bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expected and experienced quality as predictors of intention to purchase four new processed beef products
Authors: Saeed Faiza , G. Grunert Klaus
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore consumers' perception of quality of new processed beef products and the role of expected and experienced quality in the formation of consumer's purchase intentions. Based on the Total Food Quality Model, a conceptual framework is developed that relates cue evaluation, expected quality, experienced quality, purchase motive fulfilment and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

– Structural equation modeling is used to test the framework with data from a sample of 201 respondents, involving three steps. First, principal component analyses were applied to explore underlying factor structures within each construct. Based on the exploratory factor analyses, measurement models were estimated, with the measured variables as indicators of latent constructs for all the four products. Finally, structural models were estimated for the relationships among the latent constructs.

Findings

– Results show that cue evaluations, expected/experienced quality and purchase motive fulfilment are all predictors of purchase intention, but that their weight and causal structure differ between purchase intentions before and after trial.

Practical implications

– Implications for the introduction of new beef products are discussed.

Originality/value

– This paper is an attempt to quantitatively estimate the relationships between quality cues, expected and experienced quality, and purchase motives as determinants of purchase intention for new products using structural equation modeling.
Enhancing the impact of online simulations through blended learning
Authors: Lean Jonathan , Moizer Jonathan , Newbery Robert
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach for utilising a critical incident method within the context of an online business simulation game in order to provide an effective framework for reflective learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents a review of pertinent literature to place the critical incident technique within the novel context of simulation gaming. Through presenting a case study of practice, it goes on to describe a blended learning approach that combines online simulation with post-simulation reflection based on the critical incident method. An action research approach is adopted as a framework for reflection on practice.

Findings

– From a conceptual perspective, there are a number of potential benefits to employing a critical incident approach combined with simulation gaming. The ability of educators to compress time frames and manage the introduction of critical incidents allows students to learn in a way that would not be possible in the real world. Furthermore, carefully designed post-simulation debriefing, structured around a critical incident framework, has the potential to enhance the learning impact of online simulation.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is limited in that a single case study context is described. Further evaluation research is required to fully assess the benefits of the approach adopted.

Originality/value

– The study explores the use of the critical incident approach within the novel context of online simulation gaming. It provides educators with a blended learning method that can be employed to enhance the impact of e-learning through structured reflection.
Borrower attitudes, lender attitudes and agricultural lending in rural China
Authors: Kong Rong , Turvey Calum , Xu Xiaolan , Liu Fei
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the lender-borrower relationship as it relates to Sannong loans for agricultural and rural financial markets by Rural Credit Cooperatives (RCCs) and other rural lenders. This paper is motivated by recent reforms to the rural credit market designed to encourage increased lending, particularly to farmers. Little is understood about the lender-borrower relationship in rural China. This paper fills that gap.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper investigates relational attitudes between 120 loan officers at RCCs in China's costal Shandong province, paired with a field survey using matched questions to 394 farm households in the same region. Pairing lenders’ perception toward borrowers regarding RCC microcredit lending mechanism, against borrowers’ perception toward lenders and how themselves were perceived by lenders in the same regards, the paper investigates the degree of disconnect between lenders and with distinct cluster groupings based on their perceptions, the paper analyzes the influence of demographics on the borrower and lender cluster memberships.

Findings

– The paper identifies four borrower clusters and two lender clusters. Borrower clusters are segmented on credit access and satisfaction with their rural lender. The paper also identifies two lender clusters, segmented principally on financial incentives and lending activities. While all lenders view farming with higher regard than farmers believe they do, one cluster is clearly pro-farmer while the second is somewhat indifferent. Indifference is more related to current portfolio activities. The paper draws conclusions that policy initiatives should be put in place at RCCs that close the gap between lender and borrower in their credit relationship. Rural lenders should concentrate on advocating RCCs’ care and trust toward agriculture and farm households. At the institutional level, effort should be extended to train a dedicated team of loan officers that specialize in servicing farm households with standardized lending practices. This research provides financial institutions with outreach mechanisms to borrowers, while also training lenders to borrowers’ sensitivities.

Originality/value

– Management studies of RCCs are few. This is the first paper that the authors are aware of that studies farmer and lender attitudes on the same scale.
Assessing risk response maturity
Authors: Hashim Motaleb Omayma , Kishk Mohammed
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The aim of the research work that underpins this paper is, therefore, to examine the effectiveness of project management maturity in mitigation measures for risk response within construction companies to influence project success.

Design/methodology/approach

– Ninety-three questionnaires were collected from respondents in different construction companies in the UAE, in order to assess project maturity in construction projects. Fifteen key success factors emerged from the literature and the questionnaire survey as being susceptible to improvement with increasing the project success.

Findings

– The results reveal that maturity can be improved by developing mitigation measures which positively influence risk response for project success. Based on these results, a framework is proposed to improve the practical functioning of risk response.

Research limitations/implications

– This study, however, reflects the general view but for greater confirmation, in-depth investigation is required, and the suggestion is that more primary data should be gathered by the survey method in other project organisations that have adopted risk management maturity, in order to validate the preliminary findings in this paper. This research is being carried out and will be reported in a future paper.

Originality/value

– This framework provides a better risk response to achieve a higher level of maturity. One of the unique features of the study is the creation of new knowledge by focusing on the UAE. At the same time, the use of maturity modelling to handle construction delays risks provides new knowledge for a wider audience.
An empirically verified project risk maturity model
Authors: Hartono Budi , F.N. Wijaya Deo , M. Arini Hilya
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop and to empirically verify a model of project risk management maturity (PRMM).

Design/methodology/approach

– Theoretical work to develop the initial model of risk maturity. Empirical study by a cross-sectional survey to the Indonesian construction industry.

Findings

– A new model of PRMM is developed and empirically tested. The model is valid (face validity, content validity, discriminant validity, convergent validity, and criterion validity) and reliable.

Research limitations/implications

– A more comprehensive, follow-up study is required to gain more insights on the actual maturity level of Indonesian construction industry.

Practical implications

– The model is applicable to assess the organizational maturity level which in turn could be used for improving organization performance.

Originality/value

– The work demonstrates a novel approach in developing models by emphasizing on the empirical verification.
If maturity is the answer, then exactly what was the question?
Authors: Mullaly Mark
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Maturity models have been widely adopted as a popular framework for improvement project management practices. Despite their prevalence, there is still minimal evidence that improvements in maturity correspond to improvements in performance or value. This paper aims to explore the challenges faced in applying project management maturity models and offers suggestions for their revision.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper highlights the presumptions in their development and use that are inhibiting relevance of maturity models. Case studies from a major research project explore the relationship between maturity and value. Insights are generated on how project management maturity models need to change in order to become relevant.

Findings

– Project management maturity models presume that project management is universal, control oriented and consistent, and that maturity is a linear process. Empirical evidence demonstrates that the practice of project management varies, that different practices result in different value. The paper suggests that a contingent and contextual approach to assessment is required, which maturity models as currently defined may not be able to support.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a largely conceptual paper and draws on a limited number of case studies that derived maturity from a comprehensive understanding of project management practices. It is not tied to one specific model, and a model that would address the criticisms discussed here has not been conceived or developed.

Practical implications

– This paper will have particular relevance for organizations, who may place excess faith in the rhetoric surrounding maturity models without questioning their underlying relevance or value. It is also of importance to those who develop maturity models and suggests strategies for their significant revision.

Originality/value

– This paper takes an important look at whether maturity models actually deliver on their promise and argues that by both design and structure, they are unlikely to do so in their current form.
Emotional intelligence and leadership
Authors: McCleskey Jim
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– In 1990, Salovey and Mayer presented a framework for emotional intelligence (EI). This marked the beginning of 20 years of academic research, development, and debate on the subject of EI. A significant amount of previous research has attempted to draw out the relationship between EI and leadership performance. EI has been a uniquely controversial area of the social sciences. EI is based on three simple yet fundamental premises. This manuscript reviews the definitions and models in the field of EI with special emphasis on the Mayer ability model and the connection between EI and leadership. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper takes the form of a literature review.

Findings

– EI appears to have a foothold in both our popular vernacular and our academic lexicon. However, it is not entirely clear what future form it will take.

Originality/value

– This manuscript explores the current relationship between EI and leadership, discusses the various instruments and scales used to measure the construct, and examines the controversy and criticism surrounding EI. Finally, it illuminates some areas for additional research.
The acceptance of mixed methods in business and management
Authors: Cameron Roslyn , F. Molina-Azorin Jose
Published: March 2014

Erratum

– It has come to the attention of Emerald Group Publishing that the article “The acceptance of mixed methods in business and management” authored by Roslyn Cameron and Jose F. Molina-Azorin, published inInternational Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 22 Iss:1, pp.14-29, 2014, was also published in a previous issue of the journal. This occurred due to an error in the editorial process. Please note that all citations of this article should be the following: Roslyn Cameron, Jose F. Molina-Azorin, (2011), “The acceptance of mixed methods in business and management research”,International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 19 Iss: 3, pp.256-271. The publishers of the journal sincerely apologize to the authors and readers of IJOA.
A structural equation model of effective variables on service quality in capital industrial goods sector
Authors: Hamid Reza Ghasemian Seyed , Azad Naser , Seyedaliakbar Hamid
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research is analyzing the service quality in capital industrial goods sector by developing a model and new view. So the authors studied several models and articles for exploring the effective variables on service quality and tested them in Aras Haitian Machinery Company that is one of the biggest manufacturers of plastic machinery in Iran and China.

Design/methodology/approach

– The statistics population included all customers of Aras Haitian Company in 2012 that were scattered in whole Iran and all of them are manufacturers of industrial goods. And finally 102 customers chose by using simple random sampling method. The way of SPSS statistical analysis software was used for exploratory factor analysis and LISREL software for structural equation model (SEM).

Findings

– Results indicated that there were three new factors (customer perception, customer relation and specialized competencies) that affected on perceived service quality of customers in capital industrial goods sector. The findings showed that these three factors were measured by ten subdimensions through a SEM.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to explore the effective variables on perceived service quality in capital industrial goods sector with viewpoint of service dominant logic in Iran andalso proposed the first SEM under the rubric of industrial service quality model in this section.
Measures that matters: service quality in IT service management
Authors: Cronholm Stefan , Salomonson Nicklas
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– IT service management (ITSM) is a discipline for management and maintenance of IT-systems and is claimed to play a critical role in supporting and satisfying business requirements. However, from a customer perspective, ITSM is considered as being costly and the outcome is not always satisfactory. Measurements used to monitor and evaluate ITSM-processes are mainly suggested from a service provider perspective. The purpose of this paper is to suggest measurements for ITSM based on a customer perspective that can be used for improving questionnaires.

Design/methodology/approach

– The SERVQUAL scale has been used as a base for suggesting customer-oriented measurements for the ITSM-field. The gathered qualitative empirical data consisted of customer feedback, in questionnaires, to five IT service providers in Sweden. Based on these empirical data, the SERVQUAL scale has been modified according to ITSM-specific customer requirements. The service providers represent the sectors: car construction, forest management, IT consultants, public sector and logistics.

Findings

– The paper demonstrates three types of findings: confirmation of original SERVQUAL determinants that could be reused in the ITSM-field, modification of attributes of the SERVQUAL determinants to better fit in the ITSM-field, and development of new categories and new attributes. Moreover, the analysis of SERVQUAL in relation to the empirical data revealed that the SERVQUAL's original conceptual structure needed to be improved. The authors have added a third hierarchical level that supports a conceptual understanding.

Originality/value

– The knowledge contribution consists of a developed SERVQUAL, adjusted to fit the ITSM-field, and a suggested new conceptual structure of SERVQUAL consisting of three concepts: determinant, category and attribute.
Experimental studies on the tribological behaviour of engine oil (SAE15W40) with the addition of CuO nanoparticles
Authors: V. Thottackkad Manu , Rajendrakumar P.K. , Prabhakaran Nair K.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This manuscript aims to deal with the tribological property variations of engine oil (SAE15W40) by the addition of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles on weight percentage basis.

Design/methodology/approach

– Experimental studies on the influence of CuO nanoparticles utilised as an additive in lubricating oil (SAE15W40) under boundary lubrication conditions have been carried out using a pin-on-disc machine in accordance with ASTM G-99 standard. The variation of viscosity, coefficient of friction, wear and settling of nanoparticles has been studied as a function of particle concentration in the lubricant.

Findings

– Results show that the frictional force and specific wear rate decrease with an increase in concentration of nanoparticles comes to a minimum at a specific concentration and then increases, showing the presence of an optimum concentration. With the increase in concentration of nanoparticles, the kinematic and dynamic viscosities, and the flash and fire points are found to increase.

Originality/value

– The use of CuO nanoparticles as additives to a moderate level is a very efficient means of improving the tribological properties of lubricating oils.
The influence of tool kinematics on surface texture, productivity, power and torque of normal honing
Authors: Vrac Damir , Sidjanin Leposava , Balos Sebastian , Kovac Pavel
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– In this paper, the influence of cutting regimes on surface texture and productivity of cylinder liner is shown, obtained by normal honing. Furthermore, normal honing power and torque is discussed. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Normal honing was done on grey cast iron cylinder liners. Both pre- and finishing honing were done by mechanical means, to achieve the required level of surface texture quality, traditionally achieved by a combination of electrochemical pre-honing and mechanical finishing honing. To determine the most influential parameter on normal honing, statistical mathematical model was devised. Surface texture was controlled by light microscope and scanning electron microscope.

Findings

– Mathematical model describing the influence of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut has shown that the most influential parameter on maximum peak height, productivity and specific volume productivity was shown. The most influential parameter has shown to be cutting speed.

Practical implications

– There are two practical implications of this work: this work is a further contribution of understanding normal honing and the influence of various parameters on the quality of normal honing, both in view of surface texture and productivity, as the main drawback of this method. This work offers useful information for honing system designers, as torque and power of normal honing are given.

Originality/value

– Two main achievements are given in this paper: as the main drawback of normal honing is lower productivity, the optimization of honing parameters may to some extent resolve this problem. Lower productivity is the result of lower cutting speeds and pressures, which in turn, give normal honed surface a higher quality compared to plateau honing. Lower power and torque demand a lower energy demands, as well as a less complex honing machine which may lead to further savings.
Experimental and numerical study on water-lubricated rubber bearings
Authors: Wang You-Qiang , Shi Xiu-Jiang , Zhang Li-Jing
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Water-lubricated rubber bearing is one of the most appropriate bearings for underwater use. The most popular design used widely today is the straight fluted rubber bearing. The special configuration leads to partial hydrodynamic lubrication and low load capacity. A new bearing bush structure with two cavities which is favorable for constructing continuous hydrodynamic lubrication was designed and studied. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A new bearing bush structure with two cavities which is favorable for constructing continuous hydrodynamic lubrication was designed. The apparatus for studying the tribological behaviors of the two types of water-lubricated rubber bearings has been devised and established in the paper. The experimental studies on the tribological properties of the rubber bearings have been conducted under different loads and velocities. The eccentricity ratio of the new structure rubber bearing with two cavities was measured in experiment and the load capacity was calculated by numerical simulation.

Findings

– The experimental results show that the friction coefficient decreases with increasing velocity; the friction coefficient increases sharply with the rising temperature, the friction coefficient increases at first and then decreases with increasing load for fluted rubber bearings. The numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental results. The numerical results show that complete hydrodynamic lubrication can be formed in the new designed rubber bearing with two cavities. The experimental and numerical results all indicate that there is an appropriate bearing clearance which the friction coefficient is minimum and the load capacity is maximum.

Originality/value

– A new bearing bush structure with two cavities which is beneficial to constructing continuous hydrodynamic lubrication film was designed. A new apparatus for studying the tribological behaviors of the two types of water-lubricated rubber bearings has been devised and established. Experimental and numerical study on the new structure rubber bearing were conducted in the paper.
Study on the tribological properties of titanium alloys sliding against WC-Co during the dry friction
Authors: Niu Qiulin , Zheng Xiaohu , Chen Ming , Ming Weiwei
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Titanium alloy has the excellent performance and been widely utilized in aeroengine and airframe manufacture. However, improving the understanding of all aspects of titanium alloy is necessary. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological properties of two typical titanium alloys against tungsten carbide under dry friction.

Design/methodology/approach

– Reciprocating ball-disc friction tests were carried out at room temperature in different loading without lubricant to investigate the friction properties of TA19/WC-Co and TC18/WC-Co friction pairs. The influence of the load on the friction coefficient and friction force was analyzed. The worn surfaces of TA19 and TC18 specimens were observed by the digital microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). And the wear mechanism was discussed.

Findings

– The results show that the friction coefficients decreased with the increase in the normal load. However, the reduction in the friction coefficient for the TC18 alloy was less than that for the TA19 alloy. The dynamic friction forces with time were not quite coincident with the variation trend of the friction coefficients during the sliding friction. The results observed by the SEM and EDS revealed that several grooving were the main type of frictional wear causing the surfaces of the TA19 and TC18 alloys.

Originality/value

– It is shown in the paper that the tribological property of TA19 alloy was better than that of TC18 when sliding against tungsten carbide under the dry friction conditions. The main types of damage to the TA19/WC-Co friction pair were the ploughing, the delamination fatigue associate with abrasive wear and some diffusive wear. The ploughing and abrasion were the main wear mechanisms for the surface of TC18 alloy.
Learning in plural cultural context
Authors: Raza Ahmad , Sohaib Murad Hasan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to reconstruct the metaphor of classroom learning in plural cultural context. It underscores the essential complexity of the human learning and argues for multiple pedagogical practices as a tool for instructional engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

– Technological innovations have given new meanings and interpretations to the social vocabulary of learning across the world. These innovations have created cultural contexts in which metaphor of classroom learning needs to be revisited and reassessed. It discusses the concept of classroom learning in a humanistic cultural context and explores a methodological framework for multiple pedagogic practices a tool for learning engagement based on critique of divergent themes in pedagogical literature.

Findings

– It is argued that classroom learning is a complex microcosm of human bodies, minds and cultures, necessitating major adaptations, both from teachers and learners. It is a continuous engagement, borne out of mutual willingness of teachers and learners to become indivisible part of whole living experience of learning. Classroom as a metaphor of learning would continue to inspire the serious learners, have responded to technological innovations, currently experienced by the human societies across the world, and has gone on to become a “cyber-classroom” in the era of globalization.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights underlying cultural complexities of human learning and hence underscores the need for a revised and pluralistic curriculum for the global management education and those who are engaged in it.
Technological innovation in twenty-first century multicultural teacher preparation
Authors: Blythe Liu Laura , L. Baker Lottie , B. Milman Natalie
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– An increasingly diverse student population coupled with rapid technological change makes it paramount to examine how technology is being employed in multicultural teacher preparation (MTP) to prepare US teachers to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to foster globally minded, twenty-first century world citizens. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This review employs constant comparative method of analysis to examine empirical research on MTP practices employing technology to prepare teachers for the diverse student populations of twenty-first century classrooms. Although prior reviews have synthesized research findings on MTP, no systematic investigation has examined the role of technology in preparing teachers to support diverse learners. This review of research conducted from 2002 to 2012 explores how technology has been utilized in MTP to enhance face-to-face, online, and blended teacher preparation experiences.

Findings

– Collectively, research reviewed illustrates the power of harnessing technological innovation in preparing TCs as multicultural educators increasingly equipped with globally informed conceptions of diversity and pedagogical approaches for responding to twenty-first century equity issues – and to support their P-12 students in achieving similar goals. While the types and purposes of technology use in MTP varied across these studies, a trend was found in employing technology to contribute to equitable teaching and learning across international settings. In addition, analyses show study contexts varying from teacher preparation classrooms, to field placement settings, to faculty development workshops, both in the USA and abroad.

Originality/value

– This review encourages schools of education to redefine traditional teacher preparation methods and venture into the technology-shaped worlds of twenty-first-century students and their teachers.
Jointly estimating jump betas
Authors: Polimenis Vassilis , Papantonis Ioannis
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to enhance a co-skew-based risk measurement methodology initially introduced in Polimenis, by extending it for the joint estimation of the jump betas for two stocks.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors introduce the possibility of idiosyncratic jumps and analyze the robustness of the estimated sensitivities when two stocks are jointly fit to the same set of latent jump factors. When individual stock skews substantially differ from those of the market, the requirement that the individual skew is exactly matched is placing a strain on the single stock estimation system.

Findings

– The authors argue that, once the authors relax this restrictive requirement in an enhanced joint framework, the system calibrates to a more robust solution in terms of uncovering the true magnitude of the latent parameters of the model, at the same time revealing information about the level of idiosyncratic skews in individual stock return distributions.

Research limitations/implications

– Allowing for idiosyncratic skews relaxes the demands placed on the estimation system and hence improves its explanatory power by focusing on matching systematic skew that is more informational. Furthermore, allowing for stock-specific jumps that are not related to the market is a realistic assumption. There is now evidence that idiosyncratic risks are priced as well, and this has been a major drawback and criticism in using CAPM to assess risk premia.

Practical implications

– Since jumps in stock prices incorporate the most valuable information, then quantifying a stock's exposure to jump events can have important practical implications for financial risk management, portfolio construction and option pricing.

Originality/value

– This approach boosts the “signal-to-noise” ratio by utilizing co-skew moments, so that the diffusive component is filtered out through higher-order cumulants. Without making any distributional assumptions, the authors are able not only to capture the asymmetric sensitivity of a stock to latent upward and downward systematic jump risks, but also to uncover the magnitude of idiosyncratic stock skewness. Since cumulants in a Levy process evolve linearly in time, this approach is horizon independent and hence can be deployed at all frequencies.
Impacts of the US macroeconomic news on Asian stock markets
Authors: Nguyen Tho , Ngo Chau
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the spillover effect of 14 US key macroeconomic news on the first two moments of 12 Asian stock market returns.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors collect market expectation and actual scheduled announcements data for 14 key US's macroeconomic announcements from January 2002 to April 2012 from Bloomberg. The dataset consists of six groups: monetary policy and general macroeconomic indicators: the Federal Reserve's target interest rates (FOMC), gross domestic product (GDP), and leading indicator (LI); price indicators: consumer price index (CPI) and producer price index (PPI); business indicator: housing starts (HS) and industrial production (IP); consumption indicators: retail sales (RS) and consumer confidence level (CONSUM); labor market indicators: non-farm payroll (NFP), unemployment level (UE), and jobless claim (JOB); and external sector indicators: current account (CA) and trade balance (TB). The authors also collect daily opening and closing data of 12 Asian stock markets. Following Dow Jones classification, the authors divide them into two groups: five developed markets (Japan, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan), and seven emerging markets (China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand). The MA-EGARCH (1,1) model is used for the empirical test.

Findings

– First, the authors find that stronger than expected news from the USA is associated with higher conditional mean and lower conditional variance of the Asian stock market returns, in general. Second, the Asian stock markets tend to put more weight on information relating to the US labor market than the other news as this indicator reveals much information about the underlying health of the US economy since full employment is the most important mandate for the US administration and policy makers. Third, in responding to the US news, the Asian emerging markets seem to respond stronger to the US news than the Asian developed markets both in terms of the number of responses and the magnitude of the reaction. This suggests that this could be seen as evidence that emerging markets are more dependent on the information content of the US news than the developed markets. Fourth, the US news is absorbed gradually leading to persisting volatility responses in the Asian stock markets.

Originality/value

– The authors fill a gap in the extant literature in investigating the speeds of the news absorption across the Asia region by examining the spillover effects across three time horizons, namely daily, overnight and intraday.
Temporary and regular workers fulfill their tasks side-by-side, but in different learning conditions
Authors: Augustsson Gunnar
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to identify temporary workers' (temps') expected conditions for learning when they are leased to a client company (CC) for numerical flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis is based on a phenomenological approach containing 121 transcribed interviews with employees and managers who were active in more than 10 CCs' in seven industries and from seven temporary work agencies.

Findings

– One important finding is that the CC expects temps not to learn something about the surrounding organization, but to limit themselves only to the concrete tasks assigned to them. Another is that temps' opportunities to influence organizational conditions in the CCs seem to be cut off in a strategic way.

Research limitations/implications

– Results are valid for interviewees' expressed thoughts and expectations about temps' workplace learning, not about an actual separation between knowledge and actions in the working conditions.

Practical implications

– CCs associate temps with learning backgrounds that allow them to perform subordinate tasks, such as routine, instructional, or regulatory duties. They associate regular staff with more advanced learning backgrounds and tasks more directly related to occupation and workplace. CCs could benefit from accepting the exchange of knowledge and competence between temps and the company, rather than neglecting it.

Originality/value

– The originality of this paper lies in its contribution to the relatively unexplored topic of workplace learning and leaders and employees' expectations of temps.
Intentions to use and recommend to others
Authors: Maria Correia Loureiro Sandra , Rüdiger Kaufmann Hans , Rabino Samuel
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– In an online banking context this study seeks to explore the relation between the relationship marketing factors of customer intentions to continue to use services and to recommend these services to others, and the technology acceptance factors of self-control, usefulness, customer value, technology-based service encounter satisfaction and reputation. Innovatively this study also compares the proposed model in two countries, Portugal and Austria.

Design/methodology/approach

– Derived from a review of previous literature, a survey was developed and data were collected using the online survey service of universities in two countries, Portugal and Austria. The partial least squares approach was employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The findings showed that self-control and usefulness are important antecedents of customer value delivery. Furthermore perceptions of online bank reputation were enhanced by the satisfaction derived from positive customer encounters with online banking services. Unlike the Portuguese, Austrians' perceptions of bank reputation did not significantly influence their intention to continue to use or their propensity to recommend online banking to others.

Originality/value

– Based on literature which suggests that constructs such as customer value, trust, satisfaction and reputation are inter-related to the technology acceptance model, this paper extends earlier theoretical frameworks and is the first study to incorporate relationship marketing constructs into a model examining intention to use, and recommending online banking services. The study also differentiates the model in two countries that represent different business and cultural settings: Portugal and Austria.
A framework for evaluating university mobile websites
Authors: S. Al-Khalifa Hend
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Designing an effective university mobile website is becoming a necessity for universities. With the increasing percentage of students using smart phones to research colleges and universities, many university websites worldwide are moving towards addressing mobile needs. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive mobile university evaluation framework that can be used to assess how universities' websites respond to the increasing demand for the mobile web, and also to identify trends and gaps in current services provided in universities' mobile websites.

Design/methodology/approach

– A framework was developed and applied to a set of 35 universities' mobile websites worldwide. The framework consists of four categories: interface, navigation, content and services offered, and technical aspects.

Findings

– Evaluation findings show that most universities' mobile websites performed well in terms of mobile-friendliness and functionality; however, suggestions for future improvements are given.

Originality/value

– No previous evaluation studies of this kind have been conducted. Moreover, this study provides an evaluation framework dedicated to the assessment of universities' mobile websites.
How are police doing in combating crime? An exploratory study of efficiency analysis of the Policía Nacional Civil in Guatemala
Authors: Alda Erik
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– In almost all modern societies, police forces are at the forefront of ongoing activities to reduce and prevent crime. Both in practice and in popular belief, police forces are the visible presence for maintaining security and safety to citizens in municipalities, towns and cities, and from cities to local neighborhoods. This paper aims to investigate how efficiently the police in Guatemala are in combating crime using data envelopment analysis (DEA).

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used DEA to measure the efficiency of police stations in fighting crime in Guatemala based on their inputs and outputs.

Findings

– The analyses showed that only four out of 22 police departments were considered efficient. The average efficiency score for the 22 police departments was 62 percent.

Research limitations/implications

– Data on crime and police are limited in Guatemala. Further research using DEA would be particularly relevant if the methodology included: a wider range of inputs/outputs, longer panel data, and more precise estimates of the effect of contextual variables. The findings of the study can inform police managers and policymakers to allocate security resources more efficiently.

Practical implications

– Given the low levels of inefficiency of police departments in Guatemala, police management would have to ensure that clearance rates increase significantly by either increasing the human resource capacity of the police departments according to the needs so that clearance rates can be improved and be more effective and efficient in combating crime.

Originality/value

– This is the first in depth study of police efficiency in Central America. In an increasingly resource strapped environment employing DEA might be a useful tool to improve human and financial resource allocation.
Differing services, rising expectations, and greater demands
Authors: Vinod Kumar T.K.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that impact assessment of police performance across the two types of policing methods, and explains the differing police public dynamics at the field level.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper examines the varying police public dynamics in areas with and without community policing. For this purpose data were obtained from a survey conducted in the City of Calicut where the Janamaitri community policing program was implemented in some of the police stations. To obtain a contrasting perspective in areas without community policing, survey was also conducted in areas where community policing was not conducted. The method adopted in this study is to map people's perception of police performance and factors impacting it across the two areas and compare the same. The comparison is done by examining the OLS regression in the two areas with same independent and dependent variables, and explaining similarities and contrasts in trends.

Findings

– It concludes that while community policing has great advantages over conventional policing, it has the challenge of increasing expectation among the public and diminishing impact of certain factors that are relevant in conventional police service delivery mechanisms.

Originality/value

– There is one of the first studies comparing and analyzing the differing police public dynamics in areas with community policing and areas with conventional policing. It provides an insight into how public perception of police is formed in these differing environments.
Improving highway accident management through patrol beat scheduling
Authors: Wu Jiann-Sheng , Lou Tze-chiang
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to improve the efficiency of accident management from the angle of reducing highway accident response times while taking into account total daily work hours.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors developed a patrol beat scheduling model, which is formulated as a chance-constrained optimization model, with the objective of minimizing the sum of officer work hours. Along with the model, a simulation program was also developed to help evaluate the effectiveness of the model-generated beat schedule in terms of response times.

Findings

– This study concluded that, first, the current manually designed beat schedule could be improved should the National Highway Police Bureau adopt the proposed model. Second, the total daily work hours of the model-generated schedule at the confidence level of 100 percent were 64 hours, 21 hours less than the average work hours recorded in the 2006 data, or about an improvement of 24 percent. Should the model be adopted, not only response times will be improved, the 24 percent reduction in work hours could be translated into a cut in personnel cost.

Research limitations/implications

– The scheduling model and simulation program are both built upon one-year historical data whose accuracy and completeness is prerequisite.

Practical implications

– The proposed model can be adopted by other public service agencies such as fire departments, or emergency service centers. By replacing the historical data used in the study with their own data, agencies can evaluate the efficiency of their existing schedule or generate various schedules based on institutional needs.

Originality/value

– This model utilizes historical accident data to generate optimal beat schedule and evaluate the efficiency of such schedule. Similar models have not been found in other studies.
Youth justice back at the crossroads
Authors: Creaney Sean , Smith Roger
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection on the current trajectory of youth justice policy. The paper offers fresh insight into the changing face of youth justice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on a range of sources, including published journal articles and statistical evidence. In so doing it critically reviews relevant academic literature.

Findings

– Three critical insights arise from the review. First, there are promising approaches emerging in youth justice organised around the principle of avoiding formal processing of young people where possible; such as, for example, Triage, the Youth Restorative Disposal, Youth Justice Liaison and Diversion schemes, the Swansea Bureau and the Durham Pre-Reprimand Disposal. Thus there is evidence of an emerging consensus, across the domains of policy, practice and legislation which seem to endorse the idea of community-based minimum intervention, supported by principles of offender rehabilitation and restoration. Second, whilst they have not intruded to any great extent in the sphere of youth justice so far, there is no doubt that the government is keen to extend the remit of Payment by Results schemes. Perhaps most concerning is the issue with private sector organisations engaging in “gaming activities” where maximising profit becomes the intention over enhancing the well-being of the young person. Third, it is argued that in order to reconcile the lack of user-led engagement of offenders, and experiences of disempowerment, the priority should be, throughout the Youth Justice System, to involve young people in assessment and decision-making processes.

Research limitations/implications

– As an exploratory paper, it does not set out to provide a blueprint on “how” the issues outlined should be resolved. Rather, it provides a basis for further discussion, and highlights some examples of promising practice, particularly around the issues of offender engagement, participation and rights compliance. This is particularly important considering that the UK government will report to the United Nations this year (2014) on its progress in implementing and complying with the children's right agenda.

Practical implications

– The paper highlights the issues and ambiguities facing practitioners working within a payment by results framework which is contextualised by what appears to be a more liberal tone in public policy. It also explores the challenges delivering participatory approaches.

Originality/value

– The paper investigates a neglected area in youth justice, namely that of participatory approaches. It argues that, although there are resource pressures and time constraints, service user participatory techniques should be encouraged, particularly as they promote positive engagement and motivation, principally by offering a sense of control over choice.
Improving organisational performance – red team policing and partnerships
Authors: Coliandris Geoff , Rogers Colin
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Intra and inter-organisational learning holds important consequences for official agencies’ capabilities to reduce harm, particularly in the field of safeguarding children. A range of formal learning mechanisms exist but as these can be limited there is a case for expanding the learning opportunities relied upon. The concepts of “red teaming” and “alternative analysis” though relatively well established in other sectors are under-developed, under-used and under-promoted within policing. They offer flexible conceptual and practical resources that aim to challenge established models, thinking and practices. Policing organisations would benefit from institutionalising alternative forms of analysis though this would involve an attitudinal commitment and shift. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Documentary analysis and reflection.

Findings

– Consideration of the red team approach by police and partners offers an alternative approach to effective organisational learning to prevent repeating similar mistakes uncovered by Serious Case Reviews.

Originality/value

– This paper will allow practitioners to reflect upon current serious reviews of cases and offers an alternative and effective way of improving partner agencies capabilities to reduce harm.