bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery, difference, careers and change. Part 1: an approach to self‐discovery
Authors: Eales‐White Rupert
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of part 1 of this paper is to provide the reader with the definition of the preferences on the four Jungian dimensions and the nature of suppressions and repressions so that they can determine their true preferences and hence psychological profile.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper defines each of the preferences in the four dimensions “obtaining energy and focus”, “gathering and using information”, “taking decisions”, “ operating in the outside world”. It details each preference in each dimension: extrovert and introvert, practical and concept, logical and harmony, structured and flexible, and set out the beliefs and behaviors flowing from each preference. It is indicated that suppressions occur with the Extrovert/Introvert and Logical/Harmony preferences and result in the individual believing in and behaving as the opposite preference. The paper provides case studies to assist the reader in identifying any suppressions they may have. Advise that repressions occur with the Practical/Concept and Structure/Flexible preferences and result in abilities not being developed, but no migration to the opposite preference. The paper sets out the profiles that summarize key characteristics and the profiles detailing strengths and weaknesses. It details the benefits to the individual and the organization that result from employees knowing what their real psychological profiles are.

Findings

Unrecognized suppressions and repressions result in individuals following job choices that do not play to their natural strengths, causing stress and demotivation, as well as having a negative impact on relationships and career management. The process of self‐discovery is superior to the use of questionnaires, as they do not determine suppressions until they have become dominant in the consciousness of the individual.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the concepts of suppression and repression, enabling the reader to determine where their natural preferences and strengths lie, thus helping them make better choices for careers and improve their relationship and career management.
Innovative training in designing corporate identity
Authors: Mitki Yoram , Herstein Ram
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To present the role of innovative training in the design and assimilation process of a new corporate identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a description of the design process of a new corporate identity and its assimilation by a hotel chain management company. Data were gathered by in‐depth interviews with members of the company's management, namely its CEO, marketing manager and human resources manager and five hotel managers. In addition, written material was analyzed, including business and operational reports.

Findings

The innovative training approach, which is based on continuous involvement of all organization members, is an effective mechanism for designing, building and adapting corporate identities in an era characterized by significant changes in the business‐marketing environment. This approach enables the company to rapidly assimilate the new identity and improve business results. The active involvement of internal stakeholders during the formulation stages of the organizational vision, and later, when determining the training mechanism for its assimilation, contributes to the satisfaction of both employees and clients, minimizes employee turnover, and enhances the organization's reputation.

Originality/value

This article illustrates how innovative training assists organization managements in designing and assimilating new corporate identities. It differentiates between supportive training and innovative training, indicating both the connection between innovative training and organizational learning and the contribution of the employees in implementing the corporate identity.
Machine learning for Asian language text classification
Authors: Peng Fuchun , Huang Xiangji
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to compare several machine learning techniques on the task of Asian language text classification, such as Chinese and Japanese where no word boundary information is available in written text. The paper advocates a simple language modeling based approach for this task.

Design/methodology/approach

Naïve Bayes, maximum entropy model, support vector machines, and language modeling approaches were implemented and were applied to Chinese and Japanese text classification. To investigate the influence of word segmentation, different word segmentation approaches were investigated and applied to Chinese text. A segmentation‐based approach was compared with the non‐segmentation‐based approach.

Findings

There were two findings: the experiments show that statistical language modeling can significantly outperform standard techniques, given the same set of features; and it was found that classification with word level features normally yields improved classification performance, but that classification performance is not monotonically related to segmentation accuracy. In particular, classification performance may initially improve with increased segmentation accuracy, but eventually classification performance stops improving, and can in fact even decrease, after a certain level of segmentation accuracy.

Practical implications

Apply the findings to real web text classification is ongoing work.

Originality/value

The paper is very relevant to Chinese and Japanese information processing, e.g. webpage classification, web search.
Derivative bibliographic relationships in the Slovenian online catalogue COBIB
Authors: Petek Marija
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide information about derivative bibliographic relationships in the online catalogue COBIB, to investigate size and complexity of bibliographic families and to determine whether bibliographic characteristics are associated with the extent of derivations.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliographic entity consisting of a work and item is represented by bibliographic records. A random sample of records is converted into a sample of progenitor works and bibliographic families for each progenitor are constructed.

Findings

25.75 per cent of progenitor works are derivative; successive derivations with 67.02 per cent appear most frequently. The size of bibliographic families ranges from 1 to 16; older progenitors have larger families. The majority of families have one type of relationship; there is one case with four types. A large proportion, 59.06 per cent, of derivative relationships is not expressed explicitly by catalogue.

Research limitations/implications

Research of bibliographic records representing more than one work is needed. It is also important to find out what catalogue users are looking for: a work or an item?

Practical implications

A model for COBIB is suggested; it enables an equal identification of works, items and relationships. A cataloguer must create an authority record for each work and link it with corresponding bibliographic records for items.

Originality/value

Information about relationships should be incorporated into the catalogue and corresponding records linked. Explicit control of derivative relationships would be of great help to catalogue users and would make information retrieval improved and more precise; it would also allow more efficient use of knowledge and library materials.
Effect of molecular rarefaction on head/tape interface in a linear tape drive
Authors: Hsu Tze‐Chi , Chiang Hsiu‐Lu , Lin Chun‐Yuan
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate analytically the air bearing pressure and film spacing of the linear head/tape interface by numerical iterations between the one‐dimensional compressible Reynolds and Bernoulli tape equations.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to account for the molecular rarefaction effect of the ultra‐thin gas lubrication, the pressure flow rate with three optimal adjustable coefficients was implemented into the steady state Reynolds equation. Using the central finite difference approach, the two coupled nonlinear equations can be discretized and numerically solved. To speed up the convergence of the tape position to be obtained, a fictitious stiffness was implied during the process.

Findings

By comparison with the Talke's first order model, the differences are significant and cannot be neglected. A smaller film spacing of head/tape can be acquired by a lower tape speed or a higher tape tension, while the slot edge defect and stain will effectively lower the built‐up pressure, thus decreasing the recording density and data access efficiency.

Originality/value

Incorporating the high‐order slip‐flow model into the modified Reynolds equation and coupled with the Bernoulli tape deflection equation, this study proposes a feasible approach to the analysis of molecular rarefaction effect on head/tape interface in a linear tape drive.
Influence of oil contamination on vibration and wear in ball and roller bearings
Authors: Maru M.M. , Serrato‐Castillo R. , Padovese L.R.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This work aims to compare the vibration behavior of roller and ball bearings operating with clean and quartz‐contaminated lubricants. Wear influence on vibration of both bearing types was also compared.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental tests were run in clean and contaminated mineral oil. Contaminant quartz particles of 59 μm average size were tested in three concentration levels: 0.05, 0.25 and 0.5 g/l. Radial vibration of the roller bearing was measured by accelerometer and wear was analyzed through microscopy of the surfaces and optical spectrometry of oils.

Findings

Differences in vibration response among both bearing types were observed regarding the root mean square value of vibration data in the high frequency band (600‐10,000 Hz); differences in wear influence on vibration were also identified and correlated to the differences in the tribological features.

Originality/value

This paper presents a methodology for detecting contamination and wear of roller bearings by applying a simple procedure of vibration monitoring and analysis.
Magnetic fluid based squeeze film between porous conical plates
Authors: Patel Rakesh M. , Deheri G.M.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to improve upon the performance of squeeze film between porous conical plates.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives are achieved by mathematically modeling a magnetic fluid based squeeze film between porous conical plates. The standard approach is to solve associated Reynolds' equation with appropriate boundary conditions. The scope of this paper is the industrial applications with regard to enhanced performance of the bearing system.

Findings

Definitely the performance of the bearing with the magnetic fluid lubricant is relatively better than the conventional lubricant. The findings indicate that the negative effect induced by the porosity can be neutralized by the positive effect caused by the magnetization parameter. Further, this paper suggests that there is scope for enhancing the performance of the bearing system by choosing a suitable combination of the magnetization parameter and semi‐vertical angle.

Practical implications

From the industry point of view this investigation will be certainly useful for improving the performance of the squeeze film between porous conical plates.

Originality/value

This paper presents the augmented performance of the squeeze film between porous conical plates and thereby extending even the life period of the machines.
Special issue introduction
Authors: Roodhouse Simon
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This introduction to the special edition aims to focus on the issues that surround putting work‐based learning into practice in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The introduction is a brief survey and commentary on the issues surrounding work‐based learning. A selection of papers is drawn from the timely 2006 University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) Annual Conference. UVAC, an international membership organisation has championed higher level vocational learning, particularly higher education (HE) engagement with employers and the workforce, and the selection of conference papers demonstrates the seriousness with which HE educators are taking this work forward.

Findings

The introduction finds that a rebalancing of the priorities of HE institutions to make available relevant, flexible and responsive provision that meets the high skills needs of employers and their staff has arrived which requires us to reevaluate the university offer and as Waterhouse argues, “it is not that they can teach, nor even that they can sell research, but that they can assess: they accredit learning and are awarding bodies. It is this social certification of successful learning that individuals, employers and ultimately society pay for.” The next reinvention for the sector is contemporary vocationalisation and responsiveness to economic imperatives rather than learning.

Research limitations/implications

A wider survey of practice, particularly the use of employer standards, is now required to establish a common language between industry and HE.

Practical implications

Implications are a progressive change to HE offering and an increased engagement with workforce development which requires changes to assessment and a greater use of accreditation and validation in the workplace.

Originality/value

The introduction provides a succinct analysis of the work based learning and employer engagement in HE.
Developing the health care workforce
Authors: Brown Barbara Alice , Harte Jacqui , Warnes Anne‐Marie
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share practice on how two approaches to work‐based learning (WBL) are used to develop the knowledge and skills of health care staff with different levels of experience and educational attainment within the Department of Nursing and the Department of Allied Health Professions at a post‐1992 university (UCLAN) and to enable two models of WBL to be differentiated, for the purposes of curriculum development.

Design/methodology/approach

The two models are mapped and compared using a curriculum framework, in order to illustrate differences in ethos, teaching, learning and assessment strategies between the two approaches.

Findings

Implementing two different approaches to WBL can meet health and social care employers' workforce development needs and can support the learning of diverse groups of staff, both those entering the health and social care services and those who are experienced and professionally qualified.

Research limitations/implications

WBL can be implemented in many different ways to serve a variety of needs, but curriculum developers need to explore, with employers and potential students, their rationale behind engaging in WBL and ensure that ethos, teaching and learning methods and assessment are aligned as discussed by Biggs.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on two approaches to WBL adopted by one university and offers insights to others beginning curriculum development in this field.
University of Wolverhampton case study
Authors: Nicholls Emma , Walsh Margaret
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This case study aims to provide a critical evaluation of the decision by the University of Wolverhampton's School of Legal Studies to develop a number of work‐based learning modules, offered as part of the undergraduate programme. It seeks to examine why the School has taken the approach of embedding work‐based learning into what has traditionally been a purely theoretical programme.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study which evaluates the decision by the School of Legal Studies to implement a range of work‐based learning modules.

Findings

Initial findings suggest that there are clear benefits for students undertaking work‐based learning modules.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to establish whether there is a clear link between students electing the work‐based modules and a positive impact on graduate employability.

Practical implications

Institutions could consider work‐based learning as part of the response to the employability agenda, in a climate where competition for jobs is fierce, particularly in the area of law.

Originality/value

This case study will be of value for those institutions which are considering introducing work‐based learning modules for law students.
Using a skills bank for work‐based learning
Authors: Hatfield Deborah
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a work‐based learning innovation developed in response to the skills agenda affecting post‐registration continuing professional development for nurses.

Design/methodology/approach

The experience of learners, mentors and assessors using the “Skills Bank” are illustrated as part of an ongoing evaluation of work‐based learning. This was captured by semi‐structured interviews and the observations of the author as innovation was implemented and to the quality issues for academic rigour were addressed. The study is set in the context of the debate about skills and competence.

Findings

The study finds that learners responded well to the innovation because they were motivated and self‐directed. The experience exceeded their expectations of continuing professional education. Some did not engage with the database of skills and learner‐generated skill design was consequently of poor quality. The assessment strategy is well‐defined and rewards excellence in practice with the use of a grading tool.

Practical implications

Content of skills templates reflect current evidence‐based practice, which can be mapped to Skills for Health workforce competences. Maintaining the Skills Bank in terms of currency and authenticity is challenging.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest to education and training providers keen to address the preparation of health care staff fit for purpose and practice. It attempts to articulate skills as a notion of competence.
Trust and the psychological contract
Authors: Atkinson Carol
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute empirical data to the under‐researched relationship between trust and the psychological contract.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is used carrying out 41 interviews in three case study firms, adopting a critical incident technique (CIT).

Findings

Trust is present in all psychological contracts and its different bases, cognitive and affective, underpin transactional and relational obligations respectively.

Research limitations/implications

A small‐scale study using CIT which identifies especially salient issues but is not necessarily exhaustive. Provides a base for more detailed study of the relationship.

Practical implications

Demonstrates the impact of the differing bases of trust on the employment relationship. This information could contribute to better managing the employment relationship.

Originality/value

There are few extant empirical data on this relationship and a contribution is made to debates on the role of trust within the psychological contract by providing detailed empirical data.
Workplace and employment characteristics of Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) clients
Authors: Abbott Brian
Published: April 2007

Purpose

There is a paucity of information on the characteristics and reasons for workers contacting the CAB with employment problems. This paper seeks to fill this gap in people's knowledge by providing a detailed profile of the employment and personal characteristics of Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) clients.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of eight bureaux, from contrasting localities in Greater London, participated in the research. The data for this paper are derived predominantly from interviews with CAB clients and reinforced by quantitative data, which were also garnered.

Findings

It is argued that the use of the CAB, for employment advice, is rooted in a structural rather than an attitudinal explanation.

Originality/value

There is a growing recognition within the industrial relations literature of the increasing plurality of sources of representation available to workers. However, very little is known about those employees seeking advice and representation and the types of issues with which they approach bureaux.
“High commitment” strategies
Authors: Parkes Carole , Scully Judy , West Michael , Dawson Jeremy
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, particularly with regard to the processes of implementation and the role of managers engaged in such high commitment strategies and work practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is part of a research project investigating the extent to which employee involvement predicts job performance (as well as job satisfaction, wellbeing and organisational commitment) in the NHS, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The main focus of this paper is to present evidence from four of the 20 case studies to show the barriers to implementing employee involvement as well as highlighting the techniques and practices that have proven to be most successful.

Findings

Employee involvement is used successfully by management and has enabled frontline staff to contribute their knowledge to their work.Research limitations/implications– The ethical issues of confidentiality and anonymity permeated the research process throughout.

Practical implications

The link between “high commitment” strategies and organisational performance is of great interest to academics and practitioners alike. One of these “high commitment” strategies, namely employee involvement, has been an important HR strategy for the NHS in the UK.

Originality/value

Other organisations can learn from the findings by implementing the successful parts.
The impact of total quality service age on quality and operational performance: an empirical study
Authors: Saravanan R. , Rao K.S.P.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that a popular conception among the practitioners is that Total Quality Service (TQS) has a long‐range perspective and the organizations that have adopted TQS could be able to see the results of their quality improvement initiatives only after a long duration. Hence firms that have been practicing TQS are interested to know the time duration before which they can get back the returns on investments in quality improvement programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study attempts to empirically investigate the impact of TQS age on quality and operational performance. In order to examine the impact of TQS age on the different dimensions of TQS, out of the 12 critical dimensions of TQS, the two outcome constructs, namely Customer Focus and Satisfaction and Employee Satisfaction, have been considered for measuring quality performance while the other ten dimensions have been considered for measuring operational performance.

Findings

The results imply that the firms can get back their returns on investments in their quality management initiatives within three years of TQS implementation. The ways, commitment and the competence with which the TQS implementation is carried out are more important rather than the duration of TQS implementation. Further, among the successful firms, it has been observed that as TQS age increases, quality and operational performance also increases, since firms get more and more experienced in effective implementation of TQS in a continuously improving environment.

Originality/value

The impact of TQS age on quality and operational performance has been investigated in a developing economy with respect to the automobile service industry. Primarily this is a research paper and the results and findings will be of immense use to the business executives of service firms.
The process of constructing performance measurement
Authors: Elg Mattias
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the present article illuminates the process of how information is constructed in performance measurement systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The main argument for using performance measurement is that it creates possibilities for managers to gain knowledge about what is going on within the organization and direct future behaviour. The effectiveness of such a knowledge creation process is partly dependent on local circumstances of how information is being created.

Findings

In large scale performance measurement systems we can expect that several people are involved in constructing information. These people are either directly involved or have indirect influence over the construction process. Different motives and cognition play an important role as information is shaped and reshaped from the collection of raw data until its final usage in management settings.

Research limitations/implications

The research field is provided with an alternative view of what it means to work with performance measurement. This includes decomposition of the traditional mechanistic view of performance measurement.

Practical implications

Practitioners are urged to be reflective and careful in their usage of performance measurement as they cannot be viewed as objective facts of reality.

Originality/value

The paper contributes with knowledge in an underdeveloped field of research, namely quality of information. It may provide a basis for further research and scholarly analysis.
Comparison between DP and MBNQA: convergence and divergence over time
Authors: Ranjan Kumar Madhu
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the commonalities and differences between the Deming Prize (DP) and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative comparison is made of the changes in the Deming Prize and the MBNQA from 1992 to 2005. In the process, the paper arrives at their current commonalities and differences.

Findings

Concludes that during the last 13 years the emphasis of both the Deming Prize and the MBNQA has shifted from technical quality to excellence of all organizational processes. They have moved towards a common understanding of “good leadership” and an appreciation of systems thinking. However, they have maintained their basic difference in the sense that, while inherent in the DP are consulting and guidance by the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) over a longer timeframe, MBNQA begins with a more self‐ assessment approach and is more competitive in spirit. Further, since its inception, while the MBNQA has been very public with its entire award process, the DP has made its award process public only since 2003.

Practical implications

Prior experience in TQM is considered desirable if an organization is to reap full benefit from the Deming Prize.

Originality/value

Compares the changes in the understanding of quality by two major awards in a common time period. It shows that, in spite of all its mutations, the DP maintains its basic congruence with the Deming's philosophy. It also brings out the differences in the assessment methods of the Deming Prize and the MBNQA.
Top management commitment and overall engineering education excellence
Authors: Sakthivel P.B.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

There has been an exponential proliferation of higher engineering educational institutions in India. The purpose of this paper is to seek to investigate students' perceptions of the level of Commitment of Top Management and Leadership (CTML) and Education Service Design and Delivery (ESDD) in Government Run Engineering Colleges (GREC), Privately Funded Engineering Colleges (PFEC) and Privately Funded Deemed Universities (PFDU) in India. The paper also strives to find out the significant predictors of Overall Engineering Education Excellence (OEEE).

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model has been developed linking Total Quality Management (TQM) elements and OEEE. The data were obtained from a survey of 992 students of higher engineering institutions in South India and analyzed using SPSS.

Findings

Significant differences among GREC, PFEC and PFDU were noticed in several TQM dimensions under study, and also in OEEE. The findings show correlation between the seven TQM variables and OEEE. CTML made a significant contribution toward attaining OEEE. Campus Facilities and Congenial Learning Environment also contributed greatly to OEEE.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is limited to engineering institutions in a particular geographical area of India. Related study with a global perspective can be taken up in the future.

Practical implications

The comparative analysis of higher engineering institutions as well as the results of the investigative study of the impact of TQM on overall engineering educational excellence will prove useful to academic leadership.

Originality/value

The research framework presented in this paper is valuable to the top managements of higher engineering institutions.
Women entrepreneurs, opportunity recognition and government‐sponsored business networks
Authors: Farr‐Wharton Rod , Brunetto Yvonne
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper uses a social capital theoretical framework to examine how the relational dimension of business networks affects the networking activities of female entrepreneurs. In particular, the study examines the role of trust on women's networking behaviour and the part played by government business development officers in supporting women entrepreneur's opportunity recognition behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used mixed methods to gather and analyse data. A survey instrument was used to gather quantitative data and qualitative data was gathered from interviews and written responses to open‐ended questions included in the survey.

Findings

The quantitative findings suggest firstly that approximately 20 per cent of the reason why women entrepreneurs belong to formal business networks is to search for business opportunities; however, their experience of trusting significantly affects their perception of the potential benefits of networking activities. Moreover, government development officers appear not to positively affect women entrepreneur's trusting behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The sampling process could have caused bias in the data collection and therefore the generalisability of the findings may be compromised. This is because the sample came from a state with the most start‐ups and therefore it is likely that these women are more entrepreneurial than normal. In addition, there may be bias in the type of women entrepreneur likely to have responded to the survey. It seems likely that the women entrepreneurs that would respond to this questionnaire are apt to be more entrepreneurial in their behaviour of recognising new opportunities, thereby biasing the sample used. Finally, another limitation of this study is common methods bias in relation to the data collected using self‐report questionnaire.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for government because these findings suggest that they have wrongly assumed that entrepreneurs will behave in “politically constructed business network” the same way as they behave in social networks where trust levels develop over time. This may be the reason why trust was such an important variable in affecting these women entrepreneurs' networking behaviour. The findings suggest that if women entrepreneurs are to be supported to grow, the government should focus its scarce resources on building trust within these formal business networks, so that women can build the relational trust context needed to share information likely to lead to good business opportunities.

Originality/value

The paper provides information on the role of trust on women's networking behaviour.
Gender differences in CEO compensation: evidence from the USA
Authors: Adams Susan M. , Gupta Atul , Haughton Dominique M. , Leeth John D.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To provide insights into the experience of women aspiring to the CEO position, particularly regarding qualifications and compensation expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

The ExecuComp database of executives at 1,500 large US corporations from 1992 to 2004 was used to identify women CEOs and to examine gender differences in compensation of executives over that period. Additional information about the backgrounds of female CEOs was collected from company press releases and regulatory filings.

Findings

Women are not as highly compensated as men before becoming CEO but the few who reach the CEO position receive similar compensation as men. While women CEOs are younger on average than men, they have impressive work experience and education.

Research limitations/implications

The study covers relatively large US companies that are publicly traded; thus, smaller firms and privately‐held firms are not included.

Practical implications

Impressive work experience, usually from within the company, and a strong education seem to be associated with promotion to the CEO position. Female executives should be more aware of the existence of gender differences in compensation at positions other than the CEO.

Originality/value

Much is written about the gender‐based duality of the leadership career and the overall gender gap in compensation. This study adds an in‐depth analysis of compensation at the top of the executive ladder to better understand who makes it to the top and whether they are equitably rewarded.
Educators' professional characteristics
Authors: Krishnaveni R. , Anitha J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To develop a comprehensive model of professional characteristics of an educator that will prepare them for high standards of professional achievements, as all professions demand standardization and formulation of guidelines in today's competitive environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature on essentials of an educator was sourced to collect the various characteristics for diverse academic oriented goals. A set of ten vital characteristics was identified which were sorted under three spheres of the educators work life. These characteristics were then defined appropriately for the teaching discipline.

Findings

A wide range of literature has resulted in ten characteristics and a comprehensive model was developed that would encompass the different characteristics that an educator ought to possess to develop his/her self, institution and with those he/she connects in professional life.

Research limitations/implications

The paper limits itself in identifying the characteristics of the educator. Further study is possible focusing at the impact of these characteristics on students, institution and the community as a whole.

Practical implications

Adapting the model and practice of these characteristics will bring about standard and desired outputs that would help the teaching profession establish its high standards. It would also provide a deep impact on students who will be trained and dealt with using a more proficient approach.

Originality/value

The model presents the various characteristics that were developed out of a number of attributes identified in the literature survey in a comprehensive and simple manner. It extends a wide scope for professional standards in teaching.
The impact of primary and secondary education on higher education quality
Authors: Michaelowa Katharina
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the relationship among different levels of education.

Design/methodology/approach

International cross‐country comparisons, bi‐ and multivariate analyses, with many graphical illustrations. These methods are used to compare educational outcomes at the primary, secondary and tertiary level in terms of quantity (enrolment) and quality (measured in terms of student achievement, university rankings, patents and researchers), and to analyse the impact of heterogeneity between secondary schools on tertiary outcomes.

Findings

The results suggest that certain minimum levels of enrolment at primary and secondary level represent a necessary condition for the development of functioning higher education. Another relevant result of our analysis is that strong differences between educational institutions at secondary level may be detrimental for tertiary education quality.

Research limitations/implications

This research only represents an initial explorative analysis.

Practical implications

In order to improve tertiary education outcomes, education policy should not concentrate on tertiary education alone, but also consider insufficiencies at lower levels of education.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to fill a gap in the present educational literature in that it tries to provide some empirical evidence for the theoretical argument that quality tertiary education requires a sound basis of students to draw from; i.e. a basis of students which should be restricted as little as possible by lack of access to secondary or even primary education, and/or by lack of access to sufficiently quality oriented schools.
British grocers' brand extension in financial services
Authors: Laforet Sylvie
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This study aims to examine consumer fit perception, risks and brand trust in retail brand extension in financial services.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 324 respondents living in Sheffield, UK were involved in the survey. The survey was conducted on three major British supermarkets. Mean scores for each supermarket were compared between four groups of respondents: store loyal vs non‐loyal, users vs non‐users of the store's financial services, aware vs non‐aware and intend‐to‐buy vs no‐intention‐to‐buy groups on fit, risks, trust dimensions. A factor analysis was performed on the dimensions' items. Discriminant analysis was used to determine the dimension(s) distinguishing the retailers.

Findings

The study found that retailers A and B were perceived as trusted brands with respect to financial services. Retailer A was perceived as a trusted brand regardless of the product category. Retailer B was seen as a trusted brand when product performance and financial risks were low. In contrast, retailer C was perceived unfit and risky by the non‐users and no‐intention‐to‐buy groups. Age, gender, income influenced fit, risks and trust perception. Existing customers, including those aware and intending to buy the store's financial services, tended to trust the store; whereas those new to the store and its products perceived no fit and lacked confidence in the store's expertise in their brand extensions.

Practical implications

The article assists retailers and the like in their brand extension decision making and implementations.

Originality/value

The article contributes to retail/brand extension/corporate branding literature, brand extension in high/low‐involvement product, perceived fit, risks and trust relationship in brand extension.
Branding strategy and consumer high‐technology product
Authors: Hamann Danilo , Williams Robert L. , Omar Maktoba
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to propose a model to investigate the relationships between price, use, quality, and culture regarding the adoption of high‐technology branding strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the identified areas of influence – price, use, quality and culture – a questionnaire was designed and randomly sent out to 70 respondents via e‐mail. At the same time, those respondents were asked to pass on the e‐mail, resulting in a total number of 94 people from 21 different countries responding to the request. The findings were evaluated and analysed by using the computer‐aided data analysis programme SPSS.

Findings

The study concluded that people purchase high technology products primarily for prestige (usage) rather than to satisfy particular needs, and perception of change (culture) affected the adoption process of high‐technology.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the focus of this survey to discover the incentives behind the adaptation process, the possibilities of using the findings for more general purposes were narrowed down. In addition, the small amount of already existing knowledge in this area made the collection and the evaluation of data very difficult, which again influenced the way the research was designed.

Practical implications

In a globally competitive business environment the value of a strong brand in high‐technology marketplace is well documented. The difficulty in maintaining a basis for differentiation, and heightened consumer price consciousness reveals the necessity to understand consumer evaluation and purchase decision processes. Therefore, this study discovered and revealed the reasons behind individual buying decisions of high‐technology products.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no previous research has been done on this particular area, which makes the outcome of this survey very valuable. Furthermore, the practical implications of the findings show a high relevance regarding the design of present‐day business strategies while providing suggestions of improvement.
Customers' willingness to purchase new store brands
Authors: Zielke Stephan , Dobbelstein Thomas
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors influencing customers' willingness to purchase new store brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a 3×3 design to investigate the impact of price and quality positioning on the willingness to purchase new store brands in five product groups. A total of 990 respondents completed a questionnaire about store brand perception, aspects of purchasing behavior and willingness to buy. Data are analyzed with analysis of variance and partial least squares.

Findings

The paper finds that customers' willingness to buy new store brands differs between different product groups. It is lowest for product groups associated with high social risk. Accordingly, premium store brands are preferred for these categories. The influence of price is small and nonlinear. Furthermore, the attitude towards a specific store brand has a large impact on customers' willingness to purchase, while the attitude toward store brands in general is less important. The drivers influencing customers' attitude towards specific store brands depend on the respective product group.

Practical implications

The results indicate that price is not the only factor influencing customers' willingness to buy new store brands. Therefore, the results encourage retailers to position store brands also in premium segments, especially for product groups where social acceptance is important.

Originality/value

This paper differs from other papers in the literature in that it analyses factors influencing the success of new store brands. Furthermore, it analyzes many different potential influencing factors, namely product group, price and quality positioning, store brand perceptions, attitudes and aspects of purchasing behavior.
Processing fluency versus novelty effects in deal perceptions
Authors: Kramer Thomas , Min Kim Hyeong
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is two‐fold. First, to explore differences in consumers' deal perceptions for coupons framed as potential gains to be obtained versus equivalent losses to be avoided. Second, it seeks to demonstrate the underlying process of the effects of coupon framing on deal perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used controlled experiments to test hypotheses.

Findings

The study found that participants had more favorable deal perceptions and greater usage intentions of coupons that highlight their value as a discount to be obtained versus a loss to be avoided. Importantly, while the two frames differed in perceived novelty, framing effects on deal perceptions were shown to be due to processing fluency enhancing evaluations of gain‐framed coupons. Finally, the results demonstrated that consumers' deal proneness moderated the effect of processing fluency, eliminating the advantage of gain over loss frames for low deal‐prone consumers.

Practical implications

This research shows that consumer perceptions of deals are not just based on the information about the promotion they receive, but also on how fluently the information can be processed. It also provides evidence that consumers view coupons as potential gains, and that systematic processing is necessary for framing manipulations to be effective, which is true for high deal‐prone consumers. Lastly, it is shown that, in order for framing manipulations to increase deal perceptions, retailers need to motivate consumers to process coupons systematically.

Originality/value

This research provides useful information on consumer perceptions of deals with respect to coupons and information they receive.
Building brand equity and share of heart at Nassau Valley Vineyards
Authors: Pitta Dennis
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to describe an innovative promotional and product development approach that has implications for new product developers in consumer industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The case describes an approach to new product development and promotion. The organization's original name has been retained as well as individual managers' names.

Findings

The paper provides information and action approaches to new product developers that may reduce the risk of product failure. The subject company recognizes that third party competitive awards are public relations tools to build sales and product image. Their results offer direct implications for new product development and promotional teams in the wine industry. By extension, the implications may aid traditional companies outside of the wine industry.

Research limitations/implications

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

Practical implications

The case depicts an innovative application of word of mouth generating quality competitions in boosting sales. It also depicts the use of consumer and expert opinions in selecting wines to submit for judging. Other organizations may find the technique of value in their own efforts.

Originality/value

The case is one of the first to describe a successful promotional technique that minimizes the reliance on advertising and concentrates on the product quality characteristics resulting from the product development process.
Universities sell their brands
Authors: Bunzel David L.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss the current trend of universities to engage in marketing and branding programs. The motivation is often to enhance the university's reputation and to have a positive influence on university ranking. It is unclear whether branding has been successful with little evidence in rankings to support these programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews some of the branding and image programs at universities. It looks at university rankings to determine if there has been a significant change in any of the schools that would suggest branding might be a factor influencing rankings.

Findings

The paper finds that there is no clear indication that the top brands change ranking significantly from year‐to‐year. Unlike products, a leading university brand may not find significant benefits from a marketing or branding program.

Practical implications

While it is inconclusive whether the leading universities can cause significant changes in their rankings through branding programs, lesser known universities may have some opportunities. The rankings often rely on reputation assessment which can be enhanced by marketing, promotion, and branding programs.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on universities and the changes in their rankings through marketing, promotion, and branding programs.