bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human‐capital measuring at the Royal Bank of Scotland
Authors: Donkin Richard
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to highlight the rigour that the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has applied to human‐capital measuring in its employment systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws on the author's report for Croner's, Human Capital Management, A Management Report.

Findings

Reveals how the bank links employee data with reward preferences, business productivity and turnover, to provide a rich source of feedback pointing to trends that require management action.

Practical implications

Demonstrates that there are circumstances when the use of bare statistics without explanation or careful analysis could lead to less, rather than more, transparency. Judicious human‐capital reporting requires as much attention to interpretation as it does to the hard data.

Originality/value

Deals with a subject that has received relatively little treatment in the HR literature.
Coaching high achievers
Authors: Jones Graham
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article highlights coaching techniques that are particularly appropriate to use with high achievers.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws on the author's considerable research and practical experience in the field.

Findings

Argues that the coach should have a good understanding of the world of high achievement and empathy for the total commitment required. A coach should be able to provide a steady supply of relevant information that will stimulate thinking around continual improvement. The high achiever's goals should be the clear and central focus of the coaching. The coach needs to portray genuine confidence in his or her own ability. A coach needs to be ready to provide developmental feedback at all times. The coach must have a continual focus on helping the high achiever to identify specific actions that will deliver short‐term as well as longer‐term goals.

Practical implications

Deals in a readable way with a topical subject.

Originality/value

Stresses that, while there are some important differences between high and lesser achievers that should be taken into account as part of the coaching process, many, if not all, of the factors are common across coaching in general.
Avoiding ageism at Coca‐Cola
Authors: Webb Catherine
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article describes how Coca‐Cola Enterprises has established forward‐thinking, diverse anti‐ageism policies in order to comply with new UK legislation and achieve age positive “employer champion” status.

Design/methodology/approach

Outlines the steps the company followed in order to combat ageism in all its forms.

Findings

Reveals that, over the last six months, 12 percent of the people the company has recruited – mostly on the sales side of the business – are over the age of 40. Not only is the business hiring more people across the age spectrum, but also potential candidates view Coca‐Cola Enterprises as an employer focused on skills, not age.

Practical implications

Deals with a topic that will become increasingly important in countries where the average age of the workforce is increasing.

Originality/value

Highlights the fact that age diversity is not something that can be introduced to a company overnight. It involves a complete change in culture, with a real understanding from across the organization that it is an individual's skills and abilities that count, not his or her age.
Undergraduate students' performance: the case of University of Malaya
Authors: Alfan Ervina , Othman Nor
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the undergraduate students' performance in the Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya and the factors influencing the performance of the undergraduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance of the undergraduate students in this study is measured by their cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in the final semester. In this study, the students' demographic profile, entry qualifications and the subjects taken by the students in pre‐university level are used as the predictor variable for the students' performance in the degree programme.

Findings

The result of the study shows that the predictor variables do explain the variance in the students' final CGPA. In addition, it was found that knowledge prior to entering the university such as economics, mathematics and accounting is crucial in assisting the students in undertaking the courses in both business and accounting programme. The study also found that female students perform better than male students; whilst Chinese students perform better than Malay and Indian students.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of this study for the academics in universities and schools are also discussed in the paper. This paper, however, does not look into variables other than students' past performance prior to entering the university that may have an influence over the students' performance in the university. Hence, this aspect may be examined in future researches.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful to the academic communities, the public and other interested parties who are interested in improving students' performance during their periods of study in the universities.
TQM‐based self‐assessment in the education sector
Authors: Svensson Magnus , Klefsjö Bengt
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a self‐assessment project, the steps taken and the tools used, and above all, focus on the evaluation made after the decision to discontinue, learning and acquiring knowledge about self‐assessment as a methodology in educational organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to investigate the experiences of the project, interviews were conducted with the Upper Secondary Education Officer and with ten School Principals and a questionnaire was administered to gather opinions among the other staff members. The analysis mainly consisted of searching for potential patterns among the respondents' answers studying their own words by use of three different criteria.

Findings

It is important how an organization enters a self‐assessment project, or even any quality project. Many people do not seem to have thought very much about what is considered to be quality in the environment in which they operate, and even less have a shared view within the organization. Too often organizations tend to start working with self‐assessment without sufficiently thinking of “why” and “how” to accomplish the project. The work is performed without preparing all those who are to participate in the project and without discussing the core values that constitute the work. If the organization has not reached the necessary maturity level it is probably a waste of resources to start a comprehensive self‐assessment project.

Orginality/value

As a synthesis form the analysis, a model for how an organization should start self‐assessment is presented, as well as a number of guiding points. Also, the new tool “Lärostegen” is described.
Improving management education
Authors: Emiliani M.L.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To present an outsider's view of how management education can be significantly improved.

Design/methodology/approach

Focuses on correcting several obvious deficiencies in courses and degree programs to create highly differentiated educational experiences that are more relevant to student's needs and the organizations that employ graduates.

Findings

Proposes a suite of 11 interconnected improvements as well as a fundamental re‐structuring of the MBA program designed to simplify it, provide greater focus, improve relevancy, and impart needed thematic consistency.

Practical implications

Presents 11 practical improvements individual faculty or schools can readily incorporate into existing courses or degree programs. The proposed curriculum for a completely re‐structured MBA program can add distinctiveness and expand the value proposition for students and their employers.

Originality/value

The suite of 11 improvements and proposed MBA program curriculum changes offers an alternate route for preparing students for future global business challenges. The proposed improvements are intended to serve as a foundation for discussion and debate, and hopefully future action as well.
Quality assurance of multiple‐choice tests
Authors: Bush Martin E.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide educationalists with an understanding of the key quality issues relating to multiple‐choice tests, and a set of guidelines for the quality assurance of such tests.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion of quality issues is structured to reflect the order in which those issues naturally arise. It covers the design of individual multiple‐choice questions, issues relating to the question bank as a whole, choice of test format, and what can be learned through post‐test analysis. The paper offers practical advice, with an emphasis on maximising test reliability.

Findings

It is recognised that considerable expertise and effort is required to undertake a thorough post‐test statistical analysis, but pre‐test quality assurance is relatively straightforward, if labour‐intensive. The question of which is best amongst the various alternative test formats is left open.

Originality/value

The general issue of quality assurance of multiple‐choice tests is surely an important one, yet the author is not aware of any other publication that deals directly with this topic.
An integrated identity verification system for mobile terminals
Authors: Mazhelis Oleksiy , Markkula Jouni , Veijalainen Jari
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To report the work on the design of an integrated identity verification system architecture aimed at approaching high verification accuracy, continuous security, and user‐friendliness.

Design/methodology/approach

The reported research corresponds to the building process in the design science research paradigm. The requirements to an identity verification system are defined and used in the selection of architecture components. Furthermore, various issues affecting the suitability of component distribution between a terminal and a remote server are considered.

Findings

In order to meet the stated requirements, in the proposed architecture static and dynamic identity verification is combined. The use of the dynamic part enables continuous and user‐friendly verification, while the static part is responsible for accurate verification. A suitable distribution of architecture components between the terminal and the remote server is proposed.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed architecture represents a specification that corresponds to the computational viewpoint of the reference model for open distributed processing. Other specifications, such as engineering or technological specifications, which are needed for successful implementation of the system, are not provided in the paper.

Practical implications

The paper provides a specification of the integrated identify verification system architecture that can be utilised during further design and subsequent implementation of the system.

Originality/value

While available approaches to identity verification in a mobile environment concentrate mainly on connectivity identity verification (employed in accessing communication services), the proposed architecture focuses on application‐level identity verification needed to access application‐level resources, remotely or locally on the terminal.
A modular approach to ERP system selection
Authors: Ziaee Mohsen , Fathian Mohammad , Sadjadi S.J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to study an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software selection problem. The primary goal of this paper is to propose a two‐phase procedure to select an ERP vendor and a suitable ERP software.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first phase of the proposed method the preliminary actions – such as constructing a project team, collecting all possible information about ERP vendors and systems, and identifying the ERP system characteristics – are established. In the second phase, the authors present a modular approach to ERP vendor and software selection and propose a 0‐1 programming model to minimize total costs associated with procurement and integration expenditures.

Findings

The proposed approach and the model are considered to be more useful for small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs).

Originality/value

In using the model for analyzing the data about a real case study that is a commercial SME and based on obtained results, some parameter values of the model for all SMEs are suggested.
Consultants: love‐hate relationships with communities of practice
Authors: Pastoors Katja
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explores consultants' experiences of communities of practice (CoPs) in one of the world's largest information technology companies against organisational strategies. The research focus concerns experiences of formal top‐down and underground CoPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an exploratory case study. Following a subjective approach the it draws on individual experiences of ten consultants. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted alongside documentary analysis to gain understanding of the organisation's approach to CoPs.

Findings

The paper finds that the one size fits all organisational approach to CoPs does not address the specific knowledge requirements of the consultancy unit where the majority of consultants work widely dispersed from clients' sites. The consultants report mistrust of top‐down CoPs and remain committed to underground CoPs. Since the skills and knowledge of the consultants are the unit's only asset, the top‐down approach to CoPs should be revisited in order to enable knowledge creation and continuous improvement of these assets, vital for future success of the consultancy business.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on the consultancy unit; wider research exploring experiences of top‐down CoPs elsewhere in the organisation is an area of future research, as is exploring membership of bootlegged CoPs as resistance to organisational change.

Practical implications

This research is useful for practitioners, especially the management of consultancies, whose business success is reliant on their employees' skills and knowledge.

Originality/value

The researcher is a member of the organisation under exploration and is therefore able to include an inside view. The research was undertaken following the acquisition of an international consultancy by the information technology organisation.
Managing intentionally created communities of practice for knowledge sourcing across organisational boundaries
Authors: Garavan Thomas N. , Carbery Ronan , Murphy Eamonn
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore strategies used by communities of practice (CoPs) managers when managing intentionally created CoPs.

Design/methodology/approach

Four intentionally created CoPs in Ireland are explored, using a qualitative research design with data from observation, interviews and analysis of documents.

Findings

The study identified a number of specific strategies CoP managers use to develop trust, facilitate collaboration, facilitate the negotiation of shared meaning and manage power issues within the CoP. These strategies were shared by the four managers who participated in the study.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a small sample of managers in Ireland. The context and process imposed constraints and the findings are context specific which implications for the application of findings to other CoPs.

Originality/value

The study highlights the concept of CoP is not confined to traditional understandings but includes intentionally created highly structured time‐bound groupings of individuals who work in a collaborative manner to share knowledge. The paper offers learning from CoP managers and highlights the practical implications of their experiences.
Knowledge management practices in large construction organisations
Authors: Robinson Herbert S. , Carrillo Patricia M. , Anumba Chimay J. , Al‐Ghassani Ahmed M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how large UK construction organisations manage their knowledge assets. It then proposes STEPS, a mechanism for benchmarking organisation's knowledge management maturity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a case study methodology using four large UK construction organisations.

Findings

The investigation shows that the UK‐based companies with international operations are ahead of their national counterparts in their KM implementation efforts. The paper concludes that construction organisations are likely to be successful in implementing KM if appropriate considerations are given to strategy formulation, implementation issues addressed and the link between KM and business strategy is strengthened.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a mechanism, entitled STEPS, for benchmarking the maturity of large construction organisations' knowledge management practices. It then uses case study organisations to demonstrate how the STEPS model should be used.
Current practices in building project contract price forecasting in the UK
Authors: Fortune Chris , Cox Owen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The selection and use of the most appropriate building project contract price forecasting model contribute to the provision of strategic advice that clients can use to make value‐for‐money business decisions. This work seeks to provide a snapshot of current practice in model selection by practitioners based in large‐sized quantity surveying, project management and multi‐disciplinary practices based in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was used to capture data from a sample of 300 such organisations in 2004. An initial and follow‐up administration of the postal survey generated an overall response of 54 per cent.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that the traditional types of forecasting model continue to be in widespread use irrespective of organisational type. Lifecycle cost models and in‐house knowledge‐based systems were also found to be in use, but not on such a widespread scale. Newly developed models such as artificial neural nets, fuzzy logic nets, as well as environmental and sustainability cost models were found, as yet, to have only very limited application in practice. Practitioner assessment of model accuracy and value in‐use provided statistically insignificant levels of variance between the organisational types and the models found to be in use.

Research limitations/implications

The work is limited due to the size of the sample frame and the measuring instrument used which could not uncover reasons for the selection of particular types of models.

Originality/value

The outcomes of the work provide benchmarks that can be used to evaluate organisational approach and future research. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge available on the process of building project contract price forecasting that is fundamental to the assessment of project value.
Performance of engineering consultants in ISO 9000‐based quality management systems implementation
Authors: Ng S. Thomas
Published: January 2007

Purpose

As many construction clients now require their consultants to seek accreditation under ISO 9000:2000, demonstrating customer satisfaction and continual improvement as required by the latest standards will become an important aspect for consultant practices. However, consultants seldom attempt to uncover the expectations of their clients, and this may hinder the improvement when their quality management systems (QMSs) are implemented and hence affect the satisfaction of their clients. The purpose of this paper is to examine the satisfaction of clients to the overall quality performance of engineering consultants in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

To assist engineering consultants to realise the clients' expectation, the expected benefits that construction clients would like to attain through the implementation of ISO 9000‐based QMSs and the perceived actual benefits the clients had received are identified through a postal survey.

Findings

The results indicate that the actual benefits were generally lower than that expected by the clients.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to those wishing to obtain accreditation under ISO 9000:2000 and improve their QMSs with respect to improving the satisfaction of their clients.
A knowledge capture awareness tool
Authors: Hari Subashini , Egbu Charles , Kumar Bimal
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Popularity in knowledge management has, unfortunately, not been matched by parallel empirical research on the processes, challenges and benefits of knowledge capture in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry, given the fact that 99 per cent of firms in the UK construction industry can be classified as SMEs. This paper aims to discuss the output of a research study, which is focused on knowledge capture in SMEs in construction industry. The paper also aims to present and discuss a computer‐based awareness tool on knowledge capture underpinned by Kolb's experiential learning theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study involved a total of 51 professionals from 26 SMEs in the construction industry. Grounded theory approach was adopted. Also, a content analysis was considered.

Findings

The results show that there is lack of awareness of complex issues associated with an effective knowledge capture process as well as ensuing benefits for SMEs in the construction industry. The effective implementation of knowledge capture in SMEs is partly dependent on the vision and flair of the owner/partners of the organisation. It is also determined by culture, structure, people, finance and technology, which warrants a coherent and structured approach.

Originality/value

A computer‐based awareness tool which is underpinned by Kolb's experiential learning theory.
Private Finance Initiative in the healthcare sector: trends and risk assessment
Authors: Akintoye Akintola , Chinyio Ezekiel
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The UK Government has now adopted Private Finance Initiative (PFI) as a major vehicle for the delivery of additional resources to the health sector in order to achieve a greater investment in healthcare facilities. The purpose of this paper is to examine the trends and risk assessment of the PFI in the healthcare sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employed secondary data and interviews of key participants in two hospital PFI projects to highlight developments in healthcare PFI and the risk management of hospital projects.

Findings

The results show that the use of PFI in the provision of healthcare is increasing in terms of number, capital value and size of projects. What emerged in the healthcare PFI project was a usage of a plethora of risk management techniques, albeit to varying degrees. Experience appeared to be the prime risk assessment technique employed, while risk avoidance was first explored before pricing and allocating any residual risks. “Risk prompts”, such as using checklists and risk registers were also useful in the identification of risks. Among all participants, insurance cover and sub‐contracting appear to be the most prominent strategies employed for managing out the risks.

Originality/value

The negotiations that precede the signing of a healthcare PFI project contract had an impact on the final choice of facilities or their specifications. The two contracting parties sought a balance between an optimal allocation of risks, choice of facilities and project price. Although the risk management techniques being used are generic in nature, there is still no evidence at the moment to show that these are appropriate for PFI projects. It is important that further investigation is undertaken to assess the level of current skills in risk management techniques to deal with PFI projects and the extent to which these techniques are appropriate to tackle complex healthcare PFI projects.
Towards improved labour standards for construction of minor works in low income countries
Authors: Cotton A.P. , Sohail M. , Scott R.E.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The construction industry is one of the largest employment providers in the developing world. It is also one of the least safe industries, with a high frequency of accidents resulting in financial losses, injuries, disabilities and deaths. Decent working conditions and resulting improved worker satisfaction are key to sustainable productivity in the industry. International standards safeguarding construction workers are abundant and ratified by most low‐income countries. This paper aims to examine if these standards are adequately reflected in contracts for construction works; and if they not, how contract clauses can be improved and put into operation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on research undertaken in Ghana, India and Zambia from 2000 to 2003, this paper explores the aforementioned points. The paper comprises analysis of contract clauses from the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) and developing country contracts, along with case study findings.

Findings

This paper finds that more legislation is not the urgent issue; incorporating existing legislation into construction contracts and making clauses operational is a priority. This paper identifies practical and cost‐effective procedures for bringing stakeholders together to implement and monitor labour standards, with the aim of contributing to the overall goal of providing “decent work” for all workers in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This paper explores issues around implementing labour standards in construction of minor infrastructure works in low income countries and concludes with suggestions on how best to put contract clauses into operation through a process approach.
Estimating as a profession in UK construction
Authors: Hackett James A. , Hicks Carolyn M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Both quantity surveyors (QSs) and estimators have pivotal roles in the profitability of construction contracts; however, only the QS is classified as a professional. Preliminary examination of the responsibilities of the estimator and the level of qualification required in comparison with the QS suggests that the current failure to recognise estimating as a profession may be an anomaly. The purpose of this inquiry is to consider the role of the estimator relative to the accepted criteria attaching to professional status.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this, available definitions of a profession were distilled into core criteria which were then used to compare QSs and estimators in terms of remuneration, education and professional representation.

Findings

A statistical analysis on each of these criteria suggested that there was no significant difference in terms of salary offered or education required by employers. Further investigation, however, did reveal a considerable difference in educational and professional opportunities available to QSs. With regard to the key defining criteria of a profession and the consideration given by employers, the results indicate that there is no difference between the two groups.

Originality/value

Given the information revealed by this research it may therefore be the case that the current standing of estimators should be reconsidered with the purpose of upgrading estimating to a professional status.
Construction duration of residential building projects in Germany
Authors: Stoy Christian , Dreier Frank , Schalcher Hans‐Rudolf
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Planning the construction duration is an important consideration in any construction project. Indicators that permit an early forecast of the duration provide the basis for such planning. To date, such a basis has been lacking in the German‐speaking area. This paper aims to discuss this matter.

Design/methodology/approach

Indicators are identified that enable a forecast of the construction duration. In addition, a simple regression model is provided to assist in selecting construction speed indicators. This empirical analysis relies on the data, collected on a uniform basis, from 115 German residential buildings.

Findings

Project size (measured in m2 gross external floor area) and project standard (measured in € building construction cost/m2 gross external floor area) are found to be significant drivers of construction speed. It appears that project size, in contrast to the project standard, is positively correlated with construction speed.

Originality/value

An expansion of the data pool is required for more extensive study. On the one hand, this means including relevant drivers that have only been insufficiently considered to date, such as project complexity, project environment, management‐related attributes. On the other hand, the data pool must also be expanded to include other types of use.
Plant managers' perceptions of plant security systems
Authors: Carmichael R. , Edwards D.J. , Holt G.D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Plant theft represents a serious and growing problem for the construction sector, with the present value of UK losses estimated to be in excess of £1 million per week. Along with other stakeholders, plant managers play a key role in helping to counteract this problem, for example, by employing plant security systems (PSSs). PSSs use a variety of mechanisms to provide differing levels of protection and represent an equally diverse range of cost alternatives. In view of this diversity, this paper aims to survey a sample of plant managers to obtain their perceived importance of PSS appraisal criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire elicited the perceptions of managers regarding the importance of seven generic PSS groupings by reference to six PSS assessment criteria. Data were analysed using (importance and rank) derived weighting indices to develop a PSS importance matrix.

Findings

“Level of deterrent” (offered by a PSS) was consistently considered a key criterion as was “resistant attack time”. Maybe surprisingly, cost was only found to be a superlative criterion for one of the six PSSs considered. The overriding indication is that plant managers afford more importance to “practical” PSS assessment criteria than they do to financial ones.

Originality/value

It is proffered, that PSS manufacturers should be mindful of these observed perceptions concerning the relationship of system functionality versus cost, in striving to deliver into the plant market (and encourage use of) “optimal” security systems.
Facilitating knowledge pull to deliver innovation through knowledge management
Authors: Maqsood Tayyab , Walker Derek H.T. , Finegan Andrew D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss how knowledge‐pull from external knowledge sources could systemise knowledge exchange as a knowledge management (KM) initiative and to argue how it could contribute to successful application of innovative techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Soft System Methodology (SSM) used to carry out a case study on a specific innovation diffusion initiative within an organisation.

Findings

Construction organisations need to actively participate in knowledge activities possibly organised through universities or other research bodies. This interaction bridges the gap between research and its practical implementation. Much useful academic research goes unnoticed because of a lack of interest by construction organisations in attending knowledge events such as conferences, symposiums or run joint research programs with the academia.

Research limitations/implications

Study recommendations have specific relevance to the organisation under study rather than being more widely generalisable. Only one innovation diffusion example was focused on. However, the SSM approach is generalisable in the study of problems and issues raised and to identify a proposed solution.

Practical implications

This research highlights the gap that exists between academic knowledge and its practical use by construction organisations. Construction organisations and external knowledge sources (e.g. academia) need to think positively about how to make collaboration more practically useful to organisations.

Originality/value

The research provides a template of how one major construction contractor benefited from its approach to participating in external knowledge activities and explains using SSM how it successfully used knowledge‐pull for delivering significant benefit from diffusing an externally developed innovation.
Risk and maximum acceptable discount levels
Authors: Drozdenko Ronald , Jensen Marlene
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Studies on optimal discount levels have sometimes yielded contradictory results, leaving practitioners with unclear direction. This paper proposes clarifying the optimum discount levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This study asked 453 consumers to choose their own optimal discount levels (from 0‐80 percent) for eight product categories across two distribution channels (physical store and online merchant). Then they were asked if the reason if they did not always select the deepest discount.

Findings

Only 13 percent selected the 80 percent discount level for each product and each channel, despite seeing the exact price they would pay at each level. In support of attribution theory, 88 percent of the consumers attributed at least one cause for the deepest discounts. Most frequently cited were concerns about quality problems, damaged goods, or stolen goods. Consumers also opted for lower discount levels from the online merchant than from the physical store. There was a wide divergence by product category, with consumers selecting smaller discounts on tires and cereal and the deepest discounts on shirts.

Research limitations/implications

Given the divergence across product categories, it is unknown how consumers would respond to categories not studied.

Practical implications

This paper has revealed strong consumer perceptions about discount risks and the tradeoffs consumer make between risk and financial benefit across different product categories, both online and off – which can help marketing practitioners in setting discount levels.

Originality/value

By allowing consumers to select their own preferred discount levels, it is shown that most customers attribute some risk to them.
Online consumer communities and their value to new product developers
Authors: Pitta Dennis A. , Fowler Danielle
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To explore an emerging area in internet practice that has implications for new product developers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper integrates concepts including a range of recently published (1993‐2004) theoretical works and ongoing case developments in internet practice.

Findings

Provides information and action approaches to new product developers that may increase the success and accuracy of resulting new products. Outlines the benefits of monitoring and participating in online consumer communities and offers practical suggestions for maximizing their value in the product development process.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical concepts that form the foundation of the paper appear to have a significant application to the product development process but have not been tested empirically.

Practical implications

Uncovers a previously unrecognized source of direct consumer input and cooperation in the design and valuation of new products.

Originality/value

This paper describes the nature and application of online consumer communities to an important marketing process. It offers the potential of improving the success of new products in the marketplace reducing significant waste.
Brand sickness and health following major product withdrawals
Authors: Eagle Lynne , Hawkins Jacinta , Kitchen Philip J. , Rose Lawrence C.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The mandatory withdrawal of almost 2,000 complementary and alternative medicines, manufactured under contract on behalf of multiple brand names, primarily in the Australian and New Zealand markets, provides an opportunity to examine the impact on sales levels and both brand and category loyalty of a major product confidence crisis. Sets out to deal with this issue

Design/methodology/approach

Focuses on the impact of the events surrounding the recall within both the Australian and New Zealand markets and links the events surrounding the recall with the scant international literature relating to brand management during crisis situations. Then reports on findings from an investigation of New Zealand consumer perceptions of the sector after the recall event.

Findings

The substantial impact on both category and brand loyalty in the face of prolonged non‐availability of some products is revealed, as is the lack of contingency planning across product supply and marketing communications dimensions. Concludes with recommendations for the future management of brands during such events.

Practical implications

Lessons that may be learned in relation to brand management during crisis situations are stressed, along with implications for cross‐border brand management.

Originality/value

The dynamics of the complementary and alternative medicines market have not been comprehensively researched. In addition, the extant literature regarding brand management during crisis situations is not extensive. This paper therefore makes a contribution towards the understanding of an under‐researched market sector and also the impact on brand management of major disruption to consumer confidence and product availability.
How do markets behave? The adjustment of price endings
Authors: Aalto‐Setala Ville
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Nominal prices are known to have a distinct impact on pricing, which is normally seen in the form of 9‐ending prices. This article aims to study the effect of nominal prices on pricing patterns using data from a real‐life experiment: the currency changeover to the euro.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines quantitatively the impact of the euro changeover on the price endings used in grocery retailing.

Findings

The results show that the length of the price has a marked impact on price endings. The adjustment of price endings is also found to be a very slow process.

Research limitations/implications

The study examines pricing two different market situations within one industry (grocery retailing) in one country (Finland) and shows that there is a difference between pricing patterns in different market situations. It is clear that more research is needed to obtain a more detailed picture of pricing patterns by studying diverse market situations.

Originality/value

This article gives a better understanding of the effect of price length on price endings based on real‐life data sets from before and after the euro changeover. The results are robust because the studied markets and, thus, the culture remained the same over the study period. Further, this article for the first time examines the adjustment of price endings in a market change caused by a currency changeover.
New product development at Eastern Spice & Flavorings
Authors: Franzak Frank , Pitta Dennis
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an insight into the spice industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses Eastern Spice & Flavorings as a case study and focuses on its international product development group.

Findings

Despite the company's origins as a family‐owned small business, it competes in the global marketplace. To compete successfully, it must localize its blends. Until the company can establish new product development (NPD) centers in its major overseas markets, regional teams from Richmond that could travel to foreign markets to aid product development would be a solution to increasing sales.

Originality/value

Discusses Eastern Spice & Flavorings and its new product development.
An empirical examination of brand loyalty
Authors: Møller Jensen Jan , Hansen Torben
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article aims to measure relative attitude as a latent two‐dimensional second‐order factor and to investigate the relationship between relative attitude and repeat purchasing.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model of attitude‐behaviour consistency and brand loyalty is proposed and empirically tested in the context of frequently purchased consumer goods. Structural equation modelling was used on survey data from 395 households to test the model and corresponding hypotheses.

Findings

The results support the conceptualization of relative attitude as a composite of purchase involvement and perceived brand differences and also support the hypotheses proposed in our research model. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed at the end of the article.

Originality/value

Survey data from 395 households was used to test the model and corresponding hypotheses.
Consumer price knowledge in Turkey – before and after the changeover of the national currency
Authors: Schneider Helmut , Kelemci Schneider Gülpınar
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The first objective of the paper is to determine whether the national currency changeover in Turkey has altered the level of consumer price knowledge. The second objective is to investigate the level of consumer price knowledge in an emerging economy, quite apart from the currency changeover.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at price knowledge by comparing consumers' price estimations with actual market prices. Data was collected, designed as a panel interview, at two points of time. The price data contains the actual prices of six selected products, from 27 retail stores in Istanbul. The choice of retail outlets was conducted in such a manner, that they provide a highly representative image of prices in Istanbul. The price estimation was obtained at personal interviews (599 individuals) outside a shopping situation in different parts of Istanbul.

Findings

The analysis suggests that the price knowledge of Turkish consumers has not deteriorated since the currency changeover. On the contrary, it has slightly improved. According to the second objective, the price knowledge of consumers in an emerging economy turned out to be relatively poor, although the level of price differentiation is rather low in the market.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation is the context of price data, due to the specific economic infrastructure of an emerging country such as Turkey. The second limitation relates to the investigated product categories and refers to all of the results on the relatively poor price knowledge of Turkish consumers. Regarding further research, it would be useful to establish whether the price knowledge of Turkish consumers will improve in the future on account of the inflation rate, which has been declining noticeably during the past few months. In addition, other methods of measuring price knowledge can be used to determine whether the results for Turkish consumers are stable. Finally, including informal traders could raise the explanatory power of data about the price knowledge of Turkish consumers.

Originality/value

Price knowledge in an emerging economy is poor. The effect of a currency changeover on price knowledge depends on the conversion arithmetic.
Explorations in course‐casting: podcasts in higher education
Authors: Bryans Bongey Sarah , Cizadlo Gerald , Kalnbach Lynn
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To explore the benefits, challenges, and impact of podcasting in higher education and also to provide educators with anecdotal and practical advice and information on how to create and distribute podcasts.

Design/methodology/approach

In support of a traditional college course, a biology professor implemented podcasts to explore the value of coursecasting and its role in student learning. Direct observation, attendance counts, and server statistics supplement a survey that was distributed to 246 students involved in the project. Five survey questions focused on whether the podcasts affected the students' attendance of class, students' preferences for listening to and processing of lecture material, and students' perceptions of the academic impact associated with the podcast availability.

Findings

Taken together, the responses to the main questions from the survey and the student self‐reported comments strongly suggest that having podcast lectures available to students does not lead to large declines in class attendance. For the specific courses that were examined by this survey, students overwhelmingly preferred the actual lectures to the recorded podcasts. In addition, the large majority of students were using the podcasts to increase their understanding of material covered in specific lectures. All of these findings seem to indicate that students perceive the podcasts as really useful additional resources available to help them succeed in their courses rather than as a substitute for more traditional methods of learning.

Practical implications

In addition to research‐based findings on the podcasts' positive impact on the teaching and learning process, this paper provides practical, “how‐to” information on the creation of podcasts.

Originality/value

This study describes experiences and presents original research relating to the podcasting of college biology lectures. Research and observations respond to the question of whether podcasts detract from the educational process. For the prospective podcaster, this paper also shares specific methods, strategies, and how‐to information involved in the creation of an academic podcast.
Creating domain independent adaptive e‐learning systems using the sharable content object reference model
Authors: Watson Jason , Ahmed Pervaiz K. , Hardaker Glenn
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This research aims to investigate how a generic web‐based ITS can be created which will adapt the training content in real time, to the needs of the individual trainee across any domain.

Design/methodology/approach

After examining the various alternatives SCORM was adopted in this project because it provided an infrastructure that makes it possible to deliver personalised learning dynamically using re‐usable learning objects.

Findings

The results show that a system which presents a student with content that is supplementary to an authored course should be accompanied by a tool to help the trainee's navigation. For such a tool, key functionality would be: first, to identify learning objects that would take the student towards the ultimate learning goals; second, to suggest a pathway through the authored course structure and additional learning objects to the student; and finally, to present the student with different choices of pathway, such as fastest, most comprehensive and most popular routes.

Originality/value

This investigation has taken another approach of adapting the course by displaying an adapted set of learning objects to the trainee, instead of using a linear course structure.
Too quick? Log analysis of Quick Links from an academic library website
Authors: Ghaphery Jimmy
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To study the use of “Quick Links”, a common navigational element, in the context of an academic library website.

Design/methodology/approach

Transaction log files and web server logs are analyzed over a four‐year period to detect patterns in Quick Link usage.

Findings

Provides information about what Quick Links have been used over time, as well as the relationship of Quick Link usage to the rest of the library website. Finds generally that Quick Link usage is prevalent, tilted toward a few of the choices, and is drawn largely from the library homepage as referral source.

Research limitations/implications

Log analysis does not include IP referral data, which limits the ability to determine different patterns of use by specific locations including services desks, off‐campus, and in‐house library usage.

Practical implications

This paper is useful for website usability in terms of design decisions and log analysis.

Originality/value

This paper targets a specific website usability issue over time.