bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling consumer satisfaction and word‐of‐mouth: restaurant patronage in Korea
Authors: Babin Barry J. , Lee Yong‐Ki , Kim Eun‐Ju , Griffin Mitch
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The research seeks to extend the notions of utilitarian and hedonic value to account for outcomes of consumer service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

The research question is examined using a sample of Korean restaurant consumers who used a structured questionnaire to evaluate their dining experience. Structural equations analysis is used to test various research hypotheses and examine the extent to which consumer service value mediates the effect of the environment on customer satisfaction and future intentions.

Findings

Key findings include the ability of the consumer service value scale to account for utilitarian and hedonic value, the role of functional and affective service environment components in shaping consumer satisfaction and future patronage intentions and the relative diagnosticity of positive affect.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to extend the results to a diverse range of cultures.

Practical implications

Restaurant managers should place increased emphasis on the physical environment as it clearly plays a role in creating positive consumer outcomes and building strong customer relationships.

Originality/value

The use of the consumer value scale (CSV) – particularly in a novel service context.
Does Hispanic‐targeted advertising work for services?
Authors: Torres Ivonne M. , Briggs Elten
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The study seeks to examine two variables of interest to marketers in the area of services advertising, ethnicity and service involvement. The goal of this study is to investigate the relative effectiveness of ethnic‐targeting in services advertising, specifically, Hispanic‐targeted advertising. The purpose of this research is to understand what types of services can benefit from Hispanic‐targeted service advertising and develop practical implications for practitioners trying to spend advertising dollars more efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of the advertising model's ethnicity on post‐exposure attitude toward high and low involvement service brands was explored.

Findings

The results of this quasi‐experimental study suggest that appealing to strong Hispanic identifiers may be highly desirable in terms of creating favorable attitudes toward service brands when advertising low involvement services, where, by definition, the consumer does not engage in intensive decision making and considers few attributes. Since few attributes are evaluated, obvious attributes such as ethnicity can easily influence choice. Finally, the findings of this study suggest that employing Hispanic‐targeted advertising may not be an effective strategy in promoting high‐involvement services since consumers consider more attributes and, therefore, ethnicity does not play a major role.

Originality/value

Of interest to marketers in the area of services advertising, ethnicity and service involvement.
Incorporating service quality into consumer mall shopping decision making: a comparison between English and French Canadian consumers
Authors: Laroche Michel , Teng Lefa , Michon Richard , Chebat Jean‐Charles
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Traditionally, researchers in environmental psychology have developed the classic C (cognition)‐ E (emotion)‐ B (behavior) paradigm. However, some researchers have failed to replicate this classic paradigm and suggested that cognition is an antecedent to emotions. The main goals of this research are to extend the C‐E‐B paradigm by incorporating consumers' perceptions of service quality and to determine whether the extended model of consumer shopping mall decision process is invariant across English and French Canadian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

By conducting a three‐step analysis, six hypotheses are empirically examined through a survey of 266 “real” English and French Canadian consumers in a shopping mall.

Findings

Findings indicate that consumers' evaluations of service quality in a shopping environment mediate their pleasure and purchase intention. Consumer mall shopping decision‐making process is invariant across English and French Canadian consumers.

Practical implications

For researchers who are interested in understanding consumer mall shopping behavior cross‐culturally, this research provides a model that can be tested in cross‐cultural contexts. For mall operators and store managers attempting to improve the mall environment, product quality, and offer better service, the study provides interesting solutions.

Originality/value

By incorporating service quality into consumer mall shopping decision making, this research has demonstrated that consumers' moods evoked by their perceptions of shopping mall environment and of product quality influence their purchase intentions through their perceptions of service quality. The mall shopping decision‐making process of English and French Canadian consumers is universal, regardless of their cultural orientations.
An empirical assessment of comparative approaches to service quality measurement
Authors: Mukherjee Avinandan , Nath Prithwiraj
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and empirically assess three comparative approaches to measuring service quality: modified gap model, TOPSIS and loss function. Aims to argue for the use of TOPSIS from decision sciences, and Loss function from operations research and engineering, as alternative approaches to the gap model.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical evidence is provided by large sample consumer data on the service quality for leading Indian commercial banks. The service quality evaluations obtained from these three distinct methods are compared and tested for their mutual agreement.

Findings

Fndings show that the rankings obtained from different methods are statistically in agreement, suggesting that the alternative approaches can provide equally good measurement of service quality. But they should not be used in an interchangeable manner.

Research/limitations/implications

Research shows that a single measure of overall service quality based on gap model is over‐simplistic. It would be more useful to explore a richer profile of customer service quality provided by different measurement approaches. Each methodology has its own advantages and disadvantages, and should be used based on its suitability for a particular application.

Practical implications

This research offers profound practical implications. It offers managers with a framework of service quality improvement that measures service quality gaps, selects an optimal combination of attribute levels to deliver customer satisfaction, and focuses on reducing the future loss caused by poor quality.

Originality/value

Extant marketing literature is replete with gap model applications for measuring service quality. Drawing from interdisciplinary literature, alternatives are provided to the traditional gap model, which show equally good measurement with greater suitability of application under certain conditions.
Consultation and reliability of information sources pertaining to university selection
Authors: Veloutsou Cleopatra , Paton Robert A. , Lewis John
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the information sources used by school leavers when selecting a university at which they wish to study and the perceived reliability of these sources of information.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from 306 pupils studying at various schools in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland it was revealed that applicants utilise mostly communication originating from the university itself, including the university prospectus and open days, and, they also classify such sources of information as being the most reliable.

Findings

There are some differences in the perception of the various groups under investigation; for example, potential female applicants perceive most information sources to have greater credibility than their male counterparts believe. In addition, higher performers make more use of the available information sources and also place more value on their worth.

Research limitations/implications

This study set out to explore aspects of student university selection that have received relatively little attention. It was limited in its scope due to resource constraints and concerns of protecting potentially vulnerable respondents, while ensuring a reasonable sample return.

Originality/value

The study has accomplished it's basic task in that we are better informed as to which information sources students prefer and perceive to be reliable. Such information should, at least, allow professional student recruitment services to better direct their information salvo, but more importantly it should also raise some questions which are much in need of an answer.
Leadership and professional development: the quiet revolution
Authors: Cardno Carol
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for holistic professional development as an alternative to practices that have been piecemeal and curriculum focused ignoring, in particular, the critical dimension of management development.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework for considering professional development needs is provided in the form of an holistic model. The model, with its meshed infrastructure of appropriate educational leadership, performance management and strategic management suggests that four essential dimensions – curriculum, management, school and personal development – can be adapted as a basis for planning and evaluating a school's professional development programme.

Findings

Leaders at both system and school level should be interested in the insights provided and challenged to think differently about current practice and the implications for strategic management when the active management of professional development is made a priority.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils a need to provide educational managers with conceptual tools for planning and evaluating professional development programmes.
Visualising the “internationalisation” of universities
Authors: Elkin Graham , Devjee Faiyaz , Farnsworth John
Published: June 2005

Purpose – There are few means of measuring whether universities have effective international programmes or policies in response to increasing globalisation. The purpose of this paper is to report on the development and testing of a model for measuring the internationalisation of universities and to assist with the strategic planning of interationalisation. Design/methodology/approach – The 11‐dimension model was developed as a result of a literature search and interviews with academic and non‐academic university staff. The model was trialled with a range of New Zealand and overseas universities. Findings – The model received widespread support as a useful way of conceptualising and visualising the internationalisation of universities. Measurement of internationalisation was demonstrated. The model was useful for the facilitation of the planning of investment in the various dimensions that make up internationalisation. The “star” model displayed both the current and ideal levels of internationalisation in visual form for an institution. It can be used to make systematic decisions about future institutional activity resource investment. Research limitations/implications – The testing is limited and will need to be extended to other countries, types of universities, faculties, departments and programmes. Originality/value – The model is useful to those who manage the intenationalisation of univerities, clarifying the concept and making systematic action to increase internationalisation possible.
Governance and risk management: challenges and public productivity
Authors: Halachmi Arie
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper has two purposes. The first is to help elected officials address the issue of public accountability for crises and improve productivity and risk management in the process by outsourcing some traditional government functions to civil society based organizations that can do a better job. The second is to mobilize researchers to explore the implications of the shift from “governing” to “governance” for risk management and the development of risk culture.

Design/methodology/approach

After exploring some case studies, the paper examines some leading resources on the shift from “governing” to “governance”. The paper goes on to present an alternative approach for managing public risks.

Findings

In order to improve the management of public risks, and given the financial constraints faced by most governments, there is a need for a deliberate effort to entice civil society based organizations to help government identify and alert the public to possible risks. In other words, civil society based organizations that make claims for public resources in the name of good governance should, as necessary, play the role of a watchdog when it comes to public safety and guarding of the public interest in that regard.

Practical implications

Use of market forces and non‐governmental entities to replace government agencies and regulations that cannot assure the public safety because they are difficult to implement, expensive or likely to be compromised due to various forms of corruption and politics.

Originality/value

The paper advocates substitution of “management by exception” by a “management by risk” approach and the fostering of an administrative culture that is more mindful of the need to recognize and address possible risks. Such an approach, the paper claims, is a more promising approach than an increase in government regulation.
Roles for unilateral action in networks
Authors: de Bruijn Hans
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Decision making in networks is multilateral and interaction‐based and is often contrasted with unilateral decision making in a hierarchy. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether unilateral interventions can nevertheless be functional in networks.

Design/methodology/approach

A large number of empirical studies into decision making in networks were consulted to examine whether they featured unilateral interventions and, if so, what the roles of these interventions were. Prior to this, the author outlines theories on decision making in networks and the dysfunctions of unilateral interventions.

Findings

Six strategies were found in which unilateral interventions proved effective in network‐like decision making. Unilateral action may be used to influence other actors' perceptions of the win‐win game, to change the pattern of interdependencies, as a follow‐up to failed interaction, if room is offered simultaneously, if there is a critical mass of winners and to de‐hierarchize decision making. These unilateral strategies were found to be embedded in interaction‐based, network‐like decision making. In some cases, they stimulated a process of interaction; in other cases, they resulted from a process of interaction.

Practical implications

The strategies show that decision making in networks benefits from the intelligent use of unilateral action.

Originality/value

The paper goes beyond the dichotomy between network and hierarchy and demonstrates that, on the interface of networks and hierarchies, there are many possibilities of developing strategies that – although unilateral – are network‐contingent.
Recovering from crisis
Authors: Williams Christine , Ferguson Maggie
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To provide a critique of the strategies that the UK Government employed at that time of the closure of the countryside during the foot and mouth disease (FMD) and their subsequent effects upon leisure and tourism providers. The work evaluates the sector's responses to the FMD crisis and considers their significance and influence in relation to the strategies deployed. Possible alternative strategies are presented which both government and industries can consider.

Design/methodology/approach

The complete sector of tourism and leisure providers within the market town of Keswick was surveyed twice over a two‐year period. The initial survey was undertaken in 2002 and the second survey occurred in 2004. Keswick is situated in the northern sector of the English Lake District National Park, which is situated within the county of Cumbria. This area was seen to be the most affected by the foot and mouth crisis both in terms of severity and duration of infection. In addition to the survey conducted, key personnel from government agencies and voluntary organisations were also interviewed using a semi‐structured approach. Additional information was accessed from a FMD discussion web site.

Findings

The impact of the foot and mouth crisis devastated the rural tourism and leisure industries. The governmental policy utilized was myopic in its outlook and ineffectual in that it concentrated mainly upon the consequences to, and the needs of, the farming industry. The current proposals acknowledge to some degree that the town's tourism and leisure industry are a valued part of the rural economy, but the authors question if these are effective enough.

Originality/value

The originality of the study has enabled the evaluation of the strategies put in place immediately after the FMD crisis. It not only critically appraises proposed policies (i.e. limited closure of the countryside in future) but uniquely proposes a number of alternatives.
Securing institutional legitimacy or organizational effectiveness?
Authors: Hoque Zahirul
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the impact of a major initiative (the National Competition Policy) and pieces of legislation (the Local Government Act and the Local Government Finance Standards) on the internal practices of a large Australian local authority.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework is developed using new public management (NPM) and neo‐institutional theory literatures to explain the findings. A case study approach was applied to collect the data for the research.

Findings

The findings reveal that the National Competition Policy 1993, the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government Finance Standards 1994 mainly have brought about significant changes to the organisation's internal management control processes, such as financial reporting, budgeting and performance appraisal. The changes brought in appeared to be coincidentally similar to NPM ideals. Furthermore, senior managers (such as the chief executive and divisional heads) played a major role in implementing new accounting technologies (activity‐based costing and the balanced scorecard type performance measurement system).

Research limitations/implications

Future research on public sector financial management from the outset of organisational contexts could considerably further the stock of knowledge in this area, especially given the rapid changes occurring within the public sector throughout the world. Future research may wish to extend this study by assessing how external legitimating functions become internal reality, the perceptions of reality of the organisational members, and how these perceptions change over time.

Practical implications

The findings reported provide evidence to further our understanding of how the introduction of private sector styles of organisational practices into large areas of the public sector brought about significant changes in the demand for “new” financial management practices.

Originality/value

The findings reported on in this paper will open a new path of research that may increase our understanding about the factors that play a role in the design of management and accounting systems in a public sector context. Further, they will help policy makers and public sector managers in their day‐to‐day decision‐making.
Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Kwaśnik Barbara H. , Crowston Kevin
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To introduce the special issue on “Genres of digital documents.” While there are many definitions of genre, most include consideration of the intended communicative purpose, form and sometimes expected content of a document. Most also include the notion of social acceptance, that a document is of a particular genre to the extent that it is recognized as such within a given discourse community.

Design/methodology/approach

The article reviews the notion of document genre and its applicability to studies of digital documents and introduces the four articles in the special issue.

Findings

Genre can be studied based on intrinsic genre attributes or on the extrinsic function that genre fulfills in human activities. Studies on intrinsic attributes include classifications of genres as clusters of attributes, though these classifications can be problematic because documents can be used in flexible ways. Also, new information technologies have enabled the appearance of novel genres. Studies on extrinsic function include ways to use genre for education or information accesses, as well as the use of genre as a lens for understanding communications in organizations. The four articles in the special issue illustrate these approaches.

Originality/value

The paper provides a framework that organizes the range of research about genres of digital documents that should be helpful to those reading this research or planning their own studies.
Online newspapers in Scandinavia
Authors: Ihlström Carina , Henfridsson Ola
Published: June 2005

Purpose– To examine the evolution of the online newspaper genre in Scandinavia. To provide an understanding of the institutional context in which online newspapers initially were produced and modified over time.Design/methodology/approach– A longitudinal study of three different types of newspapers in three Scandinavian countries. The study is based on interviews with newspaper representatives conducted during recurring visits in 1996, 1999 and 2002, and web page analysis of their online newspapers.Findings– The study illustrates how online newspapers have established a number of communicative practices significant for recognizing them as a distinct digital genre, and it outlines a set of institutional factors shaping the ongoing change of these newspapers. In addition, the study demonstrates the emergence of sequential interdependencies between online and printed news.Originality/value– The focus on Scandinavian newspapers in this paper complements studies conducted in other parts of the world regarding online newspaper genre evolution.
Electronic resources management: an update
Authors: Medeiros Norm
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Aims to review the Digital Library Federation's (DLF) Electronic Resource Management Initiative (ERMI) guidelines and related commercial e‐resource management system development.

Design/methodology/approach

Documents commercial e‐resource development by reviewing materials made public by leading library system vendors.

Findings

Provides information about commercial and library‐developed systems and where additional information about each can be found.

Originality/value

Provides the status of industry initiatives to respond to the DLF ERMI functional specifications. Suggests the need to improve workflows in conjunction with implementation of an e‐resources system to more effectively manage electronic resources.
Hidden collections in archives and libraries
Authors: Yakel Elizabeth
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize different research projects and approaches to managing the “hidden collections” problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes current research and practices.

Findings

Hidden collections are a problem for both libraries and archives. “Hidden collections” are materials that cannot be found in the online catalog or may be found there only under a collective title or un‐ or under‐processed primary sources. These materials transcend all formats of library and archival materials (print, microform, video, etc.) and can be found throughout the library in a variety of collections from government documents to area studies to music to the reference department. It is in the area of archival and special collections, however, that this problem has received the most attention and where the greatest challenges and opportunities for exposing these collections exist.

Practical implications

Many archives have backlogs and “hidden collections”. This article discusses some recent efforts to identify and expose these collections to enable better archival control and researcher access that may be applied in other settings.

Originality/value

This article identifies and highlights different approaches and potential solutions to the problem of hidden collections.
The text‐encoding initiative:Part 2
Authors: Cantara Linda
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To present a summary of the Proceedings of the 4th Annual Text‐Encoding Initiative (TEI) Consortium Members’ Meeting, October 2004, and an introduction to P5, the recently revised version of the TEI.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents the TEI from a literature‐based, chronological perspective.

Findings

TEI P5 brings the text‐encoding initiative better internal consistency and seamless integration with other digital library encoding standards.

Practical implications

Expressed in an XML Schema language, TEI P5 facilitates greater interoperability with other metadata and markup schemata. P5 also introduces changes that directly affect encoding such as simpler linking mechanisms and easier to encode standoff annotation.

Originality/value

This, the second part of a two‐part column, informs digital library developers of increased flexibility and interoperability of TEI P5, the revised version of the Text Encoding Initiative.
The flight plan of a digital initiatives project
Authors: Cronin Christopher , Lage Kathryn , Long Holley
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To present a case study of a digital initiative for cartographic materials in order to provide a reference for other institutions embarking on similar projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes the technical and practical details of the processes involved in georeferencing and providing online access to scanned aerial photographs.

Findings

In the short time that the site has been live, the Map Library has already seen a marked increase in reference queries from both local and national users.

Practical implications

From a practical standpoint, the project would not have been a success without collaboration between map, metadata, and systems librarians.

Originality/value

To date, little has been published about digital initiatives projects providing online access to historical aerial photographs, a distinct and complex subset of cartographic materials. It is hoped that this case study will allow other institutions to learn from the approach and experience of the University of Colorado at Boulder Libraries.
From the air: the photographic record of Florida's lands
Authors: Haas Stephanie C. , Kesse Erich , Sullivan Mark , Renner Randall , Aufmuth Joe
Published: June 2005

Purpose – To describe an LSTA‐funded project that digitized 88,000 black and white aerial photographs and 2,500 photomosaic indexes created for Florida by the US Department of Agriculture between 1938 and 1971. Technical specifications of digital capture, specialized programming, and project value are reviewed. Design/methodology/approach – The 9 × 9 inch aerial tiles were captured on flatbed scanners; the larger photomosaic indexes were captured using a large format camera. Three software tools were designed for the project: the first tracked each tile through the entire in‐house processing including receipt, assignment, scan completion, QC processing, FTPing to server, and archiving of images. The second automated image collection, from disparate scanning stations, performed basic image manipulation for quality control, and stored collected data in a database. The third tool performed routine image corrections, prepared and deployed web format images, and packed archival image formats preparatory to burning CDs. The tile layer of the GIS interface was created by georectifying the composite photomosaic indexes for each Florida county and linking tiles to appropriate points. Findings – Because aerial photographs are inherently spatial, the development team agreed that a GIS interface was the appropriate vehicle for web presentation. While this environment presents no difficulties for more sophisticated users, GIS functionality is not intuitive. A less complex interface is a top priority for future project refinements. Originality/value – The value of this project is documented in terms of site use and solicited user responses.
Learning by example
Authors: Kyriakidou Olympia , Gore Julie
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To provide positive benchmarking examples of hospitality, tourism and leisure small management enterprises in the area of organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Extreme case sampling was used; locating information‐rich key informants or critical cases. A total of 89 small businesses were researched including hotels (and guest houses), restaurants, pubs, visitor attractions and leisure opportunities.

Findings

Semi‐structured interviews were analysed using an iterative approach based on the assumptions of Argumentation Theory. Results suggest that best‐performing small to medium‐sized (SME) operations in the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry share certain elements of culture including: supporting values such as building the future together, cooperative setting of missions and strategies, development of teamwork and organizational learning.

Research limitations/implications

The research completed is illustrative of positive benchmarking elements of organizational culture. Further research, however, could also look at negative features which may hinder the success of hospitality, tourism and leisure industry SMEs.

Practical implications

The work provides clear suggestions for hospitality, tourism and leisure industry SMEs to improve managerial practice, focusing on five main cultural dimensions: organizational performance, teamwork, building the future together, building the ability to learn, and collaborative setting of strategies.

Originality/value

This paper begins to fill the gap of a very under‐researched area: benchmarking organizational culture in hospitality, tourism and leisure industry SMEs. Both academics and practitioners will find it very illuminating.
Benchmarking for entrepreneurial survival
Authors: McKay Ruth B. , Chung Ed
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To propose a conceptual framework that facilitates the benchmarking of strategic processes necessary for entrepreneurial survival and success.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on extant literature on entrepreneurial survival, this paper considers the chaotic and emergent nature of the entrepreneurial organization and how benchmarking can contribute to a newly established firm's chances for survival and prosperity. The paper incorporates the concept of a sustainable competitive advantage in the discussion, and offers organizational culture as being the imperfectly imitable element which will contribute to the entrepreneurial firm's success.

Findings

Four key processes are identified that contribute to entrepreneurial viability – cooperation, sharing founder's vision, time management, and developing organizational competencies – and suggestions are offered for developing appropriate benchmarks for these processes. The paper also highlights two instruments that may be useful in this endeavor.

Research limitations/implications

The paper draws attention to the usefulness of benchmarking processes and not just metrics in fostering entrepreneurial survival. Key processes are identified, and suggestions are provided for researchers to begin work on developing the necessary benchmarks.

Practical implications

The paper not only offers a theoretical discussion of the usefulness of benchmarking processes as opposed to focusing only on outcomes, but also helps the practitioner to implement such benchmarking activities by highlighting practical instruments for this purpose.

Originality/value

This paper brings to bear literature from several streams of research. It takes benchmarking from its metric‐oriented focus to a more process‐focused approach, and applies it in the context of entrepreneurial survival.
Using employee gainsharing plans to improve organizational effectiveness
Authors: Roy Matthew H. , Dugal Sanjiv S.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To introduce a conceptual model for increasing the likelihood that gainsharing plans will be successfully implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on gainsharing plans is rich in descriptions of how individual cases were successful or unsuccessful owing to various situational variables. Research on the effects gainsharing plans have on organizational effectiveness is much needed. The present paper builds on current research by providing a general model of factors that determine whether a particular gainsharing effort will increase organizational effectiveness. A review of the empirical literature provides support for the model presented.

Findings

Gainsharing can be an important and successful intervention for many organizations. The keys to success are involving all stakeholders in the development of the plan, developing an easy to understand formula for sharing gains, maintaining transparency, and ensuring that the plan's goals are in line with the organization's goals.

Originality/value

Develops a conceptual model which can be used by many organizations in an attempt to use gainsharing as a means to increase organizational effectiveness. Considerations for future research are discussed.
Benchmarking culture and performance in Chinese organizations
Authors: Garg Rajendar K. , Ma Jun
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To show differences in organizational performance, management style and systems, resulting from cultural differences in three organizational types: foreign‐owned, joint ventures, and Chinese‐owned and operated.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used to assess the management systems, leadership and styles within the cultural contexts of the three types of organizations using Hofstede's four cultural dimensions. Organizational performance was measured using balanced scorecard method and factors suggested by other authors. Performance measures were compared across the three types of organizations.

Findings

Foreign‐owned and operated companies performed significantly better than their joint venture (JV) and Chinese‐owned and operated organizations as measured by financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business perspective, innovation and learning perspective and technological assessment. There was clear evidence of benchmarking among Chinese‐owned and operated organizations, learning from JVs and FOOs.

Research limitations/implications

This study used only managers who had a minimum of five years' experience. The study also did not entertain cross‐breeding management styles.

Practical implications

Provides useful information about benchmarking patterns being used by Chinese owned and operated organizations. As the blending of cultures in global organizations continues, learning organizations benchmark not only process technologies but also management systems, leadership and styles.

Originality/value

The paper clearly provides a direct comparison among the three types of organizations operating in the Chinese cultural context. The methodology used is a blend of different approaches to ensure comprehensive assessment of organizational culture and performance.
Management fads: the case of the self‐managed team
Authors: Flory Marja
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To critically analyze why the implementation of self‐managed teams often leads to disappointment.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is qualitative. It is based on the theory of microstoria (Boje) and entails in‐depth interviews and dialogue to collect data.

Findings

The introduction of the new concept (self‐managed teams) did not start an intensive management discourse. Management largely discussed the concept and decided to implement it, without consulting the employees who had to work with the concept. This led to misunderstandings and resistance to the concept of self‐managing.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted in only two organisations.

Practical implications

The primary reason why the concept was poorly implemented was that management did not understand the process of shared meaning. Creating a proper “dialogue” is important for implementing new management concepts.

Originality/value

This paper offers a social constructionist point of view to critically evaluate new management concepts such that they do not become fads.
Inheritance of amplified fragment length polymorphism markers and their utility in population genetic analysis of Plecoglossus altivelis
Authors: Kakehi Y. , Nakayama K. , Watanabe K. , Nishida M.
Published: June 2005

The reproducibility, mode of inheritance and polymorphism of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were examined in ayu Plecoglossus altivelis(Salmoniformes: Plecoglossidae). The AFLP markers were highly reproducible, their inheritance following Mendelian expectations. The number of fragments amplified (34–134), polymorphic ratio (0·15–0·78) and average heterozygosity (0·02–0·25) of the AFLP markers showed significant variation among six primer pairs and among ayu populations, including a landlocked Lake‐Biwa population, two amphidromous populations (P. a. altivelis) and two Ryukyu‐ayu populations (P. a. ryukyuensis). Although AFLP analysis provided similar results in intra‐population diversity and relationships among populations to those found by analyses of allozymes, microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA sequences, AFLPs showed higher polymorphisms and hence greater distinction between genetically close populations.
Effects of temperature during early life history on embryonic and larval development and growth in haddock
Authors: Martell D. J. , Kieffer J. D. , Trippel E. A.
Published: June 2005

The effect of incubation temperature (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10° C) on haddockMelanogrammus aeglefinusdevelopment and growth during the embryonic period and in subsequent ontogeny in a common post‐hatch thermal environment (6° C) was investigated. Hatching times were inversely proportional to incubation temperature and ranged from 20·3 days at 2° C to 9·1 days at 10° C. Growth rates were directly proportional to incubation temperature during both the embryonic and larval periods. There was a significant decline in growth rates following hatch in all temperature groups. Compared to the endogenously feeding embryos, growth rates in the exogenous period declined by 4·4‐fold at 4° C to 3·9‐fold at 8° C, indicative of the demarcation between the endogenous and exogenous feeding periods. Yolk utilization varied from 17 days at 2° C to 6 days at 10° C and followed a three‐stage sigmoidal pattern with the initial lag period inversely proportional to incubation temperature. Time to 50% yolk depletion varied inversely with temperature but occurred 1–1·5 days post‐hatch at all temperatures. Additionally, the period between 10 and 90% yolk depletion also decreased with increased temperature. Overall developmental rate was sequential with and directly proportional (2·3‐fold increase) to incubation temperature while the time spent in each developmental stage was inversely proportional to temperature. Larger embryos tended to be produced at lower temperatures but this pattern reversed following hatch, as larvae from higher temperature groups grew more rapidly than those from other temperature groups. Larvae from all temperatures achieved a similar length (c.total length 4·5 mm) upon complete yolk absorption. The study demonstrated the significant impact that temperature has upon developmental and growth rates in both endogenous and exogenous feeding periods. It also illustrated that temperature changes during embryogenesis had significant and persistent effects on growth in subsequent ontogeny.
Distinguishing trophic and habitat partitioning among sympatric populations of the estuarine fishOsmerus mordaxMitchill
Authors: Lecomte F. , Dodson J. J.
Published: June 2005

Sympatric populations of rainbow smeltOsmerus mordaxof the St Lawrence middle estuary exhibited distinct morphologies suitable for exploiting either pelagic or benthic habitats in the absence of consistent morphological features related to specific diets. The magnitude of morphological differentiation was elevated and constant over 3 years even though statistically significant differences were observed among samples within populations. Both populations were spatially segregated in the estuary but some population mixing occurred at low densities of rainbow smelt. Diet analysis revealed that both populations opportunistically feed on large macrozooplankton. An amended version of Schoener'sDwas developed and used to compare the magnitude of niche overlap. It revealed that the diet of the middle estuary rainbow smelt differed according to the area where samples were collected but no differences existed between populations. The exploitation of ecologically distinct habitats appeared to be effective in maintaining morphologically distinct sympatric populations within an estuarine setting in the absence of diet differentiation.
Gut size in GH‐transgenic coho salmon is enhanced by both the GHtransgene and increased food intake
Authors: Stevens E. D. , Devlin R. H.
Published: June 2005

Growth hormone transgenic coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch fed at the same ration level as non‐transgenic controls (Tc) had the same growth rate as non‐transgenic controls (Nt). In contrast, growth hormone transgenic coho salmon (Tf) fed ad libitum ate about twice as much and had much higher growth rates than the other two groups. The most obvious result was the significantly larger caeca in the Tf group relative to both Nt or pair‐fed Tc. The Tf fish had more caeca that were longer. The results suggested that the effect was indirect and the enlarged caeca required both the GHtransgene and hyperphagia to cause enlarged caecal capacity. A small part of the results, however, also suggested that there was a direct effect of the GHtransgene on some gut tissues, particularly the intestine.
Lacustrine growth of juvenile pink salmon and a comparison with sympatric sockeye salmon
Authors: Robins J. B. , Abrey C. A. , Quinn T. P. , Rogers D. E.
Published: June 2005

The growth rates of naturally sympatric juvenile pink Oncorhynchus gorbuscha and sockeye Oncorhynchus nerka salmon were compared in a common lacustrine environment in south‐west Alsaka, an unusual opportunity given the normal disparity in freshwater residence time of these two species. Fork length (LF) frequency distributions of juvenile pink salmon caught in the lake during the summer in 1991 and 1999–2003 indicated a growth rate of 0·54 mm day−1, 54% greater than the estimated growth rate of juvenile sockeye salmon sampled from 1958 to 2003 (0·35 mm day−1). Examination of daily growth rings on otoliths indicated that pink salmon in Lake Aleknagik grew an average of 1·34 mm day−1 in 2003 but sockeye salmon grew only 0·63 mm day−1(average specific growth rates were 3·0 and 1·8% day−1, respectively). Pink salmon increased from c. 32 mm LF and 0·2 g at emergence to 78 mm LF and 3·0 g within 3–4 weeks. After experiencing these rapid growth rates, the pink salmon appeared to leave the lake by late July in most years. The diets of pink and sockeye salmon in the littoral zone of the lake were very similar; >80% of the stomach contents consisted of adult and pupal insects and the remainder was zooplankton. This high degree of diet overlap suggested that the observed differences in growth rate were not attributable to variation in prey composition.
Impact of clay particles on the cutaneous exchange of oxygen across the chorion of Atlantic salmon eggs
Authors: Greig S. M. , Sear D. A. , Smallman D. , Carling P. A.
Published: June 2005

Rates of oxygen consumption for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar embryos approaching hatching were determined. Values were recorded using a ‘closed system’ experimental set‐up. A magnetic stirrer was used to ensure that zones of oxygen depletion did not develop in the micro‐environment surrounding the respiring eggs. Recorded values of oxygen consumption ranged from 0·0024 to 0·0038 mg O2 egg−1 h−1, with a mean consumption rate of 0·0032 mg O2 egg−1 h−1. The values of oxygen consumption were similar to those reported in other studies using a closed system experimental set‐up, however, they were lower than those reported in a study adopting a flow‐through system. The introduction of clay‐sized sediment to the incubation chamber created a thin film (<1 mm) of sediment on the egg surface, and resulted in reduced rates of oxygen consumption. The additional 0·3 g of clay sediment reduced oxygen consumption by an average of 41% and the addition of a further 0·2 g of clay sediment reduced consumption by an average of 98%. Two explanations for the recorded reduction in consumption were proposed: (i) the creation of a low permeability seal around the eggs restricted the availability of oxygen to the incubating embryos and (ii) the clay‐sized fine sediment physically blocked the micro‐pore canals in the egg membrane, thereby restricting oxygen uptake.
Primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhotics unable to take β‐blockers: a randomized trial of ligation
Authors: Triantos C. , Vlachogiannakos J. , Armonis A. , Saveriadis A. , Kougioumtzian A. , Leandro G. , Manolakopoulos S. , Tzourmakliotis D. , Raptis S. A. , Burroughs A. K. , Avgerinos A.
Published: June 2005

Aim : To compare endoscopic banding ligation vs. no treatment in cirrhotics with intolerance or contraindications to β‐blockers for prevention of first bleeding in portal hypertension.

Methods : A sample size of 214 was planned with all sizes of varices. However, the trial was stopped due to increased bleeding in 52 patients in the ligation group. The baseline severity liver disease and endoscopic features were similar. Ligation group: 25 (M/F = 21/4, mean age: 60 ± 9.37 years); 27 not‐treated group: 27 (M/F = 17/10, mean age: 63 ± 10.27).

Results : The mean follow‐up period was 19.5 ± 13.3months: five bled in the ligation group (20%), three from varices (two after banding at 11 and 17 days; one during the procedure), and two from gastropathy; two bled in the not‐treated group (7%– two both varices) (P = 0.24). There were seven deaths in the ligation group and 11 in the not‐treated group (P = 0.39).

Conclusion : Sixty per cent of the bleeding in the banding group was probably iatrogenic, requiring the study to be stopped. Endoscopic banding ligation was no better than no treatment. This study suggests that ligation may be harmful when used as primary prophylaxis, similar to prophylactic sclerotherapy in the past.