, impact the success of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Observation, surveys, interviews and measurements.

Findings

All organizations go through specific and measurable stages of value to their stakeholders, associates, departmental managers, and customers. This shift is driven by external environmental change more than changes internally.

Practical implications

Organizational members will be better able to recognize and measure change to determine what resources are required to reinvent the entity.

Originality/value

This is a completely new model based on earlier works of organizational life cycles. The paper segments the five distinct stages to better align leaders' and associates' planning capabilities.
Public‐private partnership to develop infrastructure and encourage innovation in Mexico
Authors: Garibay Ruiz Julio A.
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The paper focuses in the innovation strategies and wealth creation in Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the innovation competitiveness process in both the manufacturing and information technology sectors through four research questions.

Findings

Given that the manufacturing sector has been the driver in terms of invention and innovation, it seems logical that Mexico faces a similar parallel. Also, the Mexican information technology sector needs to explore new business opportunities in order to stay profitable in the long term.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is in an early stage and needs to focus on one policy issue. Moreover, it is not a proper diagnosis of the current situation of the Mexican manufacturing sector. Suggestions for future research include expanding the literature review and including recent reports issued by international organisations (e.g. OECD' Science, Technology & Industry Outlook, UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2008: Transnational Corporations and the Infrastructure Challenge, and the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report). This inputs would help to strengthen the analysis with an international comparative perspective (e.g. what are the relevant gaps between Mexico and competitor Asian economies?). In turn this would provide a more rigorous grounding for recommendations.

Practical implications

The Mexican economy needs to develop based on infrastructural investment from the Mexican government and the growing private sector (maquiladoras and indigenous Mexican enterprises). Also, Mexico needs to invest heavily in educational enterprise in order to foster an atmosphere of research and discovery to support efforts by the government and private sectors.

Originality/value

Adequate investment by the Mexican government and private sector could potentially bring back the manufacturing establishments currently located in Asia to Mexico, given the proximity advantages coupled with the NAFTA agreement.
Performance of open‐ended real estate funds in Germany
Authors: Kurzrock Björn‐Martin , Gläsner Sebastian , Wilke Elaine
Published: July 2009

Purpose

In Germany, open‐ended funds represent the prevailing form of indirect real estate investment for retail and institutional investors. The purpose of this paper is to address whether significant performance differences occur between retail and institutional funds.

Design/methodology/approach

The relative fund performance of 137 funds investing in Germany and abroad are each measured against tailored Investment Property Databank performance benchmarks of direct property investments. Such benchmarks shall mimic the asset allocation of any particular fund. Data on retail fund performance are retrieved from the fund association BVI, the data on institutional fund performance are derived from the individual statements of accounts for each fund.

Findings

German open‐ended funds show significant differences in mean relative returns. The differences are mainly driven by the respective asset allocation of the funds, although relative returns against tailored benchmarks as dependent variables are supposed to offset country‐specific return fluctuations. Institutional investors tend to be better‐off than retail investors.

Research limitations/implications

Liquidity holdings are not (and can not be) extracted from fund performance with the given data. In this regard, it must be acknowledged that retail funds by nature are induced to carry more liquidity. Second, the high significance of the factor asset allocation may indicate that country‐specific benchmarks could still be tailored more effectively. However, the conclusions from this paper remain unaffected. Ex post variations in the grouping of funds explain additional fund performance variance. In particular, it would be interesting to analyze the performance patterns of single‐investor funds and the influence or control that is being exercised by single‐investors in institutional funds.

Originality/value

Results give new insights into the performance of open‐ended real estate funds. The analysis helps explaining performance patterns and contributes to an improved understanding of the German indirect real estate investment market.
Climate change and tourism: the implications for the Caribbean
Authors: Clayton Anthony
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of travel and tourism industry in climate change and to consider the implications of climate change for the travel and tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines why the Caribbean is currently the most tourism‐dependent region in the world and profiles the reasons why the island economies of the Caribbean are so vulnerable to climate change.

Findings

The paper advocates action based on the available evidence and the fact that most of the essential infrastructure for tourism is located at or near the shoreline, in areas that will be vulnerable to sea‐level rise and storm surge. This combination of dependency and vulnerability makes the Caribbean a particularly pertinent and poignant example of how countries can come to rely on an industry that might prove to contain the seed of not only its own destruction, but also that of some vulnerable host economies.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive summary of the key evidence relating to the growing threat of climate change to the Caribbean.
Preparing for a rainy day
Authors: Attzs Marlene
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the vital economic role of the travel and tourism industry in the Caribbean.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the literature on climate change impacts in small island developing states. Two key challenges to the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the region are discussed: managing tourism development within the socio‐cultural, ecological carrying capacity of the region and anticipating and adapting to the impacts of climate change on the Caribbean.

Findings

Climate change has significant implications for both rainfall and saline intrusion in ground water, which could directly threaten both the tourism industry and other local livelihoods. Water shortages will be particularly critical in the Caribbean islands that are already water‐stressed; at or near the limits of their available supplies.

Originality/value

This paper focuses particularly on the impact of hurricanes on the sustainability of regional tourism and the related socioeconomic consequences. Provides policy recommendations on the way forward to ensure the sustainable development of Caribbean region tourism.
Climate change implications for water resource management in Caribbean tourism
Authors: Emmanuel Kwame , Spence Balfour
Published: July 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the climate change implications for both rainfall and saline intrusion in ground water, which could directly threaten both the tourism industry and other local livelihoods in the Caribbean. Water shortages will be particularly critical in the locations that are already water‐stressed; at or near the limits of their available supplies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on Barbados as the island exhibits four critical factors that make it particularly sensitive and potentially vulnerable to water shortages. Barbados is relatively small and flat, and has limited water flow. Second, it is the most densely populated country in the Caribbean. Third, the economy is primarily driven by tourism, and has prospered as a result; Fourth, Barbados is characterized as “absolute water scarce” on the Falkenmark scale because of a per capita availability of freshwater per year of less than 500 cubic meters.

Findings

The paper observes that Barbados has a water availability of just 306 cubic metres per capita per year, which makes Barbados the 15th most water‐scarce nation in the world. Thus, Barbados is critically dependent on a water‐intensive industry, has limited options to expand the supply of the key resource, and now finds that the availability of this key resource might decline in future as a result of climate change.

Originality/value

The paper provides data, case studies and analysis to demonstrate the significant threat to tourism from water shortages relating to climate change.