bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling and managing affective psychology in Australian local government facilities
Authors: Heywood Chris , Missingham Gregory , Kenley Russell
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a basis for considering and then studying the affective psychology found in subjective assessments encountered in managing facility provision, in this case in Australian local government.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature was used to construct a suite of models that provides a legitimate basis to consider affective, subjective and other assessments in the field. A psychologically‐based orientational qualitative enquiry using an Affective Lexicon was used for an empirical study.

Findings

The study found that affect is pervasive in the management of local government facilities. It was found in expectations facility management has concerning consequences of its work, stakeholders' expectations and evaluations, and had utility in managing facility projects. A Scheme of Affective Management is proposed that uses a suite of techniques to achieve affective outcomes and consequences from facility management. These results challenge so‐called objectivity in the field.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical study occurred in Australian local government but it is likely that the results are generalisable to other countries and also to the private sector and could apply more generally to effective facility management.

Practical implications

A Scheme of Affective Management is introduced that provides a suite of practices that could be employed to manage facility projects' affective outcomes.

Originality/value

The field embraces the psychology of facilities. This paper is a very early example that demonstrates that considering psychology in the management of facilities is also important.
Time domain analysis of dam‐reservoir interaction
Authors: Koohkan M.R. , Attarnejad R. , Nasseri M.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a semi‐analytical method for studying the interaction between reservoir and concrete gravity dams.

Design/methodology/approach

The reservoir is assumed to be unbounded at the far end and the solution is sought for incompressible and in‐viscid fluid. A concrete gravity dam is assumed to behave as a cantilever beam of variable section, and the inclination of the neutral axis is ignored.

Findings

It is shown that use of the differential quadrature method (DQM), with a few grid points in conjunction with the finite difference method (FDM), yields an acceptable convergence of results. Comparing the results of the proposed method with those of the literature shows the competency of the method.

Originality/value

DQM for space derivatives and FDM for time derivatives are used to discretize the partial differential equation of motion.
Including the customer in efficiency analysis
Authors: Coughlan Joseph , Shale Estelle , Dyson Robert
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the effect of including the customer as a resource in efficiency measurement. Variations in counting the customer illustrate the different impacts on efficiency between a transactional and a relational approach to bank branch marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data envelopment analysis to analyse the efficiency of the branch network under consideration. This technique, while well established in the bank branch efficiency literature, is used here to gain insight into how relationship and transactional paradigms are affecting performance.

Findings

Although the average profile of the efficiency scores was similar, the scores of the individual branches differed greatly depending on how customers were counted. Some branches then can be typified as relationship oriented while others as transactions oriented bearing in mind that all branches have both remits.

Practical implications

Future research in efficiency measurement should include customers as a resource of the bank given the importance of them for the activity of co‐production. Careful consideration is required however of the method of accounting for these customers bearing in mind that different conceptualisations may significantly affect the efficiency score of the individual branches.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on what is happening at branch level in a large network in the UK in terms of how transactions and relationship marketing approaches are affecting efficiency scores and the objectives of the branch. It also answers a call for research into organisations that simultaneously use relationship and transactions marketing.
Debit and credit card usage and satisfaction
Authors: Foscht Thomas , Maloles Cesar , Swoboda Bernhard , Chia Swee‐Lim
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This exploratory study seeks to explore the link between the choices of payment mode to customer satisfaction. It examines the Austrian market in relation to its choice and usage of debit cards versus credit cards and its impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the key drivers of customer satisfaction for these two modes of electronic payment.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was administered in person to 360 Austrian bank customers. These customers were selected using quota sampling based on Austrian census data for a particular Austrian province. However, while the quota sampling was used to determine the categories, selection of the actual respondents was done through systematic sampling. This ensured that the sample was representative of the population of that Austrian province who had credit and debit cards. One group, women who were 65 and older, were not considered as there were relatively few women in this age range who had debit and credit cards.

Findings

Five hypotheses were proposed. Four of the five hypotheses were supported while one, H4, had partial support. Essentially, the results indicate that a person's preference for a particular payment method is dependent on his/her personal characteristics. Additionally, the payment method's features and characteristics influenced its desirability and acceptance. Furthermore, a person's expectations had an impact on his/her attitude toward the payment method. The study also found that positive expectations, performance, and desires led to customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction, in turn, leads to a higher degree of intent to use the payment method and higher degree of intent to recommend the payment method. These results are consistent with the literature on customer satisfaction that identifies expectations, performance and desires as the drivers of customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

Multiple payment modes have emerged but there has been scant attention paid to the effects of payment modes on customer behavior and by extension, customer satisfaction and loyalty. This paper addresses these issues.
The online connection: transforming marketing strategy for small businesses
Authors: Harris Lisa , Rae Alan
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review recent developments in online marketing strategy which demonstrate the growing power of online communities in building brand reputations and customer relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The work draws upon the results of an ongoing research project which is investigating the use of new technologies by entrepreneurial businesses in the London area. A range of examples from our 30 case study businesses are drawn upon to illustrate some of the opportunities and threats associated with these new marketing priorities.

Findings

We conclude that social networks will play a key role in the future of marketing; externally they can replace customer annoyance with engagement, and internally they help to transform the traditional focus on control with an open and collaborative approach that is more conducive to success in the modern business environment.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should aim to track this activity as it integrates with more mainstream marketing over time.

Practical implications

Developments in the technologies themselves, as well as a reduction in costs, will mean that more and more information will be available to consumers. This results in unprecedented levels of transparency of dealings between businesses and their customers. A key challenge when engaging customers through these social networks is how to give away power and control while at the same time avoiding embarrassment to the company.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance on the opportunities and threats associated with marketing through social networks, based on lessons learned from “early adopters”.
Developing the next generation of leaders
Authors: Kambil Ajit
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Across companies, and even the public sector, there is a looming challenge as baby boomers and many current leaders retire. This is the challenge of developing the next generation of leadership ‐ not just at the CEO level, but in the various functions of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, fifteen leading CFOs were interviewed, asking them to describe their journeys to leadership.

Findings

While the research was based on interviews of CFOs, the findings could pertain to many leadership roles in companies.

Originality/value

The research found there were five key traits to leaders: curiosity, courage, perseverance, personal ethics, and confidence. Of these five traits, what was surprising was the consistent importance of curiosity as a valued trait among nearly all the CFO participants.
Towards a search for the meaning of entrepreneurship
Authors: Kobia Margaret , Sikalieh Damary
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The primary purpose of this literature review paper is to address the question why it is difficult to define entrepreneurship despite the amount of research that has taken place in the field. In addition, the paper also aims to demonstrate how the struggle to define entrepreneurship has impacted on entrepreneurial careers in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviewed literature on different approaches used by researchers in the struggle to define entrepreneurship. It focused mainly on the trait, behavioral and opportunity identification approaches. It critically examined the extent to which each approach has attempted to explain what entrepreneurship is, and suggests research questions, methodologies and techniques that will do justice to the complexity of defining entrepreneurship.

Findings

The findings of the literature review showed that none of the approaches used to define entrepreneurship gives a comprehensive picture of entrepreneurship. There is a lack of a common definition of entrepreneurship. Following the absence of this common definition, professionals in Kenya do not see themselves as entrepreneurs. The researchers and educators must define what they mean when attempting to define entrepreneurship. Rather than concentrate on one part – the entrepreneur; behavior or opportunity identification – they must focus on the whole entrepreneurial process. In addition, researchers and educators need to study the entrepreneur before, during and after the entrepreneurial process.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should be conducted to relate entrepreneurship to other occupations. Each approach needs to expand in this direction.

Originality/value

Research on the impact of the meaning of entrepreneurship on careers in Kenya and other contexts so far has not been conducted.
Factors affecting the management of women groups' micro and small enterprises in Kakamega District, Kenya
Authors: Wawire Nelson H.W. , Nafukho Fredrick M.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to highlight the main factors that affect the management of the WGs' Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Kakamega District and Africa in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a descriptive research design. This is because the study was concerned about a univariate question in which the researchers asked about the size, form distribution and existence of factors affecting management of the Women Groups' (WGs) MSEs. The study created a profile on variables affecting WGs' MSEs through collection of data and the tabulation of the frequencies on the research variables and their interaction. Systematic random sampling was used to select the sample. This technique resulted in a sample size of 310 respondents distributed as follows: 95 WGs leaders; 143 group and community members; and 72 donor, government and non‐governmental agents.

Findings

The study found that the factors that affect management of WGs' MSEs could be categorised as financial, administrative, managerial, technical, political, traditional and cultural. The WGs lack skills in these areas, which adversely affects the MSEs. The study then calls for full support of WGs' MSEs by all those involved in one way or another, remembering that “for women, a common theme cuts across the struggles … whether at independence, liberation movement, the New International Economic Order, or development, women have learned that the change, reforms and revolutions were not intended for them”.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the data obtained through questionnaires and interviews which were descriptive and qualitative in nature. A study that uses both quantitative and qualitative data is recommended.

Originality/value

The study is ground‐breaking in terms of looking at the management of WGs' MSEs in Kenya.
How can economic sociology help business relationship management?
Authors: Mandják Tibor , Szántó Zoltán
Published: February 2010

Purpose

By analyzing organizations as social actors and business relationships as social relationships, sociology can improve business relationship management. This paper aims to explore the issues involved.

Design/methodology/approach

A business relationship is an interactive exchange between two organizations embedded in a network of business connections. The paper reviews theories of social actions and social actors and the concepts of economic field and embeddedness to illustrate some social dimensions of business relationships.

Findings

Social action and social actor theories emphasize that co‐operation is always encumbered with conflicts, that consciousness about the relationship is fundamental for both strongly and weakly structured actors, and that actors (people involved in a business relationship) always have some freedom of manoeuvre. The concept of economic field underscores the specificity of each business relationship and the critical need for concrete analysis. The concept of embeddedness highlights that no business relationship is possible without personal bonds.

Research limitations/implications

These are the first results of a deeper and broader research directed towards a conceptual model of business relationship management.

Practical implications

The paper can help managers to analyze more deeply the social dimensions of business relations with both suppliers and buyers. Consciousness, the ongoing presence of conflicts, the unavoidable role of personal bonds, and interactivity are always relevant in business relationship management.

Originality/value

The paper integrates sociological and business marketing approaches. It applies essential sociological theories and concepts to business relationship management.
Theory versus practice: perspectives of Middle Eastern financial managers
Authors: Chazi Abdelaziz , Renato Soares Terra Paulo , Caputo Zanella Fernando
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey financial managers in the Arab Gulf region about a broad set of financial decisions and contrast their answers with both prescriptions of financial theory and practices of their North American and European peers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses Graham and Harvey's questionnaire on the cost of capital, capital budgeting and capital structure that is also employed by Brounenet al.in Europe, containing two additional questions on corporate governance. Moreover, the survey included an additional question about Islamic financial instruments.

Findings

Despite each firm's unique characteristics and institutions, chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Middle East are acting in a manner similar to their North American and European counterparts.

Originality/value

All CFOs surveyed are located in countries that abide by a combination of Islamic, civil (French, Romano‐Germanic), and common (Anglo‐Saxon) laws. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that a nearly identical corporate finance survey has been simultaneously administered in North America, Europe and the Arab Gulf region.
Entrepreneurs and trade names: evidence from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Alserhan Baker Ahmad
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper aims to classify the problems associated with the various types of trade names, identify Arab entrepreneurs' approaches to naming, and to construct a model that enables entrepreneurs to develop optimal names.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐administered questionnaire is distributed to 150 Arab entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates. Qualitative name‐analysis is combined with quantitative analysis of the data and the results are used to answer the research questions.

Findings

Responses show that entrepreneurs know the major naming considerations but lack the ability to use that knowledge; the naming process remains informal with minimum investments, and clear dependence on translation, tribal names, and imitation in naming businesses.

Research limitations/implications

The study includes only Arab entrepreneurs in a country where nearly 70 percent of entrepreneurs are non‐Arabs. The survey is administered by Arabic speaking research assistants. Future research can focus on other groups using multilingual research assistants to overcome the language barrier and understand the country's entrepreneurial diversity.

Originality/value

The paper develops a detailed model for use in developing trade names, helps entrepreneurs identify and avoid the problems associated with the different types of names, offers insights into the state of affairs of trade names in an emerging market that has gained increased international recognition, and expands the scope on trade name study and development.
Events, emotions, and technology: examining acceptance of workplace technology changes
Authors: Stam Kathryn R. , Stanton Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to understand the relationship between emotional salience and workplace events related to technology change by using a combination of key features of two popular psychological theories – regulatory focus theory and affective events theory – to view the change process in diverse settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on analysis of 18 months of qualitative interview data (n=52 respondents) collected before, during and after the introduction of three different new technologies in three organizations – a hospital, a manufacturing facility, and a psychological counseling center. The mixed methods approach combined descriptive case studies and a structured coding approach derived from a synthesis of the two theories with which the transition processes at each organization were examined.

Findings

Employees with a so‐called promotion‐focused orientation were more likely to accept an IT change and the events related to it. Organizational cultures and the staging of events play a role in individuals' affective reactions and behavior. The use of the framework is promising for illuminating the role of emotions, the timing of change events, and subsequent behavior in response to organizational change.

Research limitations/implications

The variety of types of organizations and job types represented, as well as the types of IT change proposed in each, provides a rich sample of diverse motivations and scenarios. Further development of the relationships between the timing of organizational events and regulatory focus is needed.

Practical implications

The proposed framework suggests a shift in emphasis away from beliefs and towards emotionally relevant events. The findings suggest consideration of two distinct motivational aspects of both new and old technology. A peak in emotional events related to training indicates that an organization must actively manage how the plans, strategies, and communications with regard to training affect workers' beliefs and expectations.

Originality/value

The paper highlights how an emphasis on emotionally relevant events and attention to the regulatory focus involved in interpretation of those events could provide the basis for new approaches to organizational interventions. Interventions should focus on facilitating situations where individuals can frame relevant transition events with a promotion focus.
Knowledge transfer processes for different experience levels of knowledge recipients at an offshore technical support center
Authors: Chen Jihong , McQueen Robert J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the relationships between the levels of knowledge and the type of knowledge transfer approaches, and the relationships between the types of knowledge and the knowledge transfer approaches which were adopted in a study of knowledge transfer from a US‐based technical support center to an offshore support center in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted as an interpretive case study. Three techniques (i.e. document review, participant observation, and semi‐structured interviews) were employed for data collection in the field.

Findings

The findings indicate that the lower the level of recipient absorptive and retentive capacity, the more difficulty the recipient will have in acquiring tacit and complex types of knowledge, and the more formal structured knowledge transfer approach the recipient will need to adopt. The results identify that “structured transfer stages” was used by novices to transfer embrained and encoded knowledge, while “unstructured copy” was widely adopted by advanced beginners to transfer encoded and embodied knowledge, “unstructured adaptation” was mainly utilized by those at the competence level to transfer embodied and embedded knowledge, and “unstructured fusion” was preferred by recipients at the proficiency level to transfer embodied and embedded knowledge as well.

Practical implications

The findings contribute to an understanding of the knowledge transfer processes required when US‐based firms outsource business processes to offshore countries with significantly different cultural contexts. The findings also reflect the testing of possible analytical structures for understanding the processes of knowledge transfer, and the mechanisms for knowledge transfer in a cross‐cultural business context.

Originality/value

The paper provides new insights into the knowledge transfer process for different levels of knowledge acquisition in a cross‐cultural business context.
Prioritization of rural roads: AHP in group decision
Authors: Dalal Jyotirmoy , Mohapatra Pratap K.J. , Chandra Mitra Gopal
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Poor conditions of rural roads in most developing countries have hindered the growth of their rural economy. Investments from government and other sources in rural road projects are inadequate, leading often to political, rather than socio‐economic, considerations in allocating funds to specific projects. Realizing this, many donor organizations demand an unbiased study for prioritizing rural roads for funds allocation. This requires prioritizing rural roads on a rational basis. This paper seeks to examine this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐stage AHP model is developed considering several socio‐economic criteria relevant to a road and the region through which it passes. The model is exercised in a group‐decision environment. The final scores indicate a list of roads in decreasing order of priority.

Findings

The framework, when applied to 178 rural roads in two districts of Orissa, a relatively backward state of India, yields a ranked‐order list of roads.

Research limitations/implications

Experts' judgments during pair‐wise comparison are associated with imprecision. Fuzzy AHP is a distinct alternative. Possible dependency among criteria has been ignored. Use of Analytic Network Process (ANP) can overcome problems arising from such dependencies.

Practical implications

Funds that are limited can be allotted to the highly ranked roads.

Originality/value

The paper presents application of AHP for ranking of rural roads in a developing country; development of a generic road prioritization framework; and devising a group decision‐making procedure that combines the best features of the group consensus and geometric mean methods.
Sustaining architects' and engineers' motivation in design firms
Authors: Oyedele Lukumon O.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The overall intent of this research is to identify critical factors influencing architects' and design engineers' (AE) motivational level in design firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Motivational theories from the literature on organizational behaviour were examined to identify possible attributes influencing motivation. These attributes were put together in a questionnaire survey of architects and engineers in Northern Ireland design practices. Using factor analysis and regression modelling, four critical factors were identified. The model was validated to determine how well the factors can predict the AE motivational level.

Findings

The results show that the four factors are favourable project working condition, organisational support, design process efficacy and effort recognition.

Practical implications

Design firms and their managers play an important role in ensuring that their designers are motivated in completing their project.

Originality/value

Owners and managers of design firms can use the identified factors to improve the motivation of their architects and design engineers, thus developing a quality workforce.
Critical, manifest variables in virtual construction project value delivery
Authors: Barima Oliver , Rowlinson S.M.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the use of the increasingly important virtual concept to deliver value in projects, focusing on the manifest, critical issues which can enhance value delivery in virtual construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses both quantitative and qualitative triangulated methods to examine the concepts in the study. Triangulated data analysis is also used to give insight.

Findings

The study disentangles 16 manifest, independent variables as being crucial in enhancing value delivery in virtual construction projects. Also the research gives a fresh view, by differentiating between influential and necessary crucial variables in virtual construction project value delivery.

Research limitations/implications

The study demonstrates the use of triangulation in critical variables research. It also gives integrated insight on rigorous, triangulated, data analysis to enhance understanding in the critical variables research domain.

Practical implications

The research gives insight to managers on the issues which need attention in the design and implementation of virtual construction projects to deliver value.

Originality/value

The research adds value to the literature on the virtual construction project delivery concept, where little knowledge exists. Based on empirical evidence, the study also gives a fresh insightful lens, for the examination of critical variables from the perspective of influential and necessary items.
Library to go
Authors: Fox Robert
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the area of mobile technology and its usefulness for library instruction and information dissemination

Design/methodology/approach

This column is exploratory, examining the advantages and disadvantages of mobile technology for librarianship.

Findings

There is an inevitable onslaught of mobile technology within the patron populations. It is essential that libraries and the profession as a whole inject the digital services, both traditional and non‐traditional, into mobile technology in order to reach patrons.

Originality/value

The paper examines several studies and offers theoretical options for tackling the important issue of mobile technology in the library. The paradigm of the library as a place needs to change into a paradigm where the library is not only a place, but also a collection of valuable services that can be accessed from anywhere.
Participation of the National Library of the Czech Republic in the project TELplus
Authors: Foltyn Tomas
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This short study aims to describe the participation of the National Library of the Czech Republic in the project TELplus.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the results of project TELplus and describes the challenges of the project.

Findings

Documents OCR production in the National Library of the Czech Republic.

Originality/value

The study provides general information about the project TELplus and its subsequent participation in the framework of the National Library of the Czech Republic.
A synchronic understanding of involvement with fashion
Authors: Díaz Meneses Gonzalo , Nieves Rodríguez Julia
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This work proposes to study the phenomenon of fashion not as being evolutionary but as a consumption response that is mediated by consumers having a certain perception of time. This work also proposes not only that the temporal dimension seems to be essential in the process of fashion adoption but also that emotional aspects are predominant.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical work was conducted based on structural equation modelling with a sample of 341 individuals, using path modelling with a multi‐group analysis.

Findings

The empirical results show that the needs for social acceptance not only do not arouse interest in new tendencies but even entail unpleasant emotions such as anxiety. Moreover, fashion is more emotionally positive if it has the quality of future.

Practical implications

Not only would it be profitable to promote involvement with fashion by transmitting the importance of others, but also the use of social needs in advertising could be unethical since it would generate unease in the consumer. Since it is clear that, in fashion, an orientation to the past is accompanied by an increase in negative emotions, it seems logical to reject designers who praise classic styles without offering anything new.

Originality/value

The work studies the phenomenon of fashion not as being evolutionary but as a consumption response that is mediated by consumers having a certain perception of time.
Women's wear sizing: a new labelling system
Authors: Faust Marie‐Eve , Carrier Serge
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that a new size labelling system based on the data gathered by [TC]2in the Size USA, Let's Size up Americasurvey would better serve the female population than the system currently in use.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on previous research conducted on [TC]2data and on pants measurements in the Canadian market, a new labelling system is proposed where size information is provided with three specific body measurements along with a female silhouette pictogram.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that a size label showing three pants measurements: pants waist, approximate hips, and inseam length, accompanied by a silhouette identifying where these measures were taken, is highly predictive of fit.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to lower body (pants) for female.

Practical implications

A change to such a size‐labelling system would allow the apparel industry to move towards mass customisation at minimal costs. It would be more effective for the apparel order givers and retailers, enabling them to target whichever market they wish yet convey the necessary fit information in a generally accepted format. This system would also be more efficient as it would reduce the consumer time spent in fit identification and merchandise returns, in the case of internet or catalogue sales. As a corollary, it would increase both consumer shopping experience satisfaction and industry profitability.

Originality/value

The study proposes a new labelling system.
Adolescents' clothing motives and store selection criteria
Authors: Chen‐Yu Jessie H. , Hong Keum‐Hee , Seock Yoo‐Kyoung
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare South Korean (SK) and United States (US) adolescents' clothing motives and their store selection criteria, examine whether adolescents with different primary clothing motives would have similar or different store selection criteria, and examine an interaction effect of country of residency and clothing motives on store selection criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 307 US students and 297 SK students participated in the study. The convenience sampling method was used to recruit teachers who volunteered to help with the study and administer the survey.

Findings

Results showed that clothing motives and store selection criteria differed significantly between SK and US participants. Participants with different primary clothing motives had significantly different store selection criteria. SK and US participants with the same primary clothing motive did not have significantly different store selection criteria.

Research limitations/implications

Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling method and, therefore, they could not represent adolescents generally in either country.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, suggestions for store positioning, service management and international marketing strategies for apparel companies that target adolescents were provided.

Originality/value

Limited studies have examined adolescents' motives behind the clothes they purchase and wear, and their store selection criteria.
An exploratory study
Authors: Moody Wendy , Kinderman Peter , Sinha Pammi
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This study sets out to explore the application of psychological research methods (as yet not applied) in the fashion arena. The aim of this project is to quantify, formalise and explore the causal relationships between clothing style, preference, personality factors, emotions and mood with a view to a better understanding of the psychological profile of the fashion consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a uniformly composed sample of females, explorative quantitative research was carried out. Two sets of questionnaires were administered to the sample to examine emotion, mood and personality before trying on a set of eight garments categorized according to style; and again afterwards to examine emotion and mood while wearing each outfit. Photographs of participants were taken wearing each of the outfits. Participants then ranked the eight outfits in order of preference. SPSS analysis identified relationships and preference indicators.

Findings

The results indicated strong relationships between mood and significant relationships between three out of five personality factors and clothing style preference; mood was a significant predictor of preference, whilst personality was moderate.

Research limitations/implications

The research methodology necessitated lengthy time commitments from the participants and therefore limited the sample size, making generalization difficult. Based on the findings, the research requires further exploration of methods for practical application with a larger sample size.

Practical implications

Personality, emotion and mood were shown to be managed and reflected through clothing with implications for assistance in consumer clothing decisions, service training, and strategies for personal shoppers, market segmentation and design.

Originality/value

The methodology derived from a combination of research methods coupled with actual wearing experience, previously not studied together. This is original and demonstrates how important this combination is in order to fully appreciate the psychological profile of the fashion consumer.
Optimal knowledge transfer methods: a Generation X perspective
Authors: McNichols Debby
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This research study seeks so explore the thoughts and perspectives of Generation X aerospace engineers regarding strategies, processes, and methods to enhance the transfer of knowledge from Baby Boomers to Generation X aerospace engineers.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative Delphi research method is a formalized process designed to extract opinions from a panel of experts in an anonymous and iterative manner. The strength of the technique lies in its ability to gather a diverse range of opinions in an anonymous fashion without the bias of a single individual dominating the discussion.

Findings

Data collected from the Generation X participants helped to answer the study research questions. According to the 24 Generation X study panelists, optimal knowledge transfer requires visible and participative management involvement. Management support is the core of a knowledge‐sharing culture that fosters open and honest communication, respectful and trusting relationships, effective mentoring relationships, dynamic team environments, co‐location of team members, and a technology infrastructure. Synthesis of the data results from all survey rounds assisted in the creation of a knowledge transfer model.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation is the sample size. Another limitation was the predominantly male demographic within the aerospace community. The study did not involve any attempt to examine different perspectives based on race, gender, or geographic location. The scope of the research questions asked and the research methodology employed to extract thoughts, feelings, and perspectives from the Delphi panelists limited the study.

Originality/value

The study is unique because it offers the perspective of a population critical to the survival of organizational knowledge within the aerospace community, the Generation X engineers. The contributions of the study may provide leaders with knowledge transfer methods, strategies, and processes to mitigate knowledge transfer barriers, create an optimal knowledge transfer domain, and facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Knowledge sharing in organisational contexts: a motivation‐based perspective
Authors: Lam Alice , Lambermont‐Ford Jean‐Paul
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Facilitating knowledge sharing within organisations is a difficult task: the willingness of individuals to share and integrate their knowledge is one of the central barriers. This paper aims to develop a motivation‐based perspective to explore how organisations resolve the social dilemma of knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis builds on a three‐category taxonomy of motivation, adding “hedonic” motivation to the traditional dichotomy of “extrinsic” and “intrinsic” motivation. It uses case studies gleaned from the literature to explore the interactive effects between the different motivators in two different types of knowledge‐intensive organisations: professional bureaucracy and operating adhocracy.

Findings

Within a professional bureaucracy, the social dilemma of knowledge sharing may be overcome through normative motivation, with provision of hedonic motivation through extrinsic incentives such as training and career progression. In an operating adhocracy where interdependent teamwork is vital, it may be overcome through normative alignment reinforced by intensive socialisation. Extrinsic motivators that align with hedonic motivation may also reinforce the propensity for knowledge sharing. In both organisational types, financial extrinsic incentives do not appear to be relevant on their own, and may “crowd out” other motivators.

Research limitations/implications

The cases reported were chosen from the existing literature and, although many were not designed specifically to address motivational issues, suggestive conclusions are drawn. Most of the cases were drawn from organisations rooted in the Anglo‐American context and thus care would be needed in generalising the findings to organisations in other contexts.

Originality/value

The paper represents the first attempt to apply a three‐category taxonomy of motivation to examine knowledge‐sharing behaviour in organisations. It highlights the interaction between the different motivators and provides a basis to integrate further the work of social psychologists and socio‐economists on incentives and motivation in the context of knowledge sharing.
Knowledge creation measurement methods
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca , Boyle Brendan
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper sets out to examine the operationalisation of knowledge creation. Given the importance of knowledge creation for national and corporate wealth, assessing its measurement is a valuable exercise; however, current research utilises a range of measures, and this lack of agreed construct operationalisation is a barrier to robust empirical investigation. This paper aims to review current measurement methods and to construct a taxonomy of knowledge creation measures.

Design/methodology/approach

A four‐step classification method is followed. In order to generate information on the essential properties of measurement methods, relevant empirical research is reviewed and a content analysis performed on the resultant measures. The literature review includes key‐term searches on bibliographic databases, yielding a sample of 63 empirical papers that incorporated knowledge creation measures. Both of the authors independently created a cognitive map of these measures based on three different attributes.

Findings

The main contribution of the paper is the development of a hierarchical taxonomy of knowledge creation measures. This taxonomy, in which movement up the hierarchy provides broader conceptual classification and movement down provides conceptual refinement, advances knowledge creation research by categorising measures in a way that facilitates assessment against existing comparable definitions.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research stem from issues of bias. In addition to sampling bias, some bias may have entered the coding with respect to placement of measures into process or output categories.

Originality/value

The research has significant implications for future research in knowledge creation: the taxonomy facilitates consistency between knowledge construct definition and measurement, and differentiation between knowledge creation and other, related constructs, such as innovation. Such a taxonomy makes it easier to clarify similarities and differences among knowledge creation measures, develop new propositions for future investigation, and identify neglected areas of study.
Critical factors for knowledge management in project business
Authors: Ajmal Mian , Helo Petri , Kekäle Tauno
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and examine various factors that influence the success or failure of knowledge management (KM) initiatives in project‐based companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, the study proposes a conceptual model of six factors of potential importance to the success of KM initiatives. The model is then examined through an online survey of project managers and assistant managers from project‐based businesses in Finland.

Findings

The study finds that a lack of incentives and the absence of an appropriate information system are the most significant barriers to successful KM initiatives in projects.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study may be restricted in terms of generalisability because of the limited empirical study.

Practical implications

Project managers should formulate an attractive incentive package to encourage project members to participate in KM initiatives and to suggest ideas for new KM opportunities. Managers should also ensure that an effective user‐friendly information system is in place before introducing KM initiatives.

Originality/value

The study proposes a new model of critical success factors for KM initiatives in the context of project‐based business.
Ten years of sale‐and‐leaseback transactions in The Netherlands
Authors: Hordijk Aart C. , Rompelman Dirk , Koerhuis Leonie
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the sale‐and‐leaseback transactions in The Netherlands over the past ten years, and to compare the rents and yields in those transactions with what is common on the market at that moment.

Design/methodology/approach

The method chosen is a straight mathematical calculation, the only possible way at this initial stage. A unique dataset provided by Vastgoedmarkt is used for this paper.

Findings

Of the sale‐and‐leaseback transactions, 60 percent are concluded against a higher rent than the market rent, and contract rent for the biggest areas is on average concluded at 17.4 percent above the market rent.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the incompleteness of the reporting of the transactions and the lack of transparency in this area, further analysis is necessary.

Practical implications

When entering into a sale‐and‐leaseback transaction, the seller and the buyer in particular should be much more aware of the circumstances on the market.

Originality/value

Prior papers on sale‐and‐leaseback generally do not consider rents and there are almost no recent papers. This paper does focus on rents and uses data from the past ten years.
Corporate branding: an exploration of the influence of CRE
Authors: Appel‐Meulenbroek Rianne , Havermans Dave , Janssen Ingrid , van Kempen Anneke
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how corporate real estate (CRE) can add value to corporate branding and how corporate branding strategies for CRE can be determined.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a theoretical background for corporate branding and real estate and links these two concepts through interviews with 19 CRE managers of service providers.

Findings

Analysis of the relationship between CRE and the corporate brand brings forward two links: CRE influences the perception of the corporate brand directly and indirectly (via employee behaviour). Corporate identity and its six characteristics (structure, strategy, culture, communication, behaviour and design) formed a useful tool to determine the proper branding strategy for an organization. Especially, “design” and “communication” define the way CRE should communicate the corporate brand. Two location issues are seen as the most important CRE aspects to support branding strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The field research is explorative, so it only studies a small sample of four types of service providers: real estate brokers, architects, lawyers and multinationals.

Practical implications

Understanding the key factors of CRE that orchestrate the direct and the indirect influence on the corporate brand provides guidelines for CREM for designing CRE that supports a successful corporate brand.

Originality/value

Research done so far on corporate branding highlights the importance of CRE for corporate branding, but does not explicitly discuss the importance of (all) different CRE aspects.