bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protection for profiting from collaborative service innovation
Authors: Hurmelinna‐Laukkanen Pia , Ritala Paavo
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Profiting from service innovations can be challenging. It is not only a question of pricing and marketing the services appropriately, but also of keeping competitors from imitating them. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how service innovation differs from technology/product innovation in terms of protection, and how this shows in collaborative innovation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a literature review combining discussion related to service research and strategic management. Empirical evidence is provided in the form of a multifaceted case study illustrating some of the aspects of collaborative service innovation.

Findings

The results indicate that characteristics separating service innovations from product or process innovations influence the efficacy of protection. This, in turn, may make or break the subsequent value appropriation. Furthermore, as service innovation typically includes collaborative activities, there is another twist to protection: companies must protect knowledge that brings them competitive advantage, but on the other hand they need to foster knowledge sharing, which may be in conflict with protective measures. As a result, service innovators cannot rely solely on intellectual property right strategies, as their counterparts working with products might do, but the service element requires taking a wider look around, and utilizing means such as human resource management, lead time, and contracting.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies in its analysis of two very recent trends: collaboration (and coopetition) in innovation, and the tendency to introduce business models that bring service innovations to the core of the offering. Augmenting prior knowledge, the paper brings forth issues that need to be acknowledged when service innovations are created, protected, and appropriated.
Lack of preferential treatment: effects on dissatisfaction after a service failure
Authors: Varela‐Neira Concepción , Vázquez‐Casielles Rodolfo , Iglesias Víctor
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Preferential treatment of selected customers is one of the strategies employed by companies seeking to implement relationship marketing. However, it remains unclear whether or not this policy negatively affects relationships with customers not receiving the above‐mentioned preferential treatment, as existing literature focuses, for the most part, on the beneficiaries. The purpose of this paper is to study whether or not the perception of lack of preferential treatment has a positive impact on dissatisfaction following a service failure, after accounting for the effects of attribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample used in this paper consists of 344 subjects who, over the last six months, have experienced service failures. The data are collected via personal interviews using a structured survey. Structural equation modelling is employed in order to test the relationship between lack of preferential treatment and dissatisfaction.

Findings

The results of this investigation indicate that lack of preferential treatment has an additional explanatory power with regard to customer dissatisfaction, after considering the effects of attributions, and that negative emotions have a mediation effect on the relationship between these cognitive antecedents and the aforementioned dissatisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This paper examines only one service context; as a consequence, caution is needed when generalizing the results.

Practical implications

Given the findings of this paper, managers are advised to consider the “merits” of preferential treatment to help strengthen customer relationships.

Originality/value

This paper provides an initial step towards understanding the impact of systematic and deliberate use of preferential treatment as a relationship marketing strategy from a non‐beneficiaries perspective.
A comparative study of mobile messaging services acceptance to participate in television programmes
Authors: Ruiz Mafé Carla , Sanz Blas Silvia , Fernando Tavera‐Mesías Juan
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse key drivers of consumer acceptance of short messaging services (SMS) to participate in TV programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

The technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) have been integrated for the determinants of the acceptance of mobile data services incorporating variables regarding consumer‐media interaction (perceived value and affinity). The model has been tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Perceived value, attitude and affinity towards television (TV) programmes determine SMS acceptance to participate in TV programmes in Spain. In contrast, subjective norm, perceived value and attitude are the key drivers of SMS acceptance in Colombia.

Practical implications

This paper enables mobile companies and TV channels to know what aspects to improve in order to promote SMS‐based TV programmes. Marketers should highlight in their communication strategies user friendliness, usefulness and perceived value of mobile data services. In Colombia, programme stars and presenters should encourage the use of mobile services to interact with TV. Spanish companies should offer reliable and entertaining programme contents to improve consumers' affinity.

Originality/value

Although TAM and TPB have successfully explained behavioural intentions, previous research posits that they should be extended to properly explain mobile services acceptance. This paper combines the influence of perceived value, affinity and the TAM and TPB models to develop an improved model for SMS acceptance. The study also integrates variables for two communication media (TV and mobile) and compares SMS acceptance to participate in TV programmes in two markets with different culture and mobile services penetration rates.
Exploring the interrelationship among patterns of service strategy changes and organizational design elements
Authors: Gebauer Heiko , Fischer Thomas , Fleisch Elgar
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the patterns of service strategy changes in manufacturing firms and indicates how each pattern is interrelated with modifications in organizational design elements.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a longitudinal study using a survey of 97 manufacturers of capital goods. In addition, 15 case studies have been conducted. Survey and qualitative data are obtained in 1997, 2001, and 2004.

Findings

The findings highlight four patterns of service strategy changes: from customer service strategy to after‐sales service provider, from after‐sales service provider to customer‐support service provider, from customer‐support service provider to development partner, and from customer‐support service provider to the outsourcing partner. Evidence of specific alignment between service strategy and organizational design elements is provided.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this paper is the purposive sample.

Practical implications

Managers should follow the patterns of service strategy changes by extending the service offerings and modifying the organizational design elements.

Originality/value

Previous studies investigate service strategies and organizational design elements only at a specific time, which leads to a static perspective. This paper offers insights into interrelations among service strategy changes and organizational design elements.
A conceptual framework of hotel experience and customer‐based brand equity
Authors: Bill Xu Jing , Chan Andrew
Published: February 2010

Purpose

There is increasing discussion of the way in which quality of experience and brand equity are developed in the hotel industry. This study aims to review the hospitality and brand equity literature, thereby providing a conceptual framework for understanding hotel brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive and extensive literature review helps develop a brand equity framework for the hotel industry.

Findings

Hotels often use advertising, referral marketing and services marketing to help guests acquire brand‐related information. Hotel guests, in turn, establish their brand knowledge through direct and indirect experiences. A better understanding of how these experiences contribute to brand equity has important implications for brand managers. Advertising and word of mouth (WoM) can be used to generate brand awareness and brand associations. Service performance should be nurtured to predominantly precipitate quality of experience, although WoM also has a strong effect on it.

Originality/value

The study attempts to fill the gaps in the discussion of the way in which hotel brand equity is developed. A research framework embedded with quality of experience is proposed. Critical research questions about hotel experience and brand equity are identified.
Productivity, exchange rates, and competitive advantage
Authors: Schnabel Jacques A.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contextualize a productivity contest between a local manufacturer versus a foreign one, both of whom sell an identical product in the local market, within the two companies' respective economies. The intent is to delineate the conditions under which one firm gains a competitive advantage over the other.

Design/methodology/approach

The purchasing power parity model is reformulated to account for differential rates of macroeconomic productivity gain in the two countries. The implications of these differential rates vis‐à‐vis the productivity contest between the local and foreign manufacturer are then explored.

Findings

To gain a competitive advantage over its foreign rival, the local firm must achieve a net productivity improvement relative to its (local) economy that surpasses the net productivity improvement of the foreign rival relative to its (foreign) economy. Thus, the local firm stands in a rivalrous relationship not solely with its foreign competitor but also with the average firm in its very own (local) economy and in a complementary relationship with the average firm in the foreign economy. The foregoing is shown to be a generalization of the Dutch disease phenomenon and to imply that national efforts to attain competitive advantage are self‐contradictory.

Practical implications

In its productivity contest with its foreign rival, the local firm's management should not focus myopically on a comparison of the two firms' rates of net productivity improvement. Rather, the focus should be on the two firms' differential rates of net productivity improvement relative to their respective economies.

Originality/value

The main conclusions of this paper, which derive from the effect of productivity changes on exchange rates, are both stark and original. A firm is engaged in a productivity contest with the average firm in its own economy. Thus, national efforts to enhance productivity are counter productive to a firm whose productivity improvement lags behind that of the average domestic firm.
Capital budgeting practices in the Jordanian industrial corporations
Authors: Khamees Basheer Ahmad , Al‐Fayoumi Nedal , Al‐Thuneibat Ali A.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide additional empirical evidence about capital budgeting practices in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes a questionnaire and interview to collect data from respondents.

Findings

The results show that the JIC give almost equal importance to the discounted and undiscounted cash flow methods in evaluating capital investment projects. It appeared also that the most frequent used technique is the profitability index followed by the payback period.

Practical implications

Based on these results, the researchers recommend putting a great attention to apply the concepts and techniques of capital budgeting in an appropriate manner. The corporations should also consider importance of information technology and its applications in capital budgeting.

Originality/value

This is the first study applied on the capital budgeting practices and its related issues in the JIC.
Personality traits and work performance in a duty‐free industry
Authors: Suliman Abubakr M. , AbdelRahman AbdelRahman A. , Abdalla Adeija
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of personality traits in affecting employees' work performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a self‐administered questionnaire, 582 employees from a duty‐free organization are surveyed in order to examine the hypotheses of the study.

Findings

Some personality traits are found to be significant in predicting employees' work performance. Some demographic factors such as gender are found to be mediating the links between traits and performance.

Practical implications

The theoretical and managerial implications of the results are discussed in the paper, together with some recommendations for practitioners and researchers.

Originality/value

The paper examines the above‐mentioned links for the first time in the duty‐free industry in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle Eastern context.
The relationship of consumer personality trait, brand personality and brand loyalty: an empirical study of toys and video games buyers
Authors: Lin Long‐Yi
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship of consumer personality trait, brand personality and brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The convenience sampling method was used to collect primary data. A total of 400 adult consumers were interviewed who looked round or bought toys and video games in Taipei City Mall, and 387 effective questionnaires were collected; the effective response rate was 96.75 per cent. Regression analysis was adopted to test hypotheses.

Findings

The major findings were: a significantly positive relationship between extroversion personality trait and excitement brand personality; a significantly positive relationship between agreeableness personality trait and excitement brand personality, sincerity brand personality and competence brand personality; competence and sophistication brand personality have a significantly positive influence on affective loyalty; competence, peacefulness and sophistication brand personality have a significantly positive influence on action loyalty; agreeableness and openness personality trait have a significantly positive influence on affective loyalty; agreeableness and openness personality trait have a significantly positive influence on action loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The restriction on selecting countries and brands, and the restraint of the sampling coverage present limitations. The paper verifies that consumers with different personality traits will have different cognizance towards brand personality, which can also be applied to the toy and video game industries. The paper proves that a distinct brand personality can appeal to more brand loyalty. It shows that agreeableness and openness of personality traits have a positive influence on brand loyalty.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the value of brand personality that benefits a company. It emphasizes the importance of brand loyalty for a company. Consumers who register in agreeableness and openness are the target audience for BANDAI.

Originality/value

The extra value of the paper is to link the theory and practice, and explore the relationship of consumer personality trait, brand personality and brand loyalty.
Do line extensions influence parent brand equity? An investigation of supermarket packaged goods
Authors: Clark Sinapuelas Ian , Ram Sisodiya Sanjay
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical paper is to determine the effects of line extension introductions on parent brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a cross‐sectional sample of 318 supermarket brands. A system of equations is proposed and estimated using seemingly unrelated regression.

Findings

Brands benefit from line extension introductions, but only high equity brands benefit from innovation. Low equity brands benefit from the solo advertising of their new line extensions.

Practical implications

The results suggest that there are two routes for improving brand equity; high equity brands can introduce innovative products, while low equity parent brands may improve brand equity by supporting new line extensions with solo advertising.

Originality/value

The paper is important in identifying the effects of new product introduction and innovation on brand equity.
Stackelberg real‐leader in an insider trading model
Authors: Wang Leonard F.S. , Wang Ya‐Chin
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the work of earlier researches relating to insider trading issues in the stock market under a Cournot‐Stackelberg duopoly.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper models that the competition among the insiders in the real market be Stackelberg, which reflects that for all outside and inside reasons, the position and influence of a firm may become the leader or the follower as time goes by.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that when the listed company with insiders becomes the leader in the industry, the reaction functions of insiders will change as well as the parameters of the market, to signal from real and financial sides, but the amount traded by insiders remains the same; so does the degree of information revelation. In addition, for the information revealed to the public, the stock price reveals more information with Stackelberg real‐leader model than that of the Stackelberg financial‐leader model.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is that market makers can very well observe signals from the real side, and bringing a signal from the real side can help the stock market reveal more information, but once the signal is introduced, it may not further enhance market efficiency.
Determinants of credit spread changes for the financial sector
Authors: Dbouk Wassim , Kryzanowski Lawrence
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Most of the credit spread literature deals with the determinants of credit spread changes for individual bonds. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the explanatory power of credit spread changes and their determinants for portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

Using ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions and monthly data from 1990 to 1997, this paper tests several new potential determinants (e.g. portfolio diversification) and expectations (and realizations) for some previously identified determinants (e.g. gross domestic product (GDP)) of credit spread changes for portfolios of financials as derived from spot curves.

Findings

Strong empirical support is reported that default risk and undiversified risk are priced in credit spreads. The paper finds that forecasts for GDP and inflation are better determinants of credit spread changes than the realized values previously used in the literature, which is consistent with the notion that term structures convey expectations about future interest rates.

Research limitations/implications

Interesting issues for future research include the sensitivity of the results to the use of other procedures for deriving zero‐coupon spot rates, and whether forecasts of macrovariables (such as GDP) are better determinants of credit spreads for other industrial categories, such as utilities and industrials.

Practical implications

The findings provide guidance for the management of risk for fixed income portfolios, for the pricing of fixed income securities differentiated by the difficulties encountered in achieving well‐diversified portfolios, and for assessing the performance of credit spread portfolios managed by financial institutions.

Originality/value

The empirical model, which achieves substantial explanatory power while being parsimonious, is the first to support the usage of forecasts instead of realized values in determining credit spreads, and to show that undiversifiable risk is an important component of the credit spreads of portfolios.
Effective self‐regulating teams: a generative psychological approach
Authors: Millward Lynne J. , Banks Adrian , Riga Kiriaki
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and defend a generative model for understanding effective self‐regulating teams from a distinctively psychological perspective that has implications for both research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper complements Hackman's work on the critical conditions for effecting “self‐regulated” teamwork with an understanding of team psychology, as the basis for evolving a propositional model of effective teamwork.

Findings

Assuming various structural pre‐requisites, it is proposed that effective teamwork is generated by a social self‐identification process, upon which there are “emergent states” across affective (commitment, cohesion), motivational (drive to secure and maintain positive self‐esteem), cognitive (shared cognition) and behavioural (intra‐team and inter‐team processes) dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

Considerations for further testing, conceptual and methodological refinement, are highlighted.

Practical implications

The model affords clear pragmatic implications for leveraging more effective teamwork in organizational contexts.

Originality/value

The propositional model in the paper integrates and builds on previous thinking into a more generative understanding of effective team work (i.e. what makes teamwork possible and how can this be sustained) that takes into account the importance of context in accounting for team success.
Characteristics of routine, development and idea networks in teams
Authors: Smedlund Anssi
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose that there is not one ideal network structure of knowledge flow, but many, and that the network structures of knowledge flows between employees in teams are task‐related.

Design/methodology/approach

Ideal knowledge network structures in teams are examined on the basis of the literature. A case study of a well‐established team, presented with social network analysis methods, reveals the different structures of knowledge flow.

Findings

According to the case study, it is shown that the network structures of knowledge flow are different in different tasks. It is suggested on the basis of theory that the ideal knowledge network structures are hierarchical for routine tasks, core‐peripheral for development tasks and ego‐centric for idea generation tasks.

Research limitations/implications

The research design presented in this paper should be applied to more cases to ascertain its validity.

Practical implications

This paper provides means for understanding, assessing and managing knowledge networks in teams.

Originality/value

Flows of knowledge have been found to be an important area in network research. This paper shows how they are structured according to the nature of the tasks.
Multimedia courseware for teaching of rapid prototyping systems
Authors: Kai Chua Chee , Fai Leong Kah , Sing Lim Chu , Thien Vu Trong
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detail the development of a multimedia courseware that enhances the learning of rapid prototyping (RP) among professionals, senior year and graduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

The design and development of the multimedia courseware is based on a “visit a science museum” concept where each topic can be accessed depending on the interests or the needs of users. Factors that influence learning curve such as structure of information, application of visual and auditory components and human‐computer interface are addressed and discussed.

Findings

Instructions using multimedia significantly enhances the education process of RP technology. Methods to produce a good multimedia courseware have been introduced.

Originality/value

This paper describes the latest version of the multimedia courseware which is an accompaniment to the third edition of the book entitled Rapid Prototyping: Principles & Applications published in 2009.
Selective laser sintering adaptation tools for cost effective fabrication of biomedical prototypes
Authors: Edith Wiria Florencia , Sudarmadji Novella , Fai Leong Kah , Kai Chua Chee , Wei Chng E. , Chai Chan Chian
Published: February 2010

Purpose

In recent years, selective laser sintering (SLS) has been used in the biomedical field, including building small‐scaled biomedical devices such as tissue engineering scaffolds and drug delivery devices. A compact adaptation system for the SLS is needed to obtain a more effective and efficient way of sintering small‐scale prototypes so as to reduce powder wastage. Limitations of available smaller‐scale adaptation devices include the need of additional electrical supplies for the device. The purpose of this paper is to report the development of such a system to be mounted at the SLS part bed without any additional energy supply.

Design/methodology/approach

The compact adaptation device works on the concept of transferring the motion of the SLS part bed onto the part bed of the compact adaptation device. The device is an integrated attachment that is fixed onto the building platform of the SLS. The gear system of the device lifts the powder supply bed at both sides of the device simultaneously when the part bed at the center of the device is lowered. To further increase powder saving, an improved powder delivery system named alternative supply mechanism (ASM) is mounted on top of the roller to be coupled together with the compact adaptation device.

Findings

Powder saving up to 6.5 times compared to using full build version of the Sinterstation 2500 has been achieved by using the compact adaptation device. Furthermore, powder wastage has been reduced by 84 percent when using the ASM compared to the compact adaptation device alone.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the development and viability of adaptation devices for SLS to significantly reduce powder consumption by using solely mechanical means to build small parts without using external power supply.
Mechanical characterisation of PA‐Al2O3 composites obtained by selective laser sintering
Authors: Berti G. , D'Angelo L. , Gatto A. , Iuliano L.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a deep characterization of PA‐Al2O3 composite for selective laser sintering (SLS). Tension test is used to determine main mechanical characteristics of the material, both at room temperature and at 100°C. An accurate knowledge of the parts' performances as a function of the building orientation, is fundamental to understand the manufacturing anisotropy. Particular attention is dedicated to the joining and failure micromechanisms ruling the macroscopic characteristics, on the basis of the knowledge developed by the authors on SLS of both metal and polymeric powders.

Design/methodology/approach

Specimens have been built with different orientations in regard to powder deposition plane and laser path. Tension test is used to determine main mechanical characteristics of the material, both at room temperature and at 100°C. A particular attention is dedicated to the joining and failure micromechanisms ruling the macroscopic characteristics of the composite material by means of optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations.

Findings

The sintered material shows an evident anisotropy in the growth direction (z‐axis), as well as it seems to be not sensitive to the sintering direction at room temperature (x, y, xy). At 100°C the effect of sintering direction becomes more evident and a different behaviour results considering x‐ and y‐direction, respectively. Accurate SEM characterization has been carried out to understand the effect of the manufacturing anisotropy on the mechanical performances, both in terms of additive construction and laser sintering strategy. The observation of the rupture surfaces showed that cracks originate from the external surface and propagate initially by the ductile failure of the polymeric matrix, up to the sudden fracture of the whole section.

Originality/value

Previous studies concerning polyamide charged parts confirm the importance of fabrication parameters and geometry on the final performances, due to anisotropic heat supply and transfer phenomena. The originality of the paper is in the investigation on both at room temperature and at 100°C. Moreover, a model is proposed where it is hypothesized that the layer‐by‐layer construction is only marginally responsible of the anisotropic behaviour of the material.
Benchmarking leadership styles for organizational learning in Indian context
Authors: Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to benchmark leadership practices for helping companies to develop systems and process to become a learning organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are collected from 331 software professionals of an Indian software firm using a questionnaire survey method. The data collected are analyzed using SPSS 15.0 version.

Findings

The results indicate that consulting as well as delegating leadership styles are positively but directive as well as supportive leadership styles are negatively related with the processes of organizational learning (OL). The findings of the study also depict consulting as well as delegating style of leadership to significantly impact the processes of OL.

Research limitations/implications

The research paper does not sample respondents from across software organizations and future studies may investigate this further. Nevertheless, the implication of the findings is that OL is largely dependent on consulting as well as delegating style of leadership in Indian software firms.

Originality/value

This paper may be useful for existing multinational companies (MNCs) and non‐MNCs in India as well as for those foreign MNCs which intend to expand their businesses in this part of the world. It will also help academicians to understand and benchmark leadership styles for OL processes in the firms in India.
Fun environmentalism!
Authors: Cooke Anna , Fielding Kelly
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to outline a theoretical argument for movement towards a positive, holistic approach to environmentalism, one aspect of which is to make environmental action more satisfying, interesting, and fun. The paper aims to identify new approaches and techniques for individual behaviour change that can explain and promote the broad lifestyle change needed.

Design/methodology/approach

Self‐determination theory was applied to the problem of unsustainable resource consumption by Australian households. To achieve sustainable levels of Australian household carbon emissions, individuals will have to adopt and maintain high impact pro‐environmental behaviours across a number of behavioural domains.

Findings

It is hypothesised that motivation type will be a critical factor in bringing about personally sustainable changes. In particular, self‐determined (autonomous) motivation will be essential for generalisation of pro‐environmental behaviour. It is also proposed that supporting other psychological needs of relatedness and competence for environmental action will further enhance self‐determination for pro‐environmental behaviour. If these hypotheses are supported, the next challenge is to identify optimal ways of promoting autonomous behaviour change, drawing on, and expanding from self‐determination theory. Initial proposals for autonomy, competence, and relatedness supporting interventions are presented.

Practical implications

Changes achieved through the motivational approach have the potential to significantly impact household carbon footprints.

Originality/value

The paper moves away from incentive/punishment based approaches to changing pro‐environmental behaviour and provides a rationale for a new approach that focuses on supporting optimal motivation types for maintained and generalised pro‐environmental behaviour.
Collectors behaving ethically: an emerging consumption constellation
Authors: Yurchisin Jennifer , Marcketti Sara B.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This study aims to examine the characteristics of ethnographic textile collectors and compare them with the literature regarding fair trade consumers to explore the existence of a possible consumption constellation between collecting and fair trade purchasing.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling was used for the study as it maximized the attainment of significant information related to ethnographic textile collecting. Qualitative data from ethnographic textile collectors (n=12) were collected.

Findings

Results suggested that collectors were interested in purchasing high quality, authentic products that expressed their identity and individuality. These are similarities shared with fair trade consumers. Furthermore, collectors' motives to help artisans overcome poverty were evident; a similar value guides fair trade purchasing.

Research limitations/implications

The predominantly female sample of academics may not be representative of the average ethnographic textile collector.

Practical implications

Understanding the multiplicity of products and activities representative of one consumer group's lifestyle is beneficial to both for‐profit and non‐profit organizations in terms of product promotion or donation solicitation. The understanding of these consumers' lifestyle can, in turn, help marketers design and implement effective advertising and fundraising campaigns that improve the livelihood and wellbeing of excluded and disadvantaged people in developing countries.

Originality/value

The paper furthers the knowledge base and understanding of these different consumer segments by providing evidence of a consumption constellation between ethnographic textile collectors and fair trade consumers.
Sensemaking of managers' ethical work orientations
Authors: Reis Christina
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Regarding managers' sensemaking of ethical content, this paper aims to help understand how managers come to believe what is important for business ethics and to improve understanding about their ethical work orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used was a qualitative approach that analyzed 23 in‐depth interviews conducted with managers in various settings.

Findings

Three categories of ethical sense‐making orientations were identified: the proactive managers; the institutional managers; the technical managers. The study follows a discussion of the significance of these categories in terms of ethics in management, focusing on the extent to which the individual or the organization appears to drive ethical dilemmas.

Research limitations/implications

Five main limitations are discussed. It was not the aim of the study to provide an explanatory model for the process of ethical sensemaking and managers' work orientations. The sample of managers used in the study is only indicative of managers' ethical work orientations.

Practical implications

Managers have different ethical work orientations that relate to their personal identities. These categories may provide a framework for future research on additional types of professionals, organizations and cultural settings. For example, the institutional ethical managers are easier for organizations to control since they seem to rely on company rules.

Originality/value

The paper is valuable for management scholars and practitioners in the field of management. Since not much has been written about the sensemaking of managers and business ethics, the paper examines how some managers were more proactive than others in identifying ethical content in unexpected situations.
Gendered interactions in corporate annual report photographs
Authors: Bujaki Merridee L. , McConomy Bruce J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the gendered nature of interactions in mixed sex Canadian corporate annual report (CAR) photographs.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative content analysis of 106 CAR photographs is performed to evaluate, at the level of the photograph, how women and men interact in mixed sex photographs to reveal their relative prominence, power and status.

Findings

Women in CAR photographs overall are under‐represented. In mixed sex photographs, however, the relative proportions of women and men approximate those of women in the Canadian workforce, but men are more prominent in most photographs. Mixed sex photographs are relatively similar in composition (depicting largely passive, smiling subjects, few of whom are talking or in positions of authority). Where there are differences in mixed sex photographs, however, women are portrayed as less powerful than the men in the photographs. Supplemental testing suggests that the findings are persisting over time.

Originality/value

This paper looks at gendered interactions in CAR photos in a Canadian context. It takes the photograph, rather than individual subjects in the photo, as the level of analysis. This research clearly situates the inclusion of photographs in CARs in the voluntary disclosure literature and explores the implications for management and readers of CARs.
Online social networking: redefining the human web
Authors: Kasavana Michael L. , Nusair Khaldoon , Teodosic Katherine
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Although the inplementation of online social networking (OSN) within the hospitality industry is relatively new, its parameters possess unique implications for hospitality industry constituencies including guests, staff members, and management. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolution, scope and types of online social networks and potential implications for hospitality businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on an in‐depth review of literature, including intended and unintended consequences of social media.

Findings

While social networking can assist a hospitality firm in strengthening guest loyalty and satisfaction, it may also expose itself to unfair criticism and unfounded speculation. In addition, some hospitality firms have sponsored coworker sites in an attempt to incentivize interactivity by encouraging peer‐to‐peer and staff‐to‐administrator participation, only to risk exposure of negative relationships and strained working conditions.

Research limitations/implications

The literature related to hospitality OSNs is relatively sparse and thus this paper is intended to provide a basis for future investigation.

Originality/value

The literature related to hospitality OSNs is relatively sparse and thus this paper is intended to provide a basis for future investigation.
An integrative review of the built environment discipline's role in the development of society's resilience to disasters
Authors: Haigh Richard , Amaratunga Dilanthi
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrative review of the literature to explore the nature of the built environment discipline's potential role in the development of society's resilience to disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrative literature review method is used to address this emerging topic and present a holistic conceptualisation of the literature. For the purpose of this review, the Business Source Premier (EBSCO), Emerald Management eJournals, Management & Organization Studies (CSA) and Science Direct (Elsevier) electronic databases are the main source for identifying studies, along with conference proceedings from the events of major built environment and disaster‐related networks.

Findings

A review of the literature reveals that the built environment “discipline”, at each stage of the disaster management process, has invaluable expertise and a key role to play in the development of society's resilience to disasters. However, the collaborative definition of the built environment hides many of its underlying properties, which are multi‐disciplinary in nature. It is important that a suitable conceptual framework is developed that explores the interaction between the built environment, its disciplines, and the disaster management process.

Originality/value

At present, research on disasters and the built environment is sporadic, hindered by an ill‐defined disciplinary base. When searching for emergent theory, a conceptual framework is important for situating further study in the relevant knowledge bases that lay the foundation for the development of a theoretical base for the field.
Addressing vulnerability through an integrated approach
Authors: McEntire David , Gilmore Crocker MPH Colleen , Peters Ekong
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review current theoretical approaches in disaster studies and put forward a model of vulnerability that incorporates physical science, engineering, and social science research.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive model of vulnerability is proposed, which includes both liabilities and capabilities from the physical and social environments. The model is related to risk, susceptibility, resistance, and resilience to vulnerability and disasters.

Findings

This review assesses current concepts as guides for disaster management and suggests that a more complete view of vulnerability is more apt to generate inclusive and integrated disaster policies.

Research limitations/implications

Since this model is relatively new, its applicability needs to be examined further in terms of the phases of disasters and the many stakeholders involved in emergency management.

Practical implications

The holistic model of vulnerability in this paper may help emergency managers better understand disasters and devise relevant policies to counter them. The paper underscores the importance of broad and integrated methods for dealing with socially constructed disasters. It is related to environmental, infrastructure, economic, political, cultural, and other variables.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in that it presents four viewpoints of vulnerability and because it applies the proposed model to many different types of disasters.
Regulatory T cells in chronic hepatitis B patients affect the immunopathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing the anti‐tumour immune responses
Authors: Zhang H. H. , Mei M. H. , Fei R. , Liu F. , Wang J. H. , Liao W. J. , Qin L. L. , Wei L. , Chen H. S.
Published: March 2010

Summary.  Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the key cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Asians. Recent studies have shown that levels of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were increased and were linked to an impaired immune response in patients with CHB. Evaluating whether Tregs are involved in the progression of CHB to HCC will provide insight into the immunopathogenesis of HCC. In the present study, we showed that circulating and liver‐residing Tregs increased in CHB (n = 15) and HCC (n = 49) patients, particularly in the peripheral blood of HCC patients with HBV infection (n = 29). The increased Tregs in CHB patients suppressed the specific immune response induced by not only HBV antigen, but also by HCC tumour antigen. When peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were co‐cultured with human hepatoma cell lines that are stably transfected with HBV (HepG2.2.15), CD4+CD25+ Treg populations increased and upregulated the expression of forkhead box P3 transcriptional regulator (FoxP3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) and glucocorticoid‐induced tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family gene (GITR). In contrast, PBMCs co‐cultured with HepG2 cells (the parental cell line of HepG2.2.15) did not. CD4+CD25+ Tregs isolated from PBMCs that were co‐cultured with HepG2.2.15 cells also had a greater suppressive ability with respect to the tumour antigen‐specific immune response induced by NY‐ESO‐1 or MAGE‐A3 compared with CD4+CD25+ Tregs isolated from PBMCs co‐cultured with HepG2 cells. The results offer evidence that the expansion of CD4+CD25+ Tregs and the enhancement of the suppressor function of CD4+CD25+ Tregs induced by HBV infection‐related factors could suppress the anti‐tumour immune response to HCC tumour antigen and inhibit tumour immuno‐surveillance against HCC, which may be involved in the immunopathogenesis from CHB to HCC.
Virological, serological and biochemical outcomes through 3 years of entecavir treatment in nucleoside‐naive Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Yao G. B. , Ren H. , Xu D. Z. , Zhou X. Q. , Jia J. D. , Wang Y. M. , Chen C. W.
Published: March 2010

Summary.  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a high prevalence in China. Entecavir has shown superior efficacy over lamivudine in Chinese nucleoside‐naive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients over 48 weeks, with continued clinical benefit to 96 weeks. The present study evaluates the long‐term efficacy of entecavir in Chinese CHB patients who continued entecavir treatment for 144 weeks. Patients receiving either entecavir 0.5 mg/day (n = 258) or lamivudine 100 mg/day (n = 261) entered the initial 96‐week randomized, double‐blind, controlled efficacy study. Patients who did not achieve a consolidated response [HBV DNA <0.7 MEq/mL; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) <1.25 × upper limit of normal; and if hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive at baseline, loss of HBeAg for ≥24 weeks] or who experienced viral breakthrough or relapse entered a 48‐week entecavir rollover study. A total of 160 patients received continuous entecavir for 144 weeks; of these, 89% had undetectable serum HBV DNA, 86% showed ALT normalization, 20% reported HBeAg loss and 8% experienced HBeAg seroconversion. The cumulative rates of HBeAg loss and seroconversion were 36% and 27% at Week 144, respectively. The development of resistance was low, with three patients up to Week 96 and an additional two patients in Weeks 96–144 showing evidence of associated genotypic mutations. Entecavir was well tolerated. Adverse event rates were similar to those in lamivudine‐treated patients, but patients receiving entecavir experienced fewer ALT flares. This study demonstrates that entecavir provides durable, long‐term suppression of HBV DNA and ALT normalization in Chinese CHB patients, and is associated with low rates of emerging resistance. The results are consistent with the findings using entecavir globally and in Japan.
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: two distinct ENG deletions in one family
Authors: Wooderchak W , Gedge F , McDonald M , Krautscheid P , Wang X , Malkiewicz J , Bukjiok CJ , Lewis T , Bayrak‐Toydemir P
Published: February 2010

Wooderchak W, Gedge F, McDonald M, Krautscheid P, Wang X, Malkiewicz J, Bukjiok CJ, Lewis T, Bayrak‐Toydemir P. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: two distinct ENG deletions in one family.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by aberrant vascular development. Mutations in endoglin (ENG) or activin A receptor type II‐like 1 (ACVRL1) account for around 90% of HHT patients, 10% of those are large deletions or duplications. We report here the first observation of two distinct, large ENG deletions segregating in one pedigree. An ENG exon 4–7 deletion was observed in a patient with HHT. This deletion was identified in several affected family members. However, some affected family members had an ENG exon 3 deletion instead. These deletions were detected by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and confirmed by mRNA sequencing and an oligo‐CGH array. Linkage analysis revealed that one individual with the exon 3 deletion inherited the same chromosome from his mother who has the exon 4–7 deletion. This finding has important clinical implications because it shows that targeted family‐specific mutation analysis for exon deletions could have led to the misdiagnosis of some affected family members.