bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial peripheries, social peripheries: reflections on the “suburbs” of Paris
Authors: Montagné Villette Solange , Hardill Irene
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek to conribute to debates on disadvantage and social exclusion by examining the evolution of the concept of “periphery”, with specific reference to Paris.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on research undertaken on the “suburbs” of Paris in order to highlight some of the socio‐spatial dimensions of social exclusion.

Findings

The notion of periphery has evolved from being a purely spatial concept, to a functional concept, and during the crises of the 1980s it became a key social concept in France.

Originality/value

Today, it is the absence of employment, or common values which characterises those who make up a social periphery. It is the unwaged, or the poor (in waged work or retirees), and immigrants, who live in the Parisian socio‐suburban periphery.
Testing the hypothesis of long‐run money neutrality in the Middle East
Authors: Tawadros George B.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis of long‐run money neutrality for Egypt, Jordan and Morocco using seasonal cointegration techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses seasonal integration and cointegration techniques to test the neutrality of money hypothesis for three Middle Eastern economies, using quarterly data on money, prices and real income. The benefit of using this technique lies in its ability to distinguish between cointegration at different frequencies.

Findings

The empirical results show that money is cointegrated with prices, but not with output at the zero frequency for Egypt, Jordan and Morocco. This suggests that money affects nominal but not real variables in the long run, implying that money is neutral in these three Middle Eastern economies.

Practical implications

The implication of this finding for policy analysis suggests that the anti‐inflationary policy prescription espoused by the monetarist school should be followed in these three Middle Eastern countries, in order to curb inflation.

Originality/value

The paper provides further evidence in support of money neutrality using an unconventional approach for three developing Middle Eastern economies.
Are multinationals afraid of social violence in emerging markets?
Authors: Evrensel Ayşe Y. , Kutan Ali M.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The fact that previous studies regarding the effects of social violence on foreign direct investment (FDI) flows come to contradictory conclusions motivates this paper. Therefore, it seeks to investigate the social violence‐FDI relationship in an ethnically heterogeneous and resource‐rich country, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework of the paper examines the social violence‐FDI relationship and identifies the circumstances under which social violence in the host country adversely affects FDI inflows. The empirical analysis uses a unique dataset that consists of FDI flows and different types of social violence in 26 provinces of Indonesia during the period 1992‐2001. A fixed‐effects regression is applied to estimate the effects of social violence on FDI flows in Indonesian provinces.

Findings

The results indicate that only certain types of social violence such as ethnic and industrial relations violence are detrimental to FDI. Multinational firms seem to differentiate among the several types of social violence and respond only to those that may affect their expected future profits.

Practical implications

The immediate policy implication of this result implies that developing countries having the desire to attract FDI flows should be aware of the fact that multinational firms seem to differentiate among the several types of social violence and respond only to those that may affect their expected future profits.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature in two ways. First, the dataset employed in the empirical analysis is unique in that it contains different types of social violence and associated damage in a country. Second and because of the first point, the empirical findings provide an explanation of the conflicting results reported in the literature regarding the social violence‐FDI relationship.
Novel design and development of an active feeder
Authors: Chua Patrick S.K.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the novel design and development of an automatic feeding system which is capable of feeding cylindrical parts which are fragile and powdery in nature and possess asymmetrical features such as a groove near to one end.

Design/methodology/approach

It is an active feeder, performing its task without having to reject any feeding part by performing active orientation of feeding parts that are in the undesired orientation. This design incorporating active orientating capability is aimed at 100 percent feeding efficiency. The system is controlled and driven by a programmable logic controller and electropneumatics.

Findings

System evaluation results showed that the average jam rate is below 5 percent and the percentage of correctly orientated parts is above 95 percent. With enhancement and fine tuning, the system could become a very useful feeder for industry in the future.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this paper focuses on presentation of the design concept, development and evaluation of the feeder only and design calculations are not included.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to those who are involved in the manufacturing of small delicate and powdery engineering parts such as those providing performs to the semiconductor industry for encapsulation of integrated circuit chips.
Understanding implicit models that guide the coaching process
Authors: Barner Robert , Higgins Julie
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide readers with a better understanding of four theory models that inform coaching practice, and to reflect on how the theoretical approach that one adopts is likely to shape one's coaching practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on the authors' combined 30 years of experience as internal and external executive coaches. Organizational examples are provided to illustrate key concepts.

Findings

The authors conclude that, although coaches tend to be eclectic in the methods that they employ, they tend to center their craft on one of four prevailing coaching models: the clinical model, the behavioral model, the systems model, and the social constructionist model. These models inform the practice and shape the approaches that OD practitioners take in directing coaching assessments and interventions.

Practical implications

This article serves as a “think piece” to help OD practitioners understand the theoretical assumptions, constraints, and caveats that are associated with each model. The authors strongly believe that having this knowledge enables practitioners to introduce a higher level of discipline and effectiveness into the coaching process.

Originality/value

This article represents a unique attempt to bridge theory and practice by encouraging readers to reflect on how each individual's practice is developed from, and informed by, a particular theory position. It represents one of the few papers that have tackled this particular management development topic.
Fitness for purpose
Authors: Fianchini Maria
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to work out methodologies, procedures and tools to evaluate the fitness for purpose of university buildings, to be used for the brief.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation methodology is based on an approach comparing people needs with building performances and on an integration of analytical methods with empirical ones. It has been tested on a case study.

Findings

The test revealed that building occupants suffered some inconveniences with their activities that conditioned their well‐being and their work. It also attested the importance of an exact identification of the needs of the different user groups and the utility of accomplishing parametric controls and dimensional verifications together with user surveys and observation of behaviour in order to verify the fitness for purpose of the buildings.

Research limitations/implications

The research theme is part of the more general issue of the evaluation of the quality of public services. Other criteria and parameters would have to be elaborated and applied to buildings with different uses.

Practical implications

The paper presents a very useful evaluation model that allows very precise reflection on how buildings are used to determine the real needs and the problems that cause bad service quality and to prompt rehabilitation solutions.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and offers practical help to undertake a performance evaluation in the public sector. Moreover, it presents a case of building quality evaluation with user participation, which is quite unusual in Italy.
Lack of affordable housing finance in Malawi's major urban areas
Authors: Chapinduka Nyasulu E. , Cloete C.E.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the unaffordability of housing and limited access to finance as limiting factors to the provision of adequate housing in the urban areas of Malawi.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected by means of questionnaires followed up by semi‐structured personal interviews. These interviews were conducted with all major role players in the urban housing finance industry. Secondary data were obtained through scrutiny of the stakeholders' relevant official records and reports kept at their offices. The subset of analysis was chosen to be the local authorities of Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.

Findings

Finance from the formal sector is accessible to fewer than 35 per cent of the urban population and less than 16 per cent of households in the major urban areas can afford an average house. No government subsidies are available for end users and development financing is limited and extremely dear. The contribution from non‐conventional finance sources to housing finance is negligible.

Practical implications

It is suggested that the use of various instruments may alleviate the situation. Such instruments could include a housing tax for the implementation of subsidies, subsidies from developed countries, the formation of cooperatives and the implementation of securitisation.

Originality/value

Limited research exists on the problem of housing finance in Malawi. This paper quantifies the situation. Implementation of the recommendations will contribute to the provision of adequate housing in Malawi.
An exploration of the potential of WWW current awareness services for oncology nurses
Authors: Fourie Ina , Claasen‐Veldsman Retha
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The potential of current awareness services (CAS) for oncology nurses is considered with special reference to the spectrum of WWW CAS that are available, their benefits and problems, and how these can be linked to the dynamic health environments in which oncology nurses may find themselves. The intention with the article is to show the need for exploring the value of WWW CAS for dynamic professional fields such as oncology nursing, and to offer a point of departure for research on their information behaviour. The WWW CAS that were identified might be used to get oncology nurses interested in using such services, as well as in participating in research on their information behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature study on the nature and value of CAS is combined with a cursory analysis of the literature of oncology nursing to provide insight into the professional demands that oncology nurses need to cope with, and the potential value of CAS for oncology nurses. Based on this a selection of WWW CAS suitable for oncology nurses is identified. Insight into the potential of WWW CAS for oncology nurses and the CAS that are available are combined with what can be learned from studies on information‐seeking behaviour to offer some suggestions on how the need for oncology nurses to use CAS available via the WWW can be further explored. In general the suggestions to explore the use of CAS would also apply to other professional fields.

Findings

It seems as if oncology nurses can benefit substantially from WWW CAS. To successfully implement such CAS, extensive research on the information‐seeking behaviour, information use and information communication of oncology nurses is, however, necessary. The article could be used as an instrument to gain oncology nurses' interest in WWW CAS, and willingness to participate in further research on their information needs and information behaviour.

Practical implications

Oncology nurses' interest in CAS can be stimulated, and the article can be used as point of departure for further research. The article can also offer new opportunities for library and information (LIS) professionals to offer CAS in the health and other professional sectors, by reconsidering how one can use CAS available via the WWW.

Originality/value

No reports on CAS for oncology nurses could be traced, and there are also very few reports on the information needs and information behaviour of oncology nurses. The article hopes to pave the way for renewed interest in using CAS in demanding professional environments, and especially the health sciences, as well as to stimulate interest in research in information‐seeking behaviour in the health sciences.
Youth based segmentation in the Malaysian retail banking sector
Authors: Rugimbana Robert
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to address the important question of how to attract and retain a fragmented and ecologically diverse youth segment in a rapidly changing retail banking sector such as Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises a combination of theoretical frameworks, and quantitative techniques to ascertain the most important motivational goals for Malaysian youth when making e‐channels choices.

Findings

This study generates empirical evidence which supports the general theory that prominent cultural values such as those that stress integrity of the referent group, self‐reliance and social identity are important influencers of the likelihood of adopting selected electronic banking channels.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed on all retail banking e‐channels apart from those currently most readily accessible in Malaysia. Similarly, researchers may consider other demographic segments for purposes of generating more robust theoretical frameworks.

Practical implications

Service innovation characteristics as well as prominent cultural values that stress, self‐reliance, integrity of the reference group and social identity and compliance may have significant implications for marketing practice even where diverse youth segments are concerned.

Originality/value

This study is the first that seeks to ascertain the importance of prominent individual cultural values as predictors of consumer choice in the context of e‐banking services in Malaysia. Therefore, this study thus sets an important benchmark for further research in the area.
An analysis of main and subsidiary credit card holding and spending
Authors: Devlin James F. , Worthington Steve , Gerrard P.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to examine why most multiple credit cardholders have a “main” card (i.e. a card used more often than others) and “subsidiary” cards (i.e. cards used less often or only in an emergency) and the spending patterns associated with main and subsidiary cards.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is qualitative in nature, using a survey which contained open‐ended questions to acquire data. Responses were subject to content analysis to categorise the reasons given for having a main and subsidiary card.

Findings

Results show that some 85 per cent of the 141 respondents indicated that they had a main card and the most frequently quoted reason for having such a card was the superior discounts and promotions which were offered by the card issuer. Not surprisingly, main cards were used for the broadest range of transactions, while subsidiary cards were used for a more restricted range of transactions, a majority saying that their subsidiary cards were held for “stand‐by purposes”.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation of this study is that the generalizability of the findings cannot be guaranteed. Although there is no particular evidence that Singaporeans behave differently from others in the credit card market, replication of the findings in other countries would confirm the generalizability of the findings in this study.

Practical implications

The results suggest that managers who market credit cards should aim to ensure that, at all times, the discounts they offer, the promotions they arrange and their loyalty schemes are superior to those offered by competitors. By meeting these aims, higher numbers of consumers, who are multiple cardholders, are likely to use their card as a main card, thereby generating more income for their credit card issuer.

Originality/value

The study provides an original insight into an important element of consumer behaviour in the credit card market and also offers guidance for marketing managers responsible for enhancing credit card ownership and usage.
Attracting for values: an empirical study of ASA's attraction proposition
Authors: Billsberry Jon
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to report an empirical test of Schneider's attraction proposition that organizations attract similar types of people.

Design/methodology/approach

The person‐people (PP), person‐group (PG) and person‐organization (PO) fit of applicants to eight utility firms were compared with the similar fits of members of a suitable comparison group.

Findings

The results show an effect for person‐vocation (PV) fit but, once this is controlled for, all significant effects disappear. In other words, the PP, PG and PO fits of applicants to the utilities were no different from those in the comparison group once PV fit was controlled for.

Research limitations/implications

These results suggest that applicants choose which organization to apply to based on their desire for a particular type of work rather than their attraction for particular companies, which is contrary to Schneider's attraction proposition. One reason for this might be the nature of graduates who are largely unaware of the organizational environments to which they are applying. Drawing from the interpersonal attraction literature, it is argued that applicants need familiarity, proximity and exposure to the organization for Schneider's attraction proposition to appear.

Practical implications

These results suggest graduates choose vocations over organizations and that, if organizations wish to attract people who share their values, they need to put more effort into their recruitment efforts than those described in this study. The absence of an attraction effect suggests that, when applicants make attraction decisions based on their perceived fit, they may not be supported by an actual congruence.

Originality/value

This study extends previous work by including multiple conceptualizations of fit, by including person‐group and person‐people fits in addition to person‐organization fit.
A multivariate analysis of the determinants of auditors' opinions on Asian banks
Authors: Gaganis Chrysovalantis , Pasiouras Fotios
Published: February 2007

Purpose

Prior studies on the determinants of audit reports focus on non‐financial sectors. In contrast, the present study seeks to examine the determinants of auditors' opinion in the banking industry, using a sample of banks drawn from nine Asian countries over the period 1995‐2004.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistic regression and a sample of 199 qualified financial statements and 4,403 unqualified ones are used.

Findings

The results indicate that Asian banks that receive qualified opinions are in general smaller ones, less well capitalized, less profitable and cost efficient, and appear to have excess liquidity. More external auditing requirements and less accounting and disclosure requirements in the banking sector, also increase the probability of receiving a qualified audit opinion.

Practical implications

Knowledge of the above mentioned characteristics could be of particular interest to banks' managers, investors, credit analysts and bank supervisors.

Originality/value

Despite the economic importance of the banking industry, accounting researchers have done little to investigate the various relationships that exist between banks and their auditors. Furthermore, most studies focus on the US market and examine the pricing of audit services for financial institutions, the audit opinions on publicly‐traded savings and loans institutions that subsequently failed, the effectiveness of bank audit, the loss underreporting and the auditor role of examination of banks, the impact of accounting and auditing systems on risk‐shifting of safety nets in banking. The present paper extends the literature by investigating the determinants of external auditors' opinion on Asian banks.
Refocus your business for improved performance
Authors: Jackson Stuart E.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

Many companies find that they have widely differing levels of profitability and success in different parts of their business. There are a range of well‐established accounting tools to quantify the variability in performance but managers still have difficulty taking action: perhaps dropping one loss‐making product line will negatively impact other parts of the business; perhaps a large customer has low margins but still helps to absorb fixed overheads. The purpose of this paper is to offer business leaders a way out of this dilemma.

Design/methodology/approach

Introduces the framework of strategic market position (SMP) which allows managers to understand the linkages and boundaries between different parts of their business and to take needed actions around variations in performance. The central case study is C.H. Guenther & Son, a regional flour milling and food products company based in San Antonio, Texas.

Findings

Describes how C.H. Guenther applied the principles of SMP to refocus their business – with dramatic improvements in operating performance.

Originality/value

The way in which the case company reached a position to make adjustments to its sales and marketing priorities and arrived at a strategic prescription to follow thereafter, could be applicable to other companies.
Global airline alliances: sparking profitability for a troubled industry
Authors: Czipura Christian , Jolly Dominique R.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

More than ever, as far as legislation permits, long‐haul airlines tend to group in alliances. This paper examines the historic developments of two alliances in terms of their potential for increasing profitability of individual airlines.

Design/methodology/approach

Fourteen in‐depth interviews were conducted with airline executives belonging to the two leading alliances, SkyTeam and Star Alliance, as well as with aviation experts. In addition to the recent literature on alliances theory, the Internet was used to obtain data from international organizations, consultancies, universities and airlines – members and non‐members of an alliance.

Findings

Star Alliance might be one step ahead of SkyTeam (in terms of scope, number of members, organization, age …). Star Alliance is not only bigger but its geographical scope is wider; the number of members in each region is more balanced. The Star Alliance Services GmbH as head organization provides members with a workforce dedicated solely to the goals of the alliance. But Star Alliance's advantage may be short‐lived, especially since the airline industry demonstrates one of the fastest dynamics of all industries, and government regulations change rapidly as well.

Practical implications

Inter‐firm agreements in the airline industry have undergone dramatic changes and the future will bring additional transformations. The dichotomy between endogamic and exogamic partnerships is used to explain these changes. Previous agreements were endogamies: alliances between companies with comparable profiles mostly centered on back‐office activities as in Global Distribution Systems. Current mega alliances, such as SkyTeam and Star Alliance, are exogamies. They are alliances between companies mostly originating from distinct geographic territories. As such, they built on differences between partners regarding their networks. Their current focus is on front‐office activities to better serve customers and the alliances have used publicity to attract more customers. The main thrust is to increase the number of passengers so as to increase revenues. It is forecast that these mega alliances will again change their emphasis to back‐office activities to benefit from economies of scale and decrease operating costs.Originality/valueIs of value in highlighting how the issues indifferent kinds of alliances are not managed the same way. In exogamic relationships, partners must learn about and adapt to each other. The qualitative differences that exist between organisations can be a threat to the success of the alliance and must therefore be managed. In addition, the two types of alliances do not produce the same results. Endogamies standardize processes to obtain benefits of scale in at least one stage of the value chain. Exogamic relationships, in contrast, develop qualitative benefits that result from a synergy of different resources.
GM crops in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ram Pillarisetti J. , Lawrey Roger , Radel Kylie
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model has been used to claim that genetically modified (GM) crops have substantial positive welfare potential for sub‐Saharan Africa. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine these claims with a view to seeing if this type of modelling provides any meaningful basis for agricultural policy recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

One particular study is examined to show that because any possible negative effects of GM foods are ignored, optimistic assumptions are made about increases in productivity and trade, and selective scenarios are used, the modelling must, perforce, result in positive welfare effects.

Findings

It is found that, because of the assumptions of the study and the restricted scenarios investigated, all the modelling can do is estimate the size of the supposedly positive benefits. A negative outcome is not possible.

Practical implications

It is argued that the GTAP model is inappropriate for sub‐Saharan Africa and that the sweeping conclusions from this type of stylised modelling trivialize the complex poverty and socio‐economic problems of sub‐Saharan Africa.

Originality/value

It is demonstrated that, in this case, the GTAP model is not only redundant, but also can yield risky policy recommendations for sub‐Saharan Africa as it affects not only the livelihoods of millions of poor Africans but the ecological balance, biodiversity and economic independence of these nations.
Corruption, firm growth and export propensity in Kenya
Authors: Kimuyu Peter
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper draws from research that sought to explore the structure of corruption in Kenya and its implications on the performance of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The research takes the form of descriptive and econometrics analyses of Investment Climate Assessment data sets.

Findings

Kenyan manufacturers spent significant proportions of their annual sales on unofficial payments including kick‐backs on government contracts. There is also evidence of co‐movement between such unofficial payments and red‐tape, suggesting that corruption does not play any greasing function. Not only does corruption undermine firm growth but also reduces the propensity to export. The findings uphold others that demonstrate the deleterious consequences of corruption.

Research limitations/implications

Further work is needed in tidying up the methods of collecting corruption data. Although a battery of strategies was used to reduce potential response biases common in corruption data, the information leans towards perceptions so that the findings remain tentative.

Practical implications

The results should be of interest to policy makers and researchers and should put the fight against corruption on a firmer footing.

Originality/value

The paper establishes that corruption undermines the performance of firms.
The mix of qualitative and quantitative research in major marketing journals, 1993‐2002
Authors: Hanson Dallas , Grimmer Martin
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to determine the mix of qualitative and quantitative research published in major marketing journals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved a content analysis of 1,195 articles published between 1993 and 2002 in three prominent marketing journals.

Findings

It was found that 24.80 per cent of articles employed qualitative methods in some form, and 46.28 per cent quantitative research. The main justification provided for use of qualitative methods was the ability to provide more insight or a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. No increase was seen, however, in the amount (year by year) of qualitative research published over this period. This paper accounts for the continued dominance of quantitative research using linked historical, social and practical arguments.

Practical implications

The issue of method is central to marketing research. Understanding of the actual (as distinct from espoused) orientation of marketing researchers and journals is an aid to researchers intent on publishing their work.

Originality/value

This is the largest content analysis conducted of research in marketing and, in addition to the findings of the analysis, the explanation offered for the dominance of quantitative methods is of value to researchers.
Management development in New Zealand
Authors: Ruth Damian
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To give an overview of prevalent views on and practices in management development in New Zealand

Design/methodology/approach

Employs a questionnaire, mainly Likert‐scale, to interview human resource managers and line managers in 86 companies in New Zealand. The research model and instrumentation is based on existing research on management development in Europe.

Findings

Many of the tensions and inconsistencies exhibited between assumptions and practices and a variance of views indicate that at national level management development is rather incoherent and further research would be justified. For example, it is widely assumed that experience makes a good manager, but mentoring is rated lower than external courses as a source of development. There are often substantial disparity of views between HR managers and line managers.

Practical implications

Firms wishing to develop coherent management development processes could be guided by the disparities revealed in this research.

Originality/value

This research is the first step towards international comparative data on management development for New Zealand, and the model allows for direct comparison with existing European data.
Culture, organizational learning and selected employee background variables in small‐size business enterprises
Authors: Graham Carroll M. , Muyia Nafukho Fredrick
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between four independent variables educational level, longevity, type of enterprise, and gender and the dependent variable culture, as a dimension that explains organizational learning readiness in seven small‐size business enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory correlational research design was employed to survey 498 employees in seven small‐size business enterprises in the Southern and mid‐Western United States.Findings– Three pseudo‐interval variables (education, longevity, and type of enterprise) accounted for 15.3 percent of the variance in the dependent variable culture as a means to explain organizational learning readiness.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizing results beyond the specific context of small‐size business enterprise may not be possible. Thus, the interpretations are limited to the seven small‐size business enterprises studied.

Practical implications

Certain types of enterprises form learning cultures conducive to organizational learning readiness more than do others. Also, seasoned employees may have developed a keen sense for detecting deficiencies within the learning infrastructure.

Originality/value

This study focused on variables not previously studied in small‐size business enterprises that explain organizational learning readiness. Thus, the results of this study will benefit the small‐size business entrepreneur interested in building a learning culture.
Specular reflectance and derivative spectrometric studies on lac‐epoxy resin blends
Authors: Bhatia Deepika , Alam M. , Sarkar P.C.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to gain a greater insight into the molecular level changes occurring in lac‐epoxy blends, at elevated temperatures for different intervals of time. It is also to determine the changes in key physico‐chemical parameters of these blends, before and after applying thermal stress on these blends.

Design/methodology/approach

Films of lac‐epoxy blends, applied on tin panels, were baked at 200°C for different time intervals. The baked films were examined by specular reflectance spectroscopy, as these were otherwise difficult to examine through conventional IR techniques, using KBr pellet method. The results obtained were compared and reported. The blends were also tested for different physico‐chemical parameters like scratch hardness, flexibility, adhesion, acid resistance, etc.

Findings

On baking the blends of lac‐epoxy resin at 200°C for different time intervals, the strained three membered epoxy ring apparently break open, releasing some free hydroxyl groups, which react with carboxylic groups in lac resin to form ester linkages, resulting in condensation. In terms of different physico‐chemical parameters, blends of 70 per cent lac:30 per cent epoxy were found to be better in performance than blends of 50 per cent lac:50 per cent epoxy and blends of 30 per cent lac:70 per cent epoxy resins, baked at 200°C for different time intervals. Adhesion and acid resistance of lac‐epoxy blends were very good compared with the parent resins.

Research limitations/implications

The spectral studies on lac‐epoxy blends were done qualitatively. Although desirable, quantitative studies could not be carried out, due to the inherent difficulties in handling the resins.

Practical implications

Lac‐epoxy blends may find an important role in printing inks, varnishes and finishing industries owing to their very good adhesion, gloss, scratch hardness and resistance to the action of acids.

Originality/value

As of now, there is no record of specular‐reflectance and derivative spectrometric studies on lac‐synthetic resin blends. This paper represents the first attempt to obtain and correlate reflectance data with physico‐chemical changes. It also highlights the convenience of the method and the scope of sophisticated data analysis, including derivative spectrometry and spectral subtraction techniques.
Synthesis, characterisation and curing studies of BCCOMB
Authors: Maity T. , Samanta B.C. , Dalai S. , Banthia A.K.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

In order to study its cure response and to understand its kinetic behaviour, this paper seeks to examine how a multifunctional epoxy resin, N,4‐bis(4‐(bis(2‐oxiranylmethyl)amino)‐2‐chlorobenzyl)‐3‐chloro‐N‐(2‐oxiranylmethyl)benzenamine (BCCOMB), synthesised from amine functional chloroaniline formaldehyde condensate (AFCFC) and epichlorohydrine, is cured with AFCFC as curing agent.

Design/methodology/approach

For effective curing, AFCFC (12.5 phr, part per 100 resin) was added to BCCOMB resin and mixed thoroughly for 15 minutes. The clear viscous solution was then subjected to DSC analyses for kinetics study of the curing reaction.

Findings

The AFCFC was successfully utilised as curing agents for BCCOMB as the DSC curves show complete curing exotherm. The presence of oxirane group in the BCCOMB was able to react with active hydrogen atoms of amine. This led to conversion of liquid monomers of thermoset resin into three‐dimensional network.

Research limitations/implications

In the present discussion, the curing study of BCCOMB had been done using AFCFC as a curing agent. However, other curing agents, synthesised from other amine and aldehyde, could also be used to see whether they would be effective for curing study of BCCOMB.

Originality/value

The method for curing study of multifunctional epoxy resin (BCCOMB) was novel and the cured epoxy network could find numerous applications as surface coating and adhesive on to an intricate structure.
Effect of strain rate on compression loading of 3D woven composites in three directions
Authors: Guo X. , Li W. , Gu B. , Qiu Y.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This study sets out to compare the response of three‐dimensional (3D) woven composites subjected to high strain rate (HSR) compression loading with the dynamic response.

Design/methodology/approach

The 3D composites were manufactured using Kevlar woven fabrics with epoxy resin system utilising vacuum bag moulding approach. Samples were subjected to HSR compression loading in three directions using a modified split Hopkinson's pressure bar.

Findings

Peak stress and stiffness of 3D composites were higher for dynamic loading when compared with static loading in case of both in‐plane direction and out‐of‐plane direction. The peak stress and modulus increased with the increase in strain rate for both in‐plane direction and out‐of‐plane direction. Peak stress and dynamic modulus were higher when the samples were loaded in the fill direction compared with the warp direction loading. The failure strain in through‐the‐thickness direction was far higher than in in‐plane warp and fill direction.

Research limitations/implications

Other strength parameters of 3D composites could be studied.

Practical implications

The study provided the strength comparison of 3D composites in different situations.

Originality/value

The paper provide data on 3D composites for engineering applications.
Disclosure regulation, situational risk, situational ethics, and earnings management
Authors: Gélinas Patrice
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain an economic incentive to manage earnings derived from the intersection of disclosure theory and equity theory and to discuss its behavioral implications.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical paper.

Findings

A taxonomy of possible managerial reactions to increased disclosure regulation shows that deception (e.g. earnings management) bears relatively low‐situational‐ethics and high‐situational‐risk.

Research limitations/implications

The taxonomy suggests that deceptive behavior would be better explained by broadening the traditional agency model with a situational ethics component and by relaxing its risk‐aversion assumption.

Practical implications

Theoretical findings suggest that the implementation of additional mandatory disclosure is not an appropriate strategy to limit earnings management in a context where the production of information is implicitly costly for managers, and where information asymmetry exists between managers and investors. However, regulations that raise managers’ awareness regarding personal risks involved with earnings management, such as the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act, appear likely to reduce the prevalence of earnings management.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to focus on economic incentives, ethical considerations, and personal risk considerations simultaneously.
Supplier performance improvements in relational exchanges
Authors: Fink Robert C. , Edelman Linda F. , Hatten Kenneth J.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This study aims to test both customer and supplier performance benefits associated with closer relational exchanges in light of both resource and technological environmental contingencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved a survey of 1,170 managers in the pulp and paper industry to understand their relationship with their primary supplier of process control equipment (PCE). Each respondent was asked to provide their views on the closeness of their supplier relationship, the performance gains realized from their supplier relationships, and the linkage between their performance gains and improvements in supplier performance.

Findings

The results indicate that although customers may be achieving better performance through closer relationships, suppliers may not always be reaping reciprocal benefits. Specifically, improvements in customer purchasing performance did not result in improved supplier performance, but customer improvements in production performance resulted in supplier performance gains.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on the exchange of one product line, PCE, within one industry. Further research is necessary to investigate customer‐supplier relationships involving other products such as parts and material incorporated into the customer's end product and crossing multiple industries. In addition, further research is needed to develop and test other potential performance outcomes and environment contingencies.

Originality/value

Since mutual performance improvements may not always be achieved in relational exchanges, this study suggests some critical considerations for suppliers making decisions to pursue closer customer relationships. These important considerations include the competitive nature of the supplier's market, the customer's desired performance improvement, the customer's level of internal expertise or knowledge, and the supplier's ability to provide differentiated products, services and knowledge.
The extent of technology usage and salespeople: an exploratory investigation
Authors: Senecal Sylvain , Bolman Pullins Ellen , Buehrer Richard E.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

Increasingly, salespeople adopt, or are being asked to adopt, and use a variety of technologies to increase their selling productivity and efficiency. Given this trend, many researchers have begun to explore the question of sales force adoption of technology. However, little work has been done to consider what happens once this technology is adopted. The purpose of this paper is to report two studies that investigated if and why salespeople had different technology usage and if the extent of usage had an impact on their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a qualitative study was performed to gain insights about extent of technology usage and the reasons that may explain differences. In order to test some of the research propositions that emerged from the qualitative study, an empirical study was conducted with 130 salespeople.

Findings

Innovativeness was found to be helpful in distinguishing between different technology usage levels across various technologies (internet, e‐mail, intranet, etc.). Results also suggest three potential antecedents of technology use, as well as a potential moderator of the usage to performance relationship.

Originality/value

This paper provides a research agenda for studying this important area. Further, the practicing manager will gain insight into some variables that help predict usage extent, and may provide better ideas on implementing and managing the use of technology by their sales force.
A service effort allocation model for assessing customer lifetime value in service marketing
Authors: Shaw‐Ching Liu Ben , Petruzzi Nicholas C. , Sudharshan D.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply customer lifetime value models to assess the overall value of the service encounter and to establish implications that such an assessment has for managing customer relationships under a fixed‐size salesforce.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a specific relationship between customer servicing activities and the buying rhythms of customers, an analytical model for assessing the overall value of a service encounter is developed.

Findings

A stochastic parameter is identified, characterizing the level of quality to compute the long‐term value of a given customer and stochastic ordering properties to determine the relative value of different customers.

Research limitations/implications

The implications discussed are analytical to help service managers shaping their thought process in decision making. Future research can empirically test the model proposed.

Practical implications

The theorem specifies the optimal solutions to determine: how much capacity should be committed to a given customer; and how to choose a customer in the first place. These are important and useful tools for managers in making their managerial decisions in service marketing.

Originality/value

A general model of resource allocation is provided, under which those seminal models such as CALLPLAN, DETAILER are special cases. This is particularly valuable as key account management has become more important in globally operated businesses.
Banking patronage motives of the urban informal poor
Authors: Graham Saunders Stephen , Bendixen Mike , Abratt Russell
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the banking needs of urban informal poor consumers in South Africa. These consumers find it difficult to obtain access to banking products.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of consumers was undertaken in a large informal settlement outside Johannesburg. A qualitative exploratory pilot study was undertaken first to gain a better understanding of these consumers and to develop a research instrument. Second, a quantitative analysis was undertaken among 200 households.

Findings

Banking products used by the sample are discussed as well as all their patronage motives. It was established that the majority of consumers did have a bank account and there was a significant association between having an account and various demographics such as income level, employment status and level of education.

Research limitations/implications

Each informal settlement may have unique characteristics and therefore it may be difficult to generalize the findings.

Practical implications

Banks will have to address the patronage factors of these consumers as they have very different needs when compared to middle and upper income customers. Specify strategies are recommended to bank management.

Originality/value

No study has been done on the banking needs of this segment of the market and very little is known about the urban informal poor in general. This paper gives insight into how banks can play their part in uplifting the poor in societies where they make up large segments of the population.