bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and applicability of water quality and nutrients removal by coastal wetlands receiving treated municipal wastewater and its application
Authors: Hu Chih‐Yang , Jin Guang , Englande A.J.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the water quality of the wetland that received treated municipal wastewater for 40 years and its application for nutrients removal and wetland restoration.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the water quality impact of the study, wetland sampling sites were selected to represent the receiving wetland, wetland background, effluent discharge point, and the adjacent canals. Water samples were taken in different seasons of the year and analyzed for water quality parameters including pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, chloride, total organic carbon, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, TKN and phosphorus. USEPA‐approved standard methods were followed and Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures were compiled. Analysis of variance and Student Newman‐Keuls Post‐Hoc analysis were performed on the sampling results to evaluate the water quality differences among the sampling sites.

Findings

No water quality degradation was detected in the wetland study after receiving treated municipal wastewater for 40 years. Dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature were not different from the background level. Total organic carbon and nutrients levels reduced significantly in the receiving wetland, indicating effective waste assimilation. Salinity in the immediate receiving area was reduced substantially, which offers potential application to buffer saltwater intrusion and wetland restoration.

Practical implications

The practice in this study offers potential implications in wastewater nutrients removal, wetland restoration, minimizing saltwater intrusion in coastal wetland.

Originality/value

This study investigated the water quality impact in wetland after receiving municipal effluent for 40 years. Results provide evidence of effective assimilation in wetlands and offer potential applications in coastal wetland restoration.
A critical contribution to theoretical foundations of privacy studies
Authors: Allmer Thomas
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Although there is much public talk about privacy, it seems that there is no definite answer; rather, ambiguous concepts of what privacy is and what indeed privacy in peril is. The overall aim of this paper is to clarify how privacy is defined in the academic literature, what the different concepts of privacy have in common, what distinguish them from one another, and what advantages and disadvantages such definitions have in order to clarify if there is a gap in the existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This contribution constructs theoretically founded typologies in order to systemize the existing literature of privacy studies and to analyse examples of privacy (threats). Therefore, it mainly is a theoretical approach combined with illustrative examples.

Findings

This paper contains a systematic discussion of the state of the art of privacy studies by establishing a typology of existing privacy definitions and discussing commonalties and differences. In this paper, it is argued that the existing literature is insufficient for studying privacy. Therefore, a critical contribution to privacy studies is needed.

Originality/value

A critical contribution to privacy studies avoids pitfalls of the existing literature and strives for the development of theoretical and empirical research methods in order to focus on privacy in the context of domination, asymmetrical power relations, resource control, social struggles, and exploitation.
Do higher education computing degree courses develop the level of moral judgement required from a profession?
Authors: Holland Lynda
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Higher education (HE) in the past has been found to have a positive effect on the moral development of students from a variety of disciplines, decreasing conventional and increasing post‐conventional moral reasoning progressively at each level of study. This research aims to explore to what extent changes in moral judgement could be detected in students on computing degree courses, at three different stages of study, in order to establish if HE in the twenty‐first century has a similar effect and what level of moral awareness computing graduates/practitioners exhibit.

Design/methodology/approach

The research takes the form of an exploratory case study which aimed to investigate the current situation in one institution. The defining issues test (DIT) questionnaire was used to gather data.

Findings

Results showed little difference in the level of post‐conventional thinking between undergraduate students about to enter HE, final year undergraduates and students undertaking postgraduate studies.

Research limitations/implications

This research questions if IT students moral judgement skills are at a level that enables them to be considered professionals.

Practical implications

Recommendations are made for different teaching approaches to be adopted which place greater emphasis on relating learning outcomes to professional codes of conduct, and for computing professional bodies to take a more active role in defining components of courses they accredit.

Social implications

Given the ubiquitous nature of computers and society's high level of dependence on them it is argued that post‐conventional thinking skills are essential for people intending to work with computer technology.

Originality/value

Although the DIT questionnaire is been used extensively, no other research has been found that has utilised it to analyse moral judgement levels of HE students within the same subject discipline, at different levels of study.
Even greener IT
Authors: Ben Fairweather N.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at current practices and associated consumption patterns in information technology (IT), looking at how impacts of IT, for good and ill, will be evaluated by green theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes an interdisciplinary approach drawing together literatures from a variety of fields, including green theory, information systems, green economics, computing, energy studies, cultural studies, waste management, and transport research.

Findings

Feedback effects that cause early replacement of software and hardware form a complex, environmentally harmful, vicious circle that can appropriately be called “the upgrade treadmill”. Considering wider impacts of IT suggests that imperatives to renovate, rather than replace, hardware are stronger than narrower considerations of “green IT” would suggest, and there is a responsibility on those involved in the academic disciplines associated with training future IT professionals to try to work against the “upgrade treadmill”.

Originality/value

This paper is novel in exposing green IT to green theory. In doing so, it seeks to move consideration of green IT onto a more rounded basis.
Significant changes to FINRA's Know Your Customer and Suitability rules to take effect in 2011
Authors: Lawrence Polk S. , Stadler Avital
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain two new FINRA rules: Rule 2090 (Know Your Customer) and Rule 2111 (Suitability).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the two rules, the expanded requirements in the new suitability rule, and an expansion in the list of factors an associated person is required to consider as part of a customer's investment profile before making a recommendation.

Findings

FINRA's new suitability rule is notable for three reasons: the revised rule covers investment strategies and explicit recommendations to hold securities; it expands the necessary factors for making a suitability determination; and it includes definitions for three specific suitability evaluations.

Practical implications

Prior to the effective dates of the new rules, most likely in the Fall of 2011, firms may want to consider whether to develop additional procedures to gather customer “investment profile” information and whether to memorialize that information in written form.

Originality/value

This paper provides practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
Recent SEC sweep highlights the need for US investment advisers seeking business from sovereign wealth funds to develop policies for FCPA compliance
Authors: Pittman Edward L. , Krause Cheryl A. , Bogle Thomas C. , Danilewitz Justin C.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explain the provisions of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act that may be applicable to investment advisers seeking investments from foreign governments.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the background of the FCPA and its applicability to investment advisers, recommends policies and procedures for advisers to employ to reduce the risk of FCPA actions, recommends due diligence practices for third‐party relationships, and reminds advisers seeking business opportunities outside the USA of the importance of compliance with foreign anti‐bribery laws.

Findings

The FCPA applies to investment advisers whenever they seek a benefit, directly or indirectly, from a foreign official, as in the course of seeking investments in a sovereign wealth fund.

Practical implications

Given the SEC's increased interest in pay‐to‐play activities, investment advisers who are seeking investments outside the USA should carefully review their existing FCPA policies, or develop new policies if they have not done so already.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
Emerging issues under interim final regulation on plan service provider fee disclosure
Authors: Occhino Lennine , Shore Linda , Gosker Erika
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe interpretive and compliance issues arising under the Labor Department's interim final regulations under the statutory exemption for the provision of services provided by Section 408(b)(2) of ERISA, which will become effective on January 1, 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the published interim final regulations and considers significant comments filed in response to the proposed regulations.

Findings

Effective January 1, 2012, covered service providers who rely on the statutory exemption for the provision of services provided by Section 408(b)(2) must begin complying with the interim final amendments to the regulations under Section 408(b)(2) (the “Regulation”). Among other changes, the Regulation will require service providers to provide additional disclosures of direct and indirect compensation and to identify whether they expect that they will be providing services as a fiduciary or as a registered investment adviser. The primary purpose of the Regulation is to assist plan sponsors in evaluating service provider relationships, including total compensation that will be received by the service provider and conflicts of interests to which the service provider may be subject. The Regulation will apply to both new and existing service provider arrangements on January 1, 2012. Failure to comply with the Regulation may result in the assessment of excise taxes under Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code unless other exemptive relief is available. Service provider arrangements may be eligible for exemptive relief under certain other statutory and administrative exemptions.

Originality/value

The paper describes possible compliance issues that may arise under the Regulation and identifies and evaluates interpretive and compliance issues that have been noted since the proposed amendments were published.
FSA discussion paper on product intervention
Authors: Gleeson Simon , Bates Chris , Morris Charles
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to discuss the implications of the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) January 25, 2011 discussion paper, DP11/1 Product Intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the FSA's previous regulatory approach; the limited usefulness of disclosure in consumer protection; the impact of trends toward a direct adviser fee structure and the phasing out of commission‐based remuneration; the FSA's perceived need to become more directly involved in the product development process; various ways in which the FSA might intervene including product pre‐approval, product banning, and price intervention; and possible limitations on the FSA's power to intervene.

Findings

The key issues raised by the FSA discussion paper are a new interventionist stance taken by the FSA and prospectively by its successor the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); the increased focus on the product itself (in addition to disclosure and point of sale); and the possible extension in the scope of the FSA's existing powers.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical insight from experienced financial services lawyers.
Plug and play brokerage: the new model of the high‐service open architecture broker‐dealer
Authors: Norman Sobol Robert
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to make investment compliance professionals aware of the new model of the flexible, high‐service open architecture broker‐dealer – which is characterized as the “plug and play” online brokerage.

Design/methodology/approach

An analogy is made to “plug and play” computer devices, which allow computer systems to recognize and work with new devices as soon as they are connected. It is explained that, in the same way, the “plug and play” brokerage, because of its predominantly open architecture investment products and services, is able to much more easily “recognize” the investments, methodologies, and tools of investors and financial intermediaries new to its platform.

Findings

The model has a wide and deep array of brokerage and investment products and services available, many of them at much lower cost than similar products or services at full service or wirehouse firms. The previous “friction” of movement of investors and financial advisors from one brokerage to another, due to firm‐specific fund share classes, proprietary trading and investment management tools, or exclusive investment opportunities, has been dramatically reduced.

Practical implications

The developments described will help to ensure a more educated investor population and a more consistent investment activity experience for the investing public and their financial advisors. The regulatory and compliance issues confronted by this type of firm are not substantially different from those faced by any other online brokerage firm, except perhaps with respect to the substantial lack of proprietary products and therefore associated potential conflicts.

Originality/value

This thorough description of the services offered through this new model and its implications for the brokerage industry will educate investment compliance and other financial services professionals about these critical new developments.
Summary of selected FINRA regulatory notices, January‐February 2011
Authors: Davis Henry A.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this summary is to provide excerpts of selected Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Regulatory Notices and Disciplinary Actions issued in January and February 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides excerpts from FINRA Regulatory Notice 11‐03, January 2011, Order Audit Trail System (OATS): FINRA Expands the Order Audit Trail System to All NMS Stocks; Notice 11‐06, February 2011, Reporting Requirements: SEC Approves Consolidated FINRA Rule Governing Reporting Requirements; and Notice 11‐07, February 2011, Sanction Guidelines: FINRA Revises the Sanction Guidelines.

Findings

Regulatory Notice 11‐03: Effective July 11, 2011, FINRA will begin expanding, in three phases, the order recording and reporting obligations in the OATS Rules to include orders in all NMS stocks, in addition to OTC equity securities. Notice 11‐06: The SEC approved FINRA's proposal to adopt a rule governing reporting requirements for the consolidated FINRA rulebook. The rule requires member firms to: report to FINRA certain specified events and quarterly statistical and summary information regarding written customer complaints; and file with FINRA copies of certain criminal actions, civil complaints and arbitration claims. Notice 11‐07: Advises FINRA firms of modifications to the FINRA Sanction Guidelines, which reflect the experience of FINRA's Departments of Market Regulation and Enforcement in settling and litigating cases, and incorporate the teachings of federal appellate court and SEC precedent in recent FINRA disciplinary cases.

Originality/value

These are direct excerpts designed to provide a useful digest for the reader and an indication of regulatory trends. The FINRA staff is aware of this summary but has neither reviewed nor edited it. For further detail as well as other useful information, the reader should visit: www.finra.org
An investigation of Toyota's social‐technical systems in production leveling
Authors: Marksberry Phillip , Badurdeen Fazleena , Maginnis M.A.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze Toyota's production levelling process in an attempt to understand the various social and technical factors required to produce to a changing market. Unfortunately, most outsiders who explore production levelling do not realize that it involves various departments outside of manufacturing. Consequently, due to the dynamic nature of production levelling many unintended social and management factors between departments makes cooperation difficult.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a case study at one of Toyota's automobile plants to examine the level of departmental and social integration that is applied when implementing production levelling. Based on observations, the problems of production levelling are analyzed and, accordingly, possible solutions are explored.

Findings

The findings of this work show that Toyota achieves production levelling because it is viewed as a company‐wide activity that cuts across many departments in promoting manufacturing consistency. Production levelling criteria include both the design and manufacturing aspects which brings evidence that manufacturing is limited in its ability to eliminate and reduce market fluctuation. The work also illustrates that Toyota reinforces departmental cooperation through its human resources policies, and many other unique management mechanisms.

Originality/value

The paper provides new insight on how Toyota achieves production levelling by considering a more holistic and social‐technical approach. In particular, interdepartmental activities are emphasized in achieving company‐wide goals that impact how departments agree to operate.
A systems engineering approach to supply chain auditing
Authors: Childerhouse P. , Towill D.R.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the theoretical foundations, development, and application of the quick scan audit methodology (QSAM) for comparative evaluation of supply chains via uncertainty codification and material flow assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

Charts the evolution of QSAM via the Parnaby concept of a manufacturing system leading to a control model representation of a value stream. Monitoring in process and critical interface material and information flows provide the substantive data to evaluate supply chain health. The authors show how QSAM satisfies the six desirable attributes previously established as advantageous when value stream auditing.

Findings

Basing QSAM on this particular systems approach readily leads to transferability of approach to new market sectors and new companies within the same sector. It ensures comparability via uncertainty levels to be established. Hence, using statistical cluster analysis “best practice” may be identified and annotated.

Research limitations/implications

There may yet be specific supply chain regimens where uncertainty codification is insufficient to reach a definitive conclusion. However, QSAM is now sufficiently mature that it has been applied successfully and widely beyond its original systems‐friendly European automotive sector.

Practical implications

A systematic, non‐industry‐specific audit method based on systems modelling builds confidence into comparability studies and identification of “exemplars” exhibiting best practice. The importance of understanding and satisfying the expectations of the four “players” in the QSAM balanced scorecard is discussed and exemplified.

Originality/value

QSAM is an original contribution which fits well into the spectrum of excellence measurement techniques. The two established extremes are vertical case studies (European style) and horizontal surveys (US style). QSAM brings together certain strengths of each so that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
The influence of purchasing strategies on manufacturing performance
Authors: Thrulogachantar P. , Zailani Suhaiza
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the importance of purchasing strategies contribution on manufacturing performance, realizing purchasing function as a key component in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 750 questionnaires were distributed via e‐mail and resulted in 158 questionnaires or 21 percent being returned with complete information and used for statistical analysis, to study the significant level of the constructed model among manufacturing firms located in major industrial states in Malaysia.

Findings

The results obtained reveal that purchasing strategies create significant positive impact on manufacturing performance which comprises the competitive priorities of the firms in terms of quality, cost, cycle time, new product introduction time line, delivery speed and dependability and finally, customization responsiveness performance.

Research limitations/implications

Manufacturing firms should focus on purchasing strategies, effective negotiation, supplier collaborative relationship and interaction; effective cost management and supply base management as navigators for their excellence performance in the current volatile market conditions.

Originality/value

The paper shows that purchasing strategies are vital for manufacturing firms in order to remain competitive and relevant in the challenging and competitive business environment.
Proceed with caution: technology fetishism and the millennial generation
Authors: Alvi Shahid
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the impact of information communication technology on the learning process and on the profession of teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews arguments for and against the use of technology in the classroom and draws on student comments on technology use in the classroom.

Findings

The paper problematizes the indiscriminate use of technology to enhance pedagogy, arguing that we do not know enough at this point to fully embrace such technologies. Educators should therefore be cautious about adopting such methods until more rigorous research on their efficacy has been conducted. Moreover, educators should be engaging in conversations about the ways in which such technologies might be impacting the academic labour process.

Originality/value

The arguments presented here have been assembled as a way of framing what should be an ongoing and critical discussion regarding the value added by ubiquitous computing in academic settings.
Mining and visualising information from RSS feeds: a case study
Authors: O'Shea Martin , Levene Mark
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Recent years have seen “really simple syndication” or “rich site summary”(RSS) syndication of frequently updated content become ubiquitous across the internet. RSS's XML‐based format allows these data to be stored in a semi‐structured format but, despite the presence of online aggregators and readers, and the related work in clustering feeds and mining subjects by keywords, much potentially useful information present in RSS may remain undiscovered. This paper aims to address this issue in an experimental setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents two distinct technologies which employ the semi‐structured nature of RSS content to allow users to mine information directly from raw RSS feeds: occurrence mining counts occurrences of text strings in feeds, whilst value mining mines structured ticker tape numeric data. It describes both technologies and their implementation in an experiment, where 35 students mined small numbers of RSS feeds and visualised the data mined.

Findings

This paper analyses the results of the experiment and cites examples of data mined and visualisations produced. The subject matter of data mined is also explored and potential applications of the technologies are considered.

Research limitations/implications

The mining technologies proposed in this paper have been developed to mine textual and numeric data directly from feeds, but can be extended to mine other data types present in RSS and to include other variants like Atom.

Originality/value

These technologies are seen to be applicable to data mining, the role of data and visualisations in social data analysis, issue tracking in news mining and time series analysis.
Strategic development and growth of emerging renewable energy ventures from China
Authors: Ng Artie W. , Nathwani Jatin
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Entrepreneurial ventures in the emerging renewable energy sector in China represent a variety of dynamic growth strategies that are stimulated by the domestic energy policy and the evolution of the value chain driven by technological advancements. This paper aims to examine the underlying real options among these first movers to proceed with their further strategic development and finance means.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is launched to look into the emerging renewable energy sector unveiling challenges in the growth and development of renewable energy ventures (REVs) in China. Three main types of REVs are differentiated based on their technology intensity.

Findings

The prospect of international technology transfer through mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the next phase of evolution within the sector is articulated. A theoretical framework on complementary developments in the value chain is revealed with four propositions.

Practical implications

This paper enables the stakeholders in the renewable energy sector to critically reexamine the pathways of strategic development and finance of REVs over an evolving technological landscape.

Originality/value

This study integrates the theoretical real options into technology management issues pertinent to REVs under the contemporary tactics via cross‐border M&As.
Strategic management accounting of social networking site service company in China
Authors: Steve Fong C.C.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Social networking site (SNS) service is a popular cultural issue that affects communication methods and mannerisms. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the case of the growth and development of a China SNS service company using the strategic management accounting (SMA) spectrum.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper primarily employs archival resources such as company reports and newspaper clippings online to provide a business and social developmental context to the study. Three propositions are developed and discussed.

Findings

The study illustrates SMA application in business. It shapes the perception of contemporary accounting, and then delivers an awareness of the relationship among business strategy, accounting, and social life.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on a single case study, thus the findings may not be generalized to other popular culture service companies. The case has shown some reasons why different SMA techniques are used by the company in different stages of the organizational life cycle.

Practical implications

First, in the start‐up stage of an SNS service company, it engages in product development to obtain funding resources and market so as to enhance market share. Second, in the growth stage of SNS service, the company engages in product financing through the capital market and trade financing.

Originality/value

The SNS service has emerged for accounting for popular culture. Such connection is especially found in SMA in different stages of the organizational life cycles as addressed in the study.
Patterns of technological learning and catch‐up strategies in latecomer firms
Authors: Shan Juan , Jolly Dominique R.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of high‐tech industry and the dynamics of technological learning, innovation, entrepreneurship in China through the telecom‐equipment industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper derives a number of research propositions from the literature and then uses four case studies to show how domestic firms narrow their technological gap in different stages of catch‐up and how these firms have been influenced by their innovation capabilities to catch up to the multinationals.

Findings

The major findings of the paper may be summarized as follows. First, the innovation capability and self‐developed technologies have been the key to leading domestic firms in catching‐up with the MNCs. Second, leading domestic firms mainly depend on in‐house R&D development, supplemented with external alliance to build their innovation capability. Third, there are two different catching‐up patterns in China's telecom‐equipment industry. One is “path‐following” catching‐up in global system for mobile communication driven by using new technology in low‐end market. The other is “leapfrogging” catching‐up in the development of phone digital switches and China's own 3G standard (time division – synchronous code division multiple access). However, it seems that the leapfrogging strategy will meet more challenges and problems than the path‐following strategy.

Originality/value

Based on the previous researches about technological learning, innovation and catch‐up in the newly industrializing economies, the paper provides a comprehensive elaboration in Chinese telecommunication industry by using case study approach in an original way.
Social interactions as support for learning about food: the case of the French school cafeteria
Authors: Damay Coralie , Ezan Pascale , Gollety Mathilde , Nicolas‐Hemar Valérie
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Research on consumer socialisation emphasises the role played by different agents as well as the influence of the context in which socialisation takes place. As part of the fight against obesity, this study on the nutritional learning of children seeks to focus specifically on social interactions in the standardised context of the school cafeteria in France. It aims to show how and through what social interactions children learn the rules related to food consumption to identify levers by which to promote healthy eating.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in a French school cafeteria among children aged seven to 11. A qualitative methodology was used. It included direct observations of children when selecting and eating their meals and open interviews. A systematic survey of the components of children's food trays completes this work.

Findings

This work demonstrated the existence of various types of rules and social interactions. Adults appear to be the guarantors of institutional rules (related to the composition of the plates) and cultural rules (not to waste). Peers were marginally involved in the selection of products. The standards of taste and individual preferences indeed appear to be the background to the choices.

Originality/value

From an academic point of view, the paper supports consumer socialisation studies and emphasizes the importance of a systemic approach to human development. In particular, it enriches the research on food learning by showing how social interactions are involved in compliance with institutional rules and cultural norms.
An empirical investigation of fashion consciousness of young fashion consumers in Sri Lanka
Authors: Viranga Rathnayake Chamil
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the fashion consciousness of young consumers in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, and to explain the impact of gender and education on fashion consciousness of young fashion consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey design was used to collect the data and 215 youngsters below 25 years of age were selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to examine the fashion consciousness of respondents. Three factors of fashion consciousness were suggested by exploratory factor analysis procedure, and they were established for further analysis based on the results of confirmatory factor analysis. The study tested three hypotheses to examine the degree of fashion consciousness and the impact of gender and education on fashion consciousness.

Findings

The survey results showed that respondents have a fair level of fashion consciousness and their fashion consciousness was affected by the gender and education. It was highlighted that the fashion consciousness is context‐dependent and the fashion consciousness of young consumers in Sri Lanka is mainly related to their consciousness about Western fashions.

Originality/value

The study stresses the inseparability of fashion consumers' mental status and his/her socioeconomic and cultural surrounding, especially in the post‐colonial context.
“Mom! I've seen that on a commercial!” US preschoolers' recognition of brand logos
Authors: Kinsky Emily S. , Bichard Shannon
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This research seeks to explore 3‐5‐year‐old children's relationships with US commercial logos.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study included a walk through a local store with ten preschool children and their mothers, interviews with the children, and a two‐week diary completed by their mothers.

Findings

Results indicate that, while preschoolers may not know brand names, they often know the product associated with a logo. When shopping, children often reached and pointed toward products at their level. As they recognized brands or products, children often commented on their associations or experiences with them. The diaries revealed a variety of television and film viewing choices for preschoolers and the daily occurrence of logo recognition throughout the environment.

Research limitations/implications

Because this is an in‐depth case study of ten children, the results cannot be generalized. Further study could focus on particular products or brands. The combination of examples set through shopping experiences and media viewing seems to point to social cognitive theory as support for how children are trained to become consumers.

Originality/value

This research effort fills several gaps in the literature. It is a qualitative examination of a question that has previously only been examined quantitatively and, unlike in previous research, logos were selected systematically by using the top ten products advertised in the USA in addition to others that surfaced during research. This study also combines methods that have only been used individually before (i.e. flashcards, in‐store observation and diary).
What really works for teenagers: human or fictional celebrity?
Authors: Jain Varsha , Roy Subhadip , Daswani Aarzoo , Sudha Mari
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relative effectiveness of a human celebrity endorser vis‐à‐vis a fictional celebrity or character endorser on teenage consumers' attitudes. Further, the study also seeks to assess whether the effectiveness varies depending on the nature of the product being endorsed.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the purpose of the study, experimental design was used as the research methodology. In an experimental set‐up three product categories (low‐involvement food/low‐involvement non‐food/high‐involvement) and two endorsers (human celebrity/fictional celebrity) and a control group were deployed in a 3×3 full factorial design on 378 teenagers. Fictitious advertisements were used as stimuli.

Findings

The study suggests that, for food and non‐food low‐involvement product categories, the impact of a human celebrity is more than that of a fictional celebrity. Regarding the purchase intentions of teenagers, it was found that a human celebrity is more effective than a fictional celebrity in food and non‐food low‐involvement products. In the case of the high‐involvement product, the human celebrity was not found to create favorable consumer attitudes.

Research limitations/implications

The study results suggest that celebrity endorsements are useful, but the nature of the product also has an influence on success. One limitation of the study was the restriction to print advertisements.

Practical implications

A major implication from the findings for the managers is that a human celebrity may not always be the right choice for any product promotion for teenagers. More specifically, for high‐involvement products, celebrity endorsement needs to be handled with caution since it may not prove to be successful.

Originality/value

The contribution of the study is in addressing an area that has not been very well researched as yet, and in addressing a research question that has not been investigated properly.
Internalizing problems among cyberbullying victims and moderator effects of friendship quality
Authors: Aoyama Ikuko , Saxon Terrill F. , Fearon Danielle D.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing problems among the youth. Moderator effects of a friendship quality were also investigated to examine if higher friendship quality moderated the negative effects of cyberbullying on psychological states of students.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 463 middle and high school students in Texas participated in an online survey. The frequency of cyberbullying victimization, the level of self‐esteem, depression, anxiety, stress, and the friendship quality were measured.

Findings

There was a statistically significant association between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing problems. This study supported the results of past studies by demonstrating the aversive nature of cyberbullying. However, a quality of friendship quality did not seem to moderate negative psychological effects of cyberbullying. The results indicate the complexity and difficulty of intervening with cyberbullying.

Research limitations/implications

No causality inferences can be made in a cross‐sectional study. Thus, future research should examine the duration of internalizing problems. It would also be helpful to include other moderators.

Practical implications

Although good peer relationships work as a buffer for traditional bullying, the association is not same for cyberbullying. Thus, an existing anti‐bullying program which includes a peer support system may not work for cyberbullying intervention.

Originality/value

Researchers identified the relationship between cyebrbullying victimization and psychological difficulties; however, not all victims suffer from psychological distress; thus, it is necessary to identify what moderates negative effects of cyberbullying. Although moderator effect between cyberbullying and internalizing problems has not been well researched yet, the findings may provide important information to enable the development of effective prevention/interventions.
A Web 2.0‐based collaborative model for multicultural education
Authors: Hossain Mokter , Aydin Hasan
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Web 2.0 is a collaborative web development platform that has had tremendous usage in building effective, interactive, and collaborative virtual societies at home and abroad. Multicultural study is another trend that has tremendous possibilities to help people in the fight against racism and enables them to become active members of a democratic society. Based on the advanced and interactive features, Web 2.0 technologies could be appropriate media to build many virtual collaborative societies among students in local and global classrooms. Students and teachers from any corner of the world would be able to participate in such virtual communities to practice effective multicultural skills with no or minimum cost. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual framework of a Web 2.0 model. This paper focuses the background of Web 2.0 technologies and multiculturalism and a feasibility study of using Web 2.0 technologies in the teaching and learning of multiculturalism, and depicts a conceptual framework involving use of a Web 2.0‐based collaborative model for a multicultural classroom using one of the simple but powerful Web 2.0 tools, blogging technology.

Findings

Web 2.0 technologies could be crucial tools for students, teachers, educators and social workers to build and participate in many virtual collaborative societies to practice effective skills of multiculturalism.

Social implications

Participants from different corners of the world are able to participate in virtual communities simultaneously to practice effective multiculturalism.

Originality/value

This is a newly developed model.
Addressing the needs of students with learning disabilities during their interaction with the web
Authors: Curcic Svjetlana
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of instruction in information problem solving within the world wide web (the web) environment. The participants were 20 seventh and eighth grade students with a learning disability (LD) in reading. An experimental pretest‐posttest control group method was used to investigate the effects of intervention in which the treatment group was instructed in information problem solving with the Big6 Skills model. Both groups utilized an essay map organizer. The students researched science and social studies topics on the internet and the web and wrote reports over a three‐month period.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental pretest‐posttest control group study, with a repeated measures design, and a repeated measures ANOVA analysis.

Findings

Both groups significantly improved in the quality of writing, text length, and navigation. The treatment group significantly outperformed the control group on the measure of text length and text organization. There were no significant differences between the two groups in prior knowledge, motivation, or gender.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted predominantly with the researcher as the instructor in a number of individualized sessions, which limits the generalizability of the study.

Practical implications

This study reveals that students with a reading disability in reading could be taught information problem‐solving skills within the web environment. As technology reshapes our notion of what constitutes “basic skills”, learning with the web calls for instruction in which reading, writing, and information skills should be viewed as interconnected. This interconnection might be especially important for students with LD who are often engaged in practicing various skills in isolation.

Originality/value

This study experimentally examined information problem solving on the web with students with an LD in reading. Much research has been focused on basic reading skills for this group of students, but few studies have examined their learning within electronic environments.
Beyond Jungian synchronicity, decision making via poetical imagery
Authors: Foo Check‐Teck
Published: June 2011

Purpose

In the Western world, Carl Jung was the first to posit a theory of synchronicity to explain the startling divinatory power of the I Ching. Yet long before his time and unbeknownst to the West, the Chinese had already institutionalized as their tradition, simple practices for enabling decisions grounded on the synchronous concept. The purpose of this paper is to explain the process from within the context of Chinese Buddhist spirituality.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach here is to provide the background of Han Chinese Buddhism in modern China and within it, the wide practices of Kuan Yin spirituality and introducing the tools that the Chinese devised for consulting the Goddess of Mercy, as Kuan Yin is otherwise known. Then a discussion is made, for the first time, of the underlying mechanics as well as the mind and energy aspects. Having so introduced the religious background, spirituality, tools and mechanics, the processes of temple consultations for decisions are then explained. In the discussion, a framework for classifying decisions is outlined along with probability concepts. There is also the requirement for the inquirer to seek a metaphorical interpretation of the poetic imagery as contained in the Qian (a slip of paper).

Findings

Through writing this paper, the author wishes readers, both managerial and those in research, to understand what is still the approach (even more widely in China now than before) in how the Chinese – in and outside of China – approach the task of making major, complex decisions. These practices which date from antiquity clearly suggest the Chinese had gone beyond Jungian synchronicity in translating the theory into practice for decision making. In other words, they had long recognized the need for tools, techniques and approaches to help them make complex, difficult decisions: decisions that often go beyond the rational boundaries of the mind.

Practical implications

With the rising impact of the Chinese on the global economy and society, there is clearly a need for works that explain major Chinese processes such as the making of decisions. The art of decision making by the Chinese on the basis of what Jung theorized as synchronicity should become much better understood by researchers and managers.

Originality/value

There are very few academic papers exploring the process of Kuan Yin consultation in decision making by the Chinese. Yet this can be seen across many temples in everyday China and overseas Chinese communities as well as in Japan, Korea and Vietnam. The understanding of such processes is necessary for anyone, who wishes to grasp the minds of the Chinese as regards the process involved in the making of major decisions.
Relationships among customer loyalty programs, service quality, relationship quality and loyalty
Authors: Ou Wei‐Ming , Shih Chia‐Mei , Chen Chin‐Yuan , Wang Kuo‐Chang
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the impact of customer loyalty programs on relationship quality, relationship commitment, and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey with 480 qualified observations from department store customers in Taiwan was conducted. A structural equation modeling approach was used.

Findings

Customer loyalty programs have a partially supported positive impact on relationship quality; service quality has a positive impact on relationship quality; customers with a positive relationship quality impact their relationship commitment; the higher the relationship commitment, the higher the loyalty; and a customer loyalty program partially supports a positive impact on loyalty.

Originality/value

The paper shows that customer loyalty programs have positive influences on loyalty. However, short‐term customer loyalty programs, namely, Minimum Purchase Gift Cards, displayed no significant influence on loyalty. The incentive of short‐term customer loyalty programs is not sufficient for loyalty.