bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole school food programmes and the kitchen environment
Authors: Kimberlee Richard , Jones Mathew , Morley Adrian , Orme Judy , Salmon Debra
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the impact of the Food For Life Partnership (FFLP) whole school food programme on kitchen staff employment and professional development.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory research involved baseline and follow‐up interviews with 74 kitchen staff (51 primary and 23 secondary English schools) enrolled onto the FFLP programme. Empirical data were collected using a semi‐structured questionnaire between 2007‐2010 with an average of 20 months between baseline and follow‐up. Data were collected on the perceived programme impact on school cook professional experience and employment and their role in health promotion.

Findings

Numbers of kitchen staff and mean job satisfaction grew. Kitchen staff reported significant investment in their kitchen environment. They felt a greater degree of involvement and broader integration with the rest of the school's educational mission. However, towards the end of their involvement, kitchen staff became increasingly cognizant of the growing challenges posed by broader economic conditions emerging at the time of follow‐up.

Practical implications

Kitchen staff can play an important role in the promotion of healthy eating and school cohesion. However, there are significant organisational and employment‐based barriers to fulfilling this potential.

Originality/value

This paper outlines the role of kitchen staff in whole school food programmes and illustrates the key dimensions and barriers that need to be overcome to enhance their role through the delivery of improvements in school food uptake and the promotion of healthier and more sustainable food consumption.
An empirical test of experiential shopping in food retailing
Authors: Lang Mark , Hooker Neal H.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the influence of shopping experience on consumer satisfaction shown in non‐food retail sectors has a similar effect in food retailing, specifically with large‐scale grocery retailers. The paper also investigates differences in shopping experience and its effect across different retail settings.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study of a customer satisfaction database combining satisfaction with store attributes across several large‐scale grocery retailers in the specialty, traditional, and discount sectors. Hierarchal regression is used to meaure the effect of a composite shopping experience index on overall satisfaction, after controlling for basic economic factors of food shopping such as product quality, assortment, availability, and prices.

Findings

There was support for three hypotheses, suggesting that: food shopping experience effects overall consumer satisfaction for grocery retailers; shopping experience varies across different grocery retail settings; and the effect of food shopping experience on consumer satisfaction varies across grocery retail settings.

Research limitations/implications

Data report a single point in time and aggregate measures. Guidance is provided for food retailers wanting to further develop shopping experience to impact consumer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper gives important empirical support for the influence of shopping experience on customer satisfaction for large‐scale grocery retailers and across various retail settings.
Facilitating customers' post‐purchase food retail experiences
Authors: Saarijärvi Hannu , Kuusela Hannu , Rintamäki Timo
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Delivering superior customer experiences through experiential marketing strategies has become increasingly important in food retailing. While retailers seek new sources of competitive advantage, the perspective to customer experiences should be extended from the in‐store activities to post‐purchase where the value‐in‐use of the groceries eventually actualises. In this quest for an enhanced customer experience, the possibilities provided by Internet‐based service applications have been an underexplored area of research. Towards that end, the purpose of this paper is to explore and analyse how such service applications can facilitate customers' post‐purchase experiences in the context of food retailing.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study research setting was applied focusing on an internet‐based service application that provides customers with detailed information about the healthfulness of their groceries. Altogether 456 submissions of customer feedback data and 16 customer interviews were generated and analysed. Subsequently, a typology of facilitating customers' post‐purchase food retail experiences was constructed to uncover and illustrate how the service succeeds in extending the customer food retail experience towards the customer's context.

Findings

The authors identified four types of the typology, including “Playing”, “Check‐pointing”, “Learning”, and “Goal‐orientation”. These four types can be conceptualised through the utilitarian versus hedonic dimensions and the degree of customer transformation.

Originality/value

The paper introduces internet‐based service applications as a suitable experiential marketing strategy. It offers a fresh perspective and new insight into leveraging on the capabilities of the Internet in facilitating customers' post‐purchase food retail experiences.
Problem‐solving strategies that Kenyan academic librarians utilize when presented with copyright queries
Authors: Wakhungu Olaka Musa , Adkins Denice
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how Kenyan academic librarians, with varying education levels, solve and handle copyright issues when presented to them by library users.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was administered to 253 librarians in 14 universities in Nairobi, Kenya. Of those who responded to the survey, a think aloud protocol and critical incident technique interview were administered to a convenience sample of 32 librarians.

Findings

Learned helplessness was found to exist among librarians who were Certificate and Diploma holders when faced with copyright queries. Librarians from the different education levels differed in their ranking of problem‐solving strategies they employ when it comes to stopping copyright infringement in libraries.

Practical implications

This study helps to inform internal library policies regarding copyright and the type of staff member a library can utilize to serve library users whenever they present queries on copyright issues. The study supports the need for thorough copyright education for librarians.

Originality/value

This is the first time that a study has tried to compare how academic librarians in Africa with varying education levels in Library Science respond to copyright queries presented to them and approaches they use to fight copyright infringement.
A selective review of research on e‐resource usage in academic libraries
Authors: Tripathi Manorama , Jeevan V.K.J.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of quantitative and qualitative analysis of the usage of e‐resources in academic libraries. It also describes various studies undertaken to study the users' behavior and attitude towards e‐journals.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent published literature on the importance of the usage statistics of e‐resources subscribed to by the academic libraries.

Findings

The findings show that the usage statistics help in studying and evaluating the users' behavior in an online environment. The library services can be extended and modified, to reflect user interests suiting the users the most, in the light of the evaluation and analyses done.

Originality/value

The paper has pertinence and wider implications for library staff engaged in providing e‐resources' services to readers.
Use of electronic and digital information by investment professionals in Kuwait
Authors: Sattar Chaudhry Abdus , Alansari Husain
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate what types of information are crucial to support investment decisions, how investment professionals find information that they use to advise their clients, what types of sources of information are available to them, what sources they prefer, and what difficulties they experience in finding investment information. The study also explores the preferred ways and means to improve the information finding skills of investment professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey method was used to collect data about information‐seeking behavior of investment professionals. An online questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. The questionnaire contained eight questions about types of information required for investment analysis, information‐finding practices of professionals, tools and services frequently used, and perceptions of investment professionals about the importance of sources of information. Participants were also asked about the use of social media and social software, and frequently‐used information sources on investment opportunities.

Findings

Investment professionals in Kuwait are relying heavily on electronic and digital sources to find investment information. Participants indicated that a wide variety of financial and non‐financial information was needed to support their work. They reported frequent use of e‐mail and smartphones to access internal and external information. While they benefitted from social media and social software, they considered company intranets and portals, external web sites, and business information services more important to fulfill their information needs. They appeared to be confident about their information‐finding skills but considered training helpful in database and internet searching techniques.

Originality/value

This study has made valuable information available on information‐seeking practices of investment professionals, as very few previous studies could be found in the literature. The first phase was an exploratory study. The second phase of the study will use multiple methods such as interview and focus group discussions to probe further in certain areas.
Protective effect of oregano (Origanum vulgar L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) oleoresins in stored soybean oil
Authors: Jorge Neuza , Vieira Del Ré Patrícia
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of oregano and thyme extracts isolatedly and combinedly applied in soybean oil.

Design/methodology/approach

Soybean oil containing 3,000 mg/kg of oregano and thyme oleoresins and the mixture of both, as well as soybean oil containing TBHQ (50 mg/kg) and soybean oil free of antioxidants, were subjected to accelerated oven test (60°C/10 days). Samples were collected every two days and analyzed as to their peroxide and conjugated diene values.

Findings

The mixture of oleoresins and consequent increase of concentration were as effective as the antioxidant TBHQ.

Practical implications

These studies may prove to be beneficial to the exploitation of natural antioxidant sources for the preservation and/or extension of raw and processed food shelf life. Therefore, they could also be applied in the area of pharmaceuticals for the protection of human life.

Originality/value

This study offers information on the use of natural antioxidants as an alternative to the use of synthetic antioxidants, which might be considered toxic.
Nutrition for patients treated for cancer
Authors: Blades Mabel
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine nutritional interventions for patients being treated for cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

This study comprises a literature review plus discussions with registered dietitians.

Findings

A total of 40 per cent of those with cancer are found to have some form of malnutrition. Assessment of malnutrition is recommended. A number of nutrition interventions were found which can be applied in a practical situation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is a literature review plus discussions, not intervention studies.

Practical implications

The paper may provide practical nutritional applications which can be used by those working with patients being treated for cancer.

Social implications

This paper provides information for those working with people undergoing treatments for cancer.

Originality/value

There are few papers on this subject and most focus on enteral feeds.
Does religious fasting affect energy and macro‐nutrients intakes?
Authors: Muzaffar Ali Khan Khattak Muhammad , Mazlan Mamat Nik , Azdie Mohd Abu Bakar Wan , Firdaus Nazri Shaharuddin Mohd
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This study was designed with the aim of assessing the energy and nutrient intakes of male university students before and during Ramadan and comparing it with the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 30 male students aged between 19‐24 years from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan Campus were recruited before Ramadan. The height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were recorded on day one of Ramadan and also recorded on day 21 of Ramadan to assess the changes. From the weight and height, the body mass index was calculated and from the waist and hip circumference, the waist‐to‐hip ratios were calculated. The respondents were requested to keep three days food record in household measurements; once prior to fasting and once during the third week of Ramadan. The records were then analyzed using Malaysian Food Composition Table and Food Atlas to get the averages of energy and macronutrients intakes of the subjects.

Findings

After 21 days of Ramadan, the results revealed that there was reduction in the body weight and there was significant (P<0.05) improvement in the waist‐to‐hip ratio of the subjects. The effect was more prominent in the normal‐weight compared to overweight respondents. The mean energy and protein intakes were significantly (P<0.001) lower than the RNI for Malaysians of similar age group. However, mean energy and protein intakes increased during Ramadan compared to the first day of Ramadan. This study indicates that Ramadan fasting does not affect energy and macronutrients intake but only the routine of intake is affected.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to a specific group of normal and overweight students who were residing on campus of the IIUM. Their intakes might not be consistent with those at home or living outside the university campus. Another thing is that the students might have over‐reported their energy and macro‐nutrients intakes compared to what they have consumed in reality. So, the self‐reported intakes could not be ascertained. The stated factors might have confounding effects on the finding of this research.

Practical implications

Most research argues that the body weight loss during Ramadan fasting is due to reduced energy consumption; however, this is not true in all cases. This study infers that there is no reduction in the total energy consumption, rather there is a change in the pattern of energy intake. This brief study would help researchers planning to conduct research on Ramadan fasting and will caution fasting readers about the intakes.

Originality/value

This study indicates that during Ramadan fasting does not affect energy and macro‐nutrients intake but only the schedule of intake is affected.
Sugars, organic acids, and phenolic acids of exotic seasonable tropical fruits
Authors: Lee Pin‐Rou , Tan Rou‐Ming , Yu Bin , Curran Philip , Liu Shao‐Quan
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterise the physiochemical properties of selected exotic seasonal tropical fruits available in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 11 seasonal tropical fruits including cempedak, chiku, custard apple, jackfruit, longkong, mangosteen, red jambu, pearl jambu, rambutan, salak and starfruit were analyzed for their sugars, organic acids and free phenolic acids composition using liquid chromatographic methods. Total phenolic content (free and bound), total soluble solids and pH were determined using Folin‐Ciocalteu method, refractometer and pH meter, respectively.

Findings

Fructose, glucose and sucrose were the main sugars in all the fruits. Cempedak had the highest sucrose concentration, while custard apple had the highest content of fructose and glucose. Malic and citric acids were the major organic acids in most of the fruits, except for pearl jambu and red jambu where succinic acid was the dominant acid. The total phenolic content varied from 122.94 to 712.20 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg fresh weight (FW). Ferulic (0.631 mg/kg) and sinapic acids (1.506 mg/kg) were the predominant free phenolic acids in custard apple, while caffeic acid was the main free phenolic acid in jackfruit, salak and starfruit.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that the physiochemical characteristics of the 11 tropical fruits varied markedly, which is responsible for the differential flavour and stability. The findings are useful for epidemiological research and predicting the degree of ripeness, stability and post‐harvest processing required for these fruits.
Determinants of foreign subsidiary staffing by service firms
Authors: Ando Naoki , Endo Nobuaki
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how service firms determine foreign subsidiary staffing, emphasizing the joint effect of an attribute specific to the service sector and the institutional environment of the host countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops hypotheses regarding the joint effect of human capital intensity and institutional distance on the ratio of parent country nationals to foreign subsidiary employees. A Tobit regression is conducted to test the hypotheses, using a sample that consists of 1,067 foreign subsidiaries of Japanese service firms.

Findings

This study finds that the human capital intensity of a service firm has a positive impact on the ratio of parent country nationals to foreign subsidiary employees. The study also finds that the institutional distance between the host country and the home country is negatively associated with the ratio of parent country nationals. In addition, this study finds that the positive impact of human capital intensity on the ratio of parent country nationals becomes weaker as the institutional distance becomes greater.

Originality/value

This study explores the factors that affect the decisions regarding foreign subsidiary staffing in the service sector. It advances the understanding of the foreign subsidiary staffing of service firms by examining the joint effect of an attribute specific to the service sector and the institutional environment of the host countries. This study shows evidence that the effect of an attribute specific to the service sector is more complex than a linear relationship.
Performance management coaching: servant leadership and gender implications
Authors: Duff Angus J.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider theoretically the relationships between performance management, a servant leadership style and leader gender, drawing from Hackman and Wageman's theory of team coaching to suggest a servant leadership style being optimally suited to support the different leadership roles enacted at different stages of the performance management cycle. While recent research suggests that female managers may be more likely to enact a servant leadership style, team and process‐level considerations have yet to be addressed. This paper aims to theoretically address this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual based on theory with literature review.

Findings

Because the theory of team coaching suggests differential leader task delivery at various points in the coaching process, servant leadership's individually‐centred approach is suited to team coaching, particularly in the execution of performance management coaching.

Practical implications

Since research suggests that women are more likely to employ a servant leadership style, this paper explores whether gender plays a role in team coaching.

Originality/value

This study makes a novel contribution by considering the influence of a servant leadership style at the leadership process and team levels.
The impact of criterion weights in facilities management decision making: an Australian case study
Authors: Langston Craig
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Making appropriate decisions concerning the ongoing management of existing built facilities is an important activity for property and facilities managers. Such decisions comprise multiple criteria, and the relative importance of these criteria typically reflects the implicit preferences or biases of the decision maker(s). This paper seeks to apply a new property management 3D decision model known as iconCUR to investigate the impact of criterion weights on the decision to intervene.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective case study of a real project in Sydney (Australia) that underwent adaptive reuse transformation in 2008 is used to test the sensitivity of implied decision‐maker preferences in practice.

Findings

It is found that significant change to individual criterion weights relating to aspects of building condition, space utilization and triple bottom line reward has minimal influence on the derived spatial coordinates that underpin the 3D decision model and hence the recommended intervention strategy in the particular case studied.

Practical implications

It is further suggested that changes in criterion weights over time as expectations and situations may dictate can be accommodated without undermining the integrity of the decision‐making process.

Originality/value

The deployment of this type of approach, at least, documents the decision‐making process involved in important property management strategies and exposes the frequently implicit preferences of decision makers. These preferences are shown not to be as critical as might have been suspected. This may add further confidence to the use of MCDA in facilities management decisions.
Norwegian cleaning research: an overview and categorization
Authors: Johanne Klungseth Nora , Olof Emanuel Olsson Nils
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This article aims to summarize Norwegian cleaning‐related research to give an overview of the knowledge held today and to categorize the approaches used.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on an extensive literature search. Research contributions from 1814 until 2009 were studied, even though the main findings are from 1950. The different disciplines contributing to research are mapped and the contributions are categorized based on different research approaches, namely positivism, interpretivism, realism and idealism.

Findings

Norwegian cleaning‐related research experienced a burst in publications from the 1990s.The majority of Norwegian cleaning‐related research has been positivistic, mostly based on realism. The least common approach used was interpretivism‐idealism and interviews were the most frequently used method in interpretivisitc contribution. The article indicates a need for further broadening in research methods.

Research limitations/implications

Through categorizing existing knowledge the article will help when searching for information and thus stimulate more research as limited research exists within the field.

Practical implications

The paper represents a summary of the knowledge status in cleaning with a Norwegian perspective. It is believed that the general picture also has international relevance.

Social implications

Few researchers have investigated cleaning work from the perspective of cleaning personnel. It should also be noted that there has been little focus on the usability of buildings for cleaning personnel.

Originality/value

This article may be the first historical overview of Norwegian cleaning‐related research.
Design standard for inclusion: tactile ground surface indicators in China
Authors: Wai Michael Siu Kin
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to: identify the importance of a design standard for tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs); discuss the problem of the existing standard of TGSIs in China; and advocate an all‐round approach that the consideration of a design standard of TGSIs should be on policy, implementation and management perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

TGSIs in China were taken as a case study, while those in other countries/cities were used as supplementary reference cases. Intensive field observations on the quality of TGSIs in various public places were carried out in the Chinese mainland between 2005 and 2009. The public places included transportation terminals, shopping centres and universities. The research activities included intensive field observations and direct interviews. Different types of TGSIs were reviewed by using product analysis methods.

Findings

For inclusion, a standard for TGSIs is important. It is an effective tool in design quality assurance. There are three perspectives to ensuring the quality of a design standard: policy, implementation, and management.

Research limitations/implications

Further case studies are expected to be conducted in other cities in order to generate a more comprehensive understanding related to the topic. Continuous studies are also necessary since the living environment is changing all the time. The general public's participation to establish a good design standard for TGSIs is important.

Practical implications

The findings provide reference and direction for an all‐round approach consideration in a design standard for TGSIs; and for social inclusion.

Social implications

The findings illustrate how inclusion can be achieved by setting up a design standard of TGSIs in China (as a case study) by considering an all‐round perspective.

Originality/value

The work and study are new in China. The findings provide insights for China and other countries, and individual cities, to review the needs of visually impaired persons.
Understanding and implementing strategic asset management at the University of Southern Queensland
Authors: Povey David , Peach Neil
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to outline an implementation model and framework for those facilities management (FM) professionals who are seeking to enhance the strategic role of FM within their organisations, through the development of strategic asset management (SAM).

Design/methodology/approach

The project was implemented using an action research framework to capture key outcomes and findings at the same time as formal project management techniques were used to govern activities and actions across multiple dimensions.

Findings

As a result of the project, the University of Southern Queensland has significantly matured in its understanding of its real estate portfolio. In particular it has now recognised the importance of appropriate and effective investment, optimal utilisation of space, the latent opportunities residing within an under utilised or “lazy” portfolio and the significance of SAM in support of organisational objectives and priorities.

Research limitations/implications

This case study provides information, observations and learning that can be applied in other organisations seeking to develop a SAM focus. These outcomes cover the technical, political, structural, and change management aspects of implementing SAM.

Originality/value

The paper provides guidance on the considerations, implementation experiences and lessons of an organisation with extensive and diverse physical assets engaged with an enterprise level upgrade of its asset management philosophy and practice. This paper comments on a number of organisational dimensions that go beyond the traditional technical areas.
Lean manufacturing: costing the value stream
Authors: Ruiz‐de‐Arbulo‐Lopez Patxi , Fortuny‐Santos Jordi , Cuatrecasas‐Arbós Lluís
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the shortcomings of traditional cost accounting techniques in lean companies and then it seeks to analyse the validity and convenience of value stream costing (VSC) as a tool in a company that has adopted some concepts of lean manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the relevant literature in order to discuss the deficiencies of costing methods in lean manufacturing. It evaluates the requirements of VSC and provides a concrete illustration of VSC in the continuous improvement process of a point of sales terminal assembly line.

Findings

The paper evidences the possible mistakes of cost accounting. The necessity and validity of VSC in lean manufacturing are presented, followed by a case example. In order to make continuous improvement decisions, VSM, VSC and box score offer complete information on the performance of the value stream.

Research limitations/implications

Although accompanied by an application on a real case study, this is not an empirical investigation on the adoption of VSC.

Practical implications

VSC requirements agree with the fundamentals of lean management. Therefore, VSC is a valid tool for lean companies, although the applicability depends on the maturity of the lean implementation.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the lean accounting literature because the management accounting literature still lags behind the lean transformation. This is one of the first papers on VSC in relevant journals and the first one to combine VSC and box scores with value stream mapping. The paper will be useful to academics involved in new accounting systems but also to practitioners who are implementing lean manufacturing.
Empirical heuristics for improving intermittent demand forecasting
Authors: Petropoulos Fotios , Nikolopoulos Konstantinos , Spithourakis Georgios P. , Assimakopoulos Vassilios
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Intermittent demand appears sporadically, with some time periods not even displaying any demand at all. Even so, such patterns constitute considerable proportions of the total stock in many industrial settings. Forecasting intermittent demand is a rather difficult task but of critical importance for corresponding cost savings. The current study aims to examine the empirical outcomes of three heuristics towards the modification of established intermittent demand forecasting approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

First, optimization of the smoothing parameter used in Croston's approach is empirically explored, in contrast to the use of an a priori fixed value as in earlier studies. Furthermore, the effect of integer rounding of the resulting forecasts is considered. Lastly, the authors evaluate the performance of Theta model as an alternative of SES estimator for extrapolating demand sizes and/or intervals. The proposed heuristics are implemented into the forecasting support system.

Findings

The experiment is performed on 3,000 real intermittent demand series from the automotive industry, while evaluation is made both in terms of bias and accuracy. Results indicate increased forecasting performance.

Originality/value

The current research explores some very simple heuristics which have a positive impact on the accuracy of intermittent demand forecasting approaches. While some of these issues have been partially explored in the past, the current research focuses on a complete in‐depth analysis of easy‐to‐employ modifications to well‐established intermittent demand approaches. By this, the authors enable the application of such heuristics in an industrial environment, which may lead to significant inventory and production cost reductions and other benefits.
Improving competitive positioning through complementary organisational resources
Authors: Doherty Neil F. , Terry Mark
Published: May 2013

Purpose

In this paper, the authors seek to draw upon resource‐based theory to explore the role of existing, complementary organisational resources, in leveraging sustainable improvements in competitive positioning, resulting from information systems initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model has been derived from the literature, which is then used to guide the conduct of a major, integrated quantitative and qualitative survey of managers.

Findings

In this paper, it is shown that improvements in competitive positioning are likely to be more significant and sustainable when a new IS initiative makes an indirect contribution, through the leveraging of complementary organisational resources, rather than stemming directly from the functionality of the IT asset.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this study relate to its use of a “convenience” sample and a “single‐informant”. However, both these comprises were viewed as being worthwhile, as it gave the authors the opportunity to conduct a study that was both broad and deep, in terms of the data collected.

Practical implications

The authors draw out the implications of their empirical study for the management of IT projects, to improve their ability to deliver sustainable improvements in competitive positioning.

Originality/value

This research makes a significant departure from the aggregated, enterprise‐level orientation of prior studies, by focusing upon the process‐level impacts of individual IS initiatives.
Ship optimization by globally convergent modification of PSO by a surrogate‐based Newton method
Authors: Peri Daniele , Diez Matteo
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the introduction of a globally convergent algorithm into a framework for global derivative‐free optimization, such as particle swarm optimization (PSO) for which a full proof of convergence is currently missing.

Design/methodology/approach

The substitution of the classical PSO iteration by the Newton method is suggested when the global minimum is not improved. Use of surrogate models for the computation of the Hessian of the objective function is a key point for the overall computational effort. Adoption of a trust‐region approach guarantees the consistency of the present approach with the original formulation.

Findings

The approach proposed is mostly found to be an improvement of the classical PSO method. The use of surrogate models and the trust‐region approach maintains the overall computational effort at the same level as the original algorithm.

Research limitations/implications

Although the number of algebraic test functions is pretty large, a single practical example is provided. Further numerical experiments are needed in order to increase the generality of the conclusions.

Practical implications

The proposed method improves the efficiency of the standard PSO algorithm.

Originality/value

Previous literature does not provide comprehensive systematic studies for coupling PSO with local search algorithms. This paper is a contribution for closing the gap.
Active flow control of airfoil using mesh/meshless methods coupled to hierarchical genetic algorithms for drag reduction design
Authors: Wang Hong , Leskinen Jyri , Lee Dong‐Seop , Périaux Jacques
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate an active flow control technique called Shock Control Bump (SCB) for drag reduction using evolutionary algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

A hierarchical genetic algorithm (HGA) consisting of multi‐fidelity models in three hierarchical topological layers is explored to speed up the design optimization process. The top layer consists of a single sub‐population operating on a precise model. On the middle layer, two sub‐populations operate on a model of intermediate accuracy. The bottom layer, consisting of four sub‐populations (two for each middle layer populations), operates on a coarse model. It is well‐known that genetic algorithms (GAs) are different from deterministic optimization tools in mimicking biological evolution based on Darwinian principle. In HGAs process, each population is handled by GA and the best genetic information obtained in the second or third layer migrates to the first or second layer for refinement.

Findings

The method was validated on a real life optimization problem consisting of two‐dimensional SCB design optimization installed on a natural laminar flow airfoil (RAE5243). Numerical results show that HGA is more efficient and achieves more drag reduction compared to a single population based GA.

Originality/value

Although the idea of HGA approach is not new, the novelty of this paper is to combine it with mesh/meshless methods and multi‐fidelity flow analyzers. To take the full benefit of using hierarchical topology, the following conditions are implemented: the first layer uses a precise meshless Euler solver with fine cloud of points, the second layer uses a hybrid mesh/meshless Euler solver with intermediate mesh/clouds of points, the third layer uses a less fine mesh with Euler solver to explore efficiently the search space with large mutation span.
Increasing parallelism of evolutionary algorithms by Nash games in design inverse flow problems
Authors: Leskinen Jyri , Wang Hong , Périaux Jacques
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the efficiency of four different algorithmic parallelization methods for inverse shape design flow problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The included algorithms are: a parallelized differential evolution algorithm; island‐model differential evolution with multiple subpopulations; Nash differential evolution with geometry decomposition using competitive Nash games; and the new Global Nash Game Coalition Algorithm (GNGCA) which combines domain and geometry decomposition into a “distributed one‐shot” method. The methods are compared using selected academic reconstruction problems using a different number of simultaneous processes.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the geometry decomposition approach can be used to improve algorithmic convergence. Additional improvements were achieved using the novel distributed one‐shot method.

Originality/value

This paper is a part of series of articles involving the GNGCA method. Further tests implemented for more complex problems are needed to study the efficiency of the approaches in more realistic cases.
Value relevance of voluntary disclosure and the global financial crisis: evidence from China
Authors: Wang Zhuoming , Jahangir Ali Muhammad , Al‐Akra Mahmoud
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the level of voluntary disclosure affects firm value in the Chinese capital market. It also investigates whether voluntary disclosure and the values of Chinese firms are influenced by the global financial crisis (GFC).

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a sample of 714 firm‐year annual reports of listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges over a period of five years from 2005 to 2009 and adopt a two‐stage OLS (2SLS) procedure.

Findings

It is found that the extent of voluntary disclosure has improved in China during the period studied. The multiple regression results indicate that more voluntary disclosure does not create value for Chinese firms. It is also observed that multinational ownership, non‐executive directors, and audit committee presence are positively and significantly associated with voluntary disclosure. Furthermore, the study reports that state and individual ownerships are negatively associated with firm value while multinational ownership and liquidity have a positive significant association with firm value. During the financial crisis, voluntary disclosure continues to increase, however, firm value has decreased.

Originality/value

Using data from the Chinese market, the study fills a research gap by examining the value relevance of voluntary disclosure and tests whether the Global Financial Crisis has influenced voluntary disclosure levels and Chinese firms' values.
Successes and struggles with building web teams: a usability committee case study
Authors: Dethloff Nora , German Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to raise issues and challenges with the formation and structure of web teams within libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the literature and reflect on their experience with web teams.

Findings

The literature is scarce when it comes to discussions on building web and usability teams. However, using team formation theory can strengthen any sort of web team regardless of the exact nature of its formation and structure.

Practical implications

This paper reviews and reflects on a list of team formation aspects that could be beneficial while building a web team.

Originality/value

This case study fills a gap in the literature about how web and usability teams are formed and how team structure affects the success of the group.
Introduction to history of Islamic banking in Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Saif Al Nasser Sulaiman , Datin
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the history of Islamic banking in Malaysia from 1963 until 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

To review the history of Islamic banking in Malaysia, data have been gathered from different articles, books and reports about the Islamic banking system in Malaysia.

Findings

The paper found that Malaysia as an Islamic country has an outstanding infrastructure to support the establishment of an Islamic banking hub in the Islamic region.

Originality/value

The paper shows that Malaysia was of the first countries to take a systematic planning approach to develop the Islamic finance system in the region. Islamic banking systems in Malaysia are growing rapidly and progressively, in spite of some other countries wishing to be ahead of Malaysia, such as Singapore and the UK.
The impact of financial crisis on UAE real estate and construction sector: analysis and implications
Authors: Al‐Malkawi Husam‐Aldin N. , Pillai Rekha
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the performance of real estate and construction companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the pre (2006‐2007) and post (2008‐2009) global financial crisis periods.

Design/methodology/approach

A ratio analysis was conducted on a sample of six companies in the real estate and construction sector. A nonparametric test, namely the Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed rank test, was employed to see whether the calculated ratios differ between the pre‐crisis and post‐crisis periods.

Findings

The findings reveal a negative impact of the business cycle on the performance of real estate companies in the UAE. There is a significant fall in the liquidity, profitability, leverage and activity ratios after the financial crisis.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study revolve around factors such as limited sample size, non‐availability of data for the aforesaid periods, low transparency in revealing some financial details and non‐availability of yearly industry averages.

Practical implications

The companies in this sector could be obligated to ensure better transparency in revealing financial information to the public. Implementation of stringent regulatory policies in the real estate sector will help the unprecedented downturn in these companies.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study conducted to examine the impact of the global financial crisis on the performance of the real estate and construction companies in the UAE.
Store managers, profitability and satisfaction in multi-unit enterprises
Authors: M. Murray Lynn , R. Evans Kenneth
Published: May 2013

Purpose

– This study aims to explore how managers of multi-unit retail chains balance unit customer satisfaction and profitability through the manager
'
s customer, sales, and production operating orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research links survey data (gathered from unit managers and customers) to customer satisfaction and unit financial performance.

Findings

– The study found that the store managers
'
customer and sales operating orientations are strongly related to financial performance; further, these effects are negatively moderated by a production operating orientation. Results also indicate that the store manager
'
s customer and sales operating orientations are related to customer satisfaction only when moderated by his/her production operating orientation.

Research limitations/implications

– Using a sample drawn from within a single firm, this research examines profitability and customer satisfaction at the unit level and identifies the manager of the unit as occupying a key strategic role in the multi-unit enterprise.

Practical implications

– The findings highlight the critical role the unit manager of a multi-unit enterprise plays in driving customer satisfaction and unit profitability. Further, the results point to the challenge of managing the production-related responsibilities of the retail enterprise while striving to be sales and/or customer oriented. Implications for management are particularly salient when considering the combined effect of production-sales and production-customer orientations.

Originality/value

– This study merges services operations and services marketing theory to explore how conflicting strategic initiatives are implemented at the store level, and how these, in turn, influence unit financial performance and customer satisfaction.
The impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and customer trust on the restoration of loyalty after service failure and recovery
Authors: Choi Beomjoon , La Suna
Published: May 2013

Purpose

– This study seeks to examine perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) with a focus on ethical and legal questions, related to the constructs such as recovery satisfaction, customer trust, and loyalty after a service failure.

Design/methodology/approach

– An empirical test was conducted on this relationship in the context of service failure and recovery. A structural equation model was employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– Results indicate that perceived CSR has a significant impact on customer trust and loyalty and that customer trust serves as a key mediating variable in service recovery.

Research limitations/implications

– This study provides a theoretical implication for the relationship between perceived CSR and the relationship constructs such as service recovery satisfaction, customer trust, and loyalty.

Practical implications

– The results suggest that managers may need to be aware of perceived CSR as a key variable in restoring customer loyalty. The results further suggest that perceived CSR has a direct and indirect positive effect on loyalty; perceived CSR has a direct impact on loyalty, but it also has an indirect influence on loyalty through customer trust.

Originality/value

– In an attempt to deepen the understanding of how customer perceptions of firm CSR are connected with other customer-related outcomes during service recovery, the present research proposes a comprehensive model which encompasses CSR and other key relationship constructs after a service failure and recovery.