bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The benefits of manufacturer brands to retailers
Authors: Glynn Mark S. , Brodie Roderick J. , Motion Judy
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how manufacturers' brands benefit retailers and how these benefits affect retailer evaluations of the brand.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers develop a conceptual framework, from a literature review and qualitative interviews, which outlines the benefits of manufacturers' brands for retailers. A series of hypotheses tests the effects of these brand benefits on retailer brand attitudes. Data are collected using a survey of supermarket category buyers and analysed with structural equation modelling in order to validate this framework.

Findings

Manufacturers' brands deliver four benefits to retailers: financial, manufacturer support, meeting customers' expectations and brand equity. Financial benefits and customer expectations have a stronger effect on retailer satisfaction with the brand compared to manufacturer support and brand equity. Retailer satisfaction with the brand is an antecedent to the retailer assessment of brand performance as well as trust and commitment of the brand. An alternative model shows that brand equity influences retailer commitment to the brand and that financial benefits affect retailer performance assessment of the brand.

Practical implications

Manufacturers should think of their brands as channel resources when dealing with retail buyers, and need to consider how to best utilise these four brand benefits to encourage channel support.

Originality/value

This study proposes a conceptual model and measures the influence of manufacturer brand benefits on longer term retailer attitudes towards the brand, which research has not previously addressed.
Matching service recovery solutions to customer recovery preferences
Authors: Nguyen Doan T. , McColl‐Kennedy Janet R. , Dagger Tracey S.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to argue that, traditionally, service recovery attempts have paid little attention to customer preferences. Despite attempts to recover the customer, firms generally do not know if the recovery solution is what the customer expects. Hence, the paper seeks to examine whether customer recovery preferences influence customers' evaluation of the recovery attempt in terms of recovery satisfaction and repurchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a two‐stage qualitative study was conducted. Then the research model was tested empirically on a sample of 431 consumers using a multivariate analysis.

Findings

The findings support the argument that customers have distinct recovery preferences. Moreover, customers are satisfied with the service recovery solution only when it matches the most demanding recovery preference. Customers' recovery preferences have a significant impact on their satisfaction with recovery and their repurchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

First, the model developed is tested on a cross‐sectional sample. Second, the measure of recovery satisfaction and repurchase intentions used here was relatively simple. Third, the study relies on repurchase intentions instead of actual behavioural data.

Practical limitations/implications

This research indicates that customers have a preference for how service recovery should be undertaken. Given these distinct recovery preferences, different recovery solutions should be applied to address each preference appropriately.

Originality/value

It is widely accepted in the service recovery literature that customers' perceptions of a service recovery attempt are often different to those of the service provider. However, this research suggests that customer recovery preferences need to be carefully considered given their effect on customer satisfaction and repurchase intentions.
Strategies used to defend pharmaceutical brands from generics
Authors: Wilkie Dean C.H. , Johnson Lester W. , White Lesley
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This research aims to provide an empirical comparison of the results of three brands' marketing defence strategies used in advance of generic brands entering the market. By reviewing the effectiveness of these strategies, this research looks to extend the research on marketing defence strategies into the importance of anticipating competitor launches.

Design/methodology/approach

A data set containing 243 weeks of scanned sales for 21 generic brands was used in a regression model aimed at measuring the effectiveness of each brand's defence strategies in deterring entry and limiting the market share of these generic brands.

Findings

The analysis shows that several marketing mix components were effective in limiting the impact of generic brands. What was critical to each component's success was ensuring that they were implemented before the launch of the generic brands.

Research limitations/implications

This research has the limitation of being confined to a category of pharmaceutical allergy brands, which limits generalisation of the findings.

Practical implications

The managerial relevance of this research has two parts. First, it will encourage managers to move from implementing strategies in reaction to a competitor launch to implementing strategies in advance of their entry. Second, it provides insights into the effectiveness of several strategic options for brands facing the entry of generic brands.

Originality/value

This study brings together literature regarding entry deterrence and market share loss prevention to help highlight the importance of proactive marketing defence strategies in reducing both the number of entrants and the amount of market share lost. It uses a data set to provide an empirical review of a range of marketing mix components used by pharmaceutical brands against low‐price generic brands.
Outsourcing HR services: the role of human resource intermediaries
Authors: Kock Henrik , Wallo Andreas , Nilsson Barbro , Höglund Cecilia
Published: September 2012

Purpose

In this article, the area of interest is an emerging type of organisation called human resource intermediaries (HRIs), which focus on delivering human resource (HR) services to public sector organisations and private companies. The purpose of this article is, thus, to explore HRIs as deliverers of HR services. More specifically, the article will seek to analyse and discuss how employees in HRIs understand their role as providers of HR services to their clients and what characterises the HRIs' work and the nature of their assignments.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical foundation of this article comprises a longitudinal case study of three Swedish HRI organisations. The data consist of interviews with 19 managers and consultants from the three HRIs.

Findings

The results indicate that HRIs want to take on a broad, strategic and proactive role in relation to their customers. However, due to external and internal constraints, such as the HRIs' internal work processes, the nature of their assignments and the client's HR competence level, the roles that HRIs play in practice tend to be more specific, operational and reactive.

Practical implications

An important challenge for HRIs is to avoid being overwhelmed by short‐term and reactive assignments that deliver value to their clients through the use of standard solutions. Long‐term relationships, the structures of ownership and membership, and the availability of unique networks can also prove to be valuable for clients.

Originality/value

This study explores HRIs as an emerging type of organisation within the area of human resources. Compared with HR consultants who specialise in handling specific HR‐related problems, HRIs target the entire flow of human resources in, within, and out of client organisations.
A study of the impact of the first phase of the curriculum reform on student learning in Hong Kong
Authors: Yuen Timothy W.W. , Cheung Alan C.K. , Man Wong Ping
Published: September 2012

Purpose

To prepare Hong Kong students to face a rapidly changing twenty‐first century, the Hong Kong Government implemented a major curriculum reform entitled Learning to Learn – The Way Forward in Curriculum Development. This reform has shaped the direction of Hong Kong's school education since 2001. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the reform from the perspectives of the major stakeholders, namely principals, teachers, and students.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper was written based on the data obtained from a large‐scale study that covered over 250 primary and secondary schools, or about 20 per cent of the total population in Hong Kong. Both qualitative (focus group interviews) and quantitative methods (questionnaire survey) were employed in the study.

Findings

The findings indicated that moderate progress has been made in students’ overall performance in generic skills, positive values and attitudes, language proficiency, and over the key learning areas. On the other hand, the progress made in secondary schools was perceived to be less than that made in primary schools. The views of frontline teachers could also be different from senior teachers and principals as to the degree of achievement. There also existed a gap as the progress reported for critical thinking and self learning abilities might be less favourable when compared to those reported for IT, reading habits and healthy lifestyle.

Originality/value

The original findings and policy suggestions of the paper are of reference value to curriculum policy planners, researchers and educators.
The impact of knowledge conversion processes on implementing a learning organization strategy
Authors: Moh'd Al‐adaileh Raid , Dahou Khadra , Hacini Ishaq
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the influence of the knowledge conversion processes (KCP) on the success of a learning organization (LO) strategy implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study approach, the research model examines the impact of the KCP including socialization, externalization, combination and internalization on implementing a learning organization (LO) strategy in an Algerian international oil company. A sample of 500 managers was asked to respond to questionnaires from which only 416 were valid. Multiple regression analysis is employed to explore the influential processes on the LO strategy.

Findings

The findings revealed that socialization, internalization and combination have a significant impact on the success of a LO strategy. Socialization is the major influential factor, having the strongest impact on LO. However, externalization was found to have no statistical influence on LO.

Practical implications

This research provides evidence concerning the interdependence between knowledge management through KCP and LO.

Originality/value

The research is one of a few studies investigating the relationship between the knowledge conversion processes and learning organization, in contrast to the extensive research taking into consideration the well‐known knowledge process of creating, acquiring, capturing, sharing and using knowledge. This may be one of the first papers exploring the theme of the LO within Algerian business organizations.
Team learning activities
Authors: Albinsson Gunilla , Arnesson Kerstin
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to show how a model for sustainable learning has been formed in the meetings between practitioners and researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

With the point of departure in an interactive research approach, the authors have worked with learning and common knowledge development. Empirical data were collected from nine learning seminars, which were carried out within the framework of an EU project.

Findings

It is shown by means of empirical examples from an ongoing EU project how the pedagogic method of learning seminars came to be a mediating tool for reciprocal learning between researchers, project leaders and project participants.

Originality/value

The learning seminars constituted an important part of a reflexive learning process where the learning consists of both practicable and theoretically anchored knowledge. Together with the project participants, the authors developed a model for sustainable learning. This model consists of a reflection model, which rests on four fundamental conditions; pedagogic leadership, the learning group, problem areas/situation and time aspects. This article fills a significant knowledge gap in terms of the development of learning within organizations.
How knowledge management is affected by organizational structure
Authors: Mahmoudsalehi Mehdi , Moradkhannejad Roya , Safari Khalil
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Identifying the impact of organizational structure on knowledge management (KM) is the aim of this study, as well as recognizing the importance of each variable indicator in creating, sharing and utility of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

For understanding relationships between the main variables (organizational structure‐KM), the authors used statistical analysis and a structural model. A questionnaire was designed based on a literature review. The correlation between variables was examined, then the effects of independent variables on dependent variable were recognized, and finally a structural equation approach was used to perform path analysis, and to examine the effect of exogenous variables on endogenous variables.

Findings

The results suggest that organizational structure is positively related to knowledge management. The findings extend theoretical implications for organizational factor effects on knowledge management. In general, if the characteristics of organizational structure were less centralized, less formalized, more complicated and more integrated, the levels of KM would be enhanced.

Research limitations/implications

A couple of limitations of this study should be noted. The first limitation is the sample size used. There was also inadequate access to scientific research and up to date papers.

Originality/value

The paper presents a clear relationship between organizational structure and knowledge management.
The role of personality congruence, perceived quality and prestige on ready‐to‐wear brand loyalty
Authors: Erdoğmuş İrem , Büdeyri‐Turan Işıl
Published: September 2012

Purpose

In today's marketplace, successful branding requires building strong bonds with the consumers, by creating favorable, strong and unique brand associations in consumer minds. This study aims to identify the role of functional (perceived quality) and symbolic brand associations (personality congruence and brand prestige) in creating brand loyalty in the ready‐to‐wear sector from the perspective of Generation Y consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a structural equation modeling method based on data collected from 564 individuals born between 1977 and 1994. Turkey is chosen as the context of the study based on the fact that the ready‐to‐wear sector is one of the leading sectors in the country and about 30 percent of the population are Generation Y consumers.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that perceived quality has a direct positive effect on brand loyalty, suggesting appearance and product quality perception are critical in the preferences of Generation Y consumers. Personality congruence and brand prestige, on the other hand, have an indirect positive effect on brand loyalty with the mediation of appearance and product quality.

Practical implications

The practitioners in the sector should devote special attention to appearance quality together with product quality, and construct a high quality and prestigious brand image with the personality traits of sincerity, competence, and excitement.

Originality/value

This study has contributions to branding, ready‐to‐wear, and Generation Y literature combining several important dimensions into a structural model, and examines the interrelationships among these dimensions as well as their effect on brand loyalty.
The dimensionality of fashion‐brand experience
Authors: Kim HaeJung
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This study aims to understand the multifaceted fashion‐brand experience. By identifying the constructs and conceptualizing the building process of fashion‐brand experience, this study also aims to demonstrate the cognitive, affective, and behavioral brand experience dimensions in accordance with the customer‐based brand equity hierarchy. In addition, by comparing two rivaling fashion brands, this study seeks to empirically depict the exclusivity of the Korean apparel market.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on three studies conducted in South Korea, the fashion‐brand experience scale was validated. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling revealed that the scale consisted of brand awareness, brand performance, brand imagery, customer judgments, customer feelings, and customer‐brand resonance according to cognitive, affective and, behavioral brand experience dimensions. Additionally, the brand effect was controlled by comparing the composition of the two brands.

Findings

Fashion‐brand experience highlights the robust affective dimension that is created via the relational extension of brand imagery, customer feelings, and customer‐brand resonance. In addition, as a condition necessary for affective experience, the cognitive brand judgment is created by a credible opinion related to brand performance. On a comparison of the disparity of hypothetical relationships between brands, it may be inferred that Polo proffers both cognitive judgments and affective feelings prior to the resonance experience, while Giordano augments the affective experience by engaging exclusive customer feelings.

Research limitations/implications

Structural relationships among six dimensions of brand experience may vary when different product categories and brands are compared. To improve the generalization of empirical findings, varied consumer samples should be employed, and other control effects, such as personal and cultural factors, should be considered.

Originality/value

To provide insight into the transition of a fashion‐brand experience toward the global consumer experience archetype, this study underscores the unique nature and dimensional structure of fashion‐brand experience by theorizing a customer‐based brand equity approach.
Young Generation Y consumers’ perceptions of sustainability in the apparel industry
Authors: Hill Jessica , Lee Hyun‐Hwa
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Conflicting marketing messages have caused consumers to misunderstand distinctions between sustainability and environmental concern, especially when considering the apparel industry. This study seeks to explore consumers’ actual knowledge and sentiment towards sustainability and environmental issues, both in general and in the apparel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through open‐ended survey questions collected from 80 young Generation Y college students, aged 18‐25.

Findings

Findings show a low level of knowledge of the holistic principle of sustainability and specific adverse effects of the apparel industry. Participants feel steps must be taken towards sustainability, and that every effort helps, despite some skepticism. Results confirm the need for more concise educational and marketing campaigns.

Originality/value

This study sought to provide a snapshot of current young consumers’ attitudes as a tool to encourage more specific and salient directions for future growth of the movement in consumers and companies, adding further insight to the literature on Generation Y as consumers and citizens.
Adult carers quality of life questionnaire (AC-QoL): development of an evidence-based tool
Authors: Joseph Stephen , Becker Saul , Elwick Hannah , Silburn Richard
Published: September 2012

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a new psychometric tool for the assessment of quality of life in adult informal carers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two empirical studies are reported. Study 1 describes the psychometric development. An initial pool of 100 items was constructed and completed by 385 carers across the UK contacted through carers
'
centres. Principal components analysis was then conducted. In study 2, a further 101 carers took part; all completed the scale prior to the intervention and again post-intervention, allowing the authors to test utility as a tool to assess change.

Findings

– Using principal components analysis with study 1 data the number of items was reduced to 40 that assessed eight domains; support for caring, caring choice, caring stress, financial implications, personal growth, sense of value, ability to care and carer satisfaction. In study 2 it was found that respondents scored higher post-intervention compared to pre-intervention.

Research limitations/implications

– There are many carers who are not recognised by services.

Practical implications

– The AC-QoL promises to be a useful addition to the armoury of psychometric tools available for use with adult carers by both practitioners and researchers in health and social care, as well as of use to carers themselves and to policy makers in determining what interventions might be funded and further developed.

Originality/value

– The paper shows that the AC-QoL is original because of its development from both carers and professional perspectives, breadth of coverage, multi-component structure and focus on both negative and positive outcomes.
Including families and carers: an evaluation of the family liaison service on inpatient psychiatric wards in Somerset, UK
Authors: Stanbridge Roger
Published: September 2012

Purpose

– National mental health policies in the UK have a common theme of seeking to develop working partnerships between people who use mental health services, their families and carers and professionals. In Somerset, following a staff training programme, a Family Liaison Service has been developed whereby systemically trained staff work alongside inpatient staff to hold family meetings as part of the assessment and admission process on all wards for working age adults and older people. This article aims to focus on this initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article considers the development of the Family Liaison Service and evaluates its progress based on audit data, feedback from families using the service, and a survey of staff experience. Issues raised in developing family inclusive services are discussed.

Findings

– Evaluation of the service suggests that, although there is still progress to be made, considerable success has been achieved in embedding the service on inpatient units with a substantial increase in meetings held between staff and families. Feedback from families is positive and staff report increased confidence in engaging with families and carers.

Originality/value

– This article describes a transferable model for the implementation of national policy to develop working partnerships with families and carers in mainstream mental health services.
The emotional needs audit (ENA): a report on its reliability and validity
Authors: Tsaroucha Anna , Kingston Paul , Corp Nadia , Stewart Tony , Walton Ian
Published: September 2012

Purpose

– To broaden the range of well-being outcomes that can be measured for patients with depressed mood and/or other mental health issues the aim is to determine the reliability and validity of a self-reported instrument that was designed by the Human Givens Institute to evaluate emotional distress (emotional needs audit – ENA).

Design/methodology/approach

– The ENA was administered to 176 patients, aged between 18-65 years (mean age: 39.2 years). The acceptability of the ENA was examined as well as its internal consistency (Cronbach
'
s alphas). ENA was administered at four time points and test-retest reliability was conducted between times 1 and 2. The data from three scales also administered to these patients (SWLS, CORE-OM and HADS) were used to aid the conduct of the ENA construct validity (concurrent and discriminant). Analysis of the ENA sensitivity/specificity was also performed.

Findings

– All the ENA items (except one) were shown to have good acceptability. The internal consistency was also very strong (Cronbach
'
s alpha: 0.84); the construct validity also revealed positive results for the ENA: concurrent validity (r=0.51-0.62; p
<
0.001); discriminant validity (r=0.22-0.28; p
<
0.01). Test-retest reliability was r=0.46 (p
<
0.001). Finally, ENA demonstrated high sensitivity (80 per cent), and moderate specificity (35 per cent).

Originality/value

– ENA was shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring wellbeing, quality of life and emotional distress. It also allows insight into the causes of symptoms, dissatisfaction and distress. It is suggested that this tool has complementarity to standardised tools when used in clinical practice.
Neoliberal peace and the development deficit in post‐conflict Sierra Leone
Authors: Vitalis Pemunta Ngambouk
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the structural factors responsible for why “donor darling” has not changed the pitfalls of stagnation and lifted post‐conflict Sierra Leone out of poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a bottom‐up approach (“through the eyes of the poor”) and a combination of primary and secondary research methods – substantial desk research to investigate and review documentation related to the project and field interviews with development stakeholders at the national, district, and community levels with humanitarian aid workers, local civil society organisations, international non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and national government officials.

Findings

It is argued that aid without the necessary local institutional structure for effective coordination and stringent aid conditionality – and therefore narrow focus – has stifled sustainable socio‐economic development initiatives. The international community's narrow definition and support for liberal peace, in tandem with the overarching neoliberal economic paradigm and failure to embrace an inclusivist approach to peacebuilding, has further stonewalled effective reconstruction, growth and development.

Originality/value

The paper calls the attention of development NGOs to be self‐reflexive, “wear native spectacles”, coordinate their actions and avoid “development as dependence”, by prioritizing what matters most to the beneficiaries of development. The basis of effective and sustainable socio‐economic development is institutional building.
Constraints of grassland science, pastoral management and policy in Northern China
Authors: Taylor James
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the implications of policies, practices and new “non‐equilibrium” management approaches in mobile grassland management.

Design/methodology/approach

The author takes an actor‐oriented perspective on the narrative of land‐use practices, notional sustainable stocking rates and the problematic of state policy interventions in local context. The paper is based on two years in the field on a bilateral aid‐funded grassland management project at Xing'an League, Inner Mongolia and follow‐up among selected informants.

Findings

The constitution of grasslands “degradation” is in fact contested by resource users. Most grassland scientists, Party and Government officials in China have tended to associate ethnic “minority” mobile pastoralists with destructive cultural practices that, they argue, have led to ecological decline on the steppes. This argument is integral to the “degradation narrative” that underpins the discourse on grassland science. The conventional bio‐ecology emphasis on species dominance (growth‐form), in fact says little about the extent of anthropogenic impacts on above‐ground biomass and whether these factors have been the cause of degradation. The paper suggests that greater consideration is given to specific changes in human activity, climatic and plant productivity over time and space, based on endogenous, flexible seasonal estimates.

Research limitations/implications

Although presenting challenges to conventional grassland science based on endogenous experiences and herder practices, it may have specific geopolitical limits to more general scaling‐up in different contexts.

Practical implications

The paper discusses new modalities of non‐equilibrium grassland management, inverting normative top‐down approaches to controlling environmental degradation, livestock distribution and stocking rates.

Social implications

The paper suggests rethinking the use of customary practices, vernacular knowledge and the social organisation of herders in the design of sustainable grassland management.

Originality/value

The paper may be valuable to practitioners, rural development planners, funders and researchers interested in the use of integrated, cross‐disciplinary, new ecological knowledge in grassland management.
Determinants of cyclicality in the current account balance
Authors: Kandil Magda
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the role of public and private imbalances in the cyclicality of the current account balance in a sample of advanced and developing countries. Within developing countries, the evidence does not establish the dependency of private investment on private savings and private consumption is the main driver of the saving/investment balance. In contrast, private savings seem to be better mobilized to finance private investment and the latter is the main driver of the saving/investment balance in advanced countries. Deterioration in the current account balance in response to higher private consumption could be detrimental to growth and external stability. In contrast, an investment strategy that promotes growth is likely to attract financial flows and reduce the risk of a widening current account deficit on external stability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper studies determinants of the current account deficit. It studies current account fluctuations in the short‐run and explains these fluctuations by analyzing movements in the underlying components: public and private savings as well as investments and resulting imbalances. Of particular interest is the interaction between the government budget deficit, the private saving/investment balance, and the current account balance.

Findings

Using time‐series estimates, co‐movements indicate that fluctuations in the current account balance in many advanced countries appear to be driven by private investment that determines cyclicality in imports. In contrast, cyclicality in the current account appears to be driven by private consumption that determines fluctuations in imports in many developing countries. In general, fluctuations in the government budget deficit are mostly driven by government investment and fluctuations in the private saving/investment balance are mostly driven by fluctuations in private investment. Further, fluctuations in the current account balance appear to be mostly driven by fluctuations in the private saving/investment balance.

Originality/value

The paper explains the dynamics of the current account in relation to developments in public and private imbalances and its underlying components. It shows the effects of changes in the budget deficit and its underlying components on cyclicality in the current account. Similarly, cyclicality in the current account balance with cyclical movements in private savings and investment is studied, along with which factors affect the components of the current account balance. In particular, the paper establishes which components of the current account significantly respond to the cyclical changes in macroeconomic variables.
Populism in the Caribbean: a case study of Curaçao
Authors: Goede Miguel
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an example of populism in the Caribbean. Populism is a worldwide phenomenon but little has been published about the development of populist politics in the Caribbean region, where it may find a unique expression.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on an analysis of the popular media, which were monitored from January 2010 until October 2011. The discourse and presentations of politicians were examined and analyzed. The resulting analyses were shared and debated with political observers and other stakeholders. An early draft of this paper was reviewed by a number of peers who added some critical insights1.

Findings

Populism in the Caribbean is an important phenomenon, because the region has all of the conditions that are necessary for it to thrive.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the analysis of populism in small Caribbean islands.
Towards a campus culture of environmental sustainability
Authors: Levy Brett L.M. , Marans Robert W.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The authors led an interdisciplinary team that developed recommendations for building a “culture of environmental sustainability” at the University of Michigan (UM), and the purpose of this paper is to provide guidance on how other institutions might promote pro‐environmental behaviors on their campuses.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors synthesize research on fostering environmental behavior, analyze how current campus sustainability efforts align with that research, and describe how they developed research‐based recommendations to increase environmental sustainability on the UM campus.

Findings

Analyses of prior research suggest that there are five factors that influence individuals' pro‐environment behaviors: knowledge of issues; knowledge of procedures; social incentives; material incentives; and prompts/reminders. Given these factors, UM should pursue three types of activities to support the development of pro‐environment behaviors: education, engagement, and assessment.

Practical implications

The specific recommendations in this report are for the University of Michigan. However, other institutions interested in fostering a culture of environmental sustainability might benefit from undertaking similar comprehensive assessments of how they could support community members' development of pro‐environment behavior and knowledge.

Originality/value

The paper builds on prior research to offer a new vision for how to develop a culture of environmental sustainability on a large university campus.
Embracing the learning paradigm to foster systems thinking
Authors: Habron Geoffrey , Goralnik Lissy , Thorp Laurie
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Michigan State University developed an undergraduate, academic specialization in sustainability based on the learning paradigm. The purpose of this paper is to share initial findings on assessment of systems thinking competency.

Design/methodology/approach

The 15‐week course served 14 mostly third and fourth‐year students. Assessment of learning arose through one short answer exam, one interactive small group dialogue exam, homework assignments, completion of an online community engagement tutorial, and completion of a final reflective project (either in a group or individual).

Findings

The range of assessments enabled the authors to provide “frequent and ongoing feedback,” “a long time horizon for learning,” and “stable communities of practice.” Students had multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning progress in a variety of forms and contexts across multiple intelligences.

Research limitations/implications

Despite attempts to actively promote the kind of frequent and authentic assessment advocated in the literature, the authors' results suggest the need for a consistent and valid assessment measure with an agreed upon rubric and stable assessment across multiple reviewers.

Practical implications

The authors recommend that the proper activities and rubrics exist to match a program's competencies before implementing the approach.

Social implications

The examples described in the paper provide some concrete assignments and approaches linked to the pedagogy of teaching and learning amenable to many other educational institutions in support of the UN Education for Sustainable Development effort.

Originality/value

The authors' approach provides a unique attempt at implementing and assessing a competency‐based approach to implementing the learning paradigm to foster sustainability systems thinking.
A pre‐ and post‐evaluation of integrating sustainability curriculum by inserting Okala modules into an interior design materials and methods course
Authors: Schneiderman Deborah , Freihoefer Kara
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the integration of Okala curriculum into Interior Design coursework. Okala, as a teaching package, is utilized extensively in industrial design education. However, this study examines the expansion and insertion of Okala modules in an existing interior design curriculum. The Okala modules included were: broad ecological information, eco‐design history, and strategies and processes for ecological design implementation. To interpret if the integration was effective, an online survey was developed and distributed to students enrolled in the course.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was administered at the end of the spring 2009 semester. To evaluate the effectiveness of Okala modules and the perceived perceptions of the students' awareness toward the environment – ecologically, economically and sustainably – the researchers used the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) questionnaire. Developed by Dunlap and Van Liere in 1978, the NEP has been a reliable instrument in several previous studies, has measured other populations' attitudes toward the environment, and correlates well with the intent of researching Okala modules.

Findings

The key findings suggest that the incorporation of Okala modules: heightened students' confidence that humans' ability to produce environmentally‐friendly technologies will not allow for environmental collapse; equalized students' feelings about humans' and nature's rights; and did not change students' perception about Earth's capabilities and limits. Overall, the study had successfully determined students' environmental feelings prior to and after course instruction.

Originality/value

This paper exposes the importance of integrating sustainable development and interdisciplinary coursework into the content of a curriculum‐required course.
An organisational response to an increase in suicides: a case study
Authors: Burke Wendy , Colmer Denise , Johnson Neil , Leigh Jane , Key Brian , Parker Catherine
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the development of a real time suicide alert system and to identify how, as a result, organisations were able to respond in a timely way to an increasing trend in suicides within the County Durham and Darlington area.

Design/methodology/approach

Between October 2008 and August 2009 an unprecedented concentration of suicides occurred in County Durham, North East England. As a result, an independent review of these deaths was conducted in 2009/2010. Recommendations from the review were implemented and included the development of a real time suicide alert system.

Findings

Following implementation of the real time suicide alert system in autumn 2010 a further significant concentration of cases was immediately identified. A total of 24 deaths were identified between September and December 2010. There was a wide geographical spread across County Durham and Darlington. The case profiles revealed a number of risk factors including recent bereavement, relationship difficulties and financial problems. In addition sleeplessness, low mood and problems associated with housing were also identified. Men under the age of 50 years accounted for over 63 per cent of the cases. An organisational response in County Durham and Darlington was triggered by the information provided via the real time alert. The response was framed by the case profiles, evidence from the literature and lessons learned from other areas in the UK that had also experienced an escalation of suicide cases. In January 2011 there were no further potential suicides in County Durham and Darlington and the three‐month rolling average number of suicides returned to below expected limits, and this remains the case as of December 2011. No direct correlation between the work of the response team across County Durham and Darlington and rate of suicides resuming within normal limits can be claimed, indeed many of the initiatives are still being evaluated but the organisation now has much better control over the ability to respond, characterised by timely evidence based interventions and improved partnership working.

Practical implications

The development of a local real time suicide alert system can reduce the delay in the reporting of potential suicides and can identify trends; it can also provide the basis for a timely organisational response.

Originality/value

This paper describes an innovative multiagency approach to the problem of delay in the notification of suicides. This will be of interest to commissioners and providers who may want to develop similar systems so that they can immediately identify an escalation of deaths due to suicide and respond in timely manner.
Towards a public health psychology
Authors: Seager Martin
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This paper argues for the need for a public health psychology based on the same epidemiological principles that came from the medical work of John Snow in the Victorian era.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the work of a national advisory group set up in 2006, evidence is put forward that supports the existence of universal psychological needs underlying the human condition and human well‐being. In a country with a low rating from UNICEF for well‐being amongst its young people, the case is made for using these principles to inform health practice and policy rather than responding reactively to mental health disorders as discrete conditions.

Findings

The paper finds that effective health services and happier communities can only hope to be built by having an explicit scientific model of the human condition that includes universal psychological needs.

Originality/value

The paper argues the need for an effective public health psychology based on the universal psychological needs of the human condition.
Outward FDI trends from India: emerging MNCs and strategic issues
Authors: Singal Ajay , Jain Arun Kumar
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the int4ernationalization path(s) of emerging multinational corporations (MNCs) from India applying the existing theories. Later on, the paper aims to check for newer explanations using fresh concepts, if required.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies upon information from published sources and company annual reports. The authors took CNX100 firms operating in three sectors: viz. automotive, pharmaceuticals and information services, and studied their path of internationalization to draw conclusions.

Findings

Existing theories do not fully explain the internationalization process of emerging MNCs from India. The paper develops a fresh capability‐based model based on the trends that Indian firms build strategic capability before going for asset accumulation to compete at global levels. For this they use various approaches including strategic alliances, joint ventures, and technology acquisition.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual framework has not been empirically tested.

Originality/value

The paper suggests a fresh conceptual framework “capabilities‐then‐size” that defines the strategic path firms from emerging economies can take to internationalize and compete at global level.
Quality of life and health promotion intervention – a follow up study among newly‐arrived Arabic‐speaking refugees in Malmö, Sweden
Authors: Eriksson‐Sjöö Tina , Cederberg Margareta , Östman Margareta , Ekblad Solvig
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This study aims to illuminate self‐perceived health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among newly‐arrived Arabic‐speaking refugees in Malmö, Sweden participating in a specific group Health Promotion activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data consist of questionnaires, observations and oral evaluations in groups. Questions about HRQoL was measured by EQ‐5D self‐assessment containing five dimensions and three response options of severity, including a visual analog health rating scale. Participants' sleep patterns were measured by a sleep and recovery questionnaire with questions about sleep quality and sleep quantity.

Findings

The results show that disturbed sleep relates to EQ‐5D variables and to health rating scores. Moreover, there are changes over time and participants' perceptions of their health and quality of life in most EQ‐5D variables have significantly increased after the end of activity. In the variables pain and depression an improvement remains even at second follow up and health rating scores are higher at both follow ups relative to what it was originally. Sleep and recovery problems were perceived as less difficult at the course completion and second follow up.

Research limitations/implications

Because of practical and ethical reasons there is an absence of a control group in this study.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for education in medicine, health care and social work, for the design of the refugee reception programs and for the inter‐professional collaborations.

Originality/value

The paper shows that health promotion interventions in group setting in the first stage of resettlement turn out to be useful according to HRQoL and knowledge of the health care system.
Student learning needs in psychiatry
Authors: Halder Neel , Pearson Rachel , Ricci Chang Lik‐Chee
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This study aims to explore the area of learning materials used by students in their psychiatry placement in more detail, and to identify any gaps not adequately filled currently. It also seeks to explore student interest in psychiatry and whether they are considering pursuing it as a future career.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a cross sectional study, using questionnaires completed by medical students about their psychiatric undergraduate placement at Manchester University.

Findings

Of 144 students, 126 responded (response rate 87.5 per cent). Students spent a mean of 10.1 hours a week studying psychiatry (outside formal teaching). Handouts from lectures or tutors were most commonly used (by 95.2 per cent of respondents) with journals and podcasts being the least common (18.5 per cent and 17.5 per cent, respectively). Psychiatric textbooks were the most useful material for learning about psychiatry. Students identified the need for better quality, more structured and more frequent teaching (n=58). They also identified a need for greater clinical experience and increased availability of resources such as textbooks.

Research limitations/implications

Knowing what materials and resources students prefer to learn from will be crucial to maximize the delivery of an enjoyable and educational psychiatry module. This in turn may result in more students choosing psychiatry as a career. Larger studies are required to support the findings in this study.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, there is very little published research into what materials medical students use to learn for their psychiatry placement.