bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The absolute degree of grey incidence for grey sequence base on standard grey interval number operation
Authors: Zhang Ke , Ye Wei , Zhao Liping
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper attempts to extend classic absolute degree of grey incidence so that the extended model can be used for grey number sequences.

Design/methodology/approach

The classic absolute degree of grey incidence was extended according to basic principles of grey incidence analysis. First, modelling methods and theories of the classic grey incidences were summarized. Then, the zeroing starting operator in grey incidence was extended for grey sequence. Third, the parameters in classic incidence degree were redefined, and an absolute degree of grey incidence for grey number sequences was proposed. The degree can not only be applied to grey number sequence, but also contains the uncertain information of analysis result. Fourth, two non‐linear programming models were constructed to estimate the grey coverage interval of absolute degree of incidences. Finally, the comparison method of grey numbers was introduced for sorting the different absolute degrees of incidences.

Findings

A theoretically feasible absolute degree of grey incidence was constructed for grey sequence. A case study showed that the proposed incidence degree was an effective method for grey sequence incidence analysis.

Practical implications

The method exposed in the paper can be used for grey sequences clustering, grey decision making, multi‐attribute decision making theory, uncertain target recognition and other related fields.

Originality/value

The paper succeeded in establishing an incidence analysis model for grey sequences which was still a research gap in grey system theory.
Study on optimizing resources configuration of value activity network of manufacturing clusters
Authors: Wang Wenping , Huang Xinhuan , Xie Jie
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The paper attempts to analyze the network structure of value activity in manufacturing clusters, propose the model of value creation of cluster's value activity network, and explore the inner mechanism and optimization strategies of value creation in manufacturing clusters from the perspective of cluster's value activity network.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies a genetic algorithm to optimally search in the target space, and repeatedly exerts genetic operation (select, cross, variation) on the population to explore the optimal configuration strategy between value creation activity and resource utilization. It also analyzes the relation between object function of value creation and relative parameters.

Findings

The total value created by value activity network was impacted by the degree of effective configuration between all kinds of resources and value activities; the total value created by value activity network is positively related to activity units' elasticity coefficient of value creation of human resource, material resources and relations resource, and is negatively correlated to cost coefficient of human resource, material resources and relations resource; when the cooperative relations between activity units create positive relationship profit, the total value created by value activity network increases with the increase of cooperative relations between activity units.

Practical implications

Enterprises in clusters should reasonably configure and incorporate the resource among value activities through adding, deleting or reconfiguring activities, which makes the value activities network create maximum value; enterprises can transform the type of activity units to increase elasticity coefficient of value creation of human resources, such as transforming production activities into the high value‐added activities; enterprises can optimally incorporate the technical, material resources and human resources among activities to increase value creation elastic coefficient of material resources; enterprises can decrease cost coefficient by maintaining the stability of long‐term cooperation with the suppliers and strengthening the cultivation of talents; enterprises can increase profits from relation resource or reduce cost coefficient of relationship by updating activities, building trust mechanism and communication mechanisms and establishing long‐term cooperation relationship to improve value creation activities.

Originality/value

This paper proposes the model of value creation from the perspective of cluster's value activity network, and applies a genetic algorithm to explore the optimal configuration strategies between value creation activity and resource utilization.
A hybrid model using analytic network process and gray relational analysis for bank's IT outsourcing vendor selection
Authors: Cao Jie , Cao Guo , Wang Weiwei
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Considering the limitation of the single stage vendor selection model, this paper proposes a two‐stage vendor selection framework for IT outsourcing in microfinance banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper attempts to realize a complete analysis at company level using grey systems theory for shaping the relations among variables. With the social choice function – Dodgson function, the first stage is a trial phase that helps the decision‐maker find the potential vendors, then, the decision‐maker employs those chosen vendors for the final selection with modified grey relational analysis (GRA) integrated analytic network process (ANP), which emphasizes the interrelation among those selection criteria, and avoids the subjective estimation of experts and practitioners. The case of a microfinance bank IT outsourcing vendor selection is used to verify the proposed approach.

Findings

The results of the empirical study show that the proposed method is practical for ranking competing vendors in terms of their overall performance with respect to multiple interdependence criteria for the bank's IT outsourcing.

Practical implications

The method exposed in the paper can be used for other supplier selection by modifying some criteria and weight.

Originality/value

The paper provides a method for ranking competing vendors in terms of their overall performance with respect to multiple interdependence criteria for IT outsourcing.
Schlauschleimer in Reichsautobahnen
Authors: Adamatzky Andrew , Schubert Theresa
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop experimental laboratory biological techniques for approximation of principle transport networks, optimizing transport links, and developing optimal solutions to current transport problems. It also aims to study how slime mould of Physarum polycephalum approximate autobahn networks in Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the 21 most populous urban areas in Germany. It represents these areas with source of nutrients placed in the positions of slime mould growing substrate corresponding to the areas. At the beginning of each experiment slime mould is inoculated in the Berlin area. Slime mould exhibits foraging behavior and spans sources of nutrients (which represent urban areas) with a network of protoplasmic tubes (which approximate vehicular transport networks). The study analyzes structure of transport networks developed by slime mould and compares it with families of known proximity graphs. It also imitates slime‐mould response to simulated disaster by placing sources of chemo‐repellents in the positions of nuclear power plants.

Findings

It is found that the plasmodium of Physarum polycephalum develops a minimal approximation of a transport network spanning urban areas. Physarum‐developed network matches autobahn network very well. The high degree of similarity is preserved even when we place high‐demand constraints on repeatability of links in the experiments. Physarum approximates almost all major transport links. In response to a sudden disaster, gradually spreading from its epicenter, the Physarum transport networks react by abandoning transport links affected by disaster zone, enhancement of those unaffected directly by the disaster, massive sprouting from the epicenter, and increase of scouting activity in the regions distant to the epicenter of the disaster.

Originality/value

Experimental methods and computer analysis techniques presented in the paper lay a foundation of novel biological laboratory approaches to imitation and prognostication of socio‐economical developments.
A novel active sliding mode control for synchronization of uncertain chaotic systems
Authors: Shao‐cheng Qu , Xiao‐yan Wang , Yong‐ji Wang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find a practical active sliding mode control approach for synchronization of two uncertain chaotic systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Sliding mode control approach is known to be an efficient alternative way to implement synchronization for uncertain chaotic systems. However, design of traditional sliding mode controller usually needs complex state transformation. Owing to a novel idea of virtual state feedback, a control strategy for synchronization of uncertain chaotic systems is presented, which does not need any complex state transformation. Furthermore, based on Lyapunov stability theory, a sufficient condition is drawn for the robust stability of the error dynamics of synchronization for uncertain chaotic systems.

Findings

A novel active sliding mode control approach is proposed to achieve the synchronization of two uncertain chaotic systems.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that uncertainties must meet matched conditions.

Practical implications

The paper presents a useful control approach for synchronization of two uncertain chaotic systems.

Originality/value

The proposed sliding mode control approach based on novel virtual state feedback does not need any complex state transformation, unlike the traditional sliding mode control.
Analysis of some grey control system modeling
Authors: Hejin Xiong , Wenjing Peng
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop some grey models to analyze and control the poor information systems, or grey systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The grey system theory has been a more widespread application in recent years and the authors have solved many forecast problems of incomplete information with it. However, the establishment of gray control models still needs certain prerequisites.

Findings

Based on incomplete information or poor information, by using the viewpoint of the grey system theory and the integral generation operation in this paper, six kinds of grey control models have been established.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers very useful advice for incomplete (or poor) information control.

Originality/value

The paper is aimed at control engineers and offers a new approach to the optimal choice of information control models.
The connections of vague set and rough set
Authors: Yan Ruixia , Liu Jinliang , Yao Bingxue
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present research methods in processing uncertain information.

Design/methodology/approach

Vague set and rough set are both‐wings‐mode for expressing uncertainty systems, and based on the both‐wings‐mode of expressing uncertainty systems, the connections of vague set and rough set are discussed.

Findings

This paper presents the relationships between vague set and rough set.

Research limitations/implications

Based on these connections between vague set and rough set, theoretical and means of vague set can be used for rough set; also theoretical and means of rough set can be used for vague set.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the discussion on the research of vague set and rough set. The conclusions are useful in information processing.
Identifying the number of bars based on two chain lists
Authors: Zhang Suwen , Zhu Cuiping , Chen Juan
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to overcome the shortcomings of the marked method in identifying the number of regions in binary images, and to present a new algorithm to identify the number of bars.

Design/methodology/approach

Identifying the number of bars automatically is widely used in the lumbering, iron, and steel industry. The marked methods need complex signing and have to scan the binary image several times. An algorithm that uses two chain lists to identify the number of bars is presented. It uses the characteristic of the chain list. When scanning the binary image, it creates two chain lists and then the number and the central position of the bar based on the relations of created chain lists can be determined.

Findings

Test results have indicated this algorithm is feasible and effective on recognizing the number of bars.

Research limitations/implications

When the connected area has too many pixels in the binary images, recognizing its number needs much more time.

Originality/value

The paper presents a very useful approach for identifying the number of the bar, in the lumbering and steel industry.
An integrated theoretical model for determinants of knowledge sharing behaviours
Authors: Wu Yong , Zhu Weidong
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Knowledge sharing has been recognized as a positive force for the survival of an organization but the factors that promote or discourage knowledge sharing behaviors in the organizational context are poorly understood. The purpose of this paper is to enhance our collective understanding of the factors affecting knowledge sharing behaviors of knowledge workers in the organizational context.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from multiple streams of research including social psychology, organizational learning, knowledge management, information systems and so forth, this research developed an integrated theoretical model. The Theory of Planned Behavior model, motivation theory, social exchange theory, economic exchange theory and self determination theory were employed here. In total, 180 responses from ten companies in China were collected.

Findings

The theoretical model was validated within the context of a single empirical study. The findings provided significant statistical support for the research model, accounting for about 60 percent of the variance in the behavioral intention to share knowledge and 41 percent variance in the actual knowledge sharing behavior. In total, 11 of the 12 hypothesized relationships were supported.

Originality/value

This exploratory research attempted to fill the void in the integrative research by investigating the most crucial factors that influence the knowledge sharing behaviors of knowledge workers.
A risk analysis model of flight operations based on region partition
Authors: Shao Xueyan , Qi Mingliang , Gao Mingang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on flight exceedances in pilots' operations. With some bad conditions, such as a bad weather, flight exceedances might lead to serious consequences. They are significant hidden dangers of aviation. Risk analysis is carried out to identify pilots' high‐risk or low‐risk operations.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐objective optimization model is proposed for risk analysis of flight operations. An evolutionary algorithm is designed to divide flight operation state‐space into some high‐risk and low‐risk sub‐spaces.

Findings

Through the empirical study of a certain flight exceedance with the analysis model, the authors discover some high‐risk flight operations, which indicate coordination problems in coordinate control of airplane's speed, rate of descent, heading, roll and pitch, etc.

Originality/value

This paper employs a quantitative model to carry out risk analysis of flight operations. The results are useful to pilots' training and may improve flight safety fundamentally. The risk analysis of flight exceedance is one specific case in airlines safety risk management. Some other problems, such as cause analysis of flight delay, aircraft faults diagnosis, can be addressed in the same way and dealt with by specific model adjustments and algorithm designs.
Distributed rigid formation control algorithm for multi‐agent systems
Authors: Cao Hu , Bai Yongqiang , Liu Huagang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Rigidity of formation is an important concept in multi‐agent localization and control problems. The purpose of this paper is to design the control laws to enable the group to asymptotically exhibit the flocking motion while preserving the network rigidity at all times.

Design/methodology/approach

The novel approach for designing control laws is derived from a smooth artificial potential function based on an undirected infinitesimally rigid formation which specifies the target formation. Then the potential function is used to specify a gradient control law, under which the original system then becomes an orderly infinitesimally rigid formation.

Findings

The strong relationship between the stability of the target formation and the gradient control protocol are utilized to design the control laws which can be proved to make the target formation stable. However, the rigidity matrix is not utilized in the design of control law. Future research will mainly focus on formation control with the relationship of rigidity matrix.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is focused on the control laws design and the control laws could enable the group to asymptotically exhibit the flocking motion while preserving the network rigidity at all times. Also the detailed simulations and experiments are given to prove that the novel approach is available.
Living in a time of change
Authors: Ramage Magnus , Bissell Chris , Chapman David
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a vision for the future development of Kybernetes under a new editorship.

Design/methodology/approach

The new Editors are introduced, the strengths and history of the journal reviewed, and plans for its future development described.

Findings

The future of Kybernetes will build on its long and distinguished heritage, noting especially the strengths of interdisplinarity, internationality, and strong links with major cybernetic societies across the world. While maintaining these strengths, the new Editors will seek to develop further the conversations between diverse fields contributing to the journal and to bring a new emphasis to the interdisciplinary study of information, to studies of the social implications of cybernetics and related fields, and to profiles of thinkers in cybernetics, systems and management science.

Originality/value

This is only the second time that there has been a change of editor in the more than 40 years that Kybernetes has been published. The journal (and the whole field of cybernetics and systems) owes the past editors a great debt of thanks for their outstanding work, but the time has come for change. This paper starts to identify new directions under the new Editors.
Statistical versus optimal partitioning for block entropies
Authors: Mistakidis Ioannis , Karamanos Kostas , Mistakidis Simeon
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Given a time‐series, what is the best partitioning of the state space in order to obtain reasonable values for the block entropies? The purpose of this paper is to provide a simple answer (an algorithm), although approximative, in connection with symbolic dynamics and statistical properties of 1‐d maps on the interval.

Design/methodology/approach

The logistic map is examined as an archetype of a Complex System with different behaviors, namely: periodicity, order‐to‐chaos period‐doubling transition, weak chaos, parametric intermittent chaos, developed chaos and fully developed chaos. For the logistic map the generating partition is known, and allows comparison with other prescriptions in the literature. The partitioning of the phase space with the easy generated bipartition induced by the mean value of a curve in the plane, gives results in good agreement (roughly up to a 20 per cent difference) with the results of the generating partition, if the trajectory of the system is in parametric intermittent chaos and in developed chaos (DC). In the case of fully developed chaos (FDC), the agreement is perfect.

Findings

The authors confirm that a statistical partitioning is almost equivalent with the exact partitioning for the logistic map.

Originality/value

The paper updates previous results and proposes a better understanding on the partitioning for symbolic dynamics.
A novel weighted recursive least squares based on Euclidean particle swarm optimization
Authors: Soltani Moêz , Chaari Abdelkader
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new methodology for identification of the parameters of the local linear Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy models using weighted recursive least squares. The weighted recursive least squares (WRLS) is sensitive to initialization which leads to no converge. In order to overcome this problem, Euclidean particle swarm optimization (EPSO) is employed to optimize the initial states of WRLS. Finally, validation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed algorithm. A comparative study is presented. Validation results involving simulations of numerical examples and the liquid level process have demonstrated the practicality of the algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

A new method for nonlinear system modelling. The proposed algorithm is employed to optimize the initial states of WRLS algorithm in two phases of learning algorithm.

Findings

The results obtained using this novel approach were comparable with other modeling approaches reported in the literature. The proposed algorithm is able to handle various types of modeling problems with high accuracy.

Originality/value

In this paper, a new method is employed to optimize the initial states of WRLS algorithm in two phases of the learning algorithm.
Emergence of online shopping in India: shopping orientation segments
Authors: Gehrt Kenneth C. , Rajan Mahesh N. , Shainesh G. , Czerwinski David , O'Brien Matthew
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This study aims to explore Indian online shopping via the concept of shopping orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were collected from 536 consumer panel members. Online shopping segments were identified by using a two‐step process that clustered respondents in terms of the similarity of their scores across four shopping orientations.

Findings

Three segments were identified: value singularity, quality at any price, and reputation/recreation. The quality at any price and reputation/recreation segments were the predominant online shoppers. Although their orientations toward shopping differed, their behaviour, web site attribute ratings, and demographics were very similar except for occupation (managerial versus clerical, respectively). The finding that the value singularity segment is not the pioneer online shopper in India contrasts with the early online shoppers in the USA, who were often motivated by price.

Research limitations/implications

This is the first empirical study to use shopping orientation research in the Indian marketplace. It is also among the first to link shopping orientations with a wide complement of correlates. Research should continue to track the development of this emerging market.

Practical implications

Besides revealing that the orientations of Indian consumers are not price‐based, the relatively unfractionated factor analysis solutions for shopping orientations and web site dimensionality suggest that, in the emerging Indian economy, consumer conceptualizations of shopping have not yet undergone full elaboration. Thus, this cross‐sectional study could be extended with longitudinal research to reveal how Indian consumers' perceptions of the marketplace change with market development and growing consumer sophistication.

Originality/value

Although online shopping in India is on the verge of rapid growth, relatively little is known about most aspects of Indian consumer behaviour. This study begins to build a foundation of knowledge of Indian online shopping.
Human factors in retail environments: a review
Authors: Kim Jae‐Eun , Kim Jieun
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of the body of literature concerning human factors in retail environments and their influence on consumers. Additionally, the authors identify the research gaps in the literature and suggest directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive review of human factors in retail environments.

Findings

The review is synthesised based on two main categories: the effects of other customers and the effects of sales associates. The influence of other customers, including the number of customers and social relations, is a significant source of human‐related environmental cues. In addition, existing studies support the importance of the number of sales associates, sales associates' physical attributes, and their behavioural characteristics observed in stores.

Practical implications

This study suggests that retailers need to effectively manage, control and manipulate human‐related environmental factors in order to generate a positive influence on consumers' perceptions towards stores and their behaviours.

Originality/value

This study provides a conceptual framework that integrates various human‐related factors in retail environments and their significant insights in the effective management of these factors identified for researchers and retailers.
E‐commerce: exploring the critical success factors
Authors: Colla Enrico , Lapoule Paul
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The objective of this piece of qualitative research is to identify the key success factors (KSFs) of the grocery “click and drive” (or drive or drive‐in) model developed by French grocery retail companies and to understand the basis of their competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compare the conclusions of a review of the literature with an analysis of the various grocery drive‐in approaches developed in France. These approaches are studied by applying a multi‐method qualitative perspective comprising semi‐structured interviews with managers and e‐consumer focus groups.

Findings

The research confirms – with the exception of the quality of customer reception, which is particularly valued by managers and consumers – the main key success factors identified in the literature, and reveals a real consensus among the main operators on those KSFs and on the nature of the kind of core competences required in order to obtain competitive advantages.

Research limitations/implications

The comparison of the real profitability of “drive‐in” sales outlets and a more precise evaluation of the advantages of an integrated multi‐channel approach would provide more accurate results. Moreover, the authors have limited this study to an analysis of the French experience. The research implies that French grocery retailers should develop, along with a more differentiated logistical system, an improved approach to customer relations marketing. Moreover, it implies that “click and drive” outlets enable traditional grocery retailers to sharpen their competitive edge.

Originality/value

This article provides an original analytical approach to the identification of the critical success factors of large grocery retailers developing drive‐in services. In answering this research question, the study should also help large grocery retailers to achieve their development objectives and counter the stagnation of traditional retail formats, especially the hypermarket.
Regional resilience in recessionary times: a case study of the East Midlands
Authors: Oxborrow Lynn , Brindley Clare
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Since the 1990s the fashion industry has reflected the issues generally arising in the manufacturing sector, namely rapid and deep structural changes, the development of new supply chain relationships, ICT impacts and increasing globalisation with the attendant issues of ethical sourcing, off‐shoring, new emerging markets and recessionary ripples. This paper focuses on one particular aspect of the fashion industry, namely the apparel sector, and in particular “fast fashion” to explore the issues arising for the SMEs in the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a qualitative methodology and is longitudinal in nature, spanning five years from August 2006. The first stage of the research is reported here, where a series of focussed interview scenarios were conducted over an 18‐month period. The sample of 12 SMEs was a convenience one, drawn from the 30 participants who took part in a business‐to‐business event in Leicester, a geographical location which acts as a microcosm of the apparel industry. Interviews were used to elicit narrative data about what was actually happening in these apparel supply chains.

Findings

The apparel supply chain has changed significantly due to recessionary ripples and structural changes. SMEs have had more success in managing the upstream rather than the downstream relationships and relationships between buyers and suppliers continue to be fractious. Innovation has occurred but is hampered by the relationships that persist. Culture has proved to be a key dimension.

Research limitations/implications

There is a lack of research on supply chains, especially, apparel supply chains that focus on reality rather than best practice. The relationships that are exerted in the supply chain and the cultural aspects that influence them have also lacked academic focus.

Originality/value

The paper adds empirical data to the paucity of theoretical work in the area by the construction of a model that articulates the key factors (relationships, innovation and culture) that operate within cluster supply chains. It also identifies the unequal relationships and how SMEs devise strategies to cope or not, to some extent dependent on their culture.
Discourse and institutional change in mass retail – the case of an institutional entrepreneur in France
Authors: Messeghem Karim , Fourquet-Courbet Marie-Pierre
Published: March 2013

Purpose

– Mass retail in France, as an organizational field, experienced an institutional change when the Dutreil Law was promulgated on August 2, 2005. This new text is the result of a long process through which different groups of opposing logics faced one another. Michel-Edouard Leclerc actively took part in the debate launched about the Galland Law reform. His institutional activism has contributed to this change and he can be qualified, on that account, as an institutional entrepreneur. Anchored in neo-institutional theory, this article contributes to understanding the part played by the institutional entrepreneur in the process of institutional change. Design/methodology/approach

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analyze Michel-Edouard Leclerc's discourse on his weblog to characterize the rhetorical strategies he adopts to legitimize change. The analysis is based on the works of the pragmatics of communication and on a detailed semantic analysis of reference fields (Tropes

Findings

– This contribution has enabled the author to stress the part of the institutional entrepreneur in the transformation of an organizational field. The rhetorical strategies implemented here contribute to modifying institutional logic. From a theoretical point of view, this contribution links the neo-institutional approach with entrepreneurship by proposing to define the institutional entrepreneur as an actor pursuing political opportunities.

Originality/value

– One important advantage of this work is that the authors have offered a methodological framework for studying the discourse of institutional entrepreneurs. The paper proposes empirical operationalization of rhetorical strategies. This contributes to improving the validity of the research because the identification of rhetorical strategies is no longer exclusively related to the researcher's subjective interpretation. The work also has practical implications for the actors: how can their discourse play a part in the institutionalization process?
Anchor‐store quality in malls: an economic analysis
Authors: Shanmugam Ravi
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to develop and empirically test a theoretical model of competition between anchor and non‐anchor stores in a shopping mall. In doing so, the goals are to extend the literature on retail co‐location to account for effects of anchor stores' quality levels, and to explain an observed pattern of choices of anchor‐store quality levels made by mall developers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a game‐theoretic approach to model the actions of mall developers, stores, and consumers in a competitive framework, then verifies the equilibrium predictions of this model using an empirical approach and a data set including all major malls in the US and Canada.

Findings

The key finding of both the analytical and empirical models is that there exists a positive and concave (i.e. reverse U‐shaped) relationship between anchor quality and mall size, i.e. that the highest‐quality malls are typically found in the middle range of mall sizes.

Research limitations/implications

This study introduces a relatively basic framework that could be expanded to incorporate a more flexible variety of contract types between mall developers and tenants, as well as additional sources of consumer utility associated with a single visit to a mall.

Practical implications

This study provides mall developers with a basis for understanding the impact of anchor quality on competition between stores in a mall.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in both the analytical and empirical literature on determinants of mall traffic and profit, specifically pertaining to how these variables are affected by anchor stores and their quality levels.
E‐tail emotion regulation: examining online hedonic product purchases
Authors: Bui My , Kemp Elyria
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This research examines how hedonic shopping experiences for online music impact emotion regulation processes and how feelings regarding previous online music purchases influence repeat purchase behaviour. The paper aims to introduce a model that explains and examines the meditating role of consumers' attitudes, emotion regulation and subjective norms in the shopping experience for online music.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation analysis based on AMOS 17.0 techniques, using the maximum likelihood estimation method, was used to assess the measurement and structural model. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to determine construct and discriminant validity before testing hypotheses of the structural model.

Findings

Results indicate that shopping for music online involves an emotional and hedonic component. Specifically, consumer attitudes, emotion regulation as well as subjective norms influence repeat purchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Emotion regulation in traditional retailing environments has been heavily studied, however, limited research exists to examine emotion regulation in the online retailing environment. With the proliferation of online retailing, this study makes important contributions to understanding online shopping behaviour for hedonic products.

Practical implications

Based on the findings of this research, online music retailers should consider developing applicable customer‐valued alternatives to positively influence the overall online shopping experience.

Originality/value

This paper models consumer emotion regulation beyond the traditional retailing environment and examines it in a virtual retailing environment. Results prove to be important as emotion regulation impacts consumer behaviour beyond previously known traditional settings.
Dimensions of employee privacy: an empirical study
Authors: Ball Kirstie , Daniel Elizabeth M. , Stride Chris
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The study goes beyond the more frequent interest in information privacy to identify other notions of privacy within the workplace. The purpose of this paper is to explore how these additional notions of privacy relate to key demographic and employment characteristics and how data protection training, often instigated as a means of highlighting and addressing issues relating to privacy of customers’ data, is related to employees’ notions of their own workplace privacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was undertaken in two telephone call centres since they offered a working environment where staff are highly monitored and hence there are likely to be issues relating to employee privacy. The study is exploratory in nature and adopts a mixed method approach based on a questionnaire survey that was followed by semi‐structured, qualitative face to face interviews.

Findings

The survey findings identified three distinct notions of privacy; the concern for personal information privacy (CfPIP), the concern for working environment privacy (CfWEP) and the concern for solitude privacy (CfSP). The findings were supported by the qualitative data provided by the interviews. CfWEP is found to be a gendered issue, with women showing a greater concern for the privacy of their working environment. Finally, the findings indicate that effective data protection training are associated with increased concern for their own privacy in the form of CfPIP, and that inclusion of data protection issues in performance reviews is associated their concern for CfWEP.

Originality/value

Previous studies of privacy in the workplace focus on the simplistic notion of information privacy. This study goes beyond such studies and provides empirically‐based evidence of multiple dimensions of privacy operant in a single, real‐world workplace setting. It also provides empirical insight to the previously unexplored issue of the association between data protection training employees’ notions of their own privacy.
Culture and the importance of usability attributes
Authors: Wallace Steve , Reid Adrian , Clinciu Daniel , Kang Jin‐Su
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This study into cultural usability aims to identify whether the importance of usability attributes varied between nationalities, and whether this variance was related to cultural dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 144 subjects from four countries were surveyed on the importance they placed on the usability attributes of cell phones. Results were compared by country, and relationships with cultural dimensions were investigated.

Findings

For each country, usability attributes were not rated equally. Across countries, no difference in the rating of effectiveness was found, while ratings of efficiency and satisfaction varied significantly. In addition, the study identified significant relationships between the importance given to efficiency and satisfaction and cultural dimensions identified by Hofstede and the World Values Survey, with values relating to task‐orientation influencing efficiency, and non‐task oriented values affecting the importance users place on satisfaction.

Practical implications

Product designers and usability practitioners need to consider these cultural differences when designing products and when evaluating, measuring, and making recommendations on product usability.

Originality/value

Previous studies in this area have shown the existence of differences in preference for usability attributes based on nationality. No studies known to the authors have connected this to cultural dimensions. Understanding of this connection supports usability practitioners in their work not just in specific countries but also in cultural regions. It also allows the more precise modeling by researchers of culture's interaction with usability.
Human aspects of information security
Authors: Komatsu Ayako , Takagi Daisuke , Takemura Toshihiko
Published: March 2013

Purpose

A significant amount of empirical research has been conducted on the socio‐economic (sociological, psychological, economic) aspects of information security, such as the phenomenon of individuals who are willing to take security measures, but often do not. There is a growing body of research relating to individual behaviour and decision making and the purpose of this paper is to analyze a survey on the behaviour of individuals who implement information security measures.

Design/methodology/approach

To promote effective information security measures, this paper refers to research on the psychology of persuasion from the field of social psychology. A survey was conducted into determinants for changing attitudes through persuasive messages, and the results were analysed. A questionnaire was used and the authors built a demonstrative experimental environment, which analysed in detail attitudinal changes in an individuals' behaviour.

Findings

The authors found differences in behaviour regarding the intent to implement measures discovered from the responses to the questionnaire as well as from actual conduct in the demonstrative experiment.

Originality/value

It is original to adopt a model defined by social psychology, especially Protection Motivation Theory and Elaborative Likelihood Model. The authors conducted both questionnaire survey and the psychological experiment.
Usable secure email communications: criteria and evaluation of existing approaches
Authors: Thiago Moecke Cristian , Volkamer Melanie
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Email communication has been used for many years, and has begun to replace traditional, physical correspondence more and more. Compared to a traditional postal service, email services are easier, faster, and free of charge. Standard email, however, is, from a security point of view, more comparable to post cards than letters. Some security techniques and services exist, but few people use them due to lack of awareness, low usability, and a lack of understanding of Public Key Infrastructures (PKIs). A comprehensive comparison is missing, which makes it difficult for users to decide which email service to use. The purpose of this paper is to identify evaluation criteria covering security, usability, and interoperability aspects of email, and to apply them to existing email services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first define criteria based on literature review, threat analysis and expert consultation. These criteria are then applied, when applicable, to existing approaches including DKIM, SPF, PGP, S/MIME and Opportunistic Encryption, and to common secure email providers including Gmail, Hushmail, and De‐Mail.

Findings

None of the existing analysed services meets all the derived criteria. Based on the result of the application of these criteria and the corresponding comparison, the authors propose future directions for usable secure email communication.

Originality/value

The criteria proposed are original and allow an evaluation and a comparison of different email systems that not only considers security aspects, but also the relation and trade‐offs between security, usability and interoperability. Moreover, the trust assumptions involved are also considered.
Impact of the optic fibre network and increased bandwidth on e‐resources access in Malawi
Authors: Mapulanga Patrick
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The paper seeks to explore the impact of a fibre optic network and increased bandwidth on access to electronic resources for libraries in Malawi.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a case study methodology. Online interviews were conducted with ICT Directors in colleges of the University of Malawi and Mzuzu University. The ICT Directors provided information on bandwidth levels and estimated costs for libraries using VSAT and fibre optics for internet connectivity. User statistics from INASP for the years 2006, 2011 and 2012 were the main sources of information.

Findings

Libraries in Malawi have been affected by the fibre optic network. The fibre optic network has increased bandwidth from a maximum of 1,024 in Kbps around 2006 to between 4 and 8 Mbps per month. Bandwidth costs have been reduced from an average of $US3,000/Mbps in 2006 to around US$1,700/Mbps per month in 2012. The number of articles downloaded has increased from 6,075 in 2006 to 50,860 in 2011, representing a 737 per cent increase. Half‐year statistics for 2012 reveal that the number of articles downloaded increased from 50,860 in 2011 to 81,633, representing a 60.5 per cent increase.

Practical implications

The paper has practical implications on the impact of a fibre optic network and improved bandwidth on access to e‐resources in libraries.

Originality/value

There is an information gap on the impact of fibre optic internet connectivity and improved bandwidth on access to e‐resources in libraries in Africa, and in Malawi to be specific. This research paper seeks to fill and bridge the gap.
Updates from the field: impressive library systems and a pivotal judicial ruling
Authors: Medeiros Norm
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe the impressive features of the new integrated library systems in development.

Design/methodology/approach

The article highlights this next wave of ILS development, and its alignment with library practices and workflows.

Findings

The article is optimistic about the nature of these technology developments.

Originality/value

The article provides an overview of these new systems. The article also updates readers on the status of the copyright infringement case pending against Georgia State University.
The role of entrepreneurship education and start‐up experience for handling communication and liability of newness
Authors: Ulvenblad Pia , Berggren Eva , Winborg Joakim
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to test the assumption that ability to handle communication and liability of newness (LoN) is enhanced by academic entrepreneurship education and/or previous start‐up experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection includes a questionnaire with a total sample of 392 responding entrepreneurs in Sweden. Statistical analyses are made between entrepreneurs with academic entrepreneurship education respectively previous start‐up experience.

Findings

The findings show that entrepreneurs with experience from entrepreneurship education report more developed communicative skills in the dimensions of openness as well as adaptation, whereas the dimension of other‐orientation is found to be learned by previous start‐up experience. When it comes to perceived problems related to LoN the differences between the groups were not as strong as assumed. However, the differences observed imply that also for handling LoN the authors identify a combined effect of possessing start‐up experience as well as experience from entrepreneurship education. Consequently, entrepreneurs with experience from both, show in total the most elaborated skills.

Practical implications

One way to improve future entrepreneurship educations is to make students more aware of the mutual profit in a business agreement and how to communicate this in a marketing situation. Another suggestion is to include starting business as a course work.

Originality/value

This study not only meets the call for actual outcome from entrepreneurship educations in terms of changed behaviour but also for interdisciplinary research in the entrepreneurship field in integrating leadership research with focus on communication.