bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asian discrimination in the workplace
Authors: Trang Dong Nha , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Provides examples of discrimination suffered by Asians and outlines the different ways discrimination takes place. Proffers some suggestion which would remedy these problems.
How organizations should manage discrimination and harassment complaints
Authors: Li Chen Cheng , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the definitions of harassment and discrimination and then details ways in which any case should be treated. Advocates the need for clear and specific company policies as a preventative measure and the need for claims to be dealt with in a professional manner.
Factors driving compensation today
Authors: Valdez Ralph , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Lists the concerns of employers and the ways they are driving costs down in businesses. Covers motivation and the incentives employers are using which cause further costs to the business. Outlines what may be found in a benefits package today.
Racial Harassment in the workplace
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hao , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Defines racial harassment and the forms in which it generally appears. Looks at the issue from the employer’s perspective, advising liabilities. Continues by putting the employee’s point of view. Expels some common myths and lists some useful recent case law.
The emergence of alternative dispute resolution in business today
Authors: Mose Darek , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Identifies the different mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution, outlining the main features of each one and suggesting appropriate areas of use. Supports the employment of these methods and lists the benefits they bring. Points out that the courts are still required as back up if these methods fail.
How to conduct mediation effectively
Authors: Gaitan Ray , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Covers the meaning of mediation, the role of the mediator, and the mediation process. Outlines the framework for discussion with reference to the mediator’s role. Concludes that it is necessary to focus on common ground and not the differences.
Discrimination in the public sector
Authors: Kaipanlert Buncha , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Briefly outlines the legislation and guidelines relevant to the public sector and covers the types of discrimination known to exist in this area. Looks at the problems within the gender debate with the absence of legislative protection and cites recent case law.
Discrimination in city police departments
Authors: Fakhro Hassan , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Looks at the background and history of the US police in relation to the 14th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act 1964. Outlines the dilemma faced by the police and lists some common forms of discrimination. Looks at the trends in the type of people claiming discrimination and concludes that it depends on area but the tide is turning towards the white male who is passed over to promote minorities.
Is age a handicap in finding employment?
Authors: Brosi Gary , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the issue of age discrimination and looks at the external and internal barriers older people face when applying for jobs. States that many of the misconceptions are untrue and highlights the growing number of lawsuits in this area. Points out that with an ageing population this issue is going to become more important and companies should revisit their policies.
Breaking‐out‐of‐the‐box in organizations
Authors: Cangemi Joseph , Miller Richard
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The authors share the observations of a combined 70 years of consultation with organizations, and input from tens of thousands of worldwide employees, to explore conventional barriers encountered in the work environment and how to “break‐out‐of‐the‐box” to find more creative solutions to organizational problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative based on over 70 years of consultation with organizations on a wide variety of related managerial subjects.

Findings

Certain behaviors must precede any attempts to create a fulfilling, stimulating, and freedom‐to‐think, creative work environment. Formulation and fulfillment of a psychological contract, especially on the part of the organization's leaders – but also including employees – seems to be an effective process for the development of an open, healthy climate which is encouraging and conducive to the development of creativity. In the larger view of the organization, such freedom which comes from clear understanding and expression of expectations within the company significantly increases its transparency. With increased clarity of understanding of the work environment and supportive leadership, employees will go beyond the job minimums and offer creative, “out‐of‐the‐box” contributions.

Originality/value

A creative new look at an old but very critical subject.
Entrepreneurship in Egypt and the US compared: directions for further research suggested
Authors: Farid Mamdouh
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine entrepreneurship in Egypt, an Islamic society in transition to a free market, and makes general comparisons with entrepreneurship in the United States, a secular society with a highly developed market economy.

Design/methodology/approach

American and Egyptian entrepreneurial differences are discussed within a number of themes related to cultural and environmental factors: the transition to a free market including transparency; money and its cultural meanings; locus of control; attitude towards risk; and work‐life equilibrium.

Findings

This paper argues that social and economic changes and environmental adversity, such as competition, which accompany the transition to a free market, create pressure on the emergent market (Egypt) to adopt a model of environment that is hospitable to entrepreneurs who seek to create new organizations or implement change through new organizational and programmatic initiatives.

Practical implications

Managers in an emergent market who are trying to improve competitiveness and efficiency should be aware of how most people from specific cultures value money, and also be aware of cultural differences with regard to the importance and the role of money.

Originality/value

It may be that insufficient attention is given to the relationship between entrepreneurial characteristics and national culture, as well as structural elements influenced by or directly related to culture. This paper attempts to bring some light to this issue.
An equation of health
Authors: Jaffe Russell , Nash Robert A. , Ash Richard , Schwartz Norm , Corish Robert , Born Tammy , Lazarus Harold
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This article aims to present an equation of health to allow measurement and more precise comparison of what is more or less effective in promoting health or managing ill health. It builds upon and extends a prior report (JMD, Volume 25 Number 10, 2006, pp. 981‐995).

Design/methodology/approach

Applying basic scientific methods and empiric observations, the equation proposed in this article is a state of the current science. Such an equation allows for more systematic and predictive comparison of health initiatives.

Findings

The pace of scientific progress is outstripping our institutional adaptive response mechanisms. An approach to the causes of ill health appears more promising than re‐configuration of current disease reactive, symptom treatment care. This paper starts from first principles and builds a model that results in an equation of health.

Research limitations/implications

Refinement of the model and replication by others are needed to fully determine the predictive value of this approach.

Practical implications

The opportunity to reduce costs while also reducing adverse events, healthcare morbidity and morality.

Originality/value

This article calls attention to areas of opportunity to fund out of savings the transition from our current “sick care” system to a health promotion/proactive prevention approach to caring.
Transition and transparency in the employment contract
Authors: Lenaghan Janet A. , Seirup Holly J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To suggest a counseling model for human resource professionals, firmly based in providing complete transparency, which will assist employees and organizations in adapting to changes in the psychological contract.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors posit that as the psychological contract between employers and employees undergoes a metamorphosis reflecting the fundamental changes in the exchange of work and rewards, human resource professionals would be well served to include a counseling approach to employee communication.

Findings

The authors suggest that the counseling model will support a culture of transparency and yield positive outcomes for all concerned.

Research limitations/implications

The co‐authors relied on their research and own experience in the field of human resource management and student counseling to develop this paper. The suggested model needs to be subjected to the rigors of academic scrutiny before it can be applied. The implications for human resource professionals are important as any tool to help further assist in the organization's staffing efforts, specifically retention of knowledge workers, as well as providing support to the overall success of the organization.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the interdisciplinary approach of combining some basic tenets of the counseling field with the human resource management function in the organization.
Dave Delaney's useful advice for your development as a manager
Authors: McManus Tom , Delaney Dave
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to convey useful and practical advice on one's development as a manager from the perspective of a successful entrepreneur.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on lessons learned from founding and leading a $300 million business.

Findings

Beware of the transition from school to business. Take jobs that offer real experience. Showing up is 90 percent of the battle. If you are not in a job that you consider to be as much fun as what you do when you are not working, then you should go and try to find that job. The best decisions you make will be the mistakes you avoid. If it doesn't make sense it can't last. When you are explaining you are losing. Hire people who care. Break down barriers to communication. Embrace humor. You can't lead when your pants are too tight. Never ignore the last mile problem. Big egos destroy companies.

Originality/value

Valuable for managers at every stage of their development, and especially for those just entering the work force.
Through the looking glass: illusions of transparency and the cult of information
Authors: Drucker Susan J. , Gumpert Gary
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that transparency is a two‐sided concept associated with openness and surveillance.

Design/methodology/approach

A position is asserted arguing the need to examine the fact that both transparency and surveillance are management tools in an information society. It is argued that from transparency, to translucence to opacity there are degrees of openness with technical and policy filters imposed intentionally and unintentionally in between those who observe and those who are observed. The illusion of transparency is considered along with the notion that gatekeeping or filtering is associated with making relevant information available.

Findings

Transparency and filtering the flow of information are considered as essential to the governance of organizations' rooted social contract theory.

Practical implications

Transparency and limits on transparency should be proactively addressed in organizational structure and policy and must be communicated effectively for both pragmatic and symbolic purposes. This further suggests the need for media literacy training within organizations.

Originality/value

The authors conclude that the perceived right of access cannot be underestimated as a fundamental management tool. This paper proposes the publication of an organizational “Bill of Rights” to demonstrate a commitment to transparency.
The best of the best: lessons from the top performing American corporations, 1954‐2005
Authors: Neelankavil James P. , Comer Debra R.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To derive and apply a new composite performance metric to top performing US companies in order to identify consistently excellent performers and explain their success over the last half‐century. The ten firms topping the list for this new composite performance metric represent the “best of the best” of American corporations during the fifty‐one years of Fortune magazine listings.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this analysis were gleaned from the annual lists of the top 500 companies reported by Fortune from 1954 to 2005. Using Fortune's annual rankings of companies according to the four performance criteria of return on investment/equity, net profits, total assets, and revenues dimensions, the authors firstly computed, for each of these four performance dimensions, an average ranking based on a company's particular rank each year and its total number of appearances during the 51‐year period; and then, secondly, by assigning each of the four performance criteria a weight reflecting its importance, derived a composite (total) score based on a company's average ranking on all four criteria.

Findings

For a modern US based company to be successful year after year it must consistently achieve two of four performance criteria included in the composite metric. The results of the longitudinal analysis illustrate the significance of using a variety of metrics, or a composite metric, to gauge corporate performance.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the findings are that assigning different weights to the four performance criteria would yield a somewhat different composite ranking.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to derive and present a composite performance metric, compiled from Fortune's annual rankings of four critical performance variables and representing an aggregated weighted ranking of American companies over a half‐century.
A role‐based perspective on leadership decision taking
Authors: Sheard A.G. , Kakabadse A.P.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This monograph seeks to summarise the key influences of a role‐based perspective on leadership when making decisions as to how organisational resources can best be deployed.

Design/methodology/approach

Application of new frameworks provides insight into the leadership roles executives can adopt when part of formal, informal and temporary groups within the organisation's senior management team and those parts of the organisation for which they are responsible. The methodology adopted is qualitative, focusing on application of previously developed frameworks.

Findings

Adoption of an appropriate leadership role, and the timely switch from one role to another as circumstances change, are found to facilitate improvement in the ability of executives to mobilise organisational resources, and in so doing effectively address those challenges with which the organisation is faced.

Research limitations/implications

A one‐organisation intensive case study of a multinational engineering company engaged in the design, development and manufacture of rotating turbomachinery provides the platform for the research. The research intent is to validate two frameworks in a different organisation of a similar demographic profile to those in which the frameworks were developed. The frameworks will require validating in organisations of different demographic profiles.

Practical implications

The concepts advanced, and implications discussed, provide an insight into the role‐based nature of leadership. The practical steps individual executives can take to develop their ability to adopt different leadership roles are highlighted.

Originality/value

This monograph is an investigation into, and study of the contribution of theory that provides insight into, the process by which executives effectively mobilise organisational resources. This differs from the original contributions to theory, which focused on methodology, data gathering and validation in contrast with the current study that is focused on practical application.
Thatching in the Outer Hebrides
Authors: Scott Alan W.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to report on the surveying of three vernacular thatched properties in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, all run as Youth Hostels.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study buildings are compared with 42 Arnol, the blackhouse on North Lewis cared for by Historic Scotland. The paper compares plan form, roof structure, thatching material and securing methods using data collected during extensive field investigations in 2004.

Findings

The paper concludes that the more northerly property Garenin most closely resembles 42 Arnol and can be classified as “Hebridean” in structure, while Howmore to the south is typical of the “Skye” pattern. Berneray, the central of the three properties, exhibits construction techniques of both types, indicating that it defines the boundary between the two types.

Originality/value

The findings of this research will be useful to surveyors, owners and maintenance managers responsible for these unique vernacular structures.
Binder loss in traditional mass masonry: a cause for concern?
Authors: Forster Alan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to highlight issues relating to binder migration in traditional lime mortars and the potential consequences of this phenomenon. The paper focuses on traditional mass masonry construction and will be of special interest to those surveying, maintaining and repairing historic ruinous structures and heavily exposed masonry bridges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on literature pertaining to the repair of traditional mass masonry structures and the somewhat limited science of binder dissolution and migration in saturated conditions. The paper also draws on the author's practical and academic knowledge of writing specifications for the repair of mass masonry structures and utilises examples of binder migration from several case study buildings.

Findings

The degree to which binder migration in traditional mortars occurs is little understood. It is, however, evident that migration of the binder occurs when saturated conditions are present and is exacerbated by prolonged moisture ingress. The effect of binder migration on the stability and performance of mass masonry structures is also little understood and requires greater attention. In addition, the nature of the repair mortars specified and the degree to which these materials have set will have a bearing on the potential for binder migration.

Originality/value

An assessment of binder migration in traditional lime mortars and its effect on the stability and performance of mass masonry structures has never previously been undertaken. This paper is the first to highlight the problem.
The 1994 Survey Report Competition.
Authors: Gordon Ian A.
Published: June 2007

The personal comments of one of the judges on the entries to the 1994
Survey Report Competition. Initially appraises entries from the aspect
of presentational first impressions, aids to understanding in the form
of photographs and plans, the use of technical terms, size and written
quality. Gives further consideration as to whether the client′s
instructions have been fulfilled, the depth and quality of the technical
information given, whether adequate advice and warnings are provided
where information is lacking, the provision of costs and the scope of
the concluding recommendations. Despite minor flaws the entry awarded
first prize is considered a worthy winner and thanks are extended to all
those who entered.
Glass for buildings ‐ is it crystal‐clear?
Authors: Josey B.
Published: June 2007

Examines the use of glass for glazing in buildings, concentrating on the four basic types: ordinary annealed glass; toughened glass, laminated glass and wired glass. Claims that, if the limitations of glass are understood, we have a wonderful, versatile, economic and durable material with as yet unexplored potential.
The use of virtual tours for cognitive preparation of visitors: a case study for VHE
Authors: Widyarto Setyawan , Shafie Abd. Latiff Muhammad
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of using virtual tours to improve health and safety through preparatory familiarisation for visits to the swarming area. The main objective of the virtual environment system is path finding by commanding spatial skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a case study of the area of Jamarat. One of the main ritual sites during the Hajj, in which Muslims stone the devil during the annual pilgrimage, will be unveiled from a virtual reality perspective and visual analytics.

Findings

The virtual environment built may help people interested in a virtual tour of the environment but have no opportunity to go due to limitations or may facilitate participants in pre‐departure preparation of a dangerous environment.

Practical implications

This paper's main issue is using virtual environments for virtual tours and discusses the principles of virtual environment creation and information extraction from available sources using a case study.

Originality/value

The development of the case study environment will be used for training purposes of the Hajj pilgrim candidates to avoid any possible fatal distraction.
Developing key performance indicators for airport safety and security
Authors: Enoma Aghahowa , Allen Stephen
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the findings from a research project seeking to develop and test a set of key performance indicators for airport facility management, with particular focus on safety and security.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was adopted for this project and data was collected from a series of interviews, workshops, the internet and other media.

Findings

The need for airport security and safety is paramount, post 9/11. Airports generate revenue from the facilities they provide so they seek to maximise their potential revenues but must do so with safety and security foremost in the operators' minds. In the UK a system for boosting security at the airports termed “multi‐agency threat and risk assessments” has been developed jointly by the Department for Transport and the Home Office after Sir John Wheeler's report on airport security and policing in 2002. This provides a framework for this research and enables the evaluation of current practice to be undertaken.

Originality/value

Previous research has not directly measured the relative performance of airport safety and security and the role of facility management in achieving that level of performance and this is the focus of the study. This paper concludes by presenting a potential list of key performance indicators for airport safety and security that emerged from the interviews and workshops.
Improving our contribution to the construction process
Authors: Macpherson Ian
Published: June 2007

Discusses relationships between services engineer teams and
suggests that services engineers need to look again at their
contribution to the new industry order now emerging.
Physics envy
Authors: Tapp Alan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify and discuss a phenomenon with a hidden but severe impact on the conduct of research and teaching in marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Solicited as a viewpoint contribution, with permission to think aloud.

Findings

Physics, as the archetypal “proper” science, has exerted an undue and malign influence within universities on perceptions of scholarliness in “soft” sciences such as marketing, and hence on the applicability of its research and teaching. But the anti‐science commentators may protest too much; the key question is how science is applied. Physics envy could therefore have a positive outcome, if debate is encouraged.

Practical implications

There are obvious implications for the structure of research and teaching in university departments and sub‐departments of marketing, in the UK and elsewhere.

Originality/value

A polemic, but one with a balanced conclusion.
Can theoretical knowledge and application yield competitive advantage?
Authors: Grønhaug Kjell , Grundvåg Ottesen Geir
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Given that marketing practitioners often perceive theory as something abstract, with little relevance to their work, the objective is to explain why and how competent application of theory can be highly useful and even lead to competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptualisation and personal interpretation, with real‐world case examples.

Findings

Knowledge of relevant theoretical principles, if combined with thorough contextual knowledge and applied in a competent manner, can lead to competitive advantage based on better judgement and decisions.

Originality/value

The arguments and conclusions presented in the paper improve understanding of the potentially vital role of theory in practice, and provide a credible alternative to the common misperception that theory is of little value to the practitioner.
Is your doctorate really necessary?
Authors: Thomas Michael J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To respond to, endorse and elaborate the Viewpoint, “Academia, marketing myopia and the cult of the PhD” in the issue preceding this one.

Design/methodology/approach

Accepted as a Right‐to‐Reply paper, with permission to “think aloud”.

Findings

The classic PhD degree does not belong in an applied social science such as marketing, but the less well‐known Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) does. Those who pursue it will emerge better qualified to teach this real‐world subject, without compromising their second role as researchers into the knowledge base. Every institution calling itself a “business school” should therefore prefer the DBA as the route to establishment/tenure and promotion.

Research limitations/implications

A personal opinion, but based on broad and deep experience of marketing education.

Practical implications

The hegemony of the “scientific” PhD needs to be challenged, if academic marketing is to have a meaningful future.

Originality/value

A persuasive argument for an authoritative source.
The relationship between marketing strategies and performance in an economic crisis
Authors: Haluk Köksal Mehmet , Özgül Engin
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To examine how companies are affected by economic crises, to assess the effects of marketing strategies on company performance in such conditions, and to identify those that can help companies to maintain successful performance despite turbulence in the operational environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire contained questions relating to 21 marketing strategies, associated with the elements of the marketing mix, plus a “general marketing strategies” category. It was completed by 172 Turkish companies, drawn from a national frame of 1,000. Data were analysed by factor analysis, with performance criteria set as the dependent variable. Results are reported for each of the elements of the marketing mix.

Findings

Companies that modify their strategies appropriately can maintain or improve their performance in times of crisis. Conclusions and recommendations identify the strategic changes most likely to achieve that outcome, measured mainly in terms of sales, market share and profitability.

Research limitations/implications

Subjective measures of performance were used because of practical obstacles to obtaining objective financial data from the sample, which would have severely reduced the response rate. Future studies should include such data in the analysis. They might also cross‐index findings by company size, industry sector and market scope, and take account of company resources and skills.

Practical implications

The findings provide valuable insights for decision makers and marketing planners in times of economic crisis, specifically in the Turkish context but potentially in general.

Originality/value

Adds a specific focus on marketing strategies to existing studies of general measures taken by companies during economic crises.
A new approach to customer targeting under conditions of information shortage
Authors: Yu You‐Ping , Cai Shu‐Qin
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To present a new model for customer targeting when the information in customer databases is limited.

Design/methodology/approach

An original conceptual framework is proposed, the customer targeting funnel model, supplemented by a composite mathematical model for optimizing decisions related to customer targeting for marketing initiatives and a flowchart to guide its implementation by marketing planners, all in the business‐to‐context and under conditions of information shortage. This “toolkit” facilitates the targeting of customers most likely to enter into closer relationships with the company, even when a significant proportion of their key characteristics have to be estimated.

Findings

A case example from China, describing a computer‐based support system for the implementation of the model, shows that the user company strengthened its customer service strategy, won higher satisfaction and loyalty levels, and achieved sales growth 50 percent above the industry average.

Research limitations/implications

The model is at an early stage of its development, and such additional features of customer behaviour as churn should be incorporated in future. The effectiveness of the model and system needs to be tested in a wider range of cases and situations..

Practical implications

Techniques of customer targeting based in consumer marketing need to be adapted appropriately for transfer to industrial marketing, and this paper offers one case in point. Shortage of customer intelligence is common in various sectors worldwide, and especially in developing countries such as China.

Originality/value

An innovative approach to customer targeting in the special conditions of industrial or business‐to‐business marketing.
The influence of culture and size upon inter‐firm marketing cooperation
Authors: Felzensztein Christian , Gimmon Eli
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To investigate the influence of national or sub‐national culture and company size on inter‐firm cooperation in marketing among cluster‐based firms, with specific respect to the salmon‐farming industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study analysis of data collected from semi‐structured personal interviews with senior managers in two samples of different sized companies, located in industry clusters within Scotland and Chile.

Findings

Small firms in this industry in Scotland are more proactive in building inter‐firm cooperation, for international marketing activities. National culture has only a limited effect on the level inter‐firm cooperation, but sub‐national culture in distinctive communities can enhance it.

Research limitations/implications

Though the samples were representative and the data rich, this was designed to be a qualitative, exploratory study. Further research is indicated.

Practical implications

The findings shed light on strategies for the enhancement of formal and informal social networks as a route to effective inter‐firm cooperation in marketing, of particular value marketers in small‐and‐medium sized enterprises. They may also be of interest to public bodies, with respect to the role of trade associations.

Originality/value

This industry makes a substantial contribution to the rural and regional economies of both the countries. The findings and conclusions are potentially useful to marketing researchers and planners in aquaculture, and may be transferable to other industries and locations.
RFID based ubiquitous commerce and consumer trust
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Park Sang‐hyun , No Yoon Seong , Yeon Seung‐jun
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate processes of how RFID‐enabled systems affect consumers' trust and acceptance of u‐commerce, emphasizing a feedback loop where consumers' post‐transaction trust affects their initial trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation model using system dynamics (SD) is developed to show the importance of trust issues involving RFID technology, decomposing complex processes of trust building in u‐commerce into a set of feedback loops with a causal‐loop diagram.

Findings

The results of simulation runs indicate that well‐established policies, especially for current privacy issues, should be in place to increase consumers' acceptance of u‐commerce.

Originality/value

The research provides insights into the development of RFID‐based consumers' trust in u‐commerce, and policies to increase consumers' trust in u‐commerce. The research model was developed and verified using SD.
Development of a customer satisfaction index model
Authors: Türkyılmaz Ali , Özkan Coşkun
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a new customer satisfaction index model for Turkish mobile phone sector (TMPS).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on relevant literature and theoretical considerations on customer satisfaction, a new measurement model was developed. A survey based on the proposed model was conducted to 700 mobile phone users in Istanbul. Partial least squares method was employed to estimate the proposed structural equation model (SEM).

Findings

The general applicability of a SEM depends on the reliability and validity of the modeling results. The proposed satisfaction model exhibits strong explanatory power with its satisfactory reliability and validity results.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model was tested for the TMPS. It should ideally be tested periodically for different sectors with more data, and the index results should be compared.

Practical implications

The results of this study provide very important information for the managers in formulating competitive marketing strategies. The results show the critical points where the limited resources of the firms should be allocated to improve satisfaction and loyalty. Independent and uniform measurement characteristics of the studied model provide a useful tool for tracking performance and systematic benchmarking over time. It also provides information about the weaknesses and strengths of the company from the eyes of its customers.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt to develop and implement a satisfaction model for the TMPS. The proposed model consists of well‐established theories and approaches in customer behavior.
Determinants of firm exit in Slovenian manufacturing
Authors: Bojnec Štefan , Xavier Ana
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to present the determinants of firm exit at the micro firm‐level of Slovenian manufacturing derived from the results of pooled and panel probit models.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research is conducted on the basis of the Slovenian firm registry data which include virtually all the firms in manufacturing. This data set is complemented with sector level trade data to investigate import competition. A representative panel data set of Slovenian manufacturing firms is used to estimate pooled and panel probit models focusing on the effect of firm specific characteristics, domestic sector and import competition, and financial variables on firm exit. The results of the analysis are compared with research for other countries.

Findings

The econometric results show a consistently positive, highly significant effect of import competition offsetting the impact of domestic competition on firm exit. Firm's export orientation, capital intensity, innovation expenditures, firm profitability and sector's real sales growth reduce exit, while private ownership and lower firm cost efficiency increase it.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this paper is twofold. It is one of the first empirical studies to conduct an in‐depth analysis of market dynamics and the determinants of firm exit at the firm level for transition countries, and the first one for Slovenia. The study applies a comprehensive research model to virtually all the Slovenian manufacturing firms and provides valuable insights into the relationship between firm exit and firm specific characteristics, competition and finance.
A new RAD‐based approach to commercial information systems development: the dynamic system development method
Authors: Howard Alan
Published: June 2007

The dynamic system development method (DSDM) is a holistic approach to system development in a rapid application development (RAD) environment. It provides an overall framework, based on wide experience, for particular types of commercial information system development projects. The method is currently undergoing trials in a number of user organizations. The formation of the consortium and the successful launch of the method shows how user organizations and IT professionals can take a proactive stance in the advancement of system development practice.
An investigation of hotel property renovation
Authors: Hassanien Ahmed
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirically‐based insight into the practice and perception of architects, interior designers and building contractors who make up the external parties involved in the hotel renovation process.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper a survey is used to elicit and represent existing practices as well as external parties' perceptions regarding renovation as a product development tool in the hotel industry.

Findings

The paper reports findings of a survey conducted with external parties' firms in Egypt on the challenges of renovation in the hotel industry.

Practical implications

The paper shows that, from the interpretation of the data reflecting responses of the external parties' companies in Egypt, the analysis shows that “lack of money” and “limits by owners” are perceived by external companies to be the main obstacles to renovation in all hotel categories. Surprisingly, the training of the external parties did not include marketing and the majority were found to have a limited understanding of marketing concepts, such as new product development and innovation. All the external parties referred most frequently to their design being for “the client”, meaning the hotelier, however, rather than the hotel customer.

Originality/value

In the paper, implications for both external parties and hoteliers are offered.
What location attributes are the most important for market value?
Authors: Kryvobokov Marko
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extract the location attributes, which are the most important for market value of real estate in countries with well‐developed markets.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper meta‐analysis is applied for extraction of location attributes and the weights of their importance. The outcomes of existing regression models created in different countries mainly with a developed real estate market are used. A total of 81 models described in 39 sources are analysed.

Findings

The paper finds that the lists of statistically significant location attributes, which influence market value, are obtained for different real estate types. The weights of attributes' relative influence are compared, where possible.

Research limitations/implications

In the paper meta‐analysis is also applied for a limited number of empirical studies. However, for land and residential real estate the number of sources is sufficient to make a substantiated conclusion. The application of the outlined location attributes is a subject for future research.

Practical implications

The paper shows that the lists of important location attributes can be used for practical specification of the valuation models for urban land and other real estate in countries where the market is underdeveloped, to increase the degree of objectivity and market orientation.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the few studies which synthesize the findings of existing regression models with respect to location attributes generally. The method of weights' estimation is original. The result of the paper has practical value for real estate valuation in countries with an underdeveloped market.
Assessing sustainability in the existing commercial property stock
Authors: Ellison Louise , Sayce Sarah
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to set out a series of criteria through which the sustainability of commercial property can be assessed. It is part of a wider research project that addresses sustainability as a set of investment risks and is seeking to specify these risks and incorporate them within commercial property investment appraisals.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on existing literature to establish a series of sustainability criteria and then uses focus groups and interviews with industry operators to establish the relevance and potential significance of each criteria to property investment worth.

Findings

The research is focused on the investment performance of commercial property. The findings in the paper are thus driven by a strong economic imperative and the criteria focus on factors within the control of the investor‐owner. The research also reflects the views of a small group of industry operators. However, it sets out a practical set of sustainability criteria, reviewed by industry experts, against which the performance of any commercial property can be assessed.

Originality/value

The paper provides a set of sustainability criteria that are relevant to the performance of property as an operational asset and an investment asset. This will enable market operators to begin to address sustainability within the commercial property stock from a market‐based perspective reflecting the economic imperative that drives the industry. The focus on the investment sector differentiates the work from studies that look at sustainability more broadly as a qualitative issue.
Digital libraries and development in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Kavulya Joseph M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to review some of the critical information needs in Sub‐Saharan Africa and the challenges that face libraries in the region in establishing digital libraries as a way of overcoming the great information shortfall in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

A selective survey of relevant literature is carried out in the study with focus on the role of libraries and information in social development, sectoral information needs and the issues involved in the establishment of digital libraries.

Findings

The paper argues that lack of social development in Africa is exacerbated by lack of adequate information. The paper concludes that, through better information gathering, processing and especially by taking advantage of today's digital transfer of knowledge, countries in the Sub‐Saharan region can experience rapid economic, social and political development.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that digital libraries in the Sub‐Saharan region can be strategic gateways to the global information and a boost to development in the region. The goal of establishing digital libraries in the region can be achieved through measures such as adoption of modern information communication technologies, amassing relevant digital content, investing in digital skills for library staff and users, strategic partnerships between local institutions, and funding agencies and above all government‐backed strategy on digital libraries.
Awareness and use of digital resources in the libraries of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Authors: Asemi Asefeh , Riyahiniya Nosrat
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The survey aims to investigate the relationships between awareness and use of digital resources among students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive method has been used and users of the medical libraries and information centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences have been surveyed in the research. A total of 250 students were selected randomly as a sample. A structured questionnaire was designed for collecting data.

Findings

The results were that 70 percent of students were aware of digital resources, but only 69 percent of them have used them; 62 percent were aware of offline databases, whereas only about 19 percent used them through the Central Library LAN network. About 70 percent were aware of online databases, accessible via the Central Library web site, and about 53 percent of respondents have used them. A total of 64 percent were aware of the “CLBJ Database”, while over half of them made use of it. In total 87 percent of students felt that the available data resources met their information needs. Students had less use of offline databases, attributed to factors such as infrequent periodic orientation and lack of education on use of offline databases and fewer terminals connected to the server in the Central Library. Users are faced with problems like low speed connectivity and shortage of hardware facilities.

Originality/value

When the user is aware of one resource, it will lead to more use of that resource. Isfahan University of Medical Sciences is aiming to develop new information centers and it needs to increase the extent of discovery of knowledge. On this base the paper has examined awareness, use and information retrieval of available digital resources and thus will be of benefit to others in a similar position.
A bibliometric study of literature on digital libraries
Authors: Singh Gian , Mittal Rekha , Ahmad Moin
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The study has been undertaken with the purpose of finding out the growth and characteristics of digital library literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Over 1,000 articles for the period 1998‐2004 were collected from LISA Plus and were analyzed to study authorship patterns, authors' productivity and prominent contributors, language‐wise and year‐wise distribution of articles, country‐wise distribution of journals, core journals in the subject area, and indexing term frequency.

Findings

Some of the important findings are that most articles (61 percent) are single‐authored; author productivity is not in agreement with Lotka's Law, except in one case where number of articles is three; the maximum number of articles were published in 2003 with English being the most productive language; maximum articles were published in the journal D‐lib Magazine; distribution of articles nearly follows Bradford's Law; and USA ranked first for maximum number of journals.

Originality/value

The paper is relevant to those interested in bibliometrics and provides a comprehensive overview of authorship in the library and information science community.