bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing a descriptive profile of a transformed apparel industry
Authors: Ha‐Brookshire Jung E. , Dyer Barbara
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to confirm empirically the existence of a US apparel import intermediary (AII) identity crisis, and to provide a detailed descriptive profile of AIIs, differentiating them from apparel firms not primarily engaged in importing activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey study was conducted using a national sample of US AIIs. Based on these firms' executives' responses, a firm identity issue was analyzed and a detailed profile of these firms' business characteristics was developed, using frequency comparisons.

Findings

The study confirmed that US AIIs are currently experiencing an identity crisis, as nearly half of the study respondents misclassified themselves as apparel manufacturers or other business types, suggesting a significant distortion in US Economic Census data. The study also provided a descriptive profile of US AIIs, including geographic location and other business operation characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

Three fourths of the survey respondents were located in the state of New York. Whether most US AIIs truly reside in New York cannot be known with certainty. Generalization of the study findings to a greater population should be cautious.

Practical implications

Confirmation of an AII identity crisis suggests both aggregate and individual firm‐level impacts on import activities. The study offers a new term, “intermediary”, to replace the US Census Bureau term “wholesaler” to accurately reflect the industry's transformation.

Originality/value

The study provides the first empirical support for a US AII identity crisis. The detailed profile of US AIIs offers industry data not available prior to this study.
Technology adoption by apparel manufacturers in Tirupur town, India
Authors: Varukolu Venu , Park‐Poaps Haesun
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the status of technology adoption of Indian apparel manufacturing firms and the organizational factors that affect the level of technology adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Fourteen technologies applicable to apparel manufacturing were examined. A survey with an online questionnaire to apparel manufacturers in India was conducted to collect the data.

Findings

The most frequently adopted technology was the internet. The least frequently adopted technologies found in this study were robot‐related. The level of a firm's technology adoption was found to be significantly related to firm size positively and its export orientation negatively. It was also moderately related to competitive advantage. The effects of top management commitment, cost of capital, and technical skills were not significant.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizability of the results is cautioned because the data were from the firms in one industrial town. The results indicate that technology adoption is related to the recent, intensified trade competition. The relationships among export orientation, price competition, and technology adoption need to be studied further.

Originality/value

Given the importance of upgrading in today's competitive global trade environment, this study builds a knowledge base of the technology adoption in apparel manufacturing and influential factors in developing countries.
Luxury consumption factors
Authors: Husic Melika , Cicic Muris
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the luxury market and determine the factors that determine luxury consumption. Luxury consumption has been neglected, and yet many questions arise concerning the underlying dimensions of luxury shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

Two scales were used: questions concerning luxury consumption were used in order to determine the sample of luxury consumers, and a PRECON scale was used to measure individual differences in consumers’ prestige shopping preferences. After the scale validation process, factor analysis was conducted, along with regression analysis of all PRECON factors.

Findings

The results show that in this market consumers perceive quality as a brand determinant. Further, strong patron status suggests a “snob effect” among respondents, who buy exclusive items in an attempt to distinguish themselves. Hence, rare products indicate respect and prestige among the respondents. Furthermore, this paper defines two sub‐categories, namely “old aristocracy” and “new money”, with the latter more ascendant in the case of a developing market. It also showed that luxury consumers behave similarly worldwide, regardless of economic or social surroundings.

Research limitations/implications

Luxury consumption should be put in the context of psychological determinants, and perhaps tested according to lifestyle.

Originality/value

This paper brings attention to luxury consumption, its motives and consumer styles.
Forecasting the US fashion industry with industry professionals – part 2
Authors: Kim Eundeok , Johnson Kim K.P.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper, with part 1, aims to investigate the opinions of professionals working in the fashion industry on the future (i.e. next ten to 20 years) of fashion production and retailing.

Design/methodology/approach

Data in the form of essays were collected from 62 professionals. The constant comparative method and open coding were used in analysis of the data.

Findings

Advances in technology were identified as a driving force behind changes in fashion production and retailing. The total automation and wide adoption of mass customization were foreseen, along with continuous improvement to information technology. Some participants predicted that most production would continue to be sourced offshore. Others believed that apparel production would remain and even grow within the USA. To counter global competition, several strategies were identified. While online shopping was predicted to increase, brick and mortar stores would remain. Through the combination of different types of stores, new types of store would emerge, and consolidation of retail businesses would continue. Future consumer preferences as well as strategies to become competitive retailers were identified.

Practical implications

The findings can help academics in developing research ideas and making curricular decisions.

Originality/value

The examination of professionals' opinions in this paper may provide insights into the future useful for making decisions on career directions, selecting educational experiences, making investments, and planning strategies.
Forecasting the US fashion industry with industry professionals – part 1
Authors: Kim Eundeok , Johnson Kim K.P.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the opinions of professionals working in various levels of the fashion industry on the future (i.e. the next ten to 20 years) of the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a two‐part study, with this part focusing on the future materials of fashion and on fashion design. The second part focuses on the future of fashion production and retailing. Data in the form of essays were collected from 62 professionals. The constant comparative method and open coding were used in analysis of the data.

Findings

Technological advancements were predicted as a major force for changes. Participants predicted the continued development of specialized fibers or fabrics for specific functions. Participants also predicted that future apparel styles would emphasize individuality, comfort, casualness, unisex, and ethnicity. Design and product development processes would be heavily dependent on digital technology; as a result, the role of technical design would grow in importance. Companies that can embrace technology without eliminating the art elements of the business – functional with an aesthetic touch – would remain in an advantageous position to sustain business profitability. Collaboration was also identified as an emerging trend.

Practical implications

The findings can help academics in developing research ideas and making curricular decisions.

Originality/value

Limited research exists addressing the views of a wide variety of professionals on the future of the fashion industry. The examination of professionals' opinions may provide insights into the future that are useful for making decisions on career directions, selecting educational experiences, and planning strategies.
Knowledge outsourcing: an alternative strategy for knowledge management
Authors: Lam Wing , Chua Alton Y.K.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

In knowledge outsourcing, external knowledge providers, rather than in‐house experts, are contracted to provide services which result in the production of knowledge‐intensive assets for the organisation. The purpose of this paper is to present the notion of knowledge outsourcing as an alternative strategy for knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study research method is adopted to examine the knowledge outsourcing processes and activities at a for‐profit higher education enterprise that has been successful in using a knowledge outsourcing approach in the development of its online courseware.

Findings

A general process model of knowledge outsourcing is developed from the case data. The paper also draws attention to three conditions under which knowledge outsourcing may be a suitable strategy for knowledge management. Additionally, two main areas of knowledge outsourcing risk, which are related to the quality of knowledge services and the effort required to manage the outsourcing relationship, have been identified.

Research limitations/implications

Given that the study involves only a single case, the findings may likely be influenced by the peculiarities of the case, including the nature of the industry, availability of external experts and top management support. Going forward, a more refined theory for knowledge outsourcing can be developed through further empirical validation with more cases.

Practical implications

The notion of knowledge outsourcing is introduced to managers who wish to exploit external sources rather than relying on internal capability for knowledge creation.

Originality/value

This paper represents one of the earliest efforts to introduce the notion of knowledge outsourcing to the knowledge management community.
Top management sponsorship to guide communities of practice
Authors: Borzillo Stefano
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Prior research on managing communities of practice (CoP) has not investigated top management's involvement in detail. The purpose of this paper is to present three detailed and successful mechanisms through which top management contributes to the guidance of CoPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an investigation of 47 CoPs conducted in several organizations. Data collection was achieved using a qualitative questionnaire, followed by in‐depth interviews with leaders of CoPs.

Findings

This study explored three mechanisms used by sponsors to successfully guide CoPs. More specifically, the findings highlight a set of operational means used by top management – via sponsors – to supervise and facilitate best practice development and sharing within CoPs.

Research limitations/implications

The CoPs should be examined by means of an ethnological approach, thus interacting with many members of the same CoP to gain an in‐depth understanding of each mechanism's significance for the sponsorship's success. There is also a need to further explore how the three sponsorship mechanisms are interrelated.

Originality/value

Through numerous examples extracted from different multinational organizations, this paper offers clear guidelines for top managers on how to improve their support to CoPs in their organization.
Subjectivity and cognition in knowledge management
Authors: Rahe Martin
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical insights into an imminent problem of knowledge management. Through the reflection on the impact of subjectivity in knowledge production, the object‐subject divide is to be analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

The starting point is that knowledge management is far from being management of objective truth. The paper shows how the transformation of information and signals into knowledge is affected by mind sets and how these mind sets may differ according to individual and cultural parameters. This means that any kind of diversity finds its expression in cognitive diversity and finally also in knowledge diversity. This paper is based on a review of the literature in the field of behavioral economics and where it overlaps with economics and psychology.

Findings

The probability of misunderstanding increases the overlap of individual mindsets. Even if there are sophisticated technologies which support the management of knowledge, the knowledge product by itself can neither be managed nor effectively be controlled.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical discussion gives room for empirical testing, i.e. in experiments.

Practical implications

The value of knowledge management depends on the accuracy of data gathering, but the probability of misunderstanding increases the overlap of individual mindsets.

Originality/value

The paper looks critically at a management tool that tries to manage the most important resource in the company and which is too often considered as a merely technological challenge.
Knowledge communication and translation – a knowledge transfer model
Authors: Liyanage Champika , Elhag Taha , Ballal Tabarak , Li Qiuping
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a process model for knowledge transfer in using theories relating knowledge communication and knowledge translation.

Design/methodology/approach

Most of what is put forward in this paper is based on a research project titled “Procurement for innovation and knowledge transfer (ProFIK)”. The project is funded by a UK government research council – The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The discussions are mainly grounded on a thorough review of literature accomplished as part of the research project.

Findings

The process model developed in this paper has built upon the theory of knowledge transfer and the theory of communication. Knowledge transfer, per se, is not a mere transfer of knowledge. It involves different stages of knowledge transformation. Depending on the context of knowledge transfer, it can also be influenced by many factors; some positive and some negative. The developed model of knowledge transfer attempts to encapsulate all these issues in order to create a holistic framework.

Originality/value of paper

An attempt has been made in the paper to combine some of the significant theories or findings relating to knowledge transfer together, making the paper an original and valuable one.
Managing the knowledge paradox in product development
Authors: Prieto Isabel M. , Revilla Elena , Rodríguez‐Prado Beatriz
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain from paradox a novel lens to elucidate the connections between knowledge management (KM) and product development as a knowledge intensive process. By focusing on the “social side” of KM, it is proposed that different KM orientations can emerge as a result of higher or lower emphasis on both cultural and structural enablers. These KM orientations generate specific potential to manage the tension and paradox of managing both knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation knowledge during product development.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical evidence is provided by performing survey research with data collected from 80 product development projects developed in Spain.

Findings

Results show that product development efforts can show three different KM orientations that significantly differ in their results in terms of knowledge exploration and, specially, knowledge exploitation. Moreover, product development requires a symbiosis between both cultural and structural enablers to best manage the paradox of exploration and exploitation.

Originality/value

The measurement items used can realistically be thought of as only proxies for an underlying and latent phenomenon that is neither fully nor easily measurable. Together with it, replies from multiple respondents would have ruled out potential drawbacks.
Measuring the intangible aspects of an R&D project
Authors: Vuolle Maiju , Lönnqvist Antti , van der Meer Jacques
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the measurement of intangible aspects of research and development (R&D) projects, particularly from the funding organization's point‐of‐view.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review on R&D measurement is carried out in order to identify the intangible factors to be measured as well as potential indicators. The practical applicability of the measures is discussed in light of an exploratory case study.

Findings

Lists of intangible inputs and outputs of R&D projects are presented along with some potential measures. The assessment of the intangible aspects of R&D projects is considered important for the funding organization. However, the current measurement practices are inadequate.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide a summary of the current status of the topic and a basis for further research.

Originality/value

The knowledge about the intangible aspects of R&D projects summarized in this paper has been scattered before in a wide set of previous research literature. The evaluation of the existing measures provides valuable information for understanding the development stage of this academic and managerial discipline.
In pursuit of performance‐oriented civil service reforms (CSRs): a Kenyan perspective
Authors: Marwa Simmy M. , Zairi Mohamed
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the implementation of performance‐oriented civil service reforms (CSRs) in Kenya, noting hurdles and opportunities for improvement and to suggest a robust model to imbed a performance‐oriented reforms culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is informed by a review of the literature on civil service reforms and applications of performance measurements in civil service reforms in Africa in general and specifically in Kenya. Current performance‐oriented reforms/practices and challenges are documented, obstacles/gaps to effective implementation identified, opportunities for improvement isolated and a robust model to inculcate a performance‐oriented culture suggested for application.

Findings

While noticeable progress has been made in implementation of CSRs in Kenya, there evidently remain obstacles in the implementation of performance‐oriented civil service reforms. Civil service reforms ought to revolve around performance measurements; rewarding good performance and realigning resources to support desired changes, while simultaneously stimulating competition amongst public entities so as to support superior public service delivery.

Originality/value

The paper provides a succinct account of the state of civil service reforms in Kenya and particularly the drive towards performance‐oriented reforms. It suggests a holistic approach to engraining a performance‐oriented culture.
FM dashboard
Authors: von Felten Daniel , Coenen Christian , Arnold Moos Irene
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a deeper understanding of the importance of monitoring key aspects of facility management (FM), right from the planning stage of a building's lifecycle.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on literature review and qualitative research. Empirical interviews were conducted with various executives and academics to identify FM‐related aspects that should be considered during the planning, design and construction of buildings. These insights are the foundation of a newly developed monitoring tool which can be applied to different settings.

Findings

When analyzing relevant aspects of FM, ten main categories were identified, together with corresponding sub‐categories. These were used as input for a quality assurance tool designed to analyze the degree to which FM is taken into consideration in the early stages of planning. Respondents fill out an item battery, using a five‐point scale. The questions refer to the completeness and plausibility of the respective (sub‐)category. This newly developed monitoring‐tool has been applied to a construction project in the city center of Zurich/Switzerland.

Research limitations/implications

The monitoring tool presented here is only a first attempt to structure and analyze important aspects of FM during the early stages of building construction. It will be further developed over time to include various building types and more project phases within the life cycle of buildings.

Practical implications

FM dashboard can be used as an analytical tool to support the structured monitoring of FM relevant aspects during planning, design and construction.

Originality/value

Corporate facility managers need better methods and tools for demonstrating the importance of early consideration of FM‐relevant aspects to various parties involved in construction (e.g. architectural and planning offices, owners, construction companies, etc.). This paper provides an insight into a tool designed for this purpose and offers practical assistance and guidance for its use.
Residents' involvement in tourism and their perceptions of tourism impacts
Authors: Sharma Bishnu , Dyer Pam
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the differences in residents' attitude to tourism by considering those who receive social and economic benefits from tourism and those who perceive that they do not; and those who want to move away from the Sunshine Coast and those who do not.

Design/methodology/approach

In conducting this investigation, information is collected from Sunshine Coast residents by using a survey approach. Altogether, 732 responses are received with a response rate of 14.64 per cent. Social, economic and cultural benefits are considered.

Findings

The paper finds notable differences in residents' attitude according to the type of benefit they receive from tourism. Similar observations are made regarding residents who are willing to move away from the Sunshine Coast and those who are not.

Research limitations/implications

Not many studies are available comparing Sunshine Coast with other major cities such as Sydney or Melbourne in Australia. Therefore, in future research, it would be useful to establish some benchmarks that incorporate a seasonality aspect and to conduct comparative studies to identify residents' preferences for the development of tourist attractions and related developmental issues. Along with residents, it will be of some value to explore the visitors' perceptions of both positive and negative aspects of the Sunshine Coast Region as a tourist destination.

Originality/value

This paper identifies several notable differences which would assist the tourism planners in developing a policy for sustaining tourism development and aligning future growth with residents' desires. The findings of this paper are also useful in developing future benchmarking research projects in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Benchmarking Russian and Finnish food industry supply chains
Authors: Tuominen Tommi , Kitaygorodskaya Natalia , Helo Petri
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the differences between Finnish and Russian, namely Karelian, food industry supply chains. The main objective is to find out the reasons for low productivity in Russian food industry from supply chain management (SCM) point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study method is used to compare the Russian and Finnish food industry supply chains. The comparison is carried out by using SCM scorecard. Furthermore, the comparison is supplemented with the data from non‐structured interviews with Russian food industry company managers. Altogether data from eight food industry companies in the Republic of Karelia, Russia, are gathered and four managers are interviewed. The results of the companies' SCM scorecard analysis are compared to the results of almost 100 Finnish food industry companies.

Findings

The research suggests that based on the SCM scorecard the differences between Finnish and Russian food industry companies' operational methods are modest. The difference in productivity can be rather explained by the differences in operating environment and the level of technology in use. Logistics costs for companies in Russia are estimated to be double compared to Finnish companies. Poor road conditions and underdeveloped 3PL are considered as main reasons of high‐logistics costs.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the relatively low number and small size of the companies interviewed and taken part in the scorecard evaluations, more systematic research in the field is required. In addition, it should be mentioned that all interviewees seemed to be suspicious about intentions of the Finnish interviewer. Two interviewees openly asked if the research was aimed at commercial spying.

Originality/value

Considering the state, size and growth potential of Russian food market, the lack of research in the field is remarkable. This paper aims to bring new valuable information for both practitioners and academics while creating ground for future research in the field.
A cyclical model of institutional change
Authors: Papenhausen Chris
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Previous research on institutional change has largely ignored its cyclical nature. This paper aims to introduce a four‐phase cyclical model of long‐term institutional change.

Design/methodology/approach

The recurrent patterns of the model have been identified from previous technological revolutions and their accompanying surges of development. The model also incorporates generational theory as a driver of institutional change.

Findings

The model predicts that a multi‐year institutional crisis is currently underway that has important implications for practitioners. The paper also describes proposed solutions to the current crisis.

Originality/value

The model developed synthesizes disparate institutional theories to build a new explanation for long‐term economic development.
Technology diffusion: forecasting with bibliometric analysis and Bass model
Authors: Daim Tugrul , Suntharasaj Pattharaporn
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use bibliometric analysis to forecast RFID technology and uses the adoption of barcode scanner to model the RFID scanner adoption in the US retail market.

Design/methodology/approach

Forecasting emerging technologies and identifying the rate of diffusion of products based on these technologies is difficult because of lack of data. This paper uses techniques such as bibliometric analysis and Bass model based on analogous products.

Findings

The authors were able to come up with a good Bass model for the adoption of RFID scanners in the retail sector. And according to the Bass model it appears that it will take at least seven or eight years for the retailers to adopt to this new technology at their point‐of‐sale.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to use bibliometric analysis and Bass model for forecasting technologies and provides a new research discussion as results from these two are compared.
Design principles and first educational experiments of πR, a platform to infer geo‐referenced itineraries from travel stories
Authors: Loustau Pierre , Nodenot Thierry , Gaio Mauro
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a computational approach and a toolset to infer spatial displacements as they occur in route narrative documents and report on first experiments done to produce computer‐aided learning (CAL) applications and instructional design editors that exploit the inferred georeferenced itineraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Identification of the structure of natural language expressions to indicate spatial displacement, as they occur in route narrative documents. Use of geographic information systems technology to treat the semantics of spatial displacements identified in route narrative documents.

Findings

It was found that French route narratives can be linguistically analyzed with a relatively simple structure (two computational models). Transducers are used to successfully analyze displacements verbs and to attach some semantics to paragraphs of route narratives.

Research limitations/implications

The same structure valid for French texts can be found in English texts as well. Further work could lead to fundamental questions about whether itineraries are linguistic universals.

Practical implications

The toolset is fully functional and can be tested on the World Wide Web for information retrieval purposes. Currently it is used for CAL applications to tutor learners in the process of reading route narratives documents.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that the featured computational models and toolset are mature enough to be embedded in end‐user applications.
Towards an intelligent possibilistic web information retrieval using multiagent system
Authors: Elayeb Bilel , Evrard Fabrice , Zaghdoud Montaceur , Ben Ahmed Mohamed
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make a scientific contribution to web information retrieval (IR).

Design/methodology/approach

A multiagent system for web IR is proposed based on new technologies: Hierarchical Small‐Worlds (HSW) and Possibilistic Networks (PN). This system is based on a possibilistic qualitative approach which extends the quantitative one.

Findings

The paper finds that the relevance of the order of documents changes while passing from a profile to another. Even if the selected terms tend to select the relevant document, these terms are not the most frequent of the document. This criterion shows the asset of the qualitative approach of the SARIPOD system in the selection of relevant documents. The insertion of the factors of preference between query terms in the calculations of the possibility and the necessity consists in increasing the scores of possibilistic relevance of the documents containing these terms with an aim of penalizing the scores of relevance of the documents not containing them. The penalization and the increase in the scores are proportional to the capacity of the terms to discriminate between the documents of the collection.

Research limitations/implications

It is planned to extend the tests of the SARIPOD system to other grammatical categories, like refining the approach for the substantives by considering for example, the verbal occurrences in names definitions, etc. Also, it is planned to carry out finer measurements of the performances of SARIPOD system by extending the tests with other types of web documents.

Practical implications

The system can be useful to help research students find their relevant scientific papers. It must be located in the document server of any research laboratory.

Originality/value

The paper presents SARIPOD, a new qualitative possibilistic model for web IR using multiagent system.
A question managing suite for automatic lecture recording
Authors: Lampi Fleming , Lemelson Hendrik , Kopf Stephan , Effelsberg Wolfgang
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is describing the seamless integration of the question‐answer interaction into automatic lecture recordings (ALRs). This includes the design and implementation of the question management (QM) software for a virtual camera team.

Design/methodology/approach

Coming from the human role model the interaction and its management to the virtual world is transferred and integrated it into a virtual camera team. All events are translated into sensor inputs which get processed by the virtual director and are used for the collaboration of the team in order to implement more complex cinematographic rules.

Findings

It is found that it is possible to record the whole interaction, to record the original voice of the questioner out of an audience without handing out a microphone or forcing him/her to walk to one, and to record a video of the questioner while asking. So, it is easier to follow a lecture recording as more details are recorded automatically.

Practical implications

First experiences on using this software clearly show the small weaknesses of the first version. As mentioned in the outlook, these are currently being addressed, e.g. by looking for a more natural interface.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how to use the question‐answer interaction as sensor input for an automatic lecture recording (ALR) system based on the roles of the according human originals. It ensures that many details of a lecture can be recorded seamlessly to keep the lecture context continuous and therefore to make the lecture recording more vivid and interesting.
Young consumers' motives for using SMS and perceptions towards SMS advertising
Authors: Phau Ian , Teah Min
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine young consumers' motives for using short message service (SMS), their SMS usage frequency, and their attitudes towards SMS advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using convenience sampling via a self administered questionnaire in a large Western Australia university. A total of 211 useable responses were collected and retained for analysis.

Findings

Factor analysis on the motives for using SMS revealed seven factors. The results showed that convenience and economical reasons influence SMS usage frequency. Social involvement is also found to influence attitudes towards SMS advertising.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is only limited to young consumers in an Australian context. As such, limited generalization can be derived. Future research can look into cross cultural studies or other consumer segments.

Practical implications

Marketers and advertisers can look into crafting relevant and targeted messages to reach young consumers. Furthermore, referrals can be another option to reach the young consumer market. Pricing strategies and integrating SMS advertising with other forms of media can be further explored.

Originality/value

Many prior studies have focused on an Asian or European context. Limited research has been done to investigate the relationship between motives for using SMS and attitudes towards SMS as an advertising tool.
Consumer perceptions of mobile phone marketing: a direct marketing innovation
Authors: Roach Gemma
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a recent study which explored consumer perceptions of mobile phone marketing. Through the application of constructs adapted from traditional innovation and product involvement research, the study examined how a consumer's perception of the relative advantages, compatibility and complexity associated with mobile phone marketing, and their involvement with their mobile phone, influenced their intention to accept marketing communication sent via this channel.

Design/methodology/approach

A deductive, quantitative research approach was adopted, where data was collected using a self‐completed questionnaire administered to a sample of 254 university students.

Findings

Statistical analysis revealed that a consumer's perceptions of two of the three innovation attributes tested (relative advantage and compatibility) were significantly associated with their acceptance (or adoption) of marketing messages sent via their mobile phone. However, a slightly weaker relationship between a consumer's level of involvement with their mobile phone and their adoption of mobile phone marketing was found.

Practical implications

This research provides companies with important insights into the factors that may encourage or deter consumer acceptance of this new form of direct marketing.

Originality/value

The value of this study derives from its novel use of an established innovation framework, combined with an assessment of product involvement, to examine consumer perceptions of mobile phone marketing.
Users' perceptions on privacy and their intention to transact online: a study on Greek internet users
Authors: Zorotheos A. , Kafeza E.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the internet users' privacy concerns (concerns for information privacy, CFIP) and perceived privacy control (PPC) affect their willingness to use internet web places in order to transact. A theoretical model is introduced that describes how users' CFIP and PPC may affect their willingness to transact through web places when personal information must be disclosed in order to accomplish the transaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is empirically tested using data collected with a survey that include items for each of the constructs of the model. The survey is administrated to 190 internet users and resulted in 142 usable responses through questionnaires. In order to test the hypotheses, multidimensional regression analysis is used.

Findings

The findings indicate that both users' CFIP and users' PPC (some dimensions of them) have direct impact not only to users' trust toward the web site as expected but also to the willingness to transact through the internet when personal information needs to be disclosed.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, an introductory analysis is conducted in order to preliminary test the validity and credibility of the research model. In this first approach, the multidimensional regression analysis is used. Currently, the paper deals with the use of structural equation modeling in order to better test the research model. The research could be conducted also online in order to investigate users' behavior under real circumstances.

Practical implications

The more users know about their personal information the less willing they are to make purchases through internet. Moreover, if web places improve their mechanisms and procedures that correct better the inaccuracies and the errors in the users' stored personal data then users' willingness to retrieve information from web sites improves too.

Originality/value

Existing studies constitute the basic theoretical framework but until now there is not a model that connects both users' CFIP and users' PPC with the willingness to transact through the internet and with users' trust upon the web sites.
Knowledge sharing among architects in a project design team
Authors: Zhikun Ding , Fungfai Ng
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the validity of the theory of reasoned action as a general framework to predict knowledge‐sharing behavior and offer practical guidance to promote knowledge sharing in the Chinese construction sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data, structural equation modeling was applied to test the theory of reasoned action in the architectural design project team context in China.

Findings

The results suggest that attitude toward knowledge sharing is more important than subjective norms in determining architects' willingness to share knowledge. But the two factors are positively correlated.

Research limitations/implications

Although theory of reasoned action provides us with a powerful prediction model, it cannot explain the underlying mental processes. More attention should be paid to the development of the explanatory model in future researches.

Originality/value

The results presented in this paper usefully imply that team managers should focus more on training architects to have a positive attitude toward knowledge sharing, so as to increase knowledge‐sharing behaviors. Moreover, the architectural design organizations should build up a knowledge‐sharing culture so that architects' attitudes toward knowledge sharing become more positive.
Exploring service needs in the Chinese manufacturing industry
Authors: Gebauer Heiko , Fischer Thomas
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to explore service needs in the Chinese manufacturing industry and address the research question: what clusters of service needs exist in the Chinese manufacturing industry?

Design/methodology/approach

The data on service needs were collected between 2006 and 2007. The data collection was done through personal interviews with senior manufacturing executives. The data are analysed through factor and cluster analysis.

Findings

This paper explores five different clusters on service needs: highly price‐sensitive on basic service needs; highly sensitive on logistic performance of basic service needs; preventing product breakdowns for very reasonable prices; knowledge seeking; and seeking for cost‐efficient outsourcing partners.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on 172 companies, but the external validity (generalizability) of the findings could not be assessed accurately.

Practical implications

The findings have important management implications in terms of aligning the service organisation with the Chinese service needs.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the existing research in two different ways. First, the study demonstrates the value of factor and cluster analysis as a segmentation approach in industrial markets even in the particular context of Chinese business culture. Second, the exploration of service needs describes idiosyncrasies of Chinese manufacturing industry from a complementary, service management perspective.
Departments Correct Data In 1977 Report on Employment of Women
Authors: Lieban Richard W , Vatuk Sylvia J , Maiolo John
Published: May 2009

This section is primarily for the use of AAA members, although contributions from others may be printed if they are considered of value. Correspondents are urged to limit length, the Editor reserves the right to select and to edit letters. All letters must be clearly marked for Anthropology Newsletter Correspondence, be typed double spaced, not exceed 500 words in length, and consist of an original and two copies. Letters published reflect the views of the correspondents, their publication does not signify endorsement by the Anthropology Newsletter or the American Anthropological Association.
Gestational diabetes: fasting capillary glucose as a screening test in a multi‐ethnic, high‐risk population
Authors: Agarwal M. M. , Dhatt G. S. , Othman Y. , Gupta R.
Published: May 2009

Aims  In populations at high risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), screening every pregnant woman by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is very demanding. The aim of this study was to determine the value of the fasting capillary glucose (FCG) as a screening test for GDM.

Methods  FCG was measured by a plasma‐correlated glucometer in 1465 pregnant women who underwent a one‐step diagnostic 75‐g OGTT for universal screening of GDM.

Results  One hundred and ninety‐six (13.4%) women had GDM as defined by the criteria of the American Diabetes Association. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the FCG was 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.80–0.86). A FCG threshold of 4.7 mmol/l (at an acceptable sensitivity of 86.0%) independently could rule‐out GDM in 731 (49.9%) women, while the FCG could rule‐in GDM (100% specificity) in 16 (1.1%) additional women; therefore, approximately half of the women would not need to continue with the cumbersome OGTT.

Conclusions  Screening using a FCG significantly reduces the number of OGTTs needed for the diagnosis of GDM. Wider assessment, particularly in low‐risk populations, would confirm the potential value of the FCG as a screening test for GDM.
Evidence of an accelerating increase in prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes in British men, 1978–2005
Authors: Thomas M. C. , Hardoon S. L. , Papacosta A. O. , Morris R. W. , Wannamethee S. G. , Sloggett A. , Whincup P. H.
Published: May 2009

Background  The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide; predictions suggest that the disease will reach epidemic proportions this century. This study aims to estimate the extent of the increase in prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes in British men between 1978 and 2005.

Methods  A representative cohort of 7722 British men aged 40–59 years at entry in 1978–1980 were selected from general practices in 24 British towns. Seven sequential questionnaire surveys were carried out between 1978 and 2005, recording recall of a doctor diagnosis of diabetes at each time point. Logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations were fitted to provide age‐adjusted estimates of the calendar year increases in odds of Type 2 diabetes, both overall and for consecutive periods, each of approximately 5 years.

Results  The crude prevalence of Type 2 diabetes increased from 1.2% in 1978–1980 to 12.1% in 2005. The age‐adjusted average annual increase in Type 2 diabetes prevalence for the 27‐year study period was 7.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.4%, 8.6%]. However, the age‐adjusted annual rate of increase increased over time, from 4.3% (95% CI 0.4%, 8.2%) between 1979 and 1984 to 11.8% (95% CI 8.4%, 15.4%) between 2003 and 2005; P (trend) = 0.01. The highest annual increases occurred in subjects with higher mean body mass index levels and in towns in Scotland.

Conclusions  The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes has risen substantially in Britain during the last three decades; the recent rate of increase has been almost three times greater than that in the early 1980s.
NADPH oxidase plays a central role in cone cell death in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Usui Shinichi , Oveson Brian C. , Lee Sun Young , Jo Young‐Joon , Yoshida Tsunehiko , Miki Akiko , Miki Katsuaki , Iwase Takeshi , Lu Lili , Campochiaro Peter A.
Published: May 2009

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a collection of diseases in which rod photoreceptors die from a variety of mutations. After rods die, the level of tissue oxygen in the outer retina becomes elevated and there is progressive oxidative damage to cones that ultimately triggers apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that NADPH oxidase (Nox) and/or xanthine oxidase serve as critical intermediaries between increased tissue oxygen and the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative damage to cones. Apocynin, a blocker of Nox, but not allopurinol, a blocker of xanthine oxidase, markedly reduced the superoxide radicals visualized by hydroethidine in the outer retina in the retinal degeneration‐1 (rd1+/+) model of RP. Compared to rd1+/+ mice treated with vehicle, those treated with apocynin, but not those treated with allopurinol, had significantly less oxidative damage in the retina measured by ELISA for carbonyl adducts. Apocynin‐treated, but not allopurinol‐treated, rd1+/+ mice had preservation of cone cell density, increased mRNA levels for m‐ and s‐cone opsin, and increased mean photopic b‐wave amplitude. In Q344ter mice, a model of dominant RP in which mutant rhodopsin is expressed, apocynin treatment preserved photopic electroretinogram b‐wave amplitude compared to vehicle‐treated controls. These data indicate that Nox, but not xanthine oxidase, plays a critical role in generation of the oxidative stress that leads to cone cell death in RP and inhibition of Nox provides a new treatment strategy.