bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information technology and its implications for internal auditing
Authors: Abu‐Musa Ahmad A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the impact of emerging information technology (IT) on internal auditors' (IA) activities, and to examine whether the IT evaluations performed in Saudi organizations vary, based on evaluation objectives and organizational characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey, using a self‐administered questionnaire, is used to achieve these objectives. About 700 questionnaires were randomly distributed to a sample of Saudi organizations located in five main Saudi cities. In total, 218 valid and usable questionnaires – representing a 30.7 percent response rate – were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences – SPSS version 15.

Findings

The results of the study reveal that IA need to enhance their knowledge and skills of computerized information systems (CIS) for the purpose of planning, directing, supervising and reviewing the work performed. The results of the study are consistent with Hermanson et al. that IA focus primarily on traditional IT risks and controls, such as IT data integrity, privacy and security, asset safeguarding and application processing. Less attention has been directed to system development and acquisition activities. The IA's performance of IT evaluations is associated with several factors including: the audit objectives, industry type, the number of IT audit specialists on the internal audit staff, and the existence of new CIS.

Practical implications

From a practical standpoint, managers, IA, IT auditors, and practitioners alike stand to gain from the findings of this study.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have important implications for managers and IA, enabling them to better understand and evaluate their computerized accounting systems.
Performance parameters interrelations from a balanced scorecard perspective
Authors: Cohen Sandra , Thiraios Dimitris , Kandilorou Myrto
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The proponents of balanced scorecard (BSc) claim that lead factors interrelate and their improvement ultimately leads to increased financial performance. The purpose of this paper is to use the underlying hypotheses of BSc in order to assess whether improvements that relate to learning and growth, internal processes and customers actually contribute to alterations of reported financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used and data were gathered from 90 leading Greek companies in relation to the progress they have experienced during a three‐year period regarding various activities that can be broadly classified as aspects of the three qualitative perspectives of BSc (i.e. the learning and growth perspective, the internal business and production process perspective, and the customer perspective). Published financial data were used in order to calculate several financial ratios for all sample firms for the same time period.

Findings

The empirical data verified the underlying theoretical hypothesis of BSc that lead BSc perspectives are positively correlated with one an: other at a statistically significant level in a sequential way. However, within a given perspective not all measures exhibit homogeneous behaviour in terms of statistical significance. Supportive evidence was also found that the companies that have improved their return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) during the analysis period have increased their efforts towards aspects that characterize the learning and growth perspective more than the companies whose ROE and ROA values decreased.

Originality/value

The innovative dimension of this research work relies mainly on the fact that the BSc framework was used as a general structured model in order to assess the relationships between non‐financial parameters and financial performance. Thus, conclusions are not restricted only to companies that actually apply BSc.
Base material selection for reliable lead‐free processing
Authors: Hövel Bernd , Verbrugge Tom
Published: May 2008

Purpose

To demonstrate a method of selecting base materials for lead‐free processing based on the kinetics of decomposition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the calculation of Arrhenius kinetic parameters from common “time to delamination” data (T260). Delamination is correlated to a certain conversion into the decomposition reaction. With both of these parameters, various soldering scenarios are analysed.

Findings

The findings highlight the fact that conventional FR‐4 materials are only good for a few reflow cycles. A higher number of reflow cycles can only be fulfilled with RoHS compliant base materials. However, rework and repair may even shift those more thermally resiliant materials over the limit. The peak temperatures are over proportionally responsible for delamination failures and need to be controlled carefully.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in its ability to provide guidance on the selection of base materials to comply with various soldering processes. A model has been developed that is able to predict failure limit for a given base material and a given process.
A solution for PCB drilling with strict requirement on hole wall quality
Authors: Fu Lianyu , Yang Fan
Published: May 2008

Purpose

To provide a solution for PCB drilling with strict requirements on hole wall quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The influential mechanism of key micro drill bit parameters on hole wall roughness is analyzed. A new type of micro drill bit is developed on the basis of theoretical analysis and experimental verifications.

Findings

The key factors in drill bit design which can enable superior hole wall quality are described. Experimental results show that very good hole wall quality is achieved by such newly developed drill bits. Meanwhile, the new drill bits show good performance in terms of wear‐resistance and hole registration accuracy. A solution for PCB drilling with strict requirements on hole wall quality is provided.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the influential mechanism of key parameters of micro drill bit design on the hole wall quality of PCBs. A new kind of micro drill bit which can achieve superior hole wall quality has been developed.
Triumphant capitalism and the future of human, social and economic progress in the post‐Cold War era
Authors: Ukpere Wilfred I. , Slabbert Andre D.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to show that there could still be the possibility of a complementary relationship between capitalism and socialism (effective state), so that a higher human, social and economic order is realised.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a meta‐analytical study, which relied on secondary sources of information. It is a qualitative study that is based on conceptual analysis, theory building and “emic” perspective (authors' viewpoint).

Findings

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1998 and the fall of the famous Berlin Wall, the final victory or triumph of capitalism over its alternatives was heralded. This development saw nations, most especially the developing ones, rushing to infuse themselves into the capitalist global system, which is reflected by the opening of borders to the capitalist onslaught. However, soon after this euphoric capitalist triumphalism, capitalism seems to be heading to another cross‐road, which is capable of undermining the aforesaid euphoria. As capital is now set to continue its accumulation, expansion and profitability, unemployment is on the rise, as government ability to create lasting employment has become ineffective due to the privatisation of the public sectors, retrenchment by private business, etc. The state of affairs is exacerbating the crime rate (both within nations and globally), ethnic and global tension, poverty and ill‐feeling. Hence, there could be other better global alternatives to the current single capitalist triumphant orthodoxy.

Practical implications

Socialism has failed and capitalism is in the process of failing. Therefore, the only hope left to resurrect socialism and resuscitate capitalism, is a complementary and comprehensive ideological order. In that sense, there is a need to complement the positive aspects of both ideologies.

Originality/value

This paper is original, since no other paper has taken up the topic of “Triumphant capitalism and the future of human, social and economic progress in the post‐Cold War era”. The suggestion given in the paper could help to achieve a higher level of human, social and economic progress in the post‐Cold War era, most especially in the developing nations.
New public management and the corporatisation of the public sector in peripheral capitalist countries
Authors: Marobela Motsomi
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Capitalist transformation of the public sector is global phenomenon that affects many countries. This paper seeks to examine recent public sector reforms introduced by the Government of Botswana to improve civil service performance. The underlying political philosophy behind the change in the public sector is explored by relating the neoliberal ideology which is driving the reform agenda to the discourse of new public management (NPM).

Design/methodology/approach

A realist social theory is used to explain generative mechanisms and structures that are the driving force behind the change process.

Findings

The paper suggests that the public sector provides essential services, which many poor people in the developing world depend on. Consequently, privatisation of public services is more likely to exacerbate poverty and to intensify inequality because the private sector is profit not needs centred. Moreover, these changes will have serious consequences for the workers. Already some have been retrenched and those remaining face a new work regime. Outsourcing is one facet of it in Botswana, which is associated with poor pay and bad working conditions.

Practical implications

Provides a deeper understanding of restructuring of the public sector which is crucial for labour organisations and researchers on labour relations.

Originality/value

Previous research on Botswana reforms has tended to promote neoliberal globalisation. This is the first paper that challenges comprehensively this dominant paradigm and its accompanying ideology of NPM by offering an alternative critique from a standpoint of the poor and exploited.
Online talk: does it matter?
Authors: Sabherwal Sanjiv , Sarkar Salil K. , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine stocks that are most actively discussed by online posters and see if the messages posted about these stocks have information or if they are just noise.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses messages posted on TheLion.com, which reports a real time list of the ten most actively discussed stocks. The stocks in this list at the daily market close during 2005‐2006 are examined. An event study is performed to estimate the daily abnormal returns on these stocks. Contemporaneous and lead–lag regressions of abnormal returns against message posting activities are performed.

Findings

Online posters prefer thinly traded micro‐cap stocks. On average, there is an abnormal return of 19.4 per cent on a stock the day it is one of the ten most talked about stocks. The number of messages posted about a stock on a given day is not only positively related with the stock's abnormal return on that day but it also positively predicts the next day's abnormal return.

Research limitations/implications

It may be interesting to examine if the investor sentiment expressed in online messages has predictive power for micro‐cap stocks.

Practical implications

The results provide evidence to regulators that online talk affects stock prices. They show investors that there are inefficiencies in the stock market. They also suggest that corporate managers, especially of small firms, should monitor the stock message boards.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the micro‐cap stocks favored by online posters and finds that online talk has the power to predict the next‐day returns.
Google Scholar and academic libraries: an update
Authors: Hartman Karen A. , Bowering Mullen Laura
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to update the authors' original 2005 study of Google Scholar's integration into ARL libraries' web sites. Have more ARL libraries added Google Scholar?

Design/methodology/approach

The library homepages of the 113 ARL academic institutions were examined for paths or links to Google Scholar. The coding scheme focused on noting whether Google Scholar appeared on the library homepage, in the OPAC, and on various database lists and subject guides.

Findings

The 2007 data indicate continued acceptance of Google Scholar and integration of this resource on the web pages of ARL libraries. The mean number of paths to Google Scholar more than doubled from 2005 to 2007. Partnering institutions were more likely to include paths to Google Scholar and the number of partnering institutions increased dramatically.

Practical implications

This study is useful for those making decisions about integration of Google Scholar into library collections and services, particularly the web site.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates future directions for integrating new categories of resources into the academic library web site.
Exploratory nature of, and uncertainty tolerance in, qualitative research
Authors: Mansourian Yazdan
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to depict an overall picture of an exploratory research journey to exemplify how qualitative studies on little understood phenomena can be done successfully. The paper aims to show how the author adopted an appropriate approach and an apposite methodology to cope with the uncertainty, stress and ambiguity arising during exploratory research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper was developed based on a reflective and narrative approach by the author to highlight the pivotal milestones of the reported research. The paper narrates how the research naturally evolved through seven stages including origination, orientation, exploration, elucidation, consolidation, reflection and culmination.

Findings

Dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity is inevitable in exploratory studies. Constant interplay with the data, thorough implementation of the employed methodology and deep involvement with the research context are pivotal elements to achieve success in these studies. Finally, findings from an inductive analysis can be considerably consolidated by deductive re‐analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The paper can inspire novice researchers to tolerate the unavoidable vagueness of early stages in qualitative research. It reassures them to trust the emergence of new horizons if they thoroughly follow an apposite methodology. Nevertheless, what is reported here is based on a personal experience of the author, which cannot easily be generalised to other circumstances.

Originality/value

There are few publications in library and information studies journals based on researchers' reflections on what they have learned in their studies which might be useful for future researchers. Thus, this paper can contribute to the area by illustrating the procedure of an exploratory study which began with high uncertainty but ended with satisfactory results.
Job satisfaction in libraries: love it or leave it
Authors: Topper Elisa F.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This article aims to explore job satisfaction among library workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review of psychological and sociological studies of job satisfaction in general and specifically for library workers.

Findings

Library workers are very satisfied in their jobs no matter if it is a current study or one from previous years.

Originality/value

Job satisfaction should be a key factor in recruitment of the next generation of library workers.
Principles of corporate rebranding
Authors: Merrilees Bill , Miller Dale
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to highlight the importance of corporate rebranding in branding practice, which is neglected in theoretical treatment, so an extended theory is to be developed.

Design/methodology/approach

From the literature, the existing state of the theory of corporate rebranding is articulated. That theory is extended by the development of six principles and by case research. The principles are illustrated in the case of a Canadian leather goods retailer which has implemented a major corporate rebranding strategy. The paper demonstrates the value of organisational single case studies as a precursor to further research.

Findings

The single case enables a more in‐depth analysis of how branding principles were applied to corporate rebranding. All six principles were supported, indicating the need for maintaining core values and cultivating the brand, linking the existing brand with the revised brand, targeting new segments, getting stakeholder “buy‐in”, achieving alignment of brand elements and the importance of promotion in awareness building.

Originality/value

Although corporate rebranding is often used narrowly in practice as renaming, this paper redresses the limited attempts to build theory in this area of marketing. It attempts to build a more sophisticated and substantial theory of corporate rebranding.
Provenance associations as core values of place umbrella brands
Authors: Iversen Nina M. , Hem Leif E.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to discuss and analyse the nature of place umbrella brands and the role such brands play in promotion of a country, a region, or a city. The purpose is also to identify some salient success criteria of provenance associations as core values of place umbrella brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The study delineates a conceptual framework, which illustrates important components in place umbrella branding. It also highlights a set of criteria to aid prioritisations among prospective provenance associations that have a potential to be used as brand values of place umbrella brands.

Practical implications

The paper identifies some characteristics of provenance associations, which make them more transferable across a bundle of umbrella brand partners. The generation of better marketing theory in the field of place branding will make it easier for practitioners to reach the right decisions in choice of provenance associations.

Findings

It is claimed that transcendence is related to the transferability of provenance associations across a bundle of brands. Because transferability strongly depends on perceptions of similarity, the starting point is to identify matches between the partner brands based on their shared provenance.

Originality/value

The article ends with a recommendation that researchers in place branding should carefully analyze provenance associations according to the suggested criteria.
Alternative perspectives on marketing and the place brand
Authors: Medway Dominic , Warnaby Gary
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to consider the role of demarketing in the specific context of the marketing of places, and to introduce a typology of place demarketing and related place marketing activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of the extant literature on place marketing and branding, place image and demarketing, the paper outlines a number of different types of place demarketing and more unusual place marketing strategies, with examples of each.

Findings

The marketing of places has grown in scale and importance, both as a practice and as an area of academic research, as places have had to become more entrepreneurial in an ever‐increasing competitive environment. Places are increasingly conceptualised as brands to be marketed, and a key emphasis of such activity is the creation of an attractive place image and/or the dilution of negative place images. This is reinforced in the academic literature. Counter to this “conventional wisdom”, this article conceptualises various types of place demarketing activity and related place marketing activities; namely “passive place demarketing”, “informational place demarketing”, “crisis place demarketing”, and also “perverse place marketing” and “dark place marketing”.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique counter to the “conventional wisdom” of place marketing by introducing the concept of place demarketing and perverse and dark place marketing which more explicitly accentuate the negative, rather than accentuating the positive which is the norm in this marketing context. A typology of such activities is introduced and the implications for place brands are considered.
Employer branding and its influence on managers
Authors: Davies Gary
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to explore the role of the employer brand in influencing employees' perceived differentiation, affinity, satisfaction and loyalty – four outcomes chosen as relevant to the employer brand.

Design/methodology/approach

A multidimensional measure of corporate brand personality is used to measure employer brand associations in a survey of 854 commercial managers working in 17 organisations. Structural equation modelling is used to identify which dimensions influence the four outcomes. Models are built and tested using a calibration sample and tested on two validation samples, one equivalent to the calibration sample and another drawn from a single company.

Findings

Satisfaction was predicted by agreeableness (supportive, trustworthy); affinity by a combination of agreeableness and (surprisingly) ruthlessness (aggressive, controlling); and perceived differentiation and loyalty by a combination of both enterprise (exciting, daring) and chic (stylish, prestigious). Competence (reliable, leading) was not retained in any model.

Research limitations/implications

Further work is required to identify how appropriate improvements in employee associations can be managed.

Practical implications

The findings emphasise the importance of an employer brand but the results also highlight the complexity in its management, as no one aspect has a dominant influence on outcomes relevant to the employer. At issue is which function within an organisation should be tasked with managing the employer brand.

Originality/value

Employer branding is relatively new as a topic but is attracting the attention of both marketing and HR academics and practitioners. Prior work is predominantly conceptual and this paper is novel in demonstrating empirically its role in promoting satisfaction, affinity, differentiation and loyalty.
Behavioural indicators of ineffective managerial coaching
Authors: Ellinger Andrea D. , Hamlin Robert G. , Beattie Rona S.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The concept of managers assuming developmental roles such as coaches and learning facilitators has received considerable attention in recent years. Yet, despite the growing body of expert opinion that suggests that coaching is an essential core activity of everyday management and leadership, the literature base remains largely atheoretical and devoid of empirical research. While there is some consensus about what effective coaching looks like, little if any empirical research has examined ineffective coaching behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to compare the empirical findings from three separately conducted studies to derive a comprehensive understanding of the ineffective behaviours associated with managerial coaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study adopted a cross‐national “etic” methodology based on the empirical findings generated by three previously conducted and purposefully selected “emic” studies. Drawing on Berry's and Lyons and Chryssochoous' “emic‐etic” approach and cross‐cultural comparisons, the researchers employed Guba and Lincoln's file card approach to analyze and compare the three behavioral datasets of the previously conducted studies.

Findings

The findings from this cross‐national comparative “etic” study revealed that the vast majority of ineffective coaching behaviours previously identified in the emic studies were held in common with each other. The predominant ineffective behaviours included using an autocratic, directive, controlling or dictatorial style, ineffective communication and dissemination of information, and inappropriate behaviours and approaches to working with employees. Of the 17 ineffective behaviours that were compared only three were not held in common.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations associated with this cross‐national study included minor variations in the use of data collection approaches and samples of managers in the previously conducted emic studies.

Practical implications

The ineffective managerial coaching behaviours derived from the cross‐national comparisons can be integrated as diagnostic tools into coaching training programmes and management and leadership development programmes to improve the practice of managerial coaching. They can also be used to increase managers' awareness of the behaviours that impede their coaching interventions with their respective employees.

Originality/value

The literature base on coaching in general and managerial coaching in particular has been criticized for not being research‐informed and evidence‐based, but rather predominantly practice‐driven and guru‐led. The findings from the current cross‐national etic study not only add to a sparse base of empirical research on managerial coaching, but also illuminate an underdeveloped area, namely that of ineffective managerial coaching practice. Furthermore, the findings provide a foundation on which to compare and contrast future empirical research that may be conducted on managerial coaching behaviours.
Understanding and managing employability in changing career contexts
Authors: Clarke Marilyn
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of employability as it has evolved over time and to propose a new definition which reflects the critical variables that contribute to employability at an individual level. It also offers suggestions for how to manage employability and careers at both an individual and an organisational level.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the literature on employability. It considers why employability has become a topic of interest, examines how the concept has evolved over time, and seeks to develop a working definition. It suggests a range of practical strategies for individual and organisations to ensure that employability is managed successfully.

Findings

Employability is as dependent on context as on the individual. Therefore the current emphasis on individual responsibility for employability needs to be re‐examined and a greater emphasis placed on how organisations can support employees to manage careers and employability. This shift in emphasis will benefit organisations by creating a more employable labour force as well as contributing to attraction and retention within an increasingly tight labour market.

Originality/value

This paper challenges current definitions of employability by focusing on contextual factors as well as individual characteristics. It suggests a new definition and a range of strategies for managing employability within current career and labour market contexts.
Generic behavioural criteria of managerial effectiveness
Authors: Hamlin Robert G. , Serventi Susan A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a “partnership‐research” study of effective and ineffective managerial behaviour within the “local government” setting of the Wolverhampton City Council Social Care Department, and to describe how the research supports and challenges the organisation's existing “leadership and management behavioural competency framework”. Additionally, it reveals and discusses the extent to which the results are consistent with equivalent and comparable findings from an equivalent study within a “central government” department.

Design/methodology/approach

Concrete examples of effective and ineffective managerial behaviour were collected using the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) of Flanagan, and the obtained data were analysed using content and thematic analytic methods.

Findings

The paper finds that from a total of 218 usable critical incidents 50 discrete behavioural items were identified, of which 25 were examples of “effective” and 25 of “ineffective” behaviour. A comparison against equivalent findings from the “central government” study revealed high degrees of overlap with 92 per cent of the “effective” and 96 per cent of the “ineffective” behavioural items being the same as, similar to, or containing some congruence of meaning.

Research limitations/implications

Although the number of CIT informants (n=40) falls at the top end of the typical sample range for qualitative research, it is possible that data collection “saturation” has not been reached. Whereas the subject of the present “local government” study was first line and middle managers, the focus of the compared “central government” study also included senior managers.

Originality/value

The results of this replica research lend additional empirical support to those who believe in “generic” and “universalistic “ explanations of managerial and leadership effectiveness.
National HRD: a new paradigm or reinvention of the wheel?
Authors: Wang Greg G.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze a new research topic, national human resource development (NHRD) for neglected but critical components of economics foundation and accumulated international development research and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a targeted literature review on NHRD writing, major development economics theory, and international development literatures, this study conducted a critical content analysis.

Findings

The findings in the paper are: current research on NHRD has not advanced our knowledge in economic development, human development, and human resource development under different cultural contexts; the HRD concept used by economists means human development (HD), the domain of HRD should not be extended to HD and HRD scholars should understand the different meaning of the same terms used in different fields determined by the contextual and historical background of the field; NHRD should be renamed as HRD national policy studies, and should be firmly based on economic foundation and incorporating accumulated knowledge in international development. Otherwise, the idea of NHRD is to reinvent the wheel with much less scholarly rigor.

Research limitations/implications

HRD research should be firmly based on its theoretical foundations and accumulated knowledge in other related areas. HRD should not define itself by a concept defined by another field, even with the same wording.

Practical implications

As HRD national policy studies, HRD professionals may contribute economic development by analyzing HRD‐related policy implementation and propose policy recommendations by working with existing development communities.

Originality/value

This paper is important for HRD scholars to explore a new research and practice frontier. It calls attention to properly positioning HRD's role in national economic development and clarifies some misunderstandings in the NHRD literature.
A high‐throughput and design of experiment mediated optimization of pigment‐based ink formulations
Authors: Lopez Pedrosa Jose Maria , Bradley Mark
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a high‐throughput approach to optimize printing of pigment‐based formulations.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 40 formulations were robotically prepared by varying the concentrations of diethyleneglycol, glycerol and surfynol. In addition, a variety of inkjet printer (process) variables (voltage, pulse width and frequency) was varied. The combined influence of these two sets of variables on printing performance were determined, analysed and optimised using the Statistical Software Package (MODDE 8), which uses multiple linear regression and partial least square analysis.

Findings

The components diethyleneglycol and surfynol were observed to predominantly control viscosity and surface tension of all formulations, which voltage and pulse width were found to be the main factors controlling the spread of the droplet on the substrate.

Practical implications

Optimisation of pigment‐based formulations has typically involved the one‐by‐one systematic variation of components in a stepwise manner. The work reported here allowed the generation of a robust model allowing the properties of any new formulation to be accurately predicted. Importantly, the experimental tools and methods developed can be applied quite generally to the preparation of any new formulation for inkjet printing application.

Originality/value

Experimental design and high‐throughput technology allow new formulations to be accurately predicted for diverse inkjet applications.
The effects of organic additives on photochromism. Part I: the photochromic performance of (E)‐dicyclopropylmethylene‐(2,5‐dimethyl‐3‐furylethylidene)‐succinic anhydride and ferrocene containing dye doped in PMMA polymer film
Authors: Baghaffar G.A. , Asiri A.M.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

To evaluate the photochromic performance of fulgide 1‐E with ferrocene in polymer matrices.

Design/methodology/approach

The fulgide 1‐E with ferrocene dye 2 doped in polymethylmethacrylate was prepared and the effects of UV irradiation were studied using spectrophotometer. The reversible reaction was effected using white light. The effect of heat was also determined.

Findings

A film of the brown coloured fulgide 1‐E with ferrocene doped in PMMA polymer was irradiated with ultraviolet light (365 nm), the film turned red. The later colour was partially switched back to the original brown colour when the film was irradiated with a white light. It was found that the rate constants of photocoloration reaction at initial stages are faster than those at late stages. Similarly, the photocoloration reaction was slower than the photobleaching reaction. Photocoloration reaction decreased with the increase of the annealing temperatures, but for photobleaching reaction, the rates were almost similar (at 46 and 82°C). The fatigue resistance of the film was greatly improved when the annealing temperature increased to 82°C.

Research limitations/implications

The polymethylmethacrylate polymer doped photochromic fulgide 1‐E and ferrocene 2 described in the present paper was prepared and studied. The principle of study established can be applied to any type of polymer or to any type of photochromic compounds.

Practical implications

The photochromic materials developed can be used for different applications, such as coatings and holography.

Originality/value

The method developed may be used to enhance the performance of photochromic materials.
Synthesis of ZnxMgyAl2O4 spinels for use in protective coatings
Authors: Veselý D. , Kalendová A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of synthesizing lamellarly‐shaped anticorrosion pigments having a chemically active layer whose core consists of metal aluminium on which a thin spinel film is synthesised.

Design/methodology/approach

Anticorrosion pigments were synthesised by reaction of metal aluminium lamellar particles whose surface was oxidised to Al2O3 during the first stage and by subsequent reaction with ZnO and/or MgO at 800‐1,150°C producing a thin spinel layer that is chemically bonded to the metal core of the pigment particles. Core‐shell pigments including MgAl2O4/Al, Mg0.8Zn0.2Al2O4/Al, Mg0.6Zn0.4Al2O4/Al, Mg0.4Zn0.6Al2O4/Al, Mg0.2Zn0.8Al2O4/Al and ZnAl2O4/Al were synthesised. The prepared pigments were characterised by means of X‐ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The synthesised anticorrosion pigments were used to prepare epoxy coatings that were tested upon application for their anticorrosion properties and resistance against a chemical environment.

Findings

The lamellar shape of the particles, as well as good‐quality coverage with a thin spinel layer, was identified in the prepared pigments. All of the synthesised pigments exhibit good anticorrosion efficiency in epoxy coatings. Compared to lamellar kaolin and metal core of aluminium without coverage, the protective function of the synthesised pigments in coatings is demonstrably better.

Practical implications

The synthesised pigments find convenient applications in coatings protecting metal bases from corrosion.

Originality/value

Synthesis of a spinel layer on the metal core of aluminium is a novel method; so is the application of these substances in coatings designed for the protection of metals from corrosion. Of great benefit is the fact that the synthesised pigments are free of any substances harmful to the environment.
Inhibition of steel corrosion in HCl media by phosphite compound
Authors: Herrag L. , Hammouti B. , Elkadiri S. , El Bali B. , Lachkar M. , Ouarsal R.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the inhibitive effect of the phosphite NaCo(H2PO3)3•H2O (PhCo) for the corrosion of mild steel in HCl solutions. The study is another trial to find a mineral inhibitor for mild steel corrosion.

Design/methodology/approach

The inhibitory effect has been evaluated by gravimetric and polarisation techniques at various temperatures. The type of adsorption inhibition and adsorption and kinetic data are determined.

Findings

Results show that PhCo inhibits the corrosion of steel in acidic solution. The inhibition efficiency at 308 K increases with the inhibitor concentration to reach 96 per cent for 10−4 M, and then decreases at higher temperatures. Kinetic parameters such as Ea, ΔHa ∘ and ΔSa ∘ were calculated. The adsorption of inhibitor obeys the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic parameters of adsorption including ΔGad, ΔHad, ΔSad, and Keq(ad) were calculated in the presence of inhibitor.

Research limitations/implications

Electrochemical studies (polarization method) show the partial action of inhibitor on anodic and cathodic reactions of the corrosion inhibition.

Practical implications

The efficiency of the tested phosphite increases with its concentration to reach 96 per cent. It can be used in chemical cleaning and pickling processes at moderate temperature.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the possible application of phosphites as environmentally valid inhibitors for corrosion under the specified conditions.
The consumer's expectation formation process over time
Authors: Licata Jane W. , Chakraborty Goutam , Krishnan Balaji C.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This research seeks to examine how the expectation process and its components evolve over time and purchase experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal study was conducted over the period of one year using a sample of university students who were purchasing an undergraduate education. The sample was surveyed three times over the year. Structural equation analyses and regression were used to test various research hypotheses.

Findings

Key findings include confirming two significantly different levels of expectations: a lower, predictive “will” level and a higher normative “should” level. Expectation antecedents change in their degree of influence on expectations, weakening over time and service purchase experience.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to extend the results to other service contexts.

Practical implications

The consumer's expectation formation process changes over service purchase experience, thus indicating a need to segment on experience with the service firm.

Originality/value

The application of an expectation formation process to a longitudinal study provides the first partnership of the theoretically‐based model and longitudinal methodology.
Professional service firms entering emerging markets: the role of network relationships
Authors: Freeman Susan , Sandwell Mark
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify key barriers to internationalisation in emerging markets (EMs) for professional service firms (PSFs) from developed markets and to explain how PSFs use social networks to participate within EMs of Asia and overcome these barriers. The paper aims to provide a framework of this process.

Design/methodology/approach

A case‐based research design is used to explore key professional service industries (legal, media consulting and financial), providing three case studies, in a developed market (Australia) that are expanding rapidly into EMs (Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam) of Asia.

Findings

The elements of orientating, positioning and timing were identified as critical in the context of foreign entry, with the network perspective providing a useful theoretical explanation of this process and underpinning the conceptual framework. Key barriers to internationalisation in EMs for PSFs from developed markets are identified: face‐to‐face communication, language, cultural, work practices and government regulations. How PSFs use social networks to participate within EMs of Asia to overcome these barriers reveal that social network elements are critical to FME specifically into EMs: orientation, positioning and time.

Research limitations/implications

While the conceptual framework of key barriers and how PSF overcame them is theoretically supported by the findings, the framework could be tested more appropriately through an extended number of cases prior to a survey to provide generalizability.

Practical implications

Social networks were used by managers of PSFs to secure market knowledge and to act as a basis for strategic decision making, with foreign network actors a key influence in the foreign market entry process.

Originality/value

The paper provides a framework for identifying key barriers to internationalisation in EMs for PSFs.
Using question order for predictive service quality measures
Authors: DeMoranville Carol W. , Bienstock Carol C. , Judson Kim
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Previous research shows that question order affects responses, but does not indicate which order is more accurate. This study aims to examine the effect of three question orders on measurements of SERVQUAL and global quality in an effort to determine which order produced the most predictive measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Three forms of a survey were randomly distributed to users of different services; banking, dental services, and hair salons. Correlation with intention of future interaction was used to identify the order that resulted in the most predictive quality measure.

Findings

The paper finds that correlations with intention of future interaction were highest for SERVQUAL in the global‐SERVQUAL order, but highest for the global quality measure in the random order.

Research limitation/implications

This study indicates that practitioners and academicians should order questionnaire items differently depending on how the results will be used and which type of measure, specific or global service quality, is the focus of a questionnaire. Generalizations are limited to SERVQUAL and multiple item measures of service quality.

Practical implications

The findings indicate which of several question orders can be used to generate the most predictive measures of SERVQUAL and global service quality.

Originality/value

Previous research has examined measurement effects of specific‐general question orders, without indicating which order is most predictive. This study includes a random order and also suggests appropriate item order for predictive measures.
Information and source preferences of a student market in higher education
Authors: Bonnema J. , Van der Waldt D.L.R.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Marketing communication practitioners in higher education have not yet identified specific subgroups with similar characteristics within the prospective student (target) market, and do not always know which preferred sources learners consult when deciding on a tertiary institution for further or higher education. In addition, little is known about prospective students' information needs when deciding which institution to attend. As a result many tertiary institutions still use one message in one medium for all target markets. The aims of this paper are: to determine if sub‐groups exist within the student recruitment market that need tailor made persuasive messages; to determine the preferred sources of information gathering for prospective students that influences their choice of tertiary institution; and to determine the information needs of prospective students that influence their decisions to select an institution of higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A stratified random sample of 19 schools was drawn, from which a total of 716 successfully completed questionnaires were used to conduct factor and cluster analyses to determine information needs and source preferences of these respondents.

Findings

Ten factors under the VARCLUS procedure with high eigen values were grouped together with the following labels: university, college, employability aspects, course content, student experience, sporting aspects, financial aspects, direct sources, media sources and social sources. Five sub‐groups clustered together with the K‐means analysis, labelled: have lots, aspiring have lots, little direction and new lifers.

Research limitations/implications

A limited amount of literature is available on the current use of media and sources by the target market. Decisions on the choice of a tertiary institution for higher education are most probably influenced by socio‐economic circumstances in a developing context, like South Africa.

Practical implications

An integrated and well co‐ordinated media and message strategy for each of the various sub‐groups should be specified for an IMC plan to be successful.

Originality/value

This is one of the few research articles on media and source preferences of potential students in the Cape Metropolitan. The cluster analysis revealed five clusters of sub‐groups that have specific media and source needs to make the decision on furthering studies at tertiary level.