bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive‐feedback trading activity and momentum profits
Authors: Shi Jian , Chiang Thomas C. , Liang Xiaoli
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine positive‐feedback (PF) behavior and its relationship to momentum profitability and information uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the behavioral function of rational traders and feedback traders, the authors jointly estimate the mean and conditional variance equations of the GARCH model to derive the positive‐ and non‐positive‐feedback coefficients, respectively. In each six‐month period, the number of PF stocks were then calculated as a fraction of the total number of stocks in that period. The authors then investigate whether day‐to‐day PF trading activities vary across different momentum portfolios by calculating the percentage of PF stocks in each decile portfolio.

Findings

This study finds that about 9.4 per cent of stocks exhibit PF trading activities and that these activities have a more profound effect on stocks with a higher level of information uncertainty. The finding shows that the percentage of stocks with PF trading is higher in the portfolios of extreme losers than in the portfolios of extreme winners. The evidence suggests that stocks exhibiting PF trading activities subsequently experience significantly higher momentum returns.

Originality/value

This paper presents evidence to test whether a relationship exists between short‐term PF trading and future momentum profitability. Since PF traders tend to chase price movements, PF trading is more likely to cause stock prices to further diverge from the firm's fundamentals and, therefore, give rise to stock return momentum. This phenomenon appears to be more profound in this study when there is a higher level of information uncertainty.
Subperiod robustness checks: testing for effect mean stationarity
Authors: Stephen Haggard K. , Witte H. Douglas
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a superior method for assessing mean stationarity of asset pricing effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors suggest the use of an F‐test to examine mean stationarity of asset pricing effects across subperiods. The superiority of this test is demonstrated through examination of the Halloween Effect using simulated data and the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) data for 18 developed economies.

Findings

It is found that the suggested F‐test provides results superior to a simple examination of the magnitude and statistical significance of estimated regression coefficients across subperiods when attempting to determine mean stationarity.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on an analytical oversight in the asset pricing anomalies literature and suggests an appropriate test to address this oversight.
Elements of a cybernetic epistemology: sequence learning systems
Authors: Nechansky Helmut
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how sequence learning can build on pattern‐recognition systems and how it can contribute to the behavioral options of goal‐oriented systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A functional approach is used to develop the necessary cybernetic structures of a subsystem for sequence learning, that can recognize patterns, register patterns occurring repeatedly and connect these to sequences. Based on that it is analyzed how goal‐oriented systems can use information about reoccurring sequences.

Findings

A subsystem for sequence learning basically requires pattern recognition and it needs a structure for the directed connection of single standards for pattern matching to standards for sequences, given that it can learn both new patterns and new sequences. Such a subsystem for sequence learning may recognize a certain pattern and with that the end of a certain sequence. So it may deliver more than one output signal at a point in time, and therefore needs additionally a subsystem for directing attention.

Practical implications

The paper analyses the principles of an “associative” way of connecting standards for pattern matching to standards for sequences. Also it shows the cybernetic necessity of an attention directing system that has to decide how to deal with the multiple outputs of a subsystem for sequence learning, i.e. to decide to act either towards a pattern or a whole sequence.

Originality/value

The paper investigates basic mechanisms of sequence learning and its contribution to goal‐oriented behavior. Also, it lays the base for an analysis of attention directing systems and anticipatory systems.
Understanding the rural third sector: insights from Veblen and Bogdanov
Authors: Valentinov Vladislav
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Despite the worldwide importance of third sector organizations in rural areas, the theoretical connection between the third sector and rural development remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical explanation of why and how third sector organizations contribute to rural development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds upon the institutional economics of Thorstein Veblen and the tektology of Alexander Bogdanov. Tektology is used as an instrument to bring Veblenian criticism of pecuniary culture to bear on the explanation of the rural third sector.

Findings

Based on the tektological law of systems divergence, the Veblenian pecuniary‐industrial dichotomy and rural‐urban disparities are shown to be interrelated evolutionary consequences of pecuniary culture. Third sector organizations' contribution to rural development is explained in terms of the tektological notion of counter‐differentiation. Applied to pecuniary culture, counter‐differentiation involves attenuating its basic ingredients, such as private ownership and pecuniary motivation. This is achieved through third sector organizations' characteristics such as profit appropriation constraint and nonpecuniary goal orientation, respectively.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the institutional economics implications of the general systems theory and utilizes these implications to inform the research on the internationally relevant problem of rural development.
Cybernetic knee prosthesis: application of an adaptive central pattern generator
Authors: Torrealba Rafael R. , Cappelletto José , Fermín Leonardo , Fernández‐López G. , Grieco Juan C.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to generate a virtual knee angle reference to be followed by a knee prosthesis control, using an adaptive central pattern generator (CPG). Also, to study the feasibility of this approach to implement a continuous control strategy on the prosthesis.

Design/methodology/approach

A CPG based on amplitude controlled phase oscillators (ACPOs) to track the current percentage of gait cycle on the prosthesis is proposed. Then, the virtual knee angle reference is generated along gait cycle, by interpolation with the corresponding angle of a sound knee. The structure and coupling of the CPG, as well as the control strategy are presented.

Findings

The coupling of the CPG with real gait on the prosthesis was proven, regardless of gait speed. Also, it was found that the maximum knee angle reached during walking is proportional to gait speed. Finally, generation of virtual knee angle reference to be followed by a prosthesis is demonstrated.

Research limitations/implications

As only one event detected along gait cycle was used to update the CPG phase, the response to gait speed changes might be slow. Updating the CPG with more events remains for a future work.

Practical implications

The coupling of the CPG with real gait on the prosthesis results in a continuous gait cycle tracker, useful for any control strategy to be applied.

Originality/value

It is the first time a bio‐inspired concept as CPGs is applied to the prosthetic field. This could mean the beginning of a new era of cybernetic prostheses, which reproduce the lost limb and also the control functions of it.
A new approach to obtain points of the closure of the real parts of the zeros of the partial sums 1 + 2z+ċ+nz,n≥2
Authors: Sepulcre J.M. , Vidal T.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new method for obtaining points of the set determined by the closure of the real projections of the zeros of each partial sum 1+2s+ċ+ns,n≥2,s=σ+it, of the Riemann zeta function and to show several applications of this result.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize an auxiliary function related to a known result of Avellar that characterizes the set of points of interest. Several figures and numerical experiences are presented to illustrate the various properties which are studied.

Findings

It is first shown that each point of the image of the auxiliary function can be approximated by points of the image of the function formed by the approximants. Secondly, conditions are given on the auxiliary function to obtain points satisfying the property of density which is studied. Finally, by using these conditions, several useful applications are presented to the casen=4 andσ0=0 which a more specific criterion is also given.

Practical implications

This research is applicable for finding accumulation points of the set of the real projection of the zeros of the approximants on its critical interval. An exact interval included in this set is given for the casen=4. Also, it is demonstrated that the point 0 is included for a large set of values ofn.

Originality/value

The method employed is original and it contributes to the study on the properties of the density of the real parts of the zeros of a particular class of entire functions.
Harmonic analysis and applications
Authors: Filali Mahmoud
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey briefly how harmonic analyis started and developed throughout the centuries to reach its modern status and its surprisingly wide range of applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The author traces applications of harmonic analysis back to Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt and the Indus Valley, showing how the Greeks have applied trigonometry and influenced its birth, then the important developments in India in the sixth century laying the first brick to modern trigonometry with the definition of the sinus, then medieval India founding modern mathematical analysis. Trigonometry was developed further by the Arabs until the fourteenth century, then by the Europeans. The eighteenth century in France was particularly important when Bernoulli solved, with an infinite trigonometric series, the vibrating string problem, then Fourier, who studied these series extensively. The author goes on to harmonic analysis on locally compact groups, and ends up with a quick personal view on harmonic analysis nowadays. The last section of the paper presents some of the modern applications. Harmonic analysis is, of course, still used for navigation but also has many other very surprising applications such as signal processing, quantum mechanics, neuroscience, tomography, etc.

Findings

The power of harmonic analysis lies in giving the solutions to various problems as infinite series of basic functions, so to be able to produce algorithms for FFT boxes, it must be understood how these series came about and the convergence of these series.

Originality/value

The review should be useful to people interested in studying and/or applying harmonic analysis.
Thermophysical properties and wetting behavior on Cu of selected SAC alloys
Authors: Fima Przemyslaw , Gancarz Tomasz , Pstrus Janusz , Bukat Krystyna , Sitek Janusz
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of copper concentration in near‐eutectic liquid SAC solders on their thermophysical properties: viscosity, surface tension, density; as well as wetting behavior on copper substrates at 523 K.

Design/methodology/approach

Viscosity, surface tension, and density were studied over a broad range of temperatures with the recently developed Roach‐Henein method. The obtained results were compared with the data from modified capillary, maximum bubble pressure, wetting balance and dilatometric measurements. Wetting angles measured with wetting balance method were compared with the results of sessile drop measurements.

Findings

The results obtained indicate that increasing concentration of copper in the alloy results in higher density, surface tension and viscosity, but differences resulting from copper concentration on wettability are relatively small. At 523 K, the density is: 7.097, 7.186, 7.232 g cm−3, the surface tension is: 538.1, 553.5, 556.7 m Nm−1, the viscosity is: 2.173, 2.227, 2.467 mPas, respectively, for alloys containing 0.41, 1.01 and 1.61 wt% of Cu. Wetting angles on copper substrates are similar within a margin of error for all compositions. The results of present study are compared with the available literature data and a relatively good agreement is observed.

Originality/value

This paper provides the data of thermophysical properties of widely‐used SAC solders including viscosity, of which there is little data in the literature. It is confirmed that the increased copper concentration increases viscosity, yet this effect is small and does not correlate with the wetting behavior.
Finite element analysis of flip – chip on board (FCOB) assembly during reflow soldering process
Authors: Addagarla Annapurna , Siva Prasad N.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Out‐of‐plane displacement (warpage) is one of the major thermomechanical reliability concerns for board‐level electronic packaging. The warpage and residual stresses can cause unreliability in the performance of electronic chip. An accurate estimation of the distortion and the residual stresses will help in selecting right combination of material for soldering and to determine the better assembly procedure of the chip. The purpose of this paper is to create a 3D nonlinear finite element model to predict the warpage, bending stresses, shear and peel stresses in a flip‐chip on board (FCOB).

Design/methodology/approach

A 3D finite element procedure has been developed considering the material nonlinearity during solidification for a FCOB assembly. Finite element results have been compared with the experimental values.

Findings

The present finite element method gives better approximation of residual warpage and stresses compared to analytical models available in the literature.

Originality/value

The 3D finite element approach considering the elasto‐plastic and temperature‐dependent material properties has not been attempted by any authors. Experiments have been conducted for the comparison of finite element values. The finite element results compare better than the methods available in the literature. Hence a better method for estimating the deformation and residual stresses in flip‐chip assembly has been suggested.
Thermo‐mechanical behaviour of DBC substrate assemblies subject to soldering fabrication processes
Authors: Camilleri Duncan
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Power electronics are usually soldered to Al2‐O3 direct‐bond‐copper (DBC) substrates to increase thermal diffusivity, while at the same time increasing electrical isolation. However, soldering gives rise to inherent residual stresses and out‐of‐plane deformation. The purpose of this paper is to look at the effect of soldering processes of Al2‐O3 DBC substrates to copper plates and power electronics, on their thermal fatigue life and warpage.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical thermo‐mechanical finite element model, using the Chaboche material model, was developed to identify the thermal plastic strains evolved during soldering of DBC substrates to copper plates and power electronics. The plastic strains in conjunction with established extremely low cycle fatigue life prediction model for ductile material were used to predict the number of soldering cycles to failure. The predicted out‐of‐plane deformation and number of soldering cycles to failures was compared to realistic tests.

Findings

Soldering processes drastically reduce the thermal fatigue life of DBC substrates, giving rise to thermal cracking and premature failure. In this study the soldering process considered gave rise to out‐of‐plane deformations, consequently reducing heat dispersion in soldered DBC substrate assemblies. Furthermore, soldering gave rise to interface cracking and failed after three soldering cycles. Numerical finite element models were developed and are in good agreement with the experimental tests results.

Research limitations/implications

The influence of soldering processes of DBC substrates to copper plates and electronics on the thermal fatigue life should be taken into consideration when establishing the design life of DBC substrates. Finite element models can be utilised to optimize soldering processes and optimize the design of DBC substrates.

Originality/value

The effect of soldering processes on DBC substrates was studied. A numerical finite element model used for the prediction of design life cycle and out‐of‐plane deformation is proposed.
Mechanical property evaluation of nano‐silver paste sintered joint using lap‐shear test
Authors: Li Xin , Chen Gang , Chen Xu , Lu Guo‐Quan , Wang Lei , Mei Yun‐Hui
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the mechanical properties of nano‐silver paste sintered lap shear structures and to discuss the effects of loading rate and ambient temperature on shear strength and fracture mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Single lap shear joints with an area of 2 mm2 and thickness of 50 μm were fabricated by joining two copper substrates with nano‐silver paste. The lap shear tests were carried out under strain control mode on a micro uniaxial fatigue testing system with four loading rates and temperatures. The fracture sections were analyzed by SEM observation to determine the effect of temperature on the fracture mechanism.

Findings

Results from the study highlighted that the shear strain rate and temperature can have a significant impact on the shear behaviour of nano‐silver paste sintered lap shear joints. The shear strength increased with shear strain rate, but decreased with increasing ambient temperature. The lap shear joints displayed excellent ductility at higher temperatures due to the grain plastic flow.

Originality/value

So far, the investigation of the mechanical behaviour of low‐temperature sintered nano‐silver paste was restricted to a film form. No work had been done on nano‐silver paste connected structures. The findings presented in this paper give a basic understanding of the mechanical properties of nano‐silver sintered joints when sheared under different loading rates and temperatures.
The influence of the quality of the physical environment, food, and service on restaurant image, customer perceived value, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intentions
Authors: Ryu Kisang , Lee Hye‐Rin , Gon Kim Woo
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose an integrated model that examines the impact of three elements of foodservice quality dimensions (physical environment, food, and service) on restaurant image, customer perceived value, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from customers at an authentic upscale Chinese restaurant located in a Southeastern state in the USA via a self‐administered questionnaire. Anderson and Gerbing's two‐step approach was used to assess the measurement and structural models.

Findings

Structural equation modeling shows that the quality of the physical environment, food, and service were significant determinants of restaurant image. Also, the quality of the physical environment and food were significant predictors of customer perceived value. The restaurant image was also found to be a significant antecedent of customer perceived value. In addition, the results reinforced that customer perceived value is indeed a significant determinant of customer satisfaction, and customer satisfaction is a significant predictor of behavioral intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model and study findings will greatly help researchers and practitioners understand the complex relationships among foodservice quality (physical environment, food, and service), restaurant image, customer perceived value, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intentions in the restaurant industry.

Originality/value

This study is the first to develop an integrated model that explicitly accounts for the influence of three restaurant service quality factors on restaurant image and customer perceived value. Using structural equation modeling, this study empirically confirms that the model with the causality from quality, in particular three dimensions of foodservice quality in this study, to restaurant image is superior to the one with causality from image to quality in the context of restaurant.
The relationships among work values, burnout, and organizational citizenship behaviors
Authors: Liang Ying‐Wen
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify that both work values and burnout are important predictors for promoting organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). Moreover, this research also seeks to investigate the moderating impact of burnout on the relationships between work values and OCBs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 310 employee‐supervisor dyads of hotel front‐line service employees in Taiwan were selected as the research participants. The employees were asked to provide information on the items about work values and burnout, and their supervisors were asked to complete items concerning the OCBs of their subordinates. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to investigate measurement reliability and validity. All hypothesized relationships and moderating effects were tested using hierarchical regression equations.

Findings

It was found that both work values and burnout are important factors to consider for promoting OCBs. In addition, the study also proves that burnout as a moderator can decrease the predictions of the relationship between work values and OCBs.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the context culture and data collection process.

Practical implications

This research argues that an employee having higher work values may extend his/her upward striving from in‐role behavior to extra‐role behavior. However, a diminished sense of personal accomplishment signifies that this job may no longer offer a personal interest to the point that an employee is unwilling to display OCBs.

Originality/value

Findings of the present study suggest that not only both work values and burnout are important factors in influencing OCBs, but also their interaction effect is a key factor in influencing OCBs.
Value management and activity based costing model in the Tunisian restaurant
Authors: Ben Hadj Salem‐Mhamdia Amel , Bejar Ghadhab Bahia
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to show how using value management (VM) together with activity based costing (ABC) for menu analysis helps managers to estimate contribution margins more precisely and to analyze customer satisfaction. This new approach is considered an appropriate tool for guiding and directing the process of making decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research a case study is employed to examine whether the application of the ABC/VM approach can improve the decision‐making process in a Tunisian à la carte restaurant. Data were collected over the period of a month using direct observations of restaurant activities to calculate profitability, and a questionnaire was administered to determine customer satisfaction.

Findings

The results show that six of 11 menu items were profitable. The results also show that managers should analyze profitability and customer point of view simultaneously in order to inform the decision‐making process.

Research limitations/implications

Only a single à la carte‐style restaurant and the dinner menu was examined in this study. Future research should apply the model to other restaurant types in order to validate the model.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that using activity based costing with value management can enhance the quality of the decision‐making process. It demonstrates to managers how they can reduce their costs and improve resource allocation, taking into consideration customer needs and satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper combines two analytic techniques (VM and ABC) that reveal a menu's true profit and loss picture and a menu item's value.
Event sponsorship by alcoholic and non‐alcoholic drinks businesses in India
Authors: Moital Miguel , Whitfield Julie , Jackson Caroline , Bahl Arjun
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to examine event sponsorship decision making by the Indian drinks industry, comparing the non‐alcoholic and alcoholic drinks sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data regarding event sponsorship activity, perceptions of event sponsorship, motives to sponsor, form of investment and structure of sponsorship was obtained from a sample of 61 drinks producers in India through a questionnaire. Mann‐Whitney and logistic regression were employed to compare the alcoholic and the non‐alcoholic sectors.

Findings

The results suggest that the alcohol and non‐alcohol drinks sectors sponsored a similar level of events, but in investment volume terms, sponsorship from the non‐alcoholic sector is far greater than that of the alcoholic sector. While the two sectors are similar in many ways, the emphasis placed on certain motives for sponsoring events was different, with alcoholic drinks businesses placing greater importance on reaching niche audiences and increasing media coverage than non‐alcoholic ones.

Research limitations/implications

A limited number of areas of the sponsorship decision‐making were covered, yet the study provides insights into the decision making of one of the key sponsoring industries: the drinks industry.

Practical implications

Securing sponsorship is becoming more difficult and complex. By understanding how sponsors make decisions, including potential variations between companies within an industry, event organisers will be in a better position to tailor sponsorship proposals, enhancing the likelihood of obtaining the desired sponsorship contracts.

Originality/value

Most sponsor decision‐making research focuses on how sponsorship decisions can be improved so that they work better for the sponsor. This paper, in contrast, emphasises that by understanding how clients make decisions (i.e. sponsors), sellers (i.e. the sponsored) will be in a better position to win over competition and secure the desired sponsorship deals.
Critical factors of wine tourism: incentives and barriers from the potential tourist's perspective
Authors: Marzo‐Navarro Mercedes , Pedraja‐Iglesias Marta
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Wine tourism is emerging as a lucrative industrial sector, capable of generating considerable economic development, and there are numerous wine‐producing regions that would like to become new tourist destinations. To do so the agents involved must know the incentives for and barriers to (the participation of) potential tourists, as well as the significance of those incentives and barriers. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of opinions from a sample of residents in Aragón, an important wine‐producing region of Spain, established the main groups of existing incentives. Subsequently, a model of structural equations was considered, to establish what effect the previously‐obtained incentives and different existing barriers have on the intention to generate wine tourism.

Findings

The results indicate that the services offered by wineries and the appeal of the destination are the key incentives. Moreover, personal barriers constitute the main impediment to participating in wine tourism, with structural barriers taking second place.

Practical implications

It is necessary to develop strategies that increase interest in the wine product and in related activities, in order to successfully develop wine tourism, considering that, in the case studied, neither cost nor time nor distance act as barriers for developing wine tourism.

Originality/value

A review of the existing literature shows that, in spite of the growing interest in wine tourism over the last five years in Spain, much remains to be explored. An analysis of the factors that could have an impact on participation in tourism activities related to wine in Spain is among the topics receiving little attention. The tested model includes incentives for, and barriers to, the strategic development of wine tourism. This model represents the first empirical proposal for the Spanish case.
Performance management in supply chains: logistics service providers' perspective
Authors: Forslund Helena
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Logistics service providers (LSPs) are important actors for creating logistics performance in supply chains. However, there is little previous research on how they handle the performance management process. The purpose of this paper is to explore the handling of the performance management process and its obstacles from the perspective of LSPs.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple‐case study is conducted with the three largest LSPs in Sweden.

Findings

The handling of the performance management process shows similarities among LSPs in selecting performance variables, defining metrics, and capturing real‐time data. The differences are found in target setting, in report‐making and analysing, and in the perceived demand for performance management. The following three perceived obstacles are found for supply chain performance management: lack of understanding and knowledge; poor capabilities for adapting performance metrics definitions; and lagging IT solutions for performance report‐making. The findings indicate possibilities for an increased supply chain scope where activities are handled by the partner that has the best capabilities, improving efficiency in supply chains.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to performance management theory by providing exploratory knowledge of the supply chain performance management process and its obstacles from the perspective of three LSPs. The study focuses on large LSPs and has respondents at the managerial level.

Practical implications

The study reveals differing supply chain performance management practices among LSPs, which implies that customers can choose an LSP that handles performance management in the way required.

Originality/value

Little previous research includes LSPs in studies of supply chain performance management. In particular it is unusual to have the perspective of LSPs and apply case‐based methodology.
Effects of surface mass transfer on steady mixed convection flow from vertical stretching sheet with variable wall temperature and concentration
Authors: Patil Prabhugouda M.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of surface mass transfer on the steady mixed convection flow from a vertical stretching sheet in a parallel free stream with variable wall temperature and concentration.

Design/methodology/approach

An implicit finite difference scheme in combination with the quasilinearisation technique is employed to obtain non‐similar solutions of the governing boundary layer equations for momentum, temperature and concentration fields.

Findings

The numerical results are reported here to display the effects of mixed convection parameter, ratio of buoyancy forces, surface mass transfer (suction and injection), the ratio of free stream velocity to the composite reference velocity, Prandtl number and Schmidt number on velocity, temperature and concentration profiles as well as on skin friction, Nusselt number and Sherwood number.

Research limitations/implications

Thermophysical properties of the fluid in the flow model are assumed to be constant except the density variations causing a body force term in the momentum equation. The Boussinesq approximation is invoked for the fluid properties to relate density changes, and to couple in this way the temperature and concentration fields to the flow field. The concentration of diffusing species is assumed to be very small in comparison with other chemical species far away from the surface. Hence the Soret and Dufour effects are neglected. The stretching sheet is assumed to be subject to a power‐law wall temperature as well as to a power‐law wall concentration, in a parallel free stream.

Practical implications

Convective heat and mass transfer over a vertical stretching sheet in a parallel stream is very important for various design of technological process are hot rolling, wire drawing, glass‐fiber paper production, both metal and polymer sheets, for instance, in cooling of an infinite metallic plate in a cooling bath, the boundary layer along material handling conveyors, etc.

Originality/value

The paper studies the combined effects of thermal and mass diffusion over a vertical stretching sheet with surface mass transfer.
Boundary layer flow over a yawed cylinder with variable viscosity
Authors: Ponnaiah Saikrishnan
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of non‐uniform double slot suction (injection) into a steady laminar boundary layer flow over a yawed cylinder when fluid properties such as viscosity and Prandtl number are inverse linear functions of temperature. Non‐similar solutions have been obtained from the starting point of the streamwise co‐ordinate to the exact point of separation.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations are tackled by the implicit finite difference scheme in combination with the quasi‐linearization technique. Quasi‐linear technique can be viewed as a generalization of the Newton‐Raphson approximation technique in functional space. An iterative sequence of linear equations is carefully constructed to approximate the nonlinear equations for achieving quadratic convergence and monotonicity. The quadratic convergence and monotonicity are unique characteristics of the quasilinear implicit finite difference scheme, which makes this scheme superior to built‐in iteration of upwind or finite amplitude techniques.

Findings

The results indicate that the separation can be delayed by non‐uniform double slot suction and also by moving the slot downstream. However, the effect of non‐uniform double slot injection is just the opposite. Yaw angle has very little affect on the location of the point of separation.

Originality/value

This analysis is useful in understanding many boundary layer problems of practical importance for undersea applications, for example, in suppressing recirculating bubbles and controlling transition and/or separation of the boundary layer over submerged bodies.
Heat and mass transfer from truncated cones with variable wall temperature and concentration in the presence of chemical reaction effects
Authors: Chamkha Ali J. , Rashad A.M. , Al‐Mudhaf Humood F.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of steady, laminar, coupled heat and mass transfer by MHD natural convective boundary‐layer flow over a permeable truncated cone with variable surface temperature and concentration in the presence of thermal radiation and chemical reaction effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations are derived and transformed into a set of non‐similar equations which are then solved by an adequate implicit finite difference method.

Findings

It is found that the presence of thermal radiation, magnetic field and chemical reaction have significant effects on the rates of heat and mass transfer. The variation of the wall temperature and concentration exponent contribute to significant changes in the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers as well.

Originality/value

The titled problem with the various considered effects has not been solved before and it is of special importance in various industries. The problem is original.
Trial, repeat purchase and spillover effects of cobranded extensions
Authors: Ganesh Hariharan Vijay , Bezawada Ram , Talukdar Debabrata
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors that drive consumers' trial and repeat purchases of cobranded extensions, and the amount of spillover effects on host and ingredient brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses a comprehensive consumer transaction dataset that includes the actual introduction of four cobranded extensions. The authors develop a conceptual framework and three empirical models to explain how consumers' prior experience with the parent brands affect their trial and repeat purchase behaviors, and how their experiences with the cobranded extensions further affect parent brand purchases.

Findings

The results from the study indicate that repeat purchases are higher for consumers with more joint purchase incidences in both host and ingredient categories when they have complementary features. In contrast to existing research on single‐brand based extensions, it is found that host brand loyalty has a positive effect on both trial and repeat purchases when the host brand is not a market‐leader. Due to the introduction of the cobranded extension, host brand experiences a negative spillover whereas ingredient brand experiences a positive spillover.

Practical implications

The results from the study suggest that while initial targeting for the cobranded extension should be focused on consumers who are loyal to both host and ingredient brands, later targeting should be focused on consumers who are loyal to only the host brand.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature on cobranded extensions by using actual purchase data to analyze the adoption of cobranded extensions.
Consumer reaction to new package design
Authors: Holmes Gary R. , Paswan Audhesh
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This study aims to explore the reaction of consumers to a new package design through differing levels of experience. It examines how consumers' expectation of product quality change as the consumer's experience with the package moves from indirect to direct.

Design/methodology/approach

Respondents evaluated a new package design at indirect, moderately direct, and direct levels of experience. Factor analysis was also conducted to determine what dimensions consumers use for evaluation.

Findings

This study revealed three major findings. First, consumers evaluate a new package on the two dimensions of “ease of use” and “ease of handling”. Second, the type of experience with the package has a significant effect on the consumers' attitude toward the package and the quality assessment of the product inside. Third, consumers' expectations of product quality and package ease of use have a positive association with purchase intention for all types of product‐related experience.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into how consumers respond to products when the packaging has changed to a new design.
Brand name substitution and brand equity transfer
Authors: Pauwels Delassus Véronique , Mogos Descotes Raluca
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Despite the prevalence with which firms change the brand names they use, this research stream has received little academic attention. Managers confronted with brand name substitutions fear most a loss of brand equity, which would decrease their market share. This research aims to identify key influences that might enable companies to minimise their brand equity losses in response to brand name substitutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A preliminary qualitative investigation (20 semi‐directive interviews) pertained to better understand how brand equity loss might be minimised in the case of a brand name substitution. This qualitative research and a relevant literature review provided input for the questionnaire design. Furthermore, the resulting survey data from a sample of 300 consumers served for the test of the research propositions.

Findings

This study identifies five key influence factors that marketing managers can use to transfer brand equity in the case of brand name substitution, based on consumers' knowledge of the brand change, attitude toward brand change, perceived similarity between the old and new brands, degree of attachment to the initial brand, and recognition of the presence of an umbrella brand. Finally, the brand equity dimensions are interrelated, such that the transfer of perceived quality and brand image influences loyalty transfer, and brand quality transfer improves brand image transfer.

Originality/value

This research represents a first attempt to answer the pressing question: how can firms transfer brand equity successfully in the case of brand name substitution? The study also identifies for the first time key influence factors that favour brand equity transfer from an old to a new brand.
Relationship development for services: an empirical test
Authors: Castro Kristian , Pitta Dennis A.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe the application of brand building techniques to an existing organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The article describes an application of relationship building to increase the success of a service in a competitive environment.

Findings

Relationship building strategies have been effective in forming bonds between customers and service and product marketers. They can be effective in many industries and can be highly effective in competitive situations. Instituting a relationship building strategy in a bar helped differentiate the service and attract consumers with relatively high lifetime customer value. By insuring that each type of relationship bond was implemented, the organization gained strong relationships with a group of customers which proved resistant to competitive inroads.

Research limitations/implications

As in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn may have limited applicability.

Practical implications

The work illustrates the strategy that a service provider may use to bolster customer relationships and gain the benefits that provide barriers to entry by competitors.

Originality/value

The work describes how tactics and a strategic shift, focusing on specific segments, can earn a service provider a measure of success.
Approaching control in interfirm transactional relationships
Authors: Vosselman Ed
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contrast and to connect a transaction cost economics (TCE) perspective and an actor‐network theory (ANT) perspective on control of interfirm transactional relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines two theoretical perspectives on interfirm control: an ostensive TCE perspective and a performative ANT perspective. By contrasting these perspectives the different assumptions of each perspective are highlighted. By connecting them, potentially interacting research approaches become visible.

Findings

Ostensive research and performative research may be two sides of the same coin. Ostensive TCE‐based research produces intentional explanations for the choice of certain control structures, while performative research exposes the mobilization of control structures in specific episodes from practice. Interaction between the two potentially accelerates and enhances knowledge production on control in interfirm relationships. TCE‐based ostensive research produces conceptualizations that can be followed as actors, thus enabling a demonstration of their enactment. Conversely, ANT‐based research may challenge the stability of (con)text as it is perceived in TCE‐based research.

Originality/value

The paper offers a base for multi‐paradigm research into control of interfirm transactional relationships. Specifically, the paper offers a base for connecting TCE‐informed research and ANT‐informed research into interfirm control.
The use of performance measures: case studies from the microfinance sector in Kenya
Authors: Waweru Nelson , Spraakman Gary
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The intent of microfinance institutes (MFIs) in developing countries is to provide loans to very poor people in order to help them transform their lives. MFIs tend to receive subsidies; sustainability is being sought to free MFIs from non‐market dependencies. Sustainability is expected to be achieved with “best practices,” of which management with performance measures is a component. The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of performance measures by three Kenyan MFIs, which are classified as formal and client based, and likely to use rational and explicit performance measures. Clients in these MFIs are placed into self‐help groups with two responsibilities: to provide mutual support and advice to the borrowing client; and to provide the MFI with a guarantee that loans of group members will be repaid.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the economics and performance measurement systems literatures, research questions were developed along with an interview guide. Case studies were used to administer an interview guide which was distributed to the respondents prior to the face‐to‐face interviews.

Findings

The study concludes that MFIs have relatively well‐developed performance measures that support their particular businesses. There was a good balance between the use of financial and non‐financial performance measures. However, output measures were more commonly used than process measures. The nature of the MFIs suggests the importance of performance measurement. The managers of the MFIs are concerned with performance measurement, as expected within a bureaucracy, and a top‐down demand is present. In addition, group members or clients are interested in performance measurement as each member guarantees the loans of all fellow group members who have loans with the MFI. Thus, the customers exert a bottom‐up demand for performance measurement.

Originality/value

The findings support the view that performance measures are a means for managing MFIs and are a likely requirement for sustainability. Furthermore, the findings have identified performance measures (similar to those at banks) that are appropriate for the three MFIs in Kenya. The findings are important since the identified performance measures may be adopted by other evolving MFIs in this relatively new sector. In addition, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the genesis of the less popular results and determinants performance measurement framework of Fitzgerald et al.
Implications of conceptualizations of the self for interview based research: Making meaning from interview data
Authors: Walker Gordon
Published: March 2012

Qualitative research is very often concerned with uncovering the basic structure or essence of whatever is being examined so that conclusions can be drawn and principles developed. Postmodernism with its focus on language and with people interacting with one another in the construction of their worlds provides a strong challenge to this. This has particular implications for a construct such as ‘self’. The post‐modern position is that ideas of the self are formed through social interaction in particular social contexts and are therefore not within the individual but within the space between people. This article explores the concept of ‘self’ as understood by recent writers and examines the implications for our understandings of the self gained through interview based research.