bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can mentoring assist in the school‐to‐work transition?
Authors: Lang Martin
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Due to recent bottlenecks in the apprenticeship market the transition from general schooling into the German employment system has become more and more problematic for many pupils over the past years. In particular, young persons with migrant backgrounds, low academic achievement or missing school graduations need special help from “Managing transition” projects. The purpose of this paper is to present some findings from a formative evaluation of a mentoring project.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation of the mentoring programme was done in a case study manner. A formative evaluation design with a three‐part survey was chosen. The survey also used standardised questionnaires as oral interviews.

Findings

In the survey, it could be found that the mentoring programme had many problems to overcome. For example, it did not succeed in building a continuous and trustworthy communication between mentors and pupils. Moreover, the pupils were unsuccessful in getting an apprenticeship training position despite overcoming lethargy in order to start applying. Furthermore, the mentors felt insufficiently prepared with regards to content and methodological design of the mentoring.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the small sample (six students and eight mentors), it was quite clear that the evaluation study could not generate a representative analysis. The research should be regarded as an explorative case study only.

Practical implications

As a result of the formative evaluation, some recommendations are given that should optimise the continuation and extension of the mentoring programme.

Originality/value

The findings of this mentoring programme are useful for people planning to start similar projects because practical problems and possible solutions are mentioned.
Early school‐leavers' microtransitions: towards a competent self
Authors: Bonica Laura , Sappa Viviana
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to discuss conditions in support of a Competent Self in the broader process of the school‐work transition, particularly regarding early school‐leavers.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 233 early school‐leavers were followed in innovative and successful vocational training courses. Using a “quali‐quantitative” research model, longitudinal and multilevel, the comparison between contexts (previous/current school attended) and experiences (school failure/success) was adopted as the basic unit of analysis and considerable attention was given to the personal reflexivity stimulated by the transition undertaken.

Findings

The successful vocational training experience allowed the students to demonstrate commitment, competence and mastery motivation supported by the perception they were part of a project that was credible, shared and focused on a mutual investment in learning a job. The commitment and availability of the teachers and the testing of the “learning by doing” were the aspects that most strongly supported the construction of a Competent Self, in contrast with what the students perceived in the schools they had left.

Research implications

The findings support the relevance of studying school‐failure by valorising the perceived quality of the school experience especially in relation to the teaching‐learning models adopted.

Practical implications

Emphasis was placed on the conditions that could contribute to coping with the school failure phenomenon (especially regarding vocational school paths).

Originality/value

The theoretical‐methodological measures adopted contributed to overcoming some ambiguities that characterised the research on school failure, questioning the supposed weakness of the early school‐leavers and highlighting school factors that contributed to students' engagement/disengagement, making the “school” (not only the students) “protective” or “at risk”.
Vocational education and training (VET) and young people
Authors: Polesel John
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to consider the role played by vocational education and training (VET) for young people in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an analysis and synthesis of the existing research and literature, including the author's own body of research in the field, regarding VET delivered in schools and in adult sector institutions.

Findings

This research presents evidence that VET in Schools (VETiS) constitutes an important and significant curriculum reform in upper secondary schooling, but that it is usually offered at the most basic qualification levels within the subject model paradigm of senior secondary certificates. Its heavy use by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds raises concerns regarding social selection and it suffers from problems of low esteem and variable quality, with its place often questioned within the traditional academic culture of secondary schooling. With respect to adult VET providers, the article argues that the role of TAFE across Australia for 15‐19 year‐olds is relatively limited, with questions raised regarding the quality of programs for younger clients, and that low SES students are more likely to enter post‐school VET destinations.

Practical implications

This article argues that an integrated approach to VET provision, both during and after school, is needed to create quality pathways for students of all backgrounds.

Originality/value

The article presents an integrated view of the role played by VET across different sectors for young people. It is designed to be of value to policy makers and practitioners seeking coordinated policy responses designed to offer curriculum, diversity, and strong pathways into further education and quality full‐time employment.
Using CBR to develop a VR‐based integrated system for machining fixture design
Authors: Gaoliang Peng , Guangfeng Chen , Xinhua Liu
Published: July 2010

Purpose

A fixture is a special tool used to accurately and stably locate the workpiece during machining process. Proper fixture design improves the quality and production of parts and also facilitates the interchangeability of parts, which is prevalent in much of modern manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to combine the rule‐based reasoning (RBR) and case‐based reasoning (CBR) method for machining fixture design in a virtual reality (VR) based integrated system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an approach combining the RBR and fuzzy comprehensive judgment method is proposed for reasoning suitable locating features and clamping features. Based on the reasoning results, a CBR method for machining fixture design is then presented.

Findings

The paper finds that the proposed system is an efficient tool for machining fixture design.

Practical implications

The proposed system enables the designers to perform fixture design with automated fixture locating method reasoning and make a new fixturing solution quickly by referencing previous design cases.

Originality/value

A VR application for machining fixture design is presented.
Capturing, structuring and maintaining knowledge: a social software approach
Authors: Jackson Paul
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Knowledge capture from experts is important when that knowledge is of value, scarce, and threatened by loss, as is the case with the expected departure of “baby boomers” from the workforce. This paper seeks to provide a theoretically grounded, practical methodology for initial knowledge capture and ongoing maintenance of this knowledge using “Web 2.0” technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used a participatory action research project in which a methodology was developed for the capture of knowledge from experts in an organization experiencing both knowledge loss and rapid growth. The methodology used simple, affordable technologies such as digital cameras and digital editors, Wikis with a “semantic web” and social tagging.

Findings

The paper was able to integrate an initial knowledge capture into an ongoing cycle of knowledge organizing, sharing and maintenance. It was found that, whilst it is an economical and appropriate solution to problems of knowledge loss and knowledge sharing, sustainability of the information capture and its validation and ongoing maintenance by others require explicit management attention.

Research limitations/implications

This methodology provides a process model for investigating the conversion of tacit to explicit knowledge and the effectiveness of knowledge capture methods for inter‐generational knowledge in particular, but knowledge capture from experts in general.

Practical implications

The knowledge capture methodology derived in this project can be used by managers and practitioners to address knowledge loss and under‐utilization.

Originality/value

The methodology is original and based on a process model of tacit‐explicit knowledge conversion. It uses cheap accessible tools, integrates an initial capture into an ongoing lifecycle, and uses modern, lightweight Web 2.0 tools and concepts.
Nation branding and integrated marketing communications: an ASEAN perspective
Authors: Dinnie Keith , Melewar T.C. , Seidenfuss Kai‐Uwe , Musa Ghazali
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the extent to which the nation branding activities of export promotion organisations (EPOs), investment agencies (IAs), national tourism organisations (NTOs) and embassies follow the principle of coordination that characterises an integrated marketing communications approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative exploratory approach was taken, comprising face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews with key informants from five Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) involved in the implementation of nation branding communications in terms of export promotion, tourism, investment attraction and public diplomacy.

Findings

Seven key dimensions of interorganisational coordination in a nation branding context emerge from our results. These dimensions include sector, organisation domicile, mode, strategy formulation, nature, frequency and target audience.

Research limitations/implications

The relatively small dataset as well as the restricted geographic scope of the study limits the generalisability of the findings; further research is required to ascertain whether the findings of this study also apply in other settings.

Practical implications

Enhanced coordination needs to occur not only between the different governmental organisations engaged in nation branding strategy, but also between those organisations and their respective private sector stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper extends previous work on the need for countries to adopt a coordinated approach to their nation branding activities. The paper is original in its examination of actors’ perceptions of the optimal degree of coordination that should occur between a country's EPO, IA, NTO and embassies. The paper is also original in its reporting of findings from a region (ASEAN) that is under‐researched relative to other areas, such as Europe and North America.
Parameters identification for ship motion model based on particle swarm optimization
Authors: Chen Yongbing , Song Yexin , Chen Mianyun
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the Nomoto ship model parameters accurately, in order to produce a very close match between the predictions based on the model and the full‐scale trials.

Design/methodology/approach

Various ship maneuvering mathematical models have been used when describing the ship dynamics behavior. The Nomoto ship model is a class of simplified hydrodynamic derivative type models which are the most widely used, accepted and perhaps well developed. To determine the model parameters accurately, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is chosen as an evolution algorithm in this paper. This arithmetic can guarantee the convergence and global optimization ability, and avoid sinking into a local optimal solution.

Findings

The process of PSO for identifying the Nomoto ship model parameters is given.

Research limitations/implications

Availability of the full‐scale trial data are the main limitations.

Practical implications

The ship model parameters provide very useful advice in ship's autopilot process.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new parameter identification method for the second‐order Nomoto ship model based on PSO.
Advanced process control applied to distributed control systems
Authors: Hu Hongpu , Xu Yanli , Liang Wannian , Lin Yi , Liu Min , Liu Liqun , Hu Pengfei , Peng XiaoXia , Peng Yingchun
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore concrete design methodology which can improve production technology.

Design/methodology/approach

An application of advanced process control (APC) on distributed control systems (DCS) was designed by defining the project target, scope, and control strategy. Calculation is based on heat and mass conservation, such as RPID=FC 203×900×(DC 241 PV‐400)×1.06/500 DC 241 PV; CATRATE=LEVELRATE×0.22×3.14/4. The quality controller writes the control target on the density controller, which writes the initial value or output value onto the DCS.

Findings

The technique has dramatically increased the control quality of the DCS system: production capacity of the equipment has been improved and the aim of fecundity with little input is realized. The transit time of the product name is shortened and the excess stock is reduced.

Originality/value

The paper is aimed at operational researches and engineers.
Designing a GIS‐based regional competitiveness evaluating system
Authors: Ling Bo , Chen Zhigang , Lu Yongcheng
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a GIS‐based regional competitiveness evaluating software system. With a regional competitiveness evaluating software system, researchers can compare their studies with each other, so that more generally accepted concepts, models, and evaluating methodologies can be obtained. Furthermore, such a system can facilitate researchers to conduct studies more efficiently and effectively, so that a deep insight into regional competitiveness can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the system theory, a thorough investigation into the nature of a region and its competitiveness are conducted, so that the software designing demands are identified and a client/server and browser/server architecture is proposed for the system. In addition, the Delphi method is employed to improve the performance of the software system, while a primary experimental study is conducted to verify its effectiveness.

Findings

Developing such a software system, the GIS and database techniques should be harnessed, while Delphi method should be employed to improve system performance.

Research limitations/implications

Identifying evaluating index set and obtaining corresponding data are the main limitations of the system working.

Practical implications

The ideology of designing a regional competitiveness evaluating software system is proposed.

Originality/value

An efficient and generic methodology of evaluating regional competitiveness is devised.
Research on direct torque control based asynchronous dynamometer for dynamic emulation of mechanical loads
Authors: Liu Shuxi , Wang Mingyu , Li Taifu
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel dynamometer employing direct torque control (DTC) method, which has wide application prospects in the industry field.

Design/methodology/approach

Conventional dynamometers such as eddy dynamometers waste energy, waste water, and operate inconveniently. In this paper, a novel digital electric power dynamometer is proposed which uses a three‐phase squirrel‐cage induction machine as the loading machine. The system uses a digital signal processor named TMS320LF2407A as the controller to control the three‐phase induction machine employing an improved DTC for precise torque tracking. The power dynamometer is in generating mode, using the common‐DC‐bus to implement energy circulating or through the energy regenerating unit feeding back the networks energy. A direct‐torque‐controller dynamometer allows very fast torque responses and flexible control. The load torque is regulated conveniently and swiftly.

Findings

Simulations and experiment results show that the design of the electronic power dynamometer based on improved DTC is proper, the control is simple, and digitized and is simple to use.

Research limitations/implications

The precise torque controls are the main limitations for the high‐performance power dynamometer applied. Torque ripples should be small.

Practical implications

Power dynamometer based on DTC is one of the novel ones worth being generalized in place of conventional dynamometers.

Originality/value

The new approach of a novel digital power dynamometer based on an improved DTC is introduced.
Research and optimization of reconfigurable manufacturing system configuration based on system reliability
Authors: Lv Chao , Li AiPing , Xu LiYun
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research the impact of hybrid series‐parallel and parallel‐series system configurations on system performances based on system reliability and to develop a configuration model to meet the requirement of reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the criterion of system reliability, a RMS configuration model is presented – the hybrid parallel‐series model with waiting system characteristics. The configuration model is evaluated from reliability, productivity, and cost by combining system engineering theory, Boolean algebra methodology with statistical analysis theory. The model reliability has been used to ameliorate by adopting the integrated algorithm based on Shrama and Misra optimization algorithm.

Findings

The need for application of this method and model – some constraints must be limited, the hybrid parallel‐series configuration is superior and the integrated algorithm is effective to RMS system configuration.

Research limitations/implications

Cost constraints, equipment weight constraints, and function independency of equipment are main limitations.

Practical implications

The model and method have been used to ameliorate the reconfigurable automobile parts product line in SH automobile motor company of Shanghai. The operation result illustrates the validity of this configuration model and algorithm.

Originality/value

The new RMSs configuration model has been proposed. The new algorithm is proposed to ameliorate and optimize a reconfigurable product line with the integrated algorithm based on Shrama and Misra algorithm. The actual running effect is significant.
Taxonomy of service‐based loyalty program members
Authors: Hansen John D. , Deitz George D. , Morgan Robert M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This study aims to present a taxonomic framework that categorizes hotel loyalty program members on the basis of involvement and a mix of behavioral outcome variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The taxonomy is derived through mixture modeling from a sample of 1,395 loyalty program members of two global hotel chains.

Findings

Study results suggest the presence of four classes of program members across both hotels. Class members differ with respect to the attitudes they hold, the behaviors they exhibit, and the motivations they have for maintaining membership in the program.

Practical implications

First, the study enhances understanding of member differences that exist within loyalty programs. Second, the study advances understanding of the ways through which loyalty programs can best be managed. Third, the study illustrates the usefulness of mixture modeling as a classificatory tool.

Research limitations/implications

Study results are not generalizable beyond the sample used in deriving them. Further, decisions pertaining to what variables to include in developing a taxonomic framework are critical to its usefulness. The choice to include certain variables as well as their related measures, to the exclusion of others, represents a second limitation.

Originality/value

The study is but the second to empirically categorize loyalty program members, and the first to do so in a services context. Two classes of high‐involvement customers emerge, each with contrasting attitudes and behaviors. Thus, our findings suggest that high levels of involvement invoke the most extreme of customer attitudes and behaviors.
Evaluating the comparative service quality of supermarkets using the analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Min Hokey
Published: July 2010

Purpose

As the household budget tightens in uncertain economic times, many grocery shoppers are constantly looking for the best deal in town. To attract and retain these savvy shoppers, a supermarket should understand what they value most and how they comparison‐shop. With this in mind, this paper aims to develop a set of benchmarks that helps supermarkets monitor their service delivery process, identify relative weaknesses, and take corrective actions for continuous service improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and competitive gap analyses to measure the service performances of supermarket franchises in the Southeastern USA. It also uses exploratory factor analyses to identify salient factors influencing the service performances of supermarkets.

Findings

This study found that a service attribute considered most important to the supermarket customers' impression of service quality was product quality. It was followed by cleanliness of the store, competitive price, product variety and fast checkouts. This study discovered a direct correlation between the relative service performance of the supermarket and its “word‐of‐mouth” reputation. Supermarket customers tended to favor large‐scale, national supermarket franchises such as Meijer, Kroger, and Wal‐Mart than small‐scale, regional counterparts such as Pic‐Pac, Aldi, and Save‐A‐Lot in terms of overall service quality.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of the current study was primarily represented by customers in the Southeastern USA. Thus, the sample used in this study may not reflect the opinions of the general public in the USA.

Practical implications

This paper provides practical guidelines as to how supermarkets can cope with increasing competition and changing customer needs by measuring their service performances relative to their leading competitors and improving their service performances continuously.

Originality/value

This paper identifies service attributes that shape the customer perception of supermarket service quality and uncovers the areas of weaknesses in the supermarket franchises' service offerings. In addition, it helps supermarkets formulate the future survival and growth strategies by providing the detailed picture of where they stand in terms of competitiveness. This paper is the first attempt to utilize AHP to develop performance benchmarks for supermarkets in the increasingly competitive grocery industry. The proposed AHP can be easily modified or extended to similar service settings in other regions of the USA and other countries in Europe and Asia.
Consumer sociability and service provider expertise influence on service relationship success
Authors: Spake Deborah F. , Megehee Carol M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of consumer sociability and service provider perceived expertise on service relationship success.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 281 consumers in the USA, randomly selected with the assistance of a commercial list service, completed the survey. Structural equations modeling, was used to test the proposed model.

Findings

The findings show that customer sociability and service provider expertise are important to relationship success. In addition, the duration of the relationship was found to be a consequence of satisfaction and a driver of social benefits, which strengthens customer commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Personality traits have been previously examined in a low involvement retail setting and not found to be a significant influence on commitment. This study finds that sociability does have a significant impact on service relationship success; thus, providing support for the importance of customer traits in relationship marketing in some contexts.

Practical implications

While provider characteristics are expected to influence customer commitment, this study provides evidence that at least one consumer personality trait (i.e. sociability) appears to impact commitment to a provider in high involvement services. Healthcare providers should be aware that the personality of the patient may be a driver of satisfaction with and commitment to the physician, despite the doctor's perceived level of expertise.

Originality/value

This research fills a gap in the literature on the link between customer traits and service relationships in a healthcare setting. Since consumers are co‐participants in service delivery, it is important to understand how their characteristics impact service relationship success.
Design dimensions of experience rooms for service test drives
Authors: Edvardsson Bo , Enquist Bo , Johnston Robert
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The objective of this exploratory study is to analyse “test drives” of service offerings in a variety of service contexts by applying existing design dimensions of experience rooms in order to develop some principles to assist service designers who are interested in developing such “test drives” for their potential customers.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken using three case studies with varying levels of simulation/artificiality. Data were collected from documents and interviews with service providers and customers and analysed using a framework of six dimensions.

Findings

The study adds a sixth dimension to the existing five dimensions or experience rooms found in the literature. It also proposes seven principles to guide designers who seek to create new service “test drives”. The study also introduces the new notion of “value in pre‐use” (a development of “value in use”) to describe the potential value of “real” services yet to be purchased. Finally the study documents some of the advantages and disadvantages of using “test drives”.

Research limitations/implications

The exploratory and interpretive nature of the research, and the limited number of cases and respondents, limits the generalisability of the findings.

Practical implications

The study provides several principles that can be used in the design of service “test drives”.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to analyse the design dimensions of service “test drives” and to propose the notion of “value in pre‐use”.
Financial crimes
Authors: Faridah Abdul Jabbar Siti
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish that financial crimes are unlawful (haram) in Islam and accordingly, the responsibilities of theSharia'sSupervisory Boards of Islamic financial institutions include the prevention and control of financial crimes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an analogy (qiyas) of the injunctions in theQur'anandSunna.

Findings

Financial crimes are prohibited in Islam as much as, if not more than, their prohibition by temporal laws.

Practical implications

The responsibilities of theShari'aSupervisory Boards in ensuring “Shari'a‐compliance” on the part of the Islamic financial institutions include a wider ambit. It includes the prevention and control of financial crimes.

Originality/value

The paper provides additional dimension toSharia'sgovernance framework for the Islamic financial services industry.
Low self‐control and fraud offending
Authors: Holtfreter Kristy , Beaver Kevin M. , Reisig Michael D. , Pratt Travis C.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper builds on and extends the existing research on self‐control theory and fraud. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether low self‐control increases the odds of engaging in two common forms of fraudulent behaviors: check and credit card frauds.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper addresses these issues using a national, longitudinal sample of young adults.

Findings

The results of the multivariate logistic regression models indicate that individuals with lower levels of self‐control are more likely to engage in credit card and check frauds. These findings support Gottfredson and Hirschi's theoretical argument that fraudulent behavior is similar to acts of force in that it too is explained by the same underlying trait – low self‐control.

Research limitations/implications

The paper underscores the importance of low self‐control in the etiology of fraudulent behaviors. Future researchers should examine the relationship between low self‐control and other fraudulent behaviors, particularly those occurring in the workplace (e.g. embezzlement).

Practical implications

Suggestions for preventing credit card and check frauds through situational crime prevention are provided.

Originality/value

The paper improves upon prior research by using a more representative sample and self‐reported fraudulent behavior.
Intellectual capital performance in the banking sector
Authors: Joshi Mahesh , Cahill Daryll , Sidhu Jasvinder
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the intellectual capital (IC) performance of Australian banks for the period 2005‐2007. It also aims to examine the relationship amongst various constituents of IC performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC™) approach developed by Pulic is used to determine the IC performance of the Australian banks. The required data to calculate different constituents of IC was obtained from the annual reports of Australian banks.

Findings

The paper reveals that VAIC™ has a significant relation with human costs and the value addition made by the Australian banks. All Australian owned banks have relatively higher human capital efficiency than capital employed efficiency and structural capital efficiency. The size of the bank in terms of total assets, total number of employees and total shareholders equity has little or no impact on the IC performance of the Australian owned banks.

Research limitations/implications

The paper analyses IC performance of only 11 Australian owned banks. However, the more than 90 per cent market share enjoyed by these banks still promises a degree of validation of the results of the paper from the Australian perspective or similar banking structure in some countries.

Practical implications

The findings may serve as a useful input for bankers to apply knowledge management in their institutions and in addressing the factors affecting IC performance in order to maximise their value creation. The findings of the study would also provide some information to the stakeholders and potential investors to assess the value creation capabilities of this group of banks.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that examines the relationship of VAIC™ and the size of the firms for Australian owned banks in Australia.
Epistemology of capital structure decisions by building contractors in Hong Kong
Authors: Chiang Yat‐Hung , Cheng Eddie W.L. , Lam Patrick T.I.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to identify a set of potential determinants of capital structure. By knowing the key determinants, it is possible to understand how building contractors make decisions on capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted to solicit Hong Kong building contractors' view on the predictive power of a set of financial ratios on capital structure. Each of the seven proxies of capital structure was regressed on the five financial ratios. The usual diagnostic tests (i.e. Durbin‐Watson and variance inflation factor tests) and plots of residuals and normality were carried out to ensure that assumptions of linear regression analysis were met. To validate the findings, eight contractors were further interviewed.

Findings

Both measures of long‐term debts (i.e. “long‐term debt divided by total assets” and “long‐term debt divided by total debt”) are proven to be related to “tangibility” significantly. Also, perceived growth opportunities are significantly related to three proxies for capital structure (i.e. total debt to capital, long‐term debt and long‐term leverage).

Research limitations/implications

Further research should be undertaken to improve the quality of data and to enrich the understanding of how contractors define their capital structures.

Originality/value

Despite a plethora of research having been done by financial researchers, there are very few relevant papers in the construction field. This paper is intended to explore how building contractors made decisions on capital structure.
Identifying the critical success factors for target cost contracts in the construction industry
Authors: Chan Daniel W.M. , Chan Albert P.C. , Lam Patrick T.I. , Wong James M.W.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to present a succinct review of guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and target cost contracting (TCC) concepts and features in general, and to identify the critical success factors for procuring GMP/TCC contracts from the Hong Kong perspective in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of an empirical questionnaire survey geared towards industrial practitioners with direct hands‐on GMP/TCC experience, the opinions of various contracting parties including clients, consultants and contractors were solicited, analysed and compared in relation to GMP/TCC success factors.

Findings

Experienced practitioners shared the unanimous perception that: reasonable share of cost saving and fair risk allocation; partnering spirit from all contracting parties; right selection of project team; well‐defined scope of work in client's project brief and early involvement of contractor in design development, are the most essential ingredients for the successful implementation of GMP/TCC scheme.

Research limitations/implications

Although the research study is based in Hong Kong with a limited sample size, the survey findings and hands‐on experience of the relevant industrial practitioners may be cross‐referenced to other similar investigations in other parts of the world for international comparisons.

Originality/value

The research study has provided some useful insights into assisting key project stakeholders in determining important successful ingredients when launching GMP/TCC scheme. Such an identification of critical success factors would be valuable in formulating effective practical strategies to improve overall project performance, create win‐win opportunities for contracting parties and mitigate the occurrence of construction disputes/claims. It also attempts to seek more research evidence to capture the levels of success and lessons learned from previous GMP/TCC construction projects for generating best practice recommendations for future implementation.
Facilities management help desks
Authors: May Daryl
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an exploratory look at facilities and estates management help desks in four different case study organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodology was adopted, with semi‐structured interviews and observations as the principal methods to collect data.

Findings

The findings suggest that the key factors for the success of a facilities management (FM) help desk include mapping out all customer requirements, recruiting the correct operating staff, ensuring an appropriate working environment and client communication once the help desk is operational.

Originality/value

At the time of the study there had been relatively little research completed focusing specifically on FM help desks. The paper will be of value to facilities and property managers who are considering implementing a help desk service.
Consumer lifestyles and online shopping continuance intention
Authors: Ahmad Norzieiriani , Omar Azizah , Ramayah T.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issues involved in understanding the buying behavior of Malaysian consumers, particularly in the online shopping context in relation to their lifestyles.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a general review of the literature regarding the influence of lifestyles on consumer intentions to repurchase online.

Findings

The paper provides marketers with insights into how knowledge about lifestyle factors can be integrated into marketing and advertising strategies.

Practical implications

The results of this study will provide some ideas and practical suggestions which can be implemented particularly in online shopping in order to improve its continuance (i.e. customer retention strategies) as effective means of maintaining the subscriber base, market share and overall revenue of online businesses.

Originality/value

This paper delineates the importance of understanding consumer lifestyles and its effect on continuance intention that allows online marketers to predict prospective online shoppers' intention to repurchase more easily.
Firm capabilities and diversification: how mission matters
Authors: Pakneiat Mohammad , Panahi Monireh , Noori Javad
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The literature on large firms in developing countries proposes a link between types of capabilities and diversification pattern. It is argued that technological/organizational capabilities lead to related diversification, and by using contact/general capabilities firms (mostly in developing countries) are able to diversify into unrelated fields. However, in our case, despite the presence of contact/general capabilities, only related diversification is observed. Limitation of the scope of diversification does not allow them to invest in different lucrative businesses. Most successful firms in developing countries have diversified vastly.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine out the reason for this behavior in this case, in‐depth interviews based on open‐ended semi‐structured questionnaire with key 12 decision‐makers were carried out. Each interview took about 90 minutes.

Findings

The case study showed that firms' approach to mission development is connected to firm diversification and capabilities. A mission developed based on a strategic approach leads to the development of technological/organizational capabilities, which make related diversification more likely. However, a mission developed based on a philosophical approach when added to firm contact/general capabilities encourages unrelated diversification.

Research limitations/implications

The research takes for granted the role of national conditions (e.g. macroeconomic indexes) when it is argueed that the behavior of Khodro is expected to be similar to firms in other developing countries (or formerly developing countries, e.g. South Korea). The work presented here could be tested again in two or more firms in a similar environment.

Practical implications

The paper's findings should help firms in developing countries to develop their mission statement in a way that allows them to grow faster via unrelated diversification. It also informs them about the limitations of a strategic approach to their mission that hinders them from leveraging their contact and general capabilities.

Originality/value

Previous research has not paid enough attention to managerial issues in firms in developing countries. Firms in developing countries need more context‐specific instructions to succeed.
A QFD‐based technique to select and manage reverse e‐auctions
Authors: Bertolini Massimo , Carmignani Gionata
Published: July 2010

Purpose

In the 1990s, reverse e‐auctions were designed to be a widely used procurement tool due to the dramatic cost reduction. However, the current usage is more limited than expected, because e‐auctions do not always produce the benefits expected and firms have great difficulty in deciding the right tool to use in the negotiation. The aim of this paper is to propose a methodology for a useful utilization of the reverse e‐auctions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper suggests a method based on the quality function deployment (QFD) technique to help purchasing managers to choose how and when they should use e‐auctions to buy a new product or service.

Findings

The approach proposed is structured as a tree and developed in three steps: choice between traditional negotiation and e‐auction; choice between the different typologies of e‐auction (open, secret, and in sealed envelope); and, finally, choice of the specific characteristics of the e‐auction to guarantee an optimal negotiation outcome.

Practical implications

As completion and validation of the method proposed, two case studies are presented and discussed.

Originality/value

The value of the methodology is to propose a simple but systematic approach to use the reverse e‐auctions technique. The use of a QFD‐based approach represents the originality of the method.
Formal and informal institutional effects on entrepreneurship: a synthesis of nation‐level research
Authors: Salimath Manjula S. , Cullen John B.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and synthesis of the extant literature in entrepreneurship by utilizing an uncommon and unique lens. The lens focuses on studies that explore the effects of formal (social institutions) and informal (national culture) institutional factors on entrepreneurship at the national level.

Design/methodology/approach

The design is a narrative literature overview of research published in peer reviewed journals in business and related fields from 1980 to 2009. North's classification of formal and informal institutions provides the structural framework. The overview includes salient published articles that empirically assessed the effect of at least one variable of the institutional context on entrepreneurship. The paper is organized as follows. After setting the context, legitimacy, and validity of contextual research in the entrepreneurship field in general, it reviews relevant research, focusing on the formal and informal institutional factors that affect entrepreneurship.

Findings

The review highlights the complex nature of entrepreneurship. Both formal and informal institutional factors affect entrepreneurship at multiple levels.

Research limitations/implications

The review is important as it synthesizes the results of published research and offers a starting point to understand the effect of macro contextual factors on entrepreneurship. It is also timely, as entrepreneurship plays a significant role in the economic well being of a nation, and many governments are actively seeking to increase entrepreneurial activity.

Practical implications

Policy makers can further entrepreneurship by understanding the role played by the institutional context. Applying appropriate institutional incentives is instrumental in enabling entrepreneurs in a more direct and effective manner.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new synthesis of formal and informal institutional effects on entrepreneurship at the nation‐level. As such, it goes beyond prior culture based reviews, and add to the understanding of macro nation effects of institutions on entrepreneurship.
Rediscovering MDMA (ecstasy): the role of the American chemist Alexander T. Shulgin
Authors: Benzenhöfer Udo , Passie Torsten
Published: July 2010

Aims  Alexander T. Shulgin is widely thought of as the ‘father’ of +/−3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). This paper re‐assesses his role in the modern history of this drug.

Methods  We analysed systematically Shulgin's original publications on MDMA, his publications on the history of MDMA and his laboratory notebook.

Results  According to Shulgin's book PIHKAL (1991), he synthesized MDMA in 1965, but did not try it. In the 1960s Shulgin also synthesized MDMA‐related compounds such as 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3‐methoxy‐4,5‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MMDA) and 3,4‐methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), but this had no impact on his rediscovery of MDMA. In the mid‐1970s Shulgin learned of a ‘special effect’ caused by MDMA, whereupon he re‐synthesized it and tried it himself in September 1976, as confirmed by his laboratory notebook. In 1977 he gave MDMA to Leo Zeff PhD, who used it as an adjunct to psychotherapy and introduced it to other psychotherapists.

Conclusion  Shulgin was not the first to synthesize MDMA, but he played an important role in its history. It seems plausible that he was so impressed by its effects that he introduced it to psychotherapist Zeff in 1977. This, and the fact that in 1978 he published with David Nichols the first paper on the pharmacological action of MDMA in humans, explains why Shulgin is sometimes (erroneously) called the ‘father’ of MDMA.
The Global Diversion of Pharmaceutical Drugs
Authors: Bell James
Published: July 2010

Aim  To provide a clinician's perspective on the problem of diversion of prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Methods  The paper provides a personal account of working in a treatment context where diversion from opioid substitution treatment (OST) became a political issue potentially compromising the continued delivery of OST. It summarizes evidence on the impact of diversion, and measures to contain it, from the United Kingdom 1986–2006, Australia 1996–2008 and the United States and France from the mid‐1990s.

Results  Opioid diversion to the black market occurs in proportion to the amount of opioids prescribed to be taken without supervision, and in inverse proportion to the availability of heroin. Diversion for OST programmes using supervision of dosing is less than diversion of opioids prescribed for pain, which is now a growing public health problem. Adverse consequences of diversion include opioid overdose fatalities, an increased incidence of addiction (particularly in jurisdictions where heroin is scarce) and compromising the public acceptance of long‐term opioid prescribing. All long‐term opioid prescribing requires monitoring of risk and appropriate dispensing arrangements—including dilution of methadone take‐aways, supervision of administration for high‐risk patients and random urine testing. Clinical guidelines influence practice, although prescribing often deviates from guidelines.

Conclusion  Clinical guidelines and clinical audit to enhance compliance with guidelines are helpful in maintaining the quality and integrity of the treatment system, and can contribute to keeping diversion within acceptable levels.