bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Recent Methamphetamine Use Is Associated With Increased Rectal Mucosal Inflammatory Cytokines, Regardless of HIV-1 Serostatus
Authors: Fulcher Jennifer A. , Shoptaw Steven , Makgoeng Solomon B. , Elliott Julie , Ibarrondo F. Javier , Ragsdale Amy , Brookmeyer Ron , Anton Peter A. , Gorbach Pamina M.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Methamphetamine use increases the risk of HIV-1 infection among seronegative users and can exacerbate disease progression in HIV-positive users. The biological mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear. In this cross-sectional pilot study, we examine the associations between recent methamphetamine use and inflammation in the rectal mucosa and peripheral blood compartments in HIV-1 seropositive and seronegative men who have sex with men.

Methods:

HIV-seronegative and HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men participants were enrolled (N = 24). Recent methamphetamine use was determined by urine drug screen. Cytokines were quantified using multiplex arrays from collected plasma and rectal sponge samples, and peripheral blood T-cell activation was assessed by flow cytometry.

Results:

Methamphetamine use was associated with consistently increased rectal inflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, regardless of HIV-1 serostatus in this pilot study. This association was significant after adjusting for age, HIV-serostatus, and receptive anal intercourse frequency using regression analysis. Similar increases were not uniformly observed in peripheral blood.

Conclusions:

Methamphetamine use is associated with increased local mucosal inflammatory cytokine production. These findings may help explain the increased HIV-1 risk seen in methamphetamine users and contribute to increased inflammation among HIV-seropositive users.
Rate of Relapse After Enucleation of Solid/Multicystic Ameloblastoma Followed by Piezoelectric or Conventional Peripheral Ostectomy
Authors: Troiano Giuseppe , Inghingolo Alessandra , Serpico Rosario , Ciavarella Domenico , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Cervino Gabriele , Cicciù Marco , Laino Luigi
Published: February 2018

The use of piezo surgery is characterized by a good cutting ability associated with a higher soft tissues respect. Such skills have led to an increment of the use of such systematic in the clinical practice. The aim of this study was to figure out whether the use of piezo surgery may show clinical advantages when enucleation is followed by peripheral ostectomy for the treatment of solid/multicystic ameloblastoma. A retrospective case-control study was performed, including patients treated with piezo surgery or conventional drilling in a single center in Italy. Results of this investigation revealed a lower rate of relapse, at 5 years’ follow-up for patients treated with piezo surgery. Although characterized by low power of evidences, the results of this investigation encourage the development of further studies related to the use of piezo surgery for the treatment of solid/multicystic ameloblastoma.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Different Plating Techniques for Unfavorable Mandibular Angle Fractures
Authors: Ayali Aysa , Erkmen Erkan
Published: February 2018

The purpose of the current study was to assess the biomechanical behavior of 5 different fixation schemes for unfavorable mandibular angle fractures using the three-dimensional finite element analysis method. Five different miniplate fixation schemes were modeled for the fixation of unfavorable mandibular angle fractures. A double parallel miniplate (M1), which was placed at the halfway point of the mandibular angle height; a 1/3 superior-positioned miniplate (M2); a single miniplate (M3), which was placed at the halfway point of the mandibular angle height (1/2 middle-positioned); a 1/3 inferior-positioned miniplate (M4); and an X-miniplate which was placed at the halfway point of the mandibular angle height (M5). The lowest mechanical stresses were detected in the double miniplate model when compared with the other schemes, whereas 1/3 inferior-positioned miniplate had the highest stress and displacement values. The authors suggest that the double miniplate is an adequate rigid fixation technique, whereas the 1/3 inferior-positioned miniplate configuration should not be used in case of unfavorable mandibular angle fracture.
Chromatin remodeler CHD7 regulates the stem cell identity of human neural progenitors
Authors: Chai MuhChyi , Sanosaka Tsukasa , Okuno Hironobu , Zhou Zhi , Koya Ikuko , Banno Satoe , Andoh-Noda Tomoko , Tabata Yoshikuni , Shimamura Rieko , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Ebisawa Masashi , Sasagawa Yohei , Nikaido Itoshi , Okano Hideyuki , Kohyama Jun
Published: February 2018

Multiple congenital disorders often present complex phenotypes, but how the mutation of individual genetic factors can lead to multiple defects remains poorly understood. In the present study, we used human neuroepithelial (NE) cells and CHARGE patient-derived cells as an in vitro model system to identify the function of chromodomain helicase DNA-binding 7 (CHD7) in NE–neural crest bifurcation, thus revealing an etiological link between the central nervous system (CNS) and craniofacial anomalies observed in CHARGE syndrome. We found that CHD7 is required for epigenetic activation of superenhancers and CNS-specific enhancers, which support the maintenance of the NE and CNS lineage identities. Furthermore, we found that BRN2 and SOX21 are downstream effectors of CHD7, which shapes cellular identities by enhancing a CNS-specific cellular program and indirectly repressing non-CNS-specific cellular programs. Based on our results, CHD7, through its interactions with superenhancer elements, acts as a regulatory hub in the orchestration of the spatiotemporal dynamics of transcription factors to regulate NE and CNS lineage identities.
X-ray position-sensitive duo-lateral diamond detectors at SOLEIL
Authors: Desjardins Kewin , Bordessoule Michel , Pomorski Michal
Published: February 2018

The performance of a diamond X-ray beam position monitor is reported. This detector consists of an ionization solid-state chamber based on a thin single-crystal chemical-vapour-deposition diamond with position-sensitive resistive electrodes in a duo-lateral configuration. The detector's linearity, homogeneity and responsivity were studied on beamlines at Synchrotron SOLEIL with various beam sizes, intensities and energies. These measurements demonstrate the large and homogeneous (absorption variation of less than 0.7% over 500 µm × 500 µm) active area of the detector, with linear responses independent of the X-ray beam spatial distribution. Due to the excellent charge collection efficiency (approaching 100%) and intensity sensitivity (0.05%), the detector allows monitoring of the incident beam flux precisely. In addition, the in-beam position resolution was compared with a theoretical analysis providing an estimation of the detector's beam position resolution capability depending on the experimental conditions (X-ray flux, energy and readout acquisition time).
Creative citizenship: the new wave for collaborative environments in smart cities
Authors: Bolívar Manuel Pedro Rodríguez
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper is framed under the relevance of collaborative governance models in smart cities that are members of the EUROCITIES network and are involved in a working group about “creative citizenship” and seeks to analyse the use of new technologies by city governments in smart cities with the aim at improving e-participation of the citizenry in the public arena. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on two data collection methods. First, this paper performs an e-survey sent to leading European smart cities about the relevance of collaborative governance in strategies of cities, about the main pillars and outcomes of smart governance and about the model of participation in developing a smart city. Second, an examination of 47 local governments of smart cities included in the working group of “creative citizenship” in the EUROCITIES network is performed during March 2017 with the specific purpose of collecting data about smart technologies used for e-participation.

Findings

Sample smart cities believe that collaborative governance is necessary to be implemented in public sector management under the smart environment but less than 50 per cent of them have created citizen participation platforms to promote citizen involvement in public affairs and only a few of them promote online public consultations, discussions and petitions. Also, there are differences in perceptions and in e-participation tools used by sample smart cities in accordance with the administrative culture of the country in which these cities are located.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to fill the gap in the analysis of the relevance of collaborative governance models in smart cities and the use in these cities of transparency websites, open data projects or e-participation platforms to promote citizen involvement in the public affairs of the city.
Resource constraints, innovation capability and corporate financial fraud in entrepreneurial firms
Authors: An Wenwen , Xu Yuehua , Zhang Jianqi
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Previous studies have produced inconsistent findings regarding the effects of resource constraints on corporate illegal behavior. This study aims to explore how entrepreneurial firms can overcome the difficulties generated by resource constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on insights from general strain theory and focusing on listed entrepreneurial firms, this study proposes that failure to obtain enough resources through listing generates strain in the managers of listed entrepreneurial firms, driving them to resort to corporate financial fraud as a solution. Nevertheless, such relationships between resource constraints and the likelihood of corporate financial fraud can be weakened by innovation capability, because innovation capability can generate more confidence in their managers and relieve their strains, thereby dissuading them from engaging in corporate financial fraud.

Findings

According to our empirical results, both financial and human resource constraints are positively related to the likelihood of corporate financial fraud in listed entrepreneurial firms, but such effects can be mitigated by innovation capability.

Practical implications

This study provides practical implications for both regulators and managers by indicating that although entrepreneurial firms with resource constraints are more likely to commit financial fraud, innovation capability could be a strategic approach to enhance managers’ confidence and relieve the strain.

Originality/value

Our study contributes to the literature by enriching our understanding of the consequences of resource constraints in entrepreneurial firms and highlighting the strategic importance of innovation capability in mitigating such effects.
We say no toLa Monroeclosure! local defiance to global restructuring in a transnational company
Authors: Köhler Holm-Detlev , González Begega Sergio
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the reaction of a local workforce to global restructuring in a transnational company (TNC), which entailed the closure of a manufacturing plant (La Monroe) in Northern Spain. The article explores the micro-political nature of the corporate decision to close the plant, the workforce reaction to relocation and the discourse legitimizing global restructuring. It also delves into the contra-hegemonic potential of labour as a main stakeholder in TNCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach is qualitative. The article presents a theoretically informed and analytical case study based on the literature on micro-politics and power relations in TNCs. Fieldwork is based on semi-structured interviews carried out with relevant stakeholders and other external actors to the TNC.

Findings

The findings substantiate the dynamic role of micro-politics within TNCs. The article presents and discusses evidence of the formation of a broad multi-level political network of resistance to a plant closure plan.

Research limitations/implications

More case study analysis would further support the findings in the paper and provide for a comparative approach.

Originality/value

The article substantiates the dynamic role of micro-politics and power relations in the reification of social norms and discourses on production relocation. It offers an empirical appraisal of the micro-political approach to global restructuring in TNCs. The article also puts labour strategies at the forefront of the analysis in corporate relocation.
We need great “followers”, not just great leaders: a brief questionnaire for followership development
Authors: Bufalino Giambattista
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Business schools, executive training programs, and best-selling books all recognize the importance of leadership, while followership has received limited attention in management training. The purpose of this paper is to present a brief questionnaire, which might be particularly useful for followership development.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief questionnaire is presented.

Findings

Part of the answers will establish the view that many of us are followers. This will help recognize that both followership and leadership roles are important for organizational success

Originality/value

It is a major challenge to bring followership out of the closet and this tool may help to introduce practical followership development programs in organizations
Project #NuKapav: a Mauritian service-learning case study
Authors: Hardin-Ramanan Sarita , Balla Soupramanien Loga Devi , DeLapeyre David
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Prompted by the enlarging skills gap between the university graduate and the desired employee in Mauritius, the Charles Telfair Institute embarked its students on the #NuKapav project for an authentic work integrated learning (WIL) experience which endeavours to fight for the societal inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of this service-learning project on the students from professional, civic engagement and social justice perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a focus group methodology, allowing the 23 students who participated on the #NuKapav project to share their experiences.

Findings

This paper recommends that universities in Mauritius and other regional countries consider incorporating service-learning into their WIL programmes to reinforce graduate employability skills and encourage good citizenship through lasting allegiance to community causes.

Research limitations/implications

The higher education system in Mauritius operates within a broader context facing constant mutations influenced by socio-economic and political factors. As such, research on service-learning cannot be conducted in isolation but should instead include the perspective of various stakeholders on both the demand and supply side of community learning projects. The main limitation of this research relates to its focus on capturing student participants’ perspective alone. Further research is, therefore, recommended to examine how other stakeholders, including employees, employers and community service project supervisors, value service-learning for a more comprehensive view.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the examination of how service-learning can help equip graduates with crucial career skills, while bringing an enduring mind-set shift in the future workforce for sustained commitment to social change and inclusion.
In Trump’s shadow: questioning and testing the boundaries of inclusion
Authors: Ferdman Bernardo M.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges and opportunities created for inclusion by the election and installation of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the author’s personal and professional experience and perspectives to raise and address questions about the limits of inclusion, alternative perspectives on inclusion, and approaches for sustaining attention to and continuing to foster inclusion.

Findings

Although inclusion can be conceptualized in different ways, a nuanced and complex view that incorporates limits to tolerance of behavior that undermines inclusion along with clear rules of engagement, civility, and respect may be most useful and productive.

Originality/value

The paper applies a paradoxical perspective to understanding the implications of a Trump administration for the practice of inclusion, including those particularly relevant for organizational diversity and inclusion practitioners.
Digital banking, customer experience and bank financial performance
Authors: Mbama Cajetan I. , Ezepue Patrick O.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine customers’ perceptions of digital banking (DB), customer experience, satisfaction, loyalty and financial performance (FP) in UK banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The research consists of a survey of UK bank customers’ perceptions of the above themes; use of banks’ financial reports to obtain FP ratios; multivariate factor analysis; structural equation modelling; and analysis of variance tests to explore research hypotheses on the relationships among the study factors.

Findings

The main factors which determine customer experience in DB are service quality, functional quality, perceived value (PV), employee-customer engagement, perceived usability and perceived risk. There is a significant relationship among customer experience, satisfaction and loyalty, which is related to FP.

Research limitations/implications

This study concentrates on UK bank customers which limits its generalisability to other banks globally. However, the fact that banks typically adopt common standards in bank financial management implies that the findings are potentially robust for global bank management. Replicating the study in banks in other countries will further enhance this robustness.

Practical implications

Some significant effects of customer characteristics on the study factors were observed, which have useful implications for DB, bank marketing services and bank FP.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, this study uses both Net Promoter Score and financial ratios as dependent variables, to provide a combined study of the relationships among 14 study factors, with implications for bank marketing and FP.
Partnership strength and diversity with suppliers
Authors: Cho Meehee , Bonn Mark A. , Han Su Jin , Kang Sora
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to better understand the effects of independent restaurant partnerships upon product innovation associated with performance by investigating differences in business situations between startup and established independent restaurant sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

Partnership strength and diversity were assessed to identify their influence on restaurant product innovation and performance using a structural equation model to test the study’s hypotheses. A multi-group analysis was used to examine the moderating roles of business life cycle on the relationships between partnership strength and diversity and product innovation.

Findings

Results found that product innovation implementation requires strong and diverse partnerships with suppliers to improve independent restaurant performance. Diverse partnerships have a more positive effect upon product innovation than do strong partnerships. The positive effect partnership strength with suppliers had upon product innovation was significantly greater for startup restaurants, while its positive effect of diversity was greater for established restaurants.

Practical implications

Findings can be used to establish effective strategic partnerships with independent restaurant suppliers and to manage them more effectively in consideration of their business characteristics being startup or established operations.

Originality/value

This study was an initial attempt to empirically prove significant roles of partnership strength and diversity applied to the context of independent restaurant product innovation. Findings regarding different effects of partnership strength and diversity contributed to the existing body of knowledge about strategic partnerships with suppliers.
Minimum wage change effects on restaurant pricing and employment
Authors: Repetti Toni , Roe Susan
Published: February 2018

Purpose

State and local governments are considering large increases to the minimum wage. As restaurants employ many individuals paid at or below minimum wage, these changes may affect their businesses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anticipated effects of minimum wage growth on employment and pricing in US food and beverage operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes an experimental design where restaurant owners and managers are presented with scenarios of differing levels of potential minimum wage increases and are asked to anticipate changes to employment and pricing.

Findings

Restaurant owners and managers involved in the study indicate the level of the minimum wage increase will significantly affect changes in pricing and employment levels. Results also show that restaurant demographics such as type of restaurant and average check do not significantly affect the relative change operators anticipate implementing. Specific ways participants plan to make adjustments are also presented.

Originality/value

The anticipated impact of minimum wage increases at the restaurant level is examined, which differs from previous studies that determine the impact at the industry level. This study evaluates large minimum wage increases of up to 100 per cent, which have previously not been studied.
Mapping the “intellectual structure” of research on human resources in the “tourism and hospitality management scientific domain”
Authors: García-Lillo Francisco , Claver-Cortés Enrique , Úbeda-García Mercedes , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Zaragoza-Sáez Patrocinio Carmen
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper – based on the conviction that the human resource is by far the most strategic or distinctive resource available to firms competing in hospitality and tourism industries – is to objectively analyze the research on HR developed in the domain of tourism and hospitality management between 1997 and 2016. The aim is to “identify” and “represent” the “intellectual structure” of the field examined.

Design/methodology/approach

“Bibliometric” methods are utilized: document citation and co-citation analyses, as well as social network analysis (SNA).

Findings

The paper provides an interesting inventory of the theoretical foundations of knowledge developed around HR in the field under study by different theoretical frameworks and scientific disciplines, such as marketing or psychology. However, its main contribution is to identify an important gap in the literature in the specific area of management.

Research limitations/implications

The present study has several limitations resulting from the utilization of “bibliometric” methods applied in the analyses performed. As for the implications, these are more than obvious.

Originality/value

The authors believe that research developed here provides – through a kind of “meta-analysis” – a valuable outlet from which future researchers could benefit, giving them easier access to the theoretical foundations on which HR research in the field in question is based. This work also suggests some paths for future development or research in the field within the context of hospitality and tourism industries.
Exploring drivers of innovation in hospitality family firms
Authors: Kallmuenzer Andreas
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore which actors in the hospitality industry drive innovation in hospitality family firms and particularly aims at understanding how these drivers contribute to create and sustain competitive advantage. The peculiar role of family dynamics in these efforts is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative interviews in 22 hospitality family firms in Western Austria were conducted. Data were analyzed using the qualitative text analysis software GABEK©.

Findings

Results show that the entrepreneurial family and employees are key drivers for innovation as actors internal to the firm, but also the guests and regional competitors as external drivers provide comprehensive innovation input. These innovation efforts are perceived to stimulate growth and business development.

Research limitations/implications

Future research might want to test and further concretize the propositions from this study in quantitative surveys. Additionally, the entrepreneurial family formed the central focus of this study; thus it would be interesting to investigate the other actors identified as key drivers of innovation in hospitality family firms.

Practical implications

Recommendations to entrepreneurs and regional politics are to capitalize on the identified actors as important drivers of innovation.

Originality/value

Research widely agrees that in hospitality collaboration, innovation is necessary, for many actors jointly offer complex products and services to tourists. However, it remains unclear which actors are mainly driving innovation in hospitality and how they do this, particularly when considering that the majority of firms in this industry are family firms and therefore family dynamics need to be considered for analysis.
Systematic review of hospitality CRM research
Authors: Law Rob , Fong Davis Ka Chio , Chan Irene Cheng Chu , Fong Lawrence Hoc Nang
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to comprehensively and systematically review the state of customer relationship management (CRM) research on hospitality and propose future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

All hospitality-related CRM articles since its introduction as a concept in 1988 were collected. The retrieved articles were then chronologically and thematically analyzed.

Findings

Hospitality CRM research has rapidly grown from the initial relationship marketing concept into social CRM. Five research foci were identified, including CRM planning and implementation process, organizational support, technology and tools, customer perspectives and characteristics and outcome and impact. Three potential pitfalls were observed in the existing literature. A comprehensive research framework incorporating the five research domains and three key players was proposed.

Practical implications

Hospitality practitioners should take an integrated perspective on the five major domains of CRM and the three key players to ensure that informed decisions can be made.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature through its qualitative and critical assessment of existing hospitality CRM literature, which can guide future research.
Impact of individual cultural values on hotel guests’ positive emotions and positive eWOM intention
Authors: Wen Ji , Hu Yaou , Kim Hyun Jeong
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extend cognitive appraisal theory by integrating customers’ individual difference factors, specifically cultural values. This study examines the effect of individual cultural values on hotel customers’ positive emotions and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) creation intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Online surveys were administered via MTurk. Adults with a recent hotel stay were invited to participate in this study. In all, 331 valid questionnaires were used for data analysis.

Findings

The results show that collectivism, indulgence and power distance have positive effects on pride, and that indulgence has a positive effect on pleasure. Both pleasure and pride have significant impacts on eWOM creation intention, with the effect of pleasure being stronger.

Practical implications

This study deepens hotel practitioners’ understanding of the formation of hotel guests’ eWOM creation intention and offers suggestions on how to facilitate eWOM advocacy.

Originality/value

This study highlights the versatility of cognitive appraisal theory with the inclusion of individual cultural values in the hotel eWOM context. This study delineates the underlying psychological process of how individual cultural values lead to positive eWOM intention via positive emotions that hotel guests experience during their visit. This psychological process is understudied, yet critical for the success of hotel companies that cater to many culturally diverse guests.
Perspectives of event leveraging by restaurants and city officials
Authors: Wood Laura , Snelgrove Ryan , Legg Julie , Taks Marijke , Potwarka Luke R.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Hosting events can attract visitors to an area and provide an opportunity for local businesses in the host community to benefit economically. Restaurants, in particular, have an opportunity to benefit as food is a necessary expenditure. However, previous research suggests that the intentional attraction of event visitors by local businesses has been minimal. The purpose of this paper is to explore perspectives of event leveraging held by restaurant owners/managers and a destination marketing organization (DMO).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with owners/managers of 16 local restaurants and from three DMO executives in one medium-sized city in Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed using initial and axial coding.

Findings

Findings indicate that restaurants did not engage in event leveraging. Three common reasons emerged to explain their lack of engagement in leveraging, including: a lack of a belief in benefits from leveraging, inconvenient proximity to event venue, and not being prepared for event leveraging opportunities. The DMO had a desire to assist local business in leveraging, but their ability to do so was negatively impacted by a lack of awareness of events being hosted, disengagement by local businesses, and limited resources.

Originality/value

Findings suggest that there is a need for DMOs and local businesses to create stronger and more supportive working relationships that address financial and human resources constraints preventing the adoption and success of event leveraging. As part of this approach there is a need for cities to make stronger financial investments in supportive agencies such as a DMO.
Exploring industry priorities regarding customer satisfaction and implications for event evaluation
Authors: Jaimangal-Jones Dewi , Fry Jonathan , Haven-Tang Claire
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the priorities of event organisers (EOs) and venue managers (VM) in terms of evaluation criteria and avenues for advancing the development and implementation of banks of questions regarding customer satisfaction evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The results presented are based on a questionnaire distributed to a sample of EOs and VM which sought to identify their priorities with regard to customer satisfaction feedback.

Findings

The findings show that a significant proportion of respondents had never undertaken formal evaluation, citing time and resources as the key barriers. In addition, a wide range of satisfaction-related criteria were rated as important, with the most valued criteria often related to generalised areas, but failing to consider the motivations of individuals for event attendance, which also appears as a gap within evaluation literature. The research findings indicate that developing banks of evaluation questions is a complex task, due to the number of potential variables in terms of events and audiences.

Originality/value

In linking the priority areas identified by the respondents with evaluation literature and event attendee motivations, this paper proposes alternative ways of structuring and utilising banks of evaluation questions linked to attendee profiles and motivations. Its central premise is that evaluation of consumer satisfaction should be led by consumer motivations and expectations if it is to be viable, meaningful and aid future event development and enhancement. This raises many questions and avenues for future research, to progress the area of logistically feasible evaluation, which generates rich and meaningful data.
Exploring determinants of a successful tourism experience – the Nabakalebara event
Authors: Dash Prakash Chandra , Samantaray Manmath Nath
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the composition of “tourism experience” of tourist visiting during the Nabakalebara event at Puri, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies data reduction using exploratory factor analysis on a sample of 300 respondents drawn during the event and condenses a set of 20 attributes into a list of five compressible factors.

Findings

The research shows that visitors visualise tourism experience as a combination of five factors: education, entertainment, esthetics, escapism and ease of facilities. They assigned different weightage in terms of significance to each of these factors. Internal configuration of these factors also reveals interesting patterns.

Research limitations/implications

A non-probability sampling method is applied in this research. Future studies should replicate the research in different social, economic and geographical context to see if the factor composition and structure remain unchanged.

Practical implications

Organisers should focus on improving ease of facilities. Disproportionate expenditure on adding to other factors is not expected to yield matching dividends.

Social implications

The study assumes significance as this kind of event used to happen on every 15 years. This attracts millions of visitors. The paper explores the expectation of visitors.

Originality/value

This paper is among the few works done on understanding tourism experience during the Nabakalebara at Puri, India. It adds significantly to the meagre body of knowledge in the area of tourism experience.
Designing for events – a new perspective on event design
Authors: Orefice Chiara
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the paradigm shift towards event design predominant research by presenting an analysis of how the concept of event design has developed in the events literature and by exploring a new perspective based on its contribution to value co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Theory from design management and service design is discussed to provide insights on the role of event design as contributing to the creation of value in social systems.

Findings

A new framework for categorising the role of event design is proposed, called the Event Design Ladder. Event design is no longer considered as a problem solving activity, but as a contributor to value creation and an ongoing pursuit carried out over time and space. Stakeholders become co-designers of value systems.

Research limitations/implications

Service design and design management literature offer interesting potential for event researchers to advance the conceptualisation of event design. Considering events as platforms for long-term stakeholder engagement implies that the concept of design becomes strategic. Design as strategy is identified as a new area of event research.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new perspective on events considered as catalysts of value systems, where the role of design is not only to orchestrate meaningful experiences but to facilitate collaboration across projects, integrating resources and building on stakeholders’ skills and knowledge. Theories of practice are explored as a way to theorise and carry out research on how value is co-created by actors.
Creativity in events: the untold story
Authors: Jackson Caroline , Morgan James , Laws Chantal
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on untold stories that not only illustrate the creativity but also complexity of working in outdoor events. There has been global interest in the creative industries and the creative economy more generally. Events have not been identified or categorised as part of this. Experiences have been identified as part of the creative sectors (NESTA, 2006) and events are seen as experiences (Jackson, 2006; Berridge 2007). There has been little research undertaken about the creative nature of event experiences, especially in how they are created.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework was created from literature on creativity more generally to inform the Creativity in Events research project. Interviews with those working in the outdoor events sector were the basis of the qualitative stage of the research project investigating the phenomenon of creativity in events.

Findings

This paper identifies the core facets of creativity in the management of outdoor events. These were fluency, originality, imagination, elaboration, environment and complexity. A vignette is used to illustrate the intricacy of the nature of creativity in the production of outdoor event experiences. The overall findings were that event management was both creative and pragmatic and that both are necessary. There was a need for a creative environment with processes and familiarity that aided inspiration and originality.

Originality/value

The background and findings are relevant to recognising events as part of the wider creative economy. A greater understanding of the nature of creativity in events informs both education and practice.
Effect of surface topography associated with arbitrary velocity direction on the lubrication film thickness in elliptical contacts
Authors: Pu Wei , Wang Jiaxu , Zhou Guangwu , Xiao Ke , Li Junyang
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe and observe the effect of surface topography associated with arbitrary directions of rolling and sliding velocities on the performance of lubricating films in elliptical contacts.

Design/methodology/approach

The most recently published mixed elastohydrodynamic (EHL) model by Pu and Zhu is used. Three different machined rough surfaces are discussed and the correlated inclined angle of surface velocity varies from 0° to 90° in the analyzed cases. These cases are carried out in a wide range of speeds (five orders of magnitude) while the simulated lubrication condition covers full-film and mixed EHL down to the boundary lubrication.

Findings

The results indicate that the variation of the average film thickness corresponding to different entrainment angles is distinct from those without considering surface roughness. In addition, the surface topography appears to have an immense effect on the lubrication film thickness in the exceptive situation.

Originality/value

This paper has not been published previously. Surface roughness has attracted much attention for many years owing to the significant influence on lubricating property. However, previous studies mainly focus on the counterformal contact with the same direction between surface velocity and principal axis of the contact zone. Little attention has been paid to the specific condition with the arbitrary direction of rolling and sliding velocities found in hypoid gears and worm, and some other components. The purpose of this study is to describe and observe the effect of surface topography associated with arbitrary directions of rolling and sliding velocities on the performance of lubricating films in elliptical contacts based on the most recently published mixed EHL model by Pu and Zhu.
Corporate board decision-making: applying collective versus personal values
Authors: Bruni-Bossio Vincent
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a solution to the dilemma of board members using their personal values to drive decision-making and strategy. Board members are asked to discuss the collective values at the onset of strategy planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Six questions, developed over a 15-year period of working in the area of strategy and governance, unite research on values in organizations, and provide a guide for arriving at a set of agreed-upon values for decision-making.

Findings

Two examples from practice showcase how agreeing on values before beginning the strategy process has assisted boards with better decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

The questions and process are meant to be a reflective tool for board members to consider when discussing values and decision-making rather than predicting behaviour or explaining outcomes. The process is most effective for boards whose culture supports a desire for improvement and therefore a willingness to experiment with new processes. The process can be enhanced by using an external facilitator having the ability to extrapolate meaning as the discussion unfolds.

Practical implications

This work empowers board members to be more effective in assessing strategic options and in communicating the inner logic and meaning of the strategy throughout the organization and to the external stakeholders.

Originality/value

Advocating that boards engage in focused discussion around values at the beginning of the strategic process improves decision-making and provides a litmus test for evaluating the strategic options. Agreeing on a set of values also makes board members more aware of the implications of each option in the long term.
How to create environmentalists: the best motivators
Authors: Royne Marla B. , Thieme Jeff , Levy Marian
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify how five factors (environmental involvement, environmental concern, financial motivations, social motivations and energy concern motivations) motivate individuals to engage in pro-environmental behaviors (curtailment, capital investment behaviors and food-related behaviors).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey approach is used to collect data, and regression analysis is used to answer the research question.

Findings

Results show that social motivations are positively associated with all three behaviors such as environmental involvement, Environmental Concern and Energy Concern Motivations are positively associated with some behaviors; and Financial Motivations are not associated with any behaviors examined in this study.

Research limitations/implications

These results highlight the widespread impact of social motivations, the more specific impact of environmental involvement, environmental concern and energy concern motivations, and the lack of impact of financial motivations on these three distinct pro-environmental behaviors.

Practical implications

Given that social motivation is so strong and pervasive across all three categories of pro-environmental behaviors, leadership in encouraging a dialogue/debate around these issues is needed from all stakeholders, including government, industry leaders, think tanks and environmental organizations.

Originality/value

This study incorporates multiple factors that have differing impact on three distinct pro-environmental behaviors.
Youth information-seeking behavior and online government information
Authors: Taylor Natalie Greene
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on middle-school-aged young people’s information-seeking behavior and the knowledge and perceptions they have of and about federal government websites.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study included 37 youth across four middle schools in the mid-Atlantic USA who all participated in a research-focused after-school program. During these sessions, they participated in several data collection activities, including an interview, a survey, a word association activity, an evaluation of the homepage of a government website, and card-sorting. Using conventional, directed, and summative content analysis techniques, the narratives from each data collection activity were coded using in vivo and theory-based terms.

Findings

The study finds that the majority of participants viewed government websites favorably, but were frequently unsure of what government websites are or who is responsible for their creation. Perhaps more significantly, participants’ views of information-related policies frequently were raised during discussions about government websites. The perceptions reflected the youth information-seeking behaviors and information literacy gaps.

Originality/value

Overall, these findings shed light on the opinions of an understudied population in e-government research and inform both policy makers and educators on how to best disseminate government information to youth.
Food security across the enterprise: a puzzle, problem or mess for a circular economy?
Authors: Irani Zahir , Sharif Amir M.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use, applicability and relevance of strategic planning as a process and tool when applied to exploring food security challenges, in the context of existing research on food security and food waste in the food supply chain. The issues associated with robust and resilient food supply chains within a circular economy are increasingly being seen as supportive of creating enhanced levels of food security but the authors argue that this is only sustainable when strategically planned as part of a cross-enterprise, information-rich and complex supply chain. The relevance of the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental (PESTLE) strategic planning tool is explored to establish whether it can play a role tacking the complexity of food insecurity (i.e. a lack of food security).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a viewpoint piece therefore as a result, thought, normative literature and supposition are used as a means to ground and orientate the views of the authors.

Findings

The authors identify and conclude that strategic planning tools like PESTLE across enterprises may not be relevant in supporting the reduction of food insecurity. This conclusion is predicated on the heightened level of complexity surrounding the pursuit of food security and the simplistic categorisation of PESTLE factors in a linear fashion that underpin this tool. Rather, the authors’ call for the use of strategic planning tools that are able to capture a large number of inter-related factors holistically.

Practical implications

This insight to the inter-related factors that contribute to food insecurity will allow policy developers, decision makers and others to develop their understanding of how strategic planning can support increased levels of food security within a circular economy and across cross-enterprises.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature through a new insight of how normative strategic planning tools need to evolve in a complex, inter-connected world of international business and geo-politics. In doing so, it is expected that this research will motivate others to develop their line of enquiry around uncovering and exploring those inter-relationships connecting PESTLE factors.