bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green patents: a way to guide the eco-innovation success process?
Authors: Scarpellini Sabina , Portillo-Tarragona Pilar , Marin-Vinuesa Luz Maria
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of successful eco-innovation processes, using R&D intensity and green patents as metrics for eco-innovation measurement and analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the results of a quantitative study based on a sample of 2,218 firms with proactive profiles in eco-innovation, 249 of which have green patents registered in Spain or in the European Union.

Findings

The results suggest positive relationships between the activity of eco-innovation of firms with both the innovation activity in firms and the R&D intensity. The findings also confirm the influence of implementing innovation in the financial performance of business.

Research limitations/implications

The results will be useful for future studies on the subject and for practitioners making decisions on investments in collaborative R&D and its protection through industrial property in the form of green patents. The main determinants of eco-innovation analysed in this paper can be directly translated into practices because they provide information on how to strengthen these determinants in environmental R&D investments and the registration of green patents.

Practical implications

The results will be useful for future studies on the subject and for practitioners making decisions on investments in collaborative R&D and its protection through industrial property in the form of green patents. The main determinants of eco-innovation analysed in this paper can be directly translated into practices because they provide information on how to strengthen these determinants in environmental R&D investments and the registration of green patents.

Originality/value

Despite the popularity and potential impact of the eco-innovation on economy or society, it has fallen short in terms of its potential to improve financial performance in firms. This paper argues that the level of eco-innovation activity explains some variability in financial performance. In fact, those firms that have greater levels of innovation increase their performance.
Dispositional and situational factors at work
Authors: Pujol-Cols Lucas , Dabos Guillermo E.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Core Self-Evaluations Scale (CSES) and the Brief Index of Affective Job Satisfaction (BIAJS) in terms of internal consistency and factor structure and to, subsequently, analyze the influence of a set of dispositional factors (namely, core self-evaluations, CSEs) and situational factors (namely, psychosocial factors) on job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 209 academics from an Argentinian university completed online surveys at two stages, separated in time, to reduce the common method bias.

Findings

The Spanish version of the CSES and the BIAJS showed acceptable psychometric properties, which were similar to those previously reported in North-American, European and Asian settings. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that both situational and dispositional factors are significant predictors of job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The CSES and the BIAJS seem to be valid and reliable instruments for assessing CSEs and job satisfaction, respectively, in Latin America. The adoption of an interactionist approach that includes both situational and dispositional factors is crucial in future research examining job satisfaction.

Practical implications

Managers should carefully evaluate the personality traits of candidates during personnel selection, as well as the working conditions they offer to their employees, since both factors seem to affect job satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the validation of two scales that may promote future organizational behavior/psychology research in Latin America. In addition, it provides empirical evidence on the relative influence of a set of situational and dispositional factors on job satisfaction, thus contributing to the resolution of the person-situation debate.
Understanding consumer’s motivations and behaviour in alternative food networks
Authors: Mastronardi Luigi , Romagnoli Luca , Mazzocchi Giampiero , Giaccio Vincenzo , Marino Davide
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships in alternative food networks (AFNs) between the purchase of food, the motivations of consumers and their socio-demographic profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes a total sample of 1,200 individual questionnaires, administered to the customers of 34 AFNs in different urban areas. The methodology employed is multilevel regression analysis, which is useful for dealing with data with a nested structure.

Findings

The results allowed us to depict some findings: the most important motivations in purchasing decisions are the perceived quality as well as comfort with the location of the markets, shopping experience, variety of offered products and delivery methods. Other interesting results relate to the presence of children in the families and the role of women in the choice of quality food.

Practical implications

The observations could represent a basis for thinking about how to improve consumers’ behaviour and, at the same time, try to remove the obstacles to a greater recognition of the importance of AFNs by consumers.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the debate on food policies. Indeed, the integration of the results into food policies could help to intercept the consumers’ trends and promote a transition of the food system towards a path of sustainability, in which the AFNs are the organisational expression of a change that concerns a wide geography and a large number of social and economic actors.
Corn starch dextrin changes intestinal microbiota and its metabolic activity in rats fed a basal and high-fat diet
Authors: Barczynska Renata , Jurgoński Adam , Slizewska Katarzyna , Juśkiewicz Jerzy , Kapusniak Janusz
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of low-fat and high-fat diets supplemented with dextrin obtained from corn starch on the numbers and relative proportions of enteric bacteria Bacteroidetes (Bacteroides, Prevotella), Actinobacteria (Bifidobacterium) and Firmicutes (Clostridium, Lactobacillus). Moreover, basic indicators of gastrointestinal function (among other things: epidydymal fat mass, mass with contents, pH in the colon, cecum, small intestine, fecal enzymes were investigation) and short-chain fatty acids are analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

In vivo experimental studies in rats (analized samples of the ileal, cecal and colonic digesta; pH; blood serum; fecal enzymes); determination of the number of bacteria – fluorescence in situ hybridization; and determination of type and concentration SCFA – HPLC were considered.

Findings

No statistically significant differences in final body weight were found between rats fed low-fat and high-fat diets supplemented with dextrin. In rats fed the low-fat diet with dextrin, the gut microbiota composition was as follows: 42.74 percent Bacteroises and Prevotella (Bacteroidetes), 35.28 percent Clostridium and Lactobacilllus (Firmicutes) and 21.98 percent Bifidobacterium (Actinobacteria), while in rats fed the high-fat diet with dextrin it was similar. Irrespective of the diet type, supplementation with dextrin enhances bacterial glycolytic activity and the cecal production of total SCFAs, with strongly increased propionate and decreased butyrate fermentation.

Practical implications

Dextrin may enrich food or be a component of functional foods.

Originality/value

Dextrin from corn starch may contribute to changes in the composition of intestinal microbiota.
Exploring consumers’ health perception across cultures in the early stages of new product development
Authors: Sulistyawati Ita , Sijtsema Siet , Dekker Matthijs , Verkerk Ruud , Steenbekkers Bea
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore consumers’ health perception and demonstrate its relevance in product and process design in early stages of new product development.

Design/methodology/approach

A dried mango was used as a case study involving three countries: Indonesia, China and the Netherlands. Data were collected from nine focus groups (n=53 participants) and were content-analysed to acquire in-depth insights.

Findings

Four themes of health perception emerged, namely, nutrition, naturalness, taste and well-being, which were all expressed on different levels of abstractness. Participants’ health perception of dried mango varied, it is related to the product category it is compared with, e.g. candy or fresh fruit, and the eating context, e.g. position in the diet either as a snack or a meal. In extension participants mentioned product and process characteristics. Application of the insights into product and process design was performed through iterative interactions between consumer scientists and food technologists. The development of two product concepts was elaborated to transform the insights into technical product and process specifications for a natural dried mango product.

Originality/value

This transformation suggests that iterative interactions are necessary to achieve relevant product and process characteristics in the simultaneous design of the technical product and process specifications based on consumer perceptions.
Effect of addition of banana peel powder (Musa balbisiana) on physicochemical and sensory properties of fish patty
Authors: Bin Mohd Zaini Hana , Bin Sintang Mohd Dona , Dan Yi Ning , Ab Wahab Noorakmar , Bin Abdul Hamid Mansoor , Pindi Wolyna
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the physicochemical and sensory properties of fish patties added with banana peel powder (BPP),Musa balbisiana.

Design/methodology/approach

Four different fish patty formulations were produced containing 0 per cent (BPP0) (Control), 2 per cent (BPP2), 4 per cent (BPP4) and 6 per cent (BPP6) of BPP (M. balbisiana).

Findings

The addition of BPP was shown to improve the hardness, cooking yield, water holding capacity (WHC) and redness (a* value) as well as the dietary fibre (DF) content (p<0.05). The BPP, however, also turned the fish patties darker (lowerL*) (p<0.05). Sensory evaluation showed that fish patties with a concentration of 2 per cent BPP had the highest overall acceptability, whereas the concentration of 6 per cent BPP was found to be unacceptable compared to that of control sample (p<0.05). The declining sensory acceptability of fish patty with 6 per cent BPP is related to the harder texture and the darker color of the patties compared to the control sample (BPP0).

Originality/value

The addition of BPP can potentially improve the quality of fish patties in terms of textural properties (hardness) by increasing their WHC, reducing the cooking loss and enhancing the DF content.
Consumers’ perception of vitamin D and fortified foods
Authors: Clark Beth , Hill Tom , Hubbard Carmen
Published: July 2019

Purpose

As natural dietary sources of vitamin D are not consumed in sufficient quantities, fortified foods could play a role in maintaining vitamin D sufficiency. With public consultation, an integral part of designing acceptable fortification strategies, the purpose of this paper is to understand public awareness and perception of vitamin D fortified foods.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was taken with two focus groups and 109 surveys conducted using a non-probability sample from North-East England. Thematic analysis of focus group data identified six themes, with factor and cluster analysis identifying seven factors and four clusters, respectively, which highlighted differences in vitamin D knowledge and fortified food perceptions.

Findings

Despite identifying sunlight as the main vitamin D source (91 per cent), participants were less aware of the main dietary source (33 per cent), and few could state fortified products (51 per cent). Although attitudes towards fortification were generally favourable (63 per cent agreeing that selected products should be fortified), nearly half (43 per cent) were unsure if more products should be made available. Results suggest that more natural products to complement existing market offerings would be most preferred. Factor and cluster analysis results identified awareness of health benefits and/or dietary sources as essential to have favourable attitudes towards fortified products.

Originality/value

This research adds to the limited literature regarding consumer attitudes towards fortified foods. It highlights a need to improve public awareness and labelling of fortified products to potentially increase fortified food consumption.
Presence of palm oil in foodstuffs: consumers’ perception
Authors: Guadalupe Grobert A. , Lerma-García María Jesús , Fuentes Ana , Barat José Manuel , Bas María del Carmen , Fernández-Segovia Isabel
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the presence of palm oil in food products on sale, and to study and compare consumers’ opinions about this oil type in Spain (importing country) and Peru (producing country).

Design/methodology/approach

Recent news published in both countries, which could influence consumer perceptions, were analysed. A study on the labelling of foodstuffs in Spain was carried out, as was a survey with Spanish and Peruvian consumers.

Findings

Palm oil was found in a large number of products and in a wide range of foods, especially those from the bakery sector. The percentages of saturated fats varied substantially within the same product type. Spanish consumers showed much more interest in the labelling and information on nutritional properties, especially energy values, saturated fats and sugars, while Peruvians focused more on energy values, and protein, vitamin and mineral contents. In Spain, palm oil was considered the worst quality fat/oil and had a clearly negative effect on both health and the environment. In Peru, palm oil was neither perceived by the majority of respondents as low quality oil nor associated with negative health effects. However, they were aware of the environmental problems that could result from its production.

Originality/value

These results confirm that the food industry should make efforts to reduce or replace palm oil in foods, mainly in Spain, as most consumers believe that palm oil negatively affects their health and the environment.
Stator tooth shape optimization for double salient hybrid excitation generator based on asymmetric circuit analysis
Authors: Yao Shuchun , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between stator tooth shape and DC voltage fluctuation of a double salient hybrid excitation generator (DSHEG). It analyzes the asymmetrical characteristics of the magnetic circuit and inductance between each phase. The study aims to reduce voltage fluctuation by using a stator shape optimization scheme, which helps reducing inductance difference.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted for a method combined with theoretical analysis, simulation and experimental verification. The stator tooth optimization scheme is given based on theoretical asymmetrical analysis and Taguchi method. A series of two-dimensional finite element analysis simulation of different conditions are conducted. Two prototypes with different stator tooth shape are made and experiments are carried out.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights into how the stator tooth shape influences the asymmetry of inductance and DC voltage fluctuation. Compensation adjustments to the stator tooth shape can narrow the inductance differences of each phase. It suggests that “LTL” shaped DSHEG has lower voltage ripple than “III” shaped DSHEG without sacrificing output power.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the gap between magnets and stator and end effect are not considered. Errors exist between simulation and experimental results.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for other “C” shaped tooth optimization. Study on phase asymmetry of the special machine can further improve quality testing and simplify control strategy.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes the asymmetry of DSHEG and proposes an optimized stator tooth shape to reduce DC voltage fluctuation.
Temporal reflection of electromagnetic waves in simple polar-molecule reactions
Authors: Liu Xingpeng , Yan Dandan , Huang Kama
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the temporal reflection of electromagnetic waves (EMWs) in simple polar-molecule reactions whose polarization changes with the proceeding of the reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

At a temporal boundary, based on the continuity of the electric displacement and magnetic induction, the reflected condition of EMWs is obtained, and the expression of the transmission and reflection coefficients in the reactions is derived. Subsequently, a one-dimensional model is used to validate the reflected condition and expression.

Findings

If the time scale of the component concentration variation is greater than the wave period, the polarization of the reactions at a temporal boundary is continuous. The reflection does not happen. On the other hand, when the time scale of the component concentration variation is smaller than the wave period, the polarization is not continuous at a temporal boundary. The impedance of the reactions at the temporal boundary changes and the reflection occurs.

Originality/value

The results may be helpful in disclosing the non-uniform distribution of EMWs in chemical reactions.
Dynamic hysteresis modeling for soft magnetic composites based on isotropic vector play model and Cauer ladder network
Authors: Watanabe Naoya , Takahashi Yasuhito , Fujiwara Koji
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an effective modeling method of dynamic hysteresis properties for soft magnetic composite (SMC) core using an equivalent circuit representation. Because the eddy currents flowing inside iron powder particles should be considered, it is well known that an accurate magnetic field analysis of the SMC core in a wide range of excitation frequency is not easy. To overcome this difficulty, a dynamic hysteresis modeling based on the standard Cauer circuit is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed method, the first inductance represents the static magnetic property of the SMC, and the latter part represents the dynamic effect because of the eddy currents. The values of the circuit elements were determined by an optimization method based on symmetric loops measured at several frequencies. To verify the validity of the proposed modeling method, finite-element analyses of a ring core inductor and an alternating current reactor were performed.

Findings

By comparing the simulated and measured magnetic properties, the necessity to consider magnetic hysteresis in the equivalent circuit model is clarified. Furthermore, the frequency-dependent inductances of practical reactors can be obtained from the finite-element analysis combined with the proposed method.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the significance of determining the circuit parameters in the equivalent circuit for dynamic hysteresis modeling based on the measured magnetic properties. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by comparing frequency-dependent inductances of two kinds of reactors between the simulation and measurement.
Time-varying importance measure of mechanical systems considering maintenance
Authors: Li Yangfan , Zhang Yingjie , Zhang Lin , Dai Bochao
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the changes in its importance due to the maintenance and repair of components.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a concept of time-varying importance measure is proposed to solve the problem of component importance change caused by maintenance. When the system is broken-down, the probability difference between the component works well after repairing and the component break down before repairing is solved, this difference is measured as an index of time-varying importance method. Then, the approach has been verified by the CNC machine tool.

Findings

The paper provides a method to analyze the importance of changes of components in the system due to maintenance. The time-varying importance measure can evaluate the component importance anytime during its whole life span, and it has the ability to find out the most responsible component for a system failure in the actual production process. What is more, it provides guidance for the next maintenance work.

Originality/value

The proposed method can guide the next maintenance time according to the change of component performance caused by each maintenance activity of the manufacturing system, and avoid the waste of resources caused by repeated maintenance.
Effects of perceived diversity on perceived organizational performance
Authors: Blouch Riffat , Azeem Malik Faisal
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between constructs of employee perception of diversity (EPD) and perceived organizational performance (POP) through components of organizational justice over different hierarchal levels and also across the private and public healthcare sector organizations. Additionally, this study also examines whether employees from diverse backgrounds vary in their perceptions regarding diversity in healthcare sector of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from primary sources, that is medical, paramedical and administrative staff (different designations) of both public and private hospitals for analyzing the results. The overall population consisted of 250 respondents and the hypotheses were tested using two-way ANOVA and CAUSALMED procedures. The data were collected during the course of three months in different time slots from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Statistical Analysis Software was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Findings indicate that regardless of their gender or categories, employees recognize diversity positively, but their responses have significant difference over the hierarchal levels. Furthermore, it is found that EPD is positively linked to the POP, and the relationship gets stronger in the presence of perceived organizational justice (POJ).

Research limitations/implications

The study was confined to the healthcare sector, so further studies can be conducted in other sectors. The present study checked the impact of POJ, but other important reasonable factors that can intervene in the relationship between perceived diversity and POP can be studied, such as organizational commitment.

Practical implications

First of all, it is dispensable for the organizations to ensure the positive perception of these initiatives from employees to implement the diversity programs. Second, the management must ensure the presence of all groups of employees to get the right responses for the diversity management initiatives. Third, the healthcare industry of Pakistan needs to be assessed in the context of current study and diversity initiatives should be taken in hiring and retention of the employees.

Originality/value

The presence of employees of healthcare industry across the sector over hierarchal levels will absolutely add value to the existing knowledge on diversity, diversity management, management theory and practice.
HR technologies and HR-staff technostress: an unavoidable or combatable effect?
Authors: Florkowski Gary Walter
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Drawing on the job demands-resources and IS literatures, the purpose of this paper is to identify organizational factors that mitigate technostress in the HR department; and to evaluate how technostress and techno-insecurity affect technology’s impact on job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This research draws on a web-based survey of 169 US and Canadian firms targeting HR executives as key informants. An HR-context-specific, technostress model was tested with structural equation modeling. Exploratory factor analysis evaluated the structural properties of all multi-item scales and supported their usage. Moderated regression analysis further assessed whether the age and scope of technology portfolios affected certain relationships.

Findings

As predicted, department work stress was less likely to increase when there was HR technology (HRT) governance involvement and top management support for this class of technologies. Heightened techno-insecurity had the opposite effect, another anticipated outcome. HR’s IT-knowledge actually increased technostress, a counterintuitive result. In turn, HRTs were less likely to improve job satisfaction when technostress and techno-insecurity were high. Top management HRT support and an HR innovation climate better enabled portfolios to enhance satisfaction. Moderating influences were detected as well. As hypothesized, techno-insecurity had a stronger negative effect on job-satisfaction impact for younger portfolios, while innovation climate had a weaker relationship with techno-insecurity where portfolios were limited in scope.

Research limitations/implications

External validity would be strengthened by not only increasing sample sizes for the USA and Canada, but also targeting more nations for data collection. In addition, incorporating more user-oriented constructs in the present model (e.g. group potency, collective efficacy) may enhance its explanatory power.

Practical implications

These findings underscore the need to consider HR-staff attitudes in technology rollouts. To the extent HR technologies generate technostress, they at a minimum are impediments to department satisfaction, which may have important ramifications for usage and service. The results further establish that initiatives can be taken to offset this problem, both in terms of the ways portfolios are internally supported and how they are managed.

Originality/value

This is the first study to formally assess how collective work-attitudes in the HR department are affected by HR technologies. Prior research has focused on user-reactions to HRT features or their wider influence on stakeholder perceptions. It is also the first investigation to empirically test potential technostress inhibitors in HR settings.
When a proximate starts to gossip
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Tariq Hussain , Weng Qingxiong (Derek) , Shillamkwese Samson Samwel , Sohail Nadeem
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Based on revenge theory and the three objectives of social interaction theory of aggression, the purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to answer why and when a subordinate’s own behaviour instigates abuse at the workplace. In particular, the authors argue that subordinate gossip behaviour instils in supervisors a thought of revenge towards that subordinate, which, in turn, leads to abusive supervision. Specifically, this hypothesised relationship is augmented when the supervisor feels close to the gossiper (i.e. psychological proximity).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two independent studies to test the moderated mediation model, which collectively investigate why and when subordinate gossip behaviour provokes abusive supervision in the workplace. A lagged study (i.e. Study 1: 422 supervisors and subordinates) in a large retail company and an experience sampling study (i.e. Study 2: 96 supervisors and subordinates with 480 daily surveys) in multiple organisations provide support for the moderated mediation model.

Findings

The two-study (i.e. a lagged study and an experience sampling study) findings support the integrated model, which has mainly focussed on instrumental consideration of abusive supervision that influences the supervisor–subordinate relationship.

Originality/value

The two-study investigation has important and meaningful implications for abusive supervision research because it determines that subordinate gossip behaviour is more threating to a supervisor when the subordinate and the supervisor are psychological close to each other than when they are not. That is because when they are close, the supervisor is not expecting gossip behaviour from the subordinate, thus giving rise to an abusive workplace.
Strategic alignment of IT and human resources management in manufacturing SMEs
Authors: L'Écuyer François , Raymond Louis , Fabi Bruno , Uwizeyemungu Sylvestre
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Within the manufacturing sector, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face specific challenges with regard to their strategic HRM capabilities. In this context, an emerging issue for both researchers and practitioners regards HR information systems (HRIS), i.e. the deployment of strategic IT capabilities to enable the firm’s high-performance work system (HPWS) capabilities and thus improve the performance of its HR function. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue by using a capability-based mediation perspective to study the strategic alignment of HR and IT.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey study of 206 manufacturing SMEs was realized and the data thus obtained was analyzed through structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results confirm that the HRIS capabilities of SMEs influence the performance of the HR function through their strategic alignment with the HPWS capabilities of these enterprises.

Practical implications

The results suggest that the manufacturing SMEs most active in developing their HRIS capabilities while developing their HPWS capabilities are most likely to develop a competitive advantage through the improved performance of their HR function. This is especially important in a time when firms of all sizes across the globe are waging a “war for talent,” and are enabled to do so by their strategic use of IT.

Originality/value

The results of the study constitute a valid basis for prediction and prescription with regards to the strategic alignment of human and IT resources.
Fostering service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior through reducing role stressors
Authors: Kang Juhyun , Jang Jichul
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of role stressors on service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) mediated by depersonalization, with a moderator of social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered online survey was completed by 265 current hotel frontline employees in the USA.

Findings

The study reveals that role ambiguity has a detrimental impact on service-oriented OCB. The results show that depersonalization is found to be a critical mediator that modifies the implications of both role ambiguity and role conflict for service-oriented OCB. Furthermore, the negative effect of role conflict on depersonalization is buffered by social capital.

Practical implications

Hotel firms that would like to encourage employees to exert proactive behaviors in their jobs might benefit from developing an effective way to reduce role stressors in their jobs. However, given that such role stressors are inevitable in the workplace, hotel firms should place more emphasis on enhancing social capital as an effective way to manage role stressors in the workplace.

Originality/value

This study advances previous studies on role stressors and service-oriented OCB by addressing how and why role stressors influence employees’ service-oriented OCB. This study incorporates advanced job demand-resource theory by identifying social capital as a critical job resource to buffer the detrimental impact of role conflict on depersonalization in the hotel context.
Households’ potential to decrease their environmental impacts
Authors: Ahvenniemi Hannele , Häkkinen Tarja
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify the potential levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) and cost savings from a set of households’ energy saving measures, considered as “everyday choices”.

Design/methodology/approach

Four areas of living were selected for the study: household electricity, space heating, transport and food consumption. The study used a quantitative research approach in which the impact of selected scenarios of an average Finnish household was assessed.

Findings

Findings suggest that GHG savings from behavioural change regarding household electricity remain marginal in comparison to savings gained from transportation related measures. Transportation also provides the most cost-efficient ways to decrease GHGs but not in all cases. Based on the results, the authors suggest that smart technologies, such as on-line, active feedback systems could have a major role in guiding household energy use. Also, given the high GHG savings from transport, the authors highlight the importance of providing infrastructure and services for clean mobility, and in designing well-functioning and compact cities enabling shorter travels.

Originality/value

The aim of our study was twofold – by analysing the case household’s choices, we obtained information on environmental and economic impacts, but in addition to this, the aim was to open discussion on the role of households in tackling climate change and how to support households in making sustainable choices. Although research regarding household energy behaviour is vast, so far very few studies have focused on both economic and environmental impacts of households’ everyday actions.
Audit committee effectiveness, isomorphic forces, managerial attitude and adoption of international financial reporting standards
Authors: Bananuka Juma , Kadaali Arafat Walugyo , Mukyala Veronica , Muramuzi Bruno , Namusobya Zainab
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a study carried out to establish the contribution of audit committee (AC) effectiveness, isomorphic forces and managerial attitude to the adoption of international financial reporting standards (IFRS).

Design/methodology/approach

This study is cross-sectional and correlational. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 67 MFIs that are members of the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Uganda (AMFIU).

Findings

Both AC effectiveness, isomorphic forces and managerial attitude significantly contribute to the adoption of IFRS. However, the explanatory power of managerial attitude is subsumed in isomorphic forces and AC effectiveness. Results further indicate that AC effectiveness partially mediates the relationship between isomorphic forces and adoption of IFRS. In terms of control variables, ownership and capital structure are not significant predictors of adoption of IFRS.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the contribution of AC effectiveness, isomorphic forces and managerial attitude to the adoption of IFRS in MFIs using evidence from a developing country on the African scene like Uganda. Further, earlier literature has not tested the mediating effect of AC effectiveness in the relationship between isomorphic forces and the adoption of IFRS which has been reported in this paper.
Western influences in Turkish advertising
Authors: Karamullaoglu Nazife , Sandikci Ozlem
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to explore how Western design, fashion and aesthetic styles influenced advertising practice in Turkey in the post-Second World War era. Specifically, the authors focus on the key targets of the consumerist ideology of the period, women and discuss the representations of females in Turkish advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were analysed using a combination of social semiotic and compositional analysis methods. Compositional analysis focused on the formal qualities and design elements of the ads; social semiotic analysis sought to uncover their meaning potentials in relation to social, cultural, political and economic dynamics of the period. The advertisements of a prominent Turkish pasta brand, Piyale, published in the local adaptation of the American Life magazine, between 1956 and 1966, constitute the data set.

Findings

The analysis reveals that Piyale followed the stylistic and thematic trends prevailing in American and European advertisements at the time and crafted ads that constructed and communicated a Westernized image of Turkish women and families. In line with the cultural currents of the 1950s and 1960s, the ads emphasize patriarchal gender roles and traditional family values and address the woman as a consumer whose priority is to please her husband and take good care of her children.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the advertising history in non-Western contexts and provides an understanding of the influence Western advertising conventions and fashion trends had on developing country markets. The findings indicate that Western-inspired representations and gender roles dominated advertisements of local brands during the post-war period.
The role of service quality within Indonesian customers satisfaction and loyalty and its impact on Islamic banks
Authors: Asnawi Nur , Sukoco Badri Munir , Fanani Muhammad Asnan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Loyalty among customers is the baseline for services to use to grow and sustain their competitive advantage, particularly in the banking industry. There are two primary objectives of this research. First, this study aims to empirically test the Muslim Consumer Service Quality (MCSQ). Second, this study aims to test the mediating effect of Muslim Consumer Satisfaction (MCS) on the relationship between MCSQ and Muslim Consumer Loyalty (MCL) in Indonesian Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hypotheses were tested by collecting data from 280 Indonesian Islamic customers. The collected data were tested using PLS-Graph 3.0.

Findings

The findings indicate that MCSQ (consisting of Islamic values, Sharia compliance, honesty, modesty, humaneness and trustworthiness) positively influenced MCS and MCL significantly. Further, the results indicate that MCS partially mediates the influence of MCSQ on MCL.

Research limitations/implications

The data were mainly gathered in Indonesia and the model needs to be tested in other contexts. Furthermore, the questionnaire was distributed among the customers of Islamic banks, and future studies could compare it with the customers of conventional banks or dual account (Islamic and conventional bank) customers. Moreover, further studies should compare between the expectations and reality of the delivered services to understand the service quality gap, which this study did not measure.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that by measuring the service quality in the Islamic context of Islamic banks, such as MCSQ, the managers can design their services to specifically target their Muslim customers. Furthermore, customer satisfaction must be the focus for the bank’s managers when developing MCSQ to close the gap between the expectations and reality of the delivered services.

Originality/value

This study empirically tests the developed MCSQ in the context of Indonesian Islamic banks, which is expected to enrich the literature of service marketing. Furthermore, a partial mediation effect of MCS was identified on the influence of MCSQ on MCL, which few studies have discussed previously.
The importance of colour on the communication of financial data in management
Authors: Leong Kelvin , Sung Anna , Williams Taylor , Andoniou Costantine , Sun Flora
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of colour on the communication of financial data in management and to encourage future discussion on related topic.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypothesis was designed building on relevant literatures. Quantitative discrete data were collected through a mini-test activity in a lecture from students. The results were reviewed and evaluated by relevant statistical tool.

Findings

The authors found consistent statistical significance results in the mini-test. The findings support that users prefer to choose the financial data presented in cool colours in business management context.

Research limitations/implications

Gaining the understanding of colour’s influence on decision making and behaviour is subjected to complexity. There are many other contextual factors should be taken into consideration in practice. Although the design of the mini-test in this study is relatively simple, it still provides clues for the issue. With the discussions and findings of this paper, the authors shed some light on the direction of potential uses of colour on the communication of financial data in management context. The findings could also be used by management educators to facilitate related discussions among students regarding the complexity of business communication and the importance of perception in decision making. For example, decision making could be affected by various factors (such as colour) outside verbal and text.

Originality/value

Managers often need to use financial data in communication for various purposes in work place. The authors believe this is the first time that a study like this had been conducted to specifically review and discuss the importance of colour on the communication of financial data in management. Hopefully, the work reported in this paper could be viewed as reference for management educators, researchers and managers in future research or practical applications on related topics.
Role of substrate shape on thermal energy transmission in robotized wire and arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Li Rong , Xiong Jun
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present how the thermal energy transmission of circular parts produced in robotized gas metal arc (GMA)-based additive manufacturing was affected by the substrate shape through finite element analysis, including distributions of thermal energy and temperature gradient in the molten pool and deposited layers.

Design/methodology/approach

Three geometric shapes, namely, square, rectangle and round were chosen in simulation, and validation tests were carried out by corresponding experiments.

Findings

The thermal energy conduction ability of the deposited layers is the best on the round substrate and the worst on the rectangular substrate. The axial maximum temperature gradients in the molten pool along the deposition path with the round substrate are the largest during the deposition process. At the deposition ending moment, the circumferential temperature gradients of all layers with the round substrate are the largest. A large temperature gradient usually stands for a good heat conduction condition. Altogether, the round substrate is more suitable for the fabrication of circular thin-walled parts.

Originality/value

The predicted thermal distributions of the circular thin-walled part with various substrate shapes are helpful to understand the influence of substrate shape on the thermal energy transmission behavior in GMA-based additive manufacturing.
Thriving in the era of the “connected customer”
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: July 2019

Purpose

How can strategists and their companies learn to survive and thrive in this new “connected customer” competitive environment? This is the question that Nicholaj Siggelkow and Christian Terwiesch set out to address in their latest book, Connected Strategy: Building Continuous Customer Relationships for Competitive Advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

A guide to building better business models in a new “connected customer” competitive environment.

Findings

The key promise is that a connected strategy can allow a firm to increase the customer’s happiness – or ‘willingness to pay’ – while at the same time reducing the cost of creating this better experience. The efficiency frontier is the graphical representation of the trade-off between ‘willingness to pay’ and fulfillment cost.

Practical implications

Instead of selling a product, firms can sell an outcome by creating a pay-for-performance network.

Originality/value

The biggest potential of connected strategies is to be able to move up the hierarchy of needs of a customer. By learning more about a particular customer a firm is able to personalize the offering and create a better fit between the needs of a customer and the available product/service.
Managing groundwater in a mining region: an opportunity to compare best‐worst and referendum data
Authors: Hatton MacDonald Darla , Rose John M. , Johnston Robert J. , Bark Rosalind H. , Pritchard Jodie
Published: July 2019

In nonmarket valuation, practitioners must choose a format for the valuation questions. A common approach in discrete choice experiments is the ‘pick‐one’ format, often with two alternative policy proposals and a status quo from which the respondent selects. Other proposed formats, include best‐worst elicitation, where respondents are asked to indicate their most and least favoured alternative from a set. Although best‐worst formats can offer efficiency in data collection, they can also lead to responses that are difficult to reconcile with neoclassical welfare estimation. The current article explores methodological issues surrounding the use of pick‐one versus best‐worst data for nonmarket valuation, focusing on framing and status quo effects that may occur within three‐alternative discrete choice experiments. We illustrate these issues using a case study of surplus groundwater use from Western Australian mining. Results identify concerns that may render best‐worst data unsuitable for welfare estimation, including a prevalence of serial choices in which the status quo is universally chosen as the worst alternative, rendering part of the choice process deterministic. Asymmetry of preferences and serial choices can be obscured when models are estimated using ‘naively’ pooled best‐worst data. Results suggest that caution is warranted when using best‐worst data for valuation, even when pooled results appear satisfactory.
The UK Politics of Overseas Voting
Authors: Collard Susan
Published: July 2019

The enfranchisement of non‐resident citizens has always been controversial in the UK, where for historical reasons, voting rights are not as closely associated with citizenship as elsewhere. The introduction of ‘overseas’ voting in the 1980s by the Conservatives was contested by Labour as a form of ‘international gerrymandering’ since expatriates were widely assumed to be disproportionately wealthy and therefore more likely to vote Tory. Expatriate campaigners have been increasingly vocal in denouncing the ‘electoral injustice’ of the ‘fifteen‐year rule’ which disenfranchises them after fifteen years abroad, and the exclusion of so many from the EU referendum highlighted their cause. A recent private member's bill proposing ‘votes for life’ for UK expatriates aimed to meet their demands to abolish the time restriction, now considered anachronistic. But their arguments were hijacked by historically embedded attitudes and disputes driven by party politics, ending in a dramatic and bewildering filibuster which this paper elucidates.