bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructions of credibility in decisions concerning unaccompanied minors
Authors: Hedlund Daniel
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the key credibility principles used by Migration Agency case-officers in Sweden. More specifically it analyses how they construct arguments about asylum-seeking unaccompanied minors’ credibility in first-decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is inspired by a social constructionist approach to discourse and explores how case-officers construct legally legitimate arguments about credibility. The qualitative text analysis is focused on discursive practice. The data selected for analysis consists of 827 excerpts containing case-officers’ credibility reasoning deducted from a sample of 916 decisions.

Findings

The main finding is that case-officers question unaccompanied minors by using argumentative techniques in which children appear to be expected to deliver detailed and coherent accounts. In addition, unaccompanied minors’ knowledge-claims can be questioned regardless of decision outcome (rejection or approval). As unaccompanied minors’ claims for asylum appear to be questioned in such an extensive manner, their humanitarian claims also seem to be reduced. The findings of this study suggest that there is a risk that the possibility to be understood as a legitimate asylum seeker, worthy of residency, can be restricted for unaccompanied minors.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that when case-officers base their understanding of credibility on unaccompanied children’s individual life experiences they make use of a limited repertoire of arguments.

Originality/value

This study contributes to insights about how case-officers fulfil legal expectations when assessing unaccompanied minors’ credibility. The findings can be of interest to both legal and social science as well policy planners and immigration practitioners.
Language training and well-being for qualified migrants in Sweden
Authors: Rodin Lika , Rodin Andre , Brunke Susanne
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of “Korta Vägen” (The short cut), a targeted language program for qualified migrants in Sweden, in self-maintaining, well-being and perspectives for socio-economic integration for foreigners with academic diploma.

Design/methodology/approach

In-class observations, individual semi-structured interviews, focus-group interviews and written essays were used for data collection. A thematic analysis was applied as a method of data analysis. Amartya Sen’s capability approach constituted a theoretical framework of the research discussion.

Findings

Korta Vägen provides various resources for the participants, some of which (language training and internship) can become real advantages for employment. Others (IT, interview training and CV writing) are less translatable into concrete outcomes. The study suggests that satisfaction with the program is modulated by commitment to one’s professional identity, initial language proficiency, scope of cultural knowledge, the participants’ goals and the flexibility of the training offered. The acculturation frame of the program does not necessarily correspond with the objective need of many participants for quick entry into the labor market.

Originality/value

Insights into the social-psychological aspects of targeted language training as a measure for socio-economic integration can serve to enhance educational and institutional policies and professional practice.
Managing competence and learning in knowledge-intensive, project-intensive organizations
Authors: Medina Rolf , Medina Alicia
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Competence management should no longer be considered as disconnected activities with few relationships with the organizational goals. It is the viewpoint that competence management as a whole consists of different mechanisms and strategies that involve many functions in the organization and link strategy, product/service development, and innovation. The purpose of this paper is to explore how a public knowledge-intensive, project-intensive organization manages competence in relation to its organizational goals and to identify which mechanisms are involved in this process as well as the underlying factors of those mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted following a single case study approach using several sources of evidence in a public organization responsible for public transport in the south of Sweden.

Findings

A theoretical framework called the competence loop is used as a platform. The results expand the framework by identifying underlying factors constituting the mechanisms and categorizing those factors in organizational and social dimensions. Another contribution is the competence concept including the factors that generate new competence. Furthermore, the study highlights that organizational culture has an impact on efficient competence management.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in a public organization; similar studies should be conducted in other kinds of knowledge-intensive, project-intensive organizations.

Originality/value

The results provide support to practitioners when trying to understand how competence evolves, how to facilitate learning in organizations that are reliant on human resources, how to manage competence to achieve organizational success, and show the role of the project as a competence arena.
Applying lean thinking in an educational institute – an action research
Authors: Narayanamurthy Gopalakrishnan , Gurumurthy Anand , Chockalingam Raju
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Lean thinking (LT) has been implemented in various manufacturing and service sectors. But, only a few published research articles have developed a framework describing the procedure for implementing LT in an educational institute. The purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a framework that can provide a structured procedure for the implementation of LT in an educational institute.

Design/methodology/approach

Various LT tools and techniques applicable in educational institute were identified by reviewing the relevant literature. By adopting an action research methodology (ARM) for a time period of 28 months, the processes in a case institute were studied; wastes in the process were identified and various solutions were proposed and implemented.

Findings

A comparison of the performance measures before (Batch 1) and after (Batch 2) implementation of solutions provided interesting insights into the effectiveness of LT. In both the batches, absenteeism in the class was found to increase across the terms. But the magnitude of increase was lesser in Batch 2. Results also showed that the number of unfilled seats (poor utilization) in an elective course in the second year of the program drastically reduced in Batch 2. Finally, a framework that can guide LT implementation in educational institutes was proposed.

Research limitations/implications

The current study describes only the initial stages of implementation in an educational institute. Hence, some of the benefits discussed are expected in the long run which can be assessed by carrying out a longitudinal study. Future study can attempt to empirically validate the proposed framework in multiple educational institutes and theoretically explain the reasons behind the results obtained.

Practical implications

ARM can be used as a tool by practitioners to study the behavioral aspects of employees of educational institutes toward LT implementation. The proposed framework and its demonstration can assist employees in educational institutes to implement LT. Positive results obtained in this study can further motivate the educational institutes to consider LT as a potential tool for improving the processes.

Originality/value

This is the first study to develop and validate a framework for structured implementation of LT in the processes of an educational institute. The study is also unique in empirically capturing the impact of LT implementation of an educational institute by analyzing the archived data.
Academic leadership – special or simple
Authors: Anthony Stephen Graham , Antony Jiju
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Is academic leadership unique? Is it special? Do academic leaders require certain knowledge, skills and behaviours that only a career in academic can develop – or is it fundamentally the same as traditional leadership? This paper explores whether or not academic leadership is special or simple. It starts by defining the context and environment academic leaders find themselves in, moving onto explore characteristics and the overlap with traditional leadership thinking and finally concludes with current trends and a working definition of what academic leadership really is. The purpose of this paper is to explore the uniqueness of academic institutions and whether or not they require certain leadership characteristics which can only be found in academic career progression or could an exceptional individual from outside academia lead academics, researchers, administrators and support staff?

Design/methodology/approach

Based around a literature review of current thinking on academic leadership and then the production of a Venn diagram to compares these current trends with more traditional definitions of leadership.

Findings

The key findings of this paper include a definition of academic leadership, and how it is similar in many ways to traditional leadership thinking. However, there is a uniqueness centred on the culture and politics of an academic institution which many traditional leaders would not need to work within.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is part of a wider research project relating to academic leadership and Lean Six Sigma and thus the author has searched out papers which support both areas of the author’s interest.

Practical implications

Anyone in a position of academic leadership may be interested in how it relates to traditional leadership concepts and where their field differs from others.

Originality/value

No research current exists which overlaps academic leadership with traditional definitions and characteristics and thus this paper is a new view of academic leadership.
Impacting Big Data analytics in higher education through Six Sigma techniques
Authors: Laux Chad , Li Na , Seliger Corey , Springer John
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for utilizing Six Sigma (SS) principles and Big Data analytics at a US public university for the improvement of student success. This research utilizes findings from the Gallup index to identify performance factors of higher education. The goal is to offer a reimagined SS DMAIC methodology that incorporates Big Data principles.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize a conceptual research design methodology based upon theory building consisting of discovery, description, explanation of the disciplines of SS and Big Data.

Findings

The authors have found that the interdisciplinary approach to SS and Big Data may be grounded in a framework that reimagines the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) methodology that incorporates Big Data principles. The authors offer propositions of SS DMAIC to be theory tested in subsequent study and offer the practitioner managing the performance of higher education institutions (HEIs) indicators and examples for managing the student success mission of the organization.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to conceptual research design with regard to the SS and Big Data interdisciplinary research. For performance management, this study is limited to HEIs and non-FERPA student data. Implications of this study include a detailed framework for conducting SS Big Data projects.

Practical implications

Devising a more effective management approach for higher education needs to be based upon student success and performance indicators that accurately measure and support the higher education mission. A proactive approach should utilize the data rich environment being generated. The individual that is most successful in engaging and managing this effort will have the knowledge and skills that are found in both SS and Big Data.

Social implications

HEIs have historically been significant contributors to the development of meritocracy in democratic societies. Due to a variety of factors, HEIs, especially publicly funded institutions, have been under stress due to a reduction of public funding, resulting in more limited access to the public in which they serve.

Originality/value

This paper examines Big Data and SS in interdisciplinary effort, an important contribution to SS but lacking a conceptual foundation in the literature. Higher education, as an industry, lacks penetration and adoption of continuous improvement efforts, despite being under tremendous cost pressures and ripe for disruption.
Improving police risk assessment and management of family violence through a collaboration between law enforcement, forensic mental health and academia
Authors: McEwan Troy E. , Bateson Stuart , Strand Susanne
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Police play an essential role in reducing harms associated with family violence by identifying people at increased risk of physical or mental health-related harm and linking them with support services. Yet police are often poorly trained and resourced to conduct the kind of assessments necessary to identify family violence cases presenting with increased risk. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes a multi-project collaboration between law enforcement, forensic mental health, and academia that has over three years worked to improve risk assessment and management of family violence by police in Victoria, Australia.

Findings

Evaluation of existing risk assessment instruments used by the state-wide police force showed they were ineffective in predicting future police reports of family violence (AUC=0.54-0.56). However, the addition of forensic psychology expertise to specialist family violence teams increased the number of risk management strategies implemented by police, and suggested that the Brief Spousal Assault Form for the Evaluation of Risk assessment instrument may be appropriate for use by Australian police (AUC=0.63).

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study are as follows: police risk assessment procedures should be subject to independent evaluation to determine whether they are performing as intended; multidisciplinary collaboration within police units can improve police practice; drawing on expertise from agencies external to police offers a way to improve evidence-based policing, and structured professional judgement risk assessment can be used in policing contexts with appropriate training and support.

Originality/value

The paper describes an innovative collaboration between police, mental health, and academia that is leading to improved police practices in responding to family violence. It includes data from the first evaluation of an Australian risk assessment instrument for family violence, and describes methods of improving police systems for responding to family violence.
Policing child abuse: challenges and opportunities for specialist units
Authors: Martin Denise , Kelly Lynn , Jackson Sharon , Byszko Sabina
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Drawing on the literature from the field and the recent experience of an evaluation into a child abuse investigation in Scotland, the purpose of this paper is to argue that evidence from the literature suggests that a more holistic approach drawing on the ideas of communities of practice could improve the way in which child abuse investigations are conducted.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has been informed by a recent evaluation of a new national unit that was set up to investigate suspected child abuse in Scotland. This unit was established as part of the transition from eight regional police services in Scotland to a single national police service, Police Scotland. An important part of this evaluation was to consider the messages from previous research into the development of national police units and the role of the police in child protection investigations more generally.

Findings

What was uncovered were the challenges that police officers face in the current context of child abuse investigation particularly around construction of child abuse investigations, collaborative working, staff well-being and training.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this paper are as follows: police investigations into child abuse experience a range of issues, multi-agency and holistic approaches are more effective, agencies should be encouraged to establish communities of practice and staff need adequate levels of support and training.

Originality/value

This paper contributes towards a growing body of work examining the way in which child abuse investigations are conducted by police and the importance of inter-agency collaboration to support this. It contributes to academic debates and knowledge of the overall investigation process where, to date, there has been a paucity of literature and research that has tended to focus on evidence and experiences and to a boarder literature recognising the need for holistic approaches to tackle child abuse.
Exploring law enforcement and public health as a collective impact initiative: lessons learned from Tasmania as a case study
Authors: Julian Roberta , Bartkowiak-Théron Isabelle , Hallam Jackie , Hughes Clarissa
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential benefits as well as some of the practical barriers to the implementation of a collective impact initiative in law enforcement and public health (LEPH) in Tasmania, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of programs, agencies and initiatives that are at the intersection of LEPH in Tasmania, through an analysis of the findings in evaluation reports, and the views of practitioners identified at a workshop on LEPH held at a national AOD conference and facilitated by the authors.

Findings

The strengths of collective impact initiatives, particularly in LEPH, are presented and some weaknesses identified. Some major obstacles to the consolidation of LEPH initiatives include siloed ways of working and budgets, lack of leadership and political will. Some progress has been made in addressing these weaknesses, although addressing complex social problems by moving beyond inter-agency collaboration toward an integrated model of service provision remains challenging.

Practical implications

The authors argue that there are practical benefits to the adoption of a collective impact model to address problems in Tasmania that lie at the nexus between LEPH. In reviewing existing collaborations, the authors demonstrate the value of a structural mapping process to identify ways forward for government and non-government agencies that are inclined to go further in merging the two disciplinary areas. The authors offer some suggestions with respect to identifying the preconditions for a collective impact model and how to build on these to initiate action.

Originality/value

A significant proportion of the literature on LEPH remains at a conceptual and theoretical level. This contribution highlights some practical issues while looking at existing examples of collaboration across LEPH at a state level in Australia, and starts mapping a way forward for constructing more integrative LEPH initiatives.
Event-specific earnings management: additional evidence from US M&A pre-and post-SOX
Authors: Alsharairi Malek , Dixon Robert , Al-Hamadeen Radhi
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the motivation to manage earnings in US mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by investigating whether the enactment of Sarbanes-Oxley act (SOX) has affected pre-merger earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a sample of over 700 completed M&As of US public firms during 1999-2008. Using quarterly reports, they tracked down earnings management during the four quarters preceding the deal and consequently drew inferences about the implications of SOX on interim reporting practices.

Findings

We report evidence that in the post-SOX era, non-cash acquirers begin pre-merger upwards earnings management in an earlier quarter than in the pre-SOX era. Further, our evidence indicates that in the quarters prior to the takeover, targets engage in more aggressive upwards earnings management in the post-SOX era.

Originality/value

Unlike what is anticipated regarding earnings management practices after SOX, the study reveals significant evidence of upward earnings management by firms engaging in M&A in post-SOX era.
The effect of disclosure regulation on the bias and accuracy of management earnings forecasts in Malaysian IPO prospectuses
Authors: Ammer Mohammed Abdullah , Ahmad-Zaluki Nurwati A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of disclosure regulation on the levels of bias and accuracy in management earnings forecasts disclosed in the prospectuses of Malaysian initial public offering (IPO). Specifically, the authors investigated the two environments of regulation (mandatory versus voluntary) to draw some conclusions regarding the benefits of regulating disclosure of management earnings forecasts.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 111 Malaysian IPOs listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia from January 1, 2004 to February 29, 2012 was used. The paper uses both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses on this sample of IPOs.

Findings

The empirical results of these multivariate regressions indicated that disclosure regulation has positive and significant impact on the bias and accuracy of management earnings forecasts disclosed in IPO prospectus. In general, the study results suggest that using disclosure regulation to improve the quality of IPO earnings forecasts can be, to some extent, an effective strategy.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have important implications for regulators and investors. The findings can provide them some relevant insights on the improvements to the earnings forecasts accuracy and trends of the forecast (optimistic or pessimistic) after the change from mandatory to voluntary disclosure. Thus, the authorities may learn whether this change is an effective policy or whether the regime of mandatory disclosure was better for IPO companies and should be reversed.

Originality/value

This study is regarded as the first attempt to investigate the impact of reforms in disclosure regulation on the quality of management earnings forecasts of IPO prospectuses in a developing nation such as Malaysia. In spite of this, the paper focuses on a single country, and it contributes significant insights to the debate about the credibility of IPO management earnings forecasts.
Antecedents of taxpayers’ intentions to engage in tax evasion: evidence from Barbados
Authors: Alleyne Philmore , Harris Terry
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Tax evasion has been a major problem for governments around the world, with innovative and ever-changing schemes making the practice increasingly difficult to regulate. In light of this, this study aims to use the extended version of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) (Beck and Ajzen, 1991) to predict individuals’ intentions to engage in tax evasion.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a two-stage approach for data collection and analysis. First, the authors obtained survey data from 150 taxpayers in Barbados to conduct multivariate analyses to test the validity of the study’s hypotheses. The authors also used several open-ended questions on the survey instrument to conduct thematic analyses to further explore the influence of the antecedents of intentions to engage in tax evasion. Second, the authors conducted a focus group with two tax officials and three tax advisors.

Findings

The authors find that attitudes toward the behaviour, perceived behavioural control and moral obligation are significant predictors of intentions to engage in tax evasion. Factors cited as encouraging tax evasion are perceived fairness, tax authorities’ institutional infrastructure and responses, potential financial benefit, perceptions of inequality, low level of trust in tax authorities, perceived poor use of tax revenues and poor treatment of taxpayers. Conversely, factors cited as discouraging tax evasion include fear of prosecution, high morals and potential adequate governmental regulation.

Research limitations/implications

The study measures intentions to engage in tax evasion rather than actual behaviour. The study does not measure social desirability bias.

Originality/value

This paper tests the applicability of variables used in the extended version of the TPB to predict intentions to engage in tax evasion in a Caribbean-based emerging economy. It also applies a mixed-methods approach of collecting data from taxpayers, tax advisors and tax officials.
Knowledge of Islamic accounting among professionals: evidence from the Tunisian context
Authors: Ben Abd El Afou Rym
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The paper is intended as an extension of the literature dealing with the Islamic accounting standards issued by the Accounting Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and still not adopted in Tunisia. Its major aim is to investigate the Tunisian accountants’ basic knowledge and perceptions of Islamic accounting. The study has been designed for the sake of the Tunisian accountants’ predisposition to adhere to the AAOIFI standards, as a population directly concerned by an eventual adoption of such standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study using a questionnaire survey based on the relevant literature. The questionnaire has included items pertaining to demographic areas, information sources, basic knowledge, key differences, valuation concepts, obstacles and advantages, educational and training needs regarding Islamic accounting. The conducted study has involved data collected from the part of 200 practitioners across a number of organizations and audit firms, sited at different regions and locations of the country, employing accounting graduates.

Findings

The reached findings suggest that even though Tunisian practitioners are not well aware of most of the AAOIFI standards’ pertaining topics, proponents of stand-alone AAOIFI standards, apart from IFRS, appear to outnumber its opponents. In this context, lack of training programs arranged by professional bodies is considered as the most serious impediment facing the implementation of the standards.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to the usual limitations associated with any survey research (particularly non-response bias and desirability bias), there, also, lies a sample related limitation, as the sample turns out to involve, essentially the private/corporate sector. Pertinent organizations, as the IFI’s, appear to be not well represented in the sample.

Practical implications

The results reached through this study would have some implications on the regulatory bodies, academicians and professionals. Thus, for the AAOIFI standards to be successfully implemented in Tunisia, entirety of concerned parties should take part in improving and consolidating the situation.

Social implications

Ultimately, studying differences in the views of jurisdictions, either those who have adopted the AAOIFI standards or those who have not, might provide certain guidelines to standard setters for potential revisions.

Originality/value

Few short articles have previously exanimate the perceptions and knowledge of accounting professionals on Islamic accounting issues, there is a scarcity of research regarding the subject. To the author’s knowledge, this paper is one of the rare studies of Islamic accounting in Tunisia.
Valero’s “Enterprise Politics”: a model of humanistic management and corporate governance
Authors: Calleja Ricardo , Melé Domènec
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and interpret the “Enterprise Politics Model (EPM)” developed by Professor Antonio Valero, Founder and first Dean of IESE Business School, University of Navarra, Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from a careful reading of Valero’s writings in their original context and some developments of these by his followers, this paper systematically presents and discusses the key ideas of Valero’s model for management and corporate governance.

Findings

The main features of Valero’s philosophy of the firm and of senior management can be summarized in four points: the firm as a community of persons; the firm as an intermediate social institution serving the common good of society; the different nature of political and technical practice, which leads senior management to exercise practical reason – not only science or technique, and at the same time a kind of political art, or wisdom; and the role and responsibility of entrepreneurs and top management. Valero emphasizes the political nature of management and, from a practical perspective, suggests a global analysis based on four big areas of governance: business activity, managing structure, institutional configuration, and professional community. He makes his model applicable by developing “political procedures”.

Research limitations/implications

Valero’s “EPM” is an original humanistic approach to management and corporate governance, with implications to business education. Valero’s contributions were based on his business and teaching experience and in a deep humanistic background, but adopted an intuitive outlook and need further conceptual development, actualization to contemporary business context and empirical research on the relationship between this model and performance.

Practical implications

Valero’s “EPM” is a practically oriented humanistic approach to management and corporate governance which can be a realistic alternative to conventional, and often criticized, approaches to management and corporate governance. In fact, it has already been successfully applied in several companies.

Social implications

In a context of growing discontent toward capitalism and the role of business in society, the “EPM” – discussed in this paper – shows how business might be run and organized to be socially responsible, contributing to the common good and respecting individual rights and flourishing.

Originality/value

The paper discusses, systematizes and interprets an innovative way of understanding management and corporate governance.
Omni-channel marketing, integrated marketing communications and consumer engagement
Authors: Manser Payne Elizabeth , Peltier James W. , Barger Victor A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In this invited paper, the authors aim to offer an integrated marketing communications (IMC) framework for understanding how disparate customer touchpoints impact consumer engagement and profitability in an omni-channel environment. For each aspect of the framework, the authors recommend areas for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review literature linking personal and electronic channels of communication in an omni-channel context to consumer engagement, with an emphasis on channel and message unity.

Findings

Five major research areas were identified: research that better links omni-channel and IMC theory and practice; conceptual and empirical research that helps operationalize the consumer-brand engagement construct, including its antecedents and consequences; Build understanding of off- and on-line consumer-brand touchpoints and how they may enhance engagement and profitability; how omni-channel IMC best monetizes buyer–seller relationships; and omni-channel IMC in other consumer decision contexts.

Practical implications

The emergence of omni-channel marketing is breaking down the silos across available consumer-brand touchpoints. The intersection of effective omni-channel marketing and IMC strategic and tactical initiatives offers marketers an opportunity to engage their customers and to form profitable relationships.

Originality/value

The authors proposed an omni-channel IMC Framework and a research agenda for advancing the field. As this is a new area of inquiry, the authors argue for the development of other comprehensive frameworks, both for general omni-channel IMC conceptualizations.
Improving banner ad strategies through predictive modeling
Authors: Obal Michael W. , Lv Wen
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory, data-driven study is to identify the optimal banner advertising strategies for achieving different business metric goals, such as effective cost per activity, via unique predictive modelling methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The k-fold cross-validation method is used to build predictive models to analyze 18,956 online banner advertising records.

Findings

Banner ads with high visual complexity and attractive offers tend to draw users to participate in online activities, whereas voluntary banner ads with low visual complexity tend to draw user clicks. Further, banner ads with lower visual complexity tend to have lower costs. Finally, the third quarter of a year is the most important period for online advertising campaigns in terms of achieving the optimal effectiveness and cost for running internet banner ads.

Research limitations/implications

As only visual and temporal characteristics of internet banner ads are covered in this study, future research should concentrate on the specific language within each banner ad message. Further, this study does not specifically tie internet-specific metrics, such as activities, costs and clicks to business metrics, such as revenue and profit.

Practical implications

Advertisers can use the findings from this study to create an effective and cost-efficient banner advertising strategy. Specifically, firms should use larger banner ads with features and offers, advertise at the end of the year and use caution with rich media expandable banners and banner ad videos as they can significantly increase costs.

Originality/value

This is one of the first exploratory studies to use the k-fold cross-validation method to build predictive models to identify visual and temporal factors that significantly impact the effectiveness and cost of internet banner ads.
Data bibliometrics: metrics before norms
Authors: Stuart David
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problem of establishing metrics for the impact of research data when norms of behaviour have not yet become established.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers existing research into data citation and explores the citation of data journals.

Findings

The paper finds that the diversity of data and its citation precludes the drawing of any simple conclusions about how to measure the impact of data, and an over emphasis on metrics before norms of behaviour have become established may adversely affect the data ecosystem.

Originality/value

The paper considers multiple different types of data citation, including for the first time the citation of data journals.
Content analysis of scholarly discussions of psychological academic articles on Facebook
Authors: Na Jin-Cheon , Ye Yingxin Estella
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive understanding of scholarly discussions of academic publications on the social web and to further discuss the validity of altmetrics as a research impact assessment tool for academic articles.

Design/methodology/approach

Facebook posts citing psychological journal papers were collected for both quantitative and qualitative analyses. A content analysis approach was adopted to investigate topic preferences and motivations for scholarly discussions among academic and non-academic Facebook users.

Findings

Non-academic users were more actively engaged in scholarly discussions on Facebook than academic users. Among 1,711 Facebook users in the sample, 71.4 percent of them belonged to non-academic users, while 28.6 percent were from an academic background. The Facebook users cited psychological articles with various motivations: discussion and evaluation toward articles (20.4 percent), application to real life practices (16.5 percent), self-promotion (6.4 percent), and data source exchange (6.0 percent). However, nearly half of the posts (50.1 percent) were simply sharing articles without additional user comments. These results implicate that Facebook metric (a count of mentions of a research article on Facebook), as an important source of altmetrics, better reflects the attitudes or perceptions of the general public instead of academia.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by enriching the understanding of Facebook metric as an academic and non-academic impact assessment tool for scientific publication. Through the content analysis of Facebook posts, it also draws insights into the ways in which non-academic audiences are engaging with scholarly outputs.
Communicating online information via streaming video: the role of user goal
Authors: Aljukhadar Muhammad , Senecal Sylvain
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, building on the media richness theory (MRT), is to propose that while communicating product information via streaming video should enhance outcome measures, such an enhancement will be evident mainly for users with equivocal, latent goals (i.e. recreational browsing) rather than for those with less equivocal, concrete goals (i.e. the search of a specific product).

Design/methodology/approach

The experiment involved 337 potential online consumers in Canada, and had full factorial design with four conditions (two methods to communicate product information: textual vs streaming video, and two goals: product searching vs recreational browsing). Analysis of covariance was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results lent support to the hypotheses. The perceived information quality, trusting competence, and arousal for participants with recreational browsing goals were significantly affected when product information where communicated using streaming video. For participants with concrete goals (product searchers), the traditional textual method was as effective as the streaming video method.

Practical implications

The findings entice practitioners to use rich media such as the streaming video method to communicate online information predominantly for users with experiential browsing goals, and to use lean media for users with less equivocal, concrete goals.

Originality/value

The results contribute to the sparse literature that underscores the key role of user goal in shaping the effectiveness of online information. The results provide empirical support to the prediction of MRT that the use of rich media to communicate information is advantageous for users with latent, equivocal goals.
Altmetrics: an overview and evaluation
Authors: Williams Ann E.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and critique of altmetrics, an understudied yet increasingly important arena of study for scholars, academics, and professional researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is organized into six parts: the first defines altmetrics; the second examines how altmetrics work; the third presents multiple typologies under which altmetrics can be classified and studied; the fourth details the technological capabilities of altmetrics; the fifth presents a critical evaluation of the “pros and cons” of altmetrics; and, the sixth outlines some directions for future and ongoing research.

Findings

The conclusions detail the strengths and limitations of altmetrics and point toward avenues for continued research and development.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to provide a substantive review and evaluation of altmetrics for academics to consider when adopting, utilizing, and researching these tools.
Increase in prices of farmland in the Czech Republic
Authors: Severová Lucie , Svoboda Roman , Kopecká Lenka
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to express the development of market price of farmland in the CR and to describe causes and effects of these changes in the price on the ownership of land in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

Primarily, description methods (especially for describing the creation of investment farmland funds) and a comparative analysis (in the case of an indicator of the farmland prices in the Czech Republic) were used in this paper.

Findings

The findings show that the situation in the Czech agricultural sector has improved particularly due to increasing subsidies; non-agricultural subjects are showing increased interest and banks are changing their approach to granting loans for the purchase of farmland. The market price of farmland in the Czech Republic has been rising; in 2015, it exceeded CZK162,500 per hectare on average. However, it is still low compared to the old EU member states.

Practical implications

Practical implication of the paper consists in comparing market prices of farmland with prices at which state sold farmland through PRGLF. Plot owners are often approached about the sale or lease of farmland. However, there are many speculators among those interested in buying, who often focus on those owners who have no idea regarding the value of their plots.

Originality/value

In the paper, the model of farmland prices was newly used and applied to real data in the Czech Republic from 2004 to 2015. Moreover, current data on investments to farmland were acquired, and an analysis which could be useful for foreign investors was elaborated.
Maintenance programmes for flat roofs in existing buildings
Authors: Morgado João , Flores-Colen Inês , de Brito Jorge , Silva Ana
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a maintenance programme for flat roofs in existing buildings, based on the inspection of 26 buildings in-service conditions, located in the Lisbon region, in Portugal. A proactive maintenance of flat roofs in existing buildings allows reducing their pathology, thus improving their performance and service life.

Design/methodology/approach

The maintenance plan was established based on the degradation state of the maintenance source elements (MSEs) analysed, the aggressiveness of the surrounding environment and the age of the roofs and maintenance actions carried out during the roofing systems’ life cycle.

Findings

The maintenance plan proposed in this study includes the prioritization of the interventions, the definition of the required maintenance operations and the definition of the frequency of the intervention, considering the service lives of the MSEs.

Research limitations/implications

The study addresses only roofs located in the Lisbon area. Even though a relatively large sample of 26 roofs was used, the findings and conclusions can clearly be extrapolated for a much wider scope.

Practical implications

The maintenance plan proposed in this study considers a planning of proactive maintenance operations to continuously and effectively monitor all the relevant MSE.

Originality/value

This plan allows minimizing the incidence and spread of defects, thus enabling the optimization of resources, reducing the costs of the entire maintenance system and improving the quality of the built environment.
Green synthesis and spectroscopic studies of some complexes compounds as pigments and their applications in paints
Authors: Wahba Osama A.G. , Hassan Ali M. , Naser Abdelrahman M. , Hanafi Adel M.G.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study to investigate the synthesis of new Cr(III), Fe(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) Schiff base complexes by a simple technique (microwave technique). The evaluation of the prepared complexes as pigments as corrosion resistant was also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The Schiff base complexes were prepared by using microwave method (green chemistry), and then, the physico-chemical requirements according to standards for the synthesised pigments were investigate.

Findings

The prepared complexes exhibit good physical, mechanical and corrosion properties as pigments in paint formulations.

Research limitations/implications

The simple technique used for synthesis of metal complex pigments will significantly increase the cost saving for the manufacturing of such pigments category. Also, the used technique is considered a green method (eco-friendly), as there no organic solvent was used.

Practical implications

The evaluation of the prepared complex pigments as corrosion resistants was also studied.

Originality/value

It is a simple technique, green synthesis (no solvent used) is involved and high yield is obtained.
Toughening polypropylene by tiny amounts of fillers
Authors: Wang Baolong , Ma Haiqing , Wu Di , Zhu Lien , Jin Zheng
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare new modified polypropylene (PP) with phenolic microspheres (PFMs). Furthermore, the crystallinity and mechanical properties of PP modified by fillers (silicon dioxide [SiO2] and light calcium carbonate [CaCO3], respectively) have also been investigated and compared.

Design/methodology/approach

For effective toughening, three different fillers were added into the PP matrix. PP composites were prepared through melt blending with double-screw extruder and injection moulding machine.

Findings

It was found that with the addition of 3 Wt.% PFM, the impact strength was maximum in all PP composites and increased by 1.4 times compared to pure PP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and polarised optical microscopy (POM) analysis confirmed that 3 Wt.% PFM, 3 Wt.% SiO2 and 2 Wt.% CaCO3 were optimal to add in PP and PFM to give the best compatibility with PP.

Research limitations/implications

PFM particles not only are tougher and less brittle and can offer other advantages such as enhanced machinability, but also are important organic materials and have a good compatibility with polymer for reinforcing polymer properties.

Practical implications

The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improving the toughness of PP.

Social implications

There will be thermoplastic plastics with higher toughness in domestic, packaging and automotive applications, particularly at lower temperatures.

Originality/value

The PP modified by tiny amounts of fillers in this work had high toughness, which can be applied as an efficient material widely used in domestic, packaging and automotive applications.