bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging of Neocortical Activity
Authors: Grinvald Amiram , Omer David B. , Sharon Dahlia , Vanzetta Ivo , Hildesheim Rina
Published: January 2016

Neural computations underlying sensory perception, cognition, and motor control are performed by populations of neurons at different anatomical and temporal scales. Few techniques are currently available for exploring the dynamics of local and large range populations. Voltage-sensitive dye imaging (VSDI), based on organic voltage probes, reveals neural population activity in areas ranging from a few tens of micrometers to a couple of centimeters, or two areas up to ~10 cm apart. VSDI provides a submillisecond temporal resolution and a spatial resolution of ~50 µm. The dye signal emphasizes subthreshold synaptic potentials. VSDI has been applied in the mouse, rat, gerbil, ferret, tree shrew, cat, and monkey cortices to explore the lateral spread of retinotopic or somatotopic activation; the dynamic spatiotemporal pattern resulting from sensory activation, including the somatosensory, olfactory, auditory, and visual modalities; and motor preparation and the properties of spontaneously occurring population activity. In this introduction, we focus on VSDI in vivo and review results obtained mostly in the visual system in our laboratory.
Real-time direct and diffraction X-ray imaging of irregular silicon wafer breakage
Authors: Rack Alexander , Scheel Mario , Danilewsky Andreas N.
Published: January 2016

Fracture and breakage of single crystals, particularly of silicon wafers, are multi-scale problems: the crack tip starts propagating on an atomic scale with the breaking of chemical bonds, forms crack fronts through the crystal on the micrometre scale and ends macroscopically in catastrophic wafer shattering. Total wafer breakage is a severe problem for the semiconductor industry, not only during handling but also during temperature treatments, leading to million-dollar costs per annum in a device production line. Knowledge of the relevant dynamics governing perfect cleavage along the {111} or {110} faces, and of the deflection into higher indexed {hkl} faces of higher energy, is scarce due to the high velocity of the process. Imaging techniques are commonly limited to depicting only the state of a wafer before the crack and in the final state. This paper presents, for the first time,in situhigh-speed crack propagation under thermal stress, imaged simultaneously in direct transmission and diffraction X-ray imaging. It shows how the propagating crack tip and the related strain field can be tracked in the phase-contrast and diffracted images, respectively. Movies with a time resolution of microseconds per frame reveal that the strain and crack tip do not propagate continuously or at a constant speed. Jumps in the crack tip position indicate pinning of the crack tip for about 1–2 ms followed by jumps faster than 2–6 m s−1, leading to a macroscopically observed average velocity of 0.028–0.055 m s−1. The presented results also give a proof of concept that the described X-ray technique is compatible with studying ultra-fast cracks up to the speed of sound.
Benchmarking deep-sea port performance in the Hamburg-Le Havre range
Authors: Wiegmans Bart , Dekker Sander
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on answering the following research question: “How efficient are deep-sea ports in the Hamburg-Le Havre (HLH) range compared with each other?”

Design/methodology/approach

– Input-oriented (and output-oriented) Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) results demonstrate that the deep-sea port of Vlissingen is perfectly efficient and also that the port of Amsterdam is quite efficient. These DEA results are underligned by the single-point benchmarking results.

Findings

– The Dutch deep-sea ports are the most efficient ports in the HLH range. Finally, relatively smaller deep-sea ports (with a market share of about 5 percent, such as Amsterdam, Vlissingen, and Zeebrugge) are relatively more efficient than larger deep-sea container ports (such as Antwerp, Hamburg, and Rotterdam). It can be observed that especially in these larger ports, the container sector is (very) important as compared with the smaller ports. Furthermore, Dutch ports are relatively more efficient and receive the lowest subsidies, suggesting efficiency improvement opportunities for the Belgium, German, and French ports.

Originality/value

– The originality of the paper is in its focus on all deep-sea ports in the HLH range (and not on container ports only) and in the combination of methods (DEA and single-point benchmarking).
Development, measurement and validation of supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) scale in Indian retail sector
Authors: Gawankar Shradha , Kamble Sachin , Raut Rakesh
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a scale with a high degree of reliability, validity and dimensionality which help to determine appropriate supply chain performance measurement (SCPM).

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were compiled and collected from 213 operations and supply chain heads from leading retail stores in India. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the validity of the proposed measurement scale.

Findings

– The major contribution of the present study is the development of SCPM constructs as well as a rigorously validated measurement instrument. The confirmation process is according to the typical standards of scale development.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper strives to contribute to the literature on the SCPM in Indian retail industry. This paper tests the validity of the measurement scales which will enable the managers to determine the appropriate SCPM.

Practical implications

– In the long run a good set of identified SCPM and their implementation would inevitability enables in deriving meticulous supply chain strategies.

Social implications

– SCM managers in evaluating their current supply chain performance. This can help the managers to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their supply chain.

Originality/value

– This study proved that the SCPM can be used from different perspectives, all of which are integrated into one exclusive assessment instrument, applied to the SCPM in this case.
The reliability of currency and purchasing power parity conversion for international project cost benchmarking
Authors: Langston Craig
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Project cost is normally a key performance indicator for all projects, and therefore features prominently in benchmarking exercises aimed at identifying best practice. However, projects in different locations first require all costs to be expressed in equivalent units. Failing to do this leads to erroneous and unreliable results. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Applying international construction as the focus for the study, cost data from 23 cities worldwide are compared using a range of methods including currency conversion and purchasing power parity (PPP). Coefficient of variation (CoV) forms the test for identifying the method with the lowest volatility.

Findings

– It is found that purchasing power is the preferable theoretical base for international cost conversion, and currency conversion (frequently used by practitioners) is not recommended. The citiBLOC PPP method has the lowest CoV across the data set and therefore more closely reflects the Law of One Price that underpins the concept of PPP.

Originality/value

– This research highlights the importance of a valid cost conversion methodology to properly understand the comparative performance of projects. Its application to benchmarking is demonstrated using the data envelopment analysis method.
Performance evaluation of Indian Railway zones using DEMATEL and VIKOR methods
Authors: Ranjan Rajeev , Chatterjee Prasenjit , Chakraborty Shankar
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose the application of a decision-making tool for performance evaluation of Indian Railway zones. It basically seeks to analyze the effects of various evaluation criteria on the performance of Indian Railways using a combined multi-criteria decision-making approach which employs decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and “VIse Kriterijumska Optimizacija kompromisno Resenje” (VIKOR) methods.

Design/methodology/approach

– The performance of 16 Indian Railway zones is first evaluated using DEMATEL method which addresses the inter-relationships between different criteria with the aid of a relationship structure. The VIKOR method which is a compromise ranking approach is then adopted to rank those candidate railway zones. Pareto analysis is also carried out to identify the benchmark railway zones for the under/poor performers so as to improve their operational excellence.

Findings

– A numerical example from Indian Railways is illustrated and solved for better understanding of the integrated decision-making tool in which the relevant information for the considered railway zones with respect to different evaluation criteria are collected from various websites and Indian Railways annual statistical report. Western and North-Eastern zones, respectively, take the first and the last positions in the derived ranking list. The relevance of selecting different performance indices/evaluation criteria is also discussed.

Practical implications

– The application of this integrated methodology would serve as a systematic approach for measurement of the aggregate operational performance of Indian Railway zones so as to gain valuable academic and practical insights. It is also expected to provide an insightful guidance to the railway administrators in taking valuable strategic decisions in promoting the service of Indian Railways.

Originality/value

– The integrated DEMATEL-VIKOR method is conceptually simple and easily comprehensible which can consider numerous attributes simultaneously. This paper enables the readers to gain some valuable inputs from a managerial perspective for Indian Railways to formulate strategies for its zones to foster better performance.
A framework for benchmarking product sustainability efforts
Authors: Brockhaus Sebastian , Fawcett Stan , Kersten Wolfgang , Knemeyer Michael
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Regulatory pressure, consumer awareness, and the quest for competitive advantage place sustainable products in today’s decision-making spotlight. The purpose of this paper is to explore supply chain dynamics as they relate to sustainable product programs and to empirically develop a framework to align efforts across the supply chain to bring sustainable products to market.

Design/methodology/approach

– Grounded in systems design, stakeholder theory, and the theory of planned behavior, the authors conduct an inductive empirical study of 28 European and US companies.

Findings

– The authors make three contributions. First, the authors identify six dimensions of product sustainability, which map to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s sustainability scope model. Second, the authors model relational dynamics using systems diagrams to provide a framework that: first, communicates a common understanding of product sustainability; and second, facilitates tradeoff analysis. Third, the authors elaborate behaviors needed to reduce ambiguity and compliance costs.

Practical implications

– Managers can use the framework to assess product sustainability and evaluate tradeoffs across product dimensions and supply chain participants. Using this insight, managers can design sustainable product programs that engage supply chain participants.

Social implications

– By identifying dimensions, defining costs, and uncovering tradeoffs, managers can more effectively implement sustainable product programs.

Originality/value

– The framework provides a much needed source of clarity to mitigate role ambiguity, reduce compliance costs, and promote collaborative behavior in bringing sustainable products to market.
Obstacles to socioeconomic integration of highly-skilled immigrant women
Authors: Gauthier Carol-Anne
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of obstacles to socioeconomic integration faced by highly-skilled immigrant women (HSIW) to Quebec, followed by a discussion of Quebec’s socio-political context and interculturalism, in an effort to better situate these obstacles. With these in mind, implications for diversity management are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is largely based on a review of the immigrant integration, interculturalism and diversity management literatures pertaining to the socioeconomic integration of highly-skilled immigrants. It focusses on the socioeconomic integration of HSIW in the Quebec context.

Findings

– The authors find that researchers should continue to examine aspects of the social and political contexts in which immigrant integration and diversity management take place when conducting studies in these areas. The authors also encourage continued research pertaining to specific groups, as these may bring to light-specific dynamics that can lead to exclusion.

Practical implications

– This paper includes implications for diversity management in organizations seeking to foster inclusive practices with regards to ethnic minorities and immigrants in general, and HSIW in particular.

Originality/value

– The paper sheds new light on immigrant integration and diversity management in Quebec by bridging the gap between three areas of study that are interconnected but seldom discussed together: socioeconomic integration of immigrants, interculturalism and diversity management in organizations.
Grounded intersectionality
Authors: Marfelt Mikkel Mouritz
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to build on contemporary intersectional literature to develop a grounded methodological framework for the study of social differences.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic literature review serves as the foundation for a discussion of the challenges associated with intersectional research. The findings assist in positioning the proposed methodological framework within recent intersectional debates.

Findings

– The review shows a rise in intersectional publications since the birth of the “intersectionality” term in 1989. Moreover, the paper points to four tensions within the field: a tension between looking at or beyond oppression; a tension between structural-oriented and process-oriented perspectives; an apparent incommensurability among the macro, meso, and micro levels of analysis; and a lack of coherent methodology.

Research limitations/implications

– On the basis of the highlighted tensions in contemporary research as well as the limitations of that research, the present presents a methodological framework and a discussion of the implications of that framework for the wider diversity literature.

Practical implications

– The paper suggests an empirically grounded approach to studying differences. This provides an opportunity, for scholars and practitioners, to reassess possible a priori given assumptions, and open up to new explorations beyond conventional identity theorization.

Social implications

– The paper suggests a need for an empirically grounded approach to studying social differences, which would not only create an opportunity to reassess common assumptions but also open up for explorations beyond conventional identity theorizations.

Originality/value

– The framework departs from traditional (critical) diversity scholarship, as it is process oriented but still emphasizes stable concepts. Moreover, it does not give primacy to oppression. Finally, it adopts a critical stance on the nature of the macro, meso, and micro levels as dominant analytical perspectives. As a result, this paper focusses on the importance of intersectionality as a conceptual tool for exploring social differences.
Identity, diversity and diversity management
Authors: Holck Lotte , Muhr Sara Louise , Villesèche Florence
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the identity and diversity literatures and discuss how a better understanding of the theoretical connections between the two informs both diversity research and diversity management practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– Literature review followed by a discussion of the theoretical and practical consequences of connecting the identity and diversity literatures.

Findings

– The authors inform future research in three ways. First, by showing how definitions of identity influence diversity theorizing in specific ways. Second, the authors explore how such definitions entail distinct foci regarding how diversity should be analyzed and interventions actioned. Third, the authors discuss how theoretical coherence between definitions of identity and diversity perspectives – as well as knowledge about a perspective’s advantages and limitations – is crucial for successful diversity management research and practice.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors argue for a better understanding of differences, overlaps and limits of different identity perspectives, and for a stronger engagement with practice.

Practical implications

– The work can encourage policy makers, diversity and HR managers to question their own practices and assumptions leading to more theoretical informed diversity management practices.

Originality/value

– The theoretical connections between identity and diversity literature have so far not been reviewed systematically. The work foregrounds how important it is for diversity scholars to consider identity underpinnings of diversity research to help further develop the field within and beyond the three streams the authors discuss.
Organisational learning and the organisational life cycle
Authors: Tam Steven , Gray David E
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to relate the practice of organisational learning in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the organisational life cycle (OLC), contextualising the differential aspects of an integrated relationship between them.

Design/methodology/approach

– It is a mixed-method study with two consecutive phases. In Phase I, 30 Hong Kong SMEs identified through theoretical sampling were classified into three life-cycle stages – inception, high growth and maturity. In Phase II, their employees’ learning practices (grouped by learning levels) were statistically compared using the analysis of variance and then followed up for confirmation with qualitative semi-structured interviews.

Findings

– This study uniquely suggests the nature of a relationship between SME organisational learning and the OLC. Empirical results show that three of the four learning levels (individual, group, organisational and inter-organisational) practised in SMEs are varied in importance between life-cycle stages.

Research limitations/implications

– Comparative studies are encouraged in other parts of the world to strengthen the findings – with either SMEs or large organisations.

Practical implications

– The study informs SME owner/managers about what is important for employee learning at different business stages so that appropriate learning strategies or human resource development policies can be formulated in a timely fashion to promote competitiveness.

Originality/value

– It is among the first studies to connect SME learning with organisational growth. The relationships found serve as a sound foundation for further empirical investigations.
Do service providers adopting market segmentation need cooperation with third parties?
Authors: Du Fei , Yang Feng , Liang Liang , Yang Mingming
Published: January 2016

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the tradeoff between two potential marketing strategies for service providers, namely, market segmentation on the basis of reservation lead time and cooperation with third parties.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an optimization model to describe market segmentation strategy after cooperating with third parties by taking hotels for example.

Findings

The results show that the profitability of adopting two strategies simultaneously is lower than that with market segmentation alone under some cases, which is relevant with attributes of travel agencies, such as switch rate and market share.

Research limitations/implications

This study indicates that cooperation with third parties has a negative impact on profitability of hotels using market segmentation in some cases. However, randomness of demand, customer loyalty and existence of cancellation should be considered in further research.

Practical implications

In an e-commerce era, hotels with market segmentation based on reservation lead time, are not required to cooperate with third parties under a number of situations (e.g. high switch rates and small market sizes of travel agencies). In addition, hotels should revise the segmentation strategy based on the change rate of potential demand of individual customers. Furthermore, hotels should enhance customer loyalty, strengthen cooperation with travel agencies that possess large market shares or small switch rates.

Originality/value

The study preliminarily formulates the optimal market segmentation strategy on the basis of reservation lead time after cooperating with third parties, which contributes to the revenue management.
An empirical framework to predict idiosyncratic risk in a time of crisis
Authors: Hua Nan , Dalbor Michael C. , Lee Seoki , Guchait Priyanko
Published: January 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to invoke prospect theory to construct an empirical framework to predict idiosyncratic risk, and argue that when a firm performs better than its benchmarks, the firm tends to play safe by avoiding firm-specific risk to maintain its satisfactory performance level, but when a firm performs worse than its benchmarks, the firm may become aggressive with taking more risks to achieve an increased level of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tested the relationships between restaurant firms’ future idiosyncratic risk and the proposed firm financial characteristics. Heteroscedasticity- and autocorrelation-consistent (HAC) standard errors (Newey and West, 1994) were used to deal with potential problems of autocorrelations and heteroscedasticity. The standard error of residuals from the Fama-French three-factor model (Fama and French, 1993) was estimated to proxy for restaurant idiosyncratic risk.

Findings

The main analysis reveals that five financial characteristics are significant predictors for restaurant firms’ future idiosyncratic risk in accordance with the proposed, negative relationship based on the prospect theory.

Practical implications

Managers may predict their competitors’ future risk-taking behaviors using the current study’s findings, which will provide competitive advantage in a highly competitive business environment that we have now. Also, in practice, restaurant investors may consider findings of this study in forecasting future risks of their portfolio to help evaluate and revise their portfolios.

Originality/value

First, this is a new endeavor of its kind dealing with the restaurant industry, filling the void in the literature in predicting the risk-taking behavior of restaurant firms in a time of crisis. Second, this study forms a prediction model that establishes “predictive causality” (Diebold, 2001) motivated by prospect theory. Third, building upon prior research, this study comprehensively examines relationships between the firm characteristics that capture firm-specific strategies (Ou and Penman, 1989) and the idiosyncratic risk that are “associated with firm-specific strategies” (Luo and Bhattacharya, 2009) in a restaurant setting. Finally, the findings of this study bear significant implications for practitioners and other parties of interest.
Implementing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in hotel industry from organizational culture perspective
Authors: Rahimi Roya , Gunlu Ebru
Published: January 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to empirically investigate the impact of organizational culture on implementing customer relationship management (CRM) in the hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is conducted with a quantitative approach and a questionnaire adapted from Denison Organizational Culture Survey, and the Mendoza CRM model is the research instrument. The questionnaire was administered among 346 managers of a chain hotel in the UK. Gathered data were subjected to correlation and multiple regression analyses.

Findings

The correlation analysis demonstrates that organizational culture factors of adaptability, consistency, staff involvement and mission have a positive significant impact on CRM implementations. The multiple regression analysis further showed that though CRM implementation is highly correlated with these four factors, its successful implementation is not dependent on all of them.

Research limitations/implications

The research is conducted in the frame of a case study where a UK chain hotel is selected; therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to a larger population. This research is conducted in the context of hotel industry and the result might be different for other industries. Due to the limitation in access to all employees, only managers were selected as the sample of the study and future studies with all staff may show different results.

Practical implications

Organizational culture readiness is one of the most important requirements in CRM implementation initiatives. The results of this study will benefit hotel managers in measuring their organizational culture and improve it toward better CRM outcomes.

Originality/value

Previous studies on organizational culture and CRM with qualitative approaches have tried to highlight the role of organizational culture on CRM implementation or some have attempted to identify the organizational culture factors with potential impact on CRM implementations. However, very few of these studies have empirically investigated the impacts of organizational culture on CRM implementation, and this is the first study that empirically investigates this impact in the context of the hotel industry.
Customer satisfaction and its measurement in hospitality enterprises: a revisit and update
Authors: Pizam Abraham , Shapoval Valeriya , Ellis Taylor
Published: January 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to review and discuss customer satisfaction and its application to the hospitality and tourism industries. This paper defines the concept and analyzes its importance to services in general and to hospitality/tourism services in particular. This paper is a revision and update of an article previously published by Pizam and Ellis (1999) on customer satisfaction measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

The most recent research on customer satisfaction measurements and scales is summarized and presented in the paper.

Findings

Following a discussion on the dimensions and attributes of satisfaction, the main methods of measuring satisfaction are listed, and cross-cultural issues that affect satisfaction are reviewed. Finally, the paper concludes with a comprehensive review of the current online tools and techniques available for measuring customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This summary gives a good overview to researchers who require a comprehensive review of the available research measurements and scales for customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

For the past decade, a considerable amount of research has been conducted in customer satisfaction. Finding the appropriate measurements and scales for customer satisfaction can be time-consuming and confusing. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the best-known measurements and scales in customer satisfaction research. The paper also provides innovative online tools and techniques available for research.
Local food: a source for destination attraction
Authors: Björk Peter , Kauppinen-Räisänen Hannele
Published: January 2016

Purpose

This study aims to explore factors affecting travellers’ food-related behaviour by focusing on the local food market. By doing so, the study contributes to the research on food experience in tourism and food-based regional development. The local food phenomenon presents essential research issues from various perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire provided to attendees of a travel fair gauges respondents’ food attitudes and food-related behaviour related to information sourcing and perceptions of food experiences.

Findings

The study reveals three types of food-related behaviour. Experiencers are committed; they perceive food as essential to destination choices. They search for food-related information before their trips and value originality, newness and locality, as well as authenticity and uniqueness in local food, which eventually have an impact on travel satisfaction. Enjoyers have more casual attitudes towards food, though they view it as an important aspect of their holiday. For survivors, the local food of their destination serves mainly physiological needs.

Practical implications

Travellers’ food-related attitudes vary, and they behave according to these variations. This information serves as a means to brand hospitality and tourism businesses. Local food attracts travellers and it contributes to the tourist experience, indicating marketing potential for hospitality industries, tourism business and regional development.

Originality/value

This study adds to tourism research by exploring the effect of food attitudes on behaviours related to local food and local food markets. In particular, it highlights information sourcing, including local food and restaurants, and reveals food and eating characteristics that contribute to various types of travellers’ local food experiences, which have received little prior research attention.
Efficiency and sustainability through the best practices in the Logistics Social Responsibility framework
Authors: Mejías Ana M. , Paz Enrique , Pardo Juan E.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the best way to implement sustainable practices in the Logistics Social Responsibility field. Using the best practices (BPs) approach, the authors have answered the question about how logistics function can take on board the principles of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic literature review has been applied, with an analysis of 194 papers from relevant logistics/supply chain management (SCM)-related journals over a 20-year time frame.

Findings

– The authors have identified a first set of traditional BPs that are still relevant in the sustainability context, a second set of innovative sustainable BPs and a third set that can be considered sustainable BPs evolved from the traditional cost-efficiency approach, serving as a link between the other ones. This proposed taxonomy of BPs charts a progressive path toward integration of sustainable principles in SC-logistics operations.

Research limitations/implications

– The methodological approaches applied entail inherent limitations. However, the authors have set out to ensure rigor by following a structured process approach.

Originality/value

– The work contributes by filling two recurring gaps identified in the literature: the need to integrate social and environmental issues and develop more practical tools for implementing sustainable SCM. The progressive way of implementing sustainable BPs has advantages for logistics managers, especially when companies have limited resources for transforming their logistics process into a sustainable process. Additionally, future academic research topics are proposed.
Bet-the-company decisions: when do they pay off?
Authors: Fralich Russell
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine what distinguishes bet-the-company decisions from strategic decisions in general, what forms do they take and under what circumstances do firms make them.

Design/methodology/approach

– From a comprehensive review and synthesis of relevant literature and media coverage since 1980, the author identifies 42 cases of bet-the-company decisions, from which the conclusions are drawn.

Findings

– The author identify four characteristics, three distinct types and four drivers of bet-the-company decisions.

Research limitations/implications

– The author draws conclusions from a qualitative analysis of 42 cases mentioned in prominent business media, supplemented by a literature review. Identifying the underlying processes that result in betting the company would require a more in-depth series of case studies. Acquiring statistical evidence would require more formal meta-analysis that this paper lacks.

Practical implications

– The paper identifies common characteristics, types and drivers of bet-the-company decisions that decision-makers could use to judge to recognize whether they also face such a situation.

Originality/value

– Executives are very sensitive to decisions with extreme consequences. This paper offers the first review of bet-the-company decisions, decisions that lie at the upper extreme of the range of strategic decision consequences.
Wicked problems: turning strategic management upside down
Authors: McMillan Charles , Overall Jeffrey
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to critique the existing decision-making models of organizational theory and the ability of strategic managers to address unconventional problems using these models. Strategic management models presume reasonable stability in the task environment and the organizational design features. However, complex problems, or wicked problems, are prolific in a global world. They change profoundly the nature of strategic management, where management faces a deep paradox – an environment of unprecedented interdependence, yet unpredictable forces of chaos and volatility, a landscape of wicked problems. In this paper, the authors address wicked problems within the context of strategic management.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors review and critique the organizational theory literature, namely, microeconomics, bounded rationality, organizational failure and the theory of creative destruction within the context of wicked problems.

Findings

– The authors find that the contemporary models of strategic management are incapable of assisting managers in addressing the reality of wicked problems. They argue that organizational pathologies rest in executive action: pursuit of goals and objectives with a false sense of causation, feedback filters that exaggerate good news and restrict bad news and actions that give only token measures to correct faulty design decisions and faulty decision processes, including more emphasis on vertical channels than horizontal task interdependencies.

Originality/value

– The authors conclude that wicked problem-solving is by temperament and time horizon, a multilayered, multitasked, organizational challenge, and requires fundamentally different mindsets for design and performance systems for senior executives. The study of wicked problems requires a new corporate mindset, new collaborative models to address them and new corporate processes and executive training tools who increasingly have to address them. This research is a first step toward extending our understanding of how to address the world of wicked problems.
Meeting Dr Jonah
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this viewpoint is to draw attention to a relatively new set of ethical challenges presented by pills contain sensors and other similar “nanobots” that send information back to the doctor and to call for a public dialogue on these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach for this paper is to examine recent news reports on these new technologies and suggest an approach to an ethical framework based on similar challenges in digital privacy.

Findings

– Based on the rapid evolution of the technology, the author believes that there are four critical areas to be considered to create an ethical framework for implantable/ingestible devices that transmit real-time information – informed consent, anonymization, approved usage and the right of deletion.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings will need to be augmented once these devices are in common use to evaluate the real-world viability of the ethical framework proposed.

Originality/value

– To the best of our knowledge, evaluations of the ethical challenges represented by ingestible devices transmitting real-time data, if they exist, have been limited to specialized journals and have not been the subject of broader discussion.
Customer perceived service quality and loyalty in Islamic banks
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Abdur Rehman Mohsin , Pileliene Lina
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– There is a plethora of research which has dealt with service quality issues in various service organizations. But a few researchers have presented state of service quality from a cultural perspective, especially within an Asian cultural context. The purpose of this paper is to measure service quality of Pakistani Islamic banks through validating a culturally sensitive scale: PAKSERV. Furthermore, the path from service quality to customer loyalty has been presented through applying PAKSERV service quality scale.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following a positivist tradition, the service quality to loyalty path in Islamic banking sector of Pakistan is established. A self-administered survey was conducted to approach 300 Islamic bank customers in major cities of Pakistan. The respondents were purposefully selected based on their extent of using the retail banking services. The data were analysed through employing various quantitative measures such as correlation and structural equation modelling employing AMOS.

Findings

– The findings reveal that Pakistani Islamic banking customers are satisfied with the service quality offered. All the dimensions of PAKSERV are found to significantly contribute towards customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, major focus of customer is on the dimensions such as responsiveness and sincerity which are understandable in high-risk avoiding and moderately power-oriented Pakistani society.

Originality/value

– The research has been first of its type to present the validity of PAKSERV scale in a collectivist cultural context of Pakistan. Furthermore, the path from the customer satisfaction to loyalty by employing PAKSERV scale has been presented for the first time.
Using an adapted approach to the Kano model to identify patient needs from various patient roles
Authors: Gustavsson Susanne , Gremyr Ida , Kenne Sarenmalm Elisabeth
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study how an account of multiple patient roles when using the Kano model in healthcare improvements can support identification of a wide range of patients’ needs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study presented in this paper was part of a longitudinal action research study. The empirical material was collected by various methods (interviews, a focus group, participative observations, and a survey) over a two-month period within the Children’s and Women’s Healthcare department in a Swedish hospital. The respondents included the management team, healthcare professionals, patients, and the patients’ partners.

Findings

– The study shows that incorporating a view of multiple patient roles into application of the Kano model, and using input on customer needs obtained from patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals, helps to identify a wide range of patients’ needs.

Originality/value

– The view on patients within healthcare is being transformed from one based on servility to that of patients as customers. This paper elaborates on a hands-on way of applying the Kano model based on a view of multiple patient roles as a means to support this new patient view. The application builds on input from various groups (such as patients and healthcare professionals), and, by using input from various stakeholders. This approach appears to overcome a gap, identified in earlier research, of either relying solely on patients, or solely on healthcare professionals, when identifying patients’ need. Rather input from several groups – patients, relatives, and professionals – are suggested to be used in combination.
Lean six sigma project management – a stakeholder management perspective
Authors: Sunder M. Vijaya
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the success of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in banking and financial services industry and to develop a structured stakeholders management model for successful LSS project management.

Design/methodology/approach

– A two-phase methodology is used. Phase 1 establishes the literature to understand two key process improvement methodologies – Lean and Six Sigma and to derive synergies by their combination leading to success in banking and financial services. The literature also helps to recognize the importance of stakeholder management in LSS projects and to understand how it helps in accelerating change in organizations. Phase 2 of the methodology is based on the interviews conducted by 56 global LSS project managers. This is to understand the practical challenges faced by the LSS project managers in banking and financial services tying back to the existing literature.

Findings

– The paper identifies the possible opportunities for structured stakeholder management across different phases of Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) project flow. The first of this kind, “Inform-Involve-Influence” model has been developed based on the understanding from literature and conclusions from the interviews conducted. The proposed model highlights the different set of stakeholders involved in LSS projects and their role in the project. The model also helps categorizing the stakeholders based on the DMAIC phases.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper is limited to readymade use in banking and financial service environments for LSS projects. However the paper sets a platform for further research to customize the proposed model for other service industries.

Practical implications

– The model proposed as part of the paper helps project managers to inform, involve and influence different set of stakeholders at different phases of the DMAIC flow. The model leaves an opportunity for further research and customization for other service industries outside the banking and financial services space like hospitality, government, heath care, etc. Benefits and limitations of the model were presented as part of the paper.

Originality/value

– The paper is the original work contributed by the author. Both the survey findings and the model developed are author’s original contribution for both academicians and corporate professionals.
Long‐term Geophysical Monitoring of Simulated Clandestine Graves using Electrical and Ground Penetrating Radar Methods: 4–6 Years After Burial
Authors: Pringle Jamie K. , Jervis John R. , Roberts Daniel , Dick Henry C. , Wisniewski Kristopher D. , Cassidy Nigel J. , Cassella John P.
Published: January 2016

This ongoing monitoring study provides forensic search teams with systematic geophysical data over simulated clandestine graves for comparison to active cases. Simulated “wrapped,” “naked,” and “control” burials were created. Multiple geophysical surveys were collected over 6 years, here showing data from 4 to 6 years after burial. Electrical resistivity (twin electrode and ERI), multifrequency GPR, grave and background soil water were collected. Resistivity surveys revealed that the naked burial had low‐resistivity anomalies up to year four but then difficult to image, whereas the wrapped burial had consistent large high‐resistivity anomalies. GPR 110‐ to 900‐MHz frequency surveys showed that the wrapped burial could be detected throughout, but the naked burial was either not detectable or poorly resolved. 225‐MHz frequency GPR data were optimal. Soil water analyses showed decreasing (years 4 to 5) to background (year 6) conductivity values. Results suggest both resistivity and GPR surveying if burial style unknown, with winter to spring surveys optimal and increasingly important as time increases.
Fatal Intoxication with Toluene Due to Inhalation of Glue
Authors: Djurendic‐Brenesel Maja , Stojiljkovic Goran , Pilija Vladimir
Published: January 2016

Two cases of fatal intoxications with toluene due to glue sniffing are described. In case 1, the autopsy did not indicate cause of death, while in case 2, the cause of death was determined to possibly be due to mechanical asphyxia by drowning. As the decedents had a history of glue sniffing, toxicological analyses were performed. Using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with headspace method, toluene was detected in biological samples. Toluene ranged from 3.81 to 20.97 μg/g, with the highest concentrations observed in liver and brain (13.82–20.97 μg/g) in both cases. Based upon this data, the cause of death in both cases was determined to be toluene poisoning. Toxicological investigations are extremely important and should be considered mandatory in all deaths thought to be due to volatile substance abuse, as well as all deaths that are thought to be due to poisoning in young people.
The Influence of Wood Grain on the Bullet's Ricochet Behavior
Authors: Mattijssen Erwin J. A. T. , Alberink Ivo , Brouwer Suzanne D. , Kerkhoff Wim
Published: January 2016

When a bullet ricochets from wood, various parameters will influence its behavior. In this study, the influence of the wood grain on the ricochet angle (β) and deflection angle (γ) is assessed. Series of five .32 Auto bullets were fired at different angles of incidence (α) on boards of six wood types. The results confirm the previously shown effect that the mean β‐angles usually exceed α and increase when α increases. Overall, the maximum mean γ occurs when the angle of wood grain (ζ), in relation to the plane of impact, lies between 30° and 75° but differs per combination of wood and α. The results show the inclination of γ toward the left or right, depending on the bullets left or right rotation while also showing that the direction of ζ can enhance or counteract this effect considerably, especially when α is close to the critical ricochet angle.
Bioinformatics Analyses of Differentially Expressed Genes Associated with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gao Yuan , Qi Guo‐xian , Guo Liang , Sun Ying‐xian
Published: January 2016

Background

We aimed to predict key genes associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

The microarray data of GSE48060, including peripheral blood samples from 31 first‐time AMI patients within 48‐h post‐MI and 21 normal controls, were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AMI samples compared with normal controls were identified. Functional enrichment analysis was then performed, followed by analysis of protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and transcription regulatory network (TRN).

Results

A total of 385 up‐ and 504 down‐regulated DEGs were identified. They were mainly enriched in five pathways, such as natural killer (NK) cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and chemokine signaling pathway. Chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) was hub protein in PPI network. Besides, four transcription factors (TFs), including nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group C, member 2 (NR2C2), MYC‐associated factor X (MAX), general transcription factor IIIC, polypeptide 2, beta 110 kDa (GTF3C2), and B‐cell CLL/lymphoma 3 (BCL3), were identified. Notably, nuclear receptor coactivator 7 (NCOA7) interacted with GTF3C2 and MAX directly.

Conclusions

CCL5, BCL3, NR2C2, MAX, GTF3C2, and NCOA7 might play important roles in AMI development.