bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of nuclear mitochondrial insertions in the whole genomes of primates
Authors: Dayama Gargi , Zhou Weichen , Prado-Martinez Javier , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Mills Ryan E.
Published: February 2020

The transfer and integration of whole and partial mitochondrial genomes into the nuclear genomes of eukaryotes is an ongoing process that has facilitated the transfer of genes and contributed to the evolution of various cellular pathways. Many previous studies have explored the impact of these insertions, referred to as NumtS, but have focused primarily on older events that have become fixed and are therefore present in all individual genomes for a given species. We previously developed an approach to identify novel Numt polymorphisms from next generation sequence data and applied it to thousands of human genomes. Here, we extend this analysis to 79 individuals of other great ape species including chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, orang-utan and also an old world monkey, macaque. We show that recent Numt insertions are prevalent in each species though at different apparent rates, with chimpanzees exhibiting a significant increase in both polymorphic and fixed Numt sequences as compared to other great apes. We further assessed positional effects in each species in terms of evolutionary time and rate of insertion and identified putative hotspots on chromosome 5 for Numt integration, providing insight into both recent polymorphic and older fixed reference NumtS in great apes in comparison to human events.
Poxvirus-encoded TNF receptor homolog dampens inflammation and protects the host from uncontrolled lung pathology and death during respiratory infection
Authors: Al Rumaih Zahrah , Tuazon Kels Ma. Junaliah , Ng Esther , Pandey Pratikshya , Pontejo Sergio M. , Alejo Alí , Alcamí Antonio , Chaudhri Geeta , Karupiah Gunasegaran
Published: February 2020

Ectromelia virus (ECTV) causes mousepox, a surrogate mouse model for smallpox caused by variola virus in humans. Both viruses encode tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) homologs termed cytokine response modifier (Crm) proteins, containing a TNF-binding domain and a chemokine-binding domain termed smallpox virus-encoded chemokine receptor (SECRET) domain. Infection of ECTV-resistant C57BL/6 mice with an ECTV CrmD deletion mutant resulted in uniform mortality due to excessive TNF secretion and dysregulated inflammatory cytokine production but viral load was not affected. CrmD dampened lung pathology, leukocyte recruitment and inflammatory cytokines including TNF, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ. Blockade of IL-6, IL-10R or TNF function with monoclonal antibodies reduced lung pathology and provided 60-100% protection from an otherwise lethal infection. IFN-γ caused lung pathology only when both the TNF-binding and SECRET domains were deleted but it was neither necessary nor sufficient to cause pathology when only the CrmD SECRET domain was expressed by virus.
Culture, strategy formulation, and firm performance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Borrero Silvio , Acosta Alejandro , Medina Aida F.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This article explores how strategy formulation affects firm performance to determine whether rational/analytical strategy formulation is more effective than emergent/reflexive strategy formulation. Additionally, the article assesses if such superiority holds for different cultural contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Meta-analysis was performed using the Raju, Burke, Norman, and Landis (RBNL) procedure applied to a dataset of 43 empirical studies reporting 54 effect sizes on strategy–performance relationships.

Findings

Implementing a formal strategy formulation process positively relates to firm performance. Rational/analytical formulation approaches are more effective than emergent/reflexive approaches in enhancing firm performance, especially for cultures with low future orientation, high uncertainty avoidance, and high power distance.

Research limitations/implications

The reduced number of published empirical studies limited the scope and generalizability of the results across countries, industries, or firms. This limitation might be especially true for Latin American firms given the absence of relevant studies in this region. Another potential limitation is related to the distinction between strategy formulation and strategy implementation. Given the empirical nature of the studies meta-analyzed, strategic tools are used as a proxy to determine the formulation approach.

Practical implications

Firms that operate in short-term oriented, uncertainty-avoiding, and elitist cultures should favor implementing rational/analytical strategy formulation techniques rather than emergent/reflexive approaches. Although prescriptive recommendations are limited by the lack of studies in Latin America, firms in this region would seem to be better off using rational/analytical strategy formulation approaches.

Originality/value

These findings provide a partial explanation for the varying results yielded by strategy formulation and suggest cultural contexts in which rational/analytical strategy formulation should be more effective than emergent/reflexive approaches.
Emotional intelligence and perceived negative emotions in intercultural service encounters
Authors: Thrassou Alkis , Santoro Gabriele , Leonidou Erasmia , Vrontis Demetris , Christofi Michael
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the perceived negative emotions of both customers and frontline service employees (FSEs) during intercultural service encounters (ICSEs); and the building and utilization of corresponding knowledge in the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

To reach the paper’s goal, a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews conducted in the context of the banking industry is developed and presented.

Findings

The findings presented and discussed the “perception of emotion” and the building of corresponding knowledge about ICSEs. Specifically, FSEs and foreign customers were found to be capable of perceiving negative emotions, both their own and of others. The authors further identified an array of emotions and feelings that facilitate the understanding of how ICSEs can be managed and improved. The findings finally highlight the degree and nature of the importance of building and storing knowledge on ICSEs soft processes, which are termed a key asset for service companies.

Originality/value

An encounter between a service provider and a customer of different cultural backgrounds can become complex and critical. Despite this, there is not enough empirical evidence neither on the socio-psychological processes that take place during these encounters nor on how different ethnic groups develop interpersonal trust within the service sector. This research offers empirical insights regarding the means of detecting emotions and of improving the quality and management of knowledge on ICSE.
A comparison of hotel ratings between verified and non-verified online review platforms
Authors: Figini Paolo , Vici Laura , Viglia Giampaolo
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to compare the rating dynamics of the same hotels in two online review platforms (Booking.com and Trip Advisor), which mainly differ in requiring or not requiring proof of prior reservation before posting a review (respectively, a verified vs a non-verified platform).

Design/methodology/approach

A verified system, by definition, cannot host fake reviews. Should also the non-verified system be free from “ambiguous” reviews, the structure of ratings (valence, variability, dynamics) for the same items should also be similar. Any detected structural difference, on the contrary, might be linked to a possible review bias.

Findings

Travelers’ scores in the non-verified platform are higher and much more volatile than ratings in the verified platform. Additionally, the verified review system presents a faster convergence of ratings towards the long-term scores of individual hotels, whereas the non-verified system shows much more discordance in the early phases of the review window.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers insights into how to detect suspicious reviews. Non-verified platforms should add indices of scores’ dispersion to existing information available in websites and mobile apps. Moreover, they can use time windows to delete older (and more likely biased) reviews. Findings also ring a warning bell to tourists about the reliability of ratings, particularly when only a few reviews are posted online.

Originality/value

The across-platform comparison of single items (in terms of ratings’ dynamics and speed of convergence) is a novel contribution that calls for extending the analysis to different destinations and types of platform.
Analysing green human resource management indicators of automotive service sector
Authors: Raut Rakesh D. , Gardas Bhaskar , Luthra Sunil , Narkhede Balkrishna , Kumar Mangla Sachin
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The objective of this article is to carry out the driving power and dependency analysis of green human resource management (GHRM) indicators of the automotive service sector to identify the most significant ones.

Design/methodology/approach

The GHRM indicators were identified through exhaustive literature search and validated through the semi-structured interview with 15 domain experts. The ‘Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM)’ approach was applied for exploring the contextual relationship between the indicators and simultaneously developing their structural hierarchy. The MICMAC analysis was used for categorising the indicators based on their ability to influence the other ones.

Findings

In the present study, indicators namely ‘Green organisational culture and adoption of green strategy (C5)’ and ‘Green training and development (C1)’ were found to be the significant ones, whereas ‘Green employee relations and union-management (C10)’ was found to be highly dependent on the rest of the indicators.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model has been developed in the Indian context and is limited to the automotive sector. However, the same model may apply to other domains of different economies by carrying out slight modifications to the same. Also, the inputs taken from the experts of the case sector could be biased. For the HR professionals, the present study helps to identify the key indicators which need to be considered for enlightening the environmental performance of the service organisation.

Originality/value

This research adds a significant assessment to the current knowledge base by assessing the contextual relationship between the indicators of GHRM as none of the past studies focused on the same by using the TISM method in the Indian service sectors context.
Empowering leadership in hospital employees
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Rangnekar Santosh
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This research paper aims to develop and test a conceptual model which explains whether and how empowering leadership, through employee goal orientation and job conditions, influences employee proactivity. The authors suggest two simultaneous pathways from empowering leadership to employee proactivity based on path-goal theory and social exchange theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 253 frontline employees working in Indian NABH accredited hospitals. Regression analysis was performed to analyze the data with the help of SPSS 24. Further, SPSS process macro was used to test the parallel mediation effects with the help of bootstrapping procedures.

Findings

The important findings of this study are as follows: (1) empowering leadership has direct influence on employee proactivity; (2) empowering leadership, employees' goal orientation and job conditions are important antecedents of employee proactivity; (3) goal orientation and job conditions simultaneously partially mediate the relationship between empowering leadership and employee proactivity. In particular, employees' goal orientation is a more important mediating variable than job conditions in the studied relationship.

Practical implications

Organizations may reap the benefits of employee's proactive work behavior by hiring, training, and developing empowering leaders.

Originality/value

The study adds to the existing literature by building theory in the area of employee proactivity. In doing so, this study explains the less understood relationship between empowering leadership and employee proactivity.
Discipline and puppies: the powers of pet keeping
Authors: Redmalm David
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This article adopts Foucault's notion of a bipolar technology of disciplinary power and regulatory biopower to address the tension between discipline and freedom in domestic relationships between human and nonhuman animals commonly referred to as “pets.” In doing so, the article examines the promises and pitfalls of thinking through pet keeping as a form of lived, posthumanist critique.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument relies on an interview study with 20 pet owners—most of the interviews conducted in their homes together with their pets—to conceptualize how they organize their lives in relation to their pets.

Findings

The analysis shows that the boundaries of the home, the play of power between bodies, and the “conditions of an unconditional love” are central to producing the pet relationship as inherently meaningful and as an indispensable part of the lives of both pet keepers and pets. A balance between discipline and freedom enables the construction of both human and other identities: pet owners produce their pets' subjectivity by speaking of them as autonomous persons, while pets' presence in the home also enables their owners' subjectivity.

Social implications

The article critically examines interspecies relationships, which by extension can benefit nonhuman animals. It argues that pet keeping can challenge anthropocentrism and unsustainable consumption lifestyles, but it may also reinforce prevailing biopolitical logics, if it remains maintained within a secluded domestic or cultural sphere.

Originality/value

The article draws on original data. While Foucauldian theory has been used to discuss pet keeping, empirical studies of pet keeping that rely on this theoretical framework are scarce.
A socio-economic model of Zakah compliance
Authors: Bin-Nashwan Saeed Awadh , Abdul-Jabbar Hijattulah , Aziz Saliza Abdul , Viswanathan K. Kuperan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To provide a sound understanding of Zakah compliance behaviour, this paper aims to shed light on the relationships between Zakah system fairness, Zakah morale, peer influence and law enforcement with Zakah compliance behaviour among entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

The underpinning model used in this paper is the socio-economic theory of regulatory compliance for assessing the probable determinants shaping Zakah payers' compliance behaviour. Based on a survey of active entrepreneurs in a typical Islamic situation like Yemen, a total of 500 self-administered instruments were distributed to the respondents. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to estimate the compliance model.

Findings

All the variables included in the compliance model are statistically significant, except for law enforcement. Zakah compliance of entrepreneurs is significantly influenced by Zakah system fairness, Zakah morale and peer influence.

Practical implications

Zakah institutions and agencies in Muslim-majority countries may use the results of this work to focus attention on appropriate proactive policies to formulate a fair Zakah system, inculcating moral responsibility among Zakah payers, embarking on sensitisation programmes in society as a whole, and being more proactive in educating Muslims in the importance of paying Zakah to the respective Zakah agencies.

Originality/value

This paper complements the limited literature on Zakah by examining both tangible and intangible motivations affecting Zakah payers' compliance decision.
The impact of food traceability system on consumer perceived value and purchase intention in China
Authors: Yuan Chunlin , Wang Shuman , Yu Xiaolei
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Based on the involvement and customer-delivered value theories, this paper proposes a comprehensive framework with which to examine the relationships between food traceability system, consumer perceived value and purchase intention. The study also investigates the moderating role of consumer expertise in the relationship between food traceability system and perceived value.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey approach is the primary data collection tool, through which a total of 238 useable responses were obtained. Structural equation modelling is employed to examine the hypothesized relationships among all variables.

Findings

The findings show that the information quality, perceived reliability and product diagnosticity of food traceability system affect consumer perceived value, and the perceived value and purchase intention are positively associated, while consumer expertise acts as a moderator on the relationship between food traceability system and consumer perceived value.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on how consumer perceived value of food traceability system can enhance their intention to purchase traceable food. It contributes to the theory of customer-delivered value and involvement as well as traceable product marketing strategies. From a managerial perspective, guidelines are provided for traceable food producers and marketers to implement reasonable strategies to attract consumers to purchase and promote the sustainable development of food industry.
Establishing a knowledge-based organisation
Authors: Mat Nor Norzanah , Mat Khairi Siti Murni , Rosnan Herwina , Maskun Roozita , Johar Elaina Rose
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Studies on knowledge management (KM) and its effect on organisational innovation and firm performance have been carried out and subsequently proven. However, the consequence is that KM programmes did not achieve the expected results that they were designed for. Considering the issue mentioned above, a KM shortfall and its underlying challenges seem to exist. The purpose of this study is to assess the current practices of KM, lesson learnt and KM challenges in Malaysian organisations from various types of industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted with information gathered through a focus group of managers with different hierarchical levels, different types of companies, from multinational corporations to state organisations. This inductive approach was adopted to gain a grounded, rich, local and lived understanding of the process based on the case studies of eight Malaysian organisations that represent the major industries in the Malaysian economic sectors. Additionally, the information gathered was further supported with secondary data that consisted of a case study report of the eight organisations on their KM programmes’ implementation.

Findings

The overall results showed that the practice of KM in Malaysian organisations typically displays the following two challenges: (1) process and infrastructure issues and (2) cultural issues. Organisational culture remains the main obstacles faced by most of the organisations in adopting KM. As a lesson learnt, managers should also focus on the after-effect of KM programmes on soft human issues such as employees’ satisfaction and well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The authors believe that further research is required considering KM challenges and employee satisfaction or well-being to improve KM performance among different groups of employees through such methods as research survey.

Practical implications

The findings can act as a guideline for any organisations to address when adopting KM. Identification of the KM challenges provides the basis for organisations to attach considerable importance to employees’ satisfaction and well-being to enhance the chances of successful KM programmes. Managers should take a proactive approach in creating an appropriate atmosphere to cultivate KM culture among employees.

Originality/value

This study offers not only challenges in implementing and sustaining an effective KM system within organisations but also promotes moving the KM literature to the next stage where there is a lack of concern on KM implementation effect on “soft” human issues from the perspectives of employees. This is due to organisations tend to eradicate people’s performance in terms of employee well-being and satisfaction and to the author’s knowledge, this has been largely unexplored in previous research.
Strategic orientations, marketing capabilities and radical innovation launch success
Authors: Cake Dale A. , Agrawal Vikas , Gresham George , Johansen Douglas , Di Benedetto Anthony
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a radical innovation launch model that shows the relationship of the market, entrepreneurial and learning orientations with each other, with radical innovation launch marketing capabilities and the subsequent effect on radical innovation launch success. It will provide practitioners with best practices and add to current marketing theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was done, resulting in a usable sample of 176 radical innovation launch practitioners from a cross-section of US companies, namely, small to large, business-to-business and business-to-consumer firms offering a variety of products and services. A partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was used to test construct relationships and the effect on each other.

Findings

An organizational learning orientation has a direct effect on the market and entrepreneurial orientations. Learning and marketing orientations are critical links to having radical innovation launch marketing capabilities. While an entrepreneurial orientation has a direct effect on radical innovation launch success, proper, dynamic marketing capabilities are a significant driver. Over 40% of the variance in radical innovation launch success is directly or indirectly affected by the three studied strategic orientations and radical innovation launch marketing capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted only in the USA. A cross-cultural study could be undertaken. Type and size of firm, type of external environment, radical innovation department structure, transformational leadership strength and competitive intensity effect could be studied. New, up-to-date adaptable marketing capabilities should be researched and validated.

Practical implications

For radical innovation launch success, it is critical that a firm develop the market, entrepreneurial and learning orientations and have specific, dynamic marketing capabilities in place. Existing managers should be trained, or new talent hired, to give the firm the capability to develop unique, radical innovation launch strategic, brand identity and new target market plans, to select and manage new downstream partners, and to have quick, customer launch feedback mechanisms in place.

Originality/value

An empirical study of the effect of all three strategic orientations on radical innovation launch marketing capabilities and subsequent radical innovation launch success has not been previously addressed.
Pure or ambidextrous strategy? A study of responsive and proactive market orientations in industrial firms
Authors: Wang Yejing , Zhang Haili , Song Michael
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the environmental conditions (i.e. competitive intensity) under which a pure strategy or an ambidextrous strategy of implementing responsive market orientations (RMOs) and/or proactive market orientations (PMOs) is more advantageous for firm’s performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the market orientation (MO) and strategy literatures, the authors test the study’s model empirically using a sample of 308 US-based firms operating in industrial markets. All measurement items are taken from the widely used maturity scale which has been confirmed in the literature.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that when the competitive intensity is high, pursuing a purity strategy of RMO while decreasing PMO is the best course of action. On the other hand, balancing between RMO and PMO (implementing a strategy of ambidexterity) can increase firm’s performance in a low competitive intensity environment.

Research limitations/implications

This study aims to contribute to the existing MO literature in several ways: first, this study advances the MO literature by emphasizing the moderating role of competitive intensity on the effects of different MO strategies (purity or ambidextrous MO strategy); second, this study focuses on the firms operating in industrial markets and informs managers on how to adopt RMO and PMO under different level of competitive intensity; third, this study is the extended research of the prior study published in this journal (Wanget al., 2013), which examined the environmental antecedents of adopting RMO and PMO.

Practical implications

First, firms operating in industrial markets should increase RMO, while at the same time decrease PMO, in a highly competitive intensity environment. Second, companies should pursue both RMO and PMO at the same time in a low competitive intensity environment. Balancing between RMO and PMO can improve firms’ performance in a low competitive intensity environment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the industrial business and marketing literature by sharpening the theoretical understanding of the impact of RMOs and PMOs on firm’s performance. It also offers practical insights to managers of industrial firms on when to adopt RMOs and/or PMOs under different levels of competitive intensity.
Managing failure in the merger process: evidence from a case study
Authors: Thelisson Anne-Sophie
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Despite their high number, most mergers end in failure. Academic studies of how these failures occur have remained rare, first, because of the difficulty of accessing the cases, and second, because of the difficulty of obtaining – for the purposes of qualitative analysis – objective and freely shared perceptions from the stakeholders, who tend to avoid speaking about failure. This is unfortunate, however, as failure can serve as a stimulus for organizational learning and readaptation for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The author investigated how an organization managed failure during the post-merger integration stage. The author described the merger of two listed French companies using longitudinal data.

Findings

This in-depth case study provides new insights into failure during post-merger integration. The paper highlights the complexity of post-merger integration processes and the failures that the integration stakeholders had to address. The author underlined how they recognized failures and put into place solutions. They particularly highlighted two failures and how they were managed by the managers who acted as knowledge brokers within the new organization and by stakeholders who deconstructed the organization to ensure its future.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations are those concerning a single case study.

Practical implications

The paper identified trigger events in the merger process that prompted stakeholders to step in and manage and resolve failures during the integration period. Such triggers can be considered as steps for managers and stakeholders to solve organizational issues in the merger process. The paper highlighted the complexity of post-merger integration processes and the failures faced by integration stakeholders. The analysis thus contributes to an inclusive and integrative view of the challenges in this process.

Social implications

Despite their high number, merger and acquisition failures remain surprisingly high. This paper explored how stakeholders deal with failures by identifying which solutions are best adapted to their organization.

Originality/value

The case provides a vivid illustration of failure management during a merger process. Theoretical concepts and empirical findings from the literature are combined to present a single consistent picture.
A structure–agency integrative framework for information access disparity
Authors: Yu Liangzhi , Zhou Wenbo , Wang Junli
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to build an integrative framework for explaining society's information access disparity, which takes both structure and agency as well as their interactions into consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

It adopts a qualitative survey design. It collects data on the development of 65 individuals' information access through interviews, and analyzes the data following grounded theory principles.

Findings

A theoretical framework is established based on seven constructs and their relationships, all emerging from the empirical data. It rediscovers practice as the primary structural force shaping individuals' information access, hence society's information access disparity; it shows, meanwhile, that the effect of practice is mediated and/or interrupted by four agentic factors: affective responses to a practice, strategic move between practices, experiential returns of information, and quadrant state of mind.

Research limitations/implications

It urges LIS researchers to go beyond the embedded information activities to examine both the embedded and embedding, beyond actions to examine both actions and experiences.

Practical implications

It calls for information professionals to take a critical stance toward the practices they serve and partake in their reforms from an LIS perspective.

Originality/value

The framework provides an integrative and novel explanation for information access disparity; it adds a number of LIS-relevant concepts to the general practice theories, highlighting the significance of embedded information activities in any practice and their reverberations; it also appears able to connect a range of human-related LIS theories and pinpoint their gaps.
Municipal solid waste management considering NGO’s role in consumer environmental awareness and government regulations for air pollution
Authors: Rabbani Masoud , Hashemi Parisa , Bineshpour Pegah , Farrokhi-Asl Hamed
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to examine the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in increasing customer environmental awareness (CEA) to decrease the municipal solid waste (MSW), and secondly, to examine the effect of government policies in the amount of air pollution caused by transfer stations (TSs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model. For solving this multi-objective problem, the authors use epsilon constraint method, which presented eight Pareto solutions. For selecting the best solution, the analytic hierarchy process approach is used. The presented model is applied on a real case study, and the results are discussed and sensitivity analysis is implemented on the parameters of the concern.

Findings

This study confirms the assumption that by allocating budget to NGOs for increasing CEA, the produced waste will be decreased.

Research limitations/implications

In the present study, the authors only investigate air pollution caused by TS. Future studies can investigate other types of pollution. Furthermore, uncertainty in the amount of produced waste can be variable making the problem closer to the real environment. In this case, robust optimization may have better results.

Practical implications

Based on the results of sensitivity analysis, some implications obtain that can highlight by managers in the decision-making process. The operational costs of TS have a critical aspect in founding TS, so using new technology and high-tech machines for operational processes of TSs, can result in decreasing the running cost of TSs. Also, the determination of TS capacity is a remarkable issue in optimization, which should be paid special attention to this for the design of TSs in the planning phase of the system. Moreover, collaborating with NGOs has a good effect on increasing CEA that results in a decrease of MSW.

Originality/value

The role of NGOs and government simultaneity has been considered in a green supply chain. Moreover, the authors considered TS between source and disposal that reduce the time of transferring waste. Therefore, this study can be beneficial for the MSW management system, which faces the problems in the lack of capacity and transportation problems and environmental issues by proposing solutions in three studies including economic, environmental and social aspects.
E-commerce internationalization for top luxury fashion brands: some emerging strategic issues
Authors: Guercini Simone , Ranfagni Silvia , Runfola Andrea
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This article investigates the integration between online and offline channels in the internationalization of top luxury fashion brands. It aims at pointing out the main drivers of such integration, comparing the top international markets for the luxury goods sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical investigation regards an analysis on secondary data of eight top luxury players in the fashion industry and 12 top international markets for the luxury goods sector.

Findings

This study shows that the integration between physical and online channels is driven by the market rather than by the company strategies. Moreover, it points out that the e-commerce presence of luxury brands is stronger in developed markets, while in emerging markets it is less pronounced. Moreover, the integration between channels is mainly achieved through logistic rather than technological tools.

Research limitations/implications

This research has major implications. From the perspectives of luxury brands in the fashion industry, it points out the main drivers for integration between online and offline channels and the main differences among international markets.

Practical implications

This research deliver insights for marketers interested in benchmarking with top leading luxury brand in fashion and to define e-commerce internationalization policies.

Originality/value

The originality of the article regards the joint consideration of two emerging issues for luxury players, e-commerce internationalization and omnichannel strategies.
Regional tourism axes identification using GIS and TOPSIS model (Case study: Hormozgan Province, Iran)
Authors: Pazhuhan Mousa , Shiri Narges
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and determine regional tourism axes in Hormozgan Province, Iran, as a region with significant potential

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is quantitative and uses the fuzzy accreditation tool and TOPSIS model; the identification, determination and ranking of regional tourism axes have been performed by analyzing the spatial distribution of tourism attractions in the GIS environment.

Findings

The results show that given the capacities of Hormozgan Province, at least 15 axes are recognizable. This paper highlights regional tourism planning as a tool for urban and rural socio-economic development in potential provinces such Hormozgan.

Originality/value

This study provides a number of practical implications for regional tourism development as follows: it identifies some of the most important potential axes in Hormozgan Province, which can be considered as investment areas in the national and regional tourism development strategy. The spatial results of this study could be embedded in all urban and rural developmental plans in the province. Tourism investment should shift its spatial concentration from the spot approach, especially islands and cities, to the axis approach while equipping those axes as comprehensive spatial strategic regional tourism plans. Sectoral tourism in each sector including sports, economy and nature could be planned as if sectoral institutions and organizations are going to develop their own tourism goals.
The high - and new-technology enterprise identification, marketization process and the total factor productivity of enterprise
Authors: Jiang Jianjun , Su Peiqiang , Ge Zhiyuan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find the relationships among the high- and new-technology enterprise (HNTE) identification policy, firm’s total factor productivity (TFP) and the marketization process by using data obtained from China manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Propensity matching score – difference-in-difference modeling are used to investigate the relationships among the HNTE identification policy, firm’s TFP and the marketization process. In addition, the complex relations between policy and firm’s TFP, including in the proposed model, are assessed in detail through the mediation analysis.

Findings

The results show that the HNTE identification policy can promote firm’s TFP, but its effect depends on the marketization process. The transmission path of HNTE identification policy to promote enterprise productivity lies in the optimization of incentive mechanism, including the improvement of enterprise labor productivity, the reduction of income tax burden and cost and the reduction of financing constraints. In industries and regions with more effective market mechanism, as well as industries with more intense market competition, the productivity promotion effect of the HNTE identification policy is stronger. In industries and regions with low degree of marketization, as well as industries with low degree of market competition, the productivity promotion effect brought by the improvement of incentive mechanism is distorted, which actually inhibit the promotion of enterprises’ TFP.

Practical implications

The study confirms that the HNTE identification policy plays an important role in enhancing the TFP of China’s manufacturing firm. Policy makers can adopt industrial policy in the key industries and technology areas that are meaningful but market failure. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the effect of the HNTE identification policy largely depends on the marketization process. These finding imply that when formulating an industrial policy, the marketization process of the industry and region should be taken into account.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes the relationship among the HNTE identification policy, firm’s TFP and the marketization process. Panel data are used to discuss the mechanism of HNTE identification policy affecting firm’s TFP. The paper also reveals the effect of the marketization process on the effectiveness of the HNTE identification policy.
Performance assessment and optimization of hybrid composite patch repair of aircraft structure
Authors: Makwana Alpesh H. , Shaikh A.A.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In this article, a novel hybrid composite patch consisting of unidirectional carbon fiber and glass fiber is considered for repair of the aircraft structure. The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of hybrid composite patch repair of cracked structure and propose an optimized solution to a designer for selection of the appropriate level of a parameter to ensure effective repair solution.

Design/methodology/approach

Elastic properties of the hybrid composites are estimated by micromechanical modeling. Performance of hybrid composite patch repair is evaluated by numerical analysis of stress intensity factor (SIF), shear stress, and peel stress. Design of experiment is used to determine responses for a different combination of design parameters. The second-order mathematical model is suggested for SIF and peel stress. Adequacy of the model is checked by ANOVA and used as a fitness function. Multiobjective optimization is carried out with a genetic algorithm to arrive at the optimal solution.

Findings

The hybrid composite patch has maintained equilibrium between the SIF reduction and rise of the peel stress. The repair efficiency and repair durability can be ensured by selection of an optimum value of volume fraction of glass fiber, applied stress, and adhesive thickness.

Originality/value

The composite patch with varying stiffness is realized by hybridization with different volume fraction of fibers. Analysis and identification of optimum parameter to reduce the SIF and peel stress for hybrid composite patch repair are presented in this article.
Synthesis of new azobenzene dyes clubbed with thiazolidinone moiety and their applications
Authors: Gaffer Hatem E. , Althagafi Ismail I.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize some new azobenzene dyestuffs clubbed with thiazolidinone moiety and their solicitation in dyeing polyester fabrics representing their antibacterial evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Herein, the authors report the synthesis of new thiazolidinone moiety after the coupling of diazotized 4-aminoacetophenone with resorcinol. The newly synthesized dyes were characterized by IR, elemental analysis, mass spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectral studies. The characteristics of dyeing of these dyestuffs were evaluated at optimum conditions. Concurrent with dyeing of polyester fabric for synthesized dyes with their antibacterial activity was estimated. Antimicrobial activity of the dyed fabrics at different concentrations was evaluated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Findings

Synthesized azobenzene dyestuffs clubbed with thiazolidinone dyes were applied on polyester fabrics. It was remarked that the modified dyes exhibited better colourfastness properties. Furthermore, the synthesized dyes revealed antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Research limitations/implications

The synthesized azobenzene dyes for polyester dyeing were not bore earlier.

Practical implications

The azobenzene dyes were accountable for giving improved colourfastness properties on polyester fabrics.

Social implications

The synthesized azobenzene derivatives are sensibly expensive and applicable dyes accompanied with good antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

Originality/value

A common process could be affording textiles of colour and antibacterial assets. The newly synthesized dyes containing thiazolidinone moieties with azobenzene coupler showed interesting disperse colourant for polyester with good antibacterial activity.
How tall is your claim? Strategically acing patent scope
Authors: Sengupta Mayuree
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The article examines strategically directing the breadth of scope of a patent and hazards of litigation vis-à-vis the length of claims for innovating firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper enumerates latest literature on assessing patent scope and hence protection afforded to firm innovations. Based on prior research findings, this paper proposes to maintain a balanced and nuanced approach to claim drafting to assure grant of patent while minimizing litigation threats.

Findings

To strategically manage patent grant and minimize litigation threat, firms would better take a leaf out of academic discourse and streamline claim drafting – not too wide to earn an examiner’s ire and not too narrow to let an infringer bypass by. Unlike smaller firms or universities, big firms are less likely to renew a patent with less scope.

Research limitations/implications

The study sample in contemporary literature is exclusive to patents from US Patent and Trademark Office. Whether the same result will be replicated for diverse countries is uncertain.

Practical implications

The understanding that patent scope not only influences grant chances but also is an indicator of future litigation threat can help patent practitioners and innovating firms in strategically directing the patent.

Originality/value

The paper draws from the findings of three well-articulated recent research papers. The paper’s originality and value is in providing practical insights on how to perfect patent scope in a real world based on academic discourse.
Quality and innovation as drivers for manufacturing competitiveness of automotive parts suppliers
Authors: Valdez-de la Rosa Luz María , Villarreal-Villarreal Luis Alberto , Alarcón-Martínez Gustavo
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the causal relationship between the independent variables such as process quality and product innovation in regard to the dependent variable of competitiveness, in the manufacturing sector of the automotive industry, specifically for Tier 1 auto parts manufacturing companies in the state of Nuevo León, México.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a thorough review of the literature, an instrument was designed to measure the competitiveness of automotive industry manufacturing; it was applied to Tier 1 suppliers of automotive parts in the state of Nuevo León, México. Various statistical analysis tests were applied to the results; first, Cronbach's alpha to determine the reliability of the instrument, and next, a factor analysis to measure construct validity. In addition, a multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to identify the causal relationships between the variables analysed.

Findings

This study found that process quality as well as product innovation have independent and positive causal relationships with respect to competitiveness in automotive manufacturing.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this paper are its focus on a single manufacturing sector, application in a single country and small sample size.

Practical implications

Companies that supply automotive parts will be able to invest in the key elements of quality and innovation while focusing their efforts on reinforcing their competitiveness.

Originality/value

Auto parts suppliers will be able to perform specific actions to improve their quality processes through lean manufacturing and quality assurance practices and by designing new and innovative products that will enhance their competitiveness.
What is the impact of library and information science on knowledge management research?
Authors: Islam Md Anwarul , Agarwal Naresh Kumar
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the place of library and information Science (LIS) research within leading knowledge management (KM) journals and conferences.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors examined articles published from 2000-2018 in top-20 KM publications identified by Google Scholar to look for relationship with LIS. Authors analyzed the identified LIS-related articles to determine the publication trends based on LIS terms used, populations, authorship pattern, country, information setting type and top-cited articles.

Findings

Authors found that the coverage of LIS-related articles within leading KM publications was very low. From the more than 10,000 KM research articles, less than 1 per cent were LIS-related.

Research limitations/implications

This study would help LIS researchers measure the space they have created for their field within leading KM research. By showing the relatively low coverage of LIS within KM research, the study demonstrates that LIS researchers/practitioners need to do more for LIS to be recognized as an important area within KM. KM publications can also enable greater synergies with LIS for mutual benefit.

Originality/value

LIS researchers have increasingly called for KM implementation within libraries. The KM field has a long history in library practice in the context of managing and organizing codified knowledge. Both KM and LIS share the common goals of providing access to knowledge for sharing, transfer and use. However, hardly any studies have looked at the amount of synergy or overlap between these two different but related areas, and whether LIS matters to KM, even though LIS practitioners have been highlighting that KM matters to LIS.