bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An FE‐based sequential inverse algorithm for heat flux calculation during impingement water cooling
Authors: Gadala Mohamed S. , Xu Fuchang
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To develop an effective and reliable procedure for the calculation of heat fluxes from the measured temperatures in experimental tests of impingement water cooling.

Design/methodology/approach

An inverse heat transfer analysis procedure is developed and implemented into a 2D finite element program. In this method, the least‐squares technique, sequential function specification and regularization are used. Simplifications in the sensitivity matrix calculation and iterative procedures are introduced. The triangular and impulse‐like profiles of heat fluxes simulating practical conditions of impingement water cooling are used to investigate the accuracy and stability of the proposed inverse procedure. The developed program is then used to determine the heat flux during impingement water cooling.

Findings

A hybrid procedure is developed in which inverse calculations are conducted with a computation window. This procedure may be used as a whole time domain method or become a periodically sequential or real sequential method by adjusting the sequential steps.

Originality/value

Parametric study and application show that the developed method is effective and reliable and that inverse analysis may obtain the heat flux with an acceptable level of accuracy.
The social stereotypes of the Portuguese female and male manager
Authors: Fernandes Emília , Cabral‐Cardoso Carlos
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the social stereotypes of the male and the female manager and their implications for the persistent inequalities between men and women in the management context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted using a sample of undergraduate management students who were asked to fill in a questionnaire containing a comprehensive list of descriptors of male and female managers.

Findings

The social stereotypes of the female and the male manager appear to be relatively close and reflecting the dimensions of instrumentality and rationality associated with the work and the management contexts. The similarity is explained by the adoption of the masculine subcategory as the referent to the female manager. In contrast with what was obtained for the female manager, respondents tend to associate the male manager exclusively with the public context. Female students, in particular, seem to assume the social constraints inherent to women as a social category, while perceiving the female manager as an outstanding individual who goes beyond what is expected for her gender group.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to overcome thinking about gender as a dichotomy and start voicing the diversity of women and men managers as individuals.

Practical implications

The recognition and acceptance of women in management will not be achieved simply by the demographic feminisation of management. It requires questioning the symbolic meanings embedded in the management discourse and social practices that keep the masculine as the referent.

Originality/value

The findings point towards an asymmetric relationship between the meanings associated with the female and the male manager subcategories that lead to additional difficulties in the acceptance of women as managers and help to understand the inequalities that persist between men and women in management.
Gender‐related boardroom dynamics
Authors: Huse Morten , Grethe Solberg Anne
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The objective of this article is to examine and conceptualise gender‐related boardroom dynamics that affect how women can make contributions on corporate boards.

Design/methodology/approach

Stories were collected from eight women directors about their experiences from more than 100 corporate boards. Narrative methods were used in the data analysis.

Findings

Women as well as men need to understand the power game inside and outside the boardroom. Their contribution depends on the ability and willingness to make alliances with the most influential actors, to spend time on preparations, being present on the most important decision‐making arenas, and to take leadership roles.

Practical implications

The study has implications for theory as well as practice. Process‐oriented theories should be included in studies of boards and governance, and the study showed that boardroom dynamics are not neutral to gender. Concepts and relationships are suggested that should be included in further theory development. The study has also given several practical examples and suggestions on how women can make contributions on corporate boards.

Originality/value

The study has value for developing the role of women directors.
Deinfluentization and self‐monitoring as influence regulation tactics of Polish women and men managers
Authors: Kożusznik Barbara
Published: July 2006

Purpose

According to the situational theories of leadership managers should adapt their influence tactics to situational demands but there is still a constant problem with managerial influence because managers using influence (whether “hard” or “soft”) mostly “cling” to it. The paper examines how managers regulate their influences with the help of deinfluentization (DEI) – the ability to consciously withdraw one's influence and self‐monitoring (S‐M) – the ability to regulate one's image in the presence of others and to compare women's and men's managerial abilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Research work was conducted in one of the largest electro‐energy organization's /N=169 managers/ as a part of regular annual managers' appraisal procedure. A S‐M scale was used, scale of managers's influence and DEI scales that the author had constructed.

Findings

Analysis revealed different patterns of DEI and S‐M connected with high and low appraisal. High DEI and high self‐monitors were perceived as the most effective managers no matter what kind of influence they used. Women managers made up half of this group.

Practical implications

Developing “clinging to influence” managerial behaviour brings too much stress and pressure for both women and men managers. Managers should enrich their knowledge about influence regulation tactics as DEI and S‐M. Women managers should not only give up their femininity but also enrich their managerial role with DEI behaviour and make it part of their own strengths.

Originality/value

The paper supports the theoretical work on S‐M and aids in understanding how the human capital in an organization can be used better.
Does size matter? Gender‐based equal opportunity in UK small and medium enterprises
Authors: Woodhams Carol , Lupton Ben
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the take up of gender‐based equal opportunities policies and practices in small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and explores the relationship between size and take up within the SME sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on detailed data generated by a European Social Fund sponsored equality audit tool (breakthrough). This is an interactive, questionnaire‐based programme incorporating 60 questions on human resources policies and practices relevant to gender‐based equal opportunity. The questionnaire was administered within a structured interview, which was recorded and transcribed. In the North West of England, 80 SMEs, across a range of sectors, participated.

Findings

The data revealed that, while there was some evidence of take up of good equality practice in SMEs, many small businesses were not active in this area and indeed a sizeable minority were perpetuating discriminatory practices. Medium‐sized organisations were more likely to have, and implement, equality policies than small ones. However, in one area, around flexibility to meet carer responsibilities, the small organisations performed better. Analysis of moderating variables suggests that it is factors related to size, rather than sizeper se, that explain the differences in take up between small‐ and medium‐sized firms.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the need to find ways to engage SME managers with the equality agenda. It explores the distinctive features of the small firms and their environment which may inhibit this at present and set out an agenda for future research which will deepen understanding in this area and inform policy.
Perceptions of racism and illusions of equity
Authors: Hite Linda M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address an under‐represented aspect of the literature on gender and work – how Black and White women managers perceive the influence of racism in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered using a survey instrument and compared using χ2 analyses. Theoretical constructs of aversive racism, White racial identity, and White privilege frame the discourse and the proposed model.

Findings

Compared to their White counterparts, more Black respondents perceived racism in their workplaces, were supportive of affirmation action, and saw racial as well as gender disparities in work effort required for success. In contrast, many White participants did not perceive workplace racism, saw little need for affirmative action initiatives, and seemed to hold an illusion of equity regarding work effort.

Research limitations/implications

One is a small response percentage for Black participants. Two, members of the organizations selected may not be representative of the general population. Future research should be conducted within organizations and include other under‐represented groups to guide organizational responses to combined race/ethnicity and gender concerns.

Practical implications

Even well‐meaning White women may be perpetuating racial inequities and inadvertently hurting their sisters of color by not acknowledging the pervasive influence of race on gender experience. Similarly, if organizations address only gender issues and do not acknowledge the additional constraints of race for women of color, careers of talented women and organizations that need their expertise will suffer.

Originality/value

The perceptions of racism model suggests potential antecedents for the illusion of equity perceived by White respondents.
Gender and the relationship between perceived fairness in pay, promotion, and job satisfaction in a sub‐Saharan African economy
Authors: Okpara John O.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived gender differences in pay and promotion of bank managers in Nigeria, and how these differences affect job overall satisfaction of male and female bank managers in selected banks in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The population for this study comprised bank managers who were members of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. A total of 800 questionnaires were sent to potential respondents chosen from 50 banks. A total of 512 usable questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 64 percent.

Findings

Results of this study indicate that a salary differential does exist between male and female bank managers in Nigeria. Male managers were more satisfied with their salary than their female colleagues. Results also indicated that there were gender differences in promotion. Male managers were overall more satisfied with their company promotion policies than their female counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the banking industry. Thus, the results cannot be generalized to other industrial sectors of the economy. This study needs to be replicated in other organizations using the same method.

Practical implications

The study offers practical suggestions to the banking industry and human resources managers on how to recruit, pay, promote and retain women managers as well as to maintain gender equity in the industry.

Originality/value

The study examines gender related issues in a developing economy this is under‐researched area. It offers recommendations on how to provide opportunities for women to excel in the banking industry in a developing economy.
Action research to develop work‐life balance in a UK university
Authors: Doherty Liz , Manfredi Simonetta
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to show the extent to which an action research approach, which incorporates learning from previous studies and interventions, can be used to progress work‐life balance (WLB) policies and practices in a university context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on the now considerable knowledge relating to the theory and practice of WLB. It adopts an action research/change management approach as part of a project partly funded by the Department for Trade and Industry partnership scheme. Specific methods utilised include a fundamental review of organisational policy using an evaluative matrix and an analysis of the outcomes of four workshops with 51 line managers.

Findings

The findings show considerable differences between the experiences of administrative, professional, technical and clerical (APT&C) staff and academics. In particular, APT&C staff seek a greater sense of “entitlement” and more trust and autonomy, whereas academic staff seek a more manageable work load. By moving through the stages of the action research cycle, many of the limitations associated with past WLB initiatives can be overcome for APT&C staff. By comparison, universities' disinclination to tackle academic work intensification is best explained by the lack of labour market pressure to do so and the fact that sustainable WLB does not constitute part of the “tablestakes” of academic employment.

Originality/value

The paper presents theoretical models, together with practical approaches for embedding WLB into organisational cultures. It also offers theoretical explanations for employers' predisposition to adopt WLB change programmes.
Sustainable livelihood considerations for disaster risk management
Authors: Alexander Bob , Chan‐Halbrendt Catherine , Salim Wilmar
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build on recent analysis of sustainable vulnerability reduction of the Government of Indonesia tsunami rehabilitation and reconstruction plan by applying a sustainable livelihood framework for disaster risk management (DRM) for improvement in understanding potential livelihood strategies for the specific context of vulnerable people previously involved in fisheries livelihoods in Aceh.

Design/methodology/approach

Brief discussion of the preliminary findings of the work of Salim reveals the recommendation of further examination within a sustainable livelihoods DRM framework. Thus, after development and exposition of this framework, interviews and secondary research allow brief description of the context in which livelihood strategies might be implemented.

Findings

By combining the preliminary assessment of resource provisions with discussion of the institutional and vulnerability context of fisheries activities, preliminary recommendations of important considerations in developing appropriate vulnerability‐reducing livelihood strategies are listed under the categories of resource provisions.

Originality/value

This paper should be valuable to researchers interested in further development of applicable DRM models and to government and non‐government agencies interested in the effectiveness of assistance in achieving long‐term sustainable livelihood and sustainable development goals.
Not through women's eyes: photo‐essays and the construction of a gendered tsunami disaster
Authors: Childs Merilyn
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to critically appraise the representation of women through photo‐essays used immediately following the December 26, 2004 tsunami disaster. Through analysis of photo‐essay images published online, the author argues that women were largely represented in the samples as helpless victims who are passive, prone and inhabiting domestic or quasi‐domestic settings. The paper argues that a “disaster genre” has emerged, and that disaster images matter. The disaster community needs to care about the “ethics of seeing”, so that the viewer can “see” women, not simply as domesticated, vulnerable, passive and prone but in their diverse and complex lives and roles.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes methodology developed within the emerging discipline of visual sociology, as applied to a sample of photo‐essays published online by international aid agencies in the weeks following the tsunami disaster. Data sorting of the four visual essays was done in response to three interpretative questions. In total, 65 images were interpreted across four visual essays.

Findings

A total of 26 images included women, and in these “the look” of the women suggested passivity, distress, and being in a state of being “cared for”. Relationally, women were represented in terms of domestic or quasi‐domestic locales. About 60 percent of the images included men, whereas 35.5 percent included women. There were no images in the 65 surveyed showing women actively involved in the physical labor of disaster response. In comparison, 35 percent of the images showed men involved in physical labor associated with disaster recovery.

Practical implications

The participation of women in pre‐ and post‐disaster planning and recovery is complex, and this complexity should not be made invisible by the visual representation of their lived experience. Agencies should actively develop policies and practices to ensure that women's diverse participation in disaster recovery is reflected in their choice of photographic materials published online.

Originality/value

High originality. The gendered nature of visual representation following a disaster is explored through the interpretation of four photo‐essays published online. An argument is put that disaster images matter, and that aid agencies have a responsibility to ensure that the complexity and diversity of women's disaster experiences are represented.
Development of occupational wellbeing in the Finnish European Network of Health Promoting Schools
Authors: Saaranen Terhi , Tossavainen Kerttu , Turunen Hannele , Naumanen Paula
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the baseline results of a school development project where the aim was to improve school community staff's occupational wellbeing in co‐operation with occupational health nurses.

Design/methodology/approach

The Wellbeing at Your Work index form for school staff developed for the study aimed to account for occupational wellbeing and satisfaction in terms of the activities maintaining the ability to work as well as the working conditions, working community, worker and work and professional competence and the need to develop them.

Findings

The most problematic factors of occupational wellbeing were the urgency and pace of work at school and the problems in working space, postures and equipment. In addition, the activities supporting resources, including stress control, exercise, relaxation and mentoring, were inadequate at work.

Research limitations

The sample of school staff (n=271) consisted of 12 schools in Eastern Finland, and the results cannot be generalised widely due to the small and geographically defined sample. However, the results are suggestive for other schools elsewhere in Finland.

Practical implications

The content model for the promotion of occupational wellbeing presented in the article and the results obtained provide a broad and practical approach to the development of school staff's occupational wellbeing. Occupational health care services are meant to support school communities, and they should therefore provide better information of their services and develop their competence based on the content model of occupational wellbeing.

Originality/value

The work index form based on the content model serves as a good tool for schools and occupational health care in evaluating and developing occupational wellbeing.
Community arts for health: an evaluation of a district programme
Authors: South Jane
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation of a community arts for health programme in the UK involving the delivery of three separate projects targeted at disadvantaged areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluation plans were drawn up for each project, which linked long‐term goals, objectives, indicators of success and data collection methods. Evidence was collected during the projects. In addition, 16 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with individuals involved in the programme.

Findings

The projects used a range of creative methods, which were found to be accessible and relevant. A number of short‐term health and social outcomes were demonstrated. The programme also had wider impact through strengthening partnership working and the development of knowledge and skills.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small‐scale study with limited in‐depth data from participants. Long‐term outcomes were not assessed. There is scope for more studies investigating the impact of arts activity on health and social care organisations and the training needs of staff.

Practical implications

A number of implications for practice emerged from the findings, including the importance of building local ownership and involvement, and the development of sustainable activity through partnership working.

Originality/value

This evaluation contributes to the small evidence base for arts for health interventions. It identifies outcomes from the activities and discusses issues relating to the development and implementation of community‐based arts for health projects.
How to make human resources more relevant to corporate financial objectives
Authors: Ted Prince E.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to focus on the personal financial traits of individuals and shows how they directly affect the financial performance and valuation of an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an approach to management and leadership that is very bottom‐line oriented and focused on organizational value creation.

Findings

The paper finds that we all have traits that lead us to make financial decisions in a particular way. Once we understand that particular way, or “financial signature”, we can predict how a particular executive, or individual, will make financial decisions. This, in turn, allows us to predict the financial performance of that executive, or executive team.

Originality/value

The paper recognizes that many executives, who would not rank highly on traditional personality and competency‐based leadership ratings, are often highly successful leaders who create outstanding products, profitability and value for their shareholders.
TDG gets help to deliver the goods
Authors: Coxon Kerry
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to describe how Brathay, a people‐development consultancy, teamed up with TDG, a pan‐European supply‐chain solutions provider, on a management‐development framework that helped to demonstrate to operational directors the importance of focusing not only on operations, but also on overall business strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper details the staging of a motivational conference, the formulation of a management framework, and the organization of a three‐day coaching program to lay out a coaching method and give the operational directors the opportunity to put it into practice.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that the approach helped people to start operating more effectively. Managers were given more authority to get on with their jobs and became clearer about what was expected of them and what they could expect from their directors.

Practical implications

The paper shows that the integrated development program has positioned TDG to improve not only its service and value to customers, but also its competitive edge.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the advantages, in terms of ensuring that already‐exacting customer‐service levels are maintained and improved, of having operational directors able to focus at a more strategic level.
Bells Bakery enters the house‐building business
Authors: Derbyshire Joel
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to describes how UK bakery Bells of Lazonby teamed up with a housing association to create more affordable housing in its local community.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses information from the company's managing director, who chairs the Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency and is working to increase the number of affordable homes in the countryside as part of an initiative headed by the Prince of Wales.

Findings

Reveals how the initiative – which is not limited to Bells of Lazonby employees, but also covers potential owners either working in the village, with children attending the village primary school, or originally born in the village – has helped young people and those on lower incomes to settle in the area.

Practical implications

Through achieving a better balance between housing availability and the demand for housing, Bells of Lazonby benefits directly and indirectly from the retention of local talent and a local workforce that helps to create a productive “buzz” in the workplace.

Originality/value

Describes an innovative solution to a significant HR problem.
Intelligent authentication, authorization, and administration (I3A)
Authors: Eigeles Dan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to present intelligent authentication, authorization, and administration (I3A), a new concept that enables trust and information security between involved sides by agreement, rather than by over‐exercised enforcement. In order to understand the needs and motivators for the concept, seeks to discuss the areas of technology, policies, law, and human mindsets.

Design/methodology/approach

Discussing two examples of possible solutions that would use the concept in e‐commerce.

Findings

Offers an open platform for enabling I3A of cryptographic keys, certificates, and privileges and integrating the use of such with secured applications on a wide variety of devices and environments.

Originality/value

Probably the first real exposition of the new concept I3A.
Scheduled RSS feeds for streaming multimedia to the desktop using RSS enclosures
Authors: Curran Kevin , McKinney Sheila
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Seeks to demonstrate how, with regard to viewing video on the internet, the delay experienced, whilst the stream is being buffered, can be virtually eradicated.

Design/methodology/approach

Documents a scheduled rich site summary (RSS) multimedia prototype which utilizes idle computer time (at night) to subscribe to media RSS channels in order to download audio and video content.

Findings

Finds that, a part from involving zero display, the quality of the operation is controlled only by the size of the hard disk not by the capacity of the connection.

Originality/value

The system documented here will serve users at either end of the RSS feed chain.
Applying project histories and project learning through knowledge management in an Australian construction company
Authors: Maqsood Tayyab , Finegan Andrew , Walker Derek
Published: July 2006

Purpose

With the advent of information and communication technologies (ICT), some organisations have endeavoured to develop and maintain systems commonly known as project histories. This paper aims to provide a framework to the construction organisations in order to improve the learning from projects through the development and use of project histories.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an interpretative investigation of the issues concerning project histories for one leading construction company in Australia. A systems approach (soft system methodology (SSM)) is used in this study as a tool to comprehend the underlying processes and to highlight the related issues.

Findings

The research has shown that project histories are poorly designed, implemented, managed and applied in the organisation studied. This paper argues that reason for this deficiency is the lack of support from senior management, and proper integration of project histories into a company's overall strategy and vision. As a result of applying SSM participants of the study and analyst have come into an agreement of carrying out six actions that have the ability to improve the process concerning project histories.

Research limitations/implications

The study is relevant to the organisation under study. It is because the use of SSM results in developing a relevant system rather than developing a correct general system. However, the study involves one of leading construction organisation in Australia and other organisations may find commonalities in problems and issues raised and solution proposed.

Practical implications

The research has the potential to improve the use of project histories and put these into practice. This could inhibit mistakes being repeated, saving on rework and not re‐inventing the wheel.

Originality/value

Recent interest in organisational learning and knowledge management is having an impact in the construction industry. Major companies are gearing up to incorporate these emerging business philosophies into their overall strategy and vision. With the adoption of knowledge management strategies into construction companies, it will be possible to apply project histories and conduct project learning in an efficient way. This type of the study can be said to be the one of the firsts of its kind in an Australian context and may be regarded as a founding work for future studies.
The learning organisation: a meta‐analysis of themes in literature
Authors: Thomas Keith , Allen Stephen
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The need to create and apply knowledge has contributed to the prescription of a learning organisation. However, there is no easy answer to what this concept means. Also a major criticism of the concept relates to the yet unclear connection between learning and performance. The purpose of this paper is to review the broad global literature to identify emergent themes, synthesised into a multilevel framework of process and structural attributes that reflects key theoretical relationships and attributes underwriting organisational learning and change

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on meta‐analysis of literature published about the learning organisation and organisational learning.

Findings

Finds a multilevel framework of process and structural attributes that reflects key relationships and attributes associated with learning and change.

Practical implications

The multi‐level model outlines a framework for future research that may seek to link learning and performance. The causal relationships identified also suggest practical implications for managers seeking to enact the learning organisation concept.

Originality/value

This paper synthesises the conceptual underpinnings of literature on the learning organisation into a practical framework.
Learning capability and business performance: a non‐financial and financial assessment
Authors: Prieto Isabel Ma , Revilla Elena
Published: July 2006

Purpose

There has been little research that includes reliable deductions about the positive influence of learning capability on business performance. For this reason, the main objective of the present study is to empirically explore the link between learning capability in organizations and business performance evaluated in both financial and non‐financial terms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from 111 Spanish companies, research was conducted through a structural equation modelling. In doing so, a measurement model was conducted for the main constructs – learning capability, financial performance and non‐financial performance‐ and examine the paths between them.

Findings

The analysis shows the positive link existing between: learning capability and non‐financial performance; and non‐financial performance and financial performance.

Originality/value

This is a detailed empirical examination of learning capability as a source of performance in organizations. It should be of value to all those who think about the role of learning processes and knowledge in organizations, and who care about their effects on competitiveness.
Does customer satisfaction lead to improved brand equity? An empirical examination of two categories of retail brands
Authors: Pappu Ravi , Quester Pascale
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The objective of the present research is to examine the relationship between consumers' satisfaction with a retailer and the equity they associate with the retail brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Retail brand equity is conceptualized as a four‐dimensional construct comprising: retailer awareness, retailer associations, retailer perceived quality, and retailer loyalty. Then the associative network memory model is applied from cognitive psychology to the specific context of the relationships between customer satisfaction and consumer‐based retailer equity. A survey was undertaken using a convenience sample of shopping mall consumers in an Australian state capital city. The questionnaire used to collect data included an experimental design such that two categories of retailers were included in the study: department stores and specialty stores, with three retailers representing each category. The relationship between consumer‐based retailer equity and customer satisfaction was examined using multivariate analysis of variance.

Findings

Results indicate that retail brand equity varies with customer satisfaction. For department stores, each consumer‐based retailer equity dimension varied according to customer satisfaction with the retailer. However, for specialty stores, only three of the consumer‐based retailer equity dimensions, namely retailer awareness, retailer associations and retailer perceived quality, varied according to customer satisfaction level with the retailer.

Originality/value

The principal contribution of the present research is that it demonstrates empirically a positive relationship between customer satisfaction and an intangible asset such as retailer equity.
Getting customers downtown: the role of branding in achieving success for central business districts
Authors: Runyan Rodney C. , Huddleston Patricia
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To extend the research focuses of downtown business districts beyond the urban planning literature through application of the resource‐based theory of the firm. Downtowns may act like firms (with a collection of SBUs), and therefore should possess resources that provide competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐method approach (focus groups; survey) is used to examine, a priori, the resources that provide competitive advantage for downtowns, including brand identity, business mix and community characteristics. Structural equation modeling is used to test the measurement of the constructs as well as estimate the effects of those constructs on downtown success. The data were collected from business owners within 11 downtown business districts in the US Midwest.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analyses reveal that brand identity, business mix and community characteristics are three distinct measures of downtown resources. Brand identity was found to have a significant and positive effect on downtown success. Though the literature points to the importance of both business mix and community characteristics, these did not have a significant effect on downtown success.

Research limitations/implications

Brands in general are posited to be less mobile than other firm resources, and thus may provide a more sustainable competitive advantage. By combining diverse areas of study, operationalizing new constructs, and testing measures, both the resource‐based view (RBV) and brand research are extended.

Practical implications

Since most downtown business districts (and the small businesses therein) have finite resources, to identify those which provide the most sustainable competitive advantage is critical to success. In this study, brand identity is the most important resource a downtown can possess.

Originality/value

This research moves the study of brands beyond “product” towards the concept of place branding. It extends the RBV framework to conceptualize downtown business districts as “firms,” thus allowing the identification of resources that lead to successful downtowns.
Evaluating temporary retail price discounts using semiparametric regression
Authors: Martínez‐Ruiz M.P. , Mollá‐Descals A. , Gómez‐Borja M.A. , Rojo‐Álvarez J.L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To analyze the impact of temporary retail price discount on a consumer goods product category using semiparametric regression and considering different promotional price discount characteristics as well as brand characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A semiparametric regression model using Support Vector Machines, which aim to evaluate retailers' decisions about temporary price discounts, has been developed. The model is derived from the analysis of historical sales data, which provide precise evaluation of previous temporary price discounts periods. The model is also consistent with ample empirical evidence showing that historical retail sales data can be used to evaluate the impact of past promotions.

Findings

Provides an estimation of the shape of the deal effect curve, indicating which temporary price discounts are more effective to increase sales and showing the existence of different threshold and saturation levels. Confirms that promotional price discounts accelerate sales especially during week ends. Evidences that promoting high‐priced (high‐quality) brands has a stronger impact on sales of low‐priced (low‐quality) brands than the reverse and that cross‐price effects are stronger on the sales of brands with similar prices. Suggests the convenience of the use of the proposed semiparametric methodology to the study of the promotional effects considered.

Research limitations/implications

It is not possible to generalize the modelled shapes of the deal effect curves. There is no information available on feature advertising nor displays. It is important to determine the generalizability of these results to the study of additional promotional effects. It would also be interesting to assume that the retailer's deal policy is exogenous.

Originality/value

Provides a relevant tool to assess the set of price promotional periods by the grocery retailer. With a more precise and accurate knowledge about the performance of past temporary price cuts, retailers can implement more effective promotional periods.
The value added by specific investments: a framework for managing relationships in the context of value networks
Authors: Kleinaltenkamp Michael , Ehret Michael
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Economic theories applied to the study of buyer‐seller relationships draw to a large extent on the problems caused by specific investments. This contribution aims to develop a new perspective on specific investments that accounts for their value‐adding character and also to present a transaction‐centred definition of customer relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The contribution draws on a comparative review on literature on business networks and economic theories focused on industrial buying behaviour.

Findings

Provides a transaction‐related definition of customer relationships in order to distinguish between different kinds of relationships and provides a framework to how relationship management is able to enhance marketing activities.

Practical implications

Specific investments are a powerful tool for differentiating the market offerings of a company. One central implication is for managers to realise on which stage of the market arena such differentiation is likely to be successful: transaction, relationship, segment or value network. This is the starting‐point for investing in a relationship portfolio conducive for the value generation of the company.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the value potential generated by specific investments is not fulfilled in the realms of present marketing literature. Also it is the first contribution to present a framework capable of treating phenomena of customer relationship management, relationship marketing and network marketing on the same footing, while still respecting the original motivations of those approaches.
The explanatory foundations of relationship marketing theory: a comment
Authors: Rese Mario
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In general, as part of the ongoing discussion about the importance of business partnerships in industrial markets, specifically the paper seeks to comment on the Hunt et al. paper in this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Hunt et al. argue that one reason for the prominence of business relationships and therefore partnerships between OEMs and suppliers is the growing importance of network competition. Using the framework of transaction cost economics, the preconditions for a partnership‐oriented coordination of OEMs and suppliers within a value‐creating network are discussed.

Findings

It becomes obvious that not all types of suppliers are suitable for a partnership. Some are, some are not. This highlights that there is a need not only for a description of the potential drivers responsible for the existence and success of business relationships but also for hypotheses as to how the several identified drivers work and interact. Description is the first, but explanation must be the second step for giving managerial advices.

Originality/value

This paper is a comment on the article “The explanatory foundations for relationship marketing theory” by Hunt et al.
Measure by measure: how WBT can help create a social online presence
Authors: Marcus Sara
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how web‐based technologies (WBT) can be applied to theater arts courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of the literature and parallels drawn between theater and online pedagogy, the paper proposes ideas for incorporating asynchronous and synchronous discussions, collaborative projects, and ways to utilize authentic and alternative assessments in addition to or in place of pen‐and‐paper tests.

Findings

WBT can be used as an effective enhancement to any theater course, though not in the same way for each area of theater. Almost any class can benefit from expanding the social dynamics through using asynchronous communications, but the true decision of the best way to utilize the benefits of WBT in a theater arts class is the same as for the integration into any class. The instructor must look at their own teaching style, the class objectives, and determine what usages will best enhance the learning process for the students in the particular course.

Originality/value

The paper offers insight into how WBT can help create a social online presence.
Satisfaction in e‐learning: the context of supplementary instruction
Authors: Siritongthaworn Sawai , Krairit Donyaprueth
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how to measure student satisfaction and how its elements influence on its overall perspective earned in e‐learning (EL). This study focuses on the context where EL is used as a supplementary tool to enhance instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on undergraduate courses that offer EL as a voluntary and supplementary form of instruction in Thailand. The measurement's instrument was adapted from scales widely accepted in management, information systems, and education research to fit the unique characteristics of the online education context. A few course characteristics are outlined to ensure the originality of the context. Survey is the main methodology of this study; reliability and validity of the measure are also tested and discussed in the paper.

Findings

The study highlights four dimensions of satisfaction in EL: delivery method, communication facilitation, system operation, and content. It is found from the study that elements of satisfaction measure are altered regarding to different contexts of EL. Each of these dimensions has been found to influence the overall satisfaction in EL.

Practical implications

Implications for instruction via EL are suggested in the paper according to the satisfaction elements. The course which the context is similar to this study should be designed differently from the traditional classroom or sole EL instruction methods.

Originality/value

This study is conducted in the context where EL is implemented for augmenting the main classroom instruction. Students are satisfied with learning through EL channel differently from learning in either pure traditional in‐class or sole EL instructions. This is what educators should concern in improving their instruction.
On the road again: a conversation with Jill Emery
Authors: Medeiros Norm
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To interview Jill Emery, Director of the Electronic Resources Program at the University of Houston.

Design/methodology/approach

Ms Emery discusses licensing, electronic resource management systems, and the open access movement.

Findings

Ms Emery takes a conservative approach to topics of open access and subscription rates, and the cost/benefit ratio of implementing electronic resource management systems.

Originality/value

Provides substantive content on timely topics from a leader in the field.
The Archival Census and Education Needs survey in the United States (A*CENSUS)
Authors: Walch Victoria , Yakel Elizabeth
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To discuss the purpose, methodology, and results of the recent Archival Census and Education Needs Survey in the United States (A*CENSUS)

Design/methodology/approach

Description of survey conception, purpose, methodology, and the implications of selected results.

Findings

The 2004 Archival Census and Education Needs Survey in the United States (A*CENSUS) was the first archival census in the USA since 1982. Funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services, it represents unprecedented cooperation and collaboration among over 50 archival organizations and educational institutes throughout the USA. Preliminary findings indicate that the educational preparation of archivists has changed drastically, the profession has feminized, and that archivists are aging, with insufficient numbers of younger archivists to replace them. In spite of these dramatic changes, the archival profession has failed to diversify racially and ethnically.

Practical implications

This early view of the A*CENSUS is intended to stimulate discussion and further analyses of these data. The methodology sets a precedent for inter‐organizational collaboration and will help archivists and allied professionals better understand the profession today as well as the prevailing trends.

Originality/value

This article presents an early report on the A*CENSUS results and discusses potential implications of use of the dataset.