bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volunteering in older age: an organizational perspective
Authors: Principi Andrea , Lindley Robert , Perek‐Bialas Jolanta , Turek Konrad
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on organizational perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of engaging older volunteers, and on how they might best capitalize on the availability of older volunteers in different countries and sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from 74 case studies of voluntary organizations carried out in eight European countries, conducted mainly between spring 2009 and autumn 2010. On‐site interviews adopting common guidelines were carried out with organizational representatives.

Findings

From the organizational perspectives, some disadvantages of engaging older volunteers are: difficulties matching older volunteers to tasks; problems relating to health and declining capacities; the need for special training efforts. Examples of perceived advantages are: considerable knowledge, skills, experience, reliability and strong commitment of older volunteers. In spite of the very different contexts, objectives and notions of “performance”, cost‐benefit assessments of older volunteers do not differ greatly from those generally held by employers about older employees. Countries differ considerably in the recognition of older volunteer potential.

Practical implications

Organizational policies and initiatives to capitalize on the availability of older volunteers are examined in the paper. Country and sector‐related reflections show how different and changing are the environments for volunteering. Policy makers need to recognise these when implementing active ageing policies. Voluntary organizations should raise their awareness of the need for innovation in volunteer management, especially relating to older people.

Originality/value

There has been much research about the experiences of older volunteers and how they benefit from the operations of civil society organizations. The perceptions of the organizations have, however, been neglected and these are explored in this paper.
Motivations of older volunteers in three European countries
Authors: Principi Andrea , Chiatti Carlos , Lamura Giovanni
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate older volunteers’ motivations, with special focus on country differences, considering the kind of activities carried out and age differences.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Volunteer Function Inventory (VFI), the authors measured motivations to volunteer of volunteers aged 50 or older, belonging to organizations engaged in the largest activity sectors of three European countries: The Netherlands (n=468), Germany (n=113) and Italy (n=279), for a total sample size of 860 subjects.

Findings

Altruistic motivations are found to be more important for German older volunteers compared to Dutch and Italian older volunteers, but in the latter country they increase with ageing. Older volunteers engaged in selfless activities are more driven by altruistic motivations, especially in Germany and Italy, whereas egoistic motivations on selfish activities are important in all countries. As age increases, older volunteers’ emotional gratification goals are pursued especially in Italy, whereas the desire to pursue new knowledge is greater for younger‐old volunteers in general, but especially in The Netherlands.

Practical implications

The findings are relevant for local, national and European policy makers and NGO‐managers concerned with the issue of recruiting and retaining older volunteers – a crucial issue for promoting active ageing outside the labour market. The results show how motivations influence the decision to volunteer in later life and will enable better planning of appropriate recruitment and retention strategies.

Originality/value

This research represents, to the authors’ knowledge, the first cross‐national investigation based on the VFI tool to specifically analyse the motivations of older volunteers across Europe.
Policy and practice
Authors: Boje Thomas P. , Ejrnæs Anders
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a typology of different family policy systems in Europe and evaluate their impact on the employment strategy of mothers with care responsibilities for dependent children.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines a typology of family policy regimes in Europe – covering the 26 countries. A typology based on a cluster analysis of macro indicators of family policy – coverage of childcare, effective parental leave and spending on family policies. The cluster analysis is based on data from OECD family data base. Then follows an analysis of the impact of the different family policy regimes on mothers' employment strategies when they return into gainful employment, based on data from the European Social Survey, 2008.

Findings

The authors have identified four different family policy models: extensive family policy, long parental leave, family care, and cash for care. For each of the models, different strategies are found for take up of employment for mothers with dependent children.

Originality/value

The paper includes 26 European countries, thereby covering the East and Central Europe, which is not the case in most welfare typologies. Furthermore, the authors distinguish clearly in the analyses between the institutional dimension and the outcome – mothers' employment strategies.
Pros and cons of family policies for mothers' labour market participation
Authors: Hennig Marina , Gatermann Dörthe , Erika Hägglund Anna
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to examine sociological research on the possibilities and pitfalls of social policies for mothers' employment participation, and identify research gaps in the existing literature. The paper aims to focus mainly on the implications of parental leave schemes on mothers' employment participation.

Design/methodology/approach

The editorial discusses the inconsistencies in the current sociological debate on the impact of social policies on mothers' employment.

Findings

The relationship between parental leave policies and women's participation in the work force is complex. The literature shows a disagreement about whether such policies mitigate family‐related career disadvantages, or in fact, contribute to gender inequality in the labour market. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between social policies and mothers' labour market participation, and national and cross‐national variation in the consequences of childbirth on women's labour market participation the editorial points at the several aspects that need to be investigated in greater depth by further research. The editorial emphasizes the necessity of conducting in‐depth international comparisons in order to account for between‐country variations as well as within‐country variations. Furthermore, the symbolic nature of family policy must not be neglected.

Originality/value

The editorial identifies research gaps to be addressed by further research.
SMEs' internationalisation patterns: descriptives, dynamics and determinants
Authors: Olejnik Edith , Swoboda Bernhard
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the internationalisation patterns of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) quantitatively, to describe SMEs as they follow different patterns over time and to discuss the determinants of these patterns through empirical study.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a questionnaire survey among mature German SMEs (n=674). To identify internationalisation patterns, a latent class clustering approach was applied. Because of the large sample, a multinomial logistic regression analysis could be used to analyse the factors influencing these patterns.

Findings

The authors empirically find three internationalisation patterns: traditionals, born globals and born‐again globals. Comparing modern SMEs with the same SMEs from ten years ago, it was found that firms may change their patterns. Moreover, the patterns are determined by international orientation, growth orientation, communication capability, intelligence generation capability and marketing‐mix standardisation.

Research limitations/implications

Combining elements of the Uppsala model (countries and operation modes) and born global research (time lag and foreign sales ratio), three internationalisation patterns of established international SMEs from traditional sectors were identified empirically. Because of the multidimensional nature of internationalisation, the patterns may change over time. Different firm‐level factors determine the internationalisation patterns.

Originality/value

Instead of applying “arbitrary” thresholds, the paper provides a quantitative approach to identifying internationalisation patterns. These patterns confirm the three main internationalisation pathways discussed in the international marketing literature. The paper further advances the field by describing the patterns, showing evidence that the patterns may cross over time and providing information on the factors that influence the patterns.
Knowledge strategies for enhancing school learning capacity
Authors: Cheng Eric
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the knowledge strategies applied in aided secondary schools in Hong Kong and to explore the predictive relationship between knowledge strategies and school learning capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional quantitative survey was designed to collect data from 427 teachers at 15 aided secondary schools in Hong Kong. Exploratory factor analysis and a structural equation model were applied to explore the factor structure of the latent variables and their relationships.

Findings

The results showed that the schools use interpersonal interactive knowledge sharing as their major knowledge strategy. Knowledge retrieval, utilisation and sharing were identified as the predictive factors for individual learning capacity and organisation learning capacity.

Practical implications

School administrators could consider the knowledge strategy of cultivating a community of practices in school organisation to develop teacher teaching competency and to enhance school learning capacity for sustainable development.

Originality/value

The paper connects research on knowledge management and organisational learning in a school context and explores a knowledge strategy that could be applied effectively in education organisation.
El Sewedy Cables: expansion in Russia and Kazakhstan
Authors: Apaydin Marina , Koura Perihan , El Gabaly Nada , Mahmoud Nour , El Noury Fatma
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the process by which El Sewedy Company in Egypt decided to expand internationally by examining several modes of entry and choosing the best choice to expand in Russia and Kazakhstan.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors did several market analyses for each company to discover the external and internal environments. In addition, they weighted the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of entry to decide on the best mode to enter Russia and Kazakhstan.

Findings

The results confirm that the expansion for El Sewedy is challenging whether in Russia or Kazakhstan. Currently, El Sewedy's strategy is to deal through distributors to minimize risk; these distributors are mostly working in Kazakhstan given their easy connections and access there. The best solution for El Sewedy to expand is to trade high voltage and medium voltage cables in Kazakhstan as well as the trade of high voltage cables in Russia. Whether it is trading, exporting or a joint venture, El Sewedy's intentions are clear in its willingness to access the Russian and Kazakhstani markets, due to their richness and most of all their location as a central trade area in the region.

Research limitations/implications

The comparison between Russia and Kazakhstan may appear very similar since both countries share almost the same circumstances and environment. Therefore, some of the information may be repeated twice to analyze both countries.

Practical implications

The results of this case study ensure the importance of analyzing the different modes of entry and doing a cost‐benefit analysis before deciding on how to expand in foreign market. Since circumstances and environments vary between markets, it is crucial to know all the details of the country in order to succeed in expanding in this foreign market.

Originality/value

This study explains a common case that happens in Egypt and every country whenever a company decides to expand. Usually, a company prefers a certain mode of entry over the other, but what is necessary is to follow what El Sewedy did, which is to evaluate all alternatives equally then decide on the best choice.
Executives' perception of political‐legal business environment in international projects
Authors: Al Khattab Adel , Aldehayyat Jehad , Alrawad Mahmaod , Al‐Yatama Sundus , Al Khattab Suleiman
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Political‐legal risk perception is just as important a consideration in dealing effectively with the threats exposed by international enterprises. This research emphasizes how important it is to integrate the perception of risk factor into the analysis. This is an essential factor when catastrophic risks are involved. Relatively, nevertheless, little work has been done to explore the concept of political‐legal risk as it applies to international commercial and business applications. The purpose of this research is to first examine the perception of Kuwaiti executives to political‐legal business environment while conducting outward investment and where a number of recent events like those in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen illustrate that the rise of enterprises onto the world stage will not necessarily be entirely without risk and second, to explore the correlations between the executives' perceptions of political‐legal variables and enterprise‐specific characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature relating to risk in international business in both developed and emerging markets is provided. The empirical research was conducted via a questionnaire survey. In line with the research aim, questionnaires were distributed to the entire target population of Kuwaiti international enterprises. Nonparametric statistics were used to analyze the findings.

Findings

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has been shaken like never before. The recent events of the uprising in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Libya and the regional reverberations of the upheaval are unfolding, inter alia, concerns about rising exposure to more risks and the instability in the MENA have reached a fever pitch. Findings of this research suggest that the political‐legal related risks associated with enterprises' activities pose a threat to the majority of executives and the vulnerability to these risks are not related to any enterprise's‐specific characteristics.

Originality/value

The research on international enterprises states that some parts of the globe have remained detached. Given its economic and political importance, the most obvious omission is the Middle East. To date and despite that the region has garnered its fair share of coverage in current news, little is known on management practices by enterprise in the region. This research, therefore, provides empirical evidence of executives' perception of political‐legal business environment in an emerging market context: Kuwait. Furthermore, most recent literature omits oil‐producing nations. Focusing on this oil‐rich region is an attempt to fill this void.
Harvesting organizational knowledge and innovation practices
Authors: Gamal Aboelmaged Mohamed
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of organizational knowledge and innovation practices on the outcomes of operations strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a survey‐based method to test a theoretically grounded set of hypotheses using regression techniques.

Findings

The results indicate that cost, quality, delivery and flexibility outcomes are influenced by specific organizational knowledge and innovation practices. Also, the findings show that innovation performance mediate the relationship between knowledge practices and operations strategy.

Practical implications

Acquiring knowledge is not enough. Managers need to facilitate dynamics of knowledge sharing and utilization to cultivate a better level of technical and administrative innovation performance, which in turn will result in favourable operations strategy outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first studies that highlight knowledge and innovation practices in relation to operations strategy in one study applied to a developing country context.
Multinational subsidiary roles in North Africa: managerial initiatives in Tunisia
Authors: Saidani Chiraz , Amewokunu Yao , Lawson‐Body Assion
Published: August 2012

Purpose

This study aims to develop a new reference framework which accounts for the motivations of headquarters (HQs) from developed countries and the roles of their subsidiaries established in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case studies approach was used for this research. The data were collected using a directed interview with 20 participants in eight foreign subsidiaries established in Tunisia.

Findings

The results show that the studies of subsidiaries can be classified into “workshop” subsidiaries and “market” subsidiaries according to the level of their added‐value activities, the scope of the market served and the level of their decision‐making autonomy. Furthermore, the development trajectory of these subsidiaries takes the form of two consecutive phases. In the first phase, the subsidiaries begin acquiring new competencies which allow them to integrate value‐creating activities that are far beyond intensive labor or low‐technology activities. Subsidiaries in the second phase intervene more and more in strategic decisions related to their growth. While the “workshop subsidiaries” in this study are still in the first phase, the “market subsidiaries” have succeeded in broadening their regional responsibilities within the multinational.

Research limitations/implications

This research had a number of limitations; the most important is the explanatory and qualitative method used in this paper. In addition, this research solely focused on foreign subsidiaries that are still in business. It also would be interesting to investigate the subsidiaries that are stalled or shrank. The perspective of the HQs and the Western institutional players would be also relevant to explore.

Originality/value

Despite the abundance of works on subsidiaries' role, there has been very little research that looks explicitly at the role of foreign subsidiaries in developing countries. This research expands the existing literature and provides evidence on the motivation of multinational companies as well as the role of their subsidiaries in developing countries. This study helps us rethink the redistribution of decision‐making power between the HQs and the subsidiaries established in the developing countries.
Evolutionary neural networks for strategic bidding in electricity markets
Authors: Ranjan Hota Ashish , Bajpai Prabodh , Pratihar Dilip Kumar
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a neural network‐based market agent, which develops optimal bidding strategies for a power generating company (Genco) in a day‐ahead electricity market.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem of finding optimal bidding strategy for a Genco is formulated as a two‐level optimization problem. At the top level, the Genco aims at maximizing its total daily profit, and at the bottom level, the independent system operator obtains the power dispatch quantity for each market participant with the objective of maximizing the social welfare. The neural network is trained using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with the objective of maximizing daily profit for the Genco.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed approach is established through several case studies on the benchmark IEEE 30‐bus test system for the day‐ahead market, with an hourly clearing mechanism and dynamically changing demand profile. Both block bidding and linear supply function bidding are considered for the Gencos and the variation of optimal bidding strategy with the change in demand is investigated. The performance is also evaluated in the context of the Brazilian electricity market with real market data and compared with the other methods reported in the literature.

Practical implications

Strategic bidding is a peculiar phenomenon observed in an oligopolistic electricity market and has several implications on policy making and mechanism design. In this work, the transmission line constraints and demand side bidding are taken into account for a more realistic simulation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper has introduced, for the first time, a neural network‐based market agent to develop optimal bidding strategies of a Genco in an electricity market. Simulation results obtained from the IEEE 30‐bus test system and the Brazilian electricity market demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach, as compared to the conventional PSO‐based method and the genetic fuzzy rule‐based system approach, respectively.
The impact of emissions trading on electricity spot market price behavior
Authors: Jabłońska Matylda , Viljainen Satu , Partanen Jarmo , Kauranne Tuomo
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Under the Kyoto protocol, emissions trading was imposed upon the Nordic Nord Pool Spot market in 2005. The purpose of this paper is to identify and characterize an important side‐effect of emissions trading on electricity spot market price behavior by statistically comparing price behavior before and after emissions trading was introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on an analysis of the skill of regression models in explaining price behavior before and after 2005.

Findings

It turns out that regression models based on background variables such as temperature, water reservoir levels, and even the price of emission rights themselves lose much of their skill from 2005 onwards. The histogram of the residual time series of an optimally calibrated regression model demonstrates a considerably more “fat‐tailed” behavior after 2005, with a much higher volatility and reduced amenability for regression by background variables.

Practical implications

The results point to an increased medium‐ and long‐term uncertainty in the Nordic electricity spot market, brought about by emissions trading as an unintended side‐effect. It seems emissions trading has introduced a stronger “psychological” component into price behavior, increasing its volatility and making it prone to more frequent price spikes. This has made the electricity market more difficult for market managers and regulators to manage.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first statistical attempt to quantify the way electricity spot price dynamics have changed in Europe after starting the Emissions Trading Scheme based on the Kyoto protocol.
Evaluating user experiences in rehabilitation games
Authors: McNeill M.D.J. , Charles D.K. , Burke J.W. , Crosbie J.H. , McDonough S.M.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Computer‐based systems for motor function rehabilitation have been around for more than a decade, with work done to help recovery of function in the lower limb (ankle, leg) as well as upper limb (hand and arm).

Design/methodology/approach

More recently there has been a trend towards the use of game‐based systems to deliver rehabilitation goals. The authors' interdisciplinary group has been working in the area of motor function recovery of the hand and arm (following stroke) for a number of years, using both high‐end virtual reality (VR) technology as well as low‐cost video capture technology.

Findings

Over this time it has become clear that there are many challenges in designing usable, effective game‐based systems for motor function rehabilitation.

Originality/value

This paper reflects on user experiences across the range of technologies developed by the group. It presents a summary review of the authors' systems and details the protocols and user evaluation instruments used. It then critically reflects on this work and reviews other recent advances in game usability and playability, leading to suggestions for how the user experience of games for rehabilitation may be improved in future work.
Fall detectors: a review of the literature
Authors: Ward Gillian , Holliday Nikki , Fielden Simon , Williams Sue
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The aim of this review is to explore recent literature regarding the development of fall detector technology as part of a service evaluation on the use of fall detectors across the region funded by NHS West Midlands. It also aims to explore the application and the use of products designed to detect falls and alert for help from end‐user and health and social care staff perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive review of the literature of the last ten years was conducted, search terms were used to identify relevant literature from research databases and the main themes from the literature were summarised. This work was carried out to inform a service evaluation of the use of fall detectors across the West Midlands region and was funded by NHS West Midlands.

Findings

It was found that whilst there are a wide variety of new technologies regarding fall detectors in development, the range of technologies currently available through health and social services to users are limited. Health and social care staff appear to be less convinced of the benefits of fall detectors than end‐users. There was also a lack of robust evidence regarding different approaches to technology in the management and detection of falls. Users had mixed views regarding the use of fall detectors, with some people having concerns about privacy, lack of human contact, user‐friendliness and appropriate training, whilst others clearly identified the benefits of detecting falls and raising an alert. The implications of these findings for practice are discussed.

Originality/value

This paper will be of value to those working in falls services, telecare or industry partners developing fall detector technology.
Low cost connected healthcare systems in developing countries
Authors: Doughty Kevin
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the successful implementation of low cost connected healthcare technologies in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has considered the current models of telehealthcare being employed in Western Countries, and how other models of remote access may be relevant to countries in Africa and in the Indian sub‐continent.

Findings

The work has demonstrated the significant potential of m‐healthcare services for delivering successful outcomes using basic handsets and text messaging.

Research limitations/implications

The technology is changing rapidly, so the field should be reviewed on a regular basis.

Practical implications

This implies that more advanced mcare services using peripheral sensors, smart phones and bespoke “apps” may quickly result in healthcare services being offered to millions of patients who might otherwise have no access to primary care physicians.

Social implications

Rural isolation and loss of access to healthcare should be consigned to history.

Originality/value

This case study is original in that it looks at the successful implementation of low cost connected healthcare technologies in developing countries.
Global warming and tourism: chronicles of apocalypse?
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano E. , George Babu
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Global warming is a huge challenge faced by the mankind in the twenty‐first century and beyond. The paradox of ecology lies in the pervasive attitude of lay people who overtly condemn pollution but do not alter their individual practices. Unfortunately, the scientific community has still not reached unanimous conclusions about the causes or impacts of global warming. To close this gap, the present paper aims to stimulate discussion in two main senses: the relationship between industry and global warming; and the role of tourism in the coming decades.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on reading and criticism of many works, this paper provides a conceptual framework for readers to understand social adjustment and adapting to climate change.

Findings

Many sources blame the tourism industry as being one of the major contributors to global warming and want the industry to take proactive moves to help address this. The present analysis exerts considerable criticism over the existent literature that presents tourism as a vehicle towards mitigation of the greenhouse effect. Based on the theory of commons, the paradox of Giddens and the consuming life, the main thesis of this paper is that modernity has created a symbolic bubble that confers a certain security to viewers but transforms them in consumed objects.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in the assumption that global warming or climate change generates a paradox. As a form of cultural entertainment, ecology and global warming form (jointly to apocalypse theories of bottom days) a new way of enhancing the consumption, where tourism unfortunately does not seem to be an exception. The theatricalization of danger contributes to the creation of an underlying state of emergency that is seen but not recognized. As Hurricane Katrina and other disasters show, people only take a stance when the economic order is endangered. Global warming as a phenomenon was considered seriously only when international leaders envisaged the potential economic losses of its effects, and not before. Following this, the tragedy of commons, as Graham puts it, explains the reasons why well‐being can, under certain conditions, be a double‐edge sword.
Sustainable tourism and global warming: panacea, excuse, or just an accidental connection?
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano E. , George Babu
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The debate linking tourism with global warming is very polemical: neither camp engaged in the debate sees the other side. Sustainable tourism is seen by some as a panacea to mitigate the negative impact of tourism on global warming, and by many others as a ploy planted by post‐industrial society to divert attention from the core issues. A few see it as just an accidental relationship. This paper aims to be a reflective essay on the current state of polemics relating to tourism and global warming.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review of relevant literature coupled with original reflections of the authors forms the basis of argument employed in this paper. In certain ways, this paper is a meta‐analysis of the existing literature.

Findings

In a conservative sense, the authors do not “find” anything, if finding means a definitive answer to a question. At the same time, it can be said that the objective is achieved since the analysis leads to the opening up of fresh streams of thought and balanced perspectives on politically charged issues.

Originality/value

The authors do not try to market yet another version of the “original”. The value of what is discussed in this paper lies in bringing together seemingly disparate and diverse perspectives on global warming and sustainable tourism. This is useful for everyone, especially for those tasked with building consensus as well as those interested in seeing the political nature of such consensus.
Contracts as cornerstones in relationship building
Authors: Camén Carolina , Gottfridsson Patrik , Rundh Bo
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the significance of contracts in long‐term relationship building comparing public and private contexts. In order to investigate this, the paper addresses literature about relationship building, negotiation process and the role of contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes a qualitative approach and is based on comparative studies between the private and public sectors with the main focus on four companies within the public transport and paper industry. The unit of analysis is the enterprise's use of contracts in relationships. The analysis is based on the empirical material received from interviews and contextual analysis of the actual contracts. Internal and external documents have also been used in the analysis. The paper has categorized the material into different areas in relation to the relationship building.

Findings

In this paper the authors highlight the importance of contracts in the interaction between companies in different business situations. The findings in this study show that contracts function as cornerstones in relationship building. The conclusions also indicate that the type of contract used is depending of the uncertainty in the business relationship due to the relationship lifecycle. A main contribution from the study is that contracts affect the relationship building. In the private sector the relationship forms the contract while in the public sector the contract forms the relationships.

Originality/value

Previous research has mainly focused on how to manage long‐term relationships where the relationship is the result of a gradual development process between the parties and where there are few or next to no regulations regarding the interactions between the parties, for example who are involved or how the counterparty should be selected. Consequently, the results of this study adds to the literature the importance of contracts in long‐term relationship building comparing private and public contexts. Further, previous research has acknowledged that there is a need for more empirical research concerning the nature and form of contractual arrangements.
The role of emotions in customer complaint behaviors
Authors: Svari Sander , Erling Olsen Lars
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Companies often find that customers fail to complain directly to the company when they experience a negative service incident. One explanation for such behavior may be found in customers' emotions caused by the incident. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how emotions and customer complaint behaviors are related.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were performed. The first was a survey of customers who experienced negative service incidents in the Norwegian travel industry. In a second study, an experiment used another service context to validate the findings.

Findings

The results indicated that negative service incidents that are wholly attributed to the company increase the likelihood of customers complaining directly to the company. However, negative service incidents for which customers attribute responsibility wholly or partly to themselves, customers will be more likely to complain anonymously through social media and blogs, and hence to be a source of negative word‐of‐mouth about the company.

Originality/value

The paper establishes that increased levels of emotions, regardless of whether these emotions are internal or external in nature, increase customers complaints via negative word‐of‐mouth via social media and blogs.
Cross‐cultural impression management: a cultural knowledge audit model
Authors: Spong Abigail , Kamau Caroline
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Many people moving into a new culture for work or study do so without prior cross‐cultural training, yet successful cultural adaptation has important ramifications. The purpose of this paper is to focus on cross‐cultural impression management as an element of cultural adaptation. Does cultural adaptation begin by paying strong attention to nonverbal cues in a host culture? How is that attention converted into knowledge, and how do people use such knowledge management during impression management within the new culture?

Design/methodology/approach

The method was qualitative. In total, ten international students at an English university were recruited. All originated outside the European Union and each took part in a one‐hour structured interview. The transcripts were analysed through thematic analysis.

Findings

International students adopted cross‐cultural impression management strategies in order to enhance successful adaptation to the new host culture. Students consciously processed knowledge about nonverbal behaviour norms through everyday interactions. They audited knowledge deficits by detecting differences between the host norms and their home culture's norms. The motives for this included desiring to maximise rewards from situations.

Research limitations/implications

The findings imply that being in a new culture makes people “high self monitors”. They are more aware than usual about their own and others' nonverbal behaviours. The findings tell us about how cultural adaptation begins.

Originality/value

This appears to be the first in‐depth qualitative research examining cross‐cultural impression management by international students and deducing implications for expatriates.
Challenging behaviour: the causes (part II)
Authors: Koritsas Stella , Iacono Teresa
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the dominant approaches used to explain causes of challenging behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is the second in a two‐part series. It presents the causes of challenging behaviour according to the three theoretical approaches that have dominated the literature: applied behaviour analysis; biological factors; and psychiatric disorders.

Findings

It is apparent that the causes of challenging behaviour are likely to be complex and involve multiple factors. The approaches that have dominated the literature focus on single causes and do not explore possible interactions between various causes. Given the shortcomings of existing approaches, a fourth approach, the biopsychosocial model, is proposed as an alternative model to explain the causes of challenging behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper is the most recent of only a few providing an overview of the various approaches that seek to explain the causes of challenging behaviour.
The ward atmosphere scale for psychiatric inpatients with intellectual disability: a pilot study
Authors: Lise Bakken Trine , Ivar Røssberg Jan , Friis Svein
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Patients who have intellectual disability and mental illness will occasionally need inpatient treatment. However, research is sparse on psychosocial factors influencing psychiatric units for patients with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study is to examine whether adults with intellectual disabilities can reliably rate the Ward Atmosphere Scale – Real Ward (WAS‐R).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 17 patients with mild and moderate intellectual disability and 21 staff members were asked to complete the WAS‐R. The authors used six subscales (involvement, support, practical orientation, order and organisation, angry and aggressive behaviour, and staff control) that have proved to be of major importance for patient satisfaction and treatment outcome to measure the patients' and the staff members' perceptions of the treatment milieu. To examine the internal consistency Cronbach's alpha was calculated for the patient and staff scores, respectively.

Findings

A total of 16 patients completed the form. Patients with mild intellectual disabilities were able to answer the WAS with some help, whereas patients with moderate intellectual disabilities had major difficulties with understanding more than half of the WAS items. These difficulties were also reflected in the internal consistency scores. Cronbach's alpha was satisfactory (≥0.50) for five subscales for patients with mild intellectual disabilities, but only satisfactory for two of the six subscales for patients with moderate intellectual disabilities.

Research limitations/implications

A replication study should use a shorter version of the WAS‐R, and family or caregivers should answer the WAS‐R additionally to the patients.

Originality/value

This study may encourage more research on treatment milieu for patients with intellectual disability and mental illness.
Teaching Cantonese opera in a primary school
Authors: Lung Tang Chiu , Wah Leung Bo
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of learning Cantonese opera using Variation Theory as a guiding principle of pedagogical design.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of three types of speech in Cantonese opera were identified as the objects of learning in the study: patter speech, poetic speech and supported speech. Two classes of Grade five (N =54) students were arranged into an experimental group and a control group. In the experimental group, the characteristics of the three types of speech were taught using comparison and contrast techniques to help the learners identify and differentiate the characteristics of each type. The control group was taught the three types of speech sequentially without attempting to compare and contrast among the types. Pre‐ and post‐tests were conducted to test the students’ understanding of the objects of learning. An independent samples t‐test and a paired sample t‐test were applied to measure the statistical differences between the groups and the pre‐ and post‐tests, respectively.

Findings

The results indicated that there were no significant differences between the two groups before the treatment (p = .665). However, the experimental group achieved a significantly higher level of learning effectiveness than the control group after teaching (p = .003). The control group did not significantly improve their understanding after learning (p = .061), whereas the experimental group significantly increased their scores (p < .001).

Originality/value

The application of Variation Theory in academic subjects, especially mathematics, has been well explored in the literature. This study shows the application of Variation Theory in the cultural subject of music, and points to the potential of Variation Theory as a guiding principle of music teaching to enhance learning effectiveness.
Heart rate variability in junior high school students with depression and anxiety in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Hsin‐Te , Wan Kong‐Sang
Published: August 2012

Background

The impact of depression and anxiety on heart rate variability (HRV) is not clear in adolescents. We hypothesised that HRV investigation in adolescents may early prevent the mental diseases occurrence.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty‐three seventh grade students participated in this study programme. HRV instrumental analysis and spectral with scale of depression were measured respectively.

Results

It showed that among the participants, the depression score of female was higher than male. The population with lower depression score present with lower high frequency and higher low frequency/high frequency ratio but not statistically significant. Oppositely, participants with higher depression score were increased with heart rate and present with lower standard deviation of heart rate. However, it is also not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study supported the positive relation between HRV and depression, especially in the female gender. Therefore, HRV in depression may be beneficial in the detection and prevention of mental disorder development, even suicide behaviour in teenagers.
Impact of tumor‐associated macrophages on invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreas head
Authors: Yoshikawa Kiyoshi , Mitsunaga Shuichi , Kinoshita Taira , Konishi Masaru , Takahashi Shinichiro , Gotohda Naoto , Kato Yuichiro , Aizawa Masaki , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: August 2012

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are candidate histological factors in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the pancreas. Tumor‐associated macrophages can be affected by cancer‐related inflammation and pancreatitis and interact with important invasive behavior in a recurrent manner in pancreatic IDC. These features may help elucidate the aggressiveness of pancreatic IDC. The aim of this study was to characterize TAMs in pancreatic IDC in comparison with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and to reveal TAM‐related factors and the clinical impact of TAMs. CD68 (a pan‐macrophage marker) and CD204 (an M2 macrophage marker) immunohistochemistry was carried out in pancreas head specimens from 107 IDC cases and 11 CP cases. Immunopositive cell areas were calculated at the periphery and center of the tumor. The distributions of macrophages in IDC and CP and the relationship between TAMs and histological tumor factors, survival, and recurrence were evaluated. Macrophages were more frequently observed in the lesion periphery than the center in IDC and CP. The density of macrophages was elevated in IDC compared to CP. Dense M2 macrophages at the tumor periphery were frequently seen in large tumors and showed an independent impact on overall survival and disease‐free time. Early recurrence in the liver or the local manipulated area was associated with high accumulation of peripheral M2 macrophages. More M2 macrophages were seen in IDC than in CP in both the periphery and the center. High numbers of peripheral M2 macrophages were associated with large tumor size, early recurrence in the liver, local recurrence, and shortened survival time in patients with pancreatic IDC. (Cancer Sci, doi: 10.1111/j.1349‐7006.2012.02411.x, 2012)
Molecular defects in the factor X gene caused by novel heterozygous mutations IVS5+1G>A and Asp409del
Authors: ZHOU J. W. , LIANG Q. , CHEN Q. , XIE Y. , DING Q. L. , WANG X. F. , XI X. D. , WANG H. L.
Published: August 2012

Factor X (FX) deficiency is a rare autosomal‐recessive bleeding disorder caused by diverse mutations in the F10 gene. To investigate the molecular basis of severe FX deficiency in a mildly hemorrhagic patient, variants of the F10 gene were detected by sequencing. A missense mutation was analysed by in vitro expression and modelling analysis, and a splice mutation using ectopic transcript analysis. The levels of activity of FX (FX:C) were <1% in both intrinsic and extrinsic pathway assays and 1.71% in chromogenic assay, the level of FX antigen (FX:Ag) was 53.36% in the proband. Two novel heterozygous mutations (IVS5+1G>A and Asp409del) were identified in the F10 gene. Ectopic transcript expression combined with informative marker (heterozygous Asp409del) analysis of the splice mutation (IVS5+1G>A) revealed and confirmed that the transcript from the mutated allele was absent, likely caused by the nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay pathway. In vitro expression analysis showed that the Asp409del mutant led to a loss of enzymatic activity rather than impaired expression. Molecular modelling analysis confirmed that the Asp409del mutant dramatically altered the conformation of the 185–189 loop and impaired binding of the loop to sodium ions (Na+), diminishing the enzymatic activity of FXa. This is the first report to clarify the molecular mechanisms of two naturally occurring F10 gene variants that cause severe FX deficiency.