bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expert-based approach to rank critical asset assessment factors for healthcare facilities
Authors: Salem Dalia , Elwakil Emad
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This research’s main objective is to develop an expert-based approach to rank critical asset assessment factors for health-care facilities. This approach will improve the asset management of health-care buildings. This paper aims to study and prioritize the relative importance of asset criticality factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology begins with a comprehensive literature review of state-of-the-art health-care facilities management, asset management tools, critical asset assessment and approaches to model techniques. Then, using the expert-based opinion and the collected data through the analytical hierarchy process approach to developing the asset assessment model contains physical, environmental, general safety and revenue loss assessment models.

Findings

Results showed that the general safety factors and the sub-factors of life safety and physical safety contributed to asset condition assessment.

Practical implications

The proposed critical asset assessment ranking will benefit health-care facility organizations by assessing their asset performance according to capital renewal needs.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel conceptual framework to understand and determine rank critical asset assessment factors for health-care facilities.
Modelling bioeconomy futures for Eastern Africa
Authors: Gatune Julius , Ozor Nicholas , Oriama Ruth
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the potential of Bioeconomy as a pathway for sustainable transformation of economies of East Africa. Although East Africa region has shown good growth, this has been accompanied by rising concerns about sustainability, as population growth is putting significant strain on biodiversity undermining capacity for future growth. The search for a new growth pathways points to leveraging bioeconomy. To get insights on the viability of this pathway, this study simulated several scenarios to help inform a regional bioeconomy strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

To get insights into the viability of this pathway, a conceptual model to capture demand and supply drivers was constructed and simulations were conducted by using the International Futures (IFs) modelling platform.

Findings

The analysis points to the potential of a bioeconomy-driven economic strategy to drive transformation. However, the simulation points to the fact that if not well thought out, it can also be costly in terms of environment, and indeed such a strategy can lead to a disaster in the long run. It is also clear that having a strong Bioeconomy does not necessarily mean being self-sufficient in agricultural production. If saving the forests or increasing forest cover means agricultural imports rise this should be fine. Also, a strong Bioeconomy does not necessarily mean development objectives are fully met.

Research limitations implications

The IFs platform is a general platform and thus cannot capture the specific enablers for a Bioeconomy. So strategy development should use the result as starting point.

Practical implications

Also, a strong bioeconomy does not necessarily mean that development objectives are fully met. A bioeconomy strategy should be part of package of strategy to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.

Originality/value

While Bioeconomy is increasingly gaining attention, many countries have proposed strategies the analysis tends to be qualitative. No quantitative simulation of this new economic pathways has yet been conducted in East Africa. The IFs platform is a general simulation platform; therefore, the parameters available in the model cannot fully capture what Bioeconomy is. This analysis needs to be supplemented by a qualitative scenarios analysis.
Integration of records management systems at a South African water utility company
Authors: Ngoepe Mpho , Mello Vincent
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Digital records are either stored in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) or an electronic content management (ECM) system or managed without the benefit of either. To achieve high productivity, integration of these systems is required. However, the utilisation of either an ERP or ECM system is absent in many organisations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of a framework that may support the integration of an ERP into an ECM system at Rand Water.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used a case design with 14 interviewees from different levels in the organisation and diverse business units using ERP and ECM to perform their operational deliverables. Purposive sampling was used to select the interviewees in line with their area of work, role and level of operation.

Findings

This study established that the water utility company has implemented an ERP system (SAP) since 2004 and ECM systems since 1991 (Papertrail and later IBM FileNet) with only the information flow module integrated. This study suggested that to integrate ERP into ECM, human and non-human actors need to collaborate to ensure large-scale integration.

Originality/value

This study presents a framework for integrating ERP into ECM. It is suggested that an integration module for ERPs called extended ECM, be considered. A further study of the transfer of digital records in ECM into archival custody is recommended.
Gender, sexual orientation, academic self-concept and leadership
Authors: Miles Jeffrey A. , Naumann Stefanie E.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The study's purpose is to present and empirically test a model that identifies academic self-concept as a mediator of the relationship between gender, sexual orientation and self-perceptions of leadership ability.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were administered to 964 first-year undergraduate students.

Findings

Academic self-concept mediated the relationship between gender and leadership for all subjects and for self-reported heterosexual subjects but not for self-reported nonheterosexual subjects.

Research limitations/implications

Gender differences in leadership perceptions still exist and appear as early as the college years. The fact that academic self-concept did not mediate the relationship between gender and self-perceptions of leadership for nonheterosexual students might be explained by considering research that has identified different levels of gender conformity between straight and gay individuals.

Practical implications

Student self-perceptions of leadership could be improved if opportunities were provided for students showing that people other than White, male, heterosexuals can also be effective leaders. When women and underrepresented groups attain leadership positions in the workplace, it attracts others because it sends a message that this organization welcomes women and underrepresented groups in positions of leadership.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in the field by using the social identity theory of leadership to integrate conflicting research streams in the existing literature and by proposing that academic self-concept underlies the relationship between gender, sexual orientation and self-perceptions of leadership. The study responds to Bark et al.'s (2016) call for future research to consider how highly prototypical individuals have a key advantage in people's perceptions of their leadership.
Stakeholder role in tourism sustainability: the case of Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and centre for art and culture in Ghana
Authors: Amoako George Kofi , Obuobisa-Darko Theresa , Ohene Marfo Sylvia
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The paper examines the role of stakeholders in tourism and hospitality industry to ensure sustainability. This study focuses on investigating how stakeholders view can influence business sustainability in the tourism industry in Ghana and Africa. The study also looks at the future of sustainable tourism activities in Ghana and Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted and interviewees were purposively selected. Using the semi-structured interview 12 people were interviewed and NVivo used to analyse the data. The study was carried out in Accra the capital city of Ghana. Using the stakeholder based theory and resource based theory (RBT) the study addresses how sustainable competitive advantage can be developed.

Findings

Results shows how stakeholders involved such employees, government, community/society, private sector and individual shop owners perceive factors that enhance or limit progress in tourism. Some challenges they encounter include high level of illiteracy, lack of education for upcoming youth, low funding and publicity, lack of the enforcement of laws in the sector. The findings also indicated that to ensure sustainability in the industry the products should be unique, valuable, rare, non-substitutable and non-imitable and has to be advertised.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers encountered difficulties in eliciting answers from stakeholders who are experts and managers in the industry because of their busy schedules. The researcher admits that this research work which is carried out only in Ghana cannot be used to generalise an assumption for the entire industry sectors in Africa and beyond. The sample size could be improved and the study could be conducted in other African countries for the purposes of comparison.

Practical implications

This study reveals how stakeholders view developments in the tourism sector and this can be used as a guide in developing policies and marketing strategies in the tourism industry. Both theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Originality/value

Very little literature has been written on stakeholders' view on business sustainability in the tourism industry in Ghana. Moreover the use of stakeholder and resource based view theories application in developing competitive advantage in the developing country perspective is unique. The findings in no small way will somehow benefit the government and industry stakeholders by providing the latest views and perspectives in Ghana.
Measuring what matters? mapping higher education internationalization in the Asia–Pacific
Authors: Williams James H. , Brehm Will , Kitamura Yuto
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper sought to understand at one time point what was known and not known about the status and use of indicators of internationalization of higher education in Asia–Pacific. More specifically, we identified and mapped publicly available indicators of international of higher education in the region. We examined the ways by which internationalization has been measured and the indicators used, setting up discussion of what may be missing from internationalization efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary questions were: (1) What are the current available sources of data in the Asia–Pacific region? (2) How is internationalization measured in publicly available databases and academic materials in Asia–Pacific? To answer these questions, we carried out a structured search of academic and agency literatures. Review of these literatures led us to develop definitions and a classification system by which indicators were classified and examined.

Findings

Indicators clustered almost exclusively around measures of student mobility, neglecting a wide range of other possible measures. The authors discuss the implications for internationalization of higher education in the region and draw on existing critical literature to speculate why this might be the case, and what dimensions of internationalization are likely overlooked with such a limited focus.

Originality/value

Internationalization of higher education has gained considerable momentum worldwide in recent years, and higher education in the Asia–Pacific region is arguably the world's most dynamic. Despite such dynamism, no research to our knowledge has mapped the way in which internationalization is measured by actors in the region.
The effect of repeated laundering on the softness and smoothness of terry-cloth towels using a sound spectrum analysis
Authors: Blaisdell Maruska Giselle Salvatierra , Yun Changsang
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of laundering on the softness and smoothness of terry-cloth towels by different washing machine type, washing temperature, drying method and the use of fabric softener, using a newly developed sound spectrum analysis known as Textile Softness Analyzer.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiment was designed to analyze the most significant laundering parameter in the reduction of softness and smoothness of terry cloth during one laundering cycle up to ten cycles by testing samples using TSA machine.

Findings

A front-loading washer had a significant effect on reducing softness and smoothness in comparison to a top-loading machine; line-drying resulted in a higher decrease in softness and smoothness than tumble-drying. Washing temperature showed no significant effect, and the use of softener during washing was able to reduce the negative effect of line-drying on the softness and smoothness of terry cloth.

Originality/value

This paper provided information on the laundering parameters that can maintain the softness and smoothness of terry-cloth towels, and this was examined with sound spectrum analysis to measure softness and smoothness of textiles.
Guidelines for student accoucheurs' acceptance in maternal healthcare
Authors: Madlala Siphiwe Themba , Sibiya Maureen Nokuthula , Ngxongo Thembelihle Sylvia Patience
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The quality of maternal healthcare training is the most optimal degree of health in the delivery of effective, efficient and quality healthcare in midwifery discipline. Student accoucheurs studying at the Free State School of Nursing are faced with resistance, discrimination, rejection and unacceptability by pregnant women during their clinical placement at the Free State maternal healthcare institutions. This results in poor quality of training of student accoucheurs in maternal healthcare. Considerable studies have been conducted on males in midwifery nursing, but no guidelines have been developed to facilitate student accoucheurs' acceptance and improvement of the quality of training in maternal healthcare, hence the purpose of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive, explorative qualitative design was used in this study. Qualitative focused group discussions (n = 32) were conducted through purposeful sampling method. Data was analysed thematically.

Findings

Three main categories emerged: student accoucheurs' related factors with social interactions and relations as a theme; maternal healthcare users’ related factors with transcultural diversity and socio-economic status as themes; nurse training institutions and maternal healthcare institutions service providers-related factors with gender inequality in the work place as a theme. Ultimately, the guidelines to facilitate acceptance and improvement of quality training of student accoucheurs in maternal healthcare institutions were developed and recommended for implementation.

Originality/value

The paper developed guidelines to facilitate acceptance and improvement of quality training of student accoucheurs in Free State maternal healthcare institutions.
Measuring innovation effectiveness: a SEM-based cross-lagged analysis
Authors: Arshi Tahseen Anwer , Rao Venkoba , Viswanath Sumithra , Begum Vazeerjan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The study aims to develop measures for innovation effectiveness impacting organizational performance outcomes. Substantial evidence suggests that measuring innovation effectiveness (IE) continues to be challenging because of the use of different measures across innovation’s broad spectrum. The purpose of this study is to overcome it by examining multiple drivers of IE in emerging market economies (EMEs) and predicting their impact on financial and nonfinancial performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a two-wave panel design, firms from India, Oman and the United Arab Emirates participated in the study with a time lapse of 12 months (T1n = 417, T2n = 403). Four cross-lagged competing models are tested for autoregressive, causal, reversed and reciprocal effects using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The findings show that the synergistic effect of multiple innovation characteristics, such as innovation degree, cost, frequency and speed determines its endogenous effectiveness. The exogenous effectiveness of innovation is further established through its impact on financial and nonfinancial performance outcomes. Furthermore, readiness for innovation (RFI) is a critical factor that moderates the relationship between drivers and IE.

Practical implications

The study’s findings could inform practitioners in emerging market economies about the appropriate measures of IE. It will guide managerial decisions on making an investment, evaluation, accountability and strategic choices related to innovation.

Originality/value

It is one of the first studies that use a time-based lens to examine IE in EMEs. It posits that given the innovation’s complexity, IE needs to be measured at multiple levels. The study explains how evolutionary dynamics in different sociocultural contexts can bring a new perspective into theory of diffusion of innovation. The moderating role of RFI brings new insights into the IE process and emphasizes its importance in objective-driven and performance-focused innovation efforts.
Do local union strategies explain the (unexpected) union pay premium in China?
Authors: Yao Yao , Gunderson Morley
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The authors investigate the extent to which differences in provincial union legislation have impacts on the union earnings premium.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of provincial union regulations of 25 provinces is conducted to create two indices: one reflecting the degree of stringency of the local requirement that unions be established in a timely fashion and the other reflecting requirements for employers to negotiate wages with the union. The authors use individual level data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) of 2010 to estimate the union earnings premium.

Findings

The authors find that unionised workers in China receive an earnings premium ranging from 6.4 to 9.6%, which is in range of other studies (but not all) for China that tend to find a (perhaps surprising) union wage premium in spite of the fact that unions tend to be “company unions” designed to foster stability and growth and to serve as a transmission belt for the wishes of the Party rather than bargaining for the benefit of their members. The authors also find that provincial requirements to establish unions in a timely fashion enhance the impact of unions on the earnings of their members, but provincial requirements to negotiate wages dampen the effect of unions on the earnings of their members. Reasons for these results are discussed.

Originality/value

Despite this lack of independence of the Chinese unions, research continuously finds that Chinese unions have effects that are surprisingly similar to those of unions in Western countries. This paper drills deeper into the underlying mechanisms to see if local union strategies, exemplified by provincial union legislation, can explain the unexpected union effects on compensation. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to do so. Moreover, the authors use individual-level data in contrast to most studies on China that use firm or provincial level aggregate data.
Gaps in the (paid) work hours of male and female heads of households: empirical evidence from Barbados
Authors: Jackman Mahalia , Lorde Kishmar
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the magnitude and possible determinants of gaps in the (paid) working hours of male and female heads of households.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises the Bauer and Sinning’s (2008) general decomposition method to examine the differences in work hours among male and female heads of households using data from the 2014 Barbados labour force survey.

Findings

Our estimates suggest that the employment hours of female heads of households is 3.6% less than that of their male equivalents, which translates to an annual hour differential of roughly 68 to 71 employment hours.

Originality/value

To date, very little is known about the disparity in the paid work hours of male and female heads of households. This study attempts to fill this gap in the literature. Moreover, by focussing on Barbados, this paper adds to the sparse body of work on sex-based inequalities in developing countries, particularly those in the Caribbean.
Ownership structure and corporate financial performance in an emerging market: a dynamic panel data analysis
Authors: Din Shahab Ud , Arshad Khan Muhammad , Khan Majid Jamal , Khan Muhammad Yar
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study examines the impact of ownership structure on firm financial performance, for 146 manufacturing firms listed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) for the period 2003–2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical background of the present study is based on the agency theory. Ownership structure is measured by institutional shareholdings, insider shareholdings, foreign shareholders and government shareholdings, while return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), market-to-book ratio (MBR) and Tobin's Q (TQ) are used as proxies of corporate financial performance. The dynamic panel generalized method of moments (GMM) method is employed to cater for the issue of endogeneity.

Findings

We find that institutional ownership exerts a significant positive impact on ROE and MBR, which suggests that institutional investors play a significant role in improving the financial performance of the sample Pakistani. Furthermore, the results reveal a significant positive relationship of insider ownership with ROA, ROE, MBR and TQ, which is consistent with the prediction of agency theory that concentration of insider ownership aligns the interest of shareholders with those of the managers and hence improves performance. A significant positive association of government shareholdings with ROA and ROE was also found. Therefore, policymakers may encourage government ownership in firms, which can help to improve corporate financial performance.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the existing literature on ownership structure and corporate financial performance in an emerging market like Pakistan. It is worth mentioning that the institutional setup and corporate governance structure in Pakistan is yet at an evolving stage. Findings of this study may provide useful insights to corporate managers and investors about the relationship between ownership structure and financial performance of firms from the manufacturing sector in Pakistan.
Amazing numbers and bottom rankings: the reporting of nursing home resident user surveys in the press
Authors: Carlstedt Elisabeth , Jönson Håkan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Media reporting is one of many circumstances that nursing homes have to relate to, because of the reputational risks. The aim of this article is to investigate media representations of Swedish nursing homes in relation to reports on an annual national user survey.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data consist of 381 Swedish newspaper articles about the survey results. The questions guiding the analysis were: what messages on nursing homes are communicated, and how are claims organized in order to appear factual?

Findings

The data show that press reports focus on comparisons of care units' survey results, eldercare representatives' explanations of the results, and what improvements will be made in order to do better in the next year's survey. With their use of truth-making rhetoric, press articles construct survey results as credible and valid, thus mirroring user perceptions and ultimately nursing home quality. The selection of nursing home representatives' comments equally reinforces the validity of claims.

Originality/value

Given nursing homes' problems with demonstrating success, the authors argue that media reports on the user survey is a way for eldercare organizations to achieve results in an otherwise resultless field, and while media reports might be seen as prompting change in nursing home care, what is ultimately achieved is the legitimation of a costly survey with low response rate.
A framework for a sustainable craft beer supply chain
Authors: Bahl Harish C. , Gupta Jatinder N.D. , Elzinga Kenneth G.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to propose a framework for developing strategies for the supply chain of craft beer that can make the business efficient and profitable, and at the same time, generate sustainability benefits from reducing waste, conserving natural resources and reducing pollution.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive review of the literature of academic and industry publications, source material from craft brewers primarily situated in the USA and industry experience in craft brewing, the proposed framework describes strategies to establish sustainable craft beer supply chains.

Findings

The framework for craft beer supply chain consists of four categories that contribute to craft beer sustainability: ingredient procurement, recycling efforts, energy usage and distribution systems – some of these mimicking those used by macrobrewers. Each of the categories is further subdivided. Successful practices and examples are highlighted for each of the subcategories.

Research limitations/implications

This proposed framework was built upon current practices and available literature in the USA and focused on the environmental pillar of sustainability. Further, the proposed framework arises from the fact that current best practices in sustainability were available primarily from larger craft brewers, like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium.

Practical implications

By paying attention to operational changes in their supply chains, craft brewers can manage costs and improve their sustainability track record by reducing waste, conserving natural resources and improving upon their pollution footprint. Craft brewers can economize in the use of water, grains, hops and yeast by using practices discussed in this paper.

Originality/value

This is the first time that all aspects of supply chain and sustainability considerations in craft beer production are discussed in a comprehensive manner to propose a framework for analysis and enhancement of productivity and sustainability at the same time. The fact that the proposed framework can be used in future studies to empirically evaluate the utility of various sustainability strategies adds to the originality and value of this research.
Tablets for problem-solving through a flow theory: the impact of navigation and visual appearance on perceived performance and efficiency
Authors: Wu Dezhi , Xu Jingjun (David) , Abdinnour Sue
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate how a tablet's design features, namely, its navigation design and visual appearance, influence users' enjoyment, concentration and control, when using tablets for problem-solving, and thereafter how their core flow experiences impact their perceived performance and efficiency with problem-solving.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a field survey approach to engage 87 participants in a decision sciences class to use eTextbooks and a few other associated educational apps including CourseSmart app for e-notes and highlighting, sketchbook app and a calculator app in tablets to resolve class problems at a large US university.

Findings

This study finds that the tablet's interface design features (navigation and visual appearance) make users engrossed in their problem-solving processes with perceived enjoyment, concentration and control. This, in turn, impacts their perceived performance and efficiency. Moreover, visual appearance plays the most significant role in arousing users' affective emotions (i.e. enjoyment), while interface navigation is crucial to engage users' deep concentration (i.e. cognition) and control for problem-solving.

Practical implications

Modern tablets are being used widely in various sectors. More in-depth user flow experience design associated with tablet use for problem-solving contexts should be further advocated in order to provide more engaging and meaningful flow experiences to users.

Originality/value

This study shows that the design of the tablet interface can engage users in problem-solving processes in both affective and cognitive ways. It provides valuable insights on tablet interface design for problem-solving.
Gamified money: exploring the effectiveness of gamification in mobile payment adoption among the silver generation in China
Authors: Wong Donna , Liu Hongfei , Meng-Lewis Yue , Sun Yan , Zhang Yun
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the use of gamification in promoting the silver generation's adoption of mobile payment technology through the gamified cultural practice of gifting red packets. It considers the effectiveness of using gamification in a cultural context to promote technology acceptance among older adults. This crossover between digital technology and cultural traditions brings unique gaming elements to the adoption of technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon technology acceptance Model (TAM) and prospect theory, a research model is evaluated using structural equation modeling. Data were collected via survey from elderly consumers who are current users of WeChat but are yet to use its mobile payment functions.

Findings

The results reveal the perceived effectiveness of gamification is determined by the perceived enjoyment of the game and contributes to users' attitude development, directly and through its perceived usefulness. Perceived risks were identified as a barrier to converting positive attitude into adoption intention.

Research limitations/implications

The findings contribute to the conceptualization and understanding of the effectiveness of gamification in technology adoption, specifically among the silver generation.

Originality/value

In contrast with previous gamification studies on gamified experience, this study introduces a new conceptualization of the perceived effectiveness of gamification and its measurement. This study validates game engagement as being effective in encouraging seniors to adopt a technology. In an era of an aging population where digitization is a norm, improving the digital literacy and digital inclusion of elders by encouraging them to adopt technology is essential to developing a more accessible and inclusive social environment.
Transitional Safeguarding: presenting the case for developing Making Safeguarding Personal for young people in England
Authors: Cocker Christine , Cooper Adi , Holmes Dez , Bateman Fiona
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out the similarities and differences between the legal frameworks for safeguarding children and adults. It presents the case for developing a Transitional Safeguarding approach to create an integrated paradigm for safeguarding young people that better meets their developmental needs and better reflects the nature of harms young people face.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the key principles of the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014 and discusses their similarities and differences. It then introduces two approaches to safeguarding: Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP); and transitional safeguarding; that can inform safeguarding work with young people. Other legal frameworks that influence safeguarding practices, such as the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Human Rights Act 1998, are also discussed.

Findings

Safeguarding practice still operates within a child/adult binary; neither safeguarding system adequately meets the needs of young people. Transitional Safeguarding advocates an approach to working with young people that is relational, developmental and contextual. MSP focuses on the wishes of the person at risk from abuse or neglect and their desired outcomes. This is also central to a Transitional Safeguarding approach, which is participative, evidence informed and promotes equalities, diversity and inclusion.

Practical implications

Building a case for developing MSP for young people means that local partnerships could create the type of service that best meets local needs, whilst ensuring their services are participative and responsive to the specific safeguarding needs of individual young people.

Originality/value

This paper promotes applying the principles of MSP to safeguarding practice with young people. It argues that the differences between the children and adult legislative frameworks are not so great that they would inhibit this approach to safeguarding young people.
The Journal of Consumer Marketing at age 35: a retrospective overview
Authors: Donthu Naveen , Kumar Satish , Pattnaik Debidutta
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The Journal of Consumer Marketing (JCM) has ceaselessly strived toward presenting updated insights on consumer behavior in the marketplace. Blending both theory and practice, it features rigorous consumer-centric research, which addresses pressing managerial concerns. Recently, the JCM completed 35 years of publishing. This study aims to track its evolution from 1984 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The application of sophisticated bibliometric techniques offers a deeper insight into the evolving trends of the journal, its core authors and their affiliations. This paper explores the thematic trends for JCM’s articles using principal component analysis (PCA) and through bibliographic couple, the authors expose JCM’s knowledge structure.

Findings

The JCM published 1,422 articles by 2019 contributed by 2,247 unique authors. At 34.56 average citations to its articles cited, the academic popularity of the journal reached 41,989 citations in Scopus. Research featured in the JCM has explored approximately 2,225 unique themes. PCA under Varimax rotation constructed three thematic factors for the most popular JCM themes. Simultaneously, bibliographic coupling analysis identified nine clusters of the JCM’s articles.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on the bibliometric records obtained from Scopus and would be subject to the limitations of the database, apart from being limited by the word length of this paper.

Originality/value

The study conducts the first retrospective analysis of the JCM, which may be useful for global readers, including its editorial board.
Future office layouts for large organisations: workplace specialist and design firms’ perspective
Authors: Nanayakkara Kusal Tharinda , Wilkinson Sara Jane , Ghosh Sumita
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Office layout arrangements have a significant influence on many important aspects of organisations, and design firms need to liaise with the client to determine the most appropriate design process. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors design firms consider when designing new office layouts and the nature of future offices from the design and workplace strategist firms’ perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study comprising interviews with leading international and nation design firms and workplace strategy consultant firms in Australia. Qualitative data was analysed using a thematic approach, which adopted within case, and across case, analyses.

Findings

Research identified major factors considered when identifying appropriate workplace strategies. These included the existing and preferred culture of the organisation, the level of flexibility required, functionality and technology requirements, acoustic strategies, sense of community and generation gap between employees. Participants believed future offices would be technology driven, community oriented, sustainability, health and well-being focussed, smaller in size with satellite offices, such as co-working and office spaces.

Research limitations/implications

This research has implications for industry and academics, as it provides an in-depth understanding of workplace specialists’ and design firms’ perceptions of clients’ contemporary and future requirements from office spaces. It also illustrates what they look at when designing office spaces for large corporates.

Practical implications

Research demonstrates how the office environment should match with the physical and psychological needs of the organisation and its employees. Findings have practical applications to professionals in human resource management and the design, management, development and valuation of office buildings.

Originality/value

This paper provides in-depth insights into how design firms and workplace strategists meet organisations’ changing demand for physical spaces, their main considerations in developing new workplace strategies, process followed and nature of future workplace in Australian context.
A land-based HF transmitter for ionospheric propagation studies using SuperDARN radars
Authors: Mdibi Lusanda , Van Zyl Robert , Kosch Michael , Ward Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design, build and test a low power high frequency (HF) transmitter that can be received by the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radar installed at SANAE IV, the 4th South African National Antarctic Expedition Station. It is proposed that it may be possible to do propagation studies using the radar and the fixed frequency, ground-based HF transmitter beacon. Interpretation of the measurements can be used to study the ionosphere, especially Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances, which are signatures of atmospheric gravity waves.

Design/methodology/approach

In the absence of the actual deployment of the HF transmitter beacon in Antarctica, extensive simulations have been done to evaluate the expected performance of the transmitter in relation to the SuperDARN. A field trial has been executed between Hermanus (34.4241° S, 19.2247° E) and Pretoria (34.0558° S, 18.4589° E) in South Africa. In future, the beacon will be placed at the South Pole with its antenna radiating towards SANAE IV.

Findings

The HF transmitter conforms to the power and frequency stability requirements both during propagation tests conducted between Hermanus and Pretoria, as well as when the device was exposed to temperatures that ranged from +40°C to −45°C in a thermal chamber. Propagation in Antarctica is expected to differ from the field tests conducted due to the differences in density and dynamics of the polar ionosphere, compared to the mid-latitude ionosphere.

Originality/value

Space weather research, including forecasting atmospheric gravity waves and determining the expected electron density profile of the ionosphere, is of great scientific interest. The data received from the HF beacon can be used to study and characterize the ionosphere of the region between the South Pole and SANAE IV. Parameters of the ionosphere, such as electron density, geomagnetic storm effects, ionospheric motions and sky wave propagation paths will be better understood from analysing the signal received from this transmitter after it has been reflected and refracted by the ionosphere.
Assessing the level of awareness of smart building technologies (SBTs) in the developing countries
Authors: Ghansah Frank Ato , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Ayarkwa Joshua , Edwards David John , Hosseini M. Reza
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the awareness level of smart building technologies (SBTs) among construction professionals in developing countries such as Ghana, and identify the key factors that have the significant capability of influencing the awareness level significantly.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through questionnaire survey from 227 construction design team and project managers in the Ghanaian construction industry. Descriptive analysis and multivariate analysis using multiple regression were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Averagely low level of SBTs awareness was observed to exist among professionals in the construction industry of Ghana. The study further revealed “training programs” by organizations and “individual knowledge” as the key factors capable of significantly influencing the level of SBTs awareness in the construction industry of developing countries, particularly Ghana.

Practical implications

This paper identified training programs by organizations and individual knowledge as the two key factors having significant capability of influencing the SBTs awareness in the construction industry of developing countries such Ghana. The two factors can be incorporated in policymaking process via considerations to help create SBTs awareness, such as encouragement of continuous professional development toward smart building concept in relation to construction sustainability.

Originality/value

This study conceptualizes from a systematic professional perspective and provides empirical evidence on the key significant factors capable of influencing the awareness of SBTs in the developing countries such as Ghana.
Output hysteresis in the US: new evidence from a time-varying Verdoorn's law
Authors: Clavijo-Cortes Pedro
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the current and well-documented phenomenon of hysteresis in the US economy after the Great Financial Recession. Compelling reasons lead me to believe that Verdoorn's law can be used to explain this phenomenon by relating hysteresis to a fall in the size of returns to scale of the whole economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Verdoorn's law is estimated using a time-varying regression model that employs Bayesian methods to examine the evolution of the Verdoorn coefficient. The investigation uses a bivariate time-varying model to estimate long-run growth rates of output and productivity while controlling for potential endogeneity problems.

Findings

The study finds substantial variation in the Verdoorn coefficient across time as well as a significant fall of it in the onset of the Great Financial Recession, which confirms the presence of hysteresis in the US economy. Additionally, it also finds a fall in the size of productivity shocks, and in the long-run growth rates of output and productivity according to previous studies.

Originality/value

The empirical investigation uses, novel to the literature on Verdoorn's law to date, a bivariate time-varying regression model with stochastic volatility. It also employs quarterly productivity data for a considerably long period, which to my knowledge, has not been used by previous works. Most importantly, this approach contemplates positive hysteresis––typically neglected––which provides a less bleak panorama.
Knowledge management and human resources performance: evidence from Turkish family businesses
Authors: Zaim Halil , Ramadani Veland , Dinibutun Sait Revda , Gërguri-Rashiti Shqipe , Said Dina Sabry
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of knowledge management (KM) processes on human resource management’s (HRM’s) performance in family-owned organizations. Therefore, a model is proposed to explain the core processes of KM and their effects on HRM's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A field study is conducted based on data collected from family-owned companies in Turkey. The survey instrument is a self-administered questionnaire composed of 36 questions in total. There are three demographic questions, 18 questions aim to investigate KM processes and 15 questions aim to investigate HRM practices.

Findings

The results show that KM processes have significant positive relationships with HRM performance. Among the processes of KM, knowledge generation (KG) is found to have the most significant effect. This study shows that KM processes are enhancing HRM performance in family-owned organizations.

Research limitations/implications

First of all, it is conducted on family-owned companies. Hence, the results may change based on types of organizations. Second, convenience sampling was used in data collection. The majority of data were collected through HRM departments who were available, reliable and easy to access. Despite many advantages of this sampling technique on major disadvantage is lacking clear generalizability. For this reason, it is presumed that HRM awareness is high in the selected participants. Different sampling methods may lead to different results. Thus, for future research, it would be useful to make cross-cultural and cross-sectorial studies to compare the business cultures and to find more accurate outcomes related to KM and HRM implementations.

Originality/value

Nowadays, most of the family-owned companies are well aware of the statement that both KM and HRM have significant positive impacts on organizational outcomes. This research's findings indicate that KM processes enhance HRM performance in family-owned organizations. Therefore, family-owned organizations should pay more attention on KM processes and the linkage between KM and HRM in order to obtain better HRM results.
Providing the optimal method for sport places site selection based on GIS analytic functions
Authors: Salimi Mehdi , Khodaparst Mahboubeh
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide a novel method for sport places site selection, although instead of using decision-making methods, the focus is on analytic functions in geographic information systems (GIS).

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers today have combined site selection science to a large extent with GIS and different decision-making methods to provide methods with higher confidence coefficients, however, it seems that there is a long way left to the best result.

Findings

After making a study database including data related to uses and urban elements, sports places, population density in study territory and drawing map of the region, by exporting data to GIS environment this database was prepared to use as separate layers. In the next step, the final map was made by shared overlapping of layer resulted from combining determining factors in sport places site selection and a layer of the sphere of influence of sport places available.

Originality/value

As with other research studies done for site selection, the region determined as high value in the final map was wide, a method of minimizing the difference of maximum and minimum standard deviation of polygons was used to minimize these lands. This method made it possible to plan to construct multiple sport places in succession.