bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quality framework for providers of further education in the German context
Authors: Guellali Chokri
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The aim of this study is to show that it is not necessary to use one of the current models of quality management. Self‐evaluation is to be considered as an essential practice for further education providers willing to improve their quality. The study aims to propose a quality framework with field‐related criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

The quality framework was developed on the base of a comparative model analysis. Its suitability was confirmed after an investigation with experts in further education.

Findings

It is possible to use the same criteria by implementing different models.

Practical implications

Quality criteria have to be completed with other instruments (indicators, reference parameters, etc.) in order to be operationalised.

Originality/value

The quality framework developed in this work was conceived for the German context, but can be used in other countries. Learners are integrated in the concept as a determinant of quality.
Job satisfaction of Catholic primary school staff: a study of biographical differences
Authors: De Nobile John J. , McCormick John
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This study's purpose is to examine the relationships between the biographical characteristics gender, age, years of experience and employment position, and job satisfaction of staff members in Catholic primary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 356 staff members from Catholic primary schools. Research hypotheses were tested using multivariate analysis and comparison of means.

Findings

Age, gender and position were related to a number of facets of job satisfaction as well as overall job satisfaction. No significant relationships were identified for years of experience.

Practical implications

The findings hold implications for Catholic diocesan school systems and school administrators in relation to teacher retention and for further research regarding teacher's aides.

Originality/value

This study includes non‐teaching staff and investigates the role of employment position as a biographical variable.
High‐tech versus high‐touch education: perceptions of risk in distance learning
Authors: Kulchitsky Jack D.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

As colleges implement alternative forms of education delivery, prospective students must consider the method of instruction when choosing a post‐secondary institution. The purpose of this research paper is to assess the search criteria considered most important to prospective undergraduate students and to evaluate their preference for online versus on‐campus instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews a selection of literature on college choice behavior, with special reference to on‐campus (high‐tech) versus online (high‐touch) delivery. A pilot study together with a conjoint methodology is used to measure the importance students place on method of instruction, relative to several traditional criteria.

Findings

The conjoint results identify two unique student segments (risk‐sensitive and cost‐sensitive) based on attitudes toward high‐tech versus high‐touch delivery. While the risk sensitive segment expresses strong preference for high‐touch delivery, the cost sensitive segment is open to high‐tech delivery, if the price is right.

Practical implications

Many studies have concluded that online education may be more suited for mature, graduate students. This study, however, identifies an undergraduate student segment with a propensity toward high‐tech education. As online technology continues to diffuse through society, prospective undergraduates are expected to become less averse to alternate means of instruction.

Originality/value

Although many studies have compared online versus on‐campus learning, few, if any, have examined the attitudes of prospective students applying to a post‐secondary program, having no experience with distance education. This study focuses on the needs of prospective undergraduate students, highlighting differences in attitude toward cost and risk.
Idiocentrism‐allocentrism and academics' self‐efficacy for research in Beijing universities
Authors: Zhao Jingsong , McCormick John , Hoekman Katherine
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This article aims to explore how self‐efficacy is related to academic research activities and how intra‐culturally relevant factors may play a role in self‐efficacy in the context of higher education in Beijing. In particular, relationships of self‐efficacy for research with research productivity and idiocentrism‐allocentrism are to be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to academics in ten randomly selected universities in Beijing and generated 296 valid questionnaires. Data were analysed using factor analysis and multiple regression.

Findings

Gender and discipline are identified as predictors of self‐efficacy. Specifically, female academics reported lower levels of self‐efficacy for research than males. Academics in the social sciences reported lower levels of self‐efficacy for research than those in the natural sciences. Moreover, relationships are also found between self‐efficacy for research and idiocentrism‐allocentrism.

Originality/value

The study makes an extensive investigation of self‐efficacy theory, originally developed in Western contexts, in an Eastern culture and provides evidence that intra‐cultural and demographic factors play substantial roles in research self‐efficacy.
Mapping the structure of MBA (AMBA‐accredited) programmes in the UK and France
Authors: Paucar‐Caceres Alberto
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to determine possible grouping of similar MBA programmes offered by 45 British and French business schools accredited by the Association of Master Business Administration (AMBA) as of January 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the statistical co‐plot method reported in a similar study of leading full time MBA programmes in the USA. The method is used to map/group the schools according to both core and elective units offered by the business schools.

Findings

The paper outlines the features of the six groups of MBA programmes found (Cluster 1: Manchester and Bath; Cluster 2: Warwick, Lancaster and London; Cluster 3: five top French business schools and Cranfield; Cluster 4: two French schools – Grenoble and Audiencia‐Nantes; Cluster 5: two French schools – ENPC‐EAP and IEP; Cluster 6: the remaining UK MBA programmes). The differentiating characteristics of core and option units offered by business schools in each cluster are described and discussed.

Originality/value

The study makes a contribution under the application area of international business education (specifically the design of MBA programmes), as well as in the area of statistical analysis by using co‐plot cluster analysis, an approach not used before when comparing UK and French Business schools to explore aspects of curriculum design.
Effect of strain on whisker growth in matte tin
Authors: Southworth A.R. , Ho C.E. , Lee A. , Subramanian K.N.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

To evaluate the role of imposed strain on whisker growth in matte tin, and to identify the appropriate deformation states and environments that will facilitate the development of a reliable, accelerated test methodology to provide results representative of whisker growth under long‐term service conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Whisker growth in matte tin coated strips and wires of copper subjected to various outer fibre strains was characterized at three different temperatures under different humidity conditions.

Findings

This study presents findings of the influence of imposed strain and temperature on whisker growth in a matte tin layers present on a copper substrate. A decrease in incubation time and accelerated growth of whiskers occur with critical imposed strain and specific environmental temperature.

Originality/value

Whisker growth in tin coatings is becoming a major reliability concern in modern microelectronics. Immersion coating that produces a matte tin layer is being used extensively in electronic applications. The findings of this study facilitate the development of accelerated tests which represent events that occur over long periods of time during service so that suitable mitigation strategies can be evaluated in a reasonable time period.
Effect of interconnection area on shear strength of sintered joint with nano‐silver paste
Authors: Qi Kun , Chen Xu , Lu Guo‐Quan
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Traditional chip‐level interconnection materials show many weaknesses given the development trend of microelectronic packaging technology. In order to meet the needs of high‐temperature packaging for wide‐bandgap semiconductors, low‐temperature sintered nano‐silver as a novel semiconductor device‐metallized substrate interconnection material is being developed. One phenomenon that larger interconnection area would cause poor interconnection quality had been found in the industry butut the mechanisms were never previously studied. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The changes in the shear strengths and microstructures of nano‐silver joints induced by the changes of interconnection areas were investigated by shear tests and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The increased interconnection area blocks the organic components to be burnout and causes a higher pore ratio. Thus, it reduces the bonding quality. To ensure a good and steady sintering quality, the interconnection area should be limited to 3 × 3 mm2.

Research limitations/implications

A sintering technology or paste with oxygen agent will be studied in the future.

Originality/value

A relationship of shear strength and interconnection area of sintering joints with nano‐silver paste was observed.
Microstructural changes of lead‐free solder joints during long‐term ageing, thermal cycling and vibration fatigue
Authors: Fix Andreas R. , Nüchter Wolfgang , Wilde Jürgen
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the microstructural development of SnAgCu solder joints under different loading conditions (isothermal storage, thermal cycling and vibration).

Design/methodology/approach

The observed microstructural changes have been studied with respect to grain growth and grain refinement, crack formation and crack growth. The growth kinetics of the intermetallic phases encountered as particles in the bulk as well as a reaction layer on the copper pad, were studied in the temperature range of 125‐175°C.

Findings

Dynamic recrystallisation of the tin matrix leads to a change in the diffusion controlled growth mechanism, which causes an increase of the particle growth rate compared to isothermal storage. Thus, these grain boundaries are separated forcibly by crack growth during thermal cycling. This stress causes intergranular cracks while vibration stress induces transgranular cracks.

Originality/value

The paper adds insight into microstructural changes of lead‐free solder joints during long‐term ageing, thermal cycling and vibration fatigue.
Effect of Ag content on wetting properties and solidus temperature of Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga lead‐free solders
Authors: Lai R.S. , Lin K.L. , Salam B.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

To study the effect of Ag content on the melting temperature and wetting properties of Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga lead‐free Solders.

Design/methodology/approach

The solder alloys used in the experiment were Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga (x=0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1 and 1.5). In this study, the alloys were initially studied using differential scanning calorimetry to determine their melting temperatures. Afterward, the solderability of the solders was studied using wetting balance and contact angle methods. Moreover, the microstructures of the solders were also investigated with an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction and electron probe micro analysis.

Findings

A small increase in Ag content in the Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga solders, from 0.1 to 1.0 wt%, has been found to lower their solidus temperature from 198.05°C to 190.20°C. A Ag content of 1.5 wt% increased the solidus temperature of the studied solder systems to 197.79°C. Furthermore, the study also found that the addition of silver lowered the wetting forces of the studied solders. The formation of multi‐intermetallic layers of Cu‐Zn and Ag‐Zn at the interface between the studied solders and copper might explain the reduction of the wetting forces.

Research limitations/implications

The silver contents in the studied Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga solders were limited to 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt%.

Practical implications

Useful literature for solder alloy designers and SMT engineers.

Originality/value

The paper provides the answers to the research question of what is the effect of silver content on the melting temperature and wetting properties of Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga solders.
The role of business schools in the doctoral paradox
Authors: Madureira Ricardo
Published: March 2008

Purpose

To develop an analytical tool that captures the linkages between academic and business innovation. To assess dominant notions of information society, doctoral education and business school as well as their influence on current European focus in terms of R&D policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Integration of findings from various streams of research with those of recent European reports. Illustration of R&D policy dilemmas with the case of management development.

Findings

Provides an analytical tool which details academic and business innovation activities – the innovation value‐added cycle model. Identifies apparent biases in empirical reports by which R&D incentives may produce other than their intended outcomes (the doctoral paradox).

Research limitations/implications

The empirical reports are exclusively European and qualitative. The findings are illustrated with the case of management development only.

Practical implications

The analytical tool may support the strategic participation of individuals (researchers and entrepreneurs) as well as communities (universities and locations) in the international innovation division of labour. The three decisional dilemmas in terms of R&D incentives may support decision making of supra‐national, national and local authorities as well as business schools.

Originality/value

The paper details the linkages by which academic and business value‐added activities are acknowledged. In addition, it raises awareness on the potential bias of policy‐makers towards positivist knowledge, entrepreneurial researchers and entrepreneurial universities to the detriment of post‐positivist knowledge, researching entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial locations, respectively.
The beauty of measurements
Authors: Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan , Freytag PerVagn , Damgaard Torben
Published: March 2008

Purpose

There is a clear focus upon increasing research output, improving research quality and securing closer interaction between universities and the private market of businesses. Research should be evaluated according to usefulness and relevant criteria, where increased competition between universities and business schools for research grants should be established, such that the greatest number of publications, with the highest impact factors and most citations trigger most funding. Measurements and rankings have become hot topics for universities and business schools – this paper aims to discuss possible measurements and ranking impact for research and education.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses development trends in research and education based upon available research literature and analyses a brief questionnaire‐survey completed by professors from 13 different European countries, which includes quantitative and qualitative features.

Findings

There is a clear trend towards publishing research in high‐ranked journals and developing student financed MBA programmes. However, there is a conflict between the political objectives of trying to connect universities and business schools with industry, while supplying further incentives to fund research grants through, for instance, publications and citations.

Research limitations/implications

Given a continued policy of furthering research merely for publication in high‐rankling journals, the consequence may be a widening gap between research output and its practical relevance.

Originality/value

The paper provides novel data and evidence for the issue of European research development.
What is the future of business schools?
Authors: Syvertsen Carsten
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that research can become the main change agent at business schools. Research can foremost take place within undergraduate programs, using philosophical approaches. Graduate programs can to a greater extent use applied approaches, suited for the needs of the business community.

Design/methodology/approach

Though an analysis of history of universities and a literature search on knowledge creation and innovation, the author believe that business schools can benefit from using radical approaches in marketing and organizational design when focusing on research.

Findings

Undergraduate programs can be more research focused, using insights from the history of universities and recent findings in marketing and organizational design as illustrations. Graduate programs can benefit from being more practically oriented.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can benefit from using conceptual foundations to a greater extent, and use concrete business schools as empirical settings.

Practical implications

Research can be the main focus of undergraduate programs. Graduate schools can make more use of applied approaches, suited for the needs of the business community. The author also suggest how the administration at business schools can stimulate research, and meet the needs of the business community.

Originality/value

Using a historical analysis of universities, combined with a literature search on how to combine innovation with knowledge creation, as the author's reference the opinion that research can be regarded as a change agent at business schools. Such an approach can make it possible organize the relationship between the faculty and the administration in new ways.
Philip Kotler's influence in the Soviet Union and Russia
Authors: Fox Karen F.A. , Skorobogatykh Irina I. , Saginova Olga V.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the first major step in the dissemination of modern marketing knowledge in the Soviet Union, the publication of a heavily censored, translated, unauthorized edition of Kotler's Marketing Management in Moscow in 1980. Kotler and his books in Russian translation have continued to inform how Russian marketers understand and implement marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach was historical, based on close comparison of texts; research in the USA and in Russia on the historical context; a comprehensive compilation of Kotler books translated into the Russian language; and interviews with key participants in the book's preparation.

Findings

The Soviet edition of Marketing Management was widely read by Soviet foreign trade experts and guided training for Soviet foreign trade enterprise managers in the 1980s. Kotler's book was the first – and, for a decade, the only – book on modern marketing in the Russian language. The story of the book's selection, censorship, publication, and impact provide insights into Soviet thinking about marketing and trade, and about post‐Soviet readiness to adopt modern marketing.

Originality/value

This paper presents for the first time the story behind the translation, censorship, and publication of Kotler's Marketing Management in the Soviet Union. It documents subsequent Kotler books published in the Soviet Union/Russia and how they shaped Kotler's reputation there.
Evaporative cooling and heat transfer in functional underwear
Authors: Weder Markus , Rossi René M. , Chaigneau Cyril , Tillmann Brice
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to measure seven different underwears on a sweating torso with differing relative air humidity (30, 50, 80 and 95 per cent RH) and at a fixed ambient temperature of 30°C to determine the influence of the water vapour partial pressure of the environment on the moisture transport properties of various materials.

Design/methodology/approach

All measurements in this investigation were accomplished with the authors' sweating torso which simulates the thermal‐ and humidity release of the human body. Four different sweating rates (50, 75, 100 and 150 g/h*torso) were selected for this investigation.

Findings

It was established that the partial pressure difference did not correlate directly with the evaporative cooling. In general, higher evaporation rates were observed in the dry climate conditions. However, with low‐sweat rates, the highest relative humidity (95 per cent) generally resulted in greater evaporative cooling than the lowest surrounding humidity conditions (30 per cent). In this investigation, a blended fabric made of PES/Vinal exhibited the most efficient evaporative cooling for all the sweat rates, as well as for the four relative humidity conditions chosen.

Research limitations/implications

All received results are based on a surrounding temperature of 30°C (summer climate), for other temperatures the results may be different.

Originality/value

The investigation shows that both the relative humidity and the sweat rate have a major influence on the heat loss.
Improvement of hemoglobin washability of grafted nylon‐6
Authors: Oh Soo‐Min , Kim In‐Young , Song Wha‐Soon
Published: March 2008

Purpose

To explore the effect of acrylic acid polymerization and NaOH treatment of nylon‐6 on hemoglobin washability.

Design/methodology/approach

The nylon‐6 was chemically grafted with acrylic acid and treated with NaOH for the purpose to improve the washability of hemoglobin as a blood protein soil. The structural change before and after graft polymerization was analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The moisture regain, the contact angle, and the washability were each measured.

Findings

Graft polymerization and NaOH treatment of nylon‐6 changed the surface energy and structure of nylon‐6 causing the washability of hemoglobin to improve. Compared to ungrafted nylon‐6, the hydrophilic properties were increased remarkable by graft polymerization and NaOH treatment, which reulted in the improvement of washability.

Practical implications

Hemoglobin is one of the most difficult soils to remove from the fabric. The paper might be of interest to those who would consider purchasing fabrics that are good at both hydrophilic properties and washability.

Originality/value

The study on washability of hemoglobin as a blood protein soil for grafted fabric has not been reported so far. The results of this research may be used in a basic research for the development of new process which is capable of improving of hemoglobin washability.
A study of the influence of different clothing materials on heat and moisture transmission through clothing materials, evaluated using a sweating cylinder
Authors: Celcar Damjana , Meinander Harriet , Geršak Jelka
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the heat and moisture transmission through different types of textile materials or material combinations used for male business clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, eight different material combinations, which simulate four‐layer male business clothing system were tested using the sweating cylinder under two environmental conditions (10°C/65% RH and 25°C/65% RH), and at two sweating levels (100 and 200 gm−2h−1), in order to evaluate the heat and moisture transmission properties of material combinations.

Findings

The results show how combinations of clothing materials that simulate male business clothing system influence on the dry and evaporative heat loss between the cylinder surface and two different environment conditions as well as to different sweating levels.

Practical implications

The sweating cylinder can be used for measuring the heat and moisture transmission through clothing materials or material combinations in order to find out the best combination of textile materials, which simulate clothing system. Measured thermal comfort properties of material combinations evaluated with a sweating cylinder can provide valuable information for the textile and clothing industry by manufacturing/designing new textiles and clothing systems.

Originality/value

The paper investigated the heat and moisture transmission through combinations of clothing materials that simulate male business clothing system. In the past few years, clothing materials containing microencapsulated phase‐change materials (PCMs) have appeared in outdoor garments, particularly sportswear; therefore, we decided to investigate the combinations of standard used textile materials as well as of materials, containing PCMs, which simulate male business clothing system.
Service‐oriented architectures and recordkeeping
Authors: Reed Barbara
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to outline the concepts of web services architectures and to begin an exploration of the uses that recordkeeping professionals may define for such a potentially radical change to the way recordkeeping functionality is delivered.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines narrative with argument and analysis of the issues surrounding records management.

Findings

The paper shows that the digital world has introduced new challenges to recordkeeping professionals. The initial response has been to transfer traditional recordkeeping systems to automated solutions. Increasingly these are being challenged for fit in dynamic organizational environments. Web services as a building block for next generation software applications are growing in acceptance both in governments and innovative product offerings.

Originality/value

Recordkeeping professionals should ensure that they are very firmly grounded in best professional practice in recordkeeping to grasp such a technology opportunity.
As you sow, so you will reap: implementing ERMS
Authors: Gunnlaugsdottir Joanna
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of research conducted during the period 2001‐2005 in eight organizations in Iceland on the implementation of four Electronic Records Management Systems (ERMS).

Methodology/approach

Qualitative methodology was used, involving open‐ended interviews and participant observations. The participants were 38 employees of the eight organizations and six experts employed at six software providers.

Findings

The research identified the most important implementation factors for a successful outcome, exemplified in the implementation of the ERMS meeting expectations with a high proportion of the expected users actually using the system. These factors were managerial support, co‐operation of the records management and IT functions in the system development, and in the training of the users in both records management and the system. The users should participate in the implementation process and have a say in adapting the functional classification system to the ERMS.

Practical implications

The findings should aid the implementation of ERMS in other organizations in Iceland and abroad. These findings may, therefore, be of direct value for middle sized organizations in Western Europe, North America and Australia as the organizational culture regarding work, co‐operation and competition is similar in these parts of the world.

Originality/value

No research has been conducted in Iceland on this topic before, and only a few descriptive accounts have recently become available on the implementation of ERMS in other countries.
The role of virtual folders in developing an electronic document and records management system
Authors: Jones Philip
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the favoured and almost ingrained way of managing groups of documents in systems, specifically in electronic document and records management systems (EDRMS), namely the folder, considered by many users as a sine qua non to any information system.

Design/methodology/approach

The most significant barrier to successful implementation of EDRMS is “culture” rather than cost. Implicit is a willingness of users to employ EDRM as their method of choice to achieve such an end. Anecdotal evidence and a real case example are shared to explore the approach to developing virtual folders to meet user requirements and organisational needs.

Findings

Staffordshire County Council's EDRMS does not employ folders. To save a document, users associate it with a level in the Council's functional business classification scheme (BCS); this is achieved through a series of “saved searches”. Metadata requirements are embedded within the BCS levels and the user chooses a title and functional association for the record.

Practical implications/limitations

This is a way of adopting what exists as standard technology within EDRM systems to satisfy a user need. The vital part is to firstly recognise why the barrier existed in the deployment of a functional classification scheme and further to move beyond the “face value” of why the users performed a particular methodology. More controlled and detailed research is required beyond the work that has been completed.

Originality/value

This paper aims to provoke thought around the need to understand perceptions around documents, records and the systems, in particular EDRM systems, that manage them.
Discordant notes: the archives of British music
Authors: Newton Carl
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the apparent under‐estimation of the importance of the archives of “serious” British music.

Design/methodology/approach

It considers what music archives are, their value, management issues, access and preservation efforts, and what needs to be done to ensure their survival. A case example of the Eastbourne Recorded Music Society is presented.

Findings

The author concludes that, at all levels, something much more concerted than individual initiatives for cataloguing or digitising specific collections needs to be done if the archival heritage of British music is to survive as it should.

Originality/value

Aims to raise issues relevant for the records and archives of any third sector organisation.
We are archivists, but are we OK?
Authors: Currall James , Moss Michael
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that the digital environment of the early twenty‐first century is forcing the information sciences to revisit practices and precepts built around paper and physical objects over centuries. The training of archivists, records managers, librarians and museum curators has had to accommodate this new reality. Often the response has been to superimpose a digital overlay on existing curricula. A few have taken a radical approach by scrutinising the fundamentals of the professions and the ontologies of the materials they handle.

Design/methodology/approach

The article explores a wide range of the issues exposed by this critique through critical analysis of ideas and published literature.

Findings

The authors challenge archive and records management educators to align their curricula with contemporary need and to recognise that partnership with other professionals, particularly in the area of technology, is essential.

Practical implications

The present generation owe it to future generations of archivists and records managers to ensure that the education that they get to prepare them for professional life is forward‐looking in the same way.

Originality/value

This paper aims to raise awareness of the educational needs of twenty‐first century archives and records professionals.
Exploring the relationships between retail brands and consumer store loyalty
Authors: Binninger Anne‐Sophie
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Retail brands (RBs) have become a strategic feature of the grocery industry. Their role in building consumer loyalty is usually taken for granted and yet has not been completely identified. The purpose of this paper is to raise the question of the relationship between RBs and store loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Correlations, simple and multiple regressions were carried out, and the mediating and moderating nature of two variables was verified according to Baron and Kenny's recommendations.

Findings

The results show that the increase in RB satisfaction and loyalty influences store loyalty, and that attitude toward RB products has a moderating effect on the relationships between RB satisfaction and loyalty. They also show that this moderating influence is greater for an identifiable retail brand than for an unidentifiable retail brand.

Research limitations/implications

Further research would consist in probing the relationship between a customer and different types of RBs. It would be appropriate to assess this relationship by pinning down the influence of product categories and working in other psychological variables like attachment, trust or price sensitivity as well as behavioral data.

Practical implications

These findings highlight the value of consumer RB satisfaction and loyalty, and suggest that managers develop marketing insights to enhance the loyalty‐building capacity of their own brands, by specifically addressing whether or not these are clearly identified as brands of a store.

Originality/value

The idea of analyzing the influence of RBs on store loyalty using three classic dimensions of brand management (satisfaction, loyalty, and attitude) yet untapped in the specific case of RBs, and distinguishing between two specific types of RBs.
US consumers' perceptions of non‐price retail promotions
Authors: Carpenter Jason M. , Moore Marguerite
Published: March 2008

Purpose

To explore US consumers' perceptions of the level of fun associated with non‐price retail promotions and to predict likelihood of participation among demographic groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a sample generated from retail forward panel data (n=500) to assess the impact of demographic variables including gender, age, educational attainment, income and household size on consumer perceptions and likelihood of participation in five types of non‐price retail promotions. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques (t‐tests, regression) are used to evaluate the data.

Findings

Identifies demographic groups who perceive high levels of fun associated with non‐price retail promotions and examines relationships between demographics and likelihood of participation in these types of promotions.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizations of the findings of this study to markets outside the USA are limited due to the differences in consumers and forms of retail promotion within various markets. Future studies could examine perceptions of non‐price retail promotions across international markets as well as identify additional predictors of response to non‐price retail promotions.

Practical implications

This research provides retailers that operate within the USA specific knowledge of consumers' perceptions of non‐price retail promotions and identifies demographic characteristics of consumers who are likely to participate in such activities. As price competition in the sector continues to evolve, understanding non‐price forms of competition is critical to superior performance and survival in the industry.

Originality/value

This exploratory study uses demographics as a framework for examining consumers' perceptions of and likelihood of participation in non‐price retail promotions. The paper is unique because there are few similar empirical studies focused specifically on non‐price retail promotions.
The dark side of retailing: towards a scale of corporate social irresponsibility
Authors: Wagner Tillmann , Bicen Pelin , Hall Zachary R.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility is becoming increasingly important in the retailing industry, whereby retailers are frequently criticized for socially irresponsible business practices by mass media and consumer advocacy groups. The purpose of this research is to find out which retail business practices lead to perceptions of corporate social irresponsibility (CSIR) from the customers' perspective and to develop a measurement scale for this construct.

Design/methodology/approach

Using quantitative data from a paper‐based and an online survey, a higher‐order, multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis was conducted.

Findings

The research identifies 14 factors which represent perceptions of CSIR in retailing. A measurement scale of this construct is proposed and empirically validated. Demographic differences among consumers' CSIR perceptions are revealed.

Research limitations/implications

The scale remains to be validated in varying cultural settings other than the USA.

Practical implications

The findings provide retailers with a detailed account of business practices that consumers regard as socially irresponsible. The scale can be adopted by retailers in surveys to measure consumers' perceptions.

Originality/value

The paper is first in providing a conceptualization and measurement scale for CSIR which is of increasing importance for both retailing theory and practice.
Attitudes and behaviour towards organic products: an exploratory study
Authors: Tsakiridou Efthimia , Boutsouki Christina , Zotos Yorgos , Mattas Kostantinos
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify consumers' attitudes and behaviour towards organic products in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on a non‐probability quota sample of 660 respondents to explore the attitudes and behaviour of Greek consumers towards organic food products.

Findings

Greek consumers seem to be informed about environmental and health issues. They seek information about the nutritional value of food and demand more products free from chemical residues. The results show that most consumers associate organic consumption mainly with fruit and vegetables. Although demographics seem to affect attitudes towards organics, their value in explaining actual behaviour is minimal.

Research limitations/implications

It is recognized that the data gathered in this study focus on the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, Greece. The specific area though, is considered to be representative of the total Greek population. The results confirm that health, concern for the environment, animal welfare and support of the local economy are drivers of organic consumption. However, there is an indication that the importance of motives and barriers may vary for different product categories and perhaps future research should focus on product segmentation.

Practical implications

Although certain similarities in consumers' attitudes towards organic food products have been identified, this paper records the variation in behaviour towards organics among the various consumer groups examined in Greece, and highlights the gap between attitudes and actual behaviour. Given the complexity of consumer decision making, future research should explore the other value trade‐offs that consumers make.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to provide evidence on the relatively under researched area of organics attitudes and behaviour in Greece.
Mobilization of software developers: the free software movement
Authors: Elliott Margaret S. , Scacchi Walt
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The paper has three purposes: the first is to provide a deeper understanding of the ideology and work practices of free and open source software development, the second to characterize the free software movement as a new type of computerization movement and the third to present a conceptual diagram and framework with an analysis showing how the free software computerization movement has evolved into an occupational community.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected over a four year period using a virtual ethnography in a study of free and open source software development and, in particular, a study of a free software community, GNUenterprise, located atwww.gnuenterprise.org, which has the goal of developing a free enterprise resource planning software system.

Findings

It is concluded that the ideology of the free software movement continues to be one of the factors which mobilize people to contribute to free and open source software development. This movement represents a new type of computerization movement which promotes the investment of time in learning a new software development process instead of investment of money in the acquisition and use of new technology.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings are limited by a detailed study of only one free software development project.

Practical implications

This paper is of significance to software developers and managers of firms who wish to incorporate free and open source software into their companies.

Originality/value

This research presents an original conceptual diagram and framework for how computerization movements have emerged into an occupational community.
Social usage of instant messaging by individuals outside the workplace in Kuwait
Authors: Rouibah Kamel
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study factors that affect adults' acceptance of instant messaging (IM) for social and entertainment purposes in an Arab country

Design/methodology/approach

An expanded version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to test the impact of four factors (subjective norms, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived enjoyment) and a new construct, curiosity about other people, on the level of IM usage by 191 adults in Kuwait. Survey questions from prior studies were adopted and customized, and the model analyzing using Structural Equation Model with LISREL.

Findings

IM usage is a different type of technology usage than work‐related forms of ICT since it is employed for social and recreational usage. Unlike prior studies that employed TAM in a work‐related setting, perceived usefulness was not a significant antecedent of usage; however, perceived enjoyment, social norms, curiosity about other people, and perceived ease of use were all important antecedents of IM usage.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on IM usage outside the workplace for social purposes and was restricted to adults within one country (Kuwait). Additional studies across Arab countries are encouraged as well as comparatives studies about IM usage for different contexts (work‐related use of IM from home and IM usage in the workplace).

Practical implications

This study is useful for researchers willing to highlight the factors that motivate users' ICT adoption outside the workplace and for social purposes. It also has implications for managers and software vendors seeking to enhance the adoption of communication‐oriented forms of ICT in the Arab world

Originality/value

The study highlights motives of ICT usage among Arab adults, which has not been widely studied. It also describes Arab culture and shows how certain aspects of culture affect ICT usage.
Between control and drift: negotiating improvement in a small software firm
Authors: Tjornehoj Gitte , Mathiassen Lars
Published: March 2008

Purpose

While the literature on software process improvement (SPI) offers a number of studies of small software firms, little is known about how such initiatives evolve over time. On this backdrop, this paper aims to investigate how adoption of SPI technology was shaped over a ten year period (1996‐2005) in a small Danish software firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation is based on a longitudinal, interpretative case study of improvement efforts over a ten‐year period. To help structure the investigation, we focus on encounters that impacted engineering, management, and improvement practices within the firm. The study contributes to the SPI‐literature and the literature on organizational adoption of technology.

Findings

The paper finds the improvement effort fluctuating and shaped between management's attempt to control SPI technology adoption and events that caused the process to drift in unpredictable directions.

Practical implications

The experiences suggest that managers of small software firms remain flexible and constantly negotiate technology adoption practices between control and drift, creating momentum and direction according to firm goals through attempts to control, while at the same time exploring backtalk, options, and innovations from drifting forces inside and outside the firm.

Originality/value

Based on the research, the paper recommends substituting the “from control to drift” perspective on organizational adoption of complex technologies like SPI with a “negotiating control and drift” perspective.
Interactions between organisational cultures and corporate brands
Authors: de Chernatony Leslie , Cottam Susan
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to consider the interaction between corporate brands and organisational cultures within less successful UK financial services organisations to provide guidance about better managing corporate brands.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 41 in‐depth interviews were conducted within less successful UK financial services organisations from a grounded theory standpoint.

Findings

Given the link between culture and employee behaviour and the criticality of employee behaviour in services brands, organisational culture was perceived by managers and staff as being key to brand success. However, amongst the corporate brands studied, the cultures were not brand‐supportive and a misalignment was noted between culture and brand. The study found that the organisational cultures were confusing and inconsistent, were undergoing a process of change, were focused on quantitative performance targets, were averse to innovation and in one case were unnecessarily “tough”.

Practical implications

The results highlight the need for managers to be attentive to the consistency and congruence between values in the organisational culture and corporate brand, to ensure that cultural change is managed appropriately, to adopt a holistic approach to brand management and to empower employees. A model is posited of the cultural pitfalls to avoid when managing corporate brands.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is that it can help financial services brands achieve their potential by allowing them to manage the interaction between culture and brand so as to optimise brand performance by avoiding the pitfalls encountered within less successful brands.