bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How ownership affects the growth strategies of scientific journals
Authors: Day Colin
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how journals expanded to accommodate the growth in scholarly writing from 1950 to 2000, and how the policy response differed between for‐profit and non‐profit publishers.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking economics as an example and using an authoritative list of journals, data were collected and analyzed for the first issue of each decade on new journals, frequency of issues, number of articles published and pages per issue. Each journal was assigned to one of three ownership categories and growth policies analyzed separately for each.

Findings

Overall primary reliance was placed on launching new journals and increasing the frequency of issue. However, there was a marked difference between for‐profits and non‐profits. The former launched most new journals and increased publication frequency while keeping individual issues quite short. By contrast, the latter added few journals or issues, but did systematically include more articles in each issue.

Originality/value

This paper looks behind the general growth in scholarly literature to analyze how journals have used the available tools – new journals, more frequent issues, and longer issues – to accommodate the dramatic increase in the number of articles written. Particularly original is the demonstration that for‐profits and non‐profits have used these tools in very different ways.
Metadata quality and interoperability of GLAM digital images
Authors: Lim Shirley , Li Liew Chern
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This study aims to explore how metadata have been applied in GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) institutions in New Zealand (NZ) and to analyse its overall quality with the interoperability of the metadata element set especially in mind.

Design/methodology/approach

The first stage of data collection involved an analysis of the metadata records from 16 institutions from the NZ GLAM sector to examine the types and extent of metadata used. However, by looking at publicly accessible metadata records, it was impossible to determine the full extent of metadata created, especially when there could be metadata that were kept in‐house. This was complemented with interviewing of staff from the institutions concerned.

Findings

The study found that metadata records for digital images in four types of institutions have different emphases on metadata functions and a variety of metadata are not applied on a consistent basis. The lack of technical data in metadata records means that digital visual images are not always well protected. There is a consensus among those interviewed that metadata sharing is important. However, the wide use of a proprietary system which comes with pre‐existing metadata fields could result in a lack of flexibility and a risk that institutions adopt cataloguing practices to accommodating their collection management systems rather than to the requirements for interoperability and long‐term preservation.

Originality/value

In addition to studying metadata quality in GLAM digital image repositories, the study also examined the rationale and factors affecting the current practice via interviews with representatives from the institutions concerned. This shed light on potential barriers to interoperability that warranted further examination.
Functional foods
Authors: Labrecque Joanne , Charlebois Sylvain
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Functional foods, also known controversially as “phoods,” are perceived by many as the food industry's response to consumers' increasing desire to make healthier eating choices. The objective of the present study is to determine the influence of the production technology used to make functional foods on the perceived health value of functional foods.

Design/methodology/approach

To meet the objectives of the study, the paper employs an exploratory study with six conditions. The two factors addressed were the added nutrient (lycopene and beta‐carotene) and the degree of production technology (low, medium, and high). Lycopene and beta‐carotene were both added to two functional foods with different health features, which in this study were orange juice and apple pie. The use of this latter factor supposed that the level “low” implied a product which was improved by adding a food that naturally contained a nutrient, the level “medium” implied that the nutrient was added in the laboratory, and the level “high” refers to an ingredient whose genetic code had been modified in order to introduce the gene producing the nutrient. In order to reduce the effect of the order of presentation of the technology levels, the sequence of levels was randomized.

Findings

The results show that perceived health benefits and intention to purchase are not so much influenced by what we pose as graduated stages of production technologies as by a perceived dichotomy between natural and artificial foods. The results also show the extensive mediating effect of perceived risks and benefits on the relationship between experimental conditions, perceived health benefits, and intent to purchase. The results also reveal that pre‐purchase intentions of functional foods are more noteworthy for orange juice, which has a usefulness valence, than for apple pie, which has a less healthy epicurean valence.

Originality/value

This study has various strengths, including a novel intervention that addressed a timely topic for which few data are currently available. The sale of functional foods is a complex practice. This exploratory study took a few steps toward understanding how health benefits of functional foods are perceived and how these perceptions can be better understood by food manufacturers and consumers in today's society.
Dietary approaches for polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Farhat Antoine G. , Mansour Marisa B. , Attieh Remi W.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive summary of the effect of different dietary approaches on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design/methodology/approach

This review represents the history of PCOS, the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It also includes up‐to‐date research articles on different types of diets that have been shown some promising effects in the treatment of PCOS.

Findings

PCOS is nowadays considered the most common endocrine abnormality, with a range of 4‐12 per cent of women affected by the syndrome. It has been proven that diet, in addition to exercise and medication, plays an important role in the treatment of PCOS. The proper dietary approach for women with PCOS should focus on the PCOS symptoms and also improve weight loss, increase fertility, and decrease risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Originality/value

This paper provides accessible and comprehensive information on PCOS (since its discovery in 1935) to researchers, nutritionists, and women with PCOS who are interested in the effect of the diet on PCOS management.
School‐to‐work transitional outcomes of a group of Italian school dropouts
Authors: Sappa Viviana , Bonica Laura
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This study aims to deal with the role of vocational training in developing social inclusion by analyzing the school‐to‐work transitional outcomes of early school leavers whose successful experience in vocational training was documented in previous works.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises 126 males who enrolled in and successfully completed biennial vocational training courses soon after dropping out of school. The transitional outcomes one year after the qualification as well as the variability of these outcomes in relation to age, degree of success in vocational training, and achievement in the previous schools were analyzed. A phone interview was used to collect data, and a binary logistic regression analysis was applied. In addition, narrative materials were collected through biographical interviews and qualitatively analyzed.

Findings

Although most subjects obtained a stable job, some critical aspects emerged: at times employment seemed to be the result of a “negative compromise”; several constraints emerged in managing further personal investment in school and learning.

Research limitations/implications

Results support the usefulness of studying social inclusion by adopting a transitional perspective. The main limitations concern the focus on just a few variables that only partially explain the different outcomes.

Practical implications

Findings suggested the need for greater flexibility among school, vocational training, and the world of work in order to promote effective social and professional inclusion through the VET system.

Originality/value

The paper's results indicate that developing social inclusion of early school leavers inevitably demands a transformation in the widespread beliefs about the dichotomy between learning and work.
From a paternalistic model towards what? HRM trends in Korea and Taiwan
Authors: Bae Johngseok , Chen Shyh‐Jer , Rowley Chris
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Human resource management (HRM) practices have been re‐evaluated under the pressures and constraints of factors such as globalization, inward and outward investment patterns, multinational companies (MNCs), indigenous cultures and institutions. This paper aims to compare changes and continuities in key aspects of HRM in South Korea and Taiwan. It examines the impacts on HRM policies ‐ particularly employment security, extensive training, performance based pay and employee influence ‐ and the role of a core‐periphery model. Time effects, country effects and the interaction between them are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was undertaken across a decade at three time periods between 1996 and 2005 and in both locally‐owned firms and MNC subsidiaries using questionnaires.

Findings

The authors find, first, recognizable general patterns over time; second, significant interaction effects of country and time; third, some HRM practices more culturally bounded than others.

Practical implications

These include issues relating to companies using more core‐periphery and performance based employment.

Originality/value

The paper makes use of an under‐used perspective, both comparative and longitudinal, at three time periods in two under‐researched contexts of South Korea and Taiwan.
Exploring the roles of performance measurement systems in strategy implementation
Authors: Micheli Pietro , Mura Matteo , Agliati Marco
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the links between strategy implementation, performance measurement and strategic alignment within a highly diversified group of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches was used, and data were gathered in two different periods. In the first phase, preliminary interviews were followed by a survey across all the firms of the group and by semi‐structured interviews in four companies. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted four years later to explore changes in both strategy and performance measurement systems (PMSs).

Findings

This research contributes to the debate on the appropriateness of introducing PMSs as formal management control mechanisms. The analysis of data led to three main findings. First, the introduction of IT systems and specific governance mechanisms alone enabled the implementation of strategy across the group only to a limited extent. Second, the lack of a comprehensive PMS appeared to have negative effects on both the formulation and implementation of strategy. Third, following a phase of substantial expansion, both strategy and measurement systems had to be changed to provide a greater sense of direction and to gather data on non‐financial aspects of the business.

Originality/value

This research considers the case of a group of firms, which aimed to achieve strategy implementation and alignment without introducing a comprehensive PMS. This paper provides empirical evidence of the potential limitations of such an approach, and illustrates the changes to strategy and performance measurement made by the company considered.
Managing complexity: using ambivalence and contingency to support diversity in organizations
Authors: Koall Iris
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss complexity approaches of management theory, by focusing on their capacity to use efficiently contingence in organizations. As a theoretical framework the theory of social systems (Luhmann) is used, where a difference is made between complexity reduction and condensation. Complexity reduction is related to certain functional needs to control a hierarchical system. Complexity condensation redesigns communicative structures towards participative norm development, offering discursive connectivity, and decision making in networks. It is described how heterogeneous cultures in organizations have the chance to be successful by focusing their functional needs to include, to orient, and to motivate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for discussing theoretical frameworks to reconstruct management approaches to develop towards more diversity capacity in organizations. Theory of social systems is employed as basic methodology.

Findings

The chosen research reconstructs management approaches to focus on functional imperatives of organizational systems as well as the development of functional equivalents. The logic figure of functional equivalents describes alternatives of exclusive organizational cultures. Heterogeneity in organizations is based on the redesign of communicative procedures, structures and cultures.

Research limitations/implications

The aim of the paper is diversity theory development. It offers heuristic moments which might be useful in empirical research, too. Following the suggestion homogeneity is just an outcome of certain organizational decisions to deal with contingency and complexity, it might offer practical relevance by testing the capacity to change communication and interaction patterns. The culture‐function matrix also might offer an opportunity to discuss the paradigms of organizational development towards more diversity.

Practical implications

There might be the possibility to enhance conditions of observing organizations, but the practical implications might be rather limited.

Originality/value

Using theory of social systems (Luhmann) as theory which focuses complexity traits is rather undeveloped. It could offer insights in the capacity to deal with contingency, and the attempts to suppress it. Complexity in social systems could offer a prerequisite to support the interdisciplinary research in diversity studies.
Recognising diversity in managing work life issues of flexpatriates
Authors: Mayerhofer Helene , Schmidt Angelika , Hartmann Linley , Bendl Regine
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore flexpatriates' perceptions of work life balance (WLB) issues and identify possible adjustments of WLB programs to better meet the needs of flexpatriates. This paper investigates flexpatriates' challenges at the interface of personal and work lives and their perception of standard WLB programs and then proposes organizational adjustments to better meet the needs of flexpatriates.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a qualitative research approach and two kinds of empirical data were collected: first, through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 40 employees involved in flexpatriate assignments in multinational companies operating in Austria and, second, through a document analysis of the homepages of their employing organizations to gain information about WLB practices.

Findings

Drawing upon the study findings, the authors present a typology of flexpatriates and propose a model that considers both WLB and work life imbalance as a desirable or acceptable option and offers a new theoretical perspective for examining organization and individual dimensions in WLB.

Originality/value

The authors' contribution is a new contextualization of WLB initiatives that incorporates both WLB and work life imbalance as valid perspectives of employees.
The role and need of offering workshops and courses on workplace spirituality
Authors: Dhiman Satinder , Marques Joan
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the experiences and findings of a university course in workplace spirituality in a time and stage where corporate greed and organizational instability run rampant.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed workshop dialogues and reviewed of participants' findings on corporations as well as their own changed perceptions.

Findings

There are some interesting common factors in corporations that perform according to spiritual guidelines and a highly interactive program on organizational analysis contributes tremendously to the levels of responsibility and awareness of participants.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations to the research are: the population used for data was limited, as it consisted of business and management students at the MBA level; and the findings were only gathered from one cohort, and might provide increased themes when extended over multiple courses in multiple semesters. Future research could apply this study on other populations for a greater foundation in findings.

Practical implications

Organizations that adhere to the spiritual mindset are more successful, have happier employees, and are more aware of their environmental responsibilities.

Originality/value

The paper shows that in these times when corporate greed, dishonesty, and environmental neglect have been exposed so dramatically, courses on workplace spirituality are of high importance and lead to valuable insights for immediate and non‐immediate stakeholders.
Developing wisdom and moral duty in management
Authors: Small Michael W.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the writings of Aristotle and Cicero can be used to as a conceptual tool to promote an understanding of wisdom, moral duty, and related subjects in respect to contemporary business management practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology comprised a critical reading and analysis of Aristotle'sNichomachean Ethicsand Cicero'sDe Officiis(On Duties). The approach combines both historical and philosophical research. An earlier version of the paper was presented to a group of early/middle managers, and then to a group of more senior/experienced managers.

Findings

Both groups supported the idea that the article was appropriate for highlighting moral issues in contemporary business management practice.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation was dealing with the amount of material that Aristotle and Cicero produced. A secondary limitation was translating the original Greek and Latin (notwithstanding the Loeb Classical Library) into understandable everyday English.

Practical implications

Developing understanding of concepts, such as wisdom, moral duty, and related subjects should be included in MBA programs.

Originality/value

The paper has value because: it relates concepts and ideas conceived in Aristotle's and Cicero's time to contemporary management practice, and it illustrates that these ideas are still relevant and applicable in the modern business environment.
Modified assessment center approach facilitates organizational change
Authors: Lehman Michael S. , Hudson Jerry R. , Appley George W. , Sheehan Edward J. , Slevin Dennis P.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

As companies grow and evolve, they inevitably face an influx of new personnel and changing responsibilities of existing staff members, often resulting in an increasingly complex organizational design. During periods of rapid organic growth, new layers of management and labor may be created as a reactionary, rather than a planned activity. This often results in redundancy of responsibility and confusing communication channels within the company, ultimately impacting financial performance. The purpose of this paper is to describe a case study of significant organizational change that was accomplished using assessment center philosophy, combined with web‐based technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), a research and development professional services organization that rapidly grew its workforce to over 1,400 was faced with these challenges, resulting in direct labor billings losses. Upon strategically designing a new organizational structure, CTC was faced with making critically important staffing changes. A modified assessment center approach using web‐based technology was employed to rapidly select the best candidates for these new positions.

Findings

It is the authors' contention in this paper and practice in the implementation of this organizational realignment that practicing managers who have extensive experience with middle managers can effectively evaluate them on assessment center dimensions without observing them in assessment center simulations. These enlightened assessments leveraged web‐based technology, while avoiding the costly and time‐intensive simulation and exercise phases of the traditional assessment center.

Originality/value

Based on the authors' experience with CTC, combining this modified assessment center approach (evaluating managers on competencies without using simulations and exercises) with web‐based technology can provide organizations with a powerful tool for implementing fast and effective organizational change. This new and original approach can support executives in evaluating managerial talent and realigning organizational structure.
Environmental ethics for business sustainability
Authors: Zsolnai Laszlo
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive operational principles from environmental ethics for business organizations to achieve sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses different levels on which business affects the natural environment. Individual biological creatures are affected by business via hunting, fishing, agriculture, animal testing, etc. Natural ecosystems are affected by business via mining, regulating rivers, building, polluting the air, water and land, etc. The Earth as a whole is affected by business via exterminating species, contributing to climate change, etc.

Findings

Business has a natural, non‐reciprocal responsibility toward natural beings affected by its functioning. At the level of individual biological creatures, awareness‐based ethics is adequate for business. At the level of natural ecosystems, ecosystem ethics is relevant for business. At the level of the Earth as a whole, Gaian ethics applies to business.

Practical implications

A business activity system can be considered acceptable if: its aggregate impact on animal welfare is non‐negative;, its aggregate impact on ecosystem health is non‐negative; and its aggregate impact on the living planet is non‐negative. By satisfying the above criteria, business can performs its duty: not to harm nature or allow others to come to harm.

Originality/value

The paper uses principles of environmental ethics to redefine business sustainability in an ethically meaningful way.
Greening urban development: on climate change and climate policy
Authors: Simonis Udo E.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present some basic conceptual aspects and empiric examples of urban mitigation and adaptation to climate change, of greening urban development, as there is strong need for further research and education on these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting with a review of the 4th IPCC report and the Stern Review, a strategy is developed on how to make cities main actors in fighting climate change. First examples of successful urban greening are presented.

Findings

Cities are main drivers of climate change, and they are driven by climate change. Therefore, there is a strong need for “greening” urban development, i.e. for both mitigation and adaptation activities.

Practical implications

Mitigation requires the reduction (more or less drastically) of urban energy and material flows. Adaptation requires restructure (more or less radically) of the established urban stocks.

Originality/value

Until recently, cities and urban areas have not been in the focus of climate change research and climate policy. The paper shows the need for change of both theory and practice.
Cutting‐edge panacea of the twenty‐first century
Authors: Khasawneh Samer
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the level of spirituality in the workplace for faculty members at public universities in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a survey design as the basis for the research.

Findings

The results indicate that participants perceived an overall moderate‐to‐high level of workplace spirituality in their work settings. Whereas the dimensions of “self level of spirituality in the workplace”, “group level of workplace spirituality”, and “the community and spirituality in the workplace” received moderate to high agreement, the dimensions of “family and spirituality in the workplace” and “management systems that encourage personal and spiritual transformation” received moderate agreement. Moreover, based on t‐test and ANOVA analyses, significant differences were not found in faculty members' perceptions based on gender, experience, academic rank and university affiliation.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the growing field of literature on spirituality in the workplace in higher education institutions.
Wettability and shear strength of active Sn2Ti solder on Al2O3 ceramics
Authors: Koleňák Roman , Chachula Michal , Šebo Pavol , Koleňáková Monika
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the wettability of an active Sn2Ti solder on an Al2O3 ceramic material at temperatures of 700°C and higher. Based on the results of the wettability study, soldered joints of Al2O3 ceramics/Sn2Ti solder/steel type AISI 321 were fabricated and the variation of shear strength with time was determined.

Design/methodology/approach

For determining melting points, differential scanning calorimetry analysis was performed. The wetting angle of Sn2Ti solder on Al2O3 ceramics was measured using specially developed equipment with a 10‐3 Pa vacuum at temperatures of 700, 800, 850 and 900°C. The wetting angle on AISI 321 steel at a temperature of 850°C was also determined. The joints of Al2O3 ceramics/Sn2Ti solder/steel type AISI 321 were prepared at 900°C, in a vacuum for times 5, 10, 15 and 20 min.

Findings

The best wettability of Sn2Ti solder was achieved at a temperature of 900°C. The wetting angle at the parameter of 900°C/ for 15 min was 47.5°. The joints of Al2O3 ceramics/Sn2Ti solder/steel type AISI 321 attained a strength of 18.3 MPa. It was found that the microstructure of Sn2Ti solder consists of a tin matrix with the presence of a αTi6Sn5 phase.

Originality/value

The results of the work are of significance for the further development of soldering with active solders in a vacuum, as well as with the application of power ultrasound. The possibility of soldering Al2O3 ceramics with SnTi‐based solders was thus demonstrated.
Engendering learning engagement in a diverse cohort: a reflection
Authors: Oliver Gary R. , Coyte Rodney
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon and describe the introduction of an articulated engagement learning and teaching approach to a diverse cohort in a postgraduate management accounting unit of study.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study, based on the authors' experiences teaching diverse cohorts applies Bandura's social learning theory. Observation and modelling (which shaped earlier educational experiences and dominate student behaviour and classroom engagement) were used to overcome passive learning behaviour in diverse cohorts.

Findings

Better preparation for class by students is engendered by showing how study is applied. High engagement during class time is a combination of careful team construction and a task that has work relevance. Diversity need not be a constraint on teaching nor a barrier to learning. Diversity can be harnessed to facilitate learning. Reflection of the experience of students indicates high engagement, more confident, flexible and non‐scripted student responses and awareness of the value of diversity in the team.

Originality/value

An articulated engagement learning and teaching approach is described which caters for diversity, using resourcing problems with alternative recommendation choices, requiring justification, critique and defence.
Service marketing control as practice: a case study
Authors: Skålén Per
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Service marketing research has developed practices for managing and controlling the human resources. However, the role of these control practices in organizations has neither been empirically studied in a systematic way nor been analyzed in relation to control theory. This paper seeks to address these gaps in previous research.

Design/methodology/approach

Single case study of a Swedish financial service firm referred to as the Financial Institute which has drawn on service marketing practices to manage the organization and control the employees.

Findings

The empirical findings suggest that control practices are associated with service marketing discourse controls for the customer orientation of the human resources.

Originality/value

In order to analyze the empirical findings the paper draws on the control theory of organization studies. More particularly labor process theory and Foucauldian organization theory (FOT) are invoked. The analysis suggests that mainly FOT explains how service marketing practices control the customer orientation of the human resources.
The power of qualitative research in the era of social media
Authors: Branthwaite Alan , Patterson Simon
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The electronic social media such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc. have become a major form of communication, and the expression of attitudes and opinions, for the general public. Recently, they have also become a source of data for market researchers. This paper aims to provide a critical look at the advantages and limitations of such an approach to understanding brand perceptions and attitudes in the market place. Although the social media provide a wealth of data for automated content analyses, this review questions the validity and reliability of this research approach, and concludes that social media monitoring (SMM) is a poor substitute for in‐depth qualitative research which has many advantages and benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a detailed, systematic comparison of various research approaches. These include well‐established methods and recent inventions which are in use to explore and understand consumer behaviour and attitudes. Particular attention is given to the analysis of spontaneous consumer attitudes as expressed through the social media and also in qualitative research interviews.

Findings

This analysis concludes that there are three critical features which differentiate qualitative research (as practised in IDIs and group discussions) from SMM. These are: the direct, interactive dialogue or conversation between consumers and researchers; the facility to “listen” and attend to the (sometimes unspoken) underlying narrative which connects consumers' needs and aspirations, personal goals and driving forces to behaviour and brand choice; and the dynamic, interactive characteristics of the interview that achieve a meeting of minds to produce a shared understanding. Philosophically, it is this “conversation” that gives qualitative research its validity and authenticity which makes it superior to SMM.

Originality/value

This review questions the validity and reliability of the SMM, and concludes that it is a poor substitute for in‐depth qualitative research which has many advantages and benefits.
The influences of electronic word‐of‐mouth message appeal and message source credibility on brand attitude
Authors: Wu Paul C.S. , Wang Yun‐Chen
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Based on message source theory, the purpose of this paper is to use positive electronic word‐of‐mouth (eWOM) settings to examine the influence of message source credibility on brand attitude (brand trust, brand affection, and purchase intention). The current study also uses the elaboration likelihood model to examine the moderating effect of product involvement on the relationships between message appeals (rational vs emotional) and brand attitude, as well as between message source credibility and brand attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via internet questionnaires. Based on the internet investigation and pretest, this study chose the stimuli for research products, virtual brands, eWOM, and message source credibility. Via a 2 (notebooks vs shampoo) *2 (appeal: rational vs emotional) experimental design, 211 effective samples were collected to verify the hypotheses of this study.

Findings

The results, for both notebooks and shampoo, are: the positive eWOM message with higher message source credibility indicates a better brand attitude than the eWOM message with lower message source credibility, and this effect is not moderated by the degree of product involvement, indicating its robustness. Second, with a high degree of product involvement, the rational appeal indicates a better brand attitude than the emotional appeal; no significant difference is found when product involvement drops to a low level.

Originality/value

Previous research investigating the moderating effect of involvement on the effects of message‐appeal types and the message source credibility of eWOM is rare. The main contribution of this study is to fill this gap.
Trust and commitment within franchise systems: an Australian and New Zealand perspective
Authors: Wright Owen , Grace Anthony
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Although research in franchising is currently experiencing an advancement in the investigation of behavioural attributes, the motivators and perceptions of participants within this partnership, the key variables of trust and commitment, a key to successful business relations, requires further insight. The purpose of this paper is to extend the idiosyncratic dynamics of the franchisor‐franchisee relationship and the influence of such constructs from a distance perspective. Seminal work on relationship marketing (Morgan and Hunt) forms the foundation in the development of the franchising relational dynamics model posed within this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a qualitative, case‐based approach of four Australian retail franchises with holdings in New Zealand. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 franchisees to derive perceptions on trust and commitment currently experienced within the franchise relationship to inform the resultant findings.

Findings

Key findings suggest trust and commitment are limited or non‐existent within franchise systems if the provision of consistent, transparent communication is absent or minimal, increasing the propensity for dysfunctional agent‐based behaviour. Three major antecedents for success of a franchise system exist: goal congruence, organisational culture, and communication. Minimal levels of commitment and trust exist where distance affects the stated antecedents.

Research limitations/implications

This research is exploratory with the findings providing an imperative for further investigation in the management of human factors within franchise systems as opposed to transactional‐based foci in many current studies. Theoretical development adopting a relationship marketing focus from a distance perspective rather than the transaction‐based approach of a single country adds to existing research. This paper is limited to analysis of franchisees' perceptions. Future research should look at both franchisor and franchisee perspectives.

Originality/value

Research of perceptions of individual franchisees, trust and commitment within the franchise relationship is limited within the Asia‐Pacific region. Findings of possible dynamic differences in the franchisor/franchisee dyad provide initial evidence advancing and informing both academic and managerial practice.
The evolution of the state and taxation: role of agriculture
Authors: Grabowski Richard
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze those conditions which determine whether the state will be developmental or predatory.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model is developed to analyze those factors influencing state policy towards agriculture. Then the historical experiences of China, Japan, and Sub‐Saharan Africa are used to illustrate the workings of the model.

Findings

A necessary condition for growth promoting (poverty reducing) policy reforms, with respect to agriculture, is that a technological backlog must exist in agriculture.

Practical implications

International organizations can play an important role in helping to create the necessary condition for effective reform. Significant investment in regional agricultural research institutions must be made so as to create a technological backlog in agriculture.

Social implications

Investment in agricultural research has been declining. Thus, the availability of new technology has lessened. This poses an obstacle to rapid growth and poverty reduction. This paper seeks to refocus the attention of policy makers on agriculture.

Originality/value

This paper develops a theory to explain how and when states in developing countries are likely to become developmental. The ideas are illustrated by the experiences of parts of Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa. These results will be useful to domestic policy makers in developing countries as well as the policy makers in international organizations.
The development ethics approach to international development
Authors: Astroulakis Nikos
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Development ethics is an important topic which is often neglected in development studies. The purpose of the paper is to analyze international development in an ethical‐based context using the approach of development ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is mainly based on the pioneering work of the prominent development ethicists and the founder of development ethics as self‐conscious area – Denis Goulet – along with recent development ethics literature. In this context, international development is approached under a holistic ethical manner.

Findings

Development ethicists reduce the gap between a conventional perspective of development and the real needs of humankind. In contrast to mainstream economics view, for development ethics the true indicator of development is not growth in a narrow sense of material expansion of wellbeing, but the qualitative enrichment of human beings in all relevant aspects of human life. International development is preserved as an effort to a better life for individuals and to a good global society for nations.

Research limitations/implications

If research is reported on in the paper, this section must be completed and should include suggestions for future research and any identified limitations in the research process.

Social implications

The proposed ethical goals and strategies are normative judgments which provide both the notional and practical framework within which international development should be discussed and policy recommendations could be formulated.

Originality/value

The notion of development is redefined on ethical foundations. A conceptual typology of the development ethics goals and strategies to international development is offered. The paper can be perceived as a point of departure that scholars and students of international development and development economics in broad, from both perspectives (orthodox and heterodox), can be incorporated with ethical matters to international development and benefit from it.
Social exclusion and labour market outcomes: evidence from Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Authors: Bangwayo‐Skeete Prosper F. , Zikhali Precious
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the impact of social exclusion on individuals' propensity to be employed and how, if employed, social exclusion affects individuals' perceived job insecurity and the likelihood of being covered by social insurance in their jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the United Nations Development Program/United Nations Children Fund 2009 survey data from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the paper employs comprehensive econometric methods that overcome challenges posed by endogeneity of social exclusion in labour market outcomes, self‐selection into employment, and the interdependency between perceptions of job security and social insurance coverage.

Findings

Results suggest that socially excluded individuals face hurdles in securing jobs and exhibit higher risk of job loss. Further, results suggest that a holistic educational policy could help promote social inclusion.

Practical implications

Formulation of policies aimed at promoting social inclusion and improved labour market outcomes should not be done in isolation; rather they should be based on a holistic understanding of the multi‐faceted nature of social exclusion.

Originality/value

The originality of the analysis is that it takes into account the multi‐dimensional nature of social exclusion by treating social exclusion as an outcome of a diverse set of an individual's socio‐economic characteristics that ultimately shape the way they feel about their exclusion or inclusion in their societies. This gives an indication of the types of people that are socially excluded and form the group for which a further investigation of labour market outcomes is conducted.
Getting users involved in aligning their needs with business processes models and systems
Authors: Sousa Kenia , Mendonça Hildeberto , Lievyns Amandine , Vanderdonckt Jean
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present a case study of the application of a methodology that represents an innovative strategy that integrates researches on interaction design and business process management with practical implications. This methodology is devoted to aligning the needs of enterprise system users with business processes (BPs).

Design/methodology/approach

This approach establishes an unbroken network of links between BPs, task models and abstract representations of user interfaces. Once the models are linked, it is possible to identify the impact that any change on these models may produce in other models. The main challenge is to organize the linked models according to the organizational context and manage those links with consistency in order to support improving process efficiency and user productivity. This approach has been applied in a large telecommunications organization during four months with its application in two different projects and validated with a cost‐benefit analysis.

Findings

Applying this approach in large organizations has demonstrated that: every involved stakeholder is capable of understanding the whole approach in one working day; creating the models and linking them with the corresponding business process models takes around three men/day per core business process; and applying this approach brings up to 60 per cent of return on investment related to process improvement and user experience.

Originality/value

The main differentials of this methodology include using simple models; considering light actions; preserving the independence of technology; and adopting a human‐oriented approach assuring that every managed information impacts people and not only systems, thus enabling fast adaptation to the business dynamism.
Determining the improvement potentials of employee portals using a performance‐based analysis
Authors: Urbach Nils , Smolnik Stefan , Riempp Gerold
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The overall purpose of this study is to inform practitioners about the levers for improving their employee portals.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors introduce a theoretical model that is based on the DeLone and McLean IS success model, which considers the specific requirements of employee portals. They tested the associations between their model's success dimensions by using more than 4,400 employees' responses, which were collected in 12 companies across different industries. They applied structural equation modeling to carry out the causal analysis. In addition, within a performance‐based analysis, they further investigated the success dimensions' improvement potentials.

Findings

The results of the causal analysis indicate that besides the factors contributing to the success of information systems (IS) in general, other success dimensions – like the quality of the collaboration and process support – have to be considered when aiming for a successful employee portal. The performance‐based analysis emphasizes the significance of collaboration quality to improve an employee portal and indentifies the respective fields of action.

Research limitations/implications

This paper's contribution to theory is the empirical validation of a model for investigating employee portal success. The performance‐based analysis further elaborates on the causal analysi's findings. The results advance theoretical development in the area of employee portals and serve as a basis for future research in this field.

Practical implications

This model offers a means for organizations to evaluate and predict the success of employee portals. The study's findings make it possible for practitioners to understand the levers with which to improve their employee portals and to prioritize their investments accordingly.

Originality/value

This study is among the first, which empirically validates a comprehensive success model for employee portals and highlights its practical usefulness by means of a performance‐based analysis.
A framework for the impact of IT on organizational performance
Authors: Jacks Tim , Palvia Prashant , Schilhavy Richard , Wang Lei
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Despite the constant stream of research investigating information technology (IT) business value, IT capabilities, and competitive advantage, researchers are calling for a more coherent understanding of the firm‐level impacts of IT, and how those firm‐level impacts can be measured. The purpose of this study is to investigate the multitude of organization‐level studies of the impact of IT.

Design/methodology/approach

Meta‐analysis of IS literature from 2001‐2009.

Findings

The findings are synthesized into an overarching framework of the impact of IT at the organization level. The framework categorizes measures of the impact of IT into productivity, profitability, and intangible benefits, while the antecedents of IT impact are categorized into IT resources, IT capabilities, IT/business alignment and external factors.

Originality/value

The research framework proposed provides a comprehensive snapshot of IS studies on organizational performance.