bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic approach to scientific visualization
Authors: Radoiu Dumitru , Enachescu Calin , Adjei Osei
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Recent technological advances have created volumes of data such that, unless some effective methods are used to analyse them, they will be either wasted or under‐examined for their useful information content. Scientific data visualization is an attempt to use graphical and numerical tools to extract information contained in data and hence to allow its analysis. This paper seeks to present a systematic approach to the development of tools for scientific data visualization.

Design/methodology/approach

It is shown that the approach to implement these tools involves four major steps: description of a reference model, validation of the data process, description of the software component and the design and implementation of the visualization tool.

Findings

This approach is substantiated by defining conditions suitable for scientific data visualization processes, in a relaxed manner. These conditions are subsequently refined more formally. Definitions and theorems of the proofs are succinctly discussed.

Originality/value

The mathematical description of the visualization process is necessary to understand and maintain some significant reduction in errors in scientific visualization processes.
Computational study of the sensitivity to ignition characteristics of the resonance in DI diesel engine combustion chambers
Authors: Broatch Alberto , Margot Xandra , Gil Antonio , Christian Donayre (José)
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study is to give insight about the influence of the piston bowl geometry and the fuel ignition features on the resonance of direct injection diesel engines combustion chambers in order to provide support to the experimental findings on combustion noise.

Design/methodology/approach

The resonance due to the burned gases oscillations in a diesel combustion chamber is caused by the sudden rise in pressure due to the initial ignition of the air‐fuel mixture, and leads to the resonance noise. In the CFD study presented here the excitation source is represented by imposing locally in a small area (excitation zone) the pressure and temperature gradients of the start of combustion. The CFD approach is first validated against the acoustic modal theory. A parametric study representing different ignition conditions is then performed with a real bowl geometry.

Findings

The solutions obtained are analysed in terms of the energy of resonance (ER) and the response in the frequency domain. It was found that the response in frequency only varies with the diameter of the bowl, while the ER varies significantly in function of the injection conditions.

Research limitations/implications

These first conclusions need to be verified on the one hand by taking into account the piston motion, and, on the other hand, by modelling in a more realistic way the combustion excitation.

Practical implications

This CFD study has brought some insight into the flow phenomena that affect the resonance modes of a combustion chamber.

Originality/value

This CFD study uses a novel methodology to model the effect of the combustion excitation on the resonance modes of a combustion chamber.
Weight optimization of sampling instruments for ESA Mars Express mission
Authors: Yung K.L. , Ko S.M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to present the weight optimization of sampling drill‐bits which is designed for European Space Agency – Beagle 2 Mars Express mission.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, two techniques, finite element analysis and numerical optimization, are employed to find out the optimal solution within the various constraints.

Findings

The result shows that the total weight of sampling drill‐bits was reduced over 76.7 percent.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology can also be applied in different engineering design applications and provides a total integrated solution as a generic template for design engineers.
Determinants of export intermediaries' service‐mix configurations
Authors: Balabanis George
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The main objective of the study is to classify export intermediaries (EIs) on the basis of their service offering and to understand how they adjust the composition of their service‐mix to a number of internal and external contingencies.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of hypotheses were developed and tested on data collected from a random sample of British EIs through a postal survey. Cluster analysis was used to classify EIs on the basis of their service‐mix composition, whereas multinomial logit and multivariate analysis of variance were used to test the main hypothesis.

Findings

Results showed the existence of three types of EIs: full‐service provider (FSP) EIs; transaction creator EIs; and physical fulfiller EIs. Transaction creator EIs are the smallest group of the three and FSP EIs, the largest. The composition of the service mixes of these EIs is influenced by the number of countries served; physical presence to foreign markets; distance of the foreign markets and the extent to which an EI takes title of the goods. Specifically, results showed that “full service” EIs tend to be physically present in foreign markets, to serve more countries, and to serve geographically distant markets.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is that it provides evidence from only one country and results may not apply in other contexts. Thus future research, on a different context is desirable and it should take into account additional factors that affect the provision and configuration of EI services. The quality of the offered services is an important issue that was not examined by this study. Different types of EIs are likely to be linked with different levels of service quality as well as service assortment. It would be interesting in the future to examine the possible determinants of EI service quality as well as the existence of trade‐offs between service quality and service assortment.

Practical implications

Practical implications can be drawn for both the EIs as well as the current or potential users of EI services. The study offers guidelines to EIs on how to adjust their service offering to the characteristics of their external and operational environment. The result of the study helps the users and potential users of EI services to identify the types of EIs that can match better their needs and objectives.

Originality/value

First, it provides a systematically derived and practically useful classificatory scheme of EIs on the basis of services. Second, it examines an extended number of contingencies integrated in a conceptual framework that jointly influence an EIs service offering.
Ethics and international marketing
Authors: Carrigan Marylyn , Marinova Svetla , Szmigin Isabelle
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper is a general review contextualising the current debate on ethics and international marketing. The aim of the paper is to present an overview of historical and current trends as a background for this special issue edition ofInternational Marketing Reviewfocusing on international marketing ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines how ethics in international marketing have evolved and progressed towards the current “ethics era” and presents discussion surrounding the role and value of an ethical approach towards marketing in a global marketplace.

Findings

Essentially the paper argues that marketers should creatively embrace the complex challenges of the international marketplace by rethinking their approach to marketing ethics.

Originality/value

Gives an overview of the special issue.
Consumer preferences for the marketing of ethically labelled coffee
Authors: De Pelsmacker Patrick , Janssens Wim , Sterckx Ellen , Mielants Caroline
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study aims to assesses the relative importance that Belgian consumers attach to different characteristics and marketing practices of ethically labelled coffee, i.e. type of ethical issue, label issuer, amount of information provided, distribution and promotion strategy and branding.

Design/methodology/approach

Buying behaviour is studied by means of a web‐based survey in a sample of 750 Belgian consumers, using conjoint analysis.

Findings

Consumers attach greatest importance to the distribution strategy of ethically labelled coffee, followed by the type of ethical label, and the issuer of the label. Ethically labelled coffee should be available in ordinary supermarkets and be presented along with non‐ethical coffee brands. Fair trade labelled coffee is by far the most preferred over eco‐ and bio‐labels. European government labels, or labels issued by non‐governmental organizations, are preferred over national (Belgian) government endorsed labels. Consumers prefer extra information on the package, in addition to a label. Out‐of‐shop promotion of the label and the type of brand are of minor importance. The results are similar across different socio‐demographic groups.

Practical implications

Implications for governments, NGOs, and manufacturers and distributors of ethically labelled coffee (and possibly other ethical products) are offered.

Originality/value

The contribution of the study is that it measures the relative importance of factors that have previously been identified as relevant in a realistic multi‐attribute preference‐formation framework.
Comparing Thai and US businesspeople
Authors: Marta Janet K.M. , Singhapakdi Anusorn
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine differences in the ethical decision‐making processes of Thai and American businesspeople, considering perceived moral intensity, corporate ethical values (CEV), and perceived importance of ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey respondents were professional marketers in Thailand (n=605) and US (n=453). Results were analyzed using MANOVA and ANOVA. Scales have been used previously in the literature, so we report reliability.

Findings

American managers were more likely to perceive the unethical marketing behaviors to be more serious. American organizations were found to have higher CEV than Thai organizations. The results revealed no differences between the two groups of businesspeople, however, on their perceptions about the importance of ethics.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations inherent in this research include the initial development of the development of the measurements in the US and some notable demographic differences between the samples.

Practical implications

As investment becomes more globalized, it is imperative that mangers understand that differing ethical perceptions can be a critical factor in working together successfully, and are occasionally an absolute limitations to establishing operations in a particular country.

Originality/value

The study should be especially useful to people who manage businesses in these two countries, but many of the implications will be valuable to anyone in international business situations, in dealing with differences in ethical perception.
An ethics of representation for international marketing communication
Authors: Schroeder Jonathan E. , Borgerson Janet L.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper offers an ethical analysis of visual representation that provides criteria for and sheds light on the appropriateness dimension of marketing communications. It provides a theoretically informed framework for recognizing and understanding ethical issues in visual representation.

Design/methodology/approach

An interdisciplinary conceptual review and analysis focuses on four representational conventions, synthesizing ethical concerns, to provide a broader context for recognizing and understanding ethical issues in marketing representation: face‐ism, idealization, exoticization and exclusion. This framework is discussed and applied to marketing communications.

Findings

It argues that valuations of communication appropriateness must be informed by an awareness of the ethical relationship between marketing representations and identity. It is no longer satisfactory to associate advertising solely with persuasion, rather advertising must be seen as a representational system, with pedagogical as well as strategic functions. We conclude by discussing the theoretical, research, and managerial implications that arise from an ethics of visual representation.

Originality/value

Urges moving beyond an advertising=persuasion model to encompass representation and culture in marketing communication studies. Contributes to understanding the ethical implications of marketing communication. Challenges marketers and researchers to broaden their conception of marketing communication to one more consistent with an image economy.
The internationalization speed of e‐commerce companies: an empirical analysis
Authors: Luo Yadong , Hongxin Zhao John , Du Jianjun
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study aims to explain the internationalization speed of e‐commerce companies (ECCs).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the archive data of the American ECCs, the study used multiple regression analysis to estimate the influences of a number of micro‐ and macro‐factors.

Findings

The results show that the speedy foreign market entry by ECCs was positively influenced by top management team's international experience, and innovative and marketing capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

The study did not deal with the entry mode of ECCs inviting more future research efforts in this direction. Additionally, as established MNEs have integrated e‐commerce into existing business, future research can be devoted to examine the impact of this integration on the internationalization of firms.

Originality/value

Extant literature has addressed the internationalization of ECCs with a focus on the level of internationalization. This study contributes to the current literature by extending research on globalization of ECCs and incorporating both micro‐ and macro‐level factors affecting the speed of international expansion.
Branding and the externalisation of production
Authors: Strange Roger
Published: January 2007

Purpose

An increasing number of consumer goods are being produced in industries which may be characterised as “buyer‐driven” commodity chains, where the various stages of production are undertaken by different firms (often in different countries) and where the lead role(s), both in establishing and coordinating, the chain, are taken by large retailers and/or brand‐name merchandisers in the countries of the final markets. Often these lead firms do not own any production facilities, but simply manage all the elements of their production and trade networks. The purpose of this paper is to explain the conditions under which the retailers/merchandisers are able to outsource, or externalise, production activities in this way whilst still retaining control over the activities within the commodity chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is theoretical, and the evidence provided is purely anecdotal.

Findings

The main argument is that it is the retailers/merchandisers' possession of “brand name capital” or privileged access to customers that enables them to externalise production to independent suppliers whilst leveraging their control to obtain lower costs and higher profits.

Practical implications

The implications of this process of externalisation are far‐reaching, and include new opportunities for local firms in developing countries to engage in world markets, changes to the international division of labour, and new patterns of trade.

Originality/value

The paper adopts a different perspective on the phenomenon of outsourcing, with important implications for policy‐makers in both home and host economies.
Behavioral attributes and performance in international strategic alliances
Authors: Robson Matthew J. , Skarmeas Dionysis , Spyropoulou Stavroula
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this study is to provide a methodical, analytical, and focused review of international strategic alliance (ISA) studies examining empirically behavioral attributes' performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study centers on an integrative analysis of 41 studies investigating the performance relevance of behavioral attributes. After developing a conceptual framework, which included two categories of these attributes – relationship capital (i.e. trust and commitment) and exchange climate (i.e. cooperation, communication, and conflict reduction) – the methodologies of the studies were profiled and their empirical findings aggregated. The accumulated effect of each behavioral attribute on performance and extent to which this effect varies in relation to ISA geographic location and type and study operating period was examined.

Findings

The review suggests that while there are direct links between behavioral aspects and alliance performance, the strength of these varies across the two categories. Of the relationship capital and exchange climate aspects, commitment and cooperation, respectively, prove most consistently positively linked to performance. Still, the results for all the behavioral attributes appear more consistent when taking the study context into consideration.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical research on behavioral attributes' links to alliance performance is still at an early stage of development and assertions concerning relationship management offering the key to ISA success are somewhat premature. Improvements need to be made in terms of conceptualizations, research designs, and analytical techniques used if the field is to build concrete theory on the subject.

Practical implications

It would appear that the behavioral paradigm can be relied on to pay‐off in alliances involving only DC partner firms and/or a cooperative agreement structure, but should be applied more cautiously and selectively in LDC‐DC and/or formal joint venture partnerships.

Originality/value

This is the first review exercise focused on providing fine‐grained insights covering the complexity of the burgeoning literature on the behavioral paradigm's performance relevance in ISAs.
Relational exchange in US‐Japanese marketing strategic alliances
Authors: Voss Kevin E. , Johnson Jean L. , Cullen John B. , Sakano Tomoaki , Takenouchi Hideyuki
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To develop and test a new model of relational exchange in marketing‐oriented non‐equity international strategic alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is tested using a sample of 97 matched dyads of US and Japanese firms in the electronics industry. The model was tested using three stage least squares.

Findings

The data generally support the proposed model for both nations/cultures. The results suggest that the benevolence dimension of trust is a more important determinant of managerially assessed alliance marketing performance for the Japanese firms relative to their US partners.

Research limitations/implications

While strong inferences are inhibited by the nature of our data set, our research implies that cultural sensitivity is an important determinant of the credibility and benevolence dimensions of trust and quality information exchange. Also, exchanging quality information is a strong mediator of the trust‐performance relationship.

Practical implications

International marketing managers should be focused on the process of developing high levels of alliance marketing performance. Our results suggest that this performance can be linked, at least in part, to the exchange of relevant, timely, important information. Information exchange in turn depends on the development of trust and cultural sensitivity in the relationship.

Originality/value

This paper integrates the cultural sensitivity construct into a relational exchange model of international alliances, demonstrating the importance of being open to, and understanding of, culturally driven operational differences. The important behavioral construct we call quality information exchange is a mediator in the relational exchange model, an improvement over models that include only relational constructs such as trust and commitment.
Globalizing internationals: product strategies of ICT manufacturers
Authors: Gabrielsson Peter , Gabrielsson Mika , Darling John , Luostarinen Reijo
Published: January 2007

Purpose

A highly interesting research problem relates to how international information and communication technology (ICT) manufacturers from small and open economies (SMOPECs) can meet the huge globalization challenge of developing products and managing them during global expansion. In particular, how do product strategies change when these companies move from international to global and why?

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework and propositions are constructed, which are then examined in a multiple case study of Finnish ICT manufacturers.

Findings

The results confirm that the globalizing internationals, i.e. companies that first internationalize after the domestic period and then globalize their operations outside the domestic continent, develop towards standardized product strategy alternatives, wider product assortment and advanced product categories.

Research limitations/implications

This study contribute by providing a deeper understanding of the impact of the explanatory factors on global product strategies and their development of globalizing internationals in the Finnish ICT equipment manufacturing field. Also, the study results are expected to be most relevant for companies originating from SMOPEC countries.

Practical implications

This study describes in detail the product strategy dimensions and standardization alternatives for globalizing international ICT companies and impacting factors for managers to consider when planning their global expansion and product strategies.

Originality/value

Little research has been done on the evolution from the international to the global stage. This research is in fact among the first studies studying globalizing internationals and their products strategies. An understanding of the evolution of products strategies and the reasons for this development will contribute to the international marketing field.
Factors affecting acceptance of the internet as a marketing‐intelligence tool among employees of Greek bank branches
Authors: Lymperopoulos Constantine , Chaniotakis Ioannis E.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the importance that branch employees of Greek banks attach to the internet as a tool of marketing intelligence, and the factors that affect its acceptance as such a tool.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the technology‐acceptance model (TAM) as a basis, a questionnaire is designed by the researchers, and completed by employees. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to analyse the data, and this confirms the relationships proposed by the TAM.

Findings

The main findings of the study are that: branch employees of Greek banks feel that a marketing‐intelligence system is a prerequisite for effectiveness in their work; although the internet is the fourth‐most important source of market intelligence for branch employees of Greek banks, they require greater access to the internet to meet their market‐intelligence needs; perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the internet directly affect bank employees' attitudes – which, in turn, affect the employees' intentions of using the internet as a marketing‐intelligence tool; and education and working experience affect employees' attitudes indirectly (through perceived usefulness).

Research limitations/implications

Main limitations of this study are related to the sampling method and the fact that the field research was conducted only in Athens, the capital of Greece.

Originality/value

Finally, the paper suggests how banks could exploit the internet as a marketing intelligence tool for their branch employees and what actions should be planned in order to facilitate its adoption.
“Stress” in business relationships: a study on corporate bank services
Authors: Proença João F. , de Castro Luís M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss the interaction processes and short‐term behaviours and motives in long‐term relationships between banks and their corporate clients.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion is based on findings from four Portuguese case studies. Interviews made to major actors on both sides of each relationship were transcribed and analysed to investigate the buyer‐seller interaction process, and the interplay between the actors involved.

Findings

The paper contributes to knowledge concerning the nature of business banking relationships, provides insights about instability and stress therein, and suggests some factors that can generate or intensify that instability. Short‐term irregularities and stress are found to arise in the context of relationships' longer‐term continuity and stability.

Research limitations/implications

The irregularities found were endogenous to the relationships and originated from one of the actors or from the transaction. No exogenous factors were analysed and further research should be done about them. Some instability was found associated with clients keeping a portfolio of banking relationships, but the management of such portfolios is largely unstudied, begging for more work. It is also suggested that the present study be replicated in other countries and contexts for comparative analyses.

Practical implications

The paper provides a framework for corporate managers and bankers alike to better understand the process of banking relationships. It highlights some factors that should be monitored as they impact on buying behaviour and on the interplay between banks and firms.

Originality/value

The paper highlights some “stress” factors that can impact on buying behaviour and on the interplay between banks and firms, providing a new insight about the instability of business relationships in the banking business, and suggests some factors that can generate or intensify that instability.
The impact of salesperson transformational leadership behavior on customer relationship marketing behavior
Authors: Jayakody J.A.S.K. , Sanjeewani W.M.A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the impact of transformational leadership behavior of salespersons on the level of customers' trust and customers' relationship commitment with the salespersons in the Sri Lankan corporate banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature, it was hypothesized that idealized influence behavior and individualized considerate behavior of salespersons positively affect customers' trust and customers' relationship commitment. A survey was undertaken among 47 sales persons in the Sri Lankan corporate banking sector, and the regression analysis was performed to test hypotheses.

Findings

It was found that idealized influence behavior of salespersons positively influences customer trust, which, together with individualized consideration of salespersons, in turn influences customer commitment. It was also found that the joint effect of both customers' trust and individualized considerate behavior of the salesperson is greater than each alone on customers' relationship commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample and non‐probabilistic sampling procedure demand further corroboration of the findings. As the relationship marketing literature stresses the coexistence of both relationship and transactional marketing, future researchers may use the full‐range of leadership model.

Practical implications/implications

This study shows how the two facets of transformational leadership behavior of salespersons implicate their customers' relationship marketing behavior, and thus points out how leadership development training can be adapted to improve relationship marketing skills of sales persons.

Originality/value

The present paper illustrates how transformational leadership provides a more appropriate knowledge domain for understanding relationship marketing dynamics at salesperson‐individual customer level.
Evaluation of performance in introducing CE marking on the European market to the machinery industry in Taiwan
Authors: Lin W.T. , Chen S.C. , Chen K.S.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to assess the effect of European Union performance directives related to CE marking on the machinery industry of Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a questionnaire to collect information. By means of a statistical scheme, performance indices of importance and difficulty, which meet the directives requirement, are designated. The performance evaluation matrix presented by Lambert and Sharma is modified using an introduced standardized system.

Findings

Management in the industry needs simply to locate the difficulty and importance of the directive on a performance matrix. Performance levels can be assessed and the strategy for improving the performance of CE marking established.

Originality/value

Provides information on the best countermeasure that can be obtained to serve as a reference for the industry to introduce CE marking.
Optimal burn‐in time for general repairable products sold under failure‐free renewing warranty
Authors: Chien Yu‐Hung
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To investigate the optimal burn‐in time from the perspective of minimizing the expected total cost (i.e. manufacturing plus warranty costs) per unit of product sold under a failure‐free renewing warranty policy. The conditions indicating when burn‐in becomes beneficial were also derived.

Design/methodology/approach

An age‐dependent general repairable product sold under a failure‐free renewing warranty agreement was considered. In the case of such a general repairable model, there are two ways in which the product can fail: type I failure (minor) can be rectified through minimal repairs; while in type II failure (catastrophic), the product must be replaced. Then optimal burn‐in time is then examined in order to achieve a trade‐off between reducing the warranty cost and increasing the manufacturing cost.

Findings

The optimal burn‐in time depends on the failure/repair characteristics, length of warranty, cost parameters and the probability of failure type II (catastrophic). A burn‐in program is beneficial if the initial failure rate is high or product failures during the warranty period are costly. Moreover, the optimal burn‐in time is always less than the infant mortality period.

Originality/value

The product considered in this paper is an age‐dependent general repairable product: on which no such study has yet been conducted. This is also the first study to apply a failure‐free renewing warranty to a general repairable item. It can be seen that the present model is a generalization of the model considered by Chien and Sheu.
Comparison between two scale‐inspection and warranty policies for weight‐quality
Authors: Sandoh Hiroaki , Koide Takeshi
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To make a theoretical comparison between two scale‐inspection and warranty policies for weight‐quality, one practical and the other theoretically grounded.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparison is made in a Stackelberg game framework considering the consumer's as well as the manufacturer's viewpoint.

Findings

The practical policy is more profitable for the manufacturer than the theoretical policy in many cases.

Research limitations/implications

The study confines itself to scale‐inspection and warranty policies, but the underlying approach used in this paper can also be applied to other topics.

Practical implications

The proposed model can also provide a lower bound for the warranty.

Originality/value

The study compares a practical policy with a theoretical one from both the consumer's and manufacturer's point of view.
Information technology center service quality
Authors: Badri Masood A. , Abdulla Mohamed , Al‐Madani Abdelwahab
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The main objective of the study was to utilize SERVQUAL for identifying gaps in the chain of services provided by the information technology (IT) resources. SERVQUAL was applied to IT services in higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates.

Design/methodology/approach

Because of the many concerns and reservations raised with regard to using perception scores or gap scores, the appropriateness of the SERVQUAL measure to verify the anticipated structure of the instrument was also examined. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the structure of the perception scores (performance‐based model) and the gap scores (performance minus expectation‐based model) were examined.

Findings

The evaluation of model‐fit provided mixed results, but, in general, the results favored the perception scores. However, some statistical fit‐tests suggested that both models lacked the features necessary for a good fit. On the other hand, based on their feedback, respondents felt that SERVQUAL is a useful indicator for IT center service quality in institutions of higher education. SERVQUAL identified gaps in service quality for the three institutions. Empirical results of SERVQUAL scores for the IT centers in the three institutions are also presented.

Originality/value

The paper reassesses the structure and validity of the SERVQUAL model given its wide use and criticism, and applies the model to an important set of related, yet distinct service organizations such as information technology centers.
Performance assessment of health examination for freshmen
Authors: Chen K.S. , Chen H.T. , Wu L.L. , Emanuel J.T.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

A health examination is one of important events for freshmen when they enter a university. Consequently, the quality and time required for the examination are components in any index measuring the service performance of a university. However, performance measure for the health examination with a performance index is comparatively seldom. This paper aims to provide an index to measure health examination performance for freshmen.

Design/methodology/approach

A health examination performance index (HEPI) is defined for a university's health examination procedure. To make accurate use of the HEPI in assessing health examination performance, this paper constructs a uniformly minimum variance unbiased (UMVU) estimator of the HEPI using an exponential distribution to develop a hypothesis testing procedure.

Findings

Since health examination time exhibits the smaller‐the‐better type quality characteristic of time orientation, the HEPI is appropriate for evaluating the hospital's performance in providing freshmen health examinations. This study also investigates the relationship between the HEPI and the non‐conformance rate of health examination performance, and tabulates the non‐conformance rate under the exponential distribution.

Originality/value

The proposed testing procedure is easily applied and can accurately evaluate whether the true health examination performance for a hospital meets a university's requirement. It can also be used to select a qualified outsourcing hospital and improve the service provided by the school.
Service quality models: a review
Authors: Seth Nitin , Deshmukh S.G. , Vrat Prem
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to critically appraise various service quality models and identify issues for future research based on the critical analysis of literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critically examines 19 different service quality models reported in the literature. The critical review of the different service quality models is intended to derive linkage between them, and highlight the area for further research.

Findings

The review of various service quality model revealed that the service quality outcome and measurement is dependent on type of service setting, situation, time, need etc factors. In addition to this even the customer's expectations towards particular services are also changing with respect to factors like time, increase in the number of encounters with a particular service, competitive environment, etc. This paper provides a rich agenda for future research in the subject.

Research limitations/implications

This research developed a linkage between the different service quality models.

Practical implications

The growth of literature in the field of service quality seems to have developed sequentially, providing a continuous updating and learning from the findings/observations of predecessors. This paper provides new directions to service quality researchers.

Originality/value

This paper explores new directions in service quality research and offers practical help to researchers and practitioners in providing a direction for service quality improvement.
Organizational downsizing and its perceived impact on quality management practices
Authors: Armstrong‐Stassen Marjorie , Reavley Martha , Ghanam Denise
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Many organizations with quality management programs in place have also engaged in downsizing. Aims to show how employees' perceptions of their organization's quality management practices provide some indication of how organizational downsizing affects an organization's quality management initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

Managerial and professional employees from 343 Canadian organizations completed a questionnaire assessing their perceptions of the extent to which their organization was currently engaging in quality management practices.

Findings

Respondents in organizations that had downsized their workforce perceived significantly lower organizational‐level quality management practices (management commitment to quality management program, management communication of mission and goals, customer service focus, provision of quality‐related training) than respondents in organizations that had not downsized. Respondents in downsized organizations also perceived significantly lower employee‐level quality management practices (empowerment, employee commitment to quality management, job security).

Research limitations/implications

The cross‐sectional research design does not allow insight into whether prior differences existed in quality management practices. Future research is needed to investigate how other issues related to organizations and to downsizing influence employees' perceptions of their organization's quality management practices following downsizing.

Practical implications

For practitioners and managers, this study illustrates the need for careful planning of downsizing efforts to avoid their organization's quality management practices being seriously undermined.

Originality/value

Little research has been conducted on the effect of downsizing on an organization's quality management program. The findings show that employees from diverse organizations perceive organizational downsizing to have a detrimental effect on those factors that are critical in promoting and sustaining quality management.
Developing zones of tolerance for managing passenger rail service quality
Authors: Cavana Robert Y. , Corbett Lawrence M. , Lo Y.L. (Glenda)
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to develop and empirically test an extension to the three‐column format SERVQUAL instrument to evaluate passenger rail service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This article combines the literatures of service quality and rail transport quality to develop the conceptual framework. Three new transport dimensions (comfort, connection, and convenience) are added to the original five SERVQUAL dimensions (assurance, empathy, reliability, responsiveness, and tangibles). The instrument was tested on a passenger line in Wellington, New Zealand. Valid responses to 340 questionnaires were statistically analyzed.

Findings

High Cronbach alpha values supported the reliability of the instrument. Content and construct validity are demonstrated also. Regression analysis identified assurance, responsiveness and empathy as the quality factors that had significant effects on overall service quality. In addition, customers indicated that reliability and convenience were also very important factors. Service quality “zones of tolerance” were identified for each dimension and attribute.

Research limitations/implications

There are not many published studies to confirm or compare the results of the three‐column SERVQUAL instrument, either in the general service literature or in the rail passenger literature. Although the five original SERVQUAL dimensions have been tested quite extensively, the three new rail transport dimensions require further development and testing, particularly since the sample was drawn from a single passenger line in New Zealand. More development and empirical testing are required to refine this measure.

Practical implications

Based on the eight dimensions, the practical use of the “zones of tolerance” for identifying areas of quality shortfall and managing quality are illustrated in this paper.

Originality/value

This paper provides one of the few empirical applications of the three‐column SERVQUAL instrument and extends it to make it more suitable for evaluating rail passenger service quality.
Attitudes towards women managers in theUnited Arab Emirates
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the United Arab Emirates (UAE) society's attitudes towards women managers held by a sample of 186 participants.

Design/methodology/approach

The subjects completed the newly developed multidimensional aversion to women who work scale (MAWWWS). The study validates the scale in an Arab non‐Western context.

Findings

The results reveal that UAE students have significantly different attitudes towards women managers from those of the older generations. There are significant differences between males' and females' perceptions of women's roles and participation in society. The study predicts that modernity may diminish patriarchal attitudes towards women managers in the Arab world.

Originality/value

This study has provided some insights into the factors associated with attitudes towards women managers in the UAE. This research contributes to the literature on cross‐cultural studies by systematically assessing the attitudes towards women managers in the UAE.
Cross‐cultural equity sensitivity: a test of differences between the United States and Japan
Authors: Allen Richard S. , Takeda Margaret , White Charles S.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study aims to examine the cross‐cultural differences in equity sensitivity between the USA and Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 390 Americans and 202 Japanese were surveyed to determine their equity sensitivities and how each group would likely respond to under‐payment scenarios.

Findings

The findings support the notion that the Japanese are in fact more entitled in their equity orientation than Americans. Furthermore, the Japanese were also significantly more likely to respond with overt actions to reduce their feelings of inequity.

Research limitations/implications

Foremost among these limitations is the fact that the situation presented to the subjects was hypothetical rather than real. Since it would be considered unethical to manipulate subjects in real work settings a first person scenario approach was utilized consistent with other equity theory literature. While the scenario was easily identifiable by the student subjects, it is unknown if the findings from this research would apply to adults working in real world organizations.

Practical implications

The results may have important implications for international human resource strategies and practices. Equity sensitivity may affect perceived value of rewards (compensation), promotion (selection), and motivation (performance management) all of which are critical issues in the effective management of human resources. This study illustrates that cross‐cultural differences exist in regard to equity sensitivity and these differences may affect the efficacy of human resource strategies in global organizations.

Originality/value

This paper offers a significant contribution to the literature on equity sensitivity by testing the theory in a cross‐cultural setting.
The role of emotions in employees' explanations for failure in the workplace
Authors: Hareli Shlomo , Shomrat Noga , Biger Nahum
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to study how shame, guilt and fear experienced by failing employees determine their explanation of the failure.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees participated in two studies, one assessing actual personal examples of failures and another used imaginary vignettes. To manipulate the extent to which guilt or shame was the dominant emotion experienced by the failing employee, participants were asked to generate counterfactual thoughts typical of each of these feelings. Fear was manipulated by describing a threatening atmosphere in the organization. Measured was the likelihood that the employee took responsibility for what happened and provided a valid explanation. Likelihood of explaining the event by using excuses, justifications, concessions or denials was also measured.

Findings

Findings indicate guilt was associated with explanations that help the organization learn from the failure and assist employees in restoring their relationships with the organization and co‐workers. Heightened levels of fear, however, decreased this desirable effect of guilt. Shame had no unique contribution to an employee's choice of explanations.

Research limitations/implications

The use of self‐reports and vignettes limits the ecological validity of the present findings. Nevertheless, it provides preliminary evidence for the importance of the factors under study.

Practical implications

These findings contribute to an understanding of the ways organizations can provide emotional settings conductive to constructive failure inquiries both for organizations and employees.

Originality/value

The role emotions play in explanation of failures is an understudied issue both in social psychology and organizational research. The present study opens an avenue for more studies in this direction.
The role of leader‐member exchange in high turnover work environments
Authors: Morrow Paula C. , Suzuki Yoshinori , Crum Michael R. , Ruben Robert , Pautsch Gregory
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To assess the role of leader‐member exchange (LMX) in affecting voluntary turnover in a high turnover work context.

Design/methodology/approach

Following consideration of traditional predictors of employee turnover, how LMX is related to voluntary turnover is examined among 207 over‐the‐road truck drivers using a telephone survey.

Findings

Leader member exchange is found to be nonlinearly related to turnover such that turnover is lowest when LMX is moderate (i.e. both “bad” and “good” LMX are associated with higher levels of turnover).

Research limitations/implications

Findings indicate that LMX and other antecedents should be examined for nonlinear relationships to turnover. This research may help to bridge the gap between turnover research and that associated with supervision and leadership.

Practical implications

These study results suggest that unrealistic expectations should not be formed regarding the power of any single factor (e.g. LMX) to reduce turnover.

Originality/value

This paper suggests that nonlinear relationships between antecedents of turnover and turnover receive fuller consideration.