bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weather‐risk hedging by farmers
Authors: Seth Rajiv , Ansari Valeed A. , Datta Manipadma
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Small farmers in developing countries have very little means of managing the weather‐risk to their agricultural produce. Weather derivatives could provide a solution, but the demand for such instruments and the willingness to invest in them needs to be researched. The purpose of this paper is to assess weather‐risk hedging by farmers, focusing on the willingness to pay in Rajasthan, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents results of a contingent valuation study done on the findings of a survey carried out in six villages in the state of Rajasthan. The survey was done on over 500 farmers after explaining the concept of weather derivatives and how they would work to help them hedge their weather‐related yield risk. The survey included questions on factors, which could have a bearing on the farmers' willingness to pay, and a bidding game where responses were solicited to premiums in a hypothetical market. Probit and logit models are used to determine probabilities of “Yes” responses to various bids and the mean willingness‐to‐pay.

Findings

The paper brings out a model, which uses nine independent variables affecting the probability of a farmer saying “Yes” to a price quoted to him for a weather derivative. Using the results from the probit and logit models, the farmers' mean willingness‐to‐pay is determined to be around 8.8 per cent of the maximum possible payout of a weather derivative contract.

Originality/value

With weather derivatives being accepted as a means of risk management for agriculture in developing countries, the willingness‐to‐pay figures determined in this paper would provide an insight to the structuring and pricing of weather derivatives, especially in developing countries.
Effect of futures trading on spot‐price volatility: evidence for NSE Nifty using GARCH
Authors: Swaroop Debasish Sathya
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The paper aims to study the impact of the introduction of Nifty index futures on the volatility of the Indian spot markets by use of econometric models.

Design/methodology/approach

The study considered six measures of volatility, the dynamic linear regression model, and the GARCH models to investigate volatility in National Stock Exchange (NSE) Nifty prices both before and after the onset of futures trading.

Findings

The GARCH analysis confirmed no structural change after the introduction of futures trading on Nifty, and found that whilst the pre‐futures sample was integrated, the post‐futures sample was stationary. Spot returns volatility is found to be less important in explaining spot returns after the advent of futures trading in NSE Nifty.

Practical implications

The results imply that futures markets serve their prescribed role of improving pricing efficiency and improve the quality of information flowing to spot markets. This will enable investors to prudently structure their strategies investing in both spot and futures markets.

Originality/value

This study is an original piece of work towards exploring the impact of the introduction of futures trading on cash market volatility in an emerging economy like India.
Value‐relevance of foreign‐exchange and interest‐rate derivatives disclosure
Authors: Ameer Rashid
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the state of risk management practices among Malaysian listed firms and evaluates the value‐relevance of the notional amount of foreign‐exchange and interest‐rate derivatives (FCDs) used by listed firms over the period 2003‐2007.

Design/methodology/approach

Application of linear regression framework.

Findings

It is found that a few Malaysian firms hedge market risks. Firms in the plantation, industrial product, trading services, and consumer products manufacturing sectors are the main users of the FCDs in Malaysia. There is a significant positive correlation between total earnings and the use of derivatives. The findings seem to suggest that although disclosed notional amount of the derivatives have value‐relevance but its contribution to a firm's valuation is very minimal in Malaysia compared to other countries.

Practical implications

The findings imply that those investors who have investment in those firms who use derivatives to hedge against foreign currency and interest risks benefit, albeit marginally. At present, most of the Malaysian firms are either cautious or unsure about the use of derivative instruments. There is a need to inform managers about usefulness of the derivatives and market risk reporting that would contribute to greater financial transparency.

Originality/value

The author believes that this is the first study to provide survey findings on the use of derivatives instruments and their value‐relevance in Malaysia.
The effectiveness of flexible manufacturing strategies
Authors: Joiner Therese A. , Sarah Yang Spencer X. , Salmon Suzanne
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Against a background of a customization imperative embraced by manufacturing firms in industrialised nations and the concomitant call for more balanced performance measurement systems (PMS), this study seeks to examine the mediating role of both non‐financial and financial performance measures in the relationship between a firm's strategic orientation of flexible manufacturing and organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A path‐analytical model is adopted using questionnaire data from 84 Australian manufacturing firms.

Findings

The results indicate that, first, firms emphasising a flexible manufacturing strategy utilise non‐financial as well as financial performance measures; second, these performance measures are associated with higher organisational performance; and third, there is a positive association between a firm's strategic emphasis on flexible manufacturing and organisation performance via non‐financial and financial performance measures.

Practical implications

While there is agreement on the beneficial role of non‐financial performance measures in supporting strategic priorities associated with customization strategies, equivocal research results have emerged on the role of financial performance measures in this context. The study underscores the importance of both non‐financial and financial performance measures in this context.

Originality/value

The paper reinstates the value of financial performance measures for firms pursuing customization type strategies and adds to one's knowledge of PMSs by exploring the intervening role of such systems in linking flexible manufacturing strategy to organisation performance.
An application of interpretative structural modeling of the compliance to food standards
Authors: Sagheer Silpa , Yadav Surendra S. , Deshmukh S.G.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify and analyze critical factors/elements influencing standards compliance and their level of influence in a developing country food industry, with specific reference to India.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 13 critical elements were identified and structured using pair‐wise comparisons. Structural and reachability matrices were formed and iterated to yield levels of hierarchical influence of each element. MICMAC analysis was also performed to determine dependency and driving power of these elements.

Findings

The analysis brought out a compelling need for “sensitive and responsive” action by developing country governments while competing globally. Food industries in developing countries tend to detour while complying with standards, owing to costs involved in setting up systems and procedures. While a strong surveillance mechanism is the high point of a good compliant system this has to be preceded by supporting measures such as linking of domestic and international markets, consolidation of institutional structures, strengthening of legal/regulatory systems, etc.

Practical implications

Use of interpretative structural modeling (ISM) is inspired by the versatility displayed by this method, as reported by researchers, across a wide spectrum of economic and competitive complexities affecting businesses.

Originality/value

The study is a hitherto unexplored attempt, using interpretative structural modeling, to analyze standards compliance in a developing country's food industry.
Identifying key performance indicators for use in control of pre‐project stage process in construction
Authors: Haponava Tatsiana , Al‐Jibouri Saad
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The need for measuring construction project performance has led to development and implementation of various key performance indicators (KPIs). This paper aims to present and discuss the results of a pilot study and interviews to identify process‐based KPIs for use in control of the pre‐project stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the process of the pre‐project stage was mapped to define its main generic sub‐processes and outputs based on the literature review. The process map was then verified through a pilot study. Based on the verified sub‐processes, a number of process‐based KPIs were identified and later validated by experts during the interviews.

Findings

As a consequence of the refinement process due to the results of the pilot study and the interviews, the process‐based KPIs for the pre‐project stage were identified and the main issues they have to encompass were discussed.

Originality/value

The identified KPIs offer a significant step towards process control within the pre‐project stage. They provide a basis for further development to improve process transparency and to explain the relationships between the various sub‐processes.
Humanitarian logistics performance in the light of gender
Authors: Kovács Gyöngyi , Tatham Peter
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The aim of this article is to identify gaps in research and to set up a research agenda that investigates how gender attributes and different sets of skills contribute to logistics performance. The article focuses on humanitarian logistics and outlines the areas in which gender issues impact on the effectiveness of the provision of aid following a disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

A topical literature review on gender, humanitarian logistics, and logistics performance is used to unearth existing gaps in research.

Findings

Two main research gaps are of particular interest for humanitarian logistics in the light of gender: sex segregation in logistics, and the relation between gender and logistics skills; and the mitigation of gender disadvantages of beneficiaries. Here, a gendered access to aid can impact negatively on aid effectiveness.

Originality/value

Literature is scant both on gender issues in logistics and on humanitarian logistics. The paper contributes to both areas, while evaluating the impact of gender on logistics performance.
Reverse logistic process control measures for the pharmaceutical industry supply chain
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Dieveney Erin , Dieveney Aaron
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyze the pharmaceutical supply chain using the DMAIC process for improvement of the reverse logistics in a recall to avert the possibility of harm to a consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework is used for guiding one towards the responsibilities of the different organizations concerning reverse logistics. This is further developed into a Cause and Effect analysis, performed on the supply chain and the hypothesized problem areas. Improvement concepts were then considered in the use of RFID, consistent information systems and transportation carriers to streamline the supply chain and reducing the risk of counterfeit drugs entering the forward supply chain. FMEA is used to understand the failure modes and the severity of the respective failures in the reverse logistics supply chain.

Findings

The study yielded interesting and innovative solutions being tested and conceived at the present time, but specific information on the pharmaceutical supply chain was limited. The majority of the reverse logistics for pharmaceuticals is handled through third‐party providers, and therefore this specific knowledge is well guarded, being a core competency.

Practical implications

The improvement concepts were found to have managerial impacts such as improved communication flow, and dedicated group(s) to focus on the reverse logistics to remove miscommunication and perception errors. The ability to make improvements, as well as sustain the improvements, will also require significant and consistent management support.

Originality/value

The study is a first look at the forward and reverse logistics processes for the pharmaceutical industry supply chain and analysis of potential improvements utilizing DMAIC process. It helps in understanding gaps, suggests measures to reduce them and provides direction for improvements related to the quality of service existing between logistics users, logistics service provider, pharmaceutical firm and customers. The methods of analysis used can also be utilized as a diagnostic tool to understand the weaknesses in the existing supply chain and thus help in identifying the key areas for improvements within the organization.
Student perceptions of a wireless audience response system
Authors: Walton Abram , Homan Scott , Naimi Linda , Tomovic Cynthia
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and measure the perceptions and attitudes of students regarding the classroom performance system (CPS).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews a range of recently published (1993‐2006) works on pedagogy and educational technology. A survey methodology was utilized to measure students’ perceptions and attitudes across 16 variables.

Findings

The paper provides aggregate results on each of the 16 variables and statistically significant differences between sub‐categories.

Research limitations/implications

Research was limited to a major US university campus that services a large cross‐section of students. Demographic implications and trends are discussed.

Practical implications

This study focused on identifying and measuring the perceptions and attitudes of students regarding a radio frequency, wireless audience response system called: CPS. Sixteen research questions and variables were measured in this study regarding students’ perceptions and attitudes towards CPS, learning and student–instructor interactions. Overall, the study found that students perceive CPS as having a positive effect on their increase in pre‐class preparation and attendance, and on their increase of overall attention and participation during class. A slight majority of students enjoy using CPS and perceive CPS to have a moderately positive effect on their ability to learn and self diagnose how they are performing in class. The implications of this study and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Originality/value

This paper is valuable to instructors who wish to reemploy active learning or Socratic Method type activities in the large lecture format classes.
Effect of algorithms’ multiple representations in the context of programming education
Authors: Siozou Stefania , Tselios Nikolaos , Komis Vassilis
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the effect of different representations while teaching basic algorithmic concepts to novice programmers.

Design/methodology/approach

A learning activity was designed and mediated with two conceptually different learning environments, each one used by a different group. The first group used the learning environment “Visual Flowchart”, which enables the students to construct and examine an algorithm using visual representation based on actual flowchart objects. The second group used the software “Language Interpreter”, which allows the students to express an algorithms using pseudocode.

Findings

Analysis of results among the two groups showed no statistically significant differences in the students’ performance with respect to the tool they used to solve the activity, the school stream they followed in high school and their gender.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of difference among the two groups could be attributed to the non‐complicated nature of the given activity. In addition, longitudinal studies of the effect of the different representation in the frame of an introductory first semester academic course in computer science could further validate the results.

Practical implications

Two alternative learning environments aimed to support learning of basic programming skills.

Originality/value

Two alternative learning environments were presented and discussed in detail, aimed to support learning of basic programming skills. The conclusions of the present study are in contrast to the research that has taken place in the past which compared usage of flowcharts and pseudocode to educate novice programmers, and wider adoption of “flowcharts” was depicted.
An evaluation of learning objects in Singapore primary education: a case study approach
Authors: Pei Lyn Grace Tay , Peck Suan Ng , Wanzhen Liaw
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usability and interface design of e‐learning portal developed for primary schools in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Singapore‐based learning EDvantage (LEAD) portal as a case study, this paper reviews and analyses the usability and usefulness of embedded learning objects (LOs) for students aged nine years and above through learning theories such as behaviourism, cognitivism and constructivism and interface design theories by Shneiderman, LO review instrument and laws of gestalt psychology.

Findings

Analysis found the portal to be sufficiently motivating and appealing to learners at Piaget's concrete operations stage. The interface design is universally structured and functional. An area for improvement highlighted in this case study is the lack of explicit mention of learning outcomes in the portal.

Practical implications

Usability principles used in this case study should be provided by the Ministry of Education in Singapore to schools to ensure more standardized and rigorous selection process of e‐learning portals.

Originality/value

This evaluation provides schools with insights into the use of learning theories and usability principles for evaluation of learning objects designed for primary‐going students. It aims to inform decision makers of issues in interactive design to consider before subscribing to any e‐learning portals. It also provides a gauge of current usability level of commercially developed portals as usage of such portals continue to proliferate in the Singapore education system.
Component‐based ad hoc systems for ubiquitous computing
Authors: Ko Ren‐Song , Lai Chih‐Chung , Yen Chia‐Kuan , Mutka Matt W.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The problems with poor performance and quality of ubiquitous applications due to limited computing resources are addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of ad hoc systems is introduced based on the idea that a resource‐limited device may cooperate with computers around to complete a complex task. Subsequently, the adaptive software framework, FRAME, may be improved to realize ad hoc systems.

Findings

It is possible to apply the adaptive software framework to the challenges of ad hoc systems, including a lot of user intervention and unstable computing environments.

Research limitations/implications

The present study provides a starting‐point for further research in exploring and utilizing ubiquitous resources to achieve a better user experience.

Practical implications

The component‐based architecture provides a flexible development approach of ubiquitous applications from the software engineering perspective.

Originality/value

Our analysis and experimental results show that the concept of ad hoc systems is practical and can be realized by the adaptive software framework.
Expanding mobile ad hoc grids with wired grid resources
Authors: Tadeu A. Gomes Antônio , Ziviani Artur , Bastos Bruno F. , Lima Luciana S.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Although wireless grids have been originally thought of as isolated processing clusters, the possibility of their approaching – and connecting to – a fixed network allows for a huge expansion of their processing power, due to the resources available in wired grids potentially accessible through such a network. The interoperation of mobile ad hoc grids and resources available in wired grids is, however, a problem still to be tackled in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to tackle this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

A prototype is developed to demonstrate the feasibility of the interoperation between wireless and wired grids, thus providing a basis for the development of novel applications that can build on this interoperation.

Findings

The outcome of the paper comprises the analysis of the necessary requirements for the interoperation between wireless and wired grids, the proposal of two different interoperation approaches, and the provision of a qualitative assessment of the implications of these approaches.

Research limitations/implications

There are many points that the authors intend to address as future work. First, they are aware of the need for performing some quantitative analyses of their proxy implementations. Second, they intend to investigate the possibility of mobile ad hoc grids to process tasks coming from wired grids. Third, they are interested in allowing the submission of tasks that present interdependencies (workflows) from mobile devices in the mobile ad hoc grid.

Practical implications

The paper investigates the interoperation of wireless and wired grids. Such an interoperation may open new perspectives of practical use of wireless devices in scenarios such as emergency response networks and field research systems, to name a few.

Originality/value

The paper provides a first step into the interoperation of wireless and wired grids, thus yielding a basis for the development of novel applications that can build upon this interoperation. This is believed to be of interest to both the grid and mobile computing communities.
ASDF: an object oriented service discovery framework for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Villa D. , Villanueva F.J. , Moya F. , Rincón F. , Barba J. , López J.C.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new service discovery protocol (SDP) suitable for wireless sensor networks (WSN). The constraints imposed by ultra low‐cost sensor and actuators devices (basic components of a WSN) are taken into account to minimize the overall footprint.

Design/methodology/approach

It is based on the lightweight WSN communication model used by picoObjects, a tiny implementation of the distributed object concept and the same design criteria are followed, aiming at minimal overhead for devices and communication protocols. In spite of its simplicity it is powerful enough to deploy a valuable set of services.

Findings

This approach provides a remote interface that client applications can use without knowing where the service is implemented (platform and location independence).

Research limitations/implications

The future work is mainly focused on integrating third party services using different SDPs, making possible the real deployment of large heterogeneous pervasive environments.

Practical implications

Designers may change the underlying SDP model (e.g. centralized versus distributed) without affecting applications by just tweaking configuration settings.

Originality/value

Embedded devices can participate in the service discovering procedure providing their own services by means of standard distributed objects. Also, the protocol is suitable for any kind of dynamic networked system.
PeerSum: a summary service for P2P applications
Authors: Hayek Rabab , Raschia Guillaume , Valduriez Patrick , Mouaddib Noureddine
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to contribute to the development of both data localization and description techniques in P2P systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach consists of introducing a novel indexing technique that relies on linguistic data summarization into the context of P2P systems.

Findings

The cost model of the approach, as well as the simulation results have shown that the approach allows the efficient maintenance of data summaries, without incurring high traffic overhead. In addition, the cost of query routing is significantly reduced in the context of summaries.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has considered a summary service defined on the APPA's architecture. Future works have to study the extension of this work in order to be generally applicable to any P2P data management system.

Practical implications

This paper has mainly studied the quantitative gain that could be obtained in query processing from exploiting data summaries. Future works aim to implement this technique on real data (not synthetic) in order to study the qualitative gain that can be obtained from approximately answering a query.

Originality/value

The novelty of the approach shown in the paper relies on the double exploitation of the summaries in P2P systems: data summaries allow for a semantic‐based query routing, and also for an approximate query answering, using their intentional descriptions.
A visual framework for deploying and managing context‐aware services
Authors: Satoh Ichiro
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a component framework for building visual interfaces for pervasive computing systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework enables end‐users to build visual interfaces for their systems by using document‐editing manner.

Findings

The building and operating visual interfaces are useful for managing pervasive computing systems.

Research limitations/implications

The framework is designed based on Java but programming language‐independent version is needed.

Practical implications

A component framework was implemented for building visual interfaces for pervasive computing.

Originality/value

A framework for visual interfaces for pervasive computing is unique.
A model for context‐aware applications
Authors: Cheng Ningning , Chen Shaxun , Tao Xianping , Lu Jian , Chen Guihai
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Context correctness and fault handling are very important to the quality of service in context‐aware applications. However, they are often ignored by researchers and application developers. This paper aims to present a model for context‐aware applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a transaction model for context‐aware applications, in order to provide a uniform infrastructure for service quality management.

Findings

The paper finds that, in this model, context‐aware applications are organized as a number of logic units and each unit may have a compensation module, which will be executed when errors or exceptions occur during the execution of those applications in order to minimize the bad infection. This model supports nested scopes and the number of levels of subtransactions is unlimited.

Practical implications

The paper also presents an implementation of this transaction model, which is specialized for context‐aware use.

Originality/value

This paper utilized a novel transaction model to manage the quality of context‐aware applications. The authors have not seen similar work on this topic.
Assessing contention effects of all‐to‐all communications on clusters and grids
Authors: Angelo Steffenel Luiz , Martinasso Maxime , Trystram Denis
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain one of the most important collective communication patterns used in scientific applications which is the complete exchange, also called All‐to‐All. Although efficient algorithms have been studied for specific networks, general solutions like those available in well‐known MPI distributions (e.g. the MPI_Alltoall operation) are strongly influenced by the congestion of network resources.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper we present an integrated approach to model the performance of the All‐to‐All collective operation, which consists in identifying a contention signature that characterizes a given network environment, using it to augment a contention‐free communication model.

Findings

This approach, assessed by experimental results, allows an accurate prediction of the performance of the All‐to‐All operation over different network architectures with a small overhead.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the problem of network contention in a grid environment, studying some strategies to minimize the impact of contention on the performance of an All‐to‐All operation.

Originality/value

The approach used, assessed by experimental results, allows an accurate prediction of the performance of the All‐to‐All operation over different network architectures with a small overhead. Also discussed is the problem of network contention in a grid environment and some strategies to minimize the impact of contention on the performance of an All‐to‐All operation.
A comparison of perceived quality in business relationships in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Svensson Göran , Andersson Svante , Mysen Tore , Baffour Awuah Gabriel
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare similarities and differences in perceived quality of business relationships in Norway and Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

The Norwegian and Swedish sampling frames consisted of 600 small‐ and medium‐sized firms in each country. A response rate of 36.5 percent was achieved in Norway and 21 percent in Sweden. Leading executives from both countries were used as key informants because they are the primary decision‐makers most knowledgeable about their firm's interactions with suppliers.

Findings

The findings indicate that there are a series of significant differences and associations between the perceived quality of business relationships in small and medium‐sized firms in Norway and Sweden, though both countries resemble each other in both socio‐economic indicators and cultural dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

One suggestion for further research is to replicate the study in other industries, business relationships, and countries. Another is to undertake a longitudinal approach of the focal areas of “perceived quality” and “supplier criteria”.

Practical implications

This study is of managerial interest, as the framework may be applied by firms to monitor and evaluate ongoing supplier relationships and, in extension, their current customer relationships. It would be of interest to see if similarities exist amongst other cultures of the focal areas, and/or if there are differences across other countries that are decidedly different from those in Norway and Sweden.

Originality/value

This paper makes a contribution to inter‐organizational theory since it outlines a conceptual framework of focal areas of “perceived quality” and “supplier criteria” for examining business relationships across industries and countries for the benefit of other researchers.
Behaviour patterns in Estonian enterprises from the perspective of the value chain
Authors: Vadi Maaja , Türk Kulno
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate how Estonian enterprises understand their position in the value chain, and to explore what kind of behaviour patterns correspond to the different positions. It also aims to focus on the question of whether and how Estonian enterprises see the need to improve their position in the value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on an empirical study in the course of which original interviews were conducted on the basis of a common plan (primary sources), and expert opinions were gathered on the basis of earlier studies. Two kinds of sources were analyzed to obtain an overview of the situation in Estonian companies in respect to strategy, and more specifically how companies evaluate their position in the value chain and what their aspirations for future are. First, the figureheads from the enterprises were interviewed in 14 enterprises. Second, expert assessments were drawn up about 25 enterprises. Those compiling the expert opinions possessed prior direct contacts with the enterprises under focus.

Findings

First, it was discovered that Estonian enterprises presented three types of behaviour patterns along with their interest in and/or potential for changing their position in the value chain. Second, several behavioural patterns were indicated by what the figureheads had to say about the current economic situation. Third, the main problems in Estonian enterprises were identified.

Research limitations/implications

The study has limitations due to the number of companies that were investigated, and therefore the authors also admit a certain degree of subjectivity in the defining of the behaviour patterns. Nevertheless, this study highlights various issues that Estonian enterprises consider in respect to strategy.

Originality/value

The main value of the paper is its contribution to our understanding of which factors impact the development of Estonian enterprises. This knowledge allows us to analyze how organizations from former Soviet bloc countries can better manage their position in the value chain.
How to avoid customers leaving: the case of the Estonian telecommunication industry
Authors: Kuusik Andres , Varblane Urmas
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that the major factors affecting loyalty are dependant on the level of loyalty of customers.

Design/methodology/approach

A model of relationship between factors of loyalty and loyalty levels of customers was constructed and tested on the empirical data about 1,000 private customers from the Customer Satisfaction Survey of Elion, the biggest telecommunication company in Estonia. Logit model was used in order to examine which factors influence the probability of the customers remaining on their loyalty level or to moving to another loyalty level.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that it is not accurate to treat all customers equally in terms of methods of increasing their loyalty. The results reveal that four analysed factors affecting customer loyalty (satisfaction, trustworthiness, image and importance of relationship) are playing different roles in the different levels of customer loyalty. The overall satisfaction and importance of a relationship build the foundation of any kind of loyalty. The reliability of products or trustworthiness of the vendor is most critical for behavioural loyalists and the image creation is the main tool for getting committed customers.

Research limitations/implications

The method for collecting the source data set certain constraints on the adequacy of the model.

Practical implications

The results presented in this paper could be used by firms developing targeted approaches as part of the aim of increasing customer's loyalty.

Originality/value

This paper introduces an original approach combining factors affecting the customers' loyalty with the customers' different loyalty levels. Also, the ladder of customer loyalty levels could be used in other research areas.
Management challenges arising from the use of virtual work
Authors: Mihhailova Gerda
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Literature on virtual and other new ways of work is diverse and confusing, indicating a need for a framework to structure and systematize the related terminology. The purpose of this empirical study is to address the lack of empirical research on how well (and if at all) characteristics of employees' national and occupational culture determine the management challenges and employees' satisfaction with virtual work arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data was gathered using case study research. An Estonian and a Russian company operating in the service sector suited best as they had a diverse multinational workforce and several years of virtual work experience.

Findings

The paper concludes that occupational culture determines much better than national culture the employees' attitudes towards and satisfaction with virtual work arrangements.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation arose from the lack of national culture research in East European countries: for many of these nations, national culture dimensions/characteristics (e.g. like offered by Hofstede) are still unknown.

Practical implications

The results help service organizations' managers to prepare a multinational workforce better for virtual work, knowing ahead the potential challenges and thus train the employees based on their occupational culture background.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to theory by offering a framework which enables to systematize the diverse range of terminology used for new, flexible ways of work. The case studies reveal a huge gap waiting to be filled with research on national culture characteristics of East European countries.
The construction of national identity among minorities and its manifestation in organisations
Authors: Vedina Rebekka , Baumane Ilona
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to test assumptions made in previous research about the consequences of an identity threat in the construction of national identity among minority populations in Latvia and to discover how their approach(es) to constructing national identity is (are) reflected in their attitudes and in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a survey method and uses the original scale for measuring collectivistic attitudes according to various target groups and the original scale for measuring organisational culture along its task and relationship orientation. It also draws on social identity theory, self‐categorization theory and segmented assimilation theories.

Findings

While the assumptions were not confirmed, it was found that the construction of national identity among minorities in Latvia does not follow the same path and that people with a mixed national identity have significantly lower collectivistic attitudes towards society. Yet, these attitudes are positively related to relationship orientation in organisations in all samples. We propose that while threats to identity have apparently diminished in Latvia in the last four years, the individual's approach to the formation of national identity still moderates his/her attachment to an organisation and support for organisational tasks.

Research limitations/implications

The reliability of one of the scales – collectivistic attitudes towards peers – was low in all samples. Future studies should categorize more specific target groups and look for differences in the corresponding collectivistic attitudes across various cultural and national identity groups.

Practical implications

Supporting good interpersonal relationships in organisations sustains patriotic feelings among all its members, including those with distinct approaches to constructing a national identity, and can strengthen the individual's orientation towards organisational tasks.

Originality/value

Research on the outcomes of demographic diversity in organisations approaches the issue of nationality as a uni‐dimensional construct. The present paper discloses the formation of national identity by uncovering other possible composites of national identity besides nationality. This paper provides insight for managers, academics and students into the role of the construction of national identity in revealing employee attachment to their organisation.
Corporate social responsibility in Latvia: a benchmark study
Authors: Pētersons Andris , King Gundar J.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this is to present the characteristics of emerging concepts and practices of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Latvia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes reviews of CSR concepts and related values, a mail survey of CSR benchmarks, action research on emerging SCR programs, and concluding remarks on prospective CSR development. Survey data are supplemented with validation checks and selected interviews. This empirical survey information is intended be the starting point for comparative studies of CSR in Latvia.

Findings

The survey shows understanding and CSR applications at a very early stage of development. Minimization of external social costs is unknown to most respondents. Conceptual understanding is complicated by traditional beliefs in conflict with remnants of collectivist expectations. Follow up interviews suggest the most common CSR principle is the ethical “doing right” to achieve business goals. As related research done by authors of this study show, these goals are shaped by institutional environment and the personal values. Significant CSR is practiced by larger firms. Education, personal and public communications are the expected change factors.

Research limitations/implications

The basic weakness is that the external cost concept is new to respondents. Wider CSR acceptance is linkable to a situation where personal and public communications and education are major factors of change.

Originality/value

The information and related analyses of CSR extend the original survey data, first published in Latvian. This first study of externalities leads to further study of CSR and related strategic actions.
Doubling: there's an escape from commodification ...?
Authors: Letiche Hugo
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to pursue the themes of feminine identity, doubling and (in)visibility; first in terms of “signifyin(g)” as a cultural and literary strategy, and second, in terms of quilting seen from the fiction of Alice Walker to the quilting of Gee's Bend. In the background, there plays the relationship between art and commodification.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines “commodification” and “doubling” in the case of the Gee's Bend quilt makers. The quilts foreshadow the modernist aesthetic and are of the highest aesthetic quality. They were made in a traditional rural society by very poor uneducated black women. The quilts were not made to be sold, but were dedicated to familial remembrance and to immediate aesthetic pleasure.

Findings

Commodification doubles self and work, life and object, uniqueness and standardization, art and management. For the artist, the unicity, beauty, inspiration and creativity of art is doubled in the sale, marketing, display, distribution and mass production of “art works.” Making art is intimate, personal and individual; selling art requires public display, pleasing the all‐important customer(s) and dealing with many sorts of in‐betweens. What “commodification” is on the artist/art work level, is “doubling” on the I/me, self/persona, private/public, and in‐group/out‐group level.

Originality/value

The author proposes, from the example of quilt‐making, a wide‐ranging interrogation: “Is escape from commodification possible?”
The displaced world of risk: risk management as alienated risk (perception?)
Authors: Pelzer Peter
Published: January 2009

Purpose

During an election campaign in Germany international investors were named “locusts” to discredit their behaviour and the effects of their actions. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the links of this biblical metaphor and the contemporary financial industry, assuming that the common denominator can be seen in risk and the attitudes in dealing with risk. This link, so it is argued here, can be found in the changes of the understanding of risk as developing from punishment over representing evil to a postsocial opportunity to maximise profit in the globalised world of today.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper contrasts the origin of a publicly used metaphor about financial industry to describe risk with risk management based on recent research on the financial industry.

Findings

Developments of the international financial markets of the past three decades undermine the common understanding of risk and risk management at least from two directions. The methods used in risk management and investment represent a level of abstraction only specialists can deal with. And – more important for the everyday experience – certain forms of investment and risk management have developed in a way which is threatening to many people in companies producing goods or providing services. The development of financial industry into a postsocial reality of its own nevertheless has intense effects on other sectors of economy and society.

Originality/value

The author calls for an ethics of markets.
Paying attention to attention: care and humanism
Authors: Plot Frédérique A.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how one's conception of the other may inform moral understanding. It attempts to argue that the account of the other and of the role ethics ascribes him/her in business or in society must be informed by a certain “attention” to others.

Design/methodology/approach

To demonstrate this point, the paper starts with recalling the debate between the ethics of care and the ethics of justice. Then, it challenges the common conception of moral agency in English speaking moral philosophy. The paper then demonstrates how moral understanding is informed by the idea that others are an absolute limit to will and how conception of attention is interdependent with the awareness that others are one's fellows in humanity.

Findings

This paper shows that the traditional conception of moral agency does not allow one to understand why the idea that others are an absolute limit to the will is essential to the understanding of morality and why it plays a crucial role in ethical life. The paper argues that the traditional conception of moral agency understands morality as something based on an independently graspable conception of human nature. Against this idea, the paper argues that one's awareness that others are one's fellows in humanity is interdependent with the moral understanding and with the attention payed to them.

Originality/value

The paper challenges some basic assumptions of business ethics and of corporate social responsibility.
Foucault and creative resistance in organisations
Authors: Dalgliesh Bregham
Published: January 2009

Purpose

There is a common misperception that Michel Foucault either had nothing constructive to contribute to the relationship between the subject and the other, or that at best he portrayed intersubjective relations as riddled with power that tends to domination and subjection. This paper aims to counter such a fallacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument first highlights Foucault's concern with the status of the other, initially as a form of biopower that disciplines and regulates and, subsequent to the development of critical history, as a form of biopower that also constitutes the subject. It is then shown why this conception of the other in terms of relations of power/technoscience through which the subject is constructed is both an ethical and political question.

Findings

For organisations seeking to balance control with creativity for the purposes of fostering innovation, it is demonstrated how reflection upon Foucault's as yet unexplored work on the other, which proffers a notion of a subject who practices freedom in the context of disciplinary and regulatory power, might serve as a toolkit for managers who exercise control but who also seek to foster creativity from those subject to them.

Originality/value

A subject‐other relationship is put forth in terms of an account of how freedom that is agonistically articulated in the face of control is tantamount to creative resistance, which in turn is translated into a value to be fostered by organisations that pursue creative destruction.