bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bibliometric and webometric methods for assessing research collaboration
Authors: Shari Sharunizam , Haddow Gaby , Genoni Paul
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the methods and findings of a pilot study which applied bibliometrics and webometrics to examine collaboration in Malaysian biotechnology.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applied bibliometric and webometric methods to publications and web sites affiliated with Malaysian institutions. The bibliometric analysis focused on biotechnology‐related journal articles indexed in Web of Knowledge. The webometric analysis examined the web sites of top biotechnology institutions generated in the bibliometric analysis. Collaboration behaviour was assessed in three ways: intra‐institutional versus inter‐institutional; national versus international collaboration; and by type of institution collaboration according to the triple helix model.

Findings

Findings of the pilot study, which applied bibliometric and webometric analyses to a limited sample, indicate that the methodologies will collect the desired data for a more extensive study.

Research limitations/implications

The quantitative research results describe the collaboration evident in publications and web sites, but not why it has happened in such a way.

Practical implications

The methodologies provide a framework for similar research exploring the impacts of collaboration in an e‐research environment. The methodology is innovative and practical in terms of the combined use of bibliometric and webometric analyses.

Originality/value

This is one of few studies that has examined collaboration using both bibliometric and webometric methods, and elements of the methodology appear to be unique to the study. The methodologies will contribute to an emerging body of literature that explores the nature of research productivity and research collaboration.
Baby boomers, their elders and the public library
Authors: Cavanagh Mary F. , Robbins Wendy
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Canada's aging population is expected to have an impact on all public institutions; for public libraries, the emergence of a large, multi‐generational user group of older adults challenges the current paradigm of services to seniors. The purpose of this paper is to report on the reflections of a small sample of baby boomers and how the public library‐as place contributes to their caring relationships with their elders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined a subset of baby boomer library patrons who are in caring relationships with elders. The study is theoretically framed by the ethic of care and emerging theories of library‐as‐place grounded in human geography and sociology. An instrumental case study of seven carers in an urban Canadian city was conducted, using long form interviews.

Findings

Findings suggest that while these baby boomer respondents value their libraries deeply, there is potential to create services and practices more attuned to the needs of older adults who are in relationships with elders.

Research limitations/implications

As a single case of a small sample of baby boomers, this study is limited by its size, scope and geography. The direct voices of the elders could not practically be incorporated into this study and should be considered in future research.

Originality/value

This study offers an alternate framework to library‐as‐place studies based on a specific profile of “older adult” library users. It examines the library needs and uses of a small but rapidly growing sector of many public library communities. Older adults can be seen by libraries as two distinct demographic groups – the very old (elders) and their younger peers (baby boomers).
Anbar Abstracts Issue
Authors: Sandelands Eric
Published: November 2012

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of the Personnel Review is split into seven sections covering abstracts under the following headings:
Career/Manpower Planning and Recruitment; Health and Safety; Industrial Relations and Participation; Pay, Incentives and Pensions;
Performance, Productivity and Motivation; Redundancy and Dismissal; Work Patterns.
Library instruction and information literacy 2011
Authors: Johnson Anna Marie , Sproles Claudene , Detmering Robert , English Jessica
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy.

Findings

Information is provided about each source, and the paper discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.

Originality/value

The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.
Public sector commercial orientation and the social contract
Authors: Rkein Ali , Andrew Brian
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study the workings of commercial orientation, with a focus on performance management, in an environment that is characterised by limited competition between the public and the private sectors and a high level of government social responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive case study approach is adopted for this study. It draws on primary data from interviews with key personnel in public sector organisations, and on secondary data from government publications such as annual reports and budget papers.

Findings

This study shows that the market‐based performance management system has failed to achieve its intended objectives because it was introduced in a socio‐economic context that is hardly supportive of market management practices. The study shows that service delivery to the public has remained driven by social rather than economic imperatives. In the absence of other service providers, the Government's social responsibility towards its citizens has compelled service provision irrespective of the cost and reduced the cost‐benefit relationship in having informative costing systems.

Practical implications

Examining the workings of a market‐based performance management system in a non‐competitive setting provides evidence of the difficulty of achieving the intended benefits from the adoption of commercial practices in public sector agencies in some cases.

Originality/value

Whereas extant literature focuses on the adoption of business practices in the process of public sector reform, no prior study has looked at this concept in a non‐competitive market. Understanding the workings of the market practices in such an environment where contestability is limited is fundamental to policy makers and researchers.
Introducing Taylor to the knowledge economy
Authors: Paton Steve
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The knowledge economy and the knowledge work that fuels it have created much debate in relation to the types of workers it requires and how they should be managed. The central issue is that “knowledge workers” are only valuable while possessing a body of knowledge to utilise in the process of their work. The management of workers with knowledge runs counter to the more mainstream Taylorist systems based on the assimilation of knowledge into the organisation. The purpose of this paper is to theoretically analyse the usefulness of Scientific Management as a management system for controlling knowledge work.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of relevant literature this paper compares the main principles of scientific management with the theory of knowledge work in an attempt to understand their relationship.

Findings

This paper finds that: despite the need for workers to retain knowledge the main principles of scientific management can still be applied; and the application of Scientific Management to knowledge work will result in an increasing division of knowledge, as opposed to division of task, which compliments the trend towards increasing occupational specialisation.

Originality/value

This article proposes that Scientific Management should be considered as a useful tool to manage knowledge work. This view runs counter to more mainstream accounts where Scientific Management and knowledge work are seen as incompatible. This paper partially fills the gap in understanding of how knowledge workers should be managed and is useful to academics seeking to characterise knowledge work and practitioners seeking to manage in the knowledge economy.
Leaders’ transformational, conflict, and emotion management behaviors in culturally diverse workgroups
Authors: Ayoko Oluremi B. , Konrad Alison M.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Previous research has shown that diversity is related to both task and relationship conflict in groups. The purpose of this paper is to posit that leadership is an important factor for maintaining high group performance and morale under conditions of conflict. Specifically, the paper argues that leader conflict management, emotion management, and transformational behaviors determine the impact of conflict on group outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 585 people in 89 workgroups from eight public service organizations in Australia. The authors used hierarchical regression to test the hypotheses regarding group performance and morale. To test mediation and moderation, the authors followed the procedure outlined by Baron and Kenny. Finally, they used the formulas provided by Preacher, Rucker and Hayes to test for moderated mediation.

Findings

Results showed that diversity increased task conflict but was unrelated to relationship conflict. Both task and relationship conflict were negatively associated with group performance and morale, and effective leadership reduced these negative effects to zero. There was also a partial support for the authors’ theoretical model predicting that leadership moderates the indirect effect of diversity on group outcomes occurring through the mediator of conflict.

Research limitations/implications

A greater amount of variation in the diversity of work groups included in the sample would have been useful for overcoming problems of restriction of range, which likely reduced ability to observe an association between diversity and group outcomes. Based on the results, in order to prevent negative emotions from task and relationship conflict from damaging group performance, leaders of diverse groups can act to manage those emotions among their group members. Results from this study implicate conflict management training. While training for conflict management is beyond the scope of this research, further research should examine this issue.

Originality/value

The study extends research in the area of diversity, leadership and group work. In particular, it demonstrates that transformational leadership is an important factor for maintaining high group performance and morale under conditions of conflict. It also offers practical assistance to individuals entrusted with the responsibility of managing culturally diverse workgroups.
Recruitment initiatives aimed at increasing the gender diversity within ITEC employment
Authors: Evans Christina
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further critique diversity management initiatives, underpinned by a “business case/best practice” rationale, drawing on a wider investigation into changing recruitment practices aimed at increasing the gender diversity within information technology, electronics and computing (ITEC) organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the premise that human resource management practices are an essential lever in a diversity management approach this paper revisits organizational accounts of recruitment initiatives adopted, but presented through a more critical lens than in the initial investigation. These accounts were gathered from interviews with human resources (HR) and hiring managers in 18 organizations (12 private, and six public, sector).

Findings

These refer to two specific recruitment initiatives introduced with the assumption that these would enable organizations to build a more gender diverse workforce: revisiting job requirements to make them more appealing/accessible to women and the adoption of competency frameworks, assumed to be “gender neutral”.

Practical implications

In providing further insights into the limitations of diversity “business case/best practice” change, supported by accounts of organizational practices drawn from a specific industry sector, it is hoped that this will provide a reflective lens for those in positions to influence policies aimed at addressing issues of gender inequality.

Originality/value

Drawing on the concept of “ideological cover” this paper offers an alternative theoretical lens from which to critique the underpinning rationale and assumptions held about recruitment practices, thus questioning organizational claims that these are “gender neutral”.
Islamic perspectives on training and professional development
Authors: Hassi Abderrahman
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw a portrait of training and development ideals and practices from the Islamic point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper. The paper reviews the relevant literature on training and development from an Islamic perspective portraying the interface between ideals and practices of training and development in Islam in order to bridge a gap in the extant literature.

Findings

The literature that deals with training and development in Islam seems to belong to two major categories: essays espousing a broad perspective and including catch‐all concepts or other generic Islamic principles; and studies addressing human resource management in Islam that mainly examine training and development from a narrow perspective. The findings of this limited body of literature are far from being consistent as they seem contradictory in nature. Simultaneously, in the area of training and professional development, Islam emphasizes practical wisdom and translating theoretical insights into behaviors and practices rather than solely relying on theoretical principles.

Research limitations/implications

The literature review is not detailed due to the dearth of information on training and development from an Islamic perspective.

Practical implications

Training and learning methods from the Islamic tradition can provide constructive contribution to workplace practices as well as benefit organizations that anticipate offering efficient and effective custom‐designed training methods to best meet the training needs of their Muslim employees.

Originality/value

The present contribution is a unique synthesis of the literature related to the application of Islamic principles in training and professional development.
Toward applied Islamic business ethics: responsible halal business
Authors: Ismaeel Muatasim , Blaim Katharina
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities of using halal regulation and certification as a mechanism for applying Islamic business ethics in contemporary world.

Design/methodology/approach

The current practices of halal regulation and certification and literature on Islamic ethics were reviewed, to identify a practical approach for Islamic business ethics.

Findings

Islam allows and accepts different levels of ethical commitment. A multi‐level Islamic ethics framework and a multi‐level halal certification approach are proposed to facilitate the implementation of Islamic business ethics in a relative context. Two major developments can enrich halal business practices: harmonization of global standards and governance structure, and integrating responsibility and ethical issues in halal standards.

Practical implications

The proposed framework and developments can enrich halal regulation and certification practice.

Originality/value

The paper emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in Islamic business ethics implementation, and proposes a new framework and approach to apply Islamic business ethics.
Calculation methods for a complete air conditioning study
Authors: Vrellas Charisis G. , Karakatsanis Theoklitos S.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and categorize calculation methods for conducting a complete air conditioning study. More specifically, this paper is a general review of cooling loads calculation methods, psychrometric calculations for installing a central air conditioning unit, ways of fan coil units connection and air duct calculation methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was based on two pillars: a dissertation for an industrial facility and technical information found after methodical research.

Findings

After a brief reference of the calculation methods and the air conditioning systems installed in this industrial facility, this paper concludes with the most appropriate calculation methods for this industrial facility.

Research limitations/implications

This study describes some calculation methods. Thus, future research could be addressed toward the analysis of more methods.

Practical implications

This paper includes implications for choosing the most appropriate calculation method according to the air conditioning system installed.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the fact that, except for the theoretical part, there are some examples taken from a case study, thus it can be used as a future guide for selecting methods and systems of industrial air conditioning.
Property Journals Index 1990‐1999
Authors: Bakewell K.G.B.
Published: November 2012

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.
Property Journals Index 1990‐2002
Authors: Bakewell K.G.B.
Published: November 2012

Compiled by Indexing Specialists (UK) Ltd covering the following journals published by Emerald::
Facilities Volumes 8‐20; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐20; Property Management Volumes 8‐20; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐20.
An analysis of American academic libraries' websites: 2000‐2010
Authors: Aharony Noa
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The current study seeks to describe and analyze academic library websites in the years 2000 and 2010, as they appear both in the Internet Archive and in current library websites.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of 31 academic libraries homepages which were selected from the ACRL accredited LIS schools was conducted.

Findings

Findings reveal that the content of academic library websites in the years 2000 and 2010 has much changed over the ten years, presenting an increasing use of e‐journals and Web 2.0 applications, as well as a focus on library users, and a great use of graphics in websites.

Practical implications

The comparison documented in the paper should prove very interesting and important to librarians, information scientists, LIS scholars and students, presenting trends, changes and innovations that have occurred within the scope of academic libraries over the last ten years.

Originality/value

This study presents a yet unexplored dimension: the comparison, focusing especially on content, of academic library websites over a decade as they appear in the Internet Archive in 2000 and in the present library website in 2010.
E‐books: review of research and writing during 2010
Authors: Kumbhar Rajendra
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to review the literature dealing with e‐books to identify trends.

Design/methodology/approach

The review is based on the literature published during January to December 2010. For this purpose, literature on e‐books was searched and retrieved from LISA, LISTA, Emerald, Science Direct and J‐store. E‐books, electronic books, digital books, e‐book reader, were the keywords used for searching the literature in these databases. The literature is analyzed and reviewed under various broad categories. Most of the literature reviewed is in English. Non‐English literature reported in the LISA is also considered.

Findings

In spite of the unconcluded debate of print versus electronic, popularity of e‐books is increasing and thereby the e‐book market is growing at a very fast pace. User friendliness, cost, portability are some of the reasons for the increased use of e‐books. Varieties of e‐book readers are produced with different features. Copyright and DRM are the challenging issues. New e‐book pricing models are evolving with their own merits and demerits. Libraries are carrying out e‐book usage studies and are adopting innovative practices to promote e‐books.

Practical implications

The paper is useful for LIS researchers, practitioners, e‐book publishers and aggregators for understanding current trends and for framing prospective policies.

Originality/value

The paper identifies trends based on published literature.
Investigating the level of desirability of information in management information systems in libraries in Iran
Authors: Asemi Asefeh , Akbari Ali , Kheradmandnia Manouchehr , Farazi Abbas
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the pros and cons of Iranian library management software, focusing on the usage of open source technology. It seeks to analyse the viewpoints of librarians in the University of Isfahan as a sample to extend the findings to the Iranian Library management software community.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to get the opinions of librarians, the descriptive method is used. The required data are collected by literature review, questionnaire and open interview from university top managers, software technical staff, libraries managers, librarians, end users, and companies providing similar products. However, because of time limitations, the authors could only gather data by researcher‐made checklist of the librarians (informants) who directly have worked with University of Isfahan in the libraries.

Findings

The main problem of many library management software platforms in Iran is that the focus of development is mainly on technical issues rather than management, operational, and end‐user concerns. This is highlighted when open source software is used because it is common for an off‐the‐shelf product to be used with less consideration of the nontechnical issues. This is the reason that Iranian libraries are moving to replace their software with commercial versions.

Research limitations/implications

There was insufficient cooperation of some librarians in identifying capabilities and deficiencies of UILMS and limited cooperation of some technical experts in reviewing the software.

Originality/value

Considering the lack of standard checklists, this paper presents a relatively complete checklist to evaluate the library software.
Antitrust enforcement: an inflection point?
Authors: Bush Darren , Gelb Betsy D.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the possibility that antitrust enforcement will strengthen in the USA. The study sets out to assess whether the merger of two large rivals into one even larger firm is likelier to prompt government challenge than has been true in the recent past.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the history of fluctuations in antitrust enforcement. Also, it reviews research in economics questioning the idea that mergers lead to efficiencies that bring about lower prices to consumers and allow struggling firms to survive. Finally, the paper assesses the negative effect of recession‐prompted bailouts on public perceptions of “behemoth” firms.

Findings

The study finds signs of possible change in enforcement priorities. Recent actions by the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice include considerations beyond the “Chicago School” emphasis on efficiency. Economic research questions that emphasis as well. So may voter unhappiness with government bailouts and the firm size that made them seem necessary.

Practical implications

Small firms may want to encourage stronger enforcement; it may spare them the price‐setting power of megafirms they would otherwise face as suppliers or customers – or competitors. Larger firms, by contrast, may want to advocate the opposite, but draw up contingency plans if their chief growth strategy has been to purchase rivals.

Originality/value

This paper juxtaposes economic research, antitrust history, and recent economic issues to offer a perspective on what may be an important shift in antitrust enforcement.
The booster zone: how to accelerate growth with strategic customers
Authors: Senn Christoph
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present a method to help management teams and sales leaders evaluate opportunities and risks in business‐to‐business relationships from an outside‐in perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach derives from practical work with companies over the past ten years and has been validated by five benchmarking consortia held by Columbia Business School (New York) and the University of St Gallen (Switzerland), in cooperation with approximately 30 large‐scale enterprises from the USA, Asia, and Europe.

Findings

An increasing share of wallet follows an S‐shaped curve, such that for high and low performing companies, increasing the quality of the customer relationship usually leads to only marginal growth. In contrast, companies situated in the area around the steepest part of the slope are the best growth candidates that promise the potential for exceptional gains. The paper refers to this area as the “booster zone”.

Originality/value

Investing in business‐to‐business (B2B) relationships located in the so‐called “booster zone” drives above‐average growth. Mapping customer relationships properly offers also a valuable early‐warning function and complements widely used, past‐oriented performance indicators effectively.
The devil's dictionary of business strategy, volume II
Authors: Marren Patrick
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to humorously define various common business and strategy terms to amuse and illuminate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a lexicon.

Findings

Man's search for meaning can end up with one's nose in a dictionary. Again.

Research limitations/implications

No research, hence no research limitations. No implications beyond any humour that might be found within.

Practical implications

Practical implications have been brought as close as possible to absolute zero. Purely humorous.

Social implications

“Hey, this one is kind of funny. But I really don't get this one”.

Originality/value

The paper is a diversion.
SCB and SMI: two stretchable circuit technologies, based on standard printed circuit board processes
Authors: Vanfleteren Jan , Loeher Thomas , Gonzalez Mario , Bossuyt Frederick , Vervust Thomas , De Wolf Ingrid , Jablonski Michal
Published: November 2012

Purpose

In the past 15 years stretchable electronic circuits have emerged as a new technology in the domain of assembly, interconnections and sensor circuits and assembly technologies. In the meantime a wide variety of processes with the use of many different materials have been explored in this new field. The purpose of the current contribution is for the authors to present an approach for stretchable circuits which is inspired by conventional rigid and flexible printed circuit board (PCB) technology. Two variants of this technology are presented: stretchable circuit board (SCB) and stretchable mould interconnect (SMI).

Design/methodology/approach

Similarly as in PCB 17 or 35 μm thick sheets of electrodeposited or rolled‐annealed Cu are structured to form the conductive tracks, and off‐the‐shelf, standard packaged, rigid components are assembled on the Cu contact pads using lead‐free solder materials and reflow processes. Stretchability is obtained by shaping the Cu tracks not as straight lines, like in normal PCB design, but as horseshoe shaped meanders. Instead of rigid or flexible board materials, elastic materials, predominantly PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), are used to embed the conductors and the components, thus serving as circuit carrier. The authors include some mechanical modeling and design considerations, aimed at the optimization of the build‐up and combination of elastic, flexible and rigid materials towards minimal stress and maximum mechanical reliability in the structures. Furthermore, details on the two production processes are given, reliability findings are summarised, and a number of functional demonstrators, realized with the technologies, are described.

Findings

Key conclusions of the work are that: supporting the metal meanders with a flexible carrier prior to embedding in an elastic substrate substantially increases the reliability under mechanical stress (cyclic uniaxial stretching) of the stretchable interconnect and the transition areas between rigid components and stretchable interconnects are the zones which are most sensitive to failure under mechanical stress. Careful design and technology implementation is necessary, providing a gradual transition from rigid to flexible to stretchable parts of the circuit.

Originality/value

Technologies for stretchable circuits, with the same level of similarity to standard PCB manufacturing and assembly, and thus with the same high potential for transfer to an industrial environment and for mass production, have not been shown before.
Linked Data for libraries
Authors: Alemu Getaneh , Stevens Brett , Ross Penny , Chandler Jane
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide recommendations for making a conceptual shift from current document‐centric to data‐centric metadata. The importance of adjusting current library models such as Resource Description and Access (RDA) and Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) to models based on Linked Data principles is discussed. In relation to technical formats, the paper suggests the need to leapfrog from machine readable cataloguing (MARC) to Resource Description Framework (RDF), without disrupting current library metadata operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identified and reviewed relevant works on overarching topics that include standards‐based metadata, Web 2.0 and Linked Data. The review of these works is contextualised to inform the recommendations identified in this paper. Articles were retrieved from databases such as Emerald and D‐Lib Magazine. Books, electronic articles and relevant blog posts were also used to support the arguments put forward in this paper.

Findings

Contemporary library standards and models carried forward some of the constraints from the traditional card catalogue system. The resultant metadata are mainly attuned to human consumption rather than machine processing. In view of current user needs and technological development such as the interest in Linked Data, it is found important that current metadata models such as FRBR and RDA are re‐conceptualised.

Practical implications

This paper discusses the implications of re‐conceptualising current metadata models in light of Linked Data principles, with emphasis on metadata sharing, facilitation of serendipity, identification of Zeitgeist and emergent metadata, provision of faceted navigation, and enriching metadata with links.

Originality/value

Most of the literature on Linked Data for libraries focus on answering the “how to” questions of using RDF/XML and SPARQL technologies, however, this paper focuses mainly on answering “why” Linked Data questions, thus providing an underlying rationale for using Linked Data. The discussion on mixed‐metadata approaches, serendipity, Zeitgeist and emergent metadata is considered to provide an important rationale to the role of Linked Data for libraries.
Strategies for Service Quality
Authors: Sandelands Eric
Published: November 2012

For many, quality circles have been a struggle, total quality management has been something to “get around to one day” and continuous improvement has just been another expression meaning total quality management, which, of course is something that we’ll “get around to one day”. Worse, the acronyms used ‐ QC, TQM, CI ‐ have joined such exotic practices as JIT (Justin‐ Time inventory), CAD‐CAM (computer‐aided development and manufacturing) and more recently BPR (business process re‐engineering) in an alphabet soup of consultant‐led packages, available to the discerning manager ‐ at a price.
Drivers, impediments and manifestations of brand orientation
Authors: Evans Jody , Bridson Kerrie , Rentschler Ruth
Published: November 2012

Purpose

While the body of work exploring brand orientation has grown, there has been a general failure to build on extant research and generate a holistic conceptualization of brand orientation. This paper aims to develop a model of the key drivers, impediments and manifestations of brand orientation in a museum context.

Design/methodology/approach

A collective case study design was used, consisting of key informant interviews using a semi‐structured interview protocol and analysis of institutional documents and observational research. Interviews took place with well‐known museums across three countries: the UK, the USA and Australia. This paper demonstrates the richness of qualitative case studies as a method of theory building and as a precursor to further empirical research.

Findings

The case study findings reveal both a philosophical and behavioral aspect of brand orientation. Thus, six attributes are presented that include brand orientation as an organizational culture and compass for decision‐making and four brand behaviors (distinctiveness, functionality, augmentation and symbolism). The conceptual model also depicts the critical antecedents to brand orientation in a museum context.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a foundation for future brand research by offering a holistic conceptualization of brand orientation and identifying the primary antecedents in a museum context. Future research may wish to empirically establish a valid and reliable scale of brand orientation and examine its explanatory potential. Future research may also consider other contexts to provide further insight into the drivers and inhibitors of brand orientation.

Practical implications

If organizations seek to establish a strong brand orientation they must devote resources to establishing the brand as a dominant organizational philosophy that guides decision‐making. In addition, brand‐oriented organizations must establish the brand as a distinctive asset that communicates relevance and accessibility and invest in augmenting initiatives that enable the organization to connect with customers on a personal and emotional level.

Originality/value

Using an exploratory method the authors are able to reconcile a number of approaches to brand orientation and provide a conceptualization that incorporates the philosophical and behavioral approaches to business orientations. Museums face substantial resource constraints, competing needs of multiple stakeholders and increasing market turbulence. If museums can achieve such significant organizational change then the sector presents an interesting exemplar for many other non‐profit organizations.
Advertising regulation and market drivers
Authors: Parsons Andrew G. , Schumacher Christoph
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the regulation of advertising by considering market‐driven firms (those seeking to keep within the boundaries set by social and industry norms) and market drivers (those seeking to stretch boundaries to gain a competitive advantage). Thought is also given to the costs of regulation and tolerance to the social purse, and the benefits gained by compliance and violation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a conceptual argument for boundary stretching where market drivers are present in a marketplace dominated by market‐driven firms. The authors then apply a game theory model to examine the conditions, the firm responses, and Government responses. In doing so the authors investigate incentives for non‐compliant behavior in a self‐regulated market and show that a firm can achieve a market advantage by stretching advertising boundaries.

Findings

Results suggest that when government takes a “wait‐and‐see” approach of partial tolerance, then the market driver can become the focal point for the market‐driven, and a shift will take place in the regulatory boundary. If the government is the boundary shifter then social engineers are taking advantage of artificial boundaries they know will not be enforced, with implications for campaigns such as drink‐driving, smoking, and domestic violence. Also, the market driver will gain a competitive advantage by entering a market‐driven marketplace through boundary shifts, even after incurring an initial penalty.

Research limitations/implications

The research demonstrates a need for research into marketing regulation to consider firm types, violation types, and tolerance levels. The study contributes to our understanding of marketer activity with two implications; first the firm is shifting the boundaries and redefining the market focal point as themselves, rather than violating the boundaries and setting themselves outside the rules. Second, depending on the level of tolerance that government has with the regulation of advertising, there is a cost to both the social purse and to market‐driven firms associated with boundary shifters.

Practical implications

A market driver, looking for growth opportunities, should try to enter markets dominated by market‐driven firms, and which have self‐regulation, while market driven firms should either look for regulatory protection or act collectively to wield power over third parties – for example forcing media outlets not to carry market driver advertising.

Originality/value

By introducing the concept of boundary stretching and allowing for market drivers and market driven firms, the authors show the effects of regulation (or tolerance) in a realistic setting and allow for the real‐world dynamics of a marketplace where new ideas create new focal points for social acceptance. This study also provides a clear illustration of the usefulness of game theory in marketing studies.
Impact of brand‐building activities and retailer‐based brand equity on retailer brand communities
Authors: Samu Sridhar , Krishnan Lyndem Preeti , Litz Reginald A.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Retailer brand communities exist between a franchisor brand and individual retailers, with retailer‐based brand equity and brand‐building activities being key drivers of their success. This paper aims to introduce retailer‐based brand equity and examine its relationship with brand‐building activities and retailer brand community.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual stores in a variable format franchise from the retail hardware industry were studied at annual conventions in two North American cities. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling and regression.

Findings

Results show that retailer‐based brand equity mediates the relationship between brand‐building activities and brand community identification and demonstrates the importance of branding in retailing contexts. The franchisee's continuation as part of the retailer brand community is influenced by the retailer‐based brand equity, with increased identification leading to increased purchase and higher performance.

Research limitations/implications

The practical demands of the field study constrained the ability to examine other issues relevant to this research. There is also need to develop and refine further the items that measure the relationships.

Practical implications

Increased brand‐building activities do not automatically translate into higher commitment by franchisees, and franchisors need to increase the value of the brand. Engaging the franchisee as a member of the brand community has important outcomes for both parties. While franchisor brands benefit through increased sales, franchisees benefit through increased profit.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that has applied brand community principles to understand the franchisor‐franchisee relationship. The results from a field study have important implications for both brand building and franchising areas.
Marketing‐orientated pricing
Authors: Jobber David , Shipley David
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to test seven marketing‐orientated factors that have the potential to discriminate between the setting of successful high and low prices. The significant factors are then applied by means of a decision support model that can be used by managers to aid their price decision‐making.

Design/methodology/approach

Following exploratory research, a mail survey was conducted using a questionnaire based on the dual scenario technique.

Findings

Six marketing‐orientated factors – i.e. ability of customers to pay, brand value, degree of competition, price acting as a barrier to entry, demand compared to supply, and the use of a building market share objective – significantly discriminated between the use of successful high versus low price strategies. Using these variables, a highly statistically significant model was developed based on discriminant analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The sample excludes services and is based on responses from managers. Cost‐orientated factors were excluded from investigation to provide focus. The study demonstrates the potential for using the dual scenario technique in survey research, provides measures for seven constructs and highlights the dangers of using reverse‐polarity items to measure constructs.

Practical implications

The decision support model can be used by managers to aid their price decision‐making. The significant factors can also be helpful in market segmentation and targeting analysis.

Originality/value

The study supports a marketing‐orientated theory of price determination based on market, customer and competitor factors. It is the first to provide a systematic and cogent analysis of marketing‐orientated variables that have the potential to affect the high versus low pricing decision. By applying these variables in a decision support model, marketers have access to a tool that can aid their marketing decision‐making.
The effectiveness of casual advergames on adolescents' brand attitudes
Authors: Redondo Ignacio
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Despite the proliferation of casual advergames on web sites, there is relatively little scientific evidence on which product‐placement qualities and individual consumer characteristics allow a positive affect transfer from game to brand. The purpose of this paper was to examine the influence of placement conspicuousness, exposure duration, and player gender in an experiment with Spanish‐speaking adolescents under real‐world conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Three versions of a casual advergame were created and posted on the popular web site www.jetix.es. Two of the versions embedded ads for M&M chocolate candy, each of which had a different degree of conspicuousness (less versus more conspicuous), and the third version showed no brand placement at all and was used as the control condition. The versions were randomly assigned to 405 participants, and changes in their attitudes to M&Ms were measured.

Findings

The positive affect induced by the casual advergame transferred to M&Ms when it was not inhibited by negative reactions to the brand placement. The transfer of affect occurred after both a brief exposure to the prominent placement and a long exposure to the subtle placement, but no transfer was observed under the opposite set of conditions. Significant transfer in female adolescents but the absence of transfer in their male counterparts suggests a strong gender bias.

Practical implications

There are two implications for marketers who want to persuade adolescents through casual advergames. First, these marketers should segment their casual advergames by designing subtle placements for games with lasting appeal and prominent placements for games with brief appeal. Second, to strengthen male adolescents' brand preferences, marketers should not focus on casual advergames but search for more appropriate entertainment vehicles.

Originality/value

The theoretical framework relies on an unprecedented combination of classical conditioning and psychological reactance theories. The results are of interest for marketers trying to persuade adolescents as well as for public policy advocates trying to protect this vulnerable target group.
Cross‐national differences in e‐WOM influence
Authors: Christodoulides George , Michaelidou Nina , Argyriou Evmorfia
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present a cross‐national study that investigates changes in purchase intentions of UK versus Chinese consumers following exposure to successive e‐WOM comments in the form of positive and negative user reviews for experience versus search products.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2(e‐WOM valence and order: negative versus positive most recent)×2(product type: experience versus search)×3(purchase intentions at t1, t2, t3) repeated‐measures factorial design is used to test a set of hypotheses developed from the literature.

Findings

Chinese consumers are susceptible to recent e‐WOM comments regardless of their valence, while UK consumers anchor on negative information regardless of the order in which it is acquired. This holds particularly for experience products.

Originality/value

This cross‐national study contributes to the scarce literature on the impact of e‐WOM on consumer purchase decisions by comparing UK and Chinese consumers. The authors suggest that culture moderates the development of product evaluations following exposure to e‐WOM.
When implicit promises override explicit promises
Authors: Steinhart Yael
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The current research aims to explore the differential effects of bundling products with guarantees (explicit promises of product performance) or with diagnostic kits (kits that allow the user to measure actual product performance) on pre‐purchase product evaluations. It is proposed that when product performance evaluation relies on external sources of information, the effect of a guarantee exceeds the effect of a self‐diagnostic kit. However, when product performance evaluation relies on internal information or self‐reports, product evaluations are better leveraged by an offer of a diagnostic kit than by a guarantee.

Design/methodology/approach

The first study examines the differential effects of guarantees and of diagnostic kits on pre‐purchase evaluations of hypothetical products as a function of the mode of evaluation of product performance (internal versus external information sources). The second study explores these effects on pre‐purchase evaluations of actual products, and further includes a control condition.

Findings

The findings confirm the hypothesis that a guarantee (diagnostic kit) leads to higher product evaluations than a diagnostic kit (guarantee) when product performance evaluation relies on external (internal) sources of information.

Originality/value

The relative benefits of bundling guarantees or diagnostic kits to product offers have not been examined to date. The current research not only demonstrates this relative effect and its underlying mechanism, but also identifies the product attributes that contribute to this effect.