bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Diets Containing Standard Soybean Oil, Soybean Oil Enhanced with Conjugated Linoleic Acids, Menhaden Fish Oil, or an Algal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplement on Channel Catfish Performance, Body Composition, Sensory Evaluation, and Storage Characteristics
Authors: Faukner Jimmy , Rawles Steven D , Proctor Andrew , Sink Todd D , Chen Ruguang , Philips Harold , Lochmann Rebecca T
Published: March 2013

Fish consumption is a common method of obtaining beneficial n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), but increased use of vegetable oils in fish diets to reduce dependence on fish oil dilutes the amounts of LC-PUFAs. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are also considered beneficial for human health. Therefore, we investigated four different lipid sources in Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus diets for their ability to enhance fatty acid profiles of fillets to benefit human health while maintaining or improving fish performance. In a 175-d grow-out trial, Channel Catfish (71.4 ± 0.1 g [mean ± SE]) were fed a commercial 32% protein diet supplemented with 2% lipid from soybean oil (SO), soybean oil enhanced with conjugated linoleic acids, menhaden fish oil (FO), or an algal supplement of Schizochytrium sp. high in 22:6(n-3) (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA). Diet effects were assessed by measuring fish growth performance, muscle proximate and fatty acid composition, sensory characteristics of fillets, consumer taste preferences, and oxidative stability of fillets during cold storage. There were no differences in fish growth performance or proximate composition. Only fish fed the CLA diet contained CLAs in the muscle. Fish fed the FO and algal DHA diets had higher concentrations of 22:6(n-3) in the muscle compared with fish fed the SO and CLA diets. Sensory evaluation and consumer preference testing were more favorable for fillets from fish fed the SO and CLA diets than from fish fed the FO and algal DHA diets. There were no differences in storage characteristics of fish refrigerated at 4°C for 2 weeks or frozen at −18°C for 4 weeks. Fillets from fish fed the FO diet yielded the highest concentration of fatty acids for human health benefits, followed by the fillets from fish fed the algal DHA diets. The CLA diet produced increased fillet concentrations of CLAs.
Squash vein yellowing virus Infection of Vining Cucurbits and the Vine Decline Response
Authors: Webster Craig G. , Kousik Chandrasekar S. , Turechek William W. , Webb Susan E. , Roberts Pamela D. , Adkins Scott
Published: March 2013

The responses of a diverse group of vining cucurbits to inoculation with Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) were determined. For the first time, Cucurbita maxima, Cucumis dipsaceus, and Cucumis metuliferus were observed to develop necrosis and plant death similar to the SqVYV-induced vine decline in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus). The majority of cucurbits inoculated, however, either exhibited no symptoms of infection, or developed relatively mild symptoms such as vein yellowing of upper, noninoculated leaves. All inoculated plants were sectioned and tested for the presence of SqVYV. The virus was widely distributed in mature, fruit-bearing cucurbits with over 72% of plant sections testing positive for SqVYV by tissue-blot and/or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Plants of several cucurbits, including a wild citron (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides), were symptomless and had a decreased frequency of virus infection of vine segments compared to susceptible vining cucurbits, indicating a higher level of resistance. However, no significant relationship between the frequency of infection or virus distribution within plants and the symptom response was observed. These results demonstrate that a diverse group of cucurbits may decline when infected with SqVYV, and suggest that widespread distribution of virus within the plant is not the sole cause of decline.
The impacts of demographic change
Authors: Goodwin John , O'Connor Henrietta
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the key themes in the area of the impact of demographic change on young workers and older workers in relation to education, skills and employment, as discussed in the papers included in this section. The authors have also drawn upon data from their project “From Young Workers to Older Workers” as a context for the papers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws out the main themes from the papers contained within this section and presents original data from interviews with 97 older workers who were interviewed at two points in time – labour market entry and labour market exit.

Findings

The selection of papers in this section is outlined, as well as offering some findings from the authors’ research on older workers.

Originality/value

The papers in this section, including this paper, offer an overview of some of the key debates in relation to the impact of demographic change on both young workers and older workers.
The twenty‐first century multiple generation workforce
Authors: Helyer Ruth , Lee Dionne
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues around a multiple generational workforce and more specifically, the challenges and benefits for education providers and employers.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing research papers, analysing academic texts, interrogating market intelligence and contextualising case studies, the paper examines the “experience” or “qualifications” debate alongside the similarities, differences and overlaps of the cross‐generational workforce, with a view to offering education/training solutions.

Findings

Demographic forecasts suggest that the UK workplace will imminently be dominated by older, experienced employees. As the composition of the workplace shifts, examining the inter‐relationship between groups of workers of different ages/profiles who have different skills, attitudes, expectations and learning styles is vital. The synergy caused by this inter‐mingling cannot help but impact on employers, sectors and higher education institutions.

Research limitations/implications

Data around the “older” graduate is not readily available – there is still an implicit belief that “graduate” means approximately 21/22 years old. Whilst many general demographic forecasts are produced, the future is still relatively unknown.

Originality/value

The paper builds upon the authors’ own original research into the employment market from an HE perspective. Little has been so far published around how the generations might usefully work together, especially the idea of adapting the skills and maximising on the overlaps of different generational profiles. The exploration of the hybrid graduate is also a new area for academic research.
Spoilt for choice, spoilt by choice
Authors: Duckworth Vicky , Cochrane Matthew
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the choices learners have in steering their way through the educational system in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on data from two studies, one conducted in a state secondary school and the other in a Further Education College, both based in the north‐west of England. Both used interviews (either individual or focus‐group) to collect data, which were then analysed using a grounded approach.

Findings

In linking the two studies the authors highlight how the impact of symbolic violence and the relations between groups and classes at school continue into the “choices” the learners make during adulthood and also into the learner's working life, and that these “choices” are often a large‐scale consequence of many “micro‐choices” arising from day‐to‐day situations. The acts of symbolic violence described in the college group are not of themselves very different from those described by the school group, though the consequences for the school group cannot yet be known.

Research limitations/implications

The participants in the two groups are unconnected in that they attend different institutions and are at very different stages of their education. However the authors contend that there is a connection in terms of the participants’ experience of symbolic violence.

Originality/value

The paper draws attention to the existence of symbolic violence in everyday school life, and highlights how these instances can have significant impact.
Enhancing young graduates’ intention towards entrepreneurship development in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamed Zainalabidin , Rezai Golnaz , Nasir Shamsudin Mad , Mu’az Mahmud Muhammad
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Basic Student Entrepreneurial Programme (BSEP) among local university graduates who have undergone the training programme in entrepreneurship development.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 410 respondents who had participated in BSEP were interviewed with a structural questionnaire to gather information on their social attitude towards the effectiveness of BSEP on their intention to become an agri‐entrepreneur. Chi‐square analysis was used to determine the relationship between demographic variables towards motivating agri‐entrepreneurship among the participants.

Findings

The results show that the participants agreed upon the effectiveness of BSEP in developing graduates’ intention towards becoming agri‐entrepreneurs. The results also show that there is a significant relationship between three variables which motivate participants to become agri‐entrepreneurs. These were the origin of the participant, the presence of family members already involved in entrepreneurial activities and educational background.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is only concerned with students’ perceptions towards the effectiveness of BSEP in encouraging them to become agri‐entrepreneurs. The results from this paper are limited in terms of determining whether they really become an agri‐entrepreneur or not because this research only focuses on intention.

Practical implications

The paper provides an important exploratory analysis of the BSEP programme to enable further research to take place in the area of entrepreneurship education. The findings provide a valuable insight on effective teaching methodologies in the area of entrepreneurship education.

Originality/value

The paper expands on Ajzen's framework to provide a basis to improve the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in Malaysia.
Entrepreneurship education and training needs of family businesses operating in the agricultural sector of India
Authors: Sandhu Navjot , Hussain Javed , Matlay Harry
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the entrepreneurship education and training (EET) needs of small family businesses operating in the agricultural sector of the Indian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a survey of 122 agricultural family firms in the Indian state of Punjab. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistical methods to establish causal relationships between key variables and EET needs in these family firms.

Findings

Results show that owner/managers of small family businesses have low levels of EET and hence higher needs. Lack of sufficient funds and low awareness about the availability of training are the most significant challenges for these family firms in accessing financial education and training. Factors such as level of education and training of the owner/manager were found to be major determinants of family firms’ take up of EET.

Originality/value

This research paper makes an empirically rigorous contribution to a relatively under‐researched aspect of small family businesses operating in India. The results established that EET is a prerequisite for economic growth in the agricultural sector of the Indian economy.
Gaming across cultures: experimenting with alternate pedagogies
Authors: Pillay Soma , James Reynold
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Higher education is influenced, to an increasing extent, by changing student demographics. This requires educators to design and deliver learning systems which will enhance students’ learning experience with innovative, real world and engaging resources. The authors predict that transformations in the learning systems will increase as higher learning institutions seek to add educational value. The authors maintain that current pedagogies in cross‐cultural education are insufficiently adapted to student learning‐style needs. This problem is particularly noticeable in one cross‐cultural setting. This study aims to explore games, as an alternate pedagogy, to enhance learning systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Students’ feedback formed the primary qualitative data for this study. The paper develops a conceptual model which provides an organised framework to manage intercultural differences, using games. The Mapping, Bridging, Integrating (MBI) model creates an opportunity for students to appreciate differences and understand the model's implications for their careers in international management.

Findings

Participants’ responses to the games were overwhelmingly positive. Participants’ responses indicated games as a preferred method for developing the intercultural competence, team work, decision making and self awareness skills essential for business and entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

There is a growing need to consider and align the relationship between education, the increasing cultural diversity in student populations, and the learning and teaching styles of a changing student population in order to enhance the extent of expected knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors adopted a qualitative approach to trialling the use of games in a cross‐cultural context with the view to reducing international cross‐cultural barriers and developing skills in intercultural competence, self awareness, collaborative working and decision making. This study shows the need for alternative, more integrative models of education comprising elements of complexity that fit with an increasingly complex world.
Learning through fictional business: expertise for real life?
Authors: Kettula Kirsi , Clarkeburn Henriikka
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate whether educational drama can be used as a tool to facilitate expert knowledge development and to help students prepare themselves for working life.

Design/methodology/approach

The target group consisted of 41 students of Forest Sciences who had participated in a course of professional ethics taught through educational drama. Qualitative research data were collected from learning journals and quantitative data from questionnaires.

Findings

The results indicate that educational drama has a potential to foster expert knowledge development, because it can bring a sense of real life to classrooms and thus give experiences that resemble working‐life experiences. The course that was taught through educational drama gave students a sense of putting theory into practice and of solving working‐life problems. The students also felt that this course had made them more prepared for unforeseen situations in working life. Further, teaching professional ethics through educational drama may be a worthwhile tool to help students encounter the working‐life challenges of ethics and sustainability in particular.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies are needed to determine the quality of the students’ professional learning in educational drama and the long‐term impacts of teaching through drama.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications for higher education related to the enhancement of expert knowledge development and preparing students for working life.

Originality/value

This paper introduces educational drama as an encouraging tool in higher education to simulate real‐life situations in the classrooms, and thus providing students with opportunities to practise for working life and grow as experts.
The impact of leadership on workgroup climate and performance in a non‐profit organization
Authors: McMurray Adela J. , Islam Mazharul , Sarros James C. , Pirola‐Merlo Andrew
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the impact of leadership on workgroup climate and performance in a religious/church‐based non‐profit organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of leadership is investigated using a questionnaire comprised of established scales such as the transformational leadership scales (TLS), team climate inventory questionnaire (TCI), team effectiveness, workgroup cohesion, and interdependence scales. This is a context based study that considers the unique culture comprised of social, political, economic, technologic, personnel, and personal concerns. Descriptive, correlation, hierarchical regression, and SPSS macro developed by Preacher and Hayes were used as statistical techniques to assess the indirect effects (Sobel Tests) of variables.

Findings

Transformational leadership was identified as a key variable for the functioning of workgroup performance whilst transactional leadership was identified as a key influencing factor of workgroup climate. In addition, the study found a significant and positive large effect of workgroup climate on workgroup performance whilst both transformational and transactional leadership did not influence workgroup performance through workgroup climate. This finding provides areas in need of further research.

Research limitations/implications

There is likely to be posing risks of method variance or response biases as all data were drawn from employee surveys. There is also likely to be selection bias as the authors could not directly compare respondents with non‐respondents. The fact that there may be operational differences in other as well as smaller organizations, based on the limited size and the ability to allocate job functions, could limit the generalization of this result to other organizations.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to both scholarly theory and workplace practice in the non‐profit sector as the findings indicated that the influence of workgroup climate on workgroup performance provided an enabling context for the delivery of leadership in a religious/church‐based non‐profit organization.
Can some leaders have a good relationship with many followers?
Authors: Schyns Birgit , Maslyn John M. , van Veldhoven Marc P.M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a study of the relationship between Leader‐Member Exchange (LMX) and span of control. The paper argues that depending on their extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness, some leaders will find it easier to establish and maintain LMX relationships with their followers in larger groups.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among 52 leaders and 389 followers. As matched data were used, the final sample consisted of 244 individual employees who worked in 41 different groups.

Findings

Results show that extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness moderate the relationship between span of control and various dimensions of LMX. The results for agreeableness, however, were in the opposite direction than expected.

Research limitations/implications

The moderation effects that were found for leader personality indicate that organizations could foster LMX relationships by selecting leaders with certain personality patterns for larger groups or taking care to train leaders who do not show this pattern to overcome possible problems of low LMX relationships in large groups.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to address the relationship between span of control and LMX dimensions, and the first to examine the effects of leader personality on that relationship.
Transformational and social processes of leadership as predictors of organisational outcomes
Authors: Muchiri Michael K. , Cooksey Ray W. , Walumbwa Fred O.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the separate and combined effects of transformational leadership behaviour and social processes of leadership on key organisational outcomes within Australian local councils.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research methodology was used to gather quantitative data from employees from nine local councils. Data were analysed using Item clustering analysis for scale construction. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was employed to test the proposed conceptual framework.

Findings

It was found that transformational leadership predicted performance outcomes, collective efficacy/outcomes expectancies and organisational commitment. Social processes of leadership predicted performance outcomes, collective efficacy/outcomes expectancies and organisational citizenship behaviours.

Practical implications

Results indicate that by practising aspects of transformational leadership such as articulating clear standards and expectations for performance and showing recognition to work unit members for specific task or goal achievements, work unit leaders may establish a foundation that later leads to higher performance outcomes. Furthermore, promoting aspects of social processes of leadership such as communication, enhancing adaptability and resolving uncertainties may lead to greater clarification and subsequent higher performance outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to examine the separate and combined effects of transformational leadership behaviour and social processes of leadership on key organisational outcomes in Australian local councils.
Executive attention patterns, environmental dynamism and corporate turnaround performance
Authors: Abebe Michael A.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Despite an improved understanding of the role of top executives in declining firms, research is still needed to explore the role of environmental scanning and strategy formulation processes in an organizational decline context. Drawing from the attention‐based view and the literature on environmental scanning, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship among executive attention patterns, industry dynamism and corporate turnaround performance in declining firms.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test theoretically‐driven hypotheses, data were collected from 70 US manufacturing firms that experienced serious performance decline and subsequent performance turnaround between 1990‐2000. The hypothesized relationships among market‐related, input‐related environmental scanning, industry dynamism and corporate turnaround performance were tested using a moderated regression analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that declining firms operating in dynamic industry environments tend to improve their turnaround performance when executives focus their attention more on market‐related sectors (i.e. customer, competitor and technological sectors). Conversely, the findings also indicated that corporate turnaround performance of declining firms seems to be adversely affected by a disproportionate focus on input‐related sectors of the task environment (i.e. suppliers and creditors).

Research limitations/implications

The paper's findings contribute to the ongoing corporate turnaround research by highlighting the important role executive attention patterns and selective perceptions play in improving the extent of corporate turnaround in declining firms. More importantly, the findings also indicate that environmental context (in this case dynamism) is a critical part of successful corporate turnaround since it dictates the impact of relevant external actors on the organization.

Practical implications

Executives of declining firms attempting turnaround may find it particularly useful, based on the paper's findings, to focus their attention and information search on specific aspects of the task environment in order to facilitate corporate turnaround. Such focus becomes especially necessary if the declining firm is operating in dynamic industries.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the corporate turnaround literature by highlighting the importance of both executive attention patterns and environmental context in any successful turnaround attempt.
Attitude toward knowledge sharing in construction teams
Authors: Zhang Peihua , Fai Ng Fung
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ the theory of reasoned action (TRA) as a theoretical framework to investigate factors affecting individuals' attitudes toward knowledge sharing in construction teams in Hong Kong. Specifically, the factors are analyzed from a cost and benefit perspective grounded in social exchange theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory study using semi‐structured interviews is conducted first to explore context‐specific cost and benefit factors. Based on the exploratory study results and TRA, a research model and hypotheses are developed. A questionnaire survey is then conducted among professionals working in contractors in Hong Kong. The quantitative data are analyzed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The research results indicate that individuals' attitudes toward knowledge sharing are positively affected by knowledge self‐efficacy and knowledge feedback, while negatively affected by losing face. Further, it is revealed that attitude toward knowledge sharing significantly determines intention to share knowledge, which then determines knowledge sharing behavior.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to employ existing theories in social psychology to examine knowledge sharing behavior in the construction sector. The research results provide important implications for construction companies to promote knowledge sharing in project teams.
Adoption model of mobile‐enabled systems in supply chain
Authors: Pan Youqin , Nam Ted , Ogara Solomon , Lee SeungSin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an adoption model to identify the critical factors that affect firms' intention to adopt mobile enabled supply chain systems (mSCM) in retail industry. This study focuses on inter‐organizational dimension since mSCM is an inter‐organizational system that provides both inter‐ and intra‐organizational linkages for firms across the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used to test the proposed model. Data from this study were obtained from South Korean firms.

Findings

Supply chain awareness was shown to be a strong predictor of both inter‐organizational dependence and inter‐organizational trust which positively affects firms' long‐term relationship with their trading partners. Institutional pressures, long‐term relationship, and top management support also had a significant influence firms' mSCM adoption intention.

Research limitations/implications

First, only executives and managers in retail industry of South Korea were surveyed, thus, the results may not be generalized to retail industry in other countries. Second, the current study focuses on a firm's mSCM adoption intention rather than actual adoption.

Practical implications

This study provides useful insights for practitioners to better manage institutional pressures and nurture long‐term relationship in order to promote co‐adoption of mSCM.

Originality/value

This study provides useful insights for supply chain members on how to overcome barriers to adopting an innovation and to increase the chance of successfully adopting mSCM in the retail supply chain.
Master data quality barriers: an empirical investigation
Authors: Haug Anders , Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan , Zachariassen Frederik , Schlichter Jakob
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The development of IT has enabled organizations to collect and store many times more data than they were able to just decades ago. This means that companies are now faced with managing huge amounts of data, which represents new challenges in ensuring high data quality. The purpose of this paper is to identify barriers to obtaining high master data quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper defines relevant master data quality barriers and investigates their mutual importance through organizing data quality barriers identified in literature into a framework for analysis of data quality. The importance of the different classes of data quality barriers is investigated by a large questionnaire study, including answers from 787 Danish manufacturing companies.

Findings

Based on a literature review, the paper identifies 12 master data quality barriers. The relevance and completeness of this classification is investigated by a large questionnaire study, which also clarifies the mutual importance of the defined barriers and the differences in importance in small, medium, and large companies.

Research limitations/implications

The defined classification of data quality barriers provides a point of departure for future research by pointing to relevant areas for investigation of data quality problems. The limitations of the study are that it focuses only on manufacturing companies and master data (i.e. not transaction data).

Practical implications

The classification of data quality barriers can give companies increased awareness of why they experience data quality problems. In addition, the paper suggests giving primary focus to organizational issues rather than perceiving poor data quality as an IT problem.

Originality/value

Compared to extant classifications of data quality barriers, the contribution of this paper represents a more detailed and complete picture of what the barriers are in relation to data quality. Furthermore, the presented classification has been investigated by a large questionnaire study, for which reason it is founded on a more solid empirical basis than existing classifications.
Critical success factors for configuration management implementation
Authors: Ali Usman , Kidd Callum
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify, prioritize and categorize the critical success factors (CSFs) for configuration management (CM) and devise a CM activity model to help practitioners in the effective implementation and continuous improvement of the process.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method research with in‐depth interviews is used, followed by questionnaire survey.

Findings

In total, 21 CSFs organized in seven groups have been identified and prioritized on the basis of criticality in the implementation of the CM process. A significant difference is observed in the perception of CM professionals from the level of their experience and CM certification/training on the criticality of these factors.

Research limitations/implications

This research only focuses on the aerospace and defence industry because of their common contextual understanding of CM. Further research could be done in commercial sectors to determine if the factors are common, or if there is a particular sector bias.

Practical implications

Extensive scope exists for industries to enhance product development methodologies by concentrating on factors responsible for the maturity of the CM process. The importance of CM is seen through its inclusion in multiple standards which require companies to implement a high level of robustness in the design and through life focus.

Originality/value

A detailed search of the peer reviewed journals and practitioner literature highlights no formal study on CSFs in the field of CM. This study will help CM practitioners to develop plans to achieve their goals and improve the CM process on the basis of these outlined concepts.
The effect of the supply chain social capital
Authors: Yim Byungjin , Leem Byunghak
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that supply chain social capital has an effect on supply chain integration, which in turn has a significant on firm performance, and then supply chain integration mediates the relationship between supply chain social capital and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors validated their model and tested the hypotheses using the partial least squares (PLS) structural equation model (SEM).

Findings

Empirical results reveal that the three dimensions of supply chain social capital – structural, relational, and cognitive – had significant effects, directly or indirectly, on supply chain integration and performance, and supply chain integration played a mediating role in the relationships between structural capital and firm performance, between relational capital and firm performance, and between cognitive capital and firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

Since the survey data were collected at various industries in Korea, it is difficult to gain social network benefits for a specific industry through worldwide. Therefore, to obtain more meaningful results, the authors would collect the data for special product family in the special industry. But the study suggests that supply chain integration among supply chain partners can be improved by building up social capital, firm performance can be enhanced by improving supply chain integration, and consequently, supply chain integration should serve to enhance firm's profitability.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper investigates whether supply chain integration mediates the relationship between supply chain social capital and firm performance in the supply chain using the PLS and Baron and Kenny's approach.
Examining the role of system quality in ERP projects
Authors: Ram Jiwat , Corkindale David , Wu Ming‐Lu
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the role of perceived system quality (PSQ) as an antecedent to the implementation success (IMP) of ERP projects, and its interrelationships with other antecedents that influence the outcome of organizational adoption process.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors derive a model containing the relationships between PSQ and IMP and between PSQ and some antecedents of organizational adoption. The relationships were analysed with data from a survey of 217 Australian companies, using structural equation modelling.

Findings

PSQ is an important antecedent to implementation success of ERP projects. It also has a positive influence on other antecedents of organizational adoption, namely: perceived information quality, organizational readiness and perceived strategic value of adoption.

Research limitations/implications

Prior findings have shown that PSQ is a significant antecedent to the adoption of ERP by individuals and organizations and the paper extends this by providing evidence that PSQ is also a significant antecedent to implementation success. The authors have empirically established the role of interrelationships among antecedent factors at the adoption stage of ERP systems.

Practical implications

Establishing a proposed ERP system's system quality, when considering whether to adopt a particular system is important, as it influences the other important antecedents and beliefs on the potential benefits from an ERP project. Understanding of system quality attributes can help managers put in place strategies to avoid potential pitfalls at the project implementation stage.

Originality/value

Empirical evidence of the importance of PSQ for success in ERP adoption, implementation and explanation of how and why this has positive effects on other antecedents.
Nurturing business ecosystems to deal with industry uncertainties
Authors: Rong Ke , Shi Yongjiang , Yu Jiang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which firms nurture the business ecosystem for the development of emerging industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a qualitative research methodology with multiple case studies, namely two groups of companies in the PC and mobile business ecosystems.

Findings

This paper argues that industry renewal or emergence relies on the convergence and evolutionary process of the relevant business ecosystems. It analyzes the challenges faced by emerging industries, especially uncertainty issues concerning technology, application, and market. To deal with these uncertainty issues, firms within business ecosystems have developed two kinds of strategies: the core‐firm platform strategy and the niche‐firm supplementary strategy with an integrated supply chain. By using such strategies, firms together follow a three‐step process, including adjustment, adoption, and convergence, to help nurture the emerging industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study only conducts interviews with industrial practitioners in the mobile computing business ecosystem, without covering other stakeholders.

Practical implications

First, the study describes the platform and supplementary strategies to deal with industry uncertainties; second, the analysis also identifies a three‐step collective behavior to achieve industry convergence.

Originality/value

The paper extends the study of business ecosystem theory into supply chain management by embedding different roles and strategies as well as collective behavior into a dynamic business environment.
Why do people change routes? Impact of information services
Authors: Gan Hong‐Cheng , Bai Yang , Wei June
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to identify factors that influence drivers' route choice response to travel time information about both the expressway and local streets provided by variable message signs on arterial roads.

Design/methodology/approach

A stated preference questionnaire survey was conducted to collect behavioral data. The generalized estimating equations (GEEs) method with a logit link function was used to model driver response and account for correlations within repeated observations from the same respondent. Four GEEs‐based estimations with different working correlation structures were conducted and compared with each other as well as the conventional maximum likelihood estimation.

Findings

Driving experiences, expressway delays, causes of delay, and the number of traffic lights on local streets are factors influencing route choice decisions. A new finding is that there exist differences in response behavior among employer‐provided car, taxi and private car drivers. On the modeling aspect, the exchangeable structure was the most appropriate in this study.

Research limitations/implications

This study indicates the effectiveness and appropriateness of the GEEs method and suggests further examination of GEEs' performance.

Practical implications

The route choice probability model established by this study will facilitate better investment, design and assessment of dynamic information services in transportation management.

Originality/value

The dynamic information this study concerns has rarely been addressed in the literature. Little literature to date has applied the GEEs method in information response modeling. This study reaches solider conclusions about the GEEs method.
Dynamic suppliers' risk management of large‐scale and complex equipment development
Authors: Yuan Wenfeng , Liu Sifeng , Yuan Chaoqing
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The paper attempts to establish a two‐dimension frame to analyze dynamic supplier risks of large‐scale and complex equipment and study the probability distribution of the occurring risks.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the dynamic and correlated supplier risks of large‐scale and complex equipment, a two‐dimension frame to analyze these risks is established. A maximum entropy model is also built to research the probability distribution of the risks; then, K‐T conditions are proved to solve the model. A real case is also studied in the last part of the paper.

Findings

The results are convincing: in order to analyze the supplier risk dynamically of large‐scale and complex equipment development project, a two‐dimension analysis frame is established and a maximum entropy model is worked out. The case study shows that they are valuable.

Practical implications

The two‐dimension frame gives a new viewpoint for risk management, but also the maximum entropy model supplies a valuable method for risk management.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in creating a dynamic analysis frame to study risks and building a new method to research the disciplines of the dynamic risks.
Some extended operations of grey sets
Authors: Yang Y. , John R. , Liu S.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance new rules about operations of grey sets based on grey numbers and greyness and investigate their capability in reducing uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

A grey set can have its characteristic function values restricted by grey numbers, and such a representation makes the operations of grey sets different from other sets. Based on the concept of whitenisation of grey sets, two extended operations of grey sets are defined and their properties are discussed.

Findings

The result demonstrates that the proposed meet operation can significantly reduce uncertainty in grey sets and that the novel rules about operation of grey sets can reduce uncertainty of the set significantly. The propagation of uncertainty under different operations is investigated.

Practical implications

The method exposed in the paper can be used to integrate information from different sources to reduce uncertainty in information.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in constructing novel operation rules of grey sets. The capability of novel operation rules to reduce uncertainty is studied and it is a new development of grey systems theory.
A study on government regulation mechanism of promoting enterprises in China in energy conservation
Authors: Guo Benhai , Zhang Rongrong , Yuan Chaoqing
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper attempts to study the impact of changing incentive strategies on enterprises' energy saving effort level and to construct an effective principal‐agent mechanism to achieve Pareto improvement of energy‐saving control.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the benefit relations between government and enterprises as well as their game strategies in energy conservation management, the impact of changing incentive strategies on enterprises' energy saving effort level and the asymmetric information situation of the players are studied taking into consideration the angle of strategies evolving in local government. Also, an effective principal‐agent mechanism to achieve Pareto improvement of energy‐saving control is constructed.

Findings

The results are convincing: interests of both the principal and agent had consistency under the principal‐agent mechanism, and the principal‐agent model was a mechanism with rich efficiency that could substantially arouse the enthusiasm of enterprises in energy saving. The comprehensive supervision of local governments over enterprises could effectually eliminate ill effects on energy‐saving management caused by information asymmetry under certain circumstances.

Practical implications

It is good for locating the balance of interest of game players by building a government energy saving mechanism based on principal‐agent theory. Through solving a game stable strategy, it is beneficial to seize a key point of regulation and control policies.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in analyzing decision behaviours of government and enterprises through the basic idea of cooperative game theory so as to make actions of enterprises at all levels agree to government determined solving of energy issues.
Study on credibility level of trustworthy software development process based on grey nonlinear cluster
Authors: Mi Chuanmin , Tian Min , Li Xuemei
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper attempts to put forward a convincing and flexible grey cluster method that can be used in confirming credibility level of trustworthy software development process.

Design/methodology/approach

Determination on credibility level in the software development process is dynamic, as credibility of the results may be different at different times and under different project requirements. Qualitative methods are not entirely convincing, and most quantitative methods are not flexible enough. Grey cluster based on nonlinear grey whitening weight function put forward in this paper is both convincing and flexible. Finally eight projects from the ISBSG database are used for empirical analysis, which confirm that the method put forward in this paper is available and credible.

Findings

The results are convincing: not only that grey cluster based on nonlinear grey whitening weight function put forward in this paper is both convincing and flexible, but it can be used in confirming credibility level of trustworthy software development process.

Practical implications

Eight projects from the ISBSG database are used for empirical analysis, which confirms that the method put forward in this paper is available and credible.

Originality/value

Nonlinear grey whitening weight function is derivable except endpoint. Grey cluster based on nonlinear grey whitening weight function put forward in this paper is both convincing and flexible.
Petri net model for supply‐chain quality conflict resolution of a complex product
Authors: Liu Yuan , Fang Shili , Fang Zhigeng , Hipel Keith W.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a Petri net model for analyzing the quality conflict and its resolution of a complex product. The result aims to assist decision makers (DMs) to properly select their activities when a quality conflict has happened.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the features of Petri net and conflict analysis theory, a novel Petri net for conflict analysis (PNCA) is designed which contains transition and preference labels to describe DMs' decision activities and profit comparisons. Additionally, a generating approach is proposed, which can help DMs to construct a PNCA. Furthermore, based on players' bounded rationality, the equilibrium of PNCA is studied to provide scientific supports for DMs' decision‐making. A case study on an aircraft production system is conducted to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the new model, which furnishes a fresh perspective on the supply chain quality management of a complex product.

Findings

A new methodology is proposed for the domain of conflict analysis, which is easier to understand and improves the operation efficiency. What is more important, DMs can clearly be aware of their following choices according to the corresponding transition information.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to conflict analysis theory by designing a new model and develops a new graph model for managing the supply chain quality of a complex product.