bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slack‐resources hypothesis: a critical analysis under a multidimensional approach to corporate social performance
Authors: Melo Tiago
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to test the slack‐resources hypothesis in corporate social performance (CSP).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the technique of panel data in a sample of 624 American listed companies from 2001 to 2007. The literature review builds on the contradictions between the instrumental stakeholder theory and the slack‐resources hypothesis to argue that both concepts are not fully compatible.

Findings

The results indicate that prior financial performance, measured as market value added, positively affects CSP. The results further confirm that slack resources are assigned to specific areas of involvement of CSP (product issues, community relations, environmental issues, employee relations and diversity of the work force), rather than to a unified conception of CSP.

Research limitations/implications

The current trend in social responsibility regards Friedman's arguments as old‐fashioned and assumes the instrumental stakeholder to be true. The results presented here indicate that part of Friedman's claims may be occurring in reality, so further investigation is needed before they are disregarded.

Practical implications

The multidimensional nature of CSP, here proposed and confirmed by the exploratory models, indicates that each dimension of social performance may be impacted by the availability of funds different intensities; and according to the instrumental view (assuming the virtuous circle is true), investment in each particular dimension may provide a different level of return to the firm.

Originality/value

The slack resources hypothesis has been the least researched of the two hypotheses relating to the corporate social and financial performance (CSP and CFP) links. Although the slack resources hypothesis may explain the relation as well as the good management hypothesis, most studies tend to focus on the first one, basing their argumentation on the assumption that superior CFP comes as a result of a strategic CSP.
Corporate social responsibility in post‐apartheid South Africa
Authors: Ramlall Sharlene
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the relationship between corporate social responsibility and the concept of Black economic empowerment in South Africa. The paper examines whether government interventions in the area of corporate social responsibility post‐1994 have been successful. The paper also assesses critically the level of voluntary commitment that businesses in South Africa have displayed in the area of corporate social responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Corporate social responsibility in South Africa pre‐1994 and post‐1994 is examined and compared. The Broad‐Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (2003), the new South African Companies Act (2008) and the King Codes of Corporate Governance Principles in South Africa are critiqued. A distinction is made between government and business corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Findings

The paper principally concludes that meaningful corporate social responsibility in the area of human rights can be better achieved if it is based on commitment and collaborative partnership.

Practical implications

The paper provides a basis for empirical research on corporate social responsibility and socio‐economic development in South Africa.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the growing discourse of academic literature that supports a strategic partnership‐based approach to corporate social responsibility.
Rising externality costs and corporate social responsibility case: EU legislation on electric and electronic equipment
Authors: Laudal Thomas
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study how we may identify the link between rising externality costs and corporate social responsibility (CSR) by using a market‐centric approach to CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses indicators measuring CSR performances triggered by rising externality costs due to EU legislation on electric and electronic equipment (EEE). The case study includes three leading companies in the global electric appliances industry.

Findings

The EU legislation on EEE has increased the externality costs of the electric appliances industry. Some companies only meet the minimum requirements of the legislation, while others go beyond what is required and engage in CSR. It is found that the strongest CSR impact is related to output externalities in the authors' sample in the EEE sector, while the strongest CSR impact in the clothing sector, in an earlier study, is related to input externalities.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that governments need to adapt their CSR policies not only to general sector‐specific features, but in addition to the potential for reducing negative externalities in different parts of the value chain in each sector.

Originality/value

This article contributes to a better understanding of how government policies raise the externality costs of industries, which in turn lead these industries to strengthen their CSR performance. The study also demonstrates the usefulness of a market centric approach to CSR.
Island tourism: destinations: an editorial introduction to the special issue
Authors: Cave Jenny , Brown Keith G.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This editorial aims to situate the papers chosen for this special issue within academic literature and identify their contributions to new knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The editorial first discusses tourism research literature pertinent to the idiosyncrasies of destination management in island contexts. Second, the paper identifies the contributions made to this field by the authors and the implications of their innovative research for island tourism and destination management.

Findings

Each paper contributes, in its way, to the field of island tourism, either by integration of explorations of theory, shifting paradigms or revealing new knowledge. This special issue contains two seminal papers by top academic leaders of the fields of islandness and HRM in island destinations. It also presents papers that comment on destination management issues at macro and micro levels.

Originality/value

Collectively this collection of papers offers new perspectives concerning the challenges of creating destination image in peripheral locations, the impacts of global mobilities (inward and outward) on destination labor markets, models for sustainable destination development, the welcome extended to visitors and returning locals by island communities, destination positioning strategies and service interactions.
North Atlantic island destinations in tourists' minds
Authors: Gudlaugsson Thorhallur , Magnússon Gunnar
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate the image that tourists visiting Iceland in the summer months have of Iceland as a tourist destination, and whether the positioning of Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland together as one area in tourist markets is possible or feasible.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the results of two surveys. The first survey (unstructured) measures the holistic image of Iceland with a qualitative methodology. The second survey (structured) measures the attribute image of Iceland in comparison with five other countries – i.e. Norway, Scotland, Greenland, Finland and the Faroe Islands – with a perceptual mapping technique.

Findings

Results from the unstructured survey indicate that tourists have the strongest holistic image of Iceland as a scenic nature destination. Results from the structured survey indicate that tourists consider Iceland to be a safe place to visit, an opportunity for adventure, a friendly and hospitable destination, and a country of scenic and natural beauty. According to the results, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland seem to have a different image in tourists' minds.

Research limitations/implications

The surveys only report the perception of tourists visiting Iceland.

Practical implications

It is hoped that the paper will contribute to a better understanding of how to measure image and how to market (position) the North Atlantic Islands.

Originality/value

The study shows the value that image can have in marketing island destinations and the importance for destinations in peripheral areas to cooperate in their marketing activities.
Human resource management in tourism: a small island perspective
Authors: Baum Tom
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Conceptually, this paper aims to consider the nexus created when the characteristics of the tourism sector workplace environment intersect with the contextual influences of the economic, social and labor market attributes of small islands.

Design/methodology/approach

Several studies relating to the employment and skills environment of human resource management and development in small island tourism contexts are synthesized.

Findings

Seasonality, limited skills within the local labor market, access to formal education and training are identified as issues that impact on sustainability of employment, service and product quality. Further, while sourcing and recruitment of staff, employee retention, training and development, and career progression appear to mirror those faced by larger, frequently metropolitan locations. However, small islandness imposes particular nuances upon the management of human resources, directly related to location and scale. Thus, small island environments, the global economy, technology and employee mobility (inward and outward) exacerbate structural and cultural dimensions and issues in island tourism.

Research limitation/implications

This paper provides an invaluable framework for future research, both comparative and specific.

Practical implications

Management responses should be both local and global in focus, acknowledging the particularities of small islands, generic tourism sector influences and the effects of global mobility on the workforce and on management.

Originality/value

This synthesis addresses the effects of global, local and location specific dynamics on human resource management and development issues and demonstrates that the challenges faced by organizations in island tourism contexts have dimensions that set them apart in both kind and extent from other tourism environments.
Navigating through tourism options: an island perspective
Authors: Nicely Annmarie , Palakurthi Radesh
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Sustainable tourism demands a positivistic and holistic look at the true costs and benefits of the industry to host communities. To aid leaders in starting the process, the article proposes a tourism options navigation model looking at varying number of visitors, their average daily spend and leakages, on the socio‐economic, cultural and environmental landscape of island communities. The article aims to identify various tourism options, their expected effects and potential strategies to mitigating negative outcomes and to later apply the model to the case of the rural parish of St Thomas, Jamaica.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objectives outlined a comprehensive review of related literature was conducted. The researcher interviewed six of Jamaica's national tourism leaders and analyzed their responses.

Findings

It was posited that by employing strategies that impact the number of visitors to the area, their average daily spend and industry‐related economic import leakages, leaders can control the economic, social, cultural and environmental effects of tourism on communities but the process must begin with a clear articulation of the desired effects.

Research limitations/implications

The model could be a useful decision‐making tool for leaders considering tourism as a developmental option or in analyzing the current state of their communities' tourism industry. It could also form the basis for a more objective look at tourism success by researchers.

Originality/value

The model is unique as it provides a single comprehensive look at the causes and effects of tourism and possible ways forward.
Come visit, but don't overstay: critiquing a welcoming society
Authors: Baldacchino Godfrey
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to conceptualize and illustrate how some island societies – in spite of their apparent openness, vibrant tourist economies and generally welcoming disposition – develop exclusionary attitudes to a range of immigrants, resulting in effective limits to their much vaunted hospitality culture.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context of a global review, the paper reports a qualitative study of immigrant experiences and perceptions from 2005 empirical survey data, as well as the personal observations of the author on Prince Edward Island, Canada's smallest and only fully island province.

Findings

While the bonding social capital of island communities tends to be strong, their bridging social capital tends to be weak. Other aspects of island life – including perceptions of smallness, affirmation of island identity, high population density, gentrification, the threat of invasion and the fear of the other – impact on the interaction of the “come heres” with the “from heres”. The paper shows divisions in islander attitudes between (short‐term stay) tourists and (longer‐term stay) immigrants in sharp relief.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis queries research assumptions about service, hospitality and tourism and provides a conceptual framework for the dynamics of visitation to island destinations.

Practical implications

These findings critique service quality, relationship management and attitudes to potential clients.

Originality/value

The paper connects immigration research to attitudes to tourism, using an island studies lens as its analytical tool and provides an insightful view of the contested dynamics of place, notions of hospitality and exclusion.
Segmenting the market of first‐time visitors to an island destination
Authors: Hennessey Sean , Yun Dongkoo , Macdonald Roberta
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to segment the market of first‐time visitors based on the activities travelers engage in while at a destination using demographics, socio‐economic variables, and trip‐related characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyzes 1,104 exit surveys completed by first‐time visitors to the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island. Clustering analysis identifies three segments that are refined and tested by multivariate and bivariate analyses.

Findings

The results indicate that there are three distinct segments of first‐time visitors based on travel activities: culture‐oriented (26 percent of the market), active (37 percent), and casual (37 percent). The key differences among the three segments are demographic, socio‐economic, trip‐related characteristics, and spending patterns. These results confirm the sustainability and profitability of the market segments.

Practical implications

Segmenting markets for products or services, in any industry, is vital to gain a better understanding of the customer, and to better allocate scarce tourism resources to product development, marketing, service, and delivery. Therefore, all tourism industry stakeholders must be aware of the market segments that are currently visiting the destination.

Originality/value

Tourist segments based on activities are not absolutes, but a continuum. The majority of first‐time visitors to a destination engage in a variety of travel activities across the segments, running from more to less involved. Successful tourism destinations are those that meet the various activity needs of their segments in both their marketing and on the ground.
Visitor interactions with hotel employees: the role of nationality
Authors: Prayag Girish , Ryan Chris
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to report the results of a study into visitor evaluations of interactions with hotel employees in Mauritius. Given that the island's core tourism product is based on luxury resorts, tourist‐hotel employee interactions possess a potential for determining satisfactory or unsatisfactory holiday evaluations on the part of visitors.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 103 visitors is interviewed using a semi‐structured guide comprising open‐ended questions. This approach reflects the lived experiences of guests and helps to better assess the role played by nationality when reporting visitor‐staff interactions. Data are analyzed using both thematic analysis and textual analysis software.

Findings

Nationality, ethnicity and languages spoken are found to be factors that determine differences in requirements from hotel staff on the part of tourists. Nationality is the strongest discriminator of these requirements.

Research limitations/implications

As with many examples of qualitative research, the findings are time and place specific. Yet nonetheless, the concepts of personal construct theory permit some generalization.

Practical implications

Resort complex staff and management need to note the differences required by guests of different national groupings, and to appreciate that less than warm responses by some clients are not indicative of dissatisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper distinguishes between guests not only on the basis of nationality and ethnicity, but also languages spoken. No similar study relating to resort complexes in Mauritius has been identified. The study also uses two modes of textual data analysis to support the interpretation offered.
The role of real estate agents on housing prices and rents: the Iranian experience
Authors: Gholipour Fereidouni Hassan
Published: June 2012

Purpose

In recent years, housing prices and rents have recorded impressive growth in Iran. Several observers believe that real estate agents have had a significant effect on this phenomenon. However, some do not agree with this viewpoint and argue that the role of real estate agents is not that much and housing prices and rents are affected by macroeconomic factors. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether real estate agents can influence housing prices and rents across provinces of Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying panel data technique, this paper uses observations from 28 provinces of Iran covering 2000 and 2003 to examine the role of real estate agents on housing prices and rents.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that the increased number of real estate agents and their activities positively significantly stimulate housing prices and rents.

Research limitations/implications

To the author's knowledge, most studies in this area cover the US and European real estate markets. Since findings for developed countries might not be directly transferable to emerging market economies such as Iran, more work is necessary to obtain a clearer picture of the role of real estate agents on housing prices and rents in emerging economies.

Originality/value

Although there has been a series of cross‐sectional studies published in this area, few empirical works have examined the effects of real estate agents on housing prices and rents by applying panel data set. The paper begins to fill this gap by analyzing a data sample of 28 provinces of Iran covering 2000 and 2003.
An assessment of the relative impact of factors influencing inaccuracy in valuation
Authors: Kayode Babawale Gabriel , Omirin Modupe
Published: June 2012

Purpose

To address the phenomenon of inaccuracy in real estate valuation successfully, it is imperative to ascertain the sources and how valuers are influenced. The purpose of this paper therefore is to identify and assess both the predictive and relative importance of the factors that significantly influence inaccuracy in residential property valuations in Lagos metropolis.

Design/methodology/approach

Data obtained from 250 firms of Estate Surveyors and Valuers were analyzed by a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics including factor analysis, and correlation/regression analysis.

Findings

The study identified: valuers' knowledge and experience; valuers' approach to valuation; and individual characteristics of valuers and valuation firms, in that order, as having significant influence on valuation accuracy in the study area.

Originality/value

If valuers know the factors that significantly influence inaccuracy and understand how they are affected, it would be possible to reduce the incidence of inaccuracy, together with its potential grave consequences to the housing market in particular, and the economy as a whole.
What pushes up China's real estate price?
Authors: Li Jing , Chiang Yat‐Hung
Published: June 2012

Purpose

China's real estate market is rampantly expanding. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors underpinning China's real estate price escalation from 1998 to 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

Cointegration approach, vector error correction model and Granger causality test are adopted to analyze whether stable and long‐run equilibrium interactions exist between housing prices and key macroeconomic variables, such as CPI, land sale and GDP.

Findings

Cointegration analysis shows long‐term equilibrium between real estate price (HP) and CPI or GDP, but not land sale. A bilateral Granger causality is observed between CPI and HP. However, GDP does not Granger cause HP, indicating personal gain (disposable income) does not catch up with national gain (GDP) in China, or “Guojinmintui” (national gain outpaces personal gain). Neither is there a feedback effect from HP to GDP, indicating housing price appreciation does not result in immediate capital gain or speculations in housing purchase. Besides, lack of cointegration relationships between HP and land sale is probably caused by restrictive polices on land supply.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first attempt to adopt cointegration approach and Granger causality tests to examine the real estate price escalation in China using national monthly data. Econometric analysis and subsequent policy discussion suggest that real estate price is driven by both economic and institutional factors. In particular, “Guojinmintui” is a fiscal issue while capital gain is a monetary issue. Together with land market policies, these institutional factors significantly contribute to the price escalation.
Using a Fourier polynomial expansion to generate a spatial predictor
Authors: Dubé Jean , Thériault Marius , Des Rosiers François
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Spatial autocorrelation in regression residuals is a major issue for the modeller because it disturbs parameter estimates and invalidates the reliability of conclusions drawn from models. The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach which generates new spatial predictors that can be mapped and qualitatively analysed while controlling for spatial autocorrelation among residuals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores an alternate approach using a Fourier polynomial function based on geographical coordinates to construct an additional spatial predictor that allows to capture the latent spatial pattern hidden among residuals. An empirical validation based on hedonic modelling of sale prices variation using a large dataset of house transactions is provided.

Findings

Results show that the spatial autocorrelation problem is under control as shown by low Moran's I indexes. Moreover, this geo‐statistical approach provides coefficients on environmental amenities that are still highly significant by capturing only the remaining spatial autocorrelation.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper relies on the development of a new model that allows considering, simultaneously spatial and time dimension while measuring the marginal impact of environmental amenities on house prices avoiding competition with the weight matrix needed in most spatial econometric models.
Slumlords in the Swedish welfare state: how is it possible?
Authors: Lind Hans , Blomé Gunnar
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to try to explain how long‐term mismanagement of a housing estate could arise in a country with a strong legal framework aimed at preventing such situations.

Design/methodology/approach

Assuming that both tenants and landlords are rational, the paper presents a set of hypotheses that is consistent with the information available.

Findings

It is argued that the tenants stayed even though the rent was higher and the quality was lower than in neighboring areas because of a combination of three factors: rents were paid by different forms of welfare payments; lack of alternatives because of queues to other areas; and because some tenants saw an advantage in the “no‐question” asked policy that the slumlord followed. It is further argued that the property owner found this slum‐strategy profitable either because he hoped to find a “bigger fool” to sell to and/or because the decision makers in the company had not invested their own money. Both tenants and investors were, in the end, losers, but not the company managers.

Social implications

The Swedish legal framework is, to a large extent, based on the idea that tenants should take action when there are problems. For several reasons the tenants in the area did not do that and it indicates that a more active role for the local authorities is necessary.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on an interesting case that most people thought could not occur and tries to explain this within a framework of rational actors.
Innovation strategies of Indian market leaders
Authors: Krishnan Rishikesha T.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the innovation strategies, and to understand the role of innovation, in the growth of Indian market leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesizes recent research on the innovation strategies of Indian companies. It identifies innovation strategy in terms of dimensions used in prior literature such as exploration vs exploitation, market‐pull vs technology push, internal vs external development of capabilities, and product vs process innovation. It also identifies different organizational processes used by Indian market leaders to drive innovation. Finally, it identifies future innovation management challenges likely to be faced by Indian companies.

Findings

Market‐leading Indian companies focus their attention on business model innovation for affordability. They use technology as a means to deliver such innovation rather than innovating in technology per se. They display a high level of ambidexterity in their innovation strategies on the four dimensions of innovation identified. So far, they used top‐down innovation models for breakthrough innovation, and bottom‐up innovation models for “managed innovation”. Going forward, they will need to adopt more research and development‐intensive innovation strategies. They will also have to develop new organizational process models for breakthrough innovation.

Practical implications

The paper provides insights on innovation strategy to Indian firms aspiring for market leadership. Managers in multinational corporations will have a better understanding of the innovation strategies followed by their Indian competitors.

Originality/value

India is an important growth market for most corporations. This article provides easily accessible insights into the innovation strategies that work in the Indian market.
Fighting the advertising battle
Authors: Gupta Seema
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this case is to illustrate the strategic as well as tactical dimensions of comparative advertising. The case can be used to demonstrate that the implications of comparative advertising can be analyzed from different perspectives – consumer behavior, legal framework and business and marketing strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This case was developed solely from secondary sources as a basis for class discussion. It is not intended to serve as an endorsement, source of primary data or an illustration of either effective or ineffective management.

Findings

While comparative advertising appears to be a tactic by which a message about the brand is communicated to the target audience, it is embedded in business and marketing strategy.

Originality/value

With competition intensifying across industries and product categories, comparative advertising will only increase and this case can provide useful insights into the emerging phenomenon.
The evolution of British pub food
Authors: Pratten John D. , Maréchal Fabian
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to summarise the evolution of pub food in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses secondary data.

Findings

The provision of food has increased enormously in recent years and has become a vital element to the economics of many outlets.

Research limitations/implications

The article does not have the data to consider how many pubs really benefit from their food provision.

Practical implications

The article provides general information about the nature of the food provision and a generalization about the economic benefits.

Originality/value

This article offers some knowledge and understanding in relation to the provision of pub food.
Defining bar food consumption patterns in United States chain restaurants
Authors: Stanton John L. , Meloche Martin S. , Charette Peter
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a base line of the types of menu items that are sold in American chain restaurants that have bars. The term “bar food” is defined for these types of foods.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method used the internet to collect all data listed in the appetizer section of the menu. Restaurants were also anecdotally coded as to type of restaurant.

Findings

There were 66 restaurants with a total of 67 unique bar menu items. The conclusion was that among all restaurants there were very few bar items that appeared on “most” menus. Only four items were statistically greater than 50 percent of all menu items. When restaurants were coded by ethnic type or style the number of common menu items increased.

Practical implications

This paper defines bar food and for restaurant managers points out the possibility of using bar food offerings as a differentiating factor relative to competitors.

Originality/value

This paper defines bar food and its use in food service.
The French bar: adapting to legal and societal shifts
Authors: Ormrod Nathalie
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to identify the causes of the decline of French cafés and highlight some of the solutions which have been implemented to save this symbol of French identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses secondary French sources, mainly from the press and professional organisations.

Findings

Cafés (or bars), once symbols of French lifestyle and identity, have experienced a sharp decline in numbers over the past decades. Legislation, including a smoking ban and more stringent drink‐driving enforcement, has been blamed. However, social and cultural factors have helped to change the French lifestyle, and it is possible that many bar owners did not adapt with sufficient speed to the new consumer demand.

Research limitations/implications

The work is primarily limited to a literature review. More theoretical and empirical research is needed to further analyse the developments to which the profession has had to adapt, and the changes the latter will bring to the sector as a whole.

Originality/value

The paper provides an examination of the current position of the French cafés and the need of owners to be aware of current trends and to adapt to these.
Pub food: surveys of customer demand and pub provision
Authors: Maréchal Fabien
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the food provision in the public houses of a small town.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has been undertaken using a survey of customers and a series of structured interviews with pub licensees and their staff.

Findings

The findings suggest that there are several areas essential to effective food provision. These include the location of the pub, its atmosphere, the quality of the service, the menu choice, the price, the ambience of the outlet and its marketing.

Research limitations/implications

The article is limited to one small town. Results may be different elsewhere, particularly in larger towns and cities.

Practical implications

The article provides some evidence of the factors favoured by customers and the failure of some pubs to address these preferences.

Originality/value

This article offers some knowledge and understanding in relation to the provision of pub food.
Food marketing: the public house sector
Authors: Jones Rosalind , Rowley Jennifer
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This article aims to address the paucity of research in relation to eating establishments and food marketing by focussing on the public house sector in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses secondary data and a qualitative case study approach to investigate pub food marketing in independent public houses based in North Wales, UK.

Findings

The public house sector is a market in decline. Challenges in the market are identified, however, provision of food as part of the market offering provides vital opportunities for additional profit and sustainability. Successful pub food marketing includes: understanding customers; targeting and controlling future markets; e‐marketing; promoting the pub theme/environment; promotion of food “value”; community involvement; and employee training.

Research limitations/implications

Although this is only one small sample of independent public houses, this research provides indications of the marketing issues related to food and dining out, for managers of pubs and other restaurant establishments generally.

Practical implications

The article provides a comprehensive list of marketing issues and solutions that will be useful to publicans and restaurateurs.

Originality/value

This research furthers knowledge and understanding in relation to the marketing of pub food and the marketing of eating establishments in general. Marketing of food is complex; it requires an understanding of the dynamism between the eating establishment, the tourist destination and community base together with an understanding of the combined food product and service offering, and the overall dining experience.
The potential role of the internet in promoting pub food
Authors: Peet Steven
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential role of the internet and social networking in the promotion of public houses in general and pub food in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers various models for the use of the internet in marketing, and tries to place the food offerings of public houses within such frameworks.

Findings

The models do not appear to apply to the demands of the small business sector under consideration.

Research limitations/implications

The work is primarily limited to a literature review. More theoretical and empirical research is needed to examine how the internet can actually support the marketing needs of individual public houses.

Originality/value

The paper provides an examination of the potential of the internet and suggests directions which owners/managers could follow to gain commercial benefit.
Food for thought: legal aspects of food provision
Authors: Potter Stephen
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that in any business operation legal constraints and requirements impact upon the activities undertaken with the particular focus of reference to the provision of food in a public house and restaurant setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted is that of qualitative secondary research drawing on published materials in the form of legal regulations and judicial precedents, and from governmental organisations, trade associations and news articles. This approach is appropriate to the nature of the work, which seeks to raise an awareness of some of the hazards and ramifications, which may result from a failure to appreciate and observe legal standards of conduct.

Findings

The research carried out for this paper reveals examples of the range of legal measures under both the criminal and civil law in the UK which should be met in the commercial provision of food, thereby, in part, contributing to the success and reputation of the business. The rationale for both criminal and civil law is indicated together with the means of enforcement and the consequences of infringement.

Research limitations/implications

The work is not intended to constitute a comprehensive or speculation‐free statement of the totality of the legal measures which operate in this area, nor to be technical in nature, nor to amount to legal advice, but it is intended to highlight some of the legal pitfalls which may await the unwary or insouciant in the supply of prepared food meals to customers and consumers. Each country has its own legal system and regulations in varying degrees, although there may be similarities in certain respects, such as in the common law jurisdictions of the Commonwealth and the USA, which have been influenced by English law. Within its areas of legal competence, the European Union has sought to effect harmonisation amongst the member states. As there is no universal system of the legal regulation of food provision, this makes it imperative that appropriate guidance and advice are obtained locally before commencement of activity. To keep within reasonable bounds, this paper is confined to UK law. However, this should serve to exemplify the standards of a democratic and commercially sophisticated country with regard to the subject matter under examination.

Practical implications

The paper concludes with a number of suggestions of a practical character, which may be of interest to those engaged in the provision of food in public houses and restaurants.

Originality/value

The material employed in this work has been gathered from a variety of sources, with the intention that the selections made, together with the interpretations given, serve a useful function in bringing into prominence that in the provision of food, with particular reference to those operating public house and restaurant businesses, it is essential that proper attention is given to all necessary legal considerations.
Pub food: a practitioner's view
Authors: Pratten Amanda J.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The article aims to provide a practitioner perspective and case study of the challenges involved in sustaining a successful food operation in a UK public house.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses a case study and the personal and professional reflections of an experienced publican to provide a practitioner viewpoint.

Findings

The paper uses a case study to illustrate the ways in which external and often uncontrollable factors affect the stability of pub food operations.

Practical implications

The article provides an array of practical insights on the challenges faced by publicans in creating and sustaining successful food operations.

Originality/value

The article draws on the personal and professional reflections of an experienced publican.
Reflections: what are the ingredients for success in bar food operations?
Authors: Pratten John D. , Marechal Fabian
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The article aims to reflect on the various contributions made to the theme issue “What are the ingredients for success in bar food operations?” and to summarize the outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopts a viewpoint approach to reflect on the papers in the special issue and to summarize the key issues affecting bar food operations in the UK.

Findings

Trends in the provision of food on licensed premises have undergone dramatic changes in the last 20 years and in the UK, public houses now rely to a much greater extent on food sales to augment turnover.

Practical implications

The article summarizes the key issues affecting bar food operations in the UK and draws on some of changes occurring elsewhere to identify implications for the future.

Originality/value

This article offers some knowledge and understanding in relation to the provision of pub food.
Knowledge transfer, perceived environmental turbulence and innovation in China
Authors: Ko Stephen , Tan Boon‐Seng
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of individual entrepreneurs on the operating environments as potential opportunities or threats, which influence the relationship between knowledge transfer and innovation by drawing on the threat‐rigidity thesis and prospect theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the relationships among knowledge transfer, perceived environmental turbulence and innovation, using data from a mail survey of 66 technology‐based entrepreneurs in China.

Findings

Results showed that knowledge transfer was positively related to innovation, but that this relationship was moderated by perceived environmental turbulence.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations of this paper include causality, common method bias, and generalizability. In future research, it may be helpful to use field experiments and longitudinal research designs, and to replicate this research in other industries and contexts.

Practical implications

This research highlights the perception of entrepreneurs towards the peculiarities of the operating environment in China, which helps explain why innovation is highly variable across organizations.

Originality/value

Previous research examining the effect of knowledge transfer on innovation does not explicitly model the moderating effect of environmental turbulence. To fill this research gap, the authors draw upon the threat‐rigidity thesis and prospect theory to examine the perceptions of individual entrepreneurs on the operating environments as potential opportunities or threats, which influence the relationship between knowledge transfer and innovation. The authors suggest that the link between knowledge transfer and innovation varies with different interpretations of the operating environment by individual entrepreneurs.
Does IPR promote innovation? New evidence from developed and developing countries
Authors: Wang Hua , Lai Mingyong , Spivakovsky Maxim
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Following the controversy regarding the effects of stronger intellectual property rights (IPR) on technological innovation, the purpose of this paper is to systemically examine the relationship between IPR and technological innovation under the North‐South analytical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data from 27 developed countries and 57 developing countries, this paper operates the empirical examination on determinants of technology innovation in an open economy by separated sample of the North and the South. The paper adopts the instrumental variable (IV) estimation to handle the possible endogenous problem caused by IPR variable.

Findings

This paper finds that the threshold effects of stronger IPR on innovation depended on the initial IPR level. Neither too strong IPR nor too weak IPR are conducive to innovation. Furthermore, the optimal level of IPR in developed countries is higher than that of developing countries; this difference implies that adoption of IPR standard of developed countries may be inefficient for developing countries.

Originality/value

The authors' empirical results uncover new empirical evidence to support “the optimal IPR hypothesis” and provide this field with more detailed and reliable empirical evidence.
The effect of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance
Authors: Zhang Yanlong , Zhang Xiu'e
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Focusing on the corporate entrepreneurship in China's emerging economy, the purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of network capabilities on entrepreneurial orientation and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires and statistical analysis are applied in this research.

Findings

Based on the survey of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the north‐east of China, it is found that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has a positive effect on business performance, and network capabilities (NC) can significantly moderate relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance.

Originality/value

This paper, theoretically, fills a gap by finding out how network capabilities impact the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance in China's emerging economy; it enriches China's entrepreneurial theory, and, in the practical sense, pays attention to the development of network capabilities in the day‐to‐day running of SMEs, to further their competitive advantages in the continuous process of corporate entrepreneurship.
Talent definition and talent management recognition in Chinese private‐owned enterprises
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Bright David
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Talent management (TM) is underdeveloped and TM recognition is unclear in the context of Chinese private‐owned enterprises (POEs). As talent definition is the basis of TM practices, the purpose of this paper is to explore talent definition and TM recognition in the context of Chinese real estate POEs, in order to explore how Chinese cultural context and POEs' characteristics influence talent definition and TM recognition.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 27 semi‐structured interviews were conducted in three case study companies.

Findings

Based on qualitative analysis, the paper finds talent definition is influenced by the important Chinese cultural factor “guanxi” and is quite different from existing Western TM literature. TM recognition is also influenced by the Chinese POEs' operation characteristics.

Originality/value

The paper finds a new talent definition criterion, “guanxi”, and identifies TM recognition in the context of Chinese POEs. The paper thus contributes to TM literature in China.
Perceptual tolerance neighborhood‐based similarity in content‐based image retrieval and classification
Authors: Meghdadi Amir H. , Peters James F.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of using perceptual tolerance neighbourhoods in tolerance space‐based image similarity measures and its application in content‐based image classification and retrieval.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method in this paper is based on a set‐theoretic approach, where an image is viewed as a set of local visual elements. The method also includes a tolerance relation that detects the similarity between pairs of elements, if the difference between corresponding feature vectors is less than a threshold 2 (0,1).

Findings

It is shown that tolerance space‐based methods can be successfully used in a complete content‐based image retrieval (CBIR) system. Also, it is shown that perceptual tolerance neighbourhoods can replace tolerance classes in CBIR, resulting in more accuracy and less computations.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the introduction of perceptual tolerance neighbourhoods instead of tolerance classes in a new form of the Henry‐Peters tolerance‐based nearness measure (tNM) and a new neighbourhood‐based tolerance‐covering nearness measure (tcNM). Moreover, this paper presents a side – by – side comparison of the tolerance space based methods with other published methods on a test dataset of images.