bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribological study of a novel borate ester containing dialkylthiophosphate group as multifunctional additive
Authors: Wang Yonggang , Li Jiusheng , Ren Tianhui
Published: January 2009

Purpose

As multifunctional additives, ZDDP, which provides excellent oxidation resistance and superior antiwear properties, has been used widely in lubricants, however, it shows oppositional effect with friction modifiers when used together. In this paper, an attempt is made to find a novel kind of borate ester which can be used as potential substitute for ZDDP.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel borate ester containing dialkylthiophosphate group was prepared and characterized. Its tribological properties as an additive in synthetic ester were evaluated using a four‐ball tribometer and antioxidative ability tested by pressurized differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC). Thermal degradation tests were conducted to identify its thermal stabilities using thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The worn surface of the steel ball was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the antiwear mechanism of the additive was preliminarily discussed.

Findings

Results show the additive possesses outstanding loading‐carrying and friction‐reducing properties, compared with ZDDP, and can improve antiwear properties of the base oil dramatically. Moreover, it also has excellent antioxidation performance and thermal stability.

Originality/value

This paper provides a multifunctional ashless additive which possesses excellent tribological properties, and gives another selection for industrial applications in which ZDDP is needed.
Transferring Western HRM practices to developing countries
Authors: Baddar Al‐Husan Faten Z. , Brennan Ross , James Phil
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the nature of the human resource reforms introduced by a French multinational into a privatized Jordanian utility and the impact of these reforms on worker experiences, attitudes and behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a single‐company case study using longitudinal interview data (44 interviews over a period of two and a half years) and a staff survey (202 completed and usable replies).

Findings

Employees had experienced changes as a result of the HR reforms and these experiences were, at the aggregate level, associated with a number of positive attitudinal and behavioural outcomes. There were marked differences between different categories of staff in these respects, with more senior staff and those with higher educational qualifications being those most likely to report positive attitudinal and behavioural outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Studies of the transfer of Western management techniques to developing countries cannot treat the workforce as homogeneous. There are likely to be important differences between groups based on demographic criteria such as education, job category and length of service. However, this project used a single‐company case study and so is capable of only limited generalization.

Practical implications

The differences between employee groups in attitudes towards the HR reforms are best seen as the outcome of “deliberate intent” on the part of the French MNC rather than intra‐organisational variations in “cultural receptivity”. They indicate that, to some extent, MNCs can successfully pursue different human resource approaches in respect of different categories of staff. However, some employees felt that they were adversely affected by the reforms.

Originality/value

The paper contributes an in‐depth empirical study to the important but relatively under‐researched area of the transfer of management techniques by MNCs to companies in developing countries.
Work‐family conflict among female employees in Israeli hospitals
Authors: Cohen Aaron , Liani Efrat
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present studies on how the demands of work impact the family – the work‐family conflict (WFC) – and how the demands of family life impinge on the workplace –the family‐work conflict (FWC). The goal of this paper is to examine the antecedents of the WFC and the FWC in a different cultural setting–Israeli health care administration.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 168 female employees in two public hospitals in Israel.

Findings

The findings showed a strong relationship between work attitudes, particularly job satisfaction, and the two conflict variables. A higher level of job satisfaction was related to lower levels of WFC and FWC. The relationship of organizational support to the two conflict variables was weak and not in the expected direction.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a sample taken from one occupation, dominated by public employees.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that an effective way to reduce the WFC and the FWC is to create positive attitudes among employees regarding their job and work setting.

Originality/value

The paper examines common antecedents of WFC and FWC such as background and role variables, together with two antecedents rarely considered in the literature – organizational support for work‐related activities and organizational support for non‐work activities.
The impact of job performance on employee turnover intentions and the voluntary turnover process
Authors: Zimmerman Ryan D. , Darnold Todd C.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the strength of the relationship between job performance and intentions to quit (ITQ), identify moderators to this relationship, and calculate the direct and indirect effects that job performance has on ITQ and turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 65 studies (n=17,918) were meta‐analyzed to estimate the performance‐ITQ relationship. This overall sample was separated into subgroups for moderator analyses. Meta‐analytic path analysis was used to test the hypothesized model of turnover.

Findings

Supervisor ratings of performance had the strongest relationship with ITQ (ρ=−0.16), followed by self‐ratings (ρ=−0.14), and objective measures (ρ=−0.02). Employee nationality and job type also acted as moderators. Poor performers are more likely to quit even after controlling for job satisfaction and turnover intentions, indicating that they are more apt to engage in unplanned quitting. Good performers were slightly more likely to intend to quit after controlling for job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations on the number and type of studies available prevented a test of how performance level acts as a moderator to the job performance‐turnover relationship and may cause some of the moderator analyses to be unstable.

Practical implications

The findings provide for a better understanding of how employees' job performance affects their turnover decisions and how organizations can control turnover.

Originality/value

This is the first meta‐analysis to estimate the relationship between performance and ITQ and to test a meta‐analytic path model of the job performance‐job satisfaction‐ITQ‐turnover relationships.
User dynamics in a Dutch cafeteria system
Authors: van der Meer Peter , van Veen Kees
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the empirical literature on cafeteria systems within employment relations by analysing employees' decisions on whether or not to participate, which employees chose what options and how the factors vary over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a longitudinal case study involving 4,700 employees during a period of four years. The employees' choices are analysed by applying logistic regression.

Findings

The analyses show that use of this specific cafeteria system is not high, strongly in favour of one option and restricted to a subgroup of employees. Additionally, it is shown that the dynamics in use of the system is much more the result of changing participation decisions of individuals over the years and much less of changes in preferences of long‐term users.

Research limitations/implications

A case study restricts generalizations, although some comparisons with other organizations are presented. Further extension of systematic analysis to different sets of cafeteria systems in different contexts would be interesting.

Practical implications

The analysis is particularly useful for HR managers/policymakers in this area to assist them systematically in evaluating new policies related to cafeteria systems or to adapting existing ones.

Originality/value

The participation decision as well as the chosen options are analysed in terms of an extensive set of individual employee characteristics.
The recruitment value of work/life benefits
Authors: Foster Thompson Lori , Aspinwall Kimberly R.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This study sets out to investigate the influence of four work/life benefits on job choice and to examine individual differences that moderate the effects of work/life benefits during recruitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants (n=125) completed an internet self‐efficacy survey measuring their sense of competence in being able to use the internet effectively. They also filled out a demographic questionnaire and a policy‐capturing survey which asked them to read numerous job descriptions and rate how likely it was that they would accept each job. The levels of four benefits (childcare, telecommuting, eldercare, flextime benefits) varied across job advertisements. Analyses examined the degree to which these four independent variables affected the willingness to accept a job offer.

Findings

Childcare benefits influenced the job choices of 58 per cent of the sample. This exceeded the influence of flextime (33 per cent), telecommuting (26 per cent), and eldercare benefits (33 per cent). Childcare attracted women more than men. Internet self‐efficacy predicted the attractiveness of telecommuting.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to consider the degree to which these findings generalize to non‐US job seekers, as well as applicants in more naturalistic settings.

Practical implications

Knowledge of influential work/life benefits (e.g. childcare) can enhance recruitment efforts in a competitive marketplace. Data on variables that moderate the attractiveness of work/life policies will enable organizations to further tailor their benefits to the types of applicants they seek.

Originality/value

In practice, work/life benefits are commonly offered in the hope of recruiting new employees. Yet, little is known about which benefits best attract new graduates. Moreover, research has only begun to examine individual differences that moderate the effect of work/life policies on recruitment outcomes. The present study addresses these gaps in the literature.
Organizational culture and performance: a Brazilian case
Authors: Victoria Garibaldi de Hilal Adriana , Wetzel Ursula , Ferreira Vicente
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this research project is to focus on the acquisition of a Brazilian state owned energy distribution company by a Spanish conglomerate during the privatization process. It aims to verify if the performance indicators implemented by the acquiring company during the post‐acquisition phase were compatible with the organizational culture (OC) dimensions identified by Hofstede et al. It tries to identify if the values and practices fostered by the company transformation plan (such as democratic management, results orientation and focus on people) were in agreement with the organizational identified culture dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this study is based on a research design that combined quantitative research with a qualitative exploratory procedure.

Findings

Research results indicate the existence of substantial OC differences, as perceived by managers and by the bulk of employees, as shown by the existence of two OC clusters. Moreover, results also suggest the need of improving the coherence between performance indicators and the OC dimensions.

Originality/value

Emerging markets are the growth engines of the world economy. There is increasing evidence that cultural incompatibility is the single largest cause of lack of projected performance, departure of key executives and time‐consuming conflicts in the consolidation of business.
Effect of product category on promotional choice: comparative study of discounts and freebies
Authors: Banerjee Subhojit
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Marketers have been using discounts and freebies for sales promotion strategy for a long time, yet a dilemma concerning better promotion remains. The paper tries to address this issue through empirical research by classifying sales promotion based on their utility and relatedness to the product to which they are bundled.

Design/methodology/approach

Two hypotheses were drawn: there is a distinctive preference of sales promotional offering, when it is bundled with a product, and the preference of promotion varies with the product category it is bundled with; discounts by retailers are preferred over advertised discounts, but they negatively affect the credibility of the product The hypotheses were tested by a double‐staged experimental protocol. The first stage standardized the perceived price of the freebies, and the second stage consisted of a 2 × 2 × 2 mixed model experiment. The first hypothesis was tested with Friedman's Test and Wilk's λ, and the second hypothesis was subjected to t‐test and factor analysis on a four‐item scale.

Findings

Promotion type influences the rate of increase in market demand and is product category dependent. Promotional offerings which can be readily converted into monetary terms are more preferred to freebies but in the long‐run, they can affect the overall value of the product. Retailer discount is preferred over advertised discount but has a negative perception. Hedonic freebies are least preferred; but have a higher perceived value.

Research limitations/implications

The study deals with the promotional choice of consumer durables and consumables. It is applicability to other product categories needs confirmation.

Practical implications

The findings can be useful for marketers in designing promotional strategies, especially in the consumer retail segment, new product marketing and brand extension situations.

Originality/value

The paper will help marketers design better and appropriate promotion vis‐à‐vis a product and its target consumers.
The development of mutual fund market in Russia
Authors: Lukashin Yurij , Lukashin Ivan
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe development of Russian mutual fund (MF) market, to suggest and apply methodology of statistical analysis of management quality, to evaluate profitability and risks of the market. Design/methodology/approach – Statistical research applies: descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis, cluster analysis, ratings, transition probability, optimal portfolio theory.

Findings

Russian mutual market is growing both in number and in aggregate value of net assets. Profitability and risks of the market are high.

Research limitations/implications

Statistical research was fulfilled on the data for 2004‐2006.

Practical implications

The results of the investigation are useful for investors and for managers of the funds.

Originality/value

The paper represents an attempt of statistical investigation of Russian MF market, its profitability and risks, classification and rating of MFs and analysis of rating stability.
Post‐merger corporate performance: an Indian perspective
Authors: Kumar Raj
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the post‐merger operating performance of acquiring companies involved in merger activities during the period 1999‐2002 in India. It attempts to identify synergies, if any, resulting from mergers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the operating performance approach, which compares the pre‐merger and post‐merger performance of companies using accounting data to examine merger related gains to the acquiring firms.

Findings

It is found that the post‐merger profitability, assets turnover and solvency of the acquiring companies, on average, show no improvement when compared with pre‐merger values. So it seems that, contrary to common beliefs and expectations, mergers usually do not lead to improve the acquirer's financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies may develop some alternate measures of merger‐related gains as financial measures have limitations to capture the full impact of merger on corporate performance. Moreover, a study providing detail insights into the reasons and patterns of post‐merger corporate performance across the types of mergers and industry would be useful.

Practical implications

The results show that mergers are not aimed at maximizing wealth of owners. This result suggests the need for managers to better focus on post‐merger integration issues in order to create merger‐induced synergies, rather than simply acquiring bigger size and achieve hidden objectives.

Originality/value

The value of this research is its extension of the mergers and acquisitions performance research, which has been conducted on mostly American and European firms, to Indian firms.
Internationalisation of Essel Propack Ltd (EPL)
Authors: Pillania Rajesh K.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the internationalisation of an Indian company. It examines how a company from an emerging market becomes a leading player in the global packaging (tube) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study approach for studying the process of internationalisation in one particular firm.

Findings

The case study shows how a company based in an emerging market converts tubing industry into an innovative and high‐tech industry and becomes a leading palyer. The company has followed the traditional stages process of internationalisation and accumulated learnings in the process.

Practical implications

The traditional stages model of internationalisation and focus on accumulating learnings in the process and using them has helped the firm and other firms and managers can learn from this case. For academicians, it further support the famous stages approach of internationalisation process.

Originality/value

Increasing number of companies from emerging markets are now turning to international markets and in the process turning into multinationals. These firms are giving tough competition to established multinational companies from developed countries. Most of the research and case studies focus on big firms like Lenevo etc but there are increasing number of firms like Essel Propack which are also a big success in international markets.
Does good corporate governance matter? Best practice in Poland
Authors: Aluchna Maria
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between compliance with corporate governance best practice and corporate performance within Poland.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on the regression of corporate governance compliance rating and corporate performance on a sample of Polish public listed companies for years 2004‐2006.

Findings

The research indicates that complying with corporate governance best practice in Poland is associated with lower return on investment (the whole sample). However, the tendency changes into negative but statistically insignificant for the second and third years, and positive but statistically insignificant when only rated companies are included in the research sample. The relationship between proxy of Tobin's q and corporate governance rating remains statistically insignificant and is negative for the whole sample and positive for first and third year as well as for rating companies.

Research limitations/ implications

The next step of research should include other performance variables (e.g. operating performance) methodological approaches into the analysis (e.g. event study) to test the relation.

Practical implications

Compliance with best practice of corporate governance, particularly in a transition country, may incur substantial costs, particularly during the first years of implementing new standards. Additionally, the main area for corporate performance improvement may be, for these countries, rooted in other aspects such as management or marketing, and not corporate governance.

Originality/value

The paper indicates that implementing corporate governance standards is a complex process in terms of costs, investor activism and companies awareness. Its importance increases along with the development of institutional regime as well as market participants’ skills and experience.
Reality revisited: leading people in chaotic change
Authors: Karp Tom , Tveteraas Helgø Thomas I.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a way for leaders to lead chaotic change. By chaotic change it is meant changes in an organization when the external and internal complexity and uncertainty are high.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a conceptual discussion.

Findings

The paper contributes to concepts of change management in organisations faced with increased complexity in internal and external environment. The study challenges mainstream change management concepts and its chance of success when faced with increased complexity. The authors make suggestions on how to lead chaotic change by influencing the patterns of human interaction. It is recommended to focus change management on people, identity and relationships by changing the way people talk in the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

The authors contend that change management effectiveness is low because leaders underestimates the complexity of change, focusing on tools, strategy and structures instead of paying attention to how human beings change by forming identities through relating.

Practical implications

Successful change management practices must take better account of unpredictability, uncertainty, self‐governance, emergence and other premises describing chaotic circumstances. For a leader this necessitates paying attention to how people form identities in organisations, avoids design oriented command‐and‐control managerial interventions, as well as keeping at bay the anxiety caused by not being in managerial control.

Originality/value

The principal contribution is a conceptual discussion on how to lead people in change by influencing the development and direction of change by changing the on‐going communication in organisations. Theoretical and managerial ideas and insights into change management are provided for organisations faced with increased complexity.
Social entrepreneurship in a transitional economy
Authors: Poon Patrick S. , Zhou Lianxi , Chan Tsang‐Sing
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the institutional and social determinants, and consequences of social entrepreneurship with respect to China's rural enterprises. It also attempts to provide a conceptual framework concerning how rural Chinese enterprises act as social entrepreneurial institutions and contribute to both business development and social welfare of local communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework is developed through a critical review of literature and an integration of multiple disciplinary studies, with a focus on the perspectives of institutional governance, managerial networks, and market orientation.

Findings

The study identifies three framework layers for the development of China's rural enterprises, which are fundamentally driven by market preserving authoritarianism, local state corporatism, community culture, social entrepreneurship and market orientation.

Practical implications

The proposed framework can help contribute to the theoretical development of strategic issues of social entrepreneurship in transitional economies. It may also provide insights about local state governance, ownership structures and market competition in China.

Originality/value

As China's rural enterprises are widely regarded as a phenomenon related to the core nature of a “socialist market economy”, an ideology embraced since the beginning of Chinese social‐economic reforms, a study of institutional and entrepreneurial nature of this kind serves as a stepping stone for understanding the emerging phenomenon of the country's social entrepreneurship, which is characterized by open market mechanisms and socialist legacies.
Balancing work and personal life: the leader as acrobat
Authors: Muna Farid A. , Mansour Ned
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to exhort leaders, organizations, and HR professionals to introduce changes in the work structure and environment, as well to pioneer new policies and practices, which allow employees to bring more balance into their lives.

Design/methodology/approach

The long‐term benefits of balanced work‐life are outlined from the research literature as well as the experience of selected business leaders. This is followed by a series of practical exercises designed to help readers achieve work‐life balance.

Findings

Using the metaphor of an acrobat, this paper provides compelling reasons and proven methodology for leaders and HR professionals to engage more seriously with the topic of work‐life balance. How to effectively balance work with personal life is demonstrated through a series of personalized exercises which urge readers to examine their past, present, and future; and then set and implement short‐ and long‐term action plans to reach goals that are linked to their personal values and priorities. The final exercise allows readers to track and measure progress using a Balanced Scorecard.

Research implications

This paper highlights the need for a longitudinal research to determine how leaders manage to balance their work and life, and what variables lead to either success or failure.

Practical implications

HR professionals must become creative when designing work systems/programs catering for those who prefer more flexibility through supportive organizational cultures and work/job structures.

Originality/value

This paper links the theory of work‐life balance to implementation of changes in lifestyle through practical individual exercises. It is valuable to both leaders and HR professionals.
Emotional intelligence development: leveraging individual characteristics
Authors: Pat McEnrue Mary , Groves Kevin S. , Shen Winny
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the separate and combined effects of three individual characteristics on training gains achieved in a leadership development program designed to enhance participants' emotional intelligence (EI). The overall purpose was to test heretofore untested propositions advanced by various theorists concerning the impact of openness to experience (OE), self‐efficacy (SE), and receptivity to feedback (RF) on training outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study utilized a sample of 135 fully‐employed business students in a treatment/control group research design.

Findings

The findings suggest that leadership development professionals will likely derive differential EI training gains depending upon participants' status across several variables. Receptivity to feedback was directly associated with EI training gains while the SE‐RF and SE‐OE interactions were predictors of EI training gains.

Practical implications

The results hold implications for organizations that seek to enhance the EI of leaders both effectively and efficiently. The application of these findings to a range of leadership development practices and to training efforts that focus on other competencies are discussed.

Research implications

The paper connects EI to one of the major challenges facing leaders and leadership development professionals in the future: managing change and offers recommendations regarding research on other factors that are likely to optimize results achieved through efforts to develop the EI of leaders.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate the impact of these three individual characteristics on training gains achieved. The paper's findings suggest that some individuals are better candidates for EI training and presents a method to identify them.
Service‐oriented concepts: bridging between managers and technologists
Authors: Gulledge Thomas , Deller Greg
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a common understanding of service‐oriented concepts to enable unambiguous discussion around service‐oriented architecture (SOA). Managers often have limited understanding of SOA, and for some reason, technologists seem to have difficulty explaining the concept using terminology and analogies that managers can understand. This paper addresses the long‐standing communications gap between managers and technologists as they attempt to evaluate how SOA or SOA‐related investments can add business value.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach for this paper is to state the problem between managers and technologists and then provide concepts to break down the communication barrier. The paper then goes on to provide an argument for an optimal approach for SOA implementation and investment that meets management requirements.

Findings

Unless SOA can be aligned to business processes, it will be viewed as a risky proposition that adds to cost without directly addressing business needs.

Practical implications

Managers need to understand the differing SOA points‐of‐view and what they mean for business performance. If one has difficulty in implementing ERP, then one will have more difficulty in implementing SOA. It is the responsibility of management to understand how these SOA‐related concepts impact the business, if for no other reason than that they are costly and risky. Of course, the concepts vary in cost and complexity, but they all vary in benefit potential to the business.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper can be noted by the fact that confusion around SOA approaches between managers and technologists still exists. This paper seeks to eliminate that widespread confusion by presenting service‐oriented concepts in an unbiased, holistic view.
Supply chain strategy in a global paper manufacturing company: a case study
Authors: Koskinen Pekka
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between corporate and supply chain strategy, as well as its implementation in a multinational paper producing company. Traditionally paper producing companies have had a strong interest in developing a physical infrastructure for their customer deliveries. However, supply chain thinking is still an unstructured issue in the case company.

Design/methodology/approach

This research work is mainly based on the case company's strategy material and interviews with senior management, is mainly qualitative and is based on a constructive research approach aimed at trying to find a workable and forward looking solution based on the three strategies.

Findings

The core findings concern the individual business division strategies, which jointly comprise the corporate strategy. Some of the business divisions do have a certain amount of supply chain management aims in their strategies. Furthermore, there is no real corporate supply chain strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted at a company with strong presence in Northern Europe, which limits its applicability. Thus, the research results mainly reflect a Northern European business environment and cannot be generalized on a global level.

Practical implications

The conclusions of the research work include a recommendation for a new management model for the corporate supply chain strategy, which is based on cooperation between the business divisions and logistics organization.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is based on the practical analysis of the case company's business divisions' strategies and interactivity between the logistics organization and the implementation of its strategy.
Supply chain planning for water distribution in Central Asia
Authors: Ahmed Shamsuddin
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The role of business logistics for a water distribution company in Central Asia has become a major concern. As the marketing environment is getting more and more competitive, the company is forced to focus on the efficiency of its supply chain management operations both by improving customer service, increasing its profitability and productivity. The purpose of this paper is to report upon the designing of a responsive supply chain for water distribution in Central Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

A logistic plan to satisfy customer requirement for water distribution in a Central Asian city subject to satisfactory service levels both in the number of distribution centers (DCs) and truck delivery schedule is outlined in this paper. The logistics plan includes repositioning the DCs in relation to the customer location for efficient distribution. The problem is formulated as truck delivery schedule using a new algorithm where single distribution centre is converted into a multiple warehouse location problem. The problem is solved using WINQSB software. Further, the current DCs are appraised with the software and suggested possible new locations for convenience.

Findings

The application part of this case study consists of identifying water DCs in city limits. By developing improved distribution and logistics management, the study aims at economical operations, convenient zonal distributions, and responsive SCM characteristics. To this end, a spatial distribution plan and route sequencing solution is developed for water distribution.

Originality/value

The paper shows how to improve logistic network that results in cost savings, convenient zonal distributions, and responsive SCM operations. To this end, a spatial distribution plan and route sequencing is developed for water distribution.
Interactions between contingency, organizational IT factors, and ERP success
Authors: Ifinedo Princely , Nahar Nazmun
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of some organizational information technology (IT) factors (i.e. IT assets, employees' IT skills, IT resources, and satisfaction with legacy IT systems) and their interacting effects with two contingency factors (i.e. organization's size and structure) on enterprise resource planning (ERP) system success.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were conducted in two European countries. Respondents came from diverse, private, and industrial organizations. Relevant hypotheses were developed and tested using a structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The analysis supported – partially or fully – six of the eight hypotheses formulated. For example, the data indicated strong positive relationships between IT assets and IT resources, on the one hand, and ERP success, on the other. Organization's size and structure were also found to be moderators in some of the relationships. Also, the analysis revealed that satisfaction with legacy IT systems increased with ERP success, which was an unexpected finding.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature, being among the few to investigate the effects of organizational IT factors and their interacting effects with relevant contingency factors in the context of ERP system success. Methodologically, the study utilized a “non‐deterministic” model to facilitate deeper insights into the effects of variables.
A data structure for supply chain management systems
Authors: Ardalan Ali , Ardalan Roya
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Efficient operation of supply chain management (SCM) software is highly dependent on performance of its data structures that are used for data storage and retrieval. Each module in the software should use data structures that are appropriate for the types of operations performed in that module. The purpose of this paper is to develop and introduce an efficient data structure for storage and retrieval of data related to capacity of resources.

Design/methodology/approach

A major aim of supply management systems is timely production and delivery of products. This paper reviews data structures and designs an efficient data structure for storage and retrieval of data that is used in the scheduling module of SCM software.

Findings

This paper introduces a new data structure and search and update algorithms. This data structure can be used in SCM software to record the availability of non‐storable resources.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that discusses the role of data structures in SCM software and develops a data structure that can be used in the scheduling routine of SCM systems. Scheduling is one of the complex modules of SCM software. Some of the special characteristics related to capacity of resources to develop a data structure that can be efficiently searched and updated as part of scheduling routines were used in the new data structure. This data structure is a modified version of threaded height‐balanced binary search tree. Each node in the proposed tree has one more key than a node in the ordinary threaded height‐balanced binary search tree. The available algorithms in the literature on search and update operations on height‐balanced binary search trees are modified to suit the proposed tree.
The Gin Drinker's Line
Authors: Lai Lawrence W.C. , Davies Stephen N.G. , Tan Y.K. , Yung P.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an initial determination of the date of construction, locations and a typology of design of the pill‐boxes of the Gin Drinker's Line constructed by the colonial Hong Kong Government.

Design/methodology/approach

Post‐war aerial photos taken by the Royal Air Force and R.C. Huntings were examined and site visits made to locate and measure the pill‐boxes. Relevant archive materials were consulted to help interpret findings.

Findings

A total of 76 pill‐boxes, most in ruins due to post‐war destruction for obtaining their steel bars, were mapped on a 1:25,000 scale to give a good idea of the nature of the Gin Drinker's Line. The study finds that, of these, 50 have survived. The pill‐boxes predated those built in the UK to anticipate of German landing.

Research limitations/implications

The paper demonstrates how aerial photos can be used for historical research and conservation planning. Though the locations of the pill‐boxes identified are subject to detailed site surveying, the basic pattern of pill‐box distribution has been identified.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to map the Gin Drinker's Line and classify its pill‐boxes. The findings are useful references for the actual conservation of colonial heritage in Hong Kong as part of China, as well as for further inquiry into the military history of the Second World War.
Will residential aged care facilities meet long‐term demand?
Authors: Csesko Monika , Reed Richard
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an invaluable insight into long‐term forecasting of demand for aged care facilities. This will ensure the provision of adequate supply by government bodies, stakeholders and developers in order to meet the anticipated level of demand, without creating an over‐supply or an under‐supply scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an innovative approach, different data sources were collectively used to forecast separate individual supply and demand levels, which were then examined together in order to measure the difference between the two variables between 2009‐2020. A case study approach was used for Victoria, Australia.

Findings

The paper finds that, although there is excess supply between 2009‐2010 and 2019‐2020, the period between 2010 and 2019 will experience an under‐supply period which cannot be easily rectified over the short term.

Research limitations/implications

The case study was limited to residential care facilities in Victoria, Australia, although some countries have substantially different age profiles and accommodation supply for older residents. Forecasts are based on information sources from various data suppliers and collectively analysed.

Practical implications

The results are also of direct interest to place managers and planning authorities who are charged with providing medium‐ and long‐term visions and plans for specific locations. This type of research is essential when planning for the eventual aging of the population, where the methodology can be replicated in different areas. Most importantly, this research approach provides a solid basis for decisions regarding the supply of residential aged care facilities as opposed to a simple estimate.

Originality/value

The study adopted a unique approach to analysing the individual supply and demand components for aged care facilities over the long term. This approach is able to accurately determine when there will be an under‐supply or over‐supply situation and thus provide the opportunity to address the difference before it occurs. This will allow informed decisions about planning aged care facilities in the future to be made as required.
Large emerging markets (LEMs) and international strategy
Authors: Enderwick Peter
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the rise of large emerging markets (LEMs) has affected the business strategies of multinational enterprises. The growing importance of emerging markets has encouraged considerable research on strategy development when entering such markets. However, little attention has been paid to the question of how the rise of international businesses from LEMs will impact on strategy more generally, and in particular how established multinationals might be expected to react.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper evaluates international strategy impacts of the rise of LEMs from the perspective of alternative market entry motives – for market access, for lower costs and learning opportunities. It discusses both strategic opportunities and likely impacts on strategy and structure.

Findings

The discussion suggests that the rise of LEMs has stimulated the internationalisation of international business and has increased specialisation within the world economy. A number of Asian “dragon multinationals” are using emerging markets to advance their global competitiveness.

Originality/value

This paper offers a more balanced perspective on the impact of the rise of emerging markets on international strategy. Analysis highlights a range of strategic benefits resulting from engagement with LEMs. The discussion is illustrated with numerous examples.
Patterns of price endings used in US and Japanese price advertising
Authors: Schindler Robert M.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to guide managers' choices of rightmost digits in retail prices by acquiring a better understanding of the psychological mechanisms by which price endings can influence sales.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper observes and compares the price endings used in large matched samples of advertised prices in two countries with considerable cultural differences, the USA and Japan.

Findings

Although the digit 9 predominates among the rightmost digits of advertised prices in the USA the digit 8 predominates in Japan. In contrast to this difference, the US and Japanese prices are similar in that both show greater use of 9 or 8 endings when this choice lowers the price's leftmost digit and when the advertised price is claimed to be a discount price.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should include a wider range of price advertising media and should examine usage patterns of less frequently occurring digits.

Practical implications

Setting a price that falls just below a round number can be helpful in creating a low‐price image. Setting this just‐below price with a 9‐ending would be appropriate in the USA and European countries, but in Japan and other Asian countries, it would be more appropriate to set this just‐below price with an 8‐ending.

Originality/value

These results provide guidance to the retail price setter and illustrate to the basic researcher how universal psychological processes and specific cultural meanings can interact to determine consumer perceptions of marketing stimuli.
The recognition of first time international entrepreneurial opportunities
Authors: Chandra Yanto , Styles Chris , Wilkinson Ian
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to complement existing theories of internationalization by studying an important aspect which has been neglected in previous studies: the process of international entrepreneurial opportunity recognition. International market entry is conceptualized as an entrepreneurial, innovative act; and opportunity recognition consists of both discovery as well as deliberate and systematic search.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed involves eight case studies of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in knowledge‐based industries in Australia. The unit of analysis is the “opportunity‐firm” nexus.

Findings

The paper finds that firms with little or no prior international knowledge tend to make use of opportunity discovery rather than deliberate/systematic search. In contrast, firms with extensive prior international experience and knowledge were found to deliberately search and discover their first international opportunity. International opportunity discovery did not occur simply through serendipitous encounters with new information from networks or referrals but involved interpreting possible matches between pre‐existing means (resources, skills, new technologies) and new ends (international markets) in a problem solving process. It favours those with the requisite prior knowledge and entrepreneurial orientation.

Practical implications

The paper offers guidelines on what business practitioners and export promotion agencies can and cannot do to influence opportunity recognition process. Particular attention was paid to strategies to avoid costly deliberate search among resource‐stricken SMEs.

Originality/value

This study introduces Knightian uncertainty and Kirznerian discovery as the conceptual cornerstones of internationalization that can help account for the lack of incrementalism and optimizing logic in internationalization among smaller firms.