bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social network online communities: information sources for apparel shopping
Authors: Park Huiju , Cho Hira
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This study aims to understand how social network online communities affect information seeking behavior and decision making for apparel shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted using a developed research model that hypothesized the effects of selected variables on information seeking behavior at social network online communities. The analyzed data were 186 samples collected from female college students who had more than three months of experience at a social network online community.

Findings

The results confirmed the positive relationship between commitment to a social network online community and information seeking behavior at the community. This relationship was expected to be moderated by individuals' sensitivity to group conformity. A visual inspection of the plot suggested a meaningful implication, but no significant statistical results were identified in a following test. Results also found commitment will be developed when the individuals are psychologically attached to the community.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization of the results in a larger population is cautioned because the collected data represent specific demographics.

Practical implications

Apparel retailers may want to utilize the results of this study to develop an online community representing the company brands. In order to increase members' psychological attachment and commitment to an online apparel brand community, key strategies should be focused on providing active and enjoyable interactions among the community members through unique/creative communication methods, fun experiences, and diverse off‐line events.

Originality/value

It was previously unknown how a social network online community influences apparel consumers' decision making, but this was investigated by the current study.
Consumer behavior and purchase intention for organic food
Authors: Paul Justin , Rana Jyoti
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to understand the behavior of ecological consumers and their intention to purchase organic food. The study aims to determine the factors influencing consumer behavior towards organic food.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used for the data collection was a face‐to‐face interview, using a structured questionnaire, with closed‐ended questions. In total, 463 respondents participated in the survey. It was decided to use various multivariate analyses like multiple regressions, factor analysis and cluster analysis with large sample size.

Findings

The results indicate that health, availability and education from demographic factors positively influence the consumer's attitude towards buying organic food. Overall satisfaction of consumers for organic food is more than inorganic food but the satisfaction level varies due to different factors.

Practical implications

This study suggests that retailers can develop effective marketing program and strategies to influence consumers positively. They can emphasize the health benefits and quality of organic food. They can make these products easily available to attract consumers to buy organic food.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insight into consumer behavior regarding organic food by examining the factors that influence consumers' intention to purchase organic food, within the Indian context. The lessons can also be replicated in other countries for marketing organic foods.
Country of origin factors influencing US consumers' perceived price for multinational products
Authors: Ha‐Brookshire Jung , Yoon So‐Hyang
Published: August 2012

Purpose

In response to the popularity of multinational products with limited information on countries of origins, this study aims to explore factors influencing consumers' perceived prices for multinational products.

Design/methodological approach

The study performed a 2 (COP)×2 (COM) within‐subjects randomized experimental research, using the USA and China as the countries of parts (COP) and the countries of manufacturing (COM) for cotton apparel. A total of 77 US consumers participated. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed.

Findings

Consumers' income level was important for perceived prices on apparel products made in the USA and/or of US cotton. Expertise was also important for higher pricing of apparel made in the USA of US cotton, while familiarity with COO labeling laws negatively affected perceived prices when apparel was made in China. Perceived sustainability had the largest impact on consumers' perceived prices for apparel made in the USA of Chinese cotton.

Research limitations/implications

The study used a limited sample size and the data were collected through experimental studies. Generalization must be done with caution.

Practical implications

Apparel businesses may want to declare COP, if this country could provide cues to high quality, high price, or excellent design. Apparel businesses that would like to promote US products may want to target those who have a high sense of self‐efficacy and educate consumers with COO labeling rules and regulations.

Originality value

The findings offer significant factors affecting consumers' perceived price on multinationl products, providing business practice recommendations surrounding COP and COM.
Green publishing with green technologies
Authors: Metz Katja , Seadle Michael
Published: August 2012

Purpose

If libraries truly want to be ecologically responsible, they need also to consider the impact of book and journal production on the environment. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology looks at energy consumption in journal production.

Findings

Electronic publication does not produce a perfectly green product, but more of a dark green one with many aspects where energy costs could be saved. A genuinely ecologically friendly publication process requires conscious planning and determination.

Originality/value

Users can stop demanding paper as well as electronic copies, and can also choose more energy‐efficient hardware and energy sources.
Green buildings as sustainability education tools
Authors: Barnes Laura L.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of green building technologies and practices and illustrate how public libraries can use them as tools to teach their communities about sustainability and foster behavior change.

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature searches, case studies analysis, and individual phone and e‐mail interviews, the author identified ways that public libraries can use their buildings to demonstrate green technologies and practices and show their patrons how to apply them at home, at work, and in the community.

Findings

Education is a component of LEED certification. Many LEED certified libraries publicize a list of the green technologies used in their building projects. Some sponsor programs related to the green building and include permanent displays in the library to explain how the technology works. The Fayetteville Public Library went beyond these basic techniques to not only improve the sustainability of their operations but also become a community test bed for a renewable energy project.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on how building projects can be used not only to educate the public about green technologies and practices, but also inspire others to begin using similar techniques at home, at work, and in the community.
Avoiding the death zone: choosing and running a library project in the cloud
Authors: Galvin Denis , Sun Mang
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolving field of cloud computing and its usefulness for library technology departments. It seeks to consider what types of projects are good candidates for the cloud and which are not.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors spent a year trying out different projects using Amazon's Web Service. They discuss what went right and what went wrong. They brought up their own machine image and tested out web sites and applications in the cloud. They discuss the different types of cloud services, evaluating and choosing a provider and the types of projects which best fit into this architecture. Advantages and considerations are highlighted as well as an alternative to the public cloud.

Findings

There are some projects that are better suited to cloud computing than others. Flexibility and cost savings are the best reason for moving projects to the cloud. There are also good and valid reasons not to move some projects off into the cloud.

Originality/value

This is an on‐the‐ground look at running projects in the cloud that used to be done on back‐end servers. The bulk of the paper looks at infrastructure as a service. All of the work that has been done is in production and has been tested for over a year.
Effects of globalization on women in Pakistan
Authors: Zakaria Muhammad , Fida Bashir Ahmad
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse empirically the impact of trade openness on women's development in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Using cointegration analysis the paper empirically analyses the impact of trade openness on women's development in Pakistan applying annual time‐series data for the period 1981 to 2007.

Findings

The results show a significant positive long‐term relationship between trade openness and women's development in Pakistan. The results also show significant positive influence of foreign direct investment and private sector credit on women's development and significant negative effect of private investment on women's development in Pakistan. Significant negative coefficient of error term in error correction model indicates that convergence holds in the model.

Research limitations/implications

There is need to know the transmission mechanisms or channel variables through which trade openness and globalization affect women's development in Pakistan. This is left as an exercise for future research.

Practical implications

Since openness positively affects women's development, government may continue the policy of trade reforms in the country. Further, government should continue to enhance the role of the private sector and financial deepening to integrate women in the development process in Pakistan.

Social implications

The paper contributes to the literature on the subject and will initiate debate on the issue so that further research can be deepened in this area.

Originality/value

This paper is first study on the topic in Pakistan.
Fast‐tracking sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria through international migration and remittances
Authors: Raimi Lukman , Ogunjirin O.D.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility of fast‐tracking sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria through mainstreaming of the benefits of international migration and inflow of remittances from abroad.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed in this research is the planned and systematic collection of qualitative and quantitative data on selected macro‐economic variables from the publications of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for a period spanning 36 years (1970‐2006). A multiple regression analysis was carried out, using E‐view statistical package, to validate the prospect of fast‐tracking sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria through international migration and remittances links.

Findings

There are four findings from this research: there exists a negative relationship between the gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation rate (IR); there exists a negative relationship between GDP and net inflow (NI); there exists a positive relationship between the GDP and foreign private investment (FPI); and there exists a positive relationship between the GDP and external reserve (ER).

Practical implications

The major practical implication of this paper is that government, financial institutions, immigration departments and Nigerian professionals in Diaspora have a monumental role to play for positive, timely and accurate documentation of international migration data and inflow of remittances for developmental purposes.

Originality/value

This research paper supports the neo‐classical migration theory and segmented labour market theory in economics.
Industrial clusters in Mexico and Spain
Authors: Martínez Adriana , Belso‐Martínez José A. , Más‐Verdú Francisco
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the structure of knowledge networks and the geographical patterns of knowledge networking in mature industrial clusters. To such end, it is assumed that proximity is not really what matters in innovation, but rather the embeddedness of firms into localised networks, enhancing collective learning and knowledge diffusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is contextualized in the footwear industry and applies the microeconomics of innovation (grounded in the resource based view and social capital approach) and industrial clusters/districts as theoretical frameworks. Methodologically, the paper adopts an exploratory perspective and employs a qualitative approach to conduct a cross‐case analysis of the Leon‐Guanajuato cluster (Mexico) and the Vinalopo cluster (Spain).

Findings

Firstly, this paper endorses recent research trends suggesting that knowledge is unevenly and selectively distributed among clustered firms. Secondly, it evidences how internal resources determine a firm's access to valuable repositories of knowledge. Thirdly, key knowledge players are usually involved in extra‐clusters networking, indicating that mere reliance on localized knowledge may result in declining trajectories.

Research limitations/implications

Because the case study approach and qualitative methodologies are used, readers are advised not to generalize the findings. The research on the subject matter is offered as a means to substantiate or refute the latest research premises, and provide evidence on the selected clusters.

Originality/value

This paper shows how knowledge networks differ depending on geographical specific characteristics and the resources of the main players. Managers‐owners should be conscious that being close to one another is not enough. It should be combined with both solid internal resources and access to repositories of knowledge outside the cluster. Policy makers should prepare customized public programs based on the particular structure of each cluster.
SERCREA+ model: a business tool for change management in Mexican organizations
Authors: Muñiz Avila Edgar , Galindo Miguel‐Ángel , Mendez María Teresa
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The goal of this article is to develop a SERCREA+ model for the case of Mexico, paying special attention to the aspects concerning change management that allows, among other things, the promotion of high‐quality entrepreneurships that would facilitate a greater business sustainability over time, and that would have positive effects on economic growth and employment.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop the empirical analysis, an interview with 36 Mexican businessmen involved in the management process has been done.

Findings

The data obtained show that change management has important positive effects in promoting sales, and the creation of a support group, that is an entrepreneurship club, would make business activity more sustainable over time.

Originality/value

Traditionally Mexican analysis has focused on the economic part of the companies, without considering the aspects of change management. This paper studies the different elements of the change management process that allow the promotion of high‐quality entrepreneurship that would facilitate a greater business sustainability over time, and which would have positive effects on economic growth and employment.
Antecedents of strategic corporate entrepreneurship
Authors: Johanna de Villiers‐Scheepers Margarietha
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Entrepreneurship theories have a predominant developed economy focus, but the relevance of these theories for emerging economies remains largely untested. The purpose of this paper is to show how the antecedents to strategic corporate entrepreneurship influence the entrepreneurial intensity of emerging economy firms in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was carried out, using a telephone survey to obtain responses from 146 established South African firms.

Findings

The findings indicate that entrepreneurship theories are contingent on the economic context. Entrepreneurial intensity (EI) of firms is strongly related to organizational antecedents and environmental opportunity perceptions. Three organizational antecedents are crucial to create a supportive internal environment: management support, autonomy and rewards. Furthermore, perceptions of munificence are positively related to EI. However, hostility, found to be related to entrepreneurial activity in developed economies, is not related to EI in this sample.

Practical implications

Managers, operating in emerging economies, can stimulate strategic corporate entrepreneurship by creating a supportive internal climate and fostering opportunity perceptions in dynamic, hostile environments; however, strategies using social or political capital seem to be more suitable for managing threats.

Originality/value

This paper enriches understanding of the contingent nature of entrepreneurship theories, suggesting that emerging country context matters, in terms of environmental opportunity and hostility perceptions for strategic corporate entrepreneurship.
Adoption of cloud computing technologies in supply chains
Authors: Cegielski Casey G. , Allison Jones‐Farmer L. , Wu Yun , Hazen Benjamin T.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ organizational information processing theory to assess how a firm's information processing requirements and capabilities combine to affect the intention to adopt cloud computing as an enabler of electronic supply chain management systems. Specifically, the paper examines the extent to which task uncertainty, environmental uncertainty, and inter‐organizational uncertainty affect intention to adopt cloud computing technology and how information processing capability may moderate these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a multiple method approach, thus examining the hypothesized model with both quantitative and qualitative methods. To begin, the paper incorporates a Delphi study as a way in which to choose a practically relevant characterization of the moderating variable, information processing capability. The authors then use a survey method and hierarchical linear regression to quantitatively test their hypotheses. Finally, the authors employ interviews to gather additional qualitative data, which they examine via use of content analysis in order to provide additional insight into the tenability of the proposed model.

Findings

The quantitative analysis suggests that significant two‐way interactions exist between each independent variable and the moderating variable; each of these interactions is significantly related to intention to adopt cloud computing. The qualitative results support the assertion that information processing requirements and information processing capability affect intention to adopt cloud computing. These findings support the relationships addressed in the hypothesized model and suggest that the decision to adopt cloud computing is based upon complex circumstances.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by the use of single key informants for both the quantitative and qualitative portions of the study. Nonetheless, this study enhances understanding of electronic supply chain management systems, and specifically cloud computing, through the application of organizational information processing theory. The authors’ mixed‐methods approach allowed them to draw more substantive conclusions; the findings provide a theoretical and empirical foundation for future research in this area, and also suggest the use of additional theoretical perspectives.

Practical implications

This study provides insight that can help supply chain managers to better understand how requirements, when coupled with capabilities, may influence the decision to adopt cloud computing as an enabler of supply chain management systems.

Originality/value

As an emerging technology, cloud computing is changing the form and function of information technology infrastructures. This study enhances the understanding of how this technology may diffuse within the supply chain.
Performance management benefits organizations and their employees
Authors: Sahoo C.K. , Mishra Sukanta
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how high‐performing organizations require effective performance‐management systems to promote and develop the necessary values, principles and competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains, in the context of performance management, the importance of clear job descriptions, employee‐improvement plans and 360‐degree feedback.

Findings

The paper reveals how to make performance management a source of competitive advantage.

Practical implications

The paper urges that a performance management system be used not only as an evaluation and documentation tool, but also as a strategic tool.

Social implications

The paper explains how performance management can benefit both individuals and employers and, through them, society as a whole.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of holistic analysis of performance at organizational, process and individual levels for individual satisfaction, commitment and goal attainment.
To manage change, manage the big picture
Authors: Denton D. Keith
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to emphasize that the best way to implement change is not to micro‐manage but rather focus on a bigger picture.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the importance of change, considers the best ways of achieving it, and looks at its implementation at document company Xerox.

Findings

The paper describes how managers typically spend 90 percent of their time making rules, regulations and procedures, when it would be better if they spent 90 percent of their time keeping people focused.

Practical implications

The paper stresses the need to keep it simple and remember that there is no way to control every detail or accurately to predict the future. It argues that, if managers make a constant effort to teach the big picture, there will be less risk of change going badly.

Social implications

The paper highlights ways of improving the chances of achieving successful change in any organization, and so has wide application across society.

Originality/value

The paper puts forward a seven‐step process for staying focused on essential change.
Enterprise 2.0: bringing social media inside your organization
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Monika Wencek.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an interview with Monika Wencek, Senior Customer Success Manager at Yammer,

Findings

Wencek speaks of the value of Enterprise 2.0 technology for businesses, and, in particular, ways in which Yammer can be utilized by human resource departments, and for the provision of e‐learning.

Originality/value

The paper looks at Yammer, which is one of the leading providers of enterprise social networking, and has recently been acquired by Microsoft for $1.2 billion.
HR holds back economic development in Kazakhstan
Authors: Davis Paul J.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the under‐developed state of human resource management (HRM) seems likely to thwart the economic and social development behind Kazakhstan's ambition to be a top 50 nation by 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the background to Kazakhstan's Vision 2020, the current state of HRM in the country and the progress HRM specialists need to make if they are to be able to support the nation's rapid economic and social development.

Findings

The paper reveals that Kazakhstan needs quickly to develop a labor force with the skills and knowledge capable of delivering Vision 2020 while at the same time radically accelerating the competence, connectedness and co‐ordination of HRM specialists across the nation so that they can develop a shared practice.

Practical implications

The paper urges the need for these specialists to implement the modern policies and practices that organizations rely on to maximize and strategically deploy their human capital.

Social implications

The paper highlights how HRM can support a nation's entire economic and social development.

Originality/value

The paper describes the state of HRM in a little‐discussed country.
Critical strategies for Chinese architectural, engineering and construction firms to achieve profitability
Authors: Li Shan , Ling Florence Y.Y.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

An appropriate choice of strategies helps firms to survive and develop in a turbulent economic environment. The problem is that there are many strategies that can be adopted, but it is not clear which ones would boost profitability. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how architectural, engineering and construction (A/E/C) firms headquartered in mainland China (Chinese A/E/C firms) can achieve profitability in China; specifically, to uncover the critical strategies and practices adopted by Chinese A/E/C firms to achieve profitability using Porter's generic competitive strategies, Sun Tzu's Art of War, and the networking approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire. The data collection methods were mail survey and face‐to‐face interviews. The population comprised all A/E/C firms headquartered in China. Samples were randomly drawn from the China Construction Industry Association's database. Stratified sampling was adopted to select only firms that operated in Shanghai or Beijing.

Findings

The finding is that profitable Chinese A/E/C firms are more likely to adopt practices that differentiate them from competitors instead of pursuing a low‐cost strategy or focus strategy. In addition, they adopt practices that make them adaptable and flexible. Also, practices that involve collaboration, knowledge sharing, and obtaining resources from firms in the network are adopted by profitable firms.

Research limitations/implications

The data gathered might not be easily generalized to Chinese A/E/C firms operating in other parts of China because interviews were conducted with Chinese A/E/C firms operating in Beijing and Shanghai which are members of China's Construction Industry Association.

Practical implications

The paper is to inform practitioners of the practices and strategies that lead to profitability. Foreign firms that are planning to partner with Chinese A/E/C firms may also use the findings to assess whether their prospective Chinese partners are adopting some of these practices, so that they would be profitable and not face financial difficulties in the course of the partnership.

Originality/value

The paper shows that profitability could be achieved by certain critical practices, which are underpinned by Porter's generic competitive strategies, Sun Tzu's Art of War based on military tactics, and Granovetter's network approach based on social network theory.
Analysis of factors critical to construction project success in Malaysia
Authors: Cheong Yong Yee , Emma Mustaffa Nur
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the principal factors that are critical to the success of a construction project in Malaysia, and determine their relative importance as perceived by different respondents. The findings of this study will provide the researcher with up‐to‐date information in formulating appropriate strategies to address the challenges brought about by human‐related issues. The paper will only discuss the first part of the ongoing research based on the pilot survey.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a thorough literature search, a total of 37 factors were consolidated and grouped into seven major categories. These factors were assembled into a questionnaire survey and distributed to clients, consultants and contractors. The respondents represent a wide range of professions, including those who are involved in design, construction, engineering, project management and quantity surveying. An analysis of the responses identified 15 factors to be accepted as critical to the success of construction projects.

Findings

The results suggest a strong consistency in perception between respondents in recognising the significance of human‐related factors such as competence, commitment, communication and cooperation towards the success of a construction project. These factors being the core element in relationship‐based procurement reinforced the need and viability of such procurement methods to the Malaysian construction industry.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to facilitate the analysis of performance of various procurement systems, as well as identifying critical elements crucial to the development of a relationship‐based procurement in Malaysia.

Originality/value

This paper captures the perception of construction participants regarding the critical success factors of construction projects in Malaysia and fulfils an identified need to study the critical elements vital to the development of a new procurement approach in Malaysia.
Web‐based learning design tool
Authors: Bruno F.B. , Silva T.L.K. , Silva R.P. , Teixeira F.G.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a web‐based tool that enables the development and provision of learning designs and its reuse and re‐contextualization as generative learning objects, aimed at developing educational materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of learning objects can facilitate the process of production and delivering of educational material and their reuse and re‐contextualization in different scenarios – such process is due to the current development stage of information and communication technologies (ICTs), which allow easy access to products and services related to them. ICTs combined with instructional design theories, lead to the emergence of new generations of distance learning, which add educational content to web‐based services. From this combination rises a hybrid mode of education, which combines tools for face‐to‐face and distance learning (blended learning).

Findings

The use of the web as a platform for production and management of learning objects comes as a solution for storage and sharing. The utilization of objects is justified when its reusability is facilitated. This gives rise to possibilities in a client‐server environment, where information is centralized and available anywhere in the network.

Research limitations/implications

The combination of ICT and instructional design theories has potential and could result in hybrids which are yet to be fully understood and explored. This can enhance blended learning provision.

Originality/value

The paper presents a tool in which the learning designs work as structures built on XML, based on concept maps, which act as an interaction layer between the learning objects, organizing the content to be available.
An international collaboration to promote inquiry‐based learning in undergraduate engineering classrooms
Authors: Randall D'Arcy C. , Moore Christy , Carvalho Isabel S.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe specific techniques of “inquiry‐based learning” employed by three instructors in Engineering schools, one in Europe and two in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Theorists such as Bransford et al. argue that twenty‐first century educators need to teach students to do more than simply remember and repeat information. Engineering educators Prince and Felder critique traditional methods of teaching in which instructors focus on mathematics and theory, but fail to convey practical applications of that knowledge. They advocate moving students to a higher level of learning – past the stage of memorizing and reciting data – to more sophisticated methods of analysis, synthesis, and application of knowledge. To enact such transformations, Prince and Felder recommend “inductive teaching methods,” including “inquiry‐based learning,” in which students learn through engaging with challenges and a series of questions. The paper provides examples of inquiry‐based learning activities from each of the authors. The paper then discusses the cross‐pollination of ideas and describes how the authors have shared inquiry‐based teaching strategies and collaborated to develop new and relevant assignments and approaches to teaching.

Findings

The willingness of learners to discuss a range of pedagogical topics, from specific practices to shared experiences and readings, led to an exchange of ideas, and also to deeper reflections on current practices. The cross‐pollination of assignments and techniques resulted in well‐structured, stimulating, and relevant research projects that engage engineering students from Texas to Portugal, and from communication to technical classes.

Research limitations/implications

The use of inquiry‐based learning activities and the sharing of resources across continents aimed at improving learning and teaching requires expanding upon and further development.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the use of cross‐pollination of ideas, development of assignments and improved approaches to teaching.
Understanding challenges of qualitative research: rhetorical issues and reality traps
Authors: Kapoulas Alexandros , Mitic Miljana
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of qualitative research in marketing and the challenges faced by researchers in justifying the need and the quality of interpretive research. The paper reviews the fluctuating trends in employing qualitative research to build marketing theories, and touches on the subject of paradigm shift in research approaches in marketing. It further reviews main rhetorical and practical challenges researchers face in qualitative inquiry in marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper discussing the role of qualitative research in marketing discipline and its challenges.

Findings

One of the main topics discussed in this paper is understanding the nature of qualitative research and its inherent weaknesses and how to overcome them. Some of the challenges highlighted in the paper include: contextually embedded findings, vague standards for data analysis, presentation of voluminous amount of qualitative data and theoretical criteria for judging the quality of studies. Insights from real‐life experiences in conducing qualitative research in bank marketing reveal practical issues such as participant recruitment and engagement, ethical soundness, triangulation, and perpetual assurance of research quality.

Originality/value

The paper provides personal commentaries on the experiences of a researcher in conducting purely qualitative academic study in marketing. It offers insights into practical difficulties encountered when performing qualitative studies and offers a glimpse into solutions and alternatives incorporated by the researcher, which could be of use to aspiring marketing researchers.
The increasing dynamics between consumers, social groups and brands
Authors: Ruediger Kaufmann Hans , Correia Loureiro Sandra Maria , Basile Gianpaolo , Vrontis Demetris
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a contribution to advancing knowledge on the more recent phenomenon of social brand community.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an extensive interdisciplinary literature review in areas such as sociology, management, and marketing. Three interrelated and consecutively developed conceptualizations resulting from a co‐operation of the researchers over the last three years are presented to explain the influence of the evolution of current social trends on the relationship between consumers and brands in different contexts (socio‐demographic aspects and culture). The conceptualizations have been applied to a qualitative case study on Cypriot consumers, which conducted in‐depth expert interviews and focus groups. The research project has been designed in three stages: the first stage elicited thenature of relationships between consumer, brands and social groups; the second stage was concerned with differentiating consumer behaviour and segmentation patterns in the various stages; finally, the last one conceptualized the influence of culture on the brand‐consumer relationship and benefited from a progressive knowledge of the researchers in the field of embedded learning and human branding.

Findings

The first conceptualization (Siano and Basile) explains the various stages of the evolution of the relationship between the consumer and the brand. The second conceptualization proposes a new segmentation and categorization pattern of brand consumers and their respective behaviors derived from the different stages of the consumer‐brand relationship development (Siano and Basile; Siano, Kaufmann and Basile). The third conceptualization has been developed from the findings of an exploratory study on Cypriot brand related consumer behavior (Kitsios and Kaufmann), which had expanded the previous two conceptualizations by integrating cultural aspects. Beyond that, the third conceptualization integrates the influence of embedded learning and stimulant experience on the consumer‐brand relationship.

Originality/value

The paper provides innovative knowledge on a new quality, even new paradigm, of consumer‐brand‐social group relations leading to newly arising segmentation patterns and socially responsible marketing.
The role of maintenance in energy saving in commercial refrigeration
Authors: Knowles Michael , Baglee David
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between maintenance and energy saving in a commercial refrigeration setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Since there is little data available from within the industrial sector, the authors have surveyed the literature for evidence of a link.

Findings

Maintenance procedures play a major role in ensuring refrigeration equipment operates at maximum efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

Little real world data is available and this is a major problem at present. Improved maintenance policies can only be developed.

Practical implications

Substantial energy savings can be achieved if maintenance procedures are improved based on detailed measurement of energy usage. Monitoring the condition and performance of individual parts of a system are found to be crucial aspects in obtaining optimal performance.

Originality/value

This paper highlights a neglected area in both energy saving and in maintenance planning.
Factors influencing implementation of reverse logistics: a survey among Hong Kong businesses
Authors: Ho G.T.S. , Choy K.L. , Lam C.H.Y. , Wong David W.C.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the major factors that may influence industries to implement reverse logistics. Thus, the practice of reverse logistics can be promoted by suggestions provided for businesses to eliminate the identified barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a questionnaire is developed and the survey is conducted among Hong Kong businesses to collect data on the perception of companies on reverse logistics implementation. Nine hypotheses are set to investigate its influence on company background information, recognition, and perception on reverse logistics, as well as the internal and external factors. Statistical analysis is carried out to test the data collected. Managerial implications are presented to encourage industries to implement reverse logistics.

Findings

The result of the statistical analysis shows that internal and external factors significantly influence reverse logistics. Financial and human resources play an important role in companies' implementation of reverse logistics, whereas tangible resources do not have much influence on the practice. Companies with good cooperation and relationship with other business partners can implement reverse logistics.

Practical implications

There has been increasing concern on environmentally friendly activities worldwide to protect the environment. Therefore, the concept of reverse logistics should be focused on for the return of goods for remanufacturing.

Originality/value

Previous studies have been conducted to explore the barriers that may hinder industries from implementing reverse logistics in specific industries. Only a few studies have been conducted to investigate the internal and external measures that influence its implementation.
Project managers for risk management: case for Japan
Authors: Shimizu Takashi , Won Park Young , Hong Paul
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine complex risk management practices of Japanese firms in a turbulent environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus of this research is to examine risk management practices based on product accidents in Japanese firms. It examines how firms utilize risk management to respond to various types of risks related to product planning and process designs and how the firms with risk management respond to similar incidents. This focused group research uses surveys and additional interviews.

Findings

The research findings suggest the following: the majority of firms define the scope of product risk management in terms of product quality management, project management, and project management+quality management; firms that have risk managers include the entire supply chain in the scope of risk management; and firms reexamine the systematic risk management processes through actual major accidents (direct learning) or other firms' risk outcomes (indirect learning).

Research limitations/implications

This article presents a research model that identifies and examines key aspects of risk management practices. This focused group research provides a useful basis for future empirical research on risk management practices.

Originality/value

This is a rare study on the risk management practices of Japanese firms. The risk management framework in this article introduces actual risk management practices of successful Japanese firms.
Building procurement capability for firm performance: a service‐dominant logic view
Authors: Dobrzykowski David D. , Hong Paul C. , Soon Park Jong
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore four integrative supply chain practices – customer information technology (IT) integration, supplier IT integration, customer collaboration, and supplier collaboration – using a service‐dominant logic (SDL) lens to inform their relationships with procurement capability and ultimately firm performance. The study goes on to examine how firms with high and low procurement capability differ in their use of these practices, thus informing curiosity regarding “best practices”.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 711 firms in 23 countries during the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS). Exploratory factor analysis established simple factor structure and construct validity. Stepwise regression was employed to analyze relationships among customer collaboration, supplier collaboration, customer IT integration, supplier IT integration, procurement capability, and firm performance. T‐tests examined differences between the practices employed by firms with high and low procurement capability.

Findings

Findings reveal positive relationships among customer collaboration, supplier collaboration, customer IT integration, and procurement capability. Supplier IT integration is not found to be significantly related to procurement capability. Procurement capability is in turn found to be positively associated with firm performance. All four variables emerge as best practices of firm's demonstrating high procurement capability.

Originality/value

This study provides a rare empirical investigation, and rich insights, into SDL for value co‐creation in supply chain management by examining an international sample of manufacturers. This study contributes to the extant understanding of supply chain collaboration and integration by unpacking key practices in the context of a firm's procurement capability. Lastly, “best practices” are provided which should be of great interest for practitioners from around the globe.
Examining alignment between supplier management practices and information systems strategy
Authors: Qrunfleh Sufian , Tarafdar Monideepa , Ragu‐Nathan T.S.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine alignment between supplier management practices and information systems (IS) strategies (i.e. particular IS applications portfolios), and its effects on supply chain integration and supply chain flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a model and hypotheses suggesting that “lean” supplier practices, when aligned with the “IS for Efficiency” IS strategy, have a positive association with supply chain integration. Similarly, “agile” supplier practices when aligned with the “IS for Flexibility” IS strategy, have a positive association with supply chain flexibility. The paper empirically validates the model using survey data from directors and senior managers in purchasing and supply chain functions from 205 manufacturing firms in the USA. Factor analysis was conducted to test convergent and discriminant validity. Hypotheses testing was done via structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis using SMART Partial Least Square (PLS) software.

Findings

The study finds that lean (agile) supplier management practices are positively associated with supply chain integration (flexibility). Further, alignment of lean supplier practices and IS for Efficiency enhances supply chain integration, as assessed by a positive moderating effect of IS for Efficiency on the relationship between lean supplier practices and supply chain integration.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the supply chain – IS interface literature by developing a theoretical basis for analyzing the benefits of different types of IS applications to particular types of supplier management practices. Limitations are that it considers primarily internal supply chain integration as a representative of the entire supply chain's integration (internal and external), and that it relies on data from one person from each organization responding to the survey.

Originality/value

The paper theoretically develops and empirically examines a framework proposing that the respective fit or alignment between lean and agile supplier practices with efficient and flexible IS application portfolios has implications for the integration and flexibility of the particular supply chain.