bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal market orientation and market‐oriented behaviours
Authors: Lings Ian N. , Greenley Gordon E.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical paper is to investigate internal marketing from a behavioural perspective. The impact of internal marketing behaviours, operationalised as an internal market orientation (IMO), on employees' marketing and other in‐role behaviours (IRB) were examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data measuring IMO, market orientation and a range of constructs relevant to the nomological network in which they are embedded were collected from the UK retail managers. These were tested to establish their psychometric properties and the conceptual model was analysed using structural equations modelling, employing a partial least squares methodology.

Findings

IMO has positive consequences for employees' market‐oriented and other IRB. These, in turn, influence marketing success.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides empirical support for the long‐held assumption that internal and external marketing are related and that organisations should balance their external focus with some attention to employees. Future research could measure the attitudes and behaviours of managers, employees and customers directly and explore the relationships between them.

Practical implications

Firm must ensure that they do not put the needs of their employees second to those of managers and shareholders; managers must develop their listening skills and organisations must become more responsive to the needs of their employees.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the scarce body of empirical support for the role of internal marketing in services organisations. For researchers, this paper legitimises the study of internal marketing as a route to external market success; for managers, the study provides quantifiable evidence that focusing on employees' wants and needs impacts their behaviours towards the market.
Emotion display rules at work in the global service economy: the special case of the customer
Authors: Grandey Alicia , Rafaeli Anat , Ravid Shy , Wirtz Jochen , Steiner Dirk D.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how emotion display rules are influenced by relational, occupational, and cultural expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compare these influences by assessing anger and happiness display rules toward customers, coworkers, and supervisors across four cultures.

Findings

Overall, the findings suggest that anger can be expressed with coworkers, can be slightly leaked to supervisors, but must be almost completely suppressed with customers. In contrast, happiness expression is most acceptable with coworkers. Moreover, though culture dimensions (i.e. power distance and collectivism) do predict display rules with organizational members, display rules with customers are fairly consistent across culture, with two exceptions. French respondents are more accepting of anger expression with customers, while American respondents report the highest expectations for expressing happiness to customers.

Practical implications

The results support that several countries share the “service with a smile” expectations for customers, but these beliefs are more strongly held in the USA than in other cultures. Thus, importing practices from the USA to other culturally distinct countries may be met with resistance. Management must be aware of cultural differences in emotions and emotion norms, as outlined here, to improve the experience of employees of globalized service organizations.

Originality/value

The authors integrate social, occupational, and cultural theoretical perspectives of emotional display rules, and build on the small but growing research identifying variation in display rules by work target, specifically speaking to the globalized “service culture.”
Organizational learning from customer feedback received by service employees
Authors: Wirtz Jochen , Kuan Tambyah Siok , Mattila Anna S.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Customer feedback can help to identify problem areas and strengths, and generate ideas for service improvements. Most feedback is given to frontline employees directly rather than submitted through formal channels. UZnfortunately, employees tend to be reluctant to report such unsolicited feedback. This paper seeks to explore key drivers of employees' willingness to report customer feedback to facilitate organizational learning. Specifically, the paper examines the joint effects of relational social capital, structural social capital, feedback valence (FV) (positive versus negative), and the intended use of information (service improvement versus performance evaluation) on employees' willingness to report unsolicited customer feedback back to the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used two studies. First, semi‐structured in‐depth interviews of employees across organizational levels in two service firms were conducted to explore the relationships between the variables of interest. Second, a quasi‐experimental study was conducted in which FV and intended use of information were manipulated in a true experimental design, and respondents' organization served as backdrop to measure relational and structural social capital.

Findings

FV and the intended use of information moderate the impact of social capital on employees' reporting intention. Specifically, the authors found that social capital had a positive impact on employees' willingness to report negative feedback used for evaluation purposes (social capital was less important when used for service improvements). In contrast, for positive feedback, social capital had a positive impact when feedback was used for service improvements (but less so in an evaluation context where staff were naturally motivated to report positive feedback).

Practical implications

Firms need to boost social capital to enhance employees' willingness to report negative feedback that is used for performance evaluation, and positive feedback that is used for understanding and cementing strengths. Social capital can be enhanced through increasing trust and a shared vision (through open and frequent communications), and through providing incentives (rewards and recognition) and improved reporting processes, infrastructure, and training.

Originality/value

Service employees' reporting behavior of customer feedback received is important but under‐researched. This paper is a first step into understanding the drivers of employees' willingness to report such feedback.
Developing a scale for proactive improvement within logistics outsourcing relationships
Authors: Marcus Wallenburg Carl , Knemeyer A. Michael , Goldsby Thomas J. , Cahill David L.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a scale for the measurement of proactive improvement, in general, and then more specifically in terms of cost‐ and service‐focused improvement in logistics outsourcing arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

Upon completing a review of the literature, scale development is completed in five phases. The first two phases focus on item generation and qualitative validation. The third phase (quantitative pilot testing) involves a sample of 220 logistics managers in Germany. The fourth phase replicates these findings with a sample of 250 US logistics managers. The final phase differentiates the general scale tested and replicated in the previous two phases by assessing the merit of cost‐ and service‐focused scales adapted from the general scale among a separate sample of 298 logistics managers in Germany.

Findings

After eliminating one measurement item, the German and US samples provide support for a four‐item scale to measure general proactive improvement. Subsequent analysis with a separate sample finds strong support for scales that are adapted to capture the distinct aspects of cost‐ and service‐focused improvement.

Research limitations/implications

Research indicates that one of the key differentiators in the success of logistics outsourcing relationships is the service provider's ability to achieve proactive improvement, or customer‐oriented ex post adaptations that benefit the customer after the relationship's formation. Little empirical research has been conducted to assess the influence and merit of such improvements. The establishment of valid scales is an important initial step towards understanding the value and nature of proactive improvement in logistics outsourcing relationships.

Practical implications

Future research using the established scales should help provide practitioners with a better understanding of the value and nature of proactive improvement in logistics outsourcing relationships.

Originality/value

The paper employs a thorough multi‐phase/multi‐sample approach across two distinct countries to devise a scale for an important construct in logistics outsourcing research.
Measuring the importance of attributes in logistics research
Authors: Garver Michael S. , Williams Zachary , LeMay Stephen A.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Traditional methods of capturing and determining logistics attribute importance have serious research limitations. The purpose of this paper is to introduce maximum difference (MD) scaling as a new research methodology that will improve validity in measuring logistics attribute importance, overcoming many of the limitations associated with traditional methods. In addition, this new research method will allow logistics researchers to identify meaningful need‐based segments, an important goal of logistics research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an overview of MD scaling along with important research advantages, limitations, and practical applications. Additionally, a detailed research process is put forth so that this technique can be implemented by logistics researchers. Finally, an application of this technique is presented to illustrate the research method.

Findings

The importance of truck driver satisfaction attributes was analyzed using bivariate correlation analysis as well as MD scaling analysis. The two sets of results are compared and contrasted. The resulting rank order of attributes is very different and MD scaling results are shown to possess important advantages. As a result of this analysis, MD scaling analysis allows for meaningful, need‐based segmentation analysis, resulting in two unique need‐based driver segments.

Practical implications

From a practitioner viewpoint, knowing which attributes are most important will help in investing scarce resources to improve decision making and raise a firm's ROI. Although a number of relevant applications exist, the most important may include examining: the importance of customer service attributes; the importance of logistics service quality attributes; and the importance of customer satisfaction attributes.

Originality/value

MD scaling is a relatively new research technique, a technique that has yet to be utilized or even explored in existing logistics and supply chain literature. Yet, evidence is mounting in other fields that suggest this technique has many important and unique advantages. This paper is the first overview, discussion, and application of this technique for logistics and supply chain management and creates a strong foundation for implementing MD scaling in future logistics and supply chain management research.
Evaluating the causes of uncertainty in logistics operations
Authors: Sanchez‐Rodrigues Vasco
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify a transport uncertainty triad model taking a supply chain perspective, and determine which different forms of uncertainty impact on transport operations. The aim is to qualitatively evaluate the different types of uncertainty impacting on transport operations rather than estimating the risk that each of them involved. The literature indicates that there are many factors that influence transport operations. This paper aims to determine the key factors that impinge practice.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of a literature review, a conceptual model was developed to categorise the different factors that impact on transport operations. In order to determine the credibility of this model and assess which factors are the main barriers to effective transport operations a series of focus groups involving UK logistics practitioners and policy makers was undertaken.

Findings

The findings indicate that the main drivers impacting on transport operations are delays, delivery constraints, lack of coordination, and variable demand/poor information. The consequence of these is to reduce the efficiency of transport operations. Also, in the overall focus groups' data, unplanned road congestion represents the biggest individual issue leading to uncertainty.

Research limitations/implications

The model is refined based only on participants' perceptions. Therefore, further empirical‐based research is needed to quantitatively validate it, for each cluster identifying the frequency with which it occurs and the impact on economic and environmental performance. This will further strengthen understanding of the main uncertainty causes within supply chains in the UK. The model should also be tested through the investigation of real‐world situations, measuring the marginal impact of logistics disruptions, in economic and environmental terms.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the importance of looking at the whole of the logistics triad when dealing with uncertainty, as often there are multiple sources involving the shipper, carrier and customer. Equally, the paper highlights the importance of external factors, and managers need to consider how to deal with these issues. Although the easiest approach is to accommodate them within operational plans, there is scope for engaging with policy makers to identify ways forward.

Originality/value

Many researchers have developed supply chain uncertainty models focusing mainly on manufacturing. Transport has traditionally been considered as a marginal activity within supply chains and it has not been explicitly taken into account in those frameworks. It is necessary to determine the forms of supply chain uncertainty that exist and their impact on transport operations, as they will define the performance of logistics operations.
A strategic framework for integrating marketing and supply chain strategies
Authors: Jüttner Uta , Christopher Martin , Godsell Janet
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and structure the literature on the integration between marketing and supply chain management (SCM) and to contribute to the body of knowledge by developing a framework for integrating marketing and supply chain strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws its insights and conclusions from a review of the literature in both fields, marketing and SCM, followed by an interaction research approach which helped to refine and validate the theory‐derived framework from the perspective of practitioners.

Findings

In the existing body of literature on marketing and SCM integration, three perspectives can be differentiated: the interfunctional perspective, the process perspective and the perspective of integrated business concepts. The proposed framework builds on these perspectives and moves them onto a strategic level. Integrating marketing and supply chain strategies involves the management of four integration levels: corporate integration; strategic customer integration; strategic supplier integration and marketing and supply pipeline strategy integration.

Practical implications

The proposed framework points managers at the managerial issues of marketing and supply chain strategy integration and illustrates the need for an interaction approach which challenges the traditional view of marketing in the demand creation and SCM in the demand fulfilment role.

Originality/value

Marketing and SCM integration is a topic which has received considerable interest in both fields for the last 30 years. Despite the notion that a close integration can contribute to the company and even supply chain success, no contribution to date addresses the integration from a strategy perspective. This paper leverages existing knowledge and advances our understanding of the strategic integration issues companies are facing in today's supply chain network‐based competition.
Informational efficiency of implied volatilities of S&P CNX Nifty index options
Authors: Dixit Alok , Yadav Surendra S.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the informational efficiency of S&P CNX Nifty index options in Indian securities market. The S&P CNX Nifty index is a leading stock index of India, consists of 50 most frequently traded securities listed on NSE. For the purpose, the study covers a period of six years from 4 June 2001 (the starting date for index options in India) to 30 June 2007.

Design/methodology/approach

The informational efficiency of implied volatilities (IVs) has been tested vis‐à‐vis select conditional volatilities models, namely, GARCH(1,1) and EGARCH(1,1). The tests have been carried out for “in‐the‐sample” as well as “out‐of‐the‐sample” forecast efficiency of implied volatilities.

Findings

The results of the study reveal that implied volatilities do not impound all the information available in the past returns; therefore, these are indicative of the violation of efficient market hypothesis in the case of S&P CNX Nifty index options market in India.

Practical implications

The finance managers, in Indian context, should rely on conditional volatility models (especially the EGARCH(1,1) model) compared to IV‐based forecasts to predict volatility for the horizon of one week. The stock exchanges and market regulator (SEBI) need to take certain initiatives in terms of extending the short‐selling facility and start trading of volatility index (VIX) to enhance the accuracy of IV‐based forecasts.

Originality/value

The paper addresses an issue which is still unexplored in the context of Indian securities market and in that sense makes an important contribution to literature on microstructure studies.
New ways of thinking about nurse scheduling
Authors: Diaz Deisell M. , Erkoc Murat , Asfour Shihab S. , Baker Edward K.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new look at solving the national nursing shortage problem by discussing new approaches to minimize the impact of nursing miss‐utilization and or miss‐allocation.

Design/methodology/approach

Among the approaches explored is the well‐known financial engineering derivative interest rate swap as well as new scheduling applications including inventory management and queuing models.

Findings

The study found that there is great interest in the field of the nurse scheduling and staffing problem. The problems are, however, studied in isolation from one another, while their respective nature is inter‐related: staffing policies impact nursing problem model constraints. This gap may be one of the contributing factors to a well‐known gap between industry application and academic literature. Industry solutions focus encouraging the growth of nurses in the field, most of which result in a financial paradox due to increasing rate capitation for health service facilities, which began in the mid‐1990s.

Research limitations/implications

Possible limitations include a resistance to application from industry, as it has not been possible to minimize the application gap.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a swap model that satisfies the key problems resulting from the shortage: increasing costs and gap needs. The additional approaches offer a new look from outside industry application that have yielded solutions needed in the nurse scheduling problem.
Innovation in the pharmaceutical industry: study of select parameters
Authors: Khemka Meenakshi , Gautam Vinayshil
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Innovation is the key to sustained competitive edge, especially for organizations functioning in a fast changing environment. The purpose of this paper is to understand select factors affecting innovation in Indian pharmaceutical organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis first tries to find relationships between the variables on a one‐to‐one basis, by conducting a step‐wise regression analysis. Thereafter, the analysis is taken a step further to find out the effect of interaction between the variables.

Findings

The findings are interesting in the sense that while the one‐on‐one analysis did not yield significant results, the interaction analysis yielded significant results.

Practical implications

An organizations' performance should be looked at as a function of the interaction effect of many variables and not as straight linear equations. This would give a more realistic understanding of the entire domain of organizational functioning.

Originality/value

This paper presents a study done in an Indian environment to understand the functioning in original as compared to adapting the frameworks developed elsewhere. This assumes relevance specifically in the post WTO era wherein the impetus of survival of the pharmaceutical industry is innovation.
The effect of brand extensions on product brand image
Authors: Müge Arslan F. , Korkut Altuna Oylum
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of fit, familiarity, perceived quality and attitude towards the brand on product brand image after an extension and also to examine whether the product image of a brand is diluted as a result of brand extension.

Design/methodology/approach

The model adopted for the study is based on that developed by Martinez and de Chernatony. A questionnaire consisting of seven constructs (general brand image, product brand image, quality, familiarity, fit, attitude, and demographic characteristics) was administered to 474 respondents. Convenience sampling and face‐to‐face survey methods were used. The brands and extensions used in the study were the same as in the Martinez and de Chernatony study. The difference between these two studies is that, while Martinez and de Chernatony have investigated the effects of brand extension on both general brand image and product brand image, in this study general brand image is examined only before the extensions in order to compare the two brands. The results of the pre‐tests showed that Turkish consumers could not assess the effects of hypothetical extensions on the general brand image. Therefore, as for the effects of brand extensions, only the product brand image after the extension is investigated.

Findings

The results show that brand extensions affect the product brand image negatively, whereas the fit between the parent and extension brands decreases the negative effect. The drop of image as a result of extension is greater when the perceived image and quality of the parent brand are higher. Perceived quality of the brand, consumers' brand familiarity, fit perceived by the consumer, consumers' attitudes towards the extension have a positive effect on the product brand image after the extension.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the sample size and sampling method, the study has its own limitations in terms of external validity. In addition, only two brands and two extensions were tested and the extensions used were hypothetical, which may lead to a lack of generalizability.

Practical implications

The higher the image of a brand, the more the dilution that occurs, which means that companies should take caution when extending into different product categories.

Originality/value

The study is one of the very few research efforts conducted in the Turkish market concerning brand extensions and the sample used in the research consists of consumers rather than students.
Understanding financial information used to assess small firm performance
Authors: Halabi Abdel K. , Barrett Rowena , Dyt Robyn
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reality of financial and management accounting in a small group of small firms. Specifically, from the owner's perspective, an exploration is undertaken to see what financial information is collected, how it is used (or not) to make business decisions and evaluate the firm's performance, and the role played by the accountant in that process.

Design/methodology/approach

A phenomenological paradigm underpins this exploratory study. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with the owners of ten small firms, where the focus was on understanding what happens in an organisational setting, as opposed to theory and textbook practice.

Findings

The qualitative data supported prior research in other countries. The in‐depth analysis revealed a very basic understanding of accounting information and problems with the financial literacy amongst these small firm owners. Accounting reports were not widely produced or used, so an informal assessment, such as how much cash was in the bank, was the primary means of assessing business performance. Accountants were used for taxation services, although some owners sought more general business advice.

Originality/value

An understanding is developed of why there might be a gap between textbook rhetoric and reality of accounting practice in small firms. The conclusion is that accounting textbooks need to include more information about the reality of financial management in small firms.
Interrogating accountability
Authors: Crofts Ken , Bisman Jayne
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The paper has a dual purpose, being to report on an interrogation of concepts and contexts of accountability used in the accounting literature and to illustrate the application of a qualitative data analysis software tool in this interrogation.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis was undertaken of 114 journal articles related to accountability and published in highly ranked accounting journals from 2000 to 2007.

Findings

Accountability is a concept used in a variety of contexts, particularly in connection with public accountabilities and accountability in the public sector, as well as within social contexts. The emphasis appears to be on accountability reporting in these settings, with less concern for the management perspective. The variety of contextual usage and categorisations of the term “accountability” indicate it has not become more precise over the period in question.

Research limitations/implications

Since only 21 accounting journals are sampled, there is scope for investigating accountability concepts across a broader base of publication outlets. The findings suggest that greater effort should be devoted to developing frameworks of accountability, researching accountability in relatively under‐explored contexts and settings, and considerable scope for researchers to more frequently utilise computer‐assisted qualitative data analysis in content analysis studies concerning accounting and accountability.

Originality/value

While there is anecdotal evidence of the elusive nature of accountability, this paper provides a window on conceptions of accountability employed by accounting scholars and the contexts in which accountability is discussed and researched. Further, the use of the Leximancer software tool in qualitative content analysis is demonstrated, noting that the accounting literature is currently devoid of examples of applications of this software.
Constructing identity through the consumption of counterfeit luxury goods
Authors: Perez María Eugenia , Castaño Raquel , Quintanilla Claudia
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the consumption of counterfeit luxury goods and identity construction. The argument is that through the consumption of counterfeit luxury goods consumers obtain real and symbolic benefits that allow them to express a desired social image and further their identity.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 37 in‐depth interviews were conducted with women who owned both originals and counterfeits of luxury fashion products.

Findings

The findings highlight three main themes describing inner benefits that consumers attain with the purchase and consumption of counterfeit luxury goods: first, being efficient by optimizing their resources; second, having fun by experiencing adventure, enjoyment, and risk; and third, fooling others expecting not to be caught. But most important, through the accomplishment of these goals consumers of counterfeit luxury goods construct an identity in which they perceive themselves as “savvy” individuals.

Originality/value

The intent is to contribute to the understanding of the process of identity construction through consumption. This consumption occurs in a particular context; the consumption of counterfeit luxury goods. The experience is singular in the sense that this paper shows the existence of consumers who can afford the prices of luxury fashion brands but decide to buy counterfeits and also because it depicts how individuals can construct a confident self‐image from an ethically questionable behavior. The consumption of counterfeit luxury brands serve consumers a self‐concept expressive function (by helping them to communicate who they are) and an adaptive social function (by rewarding them with social acceptance).
Networking as marketing strategy: a case study of small community businesses
Authors: Miller Nancy J. , Besser Terry L. , Sattler Weber Sandra
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The paper examines the building of a new business network by women apparel retailers operating in small Midwest US communities to better understand the network development process and the contributions to small business marketing strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Work draws upon the theoretical and empirical tradition of network studies using prior research for considering current small business owners. This case study approach involved documenting the evolution of relationships among retailers over a five‐year period by means of primary data collection from multiple sources.

Findings

Two theoretical network development frameworks were supported in the identification and description of critical transformation phases and the implicit impacts on retail member firms.

Research limitations/implications

The case study involves a limited number of business owners in the same retail sector operating in small towns. It may not be representative of retail operations of different size, in different sectors, and in different sized communities. However, insights are gained that can be used to build studies that focus on a variety of business types, geographic locations, and owner demographics.

Practical implications

The paper shows that networking is a viable market strategy for small community retailers and that economic as well as social benefits are accrued from interactions with network members.

Originality/value

Given the unique challenges of operating a small independent business, this work provides suggestions for building networks that generate collaboration as a marketing strategy.
Identifying consumer decision‐making strategies using alternative methods
Authors: Zellman Eva , Kaye‐Blake William , Abell Walt
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The research aims to investigate consumer decision‐making strategies using quantitative and qualitative methods. Two decision theories are contrasted: neoclassical theory proposes compensatory and optimising strategies with complete information, whilst bounded rationality theory suggests simplified and non‐compensatory strategies. The research assesses whether these theories will explain consumers' decision‐making strategies when completing a survey, and the extent to which qualitative and quantitative methods provide convergent validity of the explanations.

Design/methodology/approach

A computer‐based choice survey was administered to university students and staff. The choice task was to select a preferred potato from sets of potatoes with different attributes. Information for each attribute was initially hidden by a “card”; respondents had to reveal the information by clicking on the card with the computer mouse. The survey recorded the order of mouse clicks, providing quantitative data on decision strategies. Some respondents were also interviewed about their decision processes, which provided qualitative data on strategies.

Findings

Respondents left over one‐fifth of the cards unopened. Interview findings confirmed that respondents generally did not obtain all available information and used simplified strategies. The qualitative data were generally validated by the quantitative data and provided improved descriptions of decision strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Some qualitative data can not be verified with quantitative data, and the convenience sample of university students and staff may limit the generalisability of the findings.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that consumers may not use all available information when making choices. The neoclassical assumption of full information may therefore not hold. It also indicates that probing decision strategies with qualitative questioning provides accurate data and better details than could be obtained quantitatively.
Exploring consumers' product‐specific colour meanings
Authors: Kauppinen‐Räisänen Hannele , Luomala Harri T.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The impact of colour is acknowledged, yet empirical studies on colours with marketing implications are rare. The paper seeks to advance our understanding of the role of package colours in consumers' product experiences by studying the relationship between colour meanings and product. It also aims at offering insights into the meanings associated with colours in a product context.

Design/methodology/approach

Understanding of package colours was elicited by applying the preference‐consumption difference interview technique. The data were analysed applying means‐end chain. Accordingly, it was possible to detect, not only the multifunction played by package colours, but also meanings that colours conveyed at different abstraction level. As colour research within marketing was fragmented and no such colour theory exists, the paper developed a theoretical framework for the paper.

Findings

Based on the evidence, the proposed framework is further elaborated so that it could better capture the connections between colour and consumers' product experiences. Hence, the paper supports the significance of the functions emphasised by past research and uncovers the qualitative connections between packages colour meanings and product type.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should extend the size of the sample, types of products, geographical area, and colours.

Practical implications

The evidence shows that colours should be carefully considered when launching new brands or, indeed, when brand packages are redesigned, the multifunction of colours should be taken into consideration.

Originality/value

The paper covers an area neglected by past research, which has implications for understanding consumers' brand preferences.
Tunable digital material properties for 3D voxel printers
Authors: Hiller Jonathan , Lipson Hod
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Digital materials are composed of many discrete voxels placed in a massively parallel layer deposition process, as opposed to continuous (analog) deposition techniques. The purpose of this paper is to explore the wide range of material properties attainable using a voxel‐based freeform fabrication process, and demonstrate in simulation the versatility of fabricating with multiple materials in this manner.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative interlocking voxel geometry was selected, and a nonlinear physics simulator was implemented to perform virtual tensile tests on blocks of assembled voxels of varying materials. Surface contact between tiles, plastic deformation of the individual voxels, and varying manufacturing precision were all modeled.

Findings

By varying the precision, geometry, and material of the individual voxels, continuous control over the density, elastic modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion, ductility, and failure mode of the material is obtained. Also, the effects of several hierarchical voxel “microstructures” are demonstrated, resulting in interesting properties such as negative Poisson's ratio.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis is a case study of a specific voxel geometry, which is representative of 2.5D interlocking shapes but not necessarily all types of interlocking voxels.

Practical implications

The results imply that digital materials can exhibit widely varying and tunable properties in a single desktop fabrication process.

Originality/value

The paper explores the vast potential of tunable materials, especially using the concept of voxel microstructure, applicable primarily to 3D voxel printers but also to other multi‐material freeform fabrication processes.
A comparison of synthesis methods for cellular structures with application to additive manufacturing
Authors: Chu Jane , Engelbrecht Sarah , Graf Gregory , Rosen David W.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate design synthesis methods for designing lattice cellular structures to achieve desired stiffnesses. More generally, to find appropriate design problem formulations and solution algorithms for searching the large, complex design spaces associated with cellular structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Two optimization algorithms were tested: particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Levenburg‐Marquardt (LM), based on a least‐squares minimization formulation. Two example problems of limited complexity, specifically a two‐dimensional cantilever beam and a two‐dimensional simply‐supported plate, were investigated. Computational characteristics of the algorithms were reported for design problems with hundreds of variables. Constraints from additive manufacturing processes were incorporated to ensure that resulting designs are realizable.

Findings

Both PSO and LM succeeded in searching the design spaces and finding good designs. LM is one to two orders of magnitude more efficient for this class of problems.

Research limitations/implications

Three‐dimensional problems are not investigated in this paper.

Practical implications

LM appears to be a viable algorithm for optimizing structures of complex geometry for minimum weight and desired stiffness.

Originality/value

The testing of design synthesis methods (problem formulations and algorithms) for lattice cellular structures, and the testing of PSO and LM algorithms, are of particular value.
Funding gap, what funding gap? Financial bootstrapping
Authors: Lam Wing
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to make sense of the “funding gap” by exploring how and why informal entrepreneurial finance is made available to entrepreneurs. By challenging the epistemological and ontological assumptions of the “funding gap”, an enactment perspective of entrepreneurial finance, supported by a social constructionist stance, is proposed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The study on which this paper reports was conducted through a longitudinal fieldwork process. Networks in two Chinese cities, Shanghai and Hong Kong, were chosen because of their differences in institutional context yet exceptionally high level of entrepreneurial activities.

Findings

This paper highlights the active role entrepreneurs play in managing their financial needs in the process of new venture creation. The results show that entrepreneurs are actively managing the demand as well as supply of entrepreneurial finance to narrow the “funding gap”. Furthermore, individuals work to fill the funding gap by creating required start‐up capital. In other words, the “funding gap” is not static or concrete; rather it is dynamic, manageable and in many cases is within individuals' power and ability to overcome.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper are particularly important to all stakeholders, including policy makers, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs and nascent entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the conceptual, methodological and practical knowledge in advancing understanding of the “funding gap”. First, it provides insight into the relationship between entrepreneurs and their environment that shapes the “funding gap”. Second, the findings suggested that a positive, supportive enterprise culture can be particularly useful in driving individuals towards entrepreneurship. Third, in terms of methodology, the author argues that an “inside‐looking‐lout”, interpretive, multi‐stage fieldwork and network as unit of analysis is particularly distinctive in revealing the complex process of managing entrepreneurial finance in the process of new venture creation.
Entrepreneurship education in sub‐Saharan African universities
Authors: Kabongo Jean D. , Okpara John O.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate entrepreneurship course offerings in business administration/management curricula in sub‐Saharan higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey of online course catalogs to analyze entrepreneurship course offerings.

Findings

The results of the study demonstrate that most higher education institutions in the sample offer courses in entrepreneurship and/or small business management but few offer specialization in the area. Newly created institutions are more likely to offer entrepreneurship courses and specializations than traditional ones while a few operate university‐based entrepreneurship centers. The study findings are consistent with the environmental school of entrepreneurial thought.

Research limitations/implications

The study depended exclusively on online data. Several institutions were excluded from the sample because their web sites were unavailable. Future research should use a larger sample.

Practical implications

The paper will assist researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders in higher education in strengthening the discussion about enterprise and entrepreneurship education in sub‐Saharan business programmes.

Originality/value

This is the first study on the content of entrepreneurship courses in sub‐Saharan African Universities.
Reducing GHG mitigation costs in the shipping industry using the clean development mechanism
Authors: Wang Haifeng
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The Greehouse Gas (GHG) in the shipping industry has attracted increasing attention. One potential method to reduce the GHG mitigation cost is the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that may increase or hinder the CDM in the shipping industry and provide policy implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an extension and application of the methodology first published by Wang and Firestone in Energy for Sustainable Development. The gravity model in international trade theory is used. The econometric model is employed for the analysis.

Findings

Larger project endowment, higher government efficiency, high‐quality expertise and infrastructure may play roles in increasing CDM in the shipping industry. The promotion of small‐scale projects, upgrade of the infrastructure, assistance of technologies and knowledge overseas can help the shipping industry and small countries to attract more CDM.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first work to describe and analyze potential barriers for the international shipping industry to use the CDM. It also suggests a set of measures to address the policy options to promote CDM in the shipping industry and small developing countries.
Good environmental practices for hospitality and tourism
Authors: Ruiz‐Molina Maria‐Eugenia , Gil‐Saura Irene , Moliner‐Velázquez Beatriz
Published: June 2010

Purpose

There is a consensus about the negative effects of transportation and some activities related to hospitality on the environment. In this sense, several proposals have been pointed out to pursue environmental sustainability of tourism activities and minimize their impact on climate change. In particular, some applications of information and communication technologies (ICT) have a direct contribution to the reduction of the demand of supplies and energy by the hospitality industry. The present paper has a double aim: first, to focus on evaluating the potential of several ICT applications to reduce the environmental impact of hospitality and tourism activities. Second, considering the Spanish tourism industry, the paper aims to analyze the level of development of the environmentally sustainable technologies and the difficulties experienced in their implementation as well as the future challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis was conducted based on the literature in hospitality.

Findings

The use of online promotion and booking, information analysis and report management systems, ERP systems, ICT systems connected to providers, GPS and ambient intelligence, among others, may help hospitality companies to minimize the environmental impact of their activities.

Originality/value

Taking into consideration the evidence obtained from Spain, the second tourism destination in the world, the paper provides a set of implications for practitioners and policy makers that may orientate their decisions on ICT for the tourism and hospitality industry.
Agricultural influence on the hydrogeochemistry of the sub‐basins of the Verde, Entre Ribeiros and Escuro Rivers of Paracatu Hydrographic Basin (MG) – Brazil
Authors: Augusta Gonçalves Fujaco Maria , Garcia Praça Leite Mariangela
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Of the numerous hydrogeochemical river‐water transformations provoked by intense and irrational soil practices, heavy metal contamination by agrochemical usage is the most worrisome. Long‐term metal accumulation can be transported by rainwater, during storms, contaminating rivers. Data on this type of contamination are still scarce, principally in developing countries, such as Brazil. This paper aims to evaluate the influence of agricultural activities on the hydrogeochemistry of the Paracatu River's sub‐basins.

Design/methodology/approach

From a total of 77 points along three sub‐basins, water samples were taken for heavy metal and trace element analyses using spectrometry of atomic emission through plasma (ICP‐OES, Spectro Ciros CCD). The principal water‐quality parameters, such as pH, turbidity, conductivity, oxi‐reduction potential, total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ.

Findings

By incorporating a small drainage area at the monitoring points, it was possible to perceive agriculture's influence (in the form of heavy metal contamination from fertilizers and pesticides) on the water courses.

Research limitations/implications

Although the research was carried out at a total of 77 points for water collection, data are from just one wet season, and need to be repeated.

Practical implications

The results demonstrate a need for monitoring the areas involved with agricultural activities, not only along the main river, but also along small streams that compose the Paracatu Basin.

Originality/value

There is no published literature on this subject regarding the three studied basins.