bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Panelists liking of canola (Brassica napus) greens
Authors: Miller‐Cebert Rhona L. , Sistani Nahid A. , Cebert Ernst
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how three traditional cruciferous vegetables: cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), collard greens (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and kale (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) were compared to canola greens through sensory analysis to evaluate panelists' acceptance of canola as a potential source of leafy‐green vegetable.

Design/methodology/approach

Canola cultivars were grown at Alabama A&M University, Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station, Hazel Green, Alabama, and harvested at the rosette stage. Traditional vegetables (cabbage, collard and kale) were obtained from a local food specialty store. All vegetables were washed and refrigerated overnight. On the day of testing, vegetables were chopped uniformly in preparation for cooking. Using a nine‐point hedonic scale, vegetables were rated for color, flavor and texture. Overall preference was rated using most favorite, second favorite and third favorite.

Findings

Color of prepared canola was preferred significantly over other vegetables. There was no significant difference in preference based on texture among canola, collard greens and kale, however, cabbage was significantly preferred by panelists for texture and flavor. The rating for color and texture indicated significant difference among age groups. Response for texture and flavor showed a linear relationship (r2 of 0.69) for the model: color texture = flavor, while principal component analysis indicated African‐American females, ages 20‐29 as outliers. The results suggest that canola greens have the appeal of being accepted as an additional tasty Brassica vegetable. Originality/value – This research provides new data on canola as a potential new green leafy vegetable, based on consumer preference.
The influence of socioeconomic status and ethnicity on children's excess body weight
Authors: Costarelli Vassiliki , Manios Yannis
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and briefly discuss the prevalence of childhood obesity in selected countries of the WHO European Region in relation to socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnic origin. Emphasis was given on the most recent research papers available.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was performed on relevant papers on “Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight in relation to socio‐economic status and ethnicity” using MEDLINE and the ISI Web of Science. The search was limited to the age range 0‐20 years to the countries of the WHO European Region.

Findings

A growing number of studies suggest that children in lower‐income families in developed countries are particularly vulnerable to becoming obese. Plausible explanations for the differences in obesity prevalence in migrant children and children with lower SES include poor diet, limited opportunity for physical activity and differences in the perception of ideal body weight together with possible food security issues. It is important to stress that the rising cost of a healthy diet is of great concern.

Originality/value

Understanding the prevalence of obesity in children and the social and cultural parameters related to the phenomenon can facilitate the formation of effective public health intervention policies in counteracting childhood obesity.
Nutrient values for Australian and overseas chicken meat
Authors: Probst Yasmine
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarise analysed nutrient data for Australian chicken meat and compare analysed data for Australian chicken meat with overseas data.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysed nutrient data for Australian chicken meat was compared with publicly available English language databases from overseas countries. Where similar cuts were available, ratio plots were developed to determine similarities and differences. Baked chicken leg was highest in total fat and wings were composed of the greatest amount of monounsaturated fat.

Findings

Nutrient values for calcium, zinc and vitamin E were greatest in the chicken leg, iron in the chicken thigh and the B vitamins varied between chicken breast (niacin), chicken thigh (riboflavin and thiamin). Data for Australian chicken meat was most different from European data and most similar to New Zealand data. The greatest variations were identified for the total fat and fatty acid values.

Practical implications

The large differences signify the importance of using local nutrient values and the need to regularly update food composition databases with analysed rather than calculated data.

Originality/value

This paper is unique as it provides comprehensive nutrient data for a lean meat source which is popular in Australia. The study also indicates the limitations associated with sourcing food composition data from other databases, despite using the same food name.
A history of internet purchasing: suggestions for web‐based entrepreneurs and SMEs
Authors: Epps Alun , Govers Robert , Go Frank M.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the marketing developments since 1992 at the interface of information and communication technology (ICT) from a marketing channel and consumer perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method used was a review of contemporary literature in the field of ICT with particular emphasis on the internet in relation to web‐based purchasing behaviour. This paper examines the usage of the medium as an aide to shopping and selling since its inception and suggests future directions and areas for further investigation.

Findings

The findings chronicle the evolution of the internet from a mere tool to enable web‐based shopping to an entity that is able to think; and with the possibility of being able to express or channel emotions and social interaction among users.

Research limitations/implications

This research, whilst purporting to be a conceptual theory building paper, based on thorough literature review, would by no means pretend to be comprehensive and aims to engender further scholarly discussion and empirical testing

Practical implications

In what ever way the web‐based entrepreneur and small to medium‐sized enterprise view the internet, it is not a business‐facilitator to be ignored; and those that do not treat it with the urgency and seriousness that it deserves, do so at their peril.

Originality/value

The paper suggests a novel way of viewing what we have come to take for granted. It is hoped that the discussions will be of value to academics and practitioners alike.
Leadership as identity construction: the act of leading people in organisations
Authors: Karp Tom , Helgø Thomas I.T.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The objective of this article is to explore and challenge the concept of leadership by presenting a perspective on leadership as identity construction. The perspective presented is based on premises from the complexity sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a conceptual discussion.

Findings

Leadership is better understood as identity construction. This is because leadership emerges in the interaction between people as the act of recognising and being recognised. Leaders' images of themselves are therefore social constructions and the development of a leadership self (and thereby leadership) is coupled to the interaction between leaders and followers.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to a conceptual discussion. The findings need to be further explored and challenged by other methods. The discussion is focused on organisational leadership.

Practical implications

Leaders do not always have the control that mainstream leadership theory suggests. The act of leadership is therefore better understood as identity construction. In the article the authors suggest a conceptual framework for reflecting on leadership identity because self‐images influence people's acts as leaders. The concept of leadership is hence the ability to mobilise the discipline necessary to develop one's self by reflecting on identity in different contexts and coupling this to the acts of leadership.

Originality/value

The principal contribution is a conceptual discussion on the concept of leadership. This contribution provides managerial ideas and insights into the act of leadership in organisations faced with increasing complexity.
The cycle of business education in Malaysia
Authors: Quraeshi Zahir A. , Luqmani Mushtaq
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The growing professionalization of Malaysian industry over the past three decades, and the need for skilled business talent, have led to an increased demand for business education. This paper aims to examine how institutions in Malaysia have responded to this need.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study that synthesizes and organizes institutional experiences in delivering business education in Malaysia.

Findings

Malaysian academic institutions have responded to the demand for business education through a process modeled by the authors as a “cycle of business education” (CBE). The authors discuss institutional developments and competitive marketing strategies directed toward target markets during the five stages of the CBE.

Practical implications

The Malaysian experience in meeting business education needs can provide valuable guidance to educators and policy makers, among others, in developing countries engaged in similar initiatives. These countries can benefit from understanding more about institutional practices as well as from the problems that surfaced during the Malaysian CBE.

Originality/value

The paper makes an original contribution first by delineating and discussing the five stages of the cycle of business education (CBE), including institutional developments. Next it systematically articulates various components of the marketing strategies institutions use to deliver business education. Finally, recommendations are offered to improve the institutional provision and marketing of business education.
Density, diversity, openness and speed: is management development aligned?
Authors: Margherita Alessandro , Secundo Giustina
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to present a framework supporting a new approach to designing curricula for the development of management competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of contributions in the strategic management and management development fields allows extrapolation of the relevant paradigm changes in the economic and business scenario and provides the background for investigating the emerging challenges in competence development processes.

Findings

The increasing speed, openness, density and diversity of business raise new challenges related to five fundamental dimensions of management as a system: its actors, concept, context, processes and purpose. This requires developing in managers a set of competencies that specifically address those aspects and holistically cover an integrated perspective rather than focusing on separated management functions, processes or skills.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed in the effort of taxonomising paradigm changes and defining the management dimensions which are impacted.

Practical implications

The analysis presented brings a different logic to structuring curricula. This could potentially have an impact on the design and implementation of learning initiatives in both higher education and corporate contexts. A framework useful for practitioners is provided.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is in creating a direct conceptual link among the changing features of the economic and business landscape and the deriving requirements in terms of developing management competencies. A framework useful for practitioners is provided.
Creative resolve response: how changes in creative motivation relate to cognitive style
Authors: Dew Robert
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a new phenomenon related to creative motivation called creative resolve response (CRR). CRR predicts how creative motivation will vary during problem solving.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 66 MBA students were asked to respond at random intervals during different class problem‐solving activities. Participants were asked to rate on two preset scales their perceived certainty of solving the problem successfully and creativity level required. Mean creativity required responses were calculated for subgroups with different cognitive style ranges at each outcome certainty level. T‐tests were used to determine significant differences between various means.

Findings

The results suggest that creative motivation will vary systematically as a problem solver's perception of problem solving progress increases in a wax‐wane‐wax pattern.

Research limitations/implications

Post hoc analysis suggested that potentially confounding effects related to problem heterogeneity, learning effects, environment, group interaction and interviewer response bias were not significant. However the relatively small sample size and limited scope of the problem activities suggests that further research is required to establish the extent to which the findings can be generalised.

Practical implications

CRR promises a new form of extrinsic control for managers to enhance creativity via extrinsic motivation. The author makes suggestions on how managers may enhance creativity by influencing employees to reconsider their perceived level of problem‐solving progress.

Originality/value

This paper links expectancy theory, cognitive style and creative motivation, and provides an alternative approach to trying directly to motivate employees to be more creative.
LEED accredited professionals' perceptions affecting credit point adoption
Authors: Lavy Sarel , Fernández‐Solis Jose L.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Literature review indicates that Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) practicing during the first ten years of LEED in the building industry hold perceptions that have influenced the adoption of LEED. These perceptions may include that some LEED credit points are more difficult to obtain than others, LEED projects have higher first costs, and LEED projects have higher levels of complexity. The literature also indicates that the relationship between these three topics merits research attention, in an effort to discover the magnitude of those perceptions. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Both self‐administered questionnaires and interviews are utilized to secure information directly from practitioners. Out of a pool of 8,000 possible interviewees, a total of 102 qualified respondents participated in the cross‐sectional survey. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software is used to analyze the data derived from the survey information and to arrive at conclusions.

Findings

The survey identify which LEED credit points are perceived by LEED APs as more difficult, as contributing to higher initial costs and as increasing project complexity. The conclusions indicate a trend toward a higher adoption rate of points that are perceived as having lower initial costs and a lower level of complexity. These findings are primarily due to two reasons: increased cost in managing project documentation; and increased cost in project complexity.

Originality/value

The results of this study can be used by designers, construction professionals, and facility managers who are involved in new construction projects. The trends in credit point adoption, and the professionals' perceptions of their initial cost and level of complexity, may encourage others to consider using systems that introduce sustainability concepts into their design and construction process.
Time‐cost relationships of building construction project in Korea
Authors: Le‐Hoai Long , Dai Lee Young
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Time is an important factor in any project, especially in construction projects. Although using detailed scheduling techniques is unavoidable, a model to predict or benchmark time performance has interested many researchers. For an exploratory purpose, this paper aims to investigate the time‐cost relationship proposed by Bromilow with data from construction projects in Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are collected from 34 historical building projects in Korea. Construction cost is adjusted using a building price index. Analysis is carried out on variety of project characteristics.

Findings

It is shown that a time‐cost relationship is applicable to the Korean construction industry. Further analysis indicates that the original Bromilow time‐cost model is not the best fit regression form, and alternative models are proposed.

Research limitations/implications

The data are limited to a small sample of 34 building projects. This limitation arises because of the data collection approach, which is direct contact with historical project documents supplied by construction firms.

Originality/value

Models from this study can serve as a reference tool for practitioners in the early stages of building projects in Korea. The results from this study are not intended to reject or replace detailed construction scheduling techniques.
Do we get what we pay for?
Authors: Steele Kirstin
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of intermediary companies (i.e. jobbers) in library operations

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates how service charges are determined, if any industry standards for these charges exist, and if so, how they are monitored by companies and clients.

Practical implications

Not much is known about the nature of jobber's business. This discussion has reinforced Daniel that the library makes good use of the jobbers employed, but has also underscored the importance of being able to explain, to people outside the library field, why they are important to library operation.

Findings

For the authors' small academic library, employing intermediaries is currently worth the service charges.

Originality/value

It is hoped librarians and library staff who use or are considering using intermediary businesses will find these experiences useful.
Cost‐benefit analysis: a disparagement of its misuse and misexplanation
Authors: Linn Mott
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that when managing strategically, a library administrator might want to use cost‐benefit analysis to justify spending and, consequently, would need to understand this methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses and gives examples to illustrate how others have needed a better knowledge of cost‐benefit analysis.

Findings

It is helpful for library managers to have a proper knowledge of cost‐benefit analysis.

Practical implications

This provides one methodology that librarians should consider when contemplating what purchases to make.

Original/value

This paper will help librarians better manage their libraries by making them aware of cost‐benefit analysis.
Resource management: materials, equipment, facilities
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the management of physical resources (materials, equipment, and facilities) as a performance standard for leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of the paper is to list general principles for physical resource management and then discuss the understanding needed for the creative application of those principles.

Findings

The findings are that library leaders must understand how to collaborate, negotiate and formulate policies in order to manage physical resources well for the sake of the bottom line as well as the quality of the user and staff experience.

Originality/value

The value is in learning how to use interpersonal interaction to effectively manage physical resources in a way that advances overall organizational goals.
Philanthropy can begin at home
Authors: Silverman Emily
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inspire thinking about the nature of philanthropy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses views of giving motivation and behavior.

Findings

This paper proposes that perceptions of fundraising can be examined to better understand what may motivate prospective donors.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is in its presenting concepts about philanthropy and libraries.
Channel cooperation: a reflective scale
Authors: Hammervoll Trond
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw on theories on inter‐organisational governance with a view to developing a reliable reflective scale for measuring inter‐firm cooperation in supply chains for use in logistics management research.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, the paper develops items for three relational norms. The model is tested with structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The literature review reveals that most of the currently used variables and scales describe the characteristics of focal firms, rather than relationship properties. The few exceptions that focus on relationships fail to recognise the dimensionality of channel cooperation. The proposed scale is found to be valid and reliable, based on 181 observations from supply‐chain relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The valid and reliable scale that captures relationship characteristics and recognises the dimensionality of channel cooperation should be tested in future research.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need for a reliable scale on channel cooperation. The use of SEM has enabled the incorporation of measurement error in scale development of this unobservable, latent variable.
3C framework for modular supply networks in the Chinese automotive industry
Authors: Lin Yong , Zhou Li , Shi Yongjiang , Ma Shihua
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is aimed at understanding and identifying the context, capability requirements, and configurations (3Cs) of modular supply networks in the Chinese automotive industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In an attempt to specify the main elements of modular supply networks, a case study and 3C framework approach analyze different network contexts. The framework considers not only the capabilities of product design, production, inbound logistics, and information sharing, but also the configuration of the role structure, process structure, and information structure that helps achieve these capabilities.

Findings

This paper analyzes two types of modular supply network, directly reflecting the degrees of involvement in the modularity logic of the module supplier and the automaker, which largely depend on their corporate strategy toward technology innovation. In a fully integrated module supply network, the module supplier needs sufficient capability for upstream supply network integration and modularization, whereas in the partly integrated module supply network, a third‐party logistics provider plays an important role with regard to production capability.

Research limitations/implications

This paper investigates four modules. The practical tools for configuring the modular supply network can be specified in more detail in further research.

Originality/value

The 3C framework described herein contributes to theory in the fields of supply chain management and modularity, and it assists in further expanding the theory of SCM.
Logistical business continuity planning‐scale development and validation
Authors: Ojha Divesh , Gokhale Rahul A.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek to develop psychometrically validated scale for logistical business continuity planning (LBCP) construct.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from 106 firms in transportation and warehousing industry the psychometric properties of the proposed LBCP scale have been evaluated. The structure of the LBCP construct is also assessed. Three competing construct structures – Model A: hypothesized multidimensional second‐order factor model; Model B: first‐order multidimensional factor model; and Model C: first‐order unidimensional factor model – are proposed and then evaluated using structural equation modeling analyses.

Findings

The results indicate that the proposed scale has adequate psychometric properties. Furthermore, the results show that the hypothesized second‐order multidimensional model is the best‐fit and most parsimonious model.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the knowledge on supply chain risk management by providing empirically validated measures for the LBCP construct. This scale provides a clear conceptualization of LBCP and should allow the authors to explore the nomological net around LBCP which is central to the survival of many organizations.
Research on personnel issues published in leading logistics journals
Authors: Keller Scott B. , Ozment John
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the core literature pertaining to frontline logistics personnel and their managers that has been published in the leading logistics journals. An annotated, yet integrated, review presentation will aid researchers in better understanding the concepts developed and linkages between the most critical variables studied to date. The paper aims to present a comprehensive model containing the primary variables pertaining to the recruitment, development, supervising, and retention of high quality logistics personnel to meaningfully identify what is known and not known about personnel issues in logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings in this paper are based on a comprehensive review of articles pertaining to frontline logistics personnel and their managers, which were published in the leading logistics journals. For analysis, the paper is divided into five related areas: student samples and student perspectives compared to those of corporate recruiters; research oriented toward the skills of managers and issues relating to career development; research pertaining to the work environment and success of non‐supervisory, frontline employees; literature relating to logistics reputation; and research pertaining to logistics diversity.

Findings

Prior to this review of the literature, substantially less is known about how research links together previous research findings to formulate an integrative depiction of important concepts pertaining to logistics personnel. The results provide a better understanding of the knowledge researchers have discovered to date, as well as identification of areas in need of further exploration.

Research limitations/implications

Most conspicuously absent from the paper is research pertaining to the interaction of logistics personnel and technology, the importance of logistics personnel in securing the supply chain, and the importance of elevating frontline logistics jobs to the next level of professionalism to achieve supply chain excellence.

Practical implications

To assist organizations in preparing managers, this paper has compiled and integrated the research relating to logistics personnel issues. This compilation should be valuable in aiding managers in recruiting, developing, supervising, and retaining high‐quality logistics personnel.

Originality/value

While there is a growing body of literature in the area of frontline logistics employees and their managers, a comprehensive review of the literature has not been published that links the results of various studies together to help identify gaps in the literature or conflicting results that should be further explored. This paper provides such a review as well as two theoretical models to help us better understand the important components necessary in hiring, developing, motivating, and retaining supervisors and frontline workers in various logistics operations.
Operational collaboration between shippers and carriers in the transportation industry
Authors: Fugate Brian S. , Davis‐Sramek Beth , Goldsby Thomas J.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding of how strategic relationships between firms and environmental context affect operational decisions and how each firm allocates resources to improve overall firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research is integrated with previous research. Data for the qualitative research are collected through focus groups and semi‐structured interviews that employ grand tour questioning, facility tours using key informants, and use of selective artifacts.

Findings

The paper develops a model that examines how environmental factors, specifically the context of the capacity constraints in the transportation industry, can influence shippers to form long‐term and mutually beneficial relationships with their carriers and how these relationships can lead to improved performance at the operational level.

Research limitations/implications

The paper incorporates five foundational theories into one integrated model in the context of business‐to‐business transportation collaboration. The specific contributions from this model most likely cannot have been derived by adopting only one or two of these theories, and this paper provides only one context within which these theories can be integrated. Future research should focus on areas of incompatibility and compatibility among these foundational theories. With this understanding, theory integration should spur future research by attempting to evaluate the nature of business systemically and holistically.

Practical implications

Though collaboration and relationship management has received much attention, realizing improvements in firm performance has proven difficult. Once collaborative behaviors between shippers and carriers are established at a strategic level, managers must carefully assess how to drive those collaborative behaviors to the operational levels of each firm.

Originality/value

This paper extends previous supply chain relationship research, which primarily focuses on strategic interactions between firms, by focusing on the context in which they are carried out. It integrates managerial insights with foundational theories from marketing, logistics, and operations to create theory of how supply chain relationships facilitate firm decisions regarding allocation, sharing, and management of resources on an operational level.
Silver seniors
Authors: Boyd Thomas Jane , Lee Okleshen Peters Cara
Published: October 2009

Purpose

One of the fastest growing segments of the American adult population is adults over 65‐years old. This group is refereed to as “silver seniors.” Understanding the silver citizen market requires an in‐depth knowledge of seniors' attitudes and lifestyles. The purpose of this paper is to present an in‐depth view of the senior woman's self‐concept, lifestyle, and apparel‐related preferences and shopping behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Using findings from an extensive review of literature and in‐depth interviews with 20 women over age 65, this exploratory research provides insight into the impact of self‐concept, lifestyles, and fashion behaviors on apparel purchase decisions. The qualitative approach used for data collection and analysis provides rich insight into the behaviors and apparel needs of “silver seniors.” The tripartite self‐concept is explored as it relates to fashion attitudes and behaviors.

Findings

Findings from this paper indicate that women over 65 are still interested in fashion and that looking fashionable for themselves and others is important. Insights into the specific unmet apparel and retail needs of senior adult women are explored. Findings indicate that senior adult women continue to remain physically and socially active and have need for a variety of garments. Recommendations for apparel manufacturers and retailers targeting this lucrative segment are presented.

Originality/value

This paper is original to the retailing and consumer behavior literature. One of the benefits of this exploratory study is that it provided the authors with an opportunity to examine, in theory and practice, an overlooked yet growing segment of apparel consumers.
Changing retail power and performance in distribution channels
Authors: Amato Louis H. , Amato Christie H.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between manufacturer profit rate and large retailer market share for five matched retailer‐manufacturer groupings.

Design/methodology/approach

Basic structure‐performance modeling is used to relate manufacturer return on assets to large retail market share and a group of control variables. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Corporate Statistics of Income size class data provide a sample that covers the full range of firm sizes from the smallest to largest firms in the USA.

Findings

Large retail share negatively impacts small manufacturer rate of return for shopping goods, while in convenience good markets large retail share has no impact on manufacturer return.

Practical implications

Shopping goods retailers have opportunities to gain market power from expertise in merchandising, sales assistance, and product expertise. Strong private brands may offer leverage for convenience good retailers in negotiations with national brand manufacturers.

Originality/value

The paper examines the impact of retail channel power on small, medium, and large size manufacturing firms in five retailer/manufacturer categories over a period of extensive change in retail concentration.
Cognitive dissonance
Authors: Gbadamosi Ayantunji
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an exploratory analysis of low‐income women consumers' consumption of low‐involvement grocery products, and to explore the relevance of cognitive dissonance in this consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

One focus group discussion and 30 in‐depth interviews are conducted with low‐income women consumer at Salford area of the north‐west of England to explore their salient beliefs, motivations, attitudes and behaviours in respect of their consumption of low‐involvement grocery products.

Findings

Findings suggest that low‐income women consumers engage in habitual purchasing and are not loyal to brands of grocery products. However, they often buy stores' own value‐range brands as they believe that these products are similar to manufacturers' brands. They do not perceive price to be an indication of quality, rather they attribute basic differences between the stores' own value‐range and manufacturers' brands as “expensive packaging” and the popularity of the brand name. Value for money is revealed as a key motivation underlying their purchasing of grocery products. Consequently, they are very sensitive to sales promotions and actively engage in making comparisons between the promotions in different stores within their locality. These confirm the incidence of cognitive dissonance in their consumption of these products.

Originality/value

This paper shows that generalisation in consumer behaviour without due reference to the contextual factors identified among low‐income women consumers provides a limited understanding of their decision making and purchase behaviour. It also supplements the limited empirical information on low‐income consumers, and consequently will be of interest to marketing practitioners, as it will reveal potential directions for low‐involvement product strategies in respect of the low‐income consumer.
Inventory financing in supply chains
Authors: Hofmann Erik
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Against the background of the scanty knowledge about inventory financing in supply chains, the goal of this paper is to provide a conceptual explanation of the relevance and the implications of alternative inventory financing by a logistics service provider (LSP).

Design/methodology/approach

First, based on a literature review, inventory‐related conflicts of interest between actors in the supply chain are discussed. Second, a concept of inventory financing through an LSP is developed. Third, the concept introduced is illustrated by means of a numerical example.

Findings

The results of an illustrative example from Switzerland and a rough revenue and expenditure calculation highlight the effects that inventory financing through a logistics service provider may have for LSP. For the LSP profit depends mainly on the value and amount of the goods to be financed.

Practical implications

The results of this paper can be applied to logistics service providers. The model developed can accordingly be used to calculate the additional effects of inventory financing service.

Originality/value

This research offers initial insights into the importance of inventory financing from an LSP perspective. As activities in this field may offer additional profits and differentiation options, decision makers at logistics service providers might want to estimate the potential resting in this expansion of their service catalogue.
An exploratory study of ICT adoption in the Italian freight transportation industry
Authors: Marchet Gino , Perego Alessandro , Perotti Sara
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Companies in the freight transportation industry can currently make use of an increasing number of applications based on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve the performance of their processes. Although these applications have become more widely used in recent years, there is still little research focussing on the actual adoption rate. The present study aims to fill this gap and provide a broad empirical analysis of the use of ICT‐based applications in the freight transportation industry in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses multiple‐case studies. It is based on semi‐structured interviews with the management of leading Italian companies involved in transportation processes.

Findings

The study provides an insight into the current adoption of ICT applications among companies involved in freight transportation activities in Italy. The results point out the most used functions in each application area and the level of integration across these application areas.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of companies examined in this study was selected by expert assessment, and is biased towards companies willing to provide data and share results. However, the findings provide some interesting results on how and where investments in ICT can be suitable for companies in the logistics and transportation industry.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils an identified need for in‐depth case studies focussing on the adoption level and the implementation process of ICT applications in transportation, and it is of interest to researchers and practitioners in the field of logistics and transportation management.
Implications of Habermas's “theory of communicative action” for corporate brand management
Authors: Kernstock Joachim , Oliver Brexendorf Tim
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The authors propose applying Habermas's “theory of communicative action” (TCA) to discuss the benefits of incorporating the concept of interaction in the field of corporate brand management. The purpose of this paper is to gain suggestions for interactions derived from Jürgen Habermas's social theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper refers to Habermas's TCA in terms of its implication for stakeholder interactions within corporate brand management. Based on review of the sociological literature of Habermas's TCA, this approach offers a more detailed picture of corporate brand management. Bodies of literature are selected, examined and the TCA has been connected to corporate brand management to provide a research background and a managerially useful insight of human interactions.

Findings

The social theory of the German social‐philosopher Jürgen Habermas provides certain starting points for classifying interactions. The paper introduces Habermas's proposed forms of human action. Furthermore, it relates to the cognitive, moral‐expressive and aesthetic‐expressive knowledge interest areas, Habermas's validity claims of communicative actions as well as context and world relations.

Research limitations/implications

The study of Habermas's TCA considers one stream in sociological theory. Other theories may provide further insights for corporate brand management.

Practical implications

The paper shows managerially useful implications for managing stakeholder interactions within corporate brand management. Management can use the developed patterns of thought as a starting point for managing interactions with stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper introduces Habermas's TCA within the field of corporate brand management. Moreover, it facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of implications for managing interactions within the field of corporate brand management.
Explicating ethical corporate identity in the financial sector
Authors: Powell Shaun , Elving Wim J.L. , Dodd Chris , Sloan Julia
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and measure employees' perception of actual and desired corporate ethical values as a component of corporate identity within a major UK financial institution, against a comparison with their employees' own individual ethical values.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi‐method case study uses a mix of secondary data analysis, key interviews and 245 employee questionnaires. The financial institution is selected as it is identified as being in the process of instigating what may be termed a “monolithic” corporate branding strategy while using a “top down” communication approach across its various operations in the UK.

Findings

The paper shows that employees' perceive managements' ideal identity to be significantly different to the operational reality that “is” the company, especially in relation to ethical values. These gaps also vary between major divisions within the organisation, as well as between differing staffing levels, adding empirical support to existing theories that corporate identity and corporate brand management will need to take into account many sub‐cultures within any large organisation, as well as the individual values of its employees, and that a top down communication programme that fails to take this into consideration will face many difficulties.

Originality/value

This empirical based case study research focuses upon a comparison between internal perceptions of actual and ideal corporate values as part of the corporate identity, in comparison to employees' own individual values has been largely overlooked within the corporate identity and branding literatures to date.
Kotaka's Model in land acquisition for infrastructure provision in Malaysia
Authors: Omar Ismail , Ismail Mazlan
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the definition of adequate compensation from the viewpoints of affected landowners, property valuers and land administrators using Kotaka's Model with special application in Kedah, Malaysia. The fact is that land is a factor of production and must be made available for the provision of infrastructure. In acquiring land for real estate development, compensation must be paid to the affected landowners. An adequate compensation in land acquisition is referred to the open market value of the land taken plus its consequences including severance, injurious affection and disturbances.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires are distributed to the affected 40 landowners, ten property valuers and six land administrators of randomly selected land acquisition projects for public infrastructure land development in the case study areas. Data gathered are analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis to identify elements of dissatisfactions of landowners upon compensation offered to them.

Findings

The findings show that there are elements of dissatisfactions to the affected landowners by way of the value of land taken, severances, injurious affections, disturbances, delivery of notices and technique of valuation. These dissatisfactions reflect the amount of adequate compensation to the affected landowners and cross‐examined with property valuers and land administrators.

Originality/value

The outcome of the paper will assist landowners, public, and private valuers, land administrators and other stakeholders to understand the elements of dissatisfactions in estimating adequate compensation in land acquisition for infrastructure provision. Otherwise, the affected landowners may refuse to be apart from their lands, hence, restrict the flow of land supply for real estate development. This indicates that Kotaka's Model offers an explanatory power to understand the elements of adequate compensation in land acquisition for infrastructure provision and real estate development.
Negative real interest rate and housing bubble implosion – an empirical study in Hong Kong
Authors: Yim Yiu Chung
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper to identify the asymmetric effect of real interest rate on housing return.

Design/methodology/approach

It tests empirically the impacts of positive and negative real interest rate on housing return in Hong Kong by time series regression analyses on series from 1984Q1 to 2009Q2, keeping other macroeconomic factors constant.

Findings

It shows that negative real interest rate imposes a much stronger, negative and significant effect on housing return than a positive one.

Research limitations/implications

The results imply that the two housing bubbles in Hong Kong could be largely explained by the negative real interest rate. Although it is theoretically sound, empirical evidence on this asymmetric effect of real interest rate on housing return has seldom been found, because negative real interest rate is very rare in other countries in the past.

Practical implications

It provides a good signal for housing bubbles in the future and helps understand the underlying causes of housing bubbles.

Originality/value

The currency board arrangement in Hong Kong enables the first empirical study on this issue.
Decisions on capital structure in a Zakat environment with prohibition of riba
Authors: Al‐Ajmi Jasim , Abo Hussain Hameeda , Al‐Saleh Nadhem
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess and explain the leverage of Saudi companies (53 companies) during the period 2003‐2007.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews two different classical capital structure theories, namely tradeoff theory and pecking order theory, to formulate testable propositions concerning the determinants of debt levels of Saudi companies. It develops a number of regression models (pooled OLS and panel techniques) to test the study's hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that a firm's capital structure is positively affected by profitability, size, growth opportunities, and institutional ownership. It is negatively impacted by tangibility, government ownership, family ownership, business risk, dividend payment, and liquidity.

Practical implications

Cost of capital is one of the pillars of corporate competitive advantage. Knowing which factors have the potential to influence capital structure can be essential to minimizing the cost of capital.

Originality/value

This is the first study of the determinants of capital structure in Saudi Arabia that considers dividend payment, ownership structure (as a proxy for agency problems), and risk. This work also contributes to the current debate regarding theories of competitive capital structure.