bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formal calculus for real‐valued fractional Brownian motions prospects in systems science
Authors: Jumarie Guy
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To define the main elements of a formal calculus which deals with fractional Brownian motion (fBm), and to examine its prospects of applications in systems science.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on a generalization of the Maruyama's notation. The key is the new Taylor's series of fractional order f(x+h)=Eα(hαDα)f(x), where Eα( · ) is the Mittag‐Leffler function.

Findings

As illustrative applications of this formal calculus in systems science, one considers the linear quadratic Gaussian problem with fractal noises, the analysis of the equilibrium position of a system disturbed by a local fractal time, and a model of growing which involves fractal noises. And then, one examines what happens when one applies the maximum entropy principle to systems involving fBms (or shortly fractals).

Research limitations/implications

The framework of this paper is applied mathematics and engineering mathematics, and the results so obtained allow the practical analysis of stochastic dynamics subject to fractional noises.

Practical implications

The direct prospect of application of this approach is the analysis of some stock markets dynamics and some biological systems.

Originality/value

The fractional Taylor's series is new and thus so are all its implications.
An evolutionary view of innovation
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The early appearance of a form of innovation is accounted for as a feature of the evolutionary origins of intelligence. This is part of a view of intelligence in which the manipulation of continuous variables is argued to be more primitive than concept‐based processing.

Design/methodology/approach

It has been shown that continuous‐variable schemes embodying self‐organisation by automatic term selection can model aspects of biological learning, but only when applied to one particular task. On the other hand, a person faces many different tasks, and a versatile‐learning system needs to have a means of classifying situations, and then associating the results of continuous‐variable learning with the appropriate situation class.

Findings

The classification of task environments postulated as part of the evolutionary viewpoint can be seen as the beginning of concept‐based thought, as well as of innovation.

Practical implications

The implications are general but may suggest how innovation can be fostered.

Originality/value

The viewpoint is consistent with previous treatments of continuity as an aspect of intellect, notably that of MacKay.
Manager's requisite holism between personal and organisational values
Authors: Udovičič Karli , Mulej Matjaž
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To provide a link between psychology and management in order to promote a requisitely holistic thinking about human values. Managers need co‐workers rather than employees. Hence, they must holistically see their own, their co‐workers' and their organization's values.

Design/methodology/approach

Mulej's dialectical systems theory is applied implicitly.

Findings

Values are an interdisciplinary topic, belonging in older times to philosophers, later to psychologists, and needed by managers. It is especially important in the contemporary innovative society in which extrinsic motivation works less effectively than the intrinsic one and the manager's empathy in impact over it.

Research limitations/implications

Research was limited to company setting and managerial viewpoints. Results imply the need for managers to be requisitely holistic in order to understand and influence co‐workers.

Practical implications

Values of employees and bosses are much more interdependent than one observes at the first sight. All need implicit systemic thinking.

Originality/value

This is to best of our knowledge the first case of dealing with values based on the dialectical systems theory and defining them as an interdisciplinary topic, which is much more crucial and difficult to handle in the innovative society than earlier.
Cooperation and opportunistic behaviour in transformational outsourcing
Authors: Rebernik Miroslav , Bradač Barbara
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate possible opportunistic behaviour in transformational outsourcing relationship and to indicate possibilities how to avoid it.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of literature survey authors discuss several important aspects of managing successful outsourcing relationship.

Findings

Holistic perception of business processes and expertise on critical success factors in transformational outsourcing become increasingly important. For a collaboration in which the process of transformational outsourcing will prosper participants must be interdependent (and be aware of their interdependence) and have a long‐termed strategic interest to cooperate.

Originality/value

Introduced insight is important for understanding the long‐term outsourcing partnership, and to recognize possible opportunistic behaviour and be able to avoid it.
Systemic approach for innovative education process
Authors: Likar Borut , Macur Mirna , Trunk‐Širca Nada
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The main objective was to establish which are the most important phases within the invention‐innovation processes in Slovenian vocational education and training. We focused on the most important “outcome” of the educational process – the innovative student and tried to establish his/her interdependence with the teacher, educational system and supporting environment.

Design/methodology/approach

We used questioner for analyses of the current situation on performing the mentioned chain and influencing factors. We used descriptive statistics and correlations among variables (Pearson correlation coefficient). The study was conducted among secondary school teachers.

Findings

The results show that teachers are aware of the importance of innovative processes. But the level of their non‐optimal support depends on their knowledge, experience and motivation as well as the school system at micro level. On macro level, the local community, regional and national support are the influencing factors. Concerning systemic approach, there is still a lot to be done at the national level. The paper presents the most important topics which require further improvements.

Research limitations/implications

We showed key findings concerning current situation. Owing to the complexity of the problem we could not identify all the reasons for such situation which is an important motive for further research. Also a target group of interviewees represents a limitation.

Practical implications

The results are useful for teachers/mentors, for school principals, for Slovenian supporting environment and for the educational system leaders, who can contribute more in creating innovative environment.

Originality/value

Paper attempts to measure a complex subject of innovation processes in school in close interdependence with the teacher, educational system and supporting environment. Also major findings are important.
The dialectical network thinking – a new systems theory concerned with management
Authors: Rosi Bojan , Mulej Matjaž
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To show that holism, which has been the original aim of the systems theory as a worldview of holism rather than reductionism, is best attained by application of those versions of systems theory that result from synergies of mutually complementary systems theories as methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Mulej's dialectical systems theory (DST) is applied as worldview and methodology of requisite holism using Mulej's dialectical systems concept.

Finding

Two methodologies of co‐operative systems thinking – the network thinking and the DST – are compatible and complementary. They can be used for development of a new systems theory.

Research limitations/implications

Research is limited to making a methodology helping managers attain more holism in a new synergy of two well established systems theories. Its application is expected with managers of business organizations.

Practical implication

The new concept was tried in railway management successfully. But this paper is too short to contain this application.

Originality/value

Authors neither know books nor articles presenting the new “Dialectical Network Thinking” theory nor its application except for their own unpublished texts.
Uncertain variables as a tool for analysis and decision making in uncertain knowledge‐based systems
Authors: Bubnicki Zdzislaw
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To present new results concerning the applications of the uncertain variables to analysis and decision problems in a class of uncertain knowledge‐based systems described by a relational knowledge representation.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis and decision‐making problems are formulated, the general forms of the solutions are described, the theorem concerning the optimal solution is presented, numerical examples illustrating the general theoretical approaches are included.

Findings

The uncertain variables have been proved as convenient tool for solving specific optimization problems based on relational knowledge representations with unknown parameters.

Originality/value

Formulation and solving optimization problem for the given certainty threshold, application to the problem of resource and task distributions in a complex of parallel operations, indications of possible practical applications.
Multi‐attribute grey incidence decision model for interval number
Authors: Dang Yaoguo , Liu Sifeng , Mi Chuanmin
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Based on the characteristics of interval number, the distance of interval number is defined. And based on the grey incidence degree theory, the degree of interval number incidence is defined. These extend grey incidence analysis theory from real number sequence to interval number sequence.

Design/methodology/approach

Studies the multi‐attribute incidence decision‐making problems for interval number and models the incidence decision‐making model of multi‐attribute interval number.

Findings

An application example is given based on grey incidence decision model with multi‐attribute interval number.

Research limitations/implications

This new model can avoid the difficulty of seeking the dummy optimal scheme and the negative optimal scheme, and it regards evaluated scheme as a whole to seek the optimal scheme.

Practical implications

It is easy to realizing on computer and the evaluated result is more objective than the results obtained by other methods.

Originality/value

Studies multi‐attribute decision‐making problems.
The economic‐cultural context of the EU economies
Authors: Živko Tjaša
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To analyse the European Union (EU) economies in the economic‐cultural context using a combination of soft variables and hard economic indicators in different time periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical frame was used as a foundation for the empirical analysis. The process of cultural convergence was empirically based on 16 cultural variables of 22 European countries, longitudinal data was used. The process of economic‐cultural convergence was based on five economic‐cultural variables of 22 European countries, longitudinal data was used.

Findings

The cultural diversity on its own is not a obstacle for the introduction and enforcement of modern social structures in Europe. The level of homogenisation of the cultural value orientations is in the year 1999 higher than in the year 1990. Culture is more oriented toward global care, reflecting more holism and interdependence.

Research limitations/implications

The research explores new empirical views on convergence process in the context of the EU integration processes.

Practical implications

The research is of great importance to policy makers and decision takers on a national and supranational level.

Originality/value

The research proposes a different methodological perspective on convergence processes in the EU.
Synthesis, characterisation and thermal stability of 5‐ferrocenylidene‐(1, 3‐dimethylbarbituric acid) and 5‐ferrocenylidene‐(1, 3‐diethylthiobarbituric acid)
Authors: Asiri A.M. , Al‐Amoudi M.S.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To discuss synthesis and evaluation of organo‐metallic dyes as second‐order nonlinear optical (SONLO) material.

Design/methodology/approach

New dyes have been synthesised via Knovoenagel reactions of ferrocene carboxyaldehyde and two active methylene compounds.

Findings

The ferrocenyl dyes prepared have shown bathochromic shift and thermal stability.

Practical implications

These compounds have UV‐Vis bathochromic shift, enabling them to be used as SONLO materials as well as dyes.

Originality/value

The paper provides further information on the thermal studies of these types of molecules.
Effect of concentration, voltage, take‐over distance and diameter of pinhead on precursory poly (phenylene vinylene) electrospinning
Authors: Wang C. , Zhang W. , Huang Z.H. , Yan E.Y. , Su Y.H.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To study the effect of concentration, voltage, take‐over distance and diameter of pinhead, etc. on precursory poly(phenylene vinylene) (PPV) electrospinning, in order to improve uniformity and achieve desired ultra‐fibre.

Design/methodology/approach

Various ultra‐fibres were prepared under different conditions aiming at revealing the major effective factors. Thus, various ultra‐fibres were made at different concentrations of precursory PPV, by changing voltage and take‐over distance, etc. Diameter and morphology of ultra‐fibres were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Findings

A method of preparation of PPV nanofibres with the PPV precursor, via electrospinning method, was introduced. The effects of concentration of PPV, voltage, take‐over distance, diameter of pinhead on the diameter and morphology of the fibres were studied. It was found that solution concentration was the major factor, as indicated by the result that it should be above 0.4 per cent by weight (wt%). Different voltage, concentration, distance, and diameter of pinhead, etc. also affect the distribution and dimension of PPV ultra‐fibres to an extent.

Research limitation/implications

The polymeric ultra‐fibre, PPV, used in the present context was electrospun from precursory PPV, which was not well ordered. Therefore, other parallel nanofibres of PPV can also be used to improve the end – product.

Practical implications

The method provided a simple and practical technology for forming nanofibres of any kind of materials.

Originality/value

Electrospinning of precursory PPV was creative in methodology and can be used in the preparation of solar cell, non‐linear optics, conducting and semi‐conducting materials.
Engineering Libraries Division (ELD) of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Meeting
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To capture conference content and presentation.

Design/methodology/approach

A conference report that spans the disciplines of engineering and technology education and engineering librarianship.

Findings

Technology plays an important role in nearly all applications performed by an engineering librarian.

Originality/value

A report of interest to library and information professionals.
American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference Report
Authors: Costello Gina , Cox Christopher , Daugherty Alice L. , Haley Connie , Jackson Millie , Ranti Junus S.G. , Zhuo Fu
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To highlight content of interest to this journal’s readership that promotes current thinking and activities in Information Technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Selective conference report of the annual meeting of the American Library Association and pre‐conference.

Findings

The largest conference of librarians, the variety of programs, activities, exhibit halls, creates one of the best professional development opportunities for librarians. Attracting librarians from all sectors and work environments from around the globe, this conference is hard to describe in a brief way except to say it is an experience. The article documents relevant programs about information technology was the goal of this contribution.

Originaligy/value

Contains information of particular interest to readers who did not attend these sessions. Introducers them to presenters and important hot topics. Provides an alternative to not being present while gaining some information and coverage.
The Campus of the Future: A Meeting of the Minds, Honolulu, Hawaii, July 2006: A Summary
Authors: Boone Morell
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This article reviews the Campus of the Future meeting held in Honolulu, Hawaii in July 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a review of some of the events of the conference.

Findings

This conference was attended by university administrations interested in facilities planning and business affairs with a focus on forecasting developments in the future of higher education over the next ten to 20 years

Originality/value

A conference report of interest to information management professionals, especially those involved with facilities planning and business affairs
Blogging: An Introductory Look at an Old Pastime in a New Medium
Authors: Young Michelle L.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This article was written to offer an introduction to blogging.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial research was undertaken as a project stemming from a request to present on blogging at the Virginia Library Association Paraprofessional Annual Conference in May of 2006.

Findings

The article covers a range of topics from history, to a description of what a blog is, and why to create or use one (personally and professionally).

Originality/value

Libraries have only just begun to think about blogging and this introductory piece may help novices.
Improving Web Accessibility for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Walsh John
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Ergonomic concerns dictate the need to be attentive to web accessibility for the visually impaired. The purpose is to update readers about how the ADA is influencing new standards for web accessibility for the visually impaired. There are many new products and tools that contribute to improving the accessibility of web content.

Design/methodology/approach

Overview of how libraries are responding to the ADA mandates.

Findings

With reasonable accommodation libraries can make a big difference in how visually impaired readers can have a better experience with using the computer.

Originality/value

This paper is useful for current information on this new directive and there are many new resources listed for consultation.
A history of the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing
Authors: LaPlaca Peter J. , Johnston Wesley J.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Seeks to provide a historical case study of the founding and development of the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing from the perspective of the two editors of the journal covering the first 20 years of publication.

Design/methodology/approach

The editors report on their experiences of establishing and nurturing the journal over a 20‐year period. Individual experiences are reported along with specific historical events and specific journal contents.

Findings

The paper provides information about the history of the journal and its founding, indicating the difficulties and managerial skills necessary to accomplish such a task. The paper also recognizes the 20‐year growth and contribution of the journal and those who contributed to it.

Research limitations/implications

The viewpoints of the editors are anecdotal and recall events as far back as 20 years. They summarize the events of a 20‐year period in the article, relying on memory and information from archival files.

Practical implications

The paper provides one description of the founding and development of a leading journal in the field of business and industrial marketing. A list is presented summarizing Special Issues and significant milestones of the journal. The paper is a must‐read for anyone contemplating starting a new journal.

Originality/value

This article presents the only complete history of the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing.
The use of national registries data in three European countries in order to improve health care quality
Authors: Sousa Paulo , Bazeley Matthew , Johansson Sören , Wijk Helle
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of national health registries in three European countries in order to improve patient care.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used was a literature review of databases in Sweden, the UK and Portugal, and a search on Medline and Pubmed as well. In addition case studies from the three countries are included.

Findings

In Sweden registries encompassing cardiac intensive care, hip‐fractures and stroke are the most developed. In the UK, the collection of information on healthcare performance, both specific to particular specialties and general hospital performance, is widespread. There are some national and regional registries in Portugal, but the most developed areas are the Cardiovascular and the Oncology areas. The collection of information on health quality/performance indicators, based on administrative and clinical data is an important tool for quality improvement.

Originality/value

This paper showed differences and similarities between the three countries with a common aim; to improve quality of care, delivered on equal terms for the whole populations, and in an effective and efficient way and will be useful to those in the field of patient care.
Sharing best practice
Authors: Reddy William , McCarthy Siobhán
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This article seeks to explore ways in which one can share and spread best practice, that have the potential for transformational change. It describes the cultural and behavioural mindset that is needed to make this happen.

Design/methodology/approach

The overall approach is aimed at documenting the essential features of a best practice, giving pointers to relevant experts in that practice, deducing general guidelines, diffusing basic knowledge, and using subject‐matter experts to apply and adapt the practices in a new context.

Findings

Best practice resources require to be actively promoted, otherwise one may end up with databases and people that are under‐used and not fulfilling their potential. One should resist the temptation to focus on explicit knowledge; databases of best practices are insufficient. Databases point to examples and people, but it is through people that deep knowledge is transferred.

Originality/value

The information provided in this article is the viewpoint of the authors, who are experts in the field. Hopefully, their views will give the potential for transformational change.
Educational decentralization in three Asian societies: Japan, Korea and Hong Kong
Authors: Sui‐chu Ho Esther
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and compare the nature of decentralization that has emerged in three important Asian societies after a decade of their involvement in the decentralization movement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the first cycle of the program for international student assessment were analyzed to investigate educational decentralization in three Asian societies: Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea. Cluster analysis was used to reveal the nature and extent of decentralization of the schooling systems in the three societies.

Findings

The results revealed four models of decentralization: highly centralized, school‐driven, teacher‐driven, and highly decentralized. Whilst the school‐driven model was dominant in Hong Kong, indicating that the school itself is largely responsible for making school‐related decisions, the centralized model was dominant in both Japan and Korea, indicating that authorities outside the school are largely responsible for making school‐related decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on cross‐sectional design and focuses mainly on secondary schooling systems in the three Asian societies.

Originality/value

OECD/PISA constitutes one of the most comprehensive and rigorous international databases about different aspects of educational systems. It provides a unique opportunity to assess the distribution of decision‐making responsibilities between the different stakeholders in different education systems. This enables for the first time a country‐wide comparison on issues of decentralization of various decision areas in this paper.
Minimizing retail shrinkage due to employee theft
Authors: Mishra Birendra K. , Prasad Ashutosh
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Employee theft is a major component of retail shrinkage. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the use of two methods, internal control and random inspections of the locations at which employees work, to deter employee theft. An inspection strategy is designed in which retailers try to minimize their costs while trying to prevent employees from stealing.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ an analytical approach. The employees are assumed to be strategic, i.e. they respond to the decisions made by the retailer, and likewise the retailer is strategic. Consequently, game theory is used to model their interaction, and to obtain the best decisions for both the retailer and employee after taking into consideration the other's actions.

Findings

The solution of the game depends upon various parameters such as the cost and effectiveness of random inspections and of the internal control system. The paper determines the optimal frequency of inspections, the total budget to be spent on inspections and the total expected retail shrinkage due to employee theft. The paper also shows the extent to which an effective internal control system and the recruitment of honest employees can benefit retail organizations in preventing losses due to employee theft.

Practical implications

The paper provides normative guidelines for decisions such as the frequency of inspections. Retailers can limit employee theft but eliminating theft altogether turns out to be too expensive if the goal is to minimize organizational losses. The retailer should try to reduce inspection costs and increase their effectiveness. Adding honest employees helps the retailer, but note that adding just a few is not beneficial because organizational losses remain unchanged, but adding a larger number qualitatively affects the equilibrium outcome and lowers organizational losses. The paper describes when investing in better internal control systems is appropriate.

Originality/value

The underlying assumption is of strategic retailers and employees. This gaming analysis brings a new perspective to examining retail crime problems than has been hitherto the case. This work follows in the tradition of the economics of crime literature, which views crime as a rational choice decision made by potential offenders. The study examines employee crime in the context of retail organizations, and provides several new insights. Although the idea of random inspections is not new, features of the retail environment such as internal control system, employee dissatisfaction and the ability to recruit honest employees have no direct parallels in the economics of crime literature, and are being touched upon for the first time.
Sed quis custodiet? Employee theft in UK retailing
Authors: Bamfield Joshua
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Employee theft is a significant part of retail losses from shrinkage, yet has been comparatively underexplored compared with shoplifting. The purpose of this paper is to assess the impacts of different forms of staff theft and fraud upon retail crime losses and analyse the characteristics of offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on a statistical analysis of the details (from retail records) of all staff offenders apprehended for theft by four major UK retailers over a two‐year period. The results are then compared with shrinkage losses for these retailers to discuss the implications of the findings.

Findings

Retailer concentration upon customer theft is difficult to explain given the significance of perceived staff theft on losses from crime. Only a small percentage of staff offenders were caught by retailers, but estimation problems were caused by the fact it was difficult to value the exact amount stolen over time by serial offenders. The majority of people apprehended were young and were believed to have stolen comparatively small amounts of cash or goods. In contrast, a small number of large‐scale offenders were responsible for 47 per cent of total known staff theft. Only a relatively small proportion of known staff crime involved collusion, the major losses were caused by theft of cash, major fraud losses, merchandise and refund fraud.

Practical implications

The implications of this study are significant for retailers. They suggest that retailers may concentrate on smaller‐scale wrongdoers rather than major frauds and that retailers may benefit from switching part of their loss‐prevention resources from shoplifting and minor staff offending to more considerable in‐house frauds.

Originality/value

The paper presents original data based on the characteristics of actual apprehended thieves rather than a discussion based primarily on shrinkage estimates). It presents new information for the academic community concerning the impact of different types of theft and fraud and challenges part at least of retailing conventional wisdom about “Who steals?” and “How?” It is valuable both to the academic community and to retail practitioners.
Guest Editors: May Hinds and Ernest BogerAssisted by Editor: Richard TeareAchieving service excellence in Barbados – the service leadership factor
Authors: Hinds May
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Barbados has been driven by agricultural pursuits for most of its existence and successive decision makers have failed to create a tradition or culture with a focus on service. In a move to change this focus in support of a service culture, the National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE) was launched on November 30, 2004. A highlight of the event was the tripartite commitment made by the leaders of the social partnership (government, labour and the private sector). The purpose of this article is to examine the topic of service leadership – and the role the three leaders must play in achieving service excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is as a result of observations and experiences while the author served as Lead Champion for NISE. It is also informed by research on the subject. “Achieving service excellence – customer service strategies for the hospitality/tourism industry in Barbados”.

Findings

Barbadians must determine the factors for a foundation that the country needs if it is to have a service excellence culture. The foundation for Barbados might be found in the people of Barbados and in the church which is an influential institution in Barbados.

Originality/value

Behavioural change must start with three leaders of the social partnership. This message is valuable to these service leaders in the journey towards achieving service excellence in Barbados.
Ameliorating the negative impacts of tourism: a Caribbean perspective
Authors: Jackson Leonard A.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework to assist tourism planners to assess and respond to the negative consequences of tourism development.

Design/methodology/approach

Proposes a collaborative, community‐based approach for tourism development.

Findings

Provides a series of recommendations in the form of key points linked to the practical application of the framework. The paper also provides an example of a code for responsible conduct for destination managers and policy makers.

Originality/value

The proposed framework is designed to guide tourism planners and policy‐makers as they develop policies that balance economic and ecological sustainability.
Understanding the workforce: the key to success in a youth hostel in Scotland
Authors: Papis Jeff
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an insight into the importance of understanding the workforce as it affects and is affected by the internal and external environment; an essential element of effective business performance accomplishment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in a 148‐bed, four‐star hostel over a four‐week period using multiple data collection methods comprising written questionnaires, documentation collection and observation of assistants in the hostel. By using Herzberg's motivation/hygiene factors as the theoretical foundation, this piece of research investigated the factors involved in the motivation of hostel assistants. The findings were then used to interpret the results, enable comparison with previous studies in the field and provide insights into suggested courses of action.

Findings

The findings suggest that the favourable environment, which enabled tasks to be carried out and made it possible for the accomplishment of business objectives, was due a balance between motivation and hygiene factors supported by understanding of the workforce.

Practical implications

It is hoped that the findings provide the reader (managers, students and academics) awareness of the importance of a balanced work environment and help to improve practice in the context of budget accommodation where multi‐tasking is an essential requirement.

Originality/value

This paper provides the reader with an overall view of modern hostelling while discussing, from a human resources perspective, the requirements for a more favourable working environment.
Which service quality dimensions are important in inbound tourism?
Authors: Jonsson Kvist Anna‐Karin , Klefsjö Bengt
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Based on a conceptual framework drawn from the original SERVQUAL model, the purpose of the paper is to explore the question of which service‐quality dimensions are deemed to be important by inbound tourists visiting a peripheral tourist location in Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

Using questionnaires and interviews, Italian and British tourists visiting a peripheral tourist location in northern Sweden are studied in three phases: before the tourist experience, during the experience, and after return home.

Findings

Difference in the tourists' perceptions of the importance of various quality dimensions are identified before and after the tourism experience. Many similarities are identified between the needs and expectations of Italian and British tourists, although some differences also emerge.

Practical implications

Tourism managers should recognise that the needs of their customers can be influenced by: the time at which these needs are assessed; and cultural differences between nationalities.
Growth, customer service and profitability Southwest style
Authors: Rhoades Dawna L.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the success of Southwest Airlines in the USA

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the history of Southwest since 1967 and how the airline set new standards in customer service and employee satisfaction while recording records of unbroken profitability.

Findings

Southwest understands its market and has consistently implemented a strategy that has proven successful in capturing that market in the face of stiff competition.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into how anyone can emulate the success of Southwest – if one is willing to invest the time, effort, and energy necessary to ensure that mission, goals, processes, policies and people are all aligned.
Outsourcing digital signatures: a solution to key management burden
Authors: Lekkas Dimitrios , Lambrinoudakis Costas
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Digital signatures are only enjoying a gradual and reluctant acceptance, despite the long existence of the relevant legal and technical frameworks. One of the major drawbacks of client‐generated digital signatures is the requirement for effective and secure management of the signing keys and the complexity of the cryptographic operations that must be performed by the signer. Outsourcing digital signatures to a trusted third party would be an elegant solution to the key management burden. Aims to investigate whether this is legally and technically feasible.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper's approach a relying party trusts a Signature Authority (SA) for the tokens it issues, rather than a Certification Authority for the certificates it creates in a traditional public key infrastructure scheme.

Findings

The paper argues that passing the control of signature creation to a SA rather than the signer herself, is not a stronger concession than the dependence on an identity certificate issued by a Certification Authority.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a framework for outsourced digital signatures.
Leveraging profitability in low‐margin markets
Authors: Smith Gerald E.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The article seeks to assist managers in low‐margin markets to grow profitability by applying principles of profit leverage.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies a series of principles for targeting market segments and growing profits.

Findings

Gross margins are usually taken for granted by managers, but are actually key indicators of the types of marketing strategies – what the author calls “gross profit strategies” – that managers should use to leverage the growth of gross profit. Two general classes of gross profit strategies are identified – volume‐driven, and price/bundling gross profit strategies. The latter is particularly applicable to managers in low‐margin markets. The paper also discusses four subsidiary gross profit strategies and illustrates with examples of real‐world firms and situations.

Originality/value

The paper defines market‐driven costing and stresses the importance of measuring “true” gross margins, by measuring costs based on the cost to serve the customer, including opportunity costs. Finally, the paper explicates the relationship between true gross margins and managers' perceptions of their competitive ability to compete in the marketplace.
Calculating top event probability of a fault tree with many repeated events
Authors: Yuge T. , Tagami K. , Yanagi S.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Calculating the exact top event probability of fault trees is an important analysis in quantitative risk assessments. However, it is a difficult problem for the trees with complex structure. Therefore, the paper aims to provide an efficient calculation method to obtain an exact top event probability of a fault tree with many repeated events when the minimal cut sets of the tree model are given.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is based on the inclusion‐exclusion method. Generally, the inclusion‐exclusion method tends to get into computational difficulties for a large‐scale fault tree. The computation time has been reduced by enumerating only non‐canceling terms.

Findings

The method enables the calculation of the probability more quickly than the conventional method. The effect increases as the number of repeated events increases, namely the tree structure becomes complex. This method also can be applied to obtain the lower and upper bounds of the top event probability easily.

Originality/value

The paper expresses the top event probability by using only non‐canceling terms. This is the first application in fault tree analysis.
Software reliability modeling in distributed development environment
Authors: Tamura Y. , Yamada S. , Kimura M.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose a software reliability growth model based on stochastic differential equations for the integration testing phase of distributed development environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A client/server system (CSS), which is a new development method, has come into existence as a result of the progress of networking technology by UNIX systems. On the other hand, the effective testing method for distributed development environment has only a few presented. The method of software reliability assessment considering the interaction among software components in a distributed one is discussed.

Findings

Conventional software reliability growth models for system testing phase in distributed development environment have included many unknown parameters. Especially, the effective estimation method in terms of these unknown parameters, which means the proportion of the total testing‐load for the software component, has never been presented. This software reliability growth model can be easily applied in distributed software development, because the model has a simple structure.

Practical implications

This model is very useful for software developers in terms of practical reliability assessment in the actual distributed development environment.

Originality/value

The method of software reliability assessment considering the interaction among software components in distributed development environment is proposed. Additionally, several numerical examples for the actual data are presented.
Marketing paradigms and the Indian firm
Authors: Muthiah Krishnaveni
Published: October 2006

Purpose

Over the years, nearly eight marketing paradigms have been recognised. Yet, what really is the extent of the changes/paradigms adopted by firms in India? What changes have the forces of challenges brought in, in the marketing management of Indian firms? The purpose of the present study is to find answers to these questions.

Design/methodology/approach

Expert opinion method has been adopted, wherein CEOs/Heads of marketing department have been personally interviewed.

Findings

Content analysis of the responses gathered shows that, Indian firms are now coming forward to accepting professional management. Conflict paradigm, where primary emphasis is on competition has been greatly acknowledged. Social constructionism, with its strong emphasis on consumers’ view, is also reflected in the responses. From being inward‐looking, the respondent firms are becoming outward‐looking due to the pressures of the market. It is “quality” which is the paradigm that has gained a new momentum, in the form of customer‐specific quality to gain market, quality to withstand competition and quality pressure from world market.

Research limitations/implications

Coverage of many more industrial cities like Mumbai and Delhi has not been included due to insufficient response to the mailed questionnaires. Hence the study has been to the extent of personal interviews in selective cities.

Originality/value

For academicians and marketing professionals, the study provides a practical insight into the changes in business practices among Indian firms. Policy makers and trade associations should on the basis of the changes identified, take steps to provide the necessary structural adjustments and supportive framework. If need be, they can carry out the relevant studies mentioned in the future scope of research and base their decisions.
Advertising message processing amongst urban children
Authors: Panwar J.S. , Agnihotri Milan
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This study is designed to extend knowledge of cognitive processing of advertising messages by urban children in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 250 children aged between 7 and 12 years, drawn in the sample from five major towns of the relatively affluent western state of Gujarat (India) by using the cluster sampling approach. A simple questionnaire using three point rating scale was administered with the help of moderators. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software.

Findings

It was found that children's ability to decode and process advertising messages and to understand their intents is influenced not only by their cognitive abilities at different age strata but also by their social and personal environments. Social norms related to acceptability and appropriateness of gender behavior also influence the processing of ad messages by the children of both sexes. Other elements like likeability of the model, character or endorser, story line, slogan and the music will create liking or disliking for a particular advertisement and hence decoding of its message.

Research limitations/implications

As it was not possible to use advanced psychometric tools for the study on children, a simple three a point scale used for the purpose could have had its own limitations. Future research can benefit from further improvements in measuring techniques.

Originality/value

How children decode an advertising message and what are the sources of influence is not an actively researched topic in India. The study would therefore contribute towards better understanding of children's processing abilities and designing of effective communication strategies.
Relational switching costs, satisfaction and commitment
Authors: Vasudevan Hari , Gaur Sanjaya S. , Shinde Rajesh Kumar
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This study attempts to understand the impact of relational switching costs and satisfaction on commitment as well as its impact on the satisfaction – commitment link in a supplier‐to‐manufacturer context in manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected from the small and medium size manufacturing firms located in and around Mumbai. A total of 67 CEOs/business heads were randomly selected and personally interviewed with the help of a structured questionnaire.

Findings

Study strengthens the view that small and medium enterprises need to invest in relationships so that such investments are turned into relational switching barriers and they would thereby help in increasing customer retention. It also shows that if relational switching costs are higher, then even if satisfaction is lower the customer is less likely to terminate the relationship.

Research limitations/implications

For marketing practitioners, the findings validate the long‐held belief that relationship marketing orientation is critical for business performance. However, data in this study were obtained from manufacturing firms, which are into plastics and light engineering sector. Replication of this study on a wider scale across different industries is essential for the generalization of the findings. Further, it could be useful to explore the complexities of the relationship between relational switching costs and other types of switching costs like the set‐up and financial costs.

Originality/value

Although empirical studies have dealt with the customers’ switching behaviour, the concept of relational switching costs and its impact on other relational parameters is relatively new. This study's unique contribution is in this direction.