bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the Israeli economy controlled by a tiny group of common interest members?
Authors: Ben David Nissim
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the centralization of control in the Israeli economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data published by the Israeli stock market authority to identify owners holding more then 5 percent of a company's value.

Findings

The total worth of stocks traded in the Tel‐Aviv stock exchange was 690 billion shekels (about 180 billion current US dollars), while the worth of the 25 largest companies was about 479 billion shekels (69.4 percent). The party of interest holdings share in these companies was 35.2 percent (while the public share was 64.8 percent).

Practical implications

In order to reach economic efficiency, we are willing to pay the social cost of unequal income distribution. There is no reason not to use the same logic regarding the taxing of inheritance. If it is more economically efficient, inheritance should be taxed, although it has already been taxed in the past.

Social implications

How can we improve income distribution without levying taxes that reduce economic efficiency? The answer is high taxes on inheritance.

Originality/value

The paper suggests a practical policy to reduce inequality in Israel.
Foreign exchange risk and risk exposure in the Japanese stock market
Authors: Tai Chu‐Sheng
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Whether stock returns are linked to exchange rate changes and whether foreign exchange risk is priced in a domestic context are less conclusive and thus still subject to a great debate. The purpose of this paper is to provide new empirical evidence on these two inter‐related issues, which are critical to investors and corporate risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies two different econometric approaches: Nonlinear Seemingly Unrelated Regression (NLSUR) via Hansen's Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) and multivariate GARCH in mean (MGARCH‐M) to examine the exchange rate exposure and its pricing.

Findings

Using industry data for Japan, similar to previous studies, foreign exchange risk is not priced based on the test of an unconditional two‐factor asset pricing model. However, strong evidence of time‐varying foreign exchange risk premium and significant exchange rate betas are obtained based on the tests of conditional asset pricing models using MGARCH‐M approach where both conditional first and second moments of industry returns and risk factors are estimated simultaneously.

Research limitations/implications

The strong empirical evidence found in this study implies that corporate currency hedging not only results in more stable cash flows for a firm, but also reduces its cost of capital, and hence is justifiable.

Originality/value

This paper conducts an in‐depth investigation regarding the exchange rate exposure and its pricing by utilizing two different econometric approaches: NLSUR via Hansen's GMM and MGARCH‐M. In doing so, a more reliable conclusion about the exchange rate exposure and its pricing can be drawn.
Risk management in electricity markets
Authors: Basterfield David , Bundt Thomas , Nordt Kevin
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore risk management models applied to electric power markets. Several Value‐at‐Risk (VaR) models are applied to day‐ahead forward contract electric power price data to see which, if any, could be best used in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A time‐varying parameter estimation procedure is used which gives all models the ability to track volatility clustering.

Findings

The RiskMetrics model outperforms the GARCH model for 95 per cent VaR, whereas the GARCH model outperforms RiskMetrics for 99 per cent VaR. Both these models are better at handling volatility clustering than the Stable model. However, the Stable model was more accurate in detecting the numbers of daily returns beyond the VaR limits. The fact that the parsimonious RiskMetrics model performed well suggests that efforts to specify the model dynamics may be unnecessary in practice.

Research limitations/implications

The present study provides a starting point for further research and suggests models that could be applied to electricity markets.

Originality/value

Electricity markets are a challenge to risk modelers, as they typically exhibit non‐Normal return distributions with time‐varying volatility. Previous academic research in this area is rather scarce.
Branding of post‐purchase ancillary products and services
Authors: Baker William E. , Sciglimpaglia Donald , Saghafi Massoud
Published: May 2010

Purpose

After the sale of a primary product, firms often have the opportunity to sell ancillary products or services in support of the primary brand. These add‐ons or services may be offered in a generic or in a branded form. The aim of the this paper is to study the demand for add‐on services in the mobile communications industry and to detail a methodology that can be employed to make this assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

A field experimental design approach using two‐brand manipulations, four‐price points and six content applications was employed. The study was fielded at a mall intercept facility in a major urban center. Interviews with 389 mobile phone users between the ages 18‐31 were conducted.

Findings

Results extend brand equity theory into the context of ancillary product sales and demonstrate that branded ancillary services can command a price premium and are less sensitive to price increases than unbranded alternatives.

Practical implications

Given the growth of demand for non‐voice mobile services, proliferation of such services and the global competition in the industry, marketing managers are under constant pressure to differentiate while achieving revenue goals. This study provides a methodology for managers to calculate the price premium that branded ancillary services may provide over unbranded alternatives and, hence, estimates the worth of potential brand partnerships.

Originality/value

This study extends brand equity theory by recognizing an overlooked scenario: offering branded versus generic ancillary services after the sales of the primary products, through which firms can leverage brand equity benefits.
Shaping the body and technology
Authors: Buchanan‐Oliver Margo , Cruz Angela , Schroeder Jonathan E.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a theoretical analysis of contemporary brand communication for technology products, focused on how the human body functions as a metaphorical and communicative device, to shed insight into how technological brands make their products understandable, tangible, and attractive in interesting ways.

Design/methodology/approach

An interdisciplinary conceptual review and analysis focuses on issues of metaphor and the body in marketing research and social theory. This analysis is discussed and applied to the communication of technological brands.

Findings

The paper argues that to successfully communicate technological brands requires interdisciplinary insights in order to understand consumption contexts. It proposes an analytic framework for practice and research focused on visual communication for technology brands and products, and demonstrates how advertising both creates and contributes to culture.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers need to understand that a sole focus on the advertising system needs to be supplemented by an understanding of how the symbol of the body in technology advertisements is reflective and productive of meaning in socio‐cultural discourse.

Originality/value

Brand researchers need to add to the prevailing advertising as persuasion model to encompass representation and culture in brand communications. The paper contributes to understanding how basic visual forms, such as the human body, are employed in technology product marketing. It challenges marketers and researchers to broaden their conception of branding and marketing communications to one more consistent with an image economy.
Alternative explanations of online repurchasing behavioral intentions
Authors: Ha Hong‐Youl , Muthaly Siva K. , Akamavi Raphaël K.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This study sets out to employ a cross‐cultural perspective to explore alternative explanations in the development of the online repurchase intentions model.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed constructs of alternative models deal with key online consumer behavior variables such as customized information, web use applications, online service and perceived interactivity which lead to the formation of purchase intentions. These variables form the theoretical foundation for four alternative models. To test these four alternative models 448 online consumers were surveyed in 2007. Structural equation modeling is used to test these models.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the power of customized information lies in its ability to influence consumer satisfaction and perceived interactivity that are proximate to repurchase intentions. The results also show that the link of satisfaction→repurchase intentions provides a meaningful empirical representation of the hierarchical sequence in which the cycle of customer repurchasing process (satisfaction→attitude→repurchase intentions) is related.

Research limitations/implications

One may examine applications of the findings in the travel industry in practice and reflect upon potential pitfalls when applying the findings of this piece of the present research. Although previous studies reveal the significance between the two constructs, further research can investigate the issue to be generalizable to the many types of e‐B2C services. Second, particularly in terms of the ability to generalize the model, the study did not provide fairly consistent results for different service categories. Studies on other service classes, such as online bookstore and online banking services, may reveal findings that extend the authors' approach.

Practical implications

Similarity of purchasing attitudes between Korean and UK consumers may allow e‐tailors to design a systematic strategy for generating favorable attitudes toward their web sites, even though standardized online treatment of consumers is not the golden path of internet marketing. Further, the proposed research model (PRM) provides a means of identifying the underlying dispositions associated with the mediating variable.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine online repurchasing models using alternative explanations. By structuring such alternative models, McKenzie argues that researchers may be better able to judge how the evidence relates to each alternative view. The present approach can be viewed as a significant early step on the path toward a comprehensive understanding of online consumer behaviors in new information communication technology.
Novel nano‐composite particles: titania‐coated silica cores
Authors: Greenwood Peter , Gevert Börje S. , Otterstedt Jan‐Erik , Niklasson Gunnar , Vargas William
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop methods to produce white composite pigments consisting of a silica core with a titania shell.

Design/methodology/approach

Silica cores were coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) via forced hydrolysis of a solution prepared from titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4). The morphology, surface charge and particle size of obtained composite particles were studied.

Findings

Dispersions of well‐dispersed composite particles, having silica cores of uniform size in the range from 300 to 500 nm with a homogeneous titania coating are obtained. The coating thickness corresponded to 150‐400 per cent by weight of titania based on the core. Modification of the silica core by incorporation of 1.5 aluminosilicate sites per square nanometre of core surface proves to be favourable in achieving a homogeneous coating on the silica core. Deposition of such titania coating is also favoured by agitating the dispersion well, keeping electrolyte content low, maintaining pH at 2.0 and the temperature at 75°C during the coating process.

Research limitations/implications

Only TiCl4 is used as titania source. In addition, only silica cores obtained by Stöber synthesis are used while commercially available silica solutions made from sodium silicate are not used.

Practical implications

The process offers a method of producing a white composite pigment with a narrow particle size distribution in order to maximise light scattering as well as using a core with lower density than the shell. This kind of particle would be of interest for coating applications and white inorganic inks.

Originality/value

The developed method provides a straightforward process to produce well‐defined composite particles.
Core‐shell and interpenetrating‐network PU/AC hybrids: synthesis and comparison – waterborne polyurethane/polyacrylate hybrid dispersions
Authors: Athawale Vilas D. , Kulkarni Mona A.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesise polyurethane/polyacrylate (PU/AC) core‐shell hybrid latex by emulsion polymerisation (PUA) and interpenetrating hybrid latex by soap‐free emulsion polymerisation techniques latex interpenetrating polymer networks (LIPN) and to compare their physico‐chemical and thermo‐mechanical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The interactions between the PU and AC components in hybrid coatings were studied with infrared spectroscopy. Mechanical properties were determined by measuring Shore A hardness, pencil hardness and flexibility of dried films. A particle size analyser and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the morphology of hybrid resins. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to investigate the thermal stability of polymeric films.

Findings

The core‐shell hybrids had better physico‐chemical and thermo‐mechanical properties than LIPN hybrids, attributing better interpenetration and entanglement between PU/AC in emulsion polymerisation.

Research limitations/implications

The syntheses of hybrid polymers can be extended for various combinations of acrylate monomers with crosslinkers, as well as for different types of PU ionomers.

Practical implications

The comparative study provides a simple and practical solution to improve performance characteristics of PU/AC hybrid coatings, which also proves to be cost effective.

Originality/value

The findings are of interest to those in surface coatings and adhesive applications.
Synthesis, characterisation and utilisation of hyperbranched poly (ester‐amide) for the removal of some anionic dyestuffs from their aqueous solutions
Authors: Abdel Rehim M. , Fahmy H.M. , Mohamed Z.E. , Abo‐Shosha M.H. , Ibrahim N.A.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how to remove some dyestuffs, as pollutants, from their aqueous solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goal, a water soluble hyperbranched poly (ester‐amide) (HBP) was synthesised using the melt polycondensation method by the reaction of maleic anhydride (MA) and diisopropanol amine (DIPA) at 140°C at a molar ratio of 1:1.3 MA: DIPA, respectively. This HBP was incorporated in the preparation of an effective microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)/dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU)/HBP adduct by crosslinking HBP with DMDHEU in presence of MCC. Furthermore, the prepared adduct was characterised by investigation its infra red and then utilised in the removal of three anionic dyestuffs from aqueous solutions, namely Irgalan Blau 3GL (an acid dye), SIRIUS Blau S‐BRR (a direct dye) and Levafix Brill Orange P‐GR (a hydrolysed reactive dye).

Findings

The results obtained revealed that the optimum conditions for preparing MCC/DMDHEU/HBP adduct are [HBP], 90 g/l; [DMDHEU], 200 g/l; LR, 1/3.3; [NC4LH], 20 g/l; a time of 30 min and a temperature of 160°C. Moreover, the results also showed that the extent of removal of such dyestuffs from their aqueous solutions by the prepared adduct follows the order: reactive dye>acid dye>direct dye, it is more pronounced at lower than at higher pH values and the removal of each dye by that adduct follows a first‐order reaction.

Research limitations/implications

Other substrates such as chitosan can be used to prepare more effective adducts.

Practical implications

Hyperbranched polymers can be used effectively to prepare ion exchangers capable of removing the pollutants of dyestuffs from their aqueous solutions.

Originality/value

The aforementioned prepared HBP is a novel hyperbranched polymer and could be applied in the removal of many other pollutants.
Synthesis and characterization of carboxymethylcellulose and methyl methacrylate graft copolymers
Authors: Han F.Q. , Shao B. , Wang Q.W. , Guo C.G. , Liu Y.X.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesise carboxymethylcellulose and methyl methacrylate graft copolymers (CMC‐g‐PMMA), which is used as an effective additive, for reinforcing the rice‐hull‐cement composite.

Design/methodology/approach

Various CMC‐g‐PMMA copolymers were synthesised at different reaction temperatures, pH values of reaction solution and the dosages of monomer and initiator (potassium persulphate). The copolymers were characterised by Fourier transforms infrared (FT‐IR) spectra, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimeter), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

An optimal CMC‐g‐PMMA copolymer is obtained. For synthesis of the CMC‐g‐PMMA, the optimal reaction temperature is 80°C and pH value is 9. FT‐IR test of CMC‐g‐PMMA confirmed the existence of a chemical link between carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The content of initiator has little effect on the reaction for synthesising the graft copolymer. Thermal analysis indicates the occurrence of graft reaction in CMC and MMA. XRD test proved that the chains of the graft copolymer can enlarge the proportion of the amorphous regions of CMC. Adding MMA has damage effect on the crystallisation.

Research limitations/implications

Since the results of this paper are obtained from the laboratory experiments, further research should be conducted for evaluating the performances of this copolymer in practical application.

Practical implications

The mechanical test of the rice‐hull‐cement composite proved that CMC‐g‐PMMA is an effective additive for reinforcing the rice‐hull‐cement composite. The synthesis of CMC‐g‐PMMA provides a new alternative for modifying cellulose derivatives.

Originality/value

The CMC‐g‐PMMA obtained in this paper is a new kind of effective agent. It can reinforce the rice‐hull‐cement composite and expands the application of the composite in building industries.
Preparation and characterisation of ink formulations for jet printing on nylon carpet
Authors: Abd El‐Wahab H. , El‐Molla M.M. , Lin L.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare and characterise various ink formulations for inkjet printing on nylon 66 carpet.

Design/methodology/approach

Various ink formulations were prepared using CI Acid Red 57, synthetic thickeners (BYK425 and BYK420), ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, isopropanol with auxiliaries. The inks were characterised for their rheological, wetting and storage stability properties. The inks were jetted using a Printos P16 drop‐on‐demand jet print‐head onto nylon 66 carpet materials. The printed images were characterised using an ImageXpert system.

Findings

It is found that the inks containing the synthetic thickeners at the optimum ratio give good printing and image properties, such as optical density, drop size, and depth of penetration into the substrate at pH 4‐5. The optimised ink formulation is found to have good storage stability.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on ink formulations based on CI Acid Red 57. Ink formulations based on other colorants could also be studied in order to assess the applicability of the ink formulation system found for other colorants.

Practical implications

The ink formulations developed could find use in industrial scale printing.

Originality/value

Low cost ink formulations for printing of nylon carpets are novel.
Study of improvement of bonding properties of Larch glued laminated timber
Authors: Cheng R.X. , Gu J.Y.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the adhesion of Larch wood, by conducting a study of hydrogen peroxide treatment on Larch wood surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Effect of surface treatment of Larch by H2O2 on the adhesion of Larch wood, as indicated by compression shear strength, was examined in this paper. Surface properties of Larch wood, such as contact angle were evaluated. Shear strength tests for measuring adhesion of Larch blocks were conducted. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was employed to examine the chemical functionality of the untreated and treated Larch surface.

Findings

It is found that hydrogen peroxide treatment improved the adhesion of Larch glued laminated timber. The dry compression shear strength of Larch glued laminated timber treated with H2O2 solution is increased by 19.7 per cent compared with the untreated Larch glued laminated timber. FTIR results showed that the intensity of absorption band at 1,730 cm−1 for H2O2 solution‐treated Larch increased as compared with the untreated Larch wood. The results of contact angle showed that wettability of Larch treated with H2O2 solution increased markedly compared with the untreated Larch.

Research limitations/implications

The improvement of adhesion as a result of hydrogen peroxide treatment mainly applies to radial Larch surface.

Practical implications

This study provided a simple and practical solution to improving the adhesion of Larch laminated timber glued with water‐based Polymer Isocyanate (WPI) adhesive. Such a hydrogen peroxide surface treatment may be applied to other types of wood.

Originality/value

This method of improving the adhesion of Larch glued laminated timber can be used for other Larch products glued with WPI.
The service hand‐off: effects of multivendor service performance on customer satisfaction – an experimental study
Authors: Allred Chad R. , Money R. Bruce
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Simple transactions are evolving into complex service relationships that require the attention of multiple organizations. When integrated products fail, customers must determine which organization is responsible and capable of resolving the problem. If the initial firm contacted cannot resolve the problem, it is then passed on to another until resolution. The objective of this paper is to determine how customer satisfaction with one organization may be moderated by the subsequent performance of another organization following the service issue hand‐off.

Design/methodology/approach

Data otherwise unavailable from the market are collected using a unique, longitudinal internet‐based experiment, wherein customer satisfaction is monitored throughout a complex exchange experience. During the exchange, problem ownership transfers from one firm's service organization to that of another.

Findings

Results show three forms of damage resulting from a service hand‐off: a credibility loss; a dissatisfaction compounding effect; and a resolution delivery failure effect. When problem resolution requires the attention of a second service provider, customer perceptions of the initial service provider are influenced by the performance of the second provider.

Practical implications

A service provider can often avoid substantial damage to customer satisfaction by establishing, a priori, formal back‐end partnerships with other service providers.

Originality/value

Organizations typically do not monitor customer satisfaction once a service problem is abandoned or handed‐off to another organization. In this experimental study, customer satisfaction is carefully monitored as service exchange crosses organizational boundaries during a service experience simulated over the period of one week.
Online servicescapes, trust, and purchase intentions
Authors: Harris Lloyd C. , Goode Mark M.H.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss a conceptual model of purchase intentions, trust, and e‐servicescape that presents online physical environments as comprising three dimensions. It aims to develop and extend existing research into physical service environments through proposing, operationalizing, and testing a model of online servicescape.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes a survey approach to gather data regarding consumers' perceptions of online servicescape. Surveys were administered to 257 respondents regarding a broad range of web sites.

Findings

A measure of e‐servicescape is evaluated that comprises three dimensions and 52 items while relationships between the dimensions of e‐servicescape, trust, and purchase intentions are described.

Research limitations/implications

The first contribution of this study stems from the successful operationalization of a comprehensive multi‐item (in total 52 items), multi‐scale (nine scales), multi‐dimensional (three) measure of e‐servicescape. Second, a contribution is made through the finding that trust constitutes a key variable during online exchange. Third, we contribute insights into the antecedents of consumers' purchase intentions. Finally, the study reveals that consumers' interpretations of online environments exert a powerful influence over trust and purchase intentions.

Originality/value

The findings of this study also have numerous implications for both services managers and internet developers. The findings supply valuable insights into which factors practitioners should focus their attention to better tailor their approaches. This study strongly endorses the view that the loyalty intentions of online customers are linked to the extent to which they trust the service provider.
The impact of congruence in cause marketing campaigns for service firms
Authors: Roy Donald P.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Several studies have examined sponsor‐cause congruence as an influence on consumer response to cause marketing campaigns. This paper aims to assess the relationship between sponsor‐cause congruence and consumer responses to cause marketing programs. In addition, it aims to test the possible existence of an interaction of congruence and service type of a cause sponsor (utilitarian vs hedonic) on consumer response.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2×2 experimental design was used to assess the impact of congruence and firm type. A total of 176 students participated in the main experiment. Sponsor‐cause linkages were presented using mock press releases.

Findings

Results indicated no main effects differences existed for the sponsorship response variables collectively, but perceived sincerity and attitude toward sponsor were significantly more positive for congruent sponsor‐cause linkages and attitude toward sponsor was significantly more positive for utilitarian sponsors. The congruence‐service type interaction was significant.

Research limitations/implications

Findings based on parings of two high equity brands with two well‐known causes. Future research should consider impact of sponsor and cause prominence on consumer response.

Practical implications

Sponsorship managers must go beyond examining a cause's audience characteristics to insure a good match between the values of the brand and cause. Also, findings suggest that sponsors that market hedonic services face unique challenges communicating their involvement in cause sponsorships.

Originality/value

Results can assist sponsorship managers better understand the relationship between sponsor‐cause congruence and the nature of the service their firms offer and their impact on shaping consumer response to cause marketing activity.
Transforming patients to consumers: evaluating national healthcare portals
Authors: Ranerup Agneta
Published: May 2010

Purpose

One prominent translation of patient‐centred care is public sector consumerism by which patients may influence the services provided by acting like consumers. The focus of this study is the extent to which technological devices in national public healthcare portals in the UK and three Nordic countries transform patients so that they can act as healthcare consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies a comparative case study methodology.

Findings

As national healthcare portals, Norway's technological devices, to some extent, and the devices in the UK and Denmark, to a greater extent, equip patients to act as consumers. At present, Sweden's technological devices are much more limited. In Denmark and the UK, these devices that use quality indicators are in the forefront in the development of national healthcare portals.

Originality/value

A theoretical framework is applied that emphasizes the role of technological devices in the construction of calculating consumers as described by Michel Callon. This perspective, which promotes patient‐centred care, enhances the understanding of fundamental design issues related to the role of technology as the individual forms his/her relationship with healthcare systems.
Mobilizing information infrastructure, shaping patient‐centred care
Authors: Vikkelsø Signe
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the challenges and transformations in healthcare resulting from building information infrastructures for patient‐centred care.

Design/methodology/approach

Four types of information infrastructures are analysed with special attention given to the efforts and controversies related to their mobilization and to their consequences for patient‐centred care. Data are gathered through a literature review and by empirical research.

Findings

The development of information infrastructures for patient‐centred care requires mobilization of technical, legal, clinical and ethical standards as well as a change in organizational and professional boundaries. Furthermore, the mobilization of information infrastructures entails unexpected transformation in the nature of patients, professionals, health records and consultations.

Practical implications

Patient‐centred information infrastructures call for institutional innovation and decision making regarding basic structures and relationships in healthcare. At the same time, the ambitions of patient‐centred care should be broad enough to learn from the consequences of emerging infrastructures for the patient and professional identities and for the quality of care.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the understanding of healthcare governance by conceptualizing and empirically exploring the role of information infrastructure as a formative part of patient‐centred care.
The private interests of consumers in the healthcare market
Authors: Norén Lars
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper sets out to examine how private health insurance (PHI) supports the private interests of consumers of healthcare services. The focus is on how insurance companies promote PHI to consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using interviews with insurance company marketing managers and others, the paper is a case study on the introduction of PHI in Sweden.

Findings

The interviewed insurance company managers argue that PHI supports two types of consumers' private economic interests. One type is the employers' interest in managing their total health‐related costs for their employees and the promise of PHI to reduce these costs. The second type relates to the interests of employees, particularly sports professionals, in managing economic risks and the promise of PHI to limit such risks.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on how insurance companies promote PHI to consumers. There is no exploration of how PHI policyholders actually use their insurance. The study focuses on Sweden where private companies are the major PHI policyholders. In other European countries, PHI may be adapted to other consumer groups in order to develop other private interests. The paper points to the value of short waiting times in public healthcare.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable insights for academics and practitioners who are interested in how the private interests of consumers may affect the healthcare sector.
Lost in translation: a patient‐centred experience of unintegrated care
Authors: Kerosuo Hannele
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to take a patient‐centred perspective in exploring the treatment of multiple and chronic illnesses in inter‐organizational care practice in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical approach of the study is based on the sociology of translation and on cultural historical activity theory. The methodology of multi‐locale ethnography is used to research the translations in one patient's healthcare procedures in multiple care settings.

Findings

The care procedures emerge as unintegrated for the patient in the study. The patient has to take responsibility for his overall care since the medical professionals involved have only limited knowledge of other providers' care procedures. Despite their efforts to collaborate, professionals are lost in translation across healthcare boundaries.

Research limitations/implications

Single cases are problematic for advancing generalizations on a research topic. The case of this study presents an example of the translations in the care procedures for a patient with multiple and chronic illnesses.

Practical implications

Unintegrated care organization poses a difficult challenge to patient‐centred care if the ideals of consumerism are followed in the health care system. A patient, with limited medical knowledge, may not be able to master an overall pattern of chronic illness care in a sustainable way. Better management and coordination of specialized knowledge are required for patients with chronic illnesses.

Originality/value

In contrast with the many studies that report on patients' experiences of illness, the paper provides new insights into the patient experience of health care organization.
The role of disciplining/translating accounting practices in patient‐centred care
Authors: Frandsen Ann‐Christine
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a critical pathway to understanding recent changes and improvements in organizing and managing healthcare – such as the emerging “patient‐centred care” (PCC) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on fieldwork performed as a mobile ethnography of translations of everyday healthcare work at a Swedish healthcare institution in which an analysis of the significance of contemporary accounting practices for disciplining action and thought was carried out.

Findings

Accounting is increasingly interlinked with medical practices today, with more and more people involved in translating action and thought into accounting‐based terms and values at all levels of their work lives; as this happens, accounting “produces” a way of thinking and valuing that even modifies professional identities. The discipline of medical knowledge is played out differently as accounting‐based valuation measures become internalised into the performance of medical professionals and as additionally their images of themselves and their patients change. Patient‐centred care is thereby seen not as a means of generating a pure or positive value for patients, expressed in the form of greater efficiencies and nation‐wide performance indicators. The loosely coupled forms of patient‐centred care are about how nurses, having translated accounting practices into their work and selves, use them as a means of managing the constraints and “cracks” in the PCC approaches.

Originality/value

Accounting allows the dynamics of the PCC approach to be understood and acted on in new ways. Accounting as a discipline involves both accounting professionals and medical professionals who circulate accounting numbers and values. Accounting, thus, is an activity that takes place inside and outside the self.
Bringing about change in patient‐centred preventive care
Authors: Ledderer Loni
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how healthcare organizations in Denmark transform modern ideas of patient‐centred preventive care into organizational practice. Specific attention is given to the influence of existing organizational practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative multiple case study design is used to explore “motivational interviewing”, a health behaviour concept that was introduced in preventive consultations in ten Danish clinics. From an institutional perspective, the concept may be understood as an “organizational recipe” that translates into organizational activities. Data are generated by observations, interviews and document reviews. Theory and data provide the framework for an analytical phase model.

Findings

The paper reveals how abstract ideas on preventive care translate into specific activities in organizations following pre‐existing, general rules of medical practice. Disparities between clinics are related to distinctive local practices, such as clinics' conditions and preventive treatment practices that form local sets of editing rules. Differences in clinic performances result in variations in achieving the ideal of patient‐centred, preventive care prescribed by motivational interviewing.

Research limitations/implications

It is acknowledged in medical practice that there are different conceptions of the ideal of preventive care. The paper points to the value of promoting transparency in clinical practice and of paying attention to the mismatch between external expectations and organizational capabilities.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the understanding of organizational dynamics at the micro‐level.
Organizing reflexivity in designed change: the ethnoventionist approach
Authors: van Marrewijk Alfons , Veenswijk Marcel , Clegg Stewart
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the role of intervention‐oriented scientists in the process of organisation development. The paper seeks to contribute to the growing interest in design studies for organisation development and argues that a focus on reflexivity is missing in current debate. The aim of the paper to develop critical reflexiveness for organization design studies by introducing the ethnoventionist approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the ideal forms of clinical inquiry, participative action research, ethnography, and the ethnoventionist approach. The ethnoventionist approach is described by its central aspects: a focus on reflexivity, a management (but not managerialist) orientation, commitment to obtaining a deep understanding, connecting the multi‐layered context, and studying in pre‐arranged longitudinal intervals.

Findings

The ethnoventionist approach uses organisational ethnographies to facilitate intervention strategies intended to improve organisations. An example of such an approach in the design of new collaborative practices in the Dutch construction sector is drawn on.

Practical implications

The essence of the ethnoventionist approach is to obtain a deeper understanding of organisational change. The ethnoventionist approach helps to overcome a lack of attention to management in current ethnographic bodies of knowledge and to deepen existing management approaches to change dynamics. Ethnoventionist approaches can be very useful for intervention‐oriented studies of change processes which require high levels of engagement and which produce high‐quality ethnographic data.

Originality/value

This paper explores a new research approach that has not been discussed previously.
Taking the long view
Authors: McCabe Darren
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance understanding of organizational change by countering managerial and critical assumptions that it is possible to break with the past.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, case study approach involving interviews with 50 staff, ten supervisors, eight deputy supervisors, four assistant managers, two departmental managers plus the IT, training and personnel managers. The paper focuses on the experiences of supervisors and deputy supervisors.

Findings

That culture cannot be so readily forgotten or reinvented as management gurus assume or critics fear. Memories are stubborn and culture is constituted through them in ways that lead to continuity and change.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations leading to future research include that the study explores only one organization. Second, consultants are not used. Third, the reengineering only focus on a part of the organization. Fourth, the findings can be contrasted with an organization that is considered leading edge.

Originality/value

The qualitative findings provide a complex understanding of change especially in terms of how memory can serve to both facilitate and hinder change initiatives and how attempts to introduce more “informal” cultures simultaneously reproduce “formality”.
Change, meaning and identity at the workplace
Authors: Reissner Stefanie C.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organisational change can affect the development of personal identities using a narrative approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper derives from qualitative and inductive cross‐national research into organisational change and learning. Three manufacturing firms, one each from the UK, South Africa and Russia, were studied to investigate sensemaking under conditions of change. Data were collected through narrative interviews and interpreted using an inductive approach borrowing elements from grounded theory and analytic induction.

Findings

The data suggest that organisational change affects the personal identities of those involved through the way in which organisational actors' expectations are being met, exceeded or disappointed. The conclusion is that changes in the work environment can result in major revisions to organisational actors' biographical selves and accompanying stories that give meaning to past experiences and future expectations.

Research limitations/implications

Further qualitative and inductive research is required to further investigate the dynamics of identity construction under conditions of organisational change.

Originality/value

Five short biographical stories by selected research participants provide rich insights into the dynamics of identity development under conditions of organisational change.
Workplace spirituality, contested meaning, and the culture of organization
Authors: Long Brad S. , Helms Mills Jean
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to existing critiques of workplace spirituality and organizational culture. The paper links the two by problematising definitions of workplace spirituality that employ a “culture approach” to change, in which the construct is limited to a set of values that gives particular meaning to the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Properties of Weick's sensemaking model combined with a critical sensemaking approach are used to analyze texts in order to show how a spiritual culture may shape the actions of its members by serving as an implicit form of managerial control.

Findings

The paper reveals how some texts, Mitroff and Denton's, in particular, advocate workplace spirituality as necessary for organizations and the individuals who work in them to prosper. Simultaneously, such texts may imply a form of pastoral power, the purpose of which is to re‐affirm a positive self‐image, due to the cueing effects of language that is voiced in specific contexts.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that a cultural approach to understanding workplace spirituality influences how people can make sense of the organization in which they are members. The potential inordinate reverence of work and one's contribution toward enhanced organizational performance is of interest to all members of organizations because it highlights how control is achieved.

Originality/value

The paper offers some insights into the conditions that promulgate the linkage between work and spiritual fulfilment, and it promotes the continuing development of critical spirituality in organizations in order to overcome the potential managerial instrumentality that is highlighted in this paper.
Effects of online store attributes on customer satisfaction and repurchase intentions
Authors: Roy Dholakia Ruby , Zhao Miao
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify website characteristics that affect customer evaluations and satisfaction with online stores at two interaction points – when the order is placed and after the order has been fulfilled.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data collected by bizrate.com, data collected from customers of thousands of online stores, the analysis focuses on the changes in the relationships between website characteristics and customer ratings. Data for two‐time periods, 15 months apart, are used to determine the stability in the observed relationships.

Findings

Order fulfillment variables, particularly on‐time delivery, dominate the effects on overall customer evaluations and satisfaction. The statistical significance of other online store attributes, however, changes as differences are observed between 2003 and 2004.

Research limitations/implications

The online environment is dynamic and the paper captures some of the changes in the relationships between website attributes and customer satisfaction. This requires continuous monitoring of the online environment. Since the paper relies on secondary data collected by bizrate.com, the research is limited by specific website attributes and measures of customer satisfaction adopted by a commercial enterprise.

Practical implications

Online retailers must be strategic about fulfillment variables. When online stores compete with each other, it is easier to copy certain attributes like “shipping options” than other attributes such as “on‐time delivery.” This suggests that the most creative, interactive, and vivid online site will not compensate for weak fulfillment and customer support capabilities.

Originality/value

No other paper has looked at these data, collected from real customers making purchases at actual merchant sites, over two time periods. The results provide insights regarding stability of findings.
A new measure of e‐service quality in France
Authors: Rolland Sylvie , Freeman Ina
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design, develop and evaluate a reliable and valid scale for the measurement of online retail service quality, specifically in the French context.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 derived scale items from the literature by content analysis. Study 2 extracted items from two quantitative data sets, gathered by questionnaire from 172 and 125 online shoppers, by exploratory factor and reliability analyses. Study 3 applied psychometric testing and confirmatory factor analysis to data from a survey of 178 e‐shoppers.

Findings

The outcome is “E‐tail SQ”, a 15‐item scale to measure five key user values (labelled ease of use, information content, fulfilment reliability, security/privacy and post‐purchase customer service). These scale items derived from French data are found to be similar to those identified in previous international studies, except that French e‐shoppers place more emphasis than their English‐speaking counterparts on internet security and privacy of personal information.

Research limitations/implications

The sample profiles place limits on the applicability of the scale across markets and service categories. Further research must be conducted to improve its external validity.

Practical implications

“E‐tail SQ” can help online retailers in the French marketplace to measure service quality delivered, and thereby to improve it, and may be transferable to other national markets.

Originality/value

This new scale for the measurement of service quality in a specific cultural environment offers online retailers a framework within which to manage their web‐based relationships with a growing number of online shoppers.