bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the international web connectivity of research groups
Authors: Thelwall Mike , Li Xuemei , Barjak Franz , Robinson Simon
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to claim that it is useful to assess the web connectivity of research groups, describe hyperlink‐based techniques to achieve this and present brief details of European life sciences research groups as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

A commercial search engine was harnessed to deliver hyperlink data via its automatic query submission interface. A special purpose link analysis tool, LexiURL, then summarised and graphed the link data in appropriate ways.

Findings

Webometrics can provide a wide range of descriptive information about the international connectivity of research groups.

Research limitations/implications

Only one field was analysed, data was taken from only one search engine, and the results were not validated.

Practical implications

Web connectivity seems to be particularly important for attracting overseas job applicants and to promote research achievements and capabilities, and hence we contend that it can be useful for national and international governments to use webometrics to ensure that the web is being used effectively by research groups.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to make a case for the value of using a range of webometric techniques to evaluate the web presences of research groups within a field, and possibly the first “applied” webometrics study produced for an external contract.
Effectiveness of UMLS semantic network as a seed ontology for building a medical domain ontology
Authors: Na Jin‐Cheon , Leng Neoh Hock
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the effectiveness of the unified medical language system (UMLS) semantic network as a seed ontology for building a medical field ontology.

Design/methodology/approach

The information extraction process known as the knowledge engineering approach was used to extract concepts and their semantic relations from documents on “colon cancer treatment”. The UMLS semantic network was used as a seed ontology, and was extended and enriched with the extracted concepts and semantic relations using Protégé.

Findings

Only half of the semantic relations extracted manually were defined (or inferable) in the UMLS semantic network. The remaining half could be added to the network to extend its coverage. In addition, two semantic types in the network were found to be too general and four new sublevel semantic types were proposed to make them more specific.

Research limitations/implications

Since only 109 research paper abstracts in the “colon cancer treatment” domain were analyzed in this study, more abstracts from the colon cancer treatment domain as well as from other cancer treatment domains (such as breast cancer treatment) can be analyzed to give a better generalization of our findings.

Originality/value

This study shares our findings on the effectiveness of the UMLS semantic network as a seed ontology for building a medical domain ontology, and also provides the basic guidelines for building or extending a medical domain ontology using the UMLS.
The academic impact of Chinese humanities and social science research
Authors: Jie Zhang , Xinning Su , Sanhong Deng
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper is written as an attempt to employ the Chinese Social Science Citation Index (CSSCI) in the evaluation of Chinese humanities and social science research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses statistics in the CSSCI (2000‐2004) to analyze the academic impact of researchers, papers and works, institutions and regions on Chinese humanities and social science research.

Findings

The authors identify 100 highly cited people, 50 highly cited papers, 50 highly cited works, 20 highly productive institutions and 20 highly cited institutions. Also provided is some regional information about Chinese humanities and social science research.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the CSSCI, as well as the analysis and evaluation based on it, will give researchers a better understanding of Chinese humanities and social science research.
Modes of qualities in development of speciality food
Authors: Petter Stræte Egil
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of alternative processes of restructuring in the agri‐food chain, emphasising the socio‐cultural aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual discussion as to how qualities are embedded in speciality products to make them different from conventional products leads to the presentation of a model of modes of designed qualities. This model is applied to an empirical study of the milk supply chains and the related infrastructure in Norway and Wales.

Findings

The research argues that qualities of food are constructed in relations between participants along the supply chain, consumers included. Development of speciality food needs new networks to create other modes of quality than the standard.

Research limitations/implications

The concepts are contributions to analytical generalisations and not to statistical generalisations, i.e. they must be applied to cases. This study is related to the milk sector in two contexts. There is a need to explore other empirical cases.

Originality/value

This paper uses new conceptual tools to analyse how food qualities are constructed in relations between food producers, processors and consumers. It contributes to the debate on the alternative food economy, especially with relation to aspects of quality.
An open economy model with currency substitution and real dollarization
Authors: Corrado Germana
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The paper aims at developing a theoretical model for de facto dollarized small open economies focusing on currency substitution and nominal wages indexation to the exchange rate.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is performed in a general equilibrium “New Open Economy Macroeconomics” framework with nominal rigidities and imperfect competition in the nontraded good sector.

Findings

The paper finds that a dollar‐indexed economy with low degrees of payments/financial dollarization could experience higher costs in terms of exchange rate and output fluctuations when nominal shocks dominate real shocks, making stabilization programs more difficult to achieve in a rapid and less costly way.

Practical implications

The speed of adjustment of macro variables is faster in the highly dollarized economy as a response to a higher and more volatile inflation rate. A higher level of financial dollarization increases the frequency of domestic prices and wages revisions to nominal exchange rate shocks. This might explain, in turn, why nominal disturbances are shorter lived in the higher dollarized economies, and the asymmetry between financial and real dollarization

Originality/value

Contrary to the “conventional wisdom” that predicts a positive relationship between the degrees of dollarization and the exchange rate pass‐through, our model shows that the degree of dollarization and the degree of dollar indexation are not necessarily the same or even correlated.
Wagner's hypothesis
Authors: Mohammadi Hassan , Cak Murat , Cak Demet
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to prove the validity of Wagner's hypothesis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the validity of Wagner's hypothesis with annual data for Turkey over 1950‐2005 period.

Findings

The empirical results using the ARDL bounds tests of cointegration provide strong support for the hypothesis. Also, the results are robust across six alternative specifications of the Wagner's hypothesis as well as four alternative lag length selection criterions.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on the validity of Wagner's hypothesis.
The hidden financial costs of ERP software
Authors: Lindley James T. , Topping Sharon , Lindley Lee T.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detail how the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems creates major distortions in the corporate decision‐making process.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to focus on the distortion in the capital – budgeting process of corporations emanating from the rigidity of ERP software. The rigidity negatively influences decision‐making because ERP software often dictates that the firm must change its core business procedures and processes to fit the software.

Findings

Lack of flexibility limits the introduction of new products, or targeting a new customer segment by increasing costs and imposing delays in implementation.

Research limitations/implications

Firms would benefit from performing detailed analysis of the impact of ERP systems on their ability to make operational decisions.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the problem of decreased flexibility in making changes in the production and accounting components of the firm when purchasing and installing ERP systems that cannot accommodate minor or major changes in the corporation.
Multiple effects of human resource development interventions
Authors: Rowold Jens
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This study aims to explore the simultaneous impact of employees' participation in non‐technical training, technical training, and coaching on subsequent job performance, job involvement, and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study was based on a sample of German call center employees and on a longitudinal, multiple‐sources‐of‐data research design.

Findings

It was found that non‐technical training impacted subsequent soft skills and that technical training predicted subsequent hard skills as well as job involvement. Moreover, employees' participation in coaching predicted job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The present study was the first to demonstrate positive effects of technical training on job involvement, and of coaching on job satisfaction. In sum, validity of several developmental interventions was highlighted.

Practical implications

Organizations designing and implementing various developmental interventions should pay attention to the relative effectiveness of these interventions on various organizational‐relevant outcome criteria.

Originality/value

For the first time, the simultaneous impact of multiple human resource development interventions on several outcome criteria was tested empirically.
Influences of amine‐terminated oligomers on glass fibre‐epoxy composite
Authors: Samanta B.C. , Maity T. , Dalai S. , Banthia A.K.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the mechanical properties of glass fibre reinforced epoxy composites modified with amine‐terminated poly (ethylene glycol) benzoate (ATPEGB) along with their thermal stability.

Design/methodology/approach

ATPEGB prepared from poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) of different molecular weights (200, 400, 600, 4,000 and 20,000) were used as modifiers for glass fibre epoxy composite here. For toughening, 12.5 parts per hundred grams (phr) of epoxy resin of each ATPEGB was added to epoxy and pre‐reacted with it. The impact, tensile and flexural strengths of modified and unmodified composite were characterised and compared for each ATPEGB.

Findings

Modified resin displayed a significant improvement in fracture toughness with glass fibre over unmodified epoxy. The modification caused the formation of oligomer domains having relatively round shapes in the matrix. These oligomer domains led to improved strength and toughness due mainly to the “rubber toughening” effect in the brittle epoxy matrix. The optimum results were obtained for composite modified with ATPEGB‐2 prepared from PEG of molecular weight 400.

Research limitations/implications

In the present context, only 12.5 phr concentration of each ATPEGB was used to modify composite and the composites were made sing three layers of glass fibre. Besides, modification could also be done using other concentrations and more layers of glass fibre could also be used to make composite.

Originality/value

The method for enhancing toughness of epoxy glass fibre composite was novel and finds numerous applications as surface coatings, casting and adhesive onto an intricate structure, etc.
Anticorrosion properties of glassy‐crystalline borophosphates in water‐borne coating system
Authors: Mošner P. , Veselý D. , Koudelka L. , Kalendová A.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesise glassy and crystalline Ca‐Zn and Sr‐Zn borophosphates.

Design/methodology/approach

Anticorrosion pigments on the basis of glassy and crystalline borophosphates formulated as 20CaO‐30ZnO‐20B2O3‐30P2O5 and 20SrO‐30ZnO‐20B2O3‐30P2O5 were synthesised. The pigments prepared were characterised by means of X‐ray diffraction and their physical‐chemical properties were determined. The pigments synthesised were used to prepare water‐borne styrene‐acrylate coatings with a 10 per cent anticorrosion pigment content. The coatings underwent corrosion tests in a humid environment with SO2 content and a test in a salt mist environment. The corrosion tests results were compared with industrially produced pigments.

Findings

As the glassy phase reduces the anticorrosion efficiency of the coatings with the Sr‐Zn borophosphate content decreases too. In case of the Ca‐Zn borophosphates, the maximum anticorrosion efficiency was detected with regard to a pigment containing 75 wt% of the glassy phase.

Practical implications

The pigments synthesised can be conveniently used in water‐borne coatings to protect metal bases from corrosion.

Originality/value

The application of the synthesised glassy‐crystalline borophosphate pigments in anticorrosion water‐borne coatings to protect metal bases from corrosion presents a new method. The use and the method of synthesising these anticorrosion pigments are beneficial.
Effects of social variables on urban children's consumption attitude and behavior intentions
Authors: Samsinar  , Abdul Rahman Mohd K. , Abdul Rashid Zabid , Othman Nor , Abu Bakar Ainul Z.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of age, gender and city of dwelling on children's consumption attitude and behavior intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 300 children were interviewed in four different cities in Malaysia. Samples were selected using purposive sampling.

Findings

Findings indicated that age and city of dwelling were significant influence on children's consumption attitude and behavior intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study has looked at consumer behavior of the younger members of Malaysia households whereby only Malaysian children between the ages of nine and fourteen years old have been examined, the study however did not consider the teenagers.

Practical implications

These findings would help increase marketers' understanding of family decision‐making process. By understanding the decision framework and the various influencing factors affecting children's consumer attitude and choice, marketers will be able to plan and execute effective marketing strategies to maximize sales for selected children's products in Malaysia.

Originality/value

This research provides meaningful information on children consumption attitude and behavior intentions.
Understanding gender differences in professional service relationships
Authors: Bhagat Parimal S. , Williams Jerome D.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The study of relationships in marketing has received much attention of researchers over the past decade. This paper examines whether men and women exhibit differences in the strength of their relationships with a service provider, based on self‐reported behavioral measure, and whether there is a qualitative difference in the type of motivation that led to such a difference.

Design/methodology/approach

Two key independent variables are shown to influence the outcome variable – relationship strength – moderated by gender. It is hypothesized that women will exhibit higher levels of intrinsic interpersonal commitment and lower levels of structural bonds in the relationship with their service providers than men resulting in higher levels of Relationship Strength. A total of 150 structured interviews were conducted. The Likert‐type seven‐point scale was used for each of the key variables. Each scale was tested for reliability.

Findings

The results of the Chow test provided statistical evidence of the moderating role of gender in influencing relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed in testing the significance of the masculine (“instrumental”) and feminine (“expressive”) traits in the partner's gender role identity on the relationship outcomes.

Practical implications

Results have direct implications for the professional service provider in terms to time and resources allocated to each interaction. This is especially true in health care relationships where face‐to‐face time with client is shrinking.

Originality/value

This study examines the nature and source of differences between men and women in a consumer professional services context.
Domestic consumption: rational, affective or normative choice?
Authors: Vida Irena , Reardon James
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This study focuses on consumer choice behavior in the context of a new European Union (EU) member state by examining cognitive, affective and normative mechanisms in consumer preference formation for domestic vs imported products.

Design/methodology/approach

Data is drawn from a survey of 714 adult consumers. The research instrument included construct measures adapted from previous studies. The measurement model of domestic consumption was tested via covariance analysis. Once the construct reliability and validities were established, the structural model was evaluated to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The findings suggest that affective and normative constructs (i.e. consumer ethnocentrism and patriotism) are stronger determinants of domestic consumption than rational considerations (the cognitive mechanism) such as perceptions of relative product quality of domestic vs imported products. The role of patriotism and cosmopolitanism as factors fuelling ethnocentric tendencies are confirmed.

Practical implications

Our results, showing the considerable relative strength of patriotism and ethnocentrism on domestic consumption suggest that managers of local brands and domestic institutions should be able to enhance their communication programs and develop close bonds with their consumers. This finding is an important signal to international entrants in positioning their international offerings, particularly as strong local brands are gaining market share in many emerging consumer markets.

Originality/value

In view of emerging transnational groupings such as the EU, this study examines possible consumer resistance to economic integration. It uses realistic data set drawn from adult consumers and focuses on a relatively homogeneous country with a small population allowing for a good external validity of findings.
Strategy revitalization in academe: a balanced scorecard approach
Authors: McDevitt Roselie , Giapponi Catherine , Solomon Norman
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a unique version of the balanced scorecard developed and applied by the faculty of a university division.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a case study approach and uses the experiences of the faculty of a business school to describe the process and benefits of developing a custom balanced scorecard.

Findings

The unique version of the scorecard revitalized the faculty and resulted in a process model of organizational change based on the balanced scorecard that can be used in many academic divisions.

Practical implications

This unique version of the scorecard helped to establish a program of continuous improvement and facilitated the formulation of strategic initiatives. The documentation provided in the scorecard supports requests for increased budgets and grant applications.

Originality/value

University and faculty administrators can use the model developed in this paper as a basis of a change program that can help design improvement programs, facilitate strategy development, and support funding requests.
Assessing the universal basic education primary and Koranic schools' synergy for Almajiri street boys in Nigeria
Authors: Usman Lantana M.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how Nigeria's current Universal Basic Education on primary schooling targets Muslim Almajiri street boys for basic literacy acquisition. The paper examines the policy's management implementation practices and challenges, as well as provides policy options that may minimize discrepancies for effective management.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion is guided by preliminary qualitative studies using phenomenology research philosophy to better understand the social realities of the boys' schooling. Using a descriptive case study approach, two schools in a major city of northern Nigeria served as research sites. Data collection process involved informal interviews, active observations, and discussions with a purpose with four boys, and two teachers as primary participants. Data analysis engaged the generation of themes from the transcribed interview and personal observation field notes, with major ones as challenges and policy options of the program implementation.

Findings

Major findings include the boys' adoption to the free lunch feeding policy as motivation to partial school attendance. Management shortcomings of the synergy include ineffective communication and collaboration, poor instructional supervision and cultural insensitivity to boys' school retention. Remedies to the shortcomings are reviewed as policy options in the article.

Research implications

The paper concludes that effective management strategies as communication and collaboration with community stakeholders, frequencies of instructional supervision are vital to schooling inclusion of the boys in primary schools. The article provides workable data for future modification of the policy.

Originality/value of paper

So far, no program assessment on this schooling synergy has been investigated. This article attempts to bridge the gap between ground level realities and policy implementation methodologies of the government on the schooling of Almajiris.
The impact of Public Private Partnerships on education
Authors: Gibson Helen , Davies Brent
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for education delivery, attainment, attitude, behaviour and attendance. Partnership success factors are identified, and transferable lessons extracted. Barriers to the success of the partnership are explored and suggestions for improvement are made.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study of the first PFI school in the UK. This involved a systematic literature review and collation of data on impact on Victoria Dock Primary School, four face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews with Sewell Group Plc and Victoria Dock Primary School staff, and three face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews with experts in the education sector.

Findings

Findings suggest that the impact of the partnership on education is positive. Pupils perform significantly better than both the average Hull and national primary schools. There appears to be a positive impact on attitude, behaviour and attendance.

Research limitations/implications

Caution is issued regarding generalisability of findings on account of this being a single case study.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for those involved in PPPs, or those considering entering such a partnership. A very useful source of information and advice about the ingredients required for successful partnerships.

Originality/value

This study adds evidence to the existing limited evaluative work that has been completed on PPPs with regard to their impact on education. This includes delivery, attainment, behaviour and attitude, and attendance.
The role of involvement and attachment in satisfaction with local government services
Authors: Scott Don , Vitartas Peter
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the development and testing of involvement and attachment constructs, which are then used to investigate the effects of involvement and attachment on perceptions of satisfaction with services delivered to residents by a local government body.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected by means of a questionnaire‐based survey of residents' satisfaction with local government services were used to test involvement and attachment constructs for validity and reliability. The relationship between these two constructs and satisfaction was then evaluated.

Findings

The findings in this paper indicated that the levels of involvement and attachment felt by residents did have both a direct and a combinatorial effect on perceptions of satisfaction with local government services. The larger attachment influence was positively associated with satisfaction, while involvement showed a weak negative association with satisfaction. A significant interaction effect also existed.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that, on average, residents with greater levels of attachment were more satisfied with local government service provision but those with more involvement were less satisfied.

Practical implications

The paper shows that, when they aim to improve perceptions of satisfaction with their service delivery, local government service providers need to address involvement and attachment effects.

Originality/value

The paper has developed valid and reliable constructs that can be used to measure the effect of residents' levels of community involvement and attachment on their satisfaction with local government service provision. It has also identified an unexpected negative association between involvement and satisfaction. The newly developed constructs provide psychometrically sound measures for use in local government research.
Value adding in foreign markets
Authors: Pehrsson Anders
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend our knowledge of industrial firms' international strategy implementation by exploring key associations pertaining to types of value adding in foreign markets. The questions are: how are types of value adding in foreign markets associated with differentiation attributes? How are the types associated with the performance of foreign units?

Design/methodology/approach

A hypothesized model is developed. The key terms (type of value adding, differentiation attributes, financial performance) are operationalized. A questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data necessary to test the hypotheses using ANOVA analyses. The questions were answered by managers of 191 subsidiaries of Swedish manufacturing firms in Germany, the UK and the USA.

Findings

Firms with product development in foreign markets are associated with a limited focus on product attributes in trying to receive orders compared with firms without such local value adding. Local customer services are related to a limited emphasis on product attributes as well, but such services are associated with an emphasis on customer flexibility attributes. Foreign product development and customer services are associated with high performance. Interpretations of the findings are discussed.

Practical implications

The study contributes theoretically as it extends our knowledge of international strategy implementation. In the search for the type of value adding in a foreign market, the industrial firm is recommended to be aware of the general associations among the types, and the differentiation attributes and performance established in the study.

Originality/value

The application of a local perspective goes beyond what has been done in the dominant head quarter studies in previous research. Another key value is the analysis of perceptual data collected from managers responsible for foreign subsidiaries.
Building three‐dimensional objects by deposition of molten metal droplets
Authors: Fang Ming , Chandra Sanjeev , Park Chul B.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine conditions under which good metallurgical bonding was achieved in 3D objects formed by depositing tin droplets layer by layer.

Design/methodology/approach

Molten tin droplets (0.18‐0.75 mm diameter) were deposited using a pneumatic droplet generator on an aluminum substrate. The primary parameters varied in experiments were those found to most affect bonding between droplets on different layers: droplet temperature (varied from 250 to 325°C) and substrate temperature (varied from 100 to 190°C). Droplet generation frequency was kept low enough (1‐10 Hz) that each layer of droplets solidified and cooled down before another molten droplet impinged on it.

Findings

In this paper, a one dimensional heat transfer model was used to predict the minimum droplet and substrate temperatures required to remelt a thin layer of the substrate and ensure good bonding of impinging droplets. Cross‐sections through samples confirmed that increasing either the droplet temperature or the substrate temperature to the predicted remelting region produces good bonding between deposition layers.

Originality/value

This paper used a practical model to provide reasonable prediction of conditions for droplet fusion which is essential to droplet‐based manufacturing. The feasibility of fabricating 3D metal objects by deposition of molten metal droplets has been well demonstrated.
Constructing narratives of enterprise: clichés and entrepreneurial self‐identity
Authors: Down Simon , Warren Lorraine
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the repertoire of narrative resources relevant in the creation and maintenance of entrepreneurial identity, and to explore the implications for understanding entrepreneurial behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research is based on a two and a half year ethnographic study of a small UK industrial firm.

Findings

The study describes how clichés used by aspirant entrepreneurs are significant elements in creating entrepreneurial self‐identity. In contrast to entrepreneurial metaphors, the study of which has highlighted and revealed the extraordinary components of an entrepreneurial narrative identity, examination of the clichés provide us with a means by which to understand the everyday and ordinary elements of identity construction in entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

Further qualitative research in other entrepreneurial settings will be required, exploring the generality of cliché use amongst entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

Applying the implications of our findings for pedagogic and business support uses is not explored and will need further development; we do however suggest that narrative approaches that make sense of entrepreneurship as an achievable aim may have some practical use.

Originality/value

The application of cliché as a distinctive linguistic feature of entrepreneurial self‐identity construction is highly original and reflects analogous work on entrepreneurial metaphors. Because of its ethnographic data, the paper develops empirically and conceptually rich insights into entrepreneurship.
Using e‐procurement applications to achieve integration: what role does firm size play?
Authors: Pearcy Dawn H. , Giunipero Larry C.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to empirically investigate the role of firm size in the use of e‐procurement applications that vary in their ability to facilitate supply chain integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was drawn from members of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Purchasing professionals employed in 33 different industries completed a self‐administered questionnaire.

Findings

A total of 128 useable surveys were received. The data revealed a significant relationship between firm size and e‐procurement application. Specifically, larger firms were more likely to use integrative types of e‐procurement.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited in that it excluded purchasing professionals employed in the service sector. In addition, it only focused on the relationship between a single variable and e‐procurement application.

Practical implications

This research provides support for studies that suggest that firm size is related to IT use. In addition, it tests the framework developed in a previous research study conducted on supply chain IT. Finally, previous research has linked supply chain process integration with operational agility, lower costs, superior product/service design, and enhanced profitability. The findings of this research might prompt decision‐makers to ask themselves if their firms forgo such potential benefits when integrative forms of e‐procurement are not used.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of an emerging phenomenon by investigating firm size as an explanatory variable in the e‐procurement application decision. In addition, evidence is still lacking with regard to the prevalence of actual implementation of e‐procurement in firms. This study examines actual usage of 13 different e‐procurement applications across various industries. Finally, this research focuses on the use of e‐procurement in achieving integration. This is important to practitioners, as effective supply chain integration has been linked to enhanced business performance.
The impact of collaborative store ordering on shelf availability
Authors: Pramatari Katerina , Miliotis Panagiotis
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the store ordering and replenishment practices which appear to be the major cause behind the problem of out‐of‐stock situations. A collaborative store replenishment practice, enabled by an internet‐based platform is examined. By enabling information and knowledge sharing between retail store managers and suppliers' salesmen, this practice leads to increased order accuracy and, as a result, to fewer out‐of‐stock situations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research presented in this paper has been empirical in nature, involving a field experiment with a major retailer and several suppliers in Greece. Pre‐ and post‐experiment measurements were conducted and the quantitative results were statistically analyzed in order to assess the impact of collaborative store ordering on shelf availability. The quantitative measurements were repeated over several years, offering a longitudinal view on the experiment. Qualitative findings from the field experiment are also discussed.

Findings

The empirical results from the field experiment show a reduction in out‐of‐stock situations by more than 50 percent combined with no significant statistical variation in total observed inventory levels. Qualitative findings regarding the practical aspects of the process as well as organizational issues are also acquired.

Originality/value

Low shelf availability and the respective sales loss is one of the major issues retailers and suppliers face today. This paper examines a new replenishment process, involving supplier‐retailer collaboration supported by daily information sharing of POS data and other information over an internet platform, which leads to increased shelf availability by addressing one of its major causes. Thus, the empirical results presented in the paper have important implications for practitioners. In addition, the paper contributes from a methodological perspective to the academic community, by describing the way the field experiment was conducted and the quantitative results were analyzed as a means to evaluate a new business practice and Internet‐based collaboration platform.
Into the drivers of innovation adoption
Authors: Brand Maryse J. , Huizingh Eelko K.R.E.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The two main objectives of this study are to systematically and formally test for differences in the impact of various determinants of e‐commerce adoption depending on the current level of e‐commerce, and to investigate the possible direct impact of the current level of adoption on the intention to further adopt.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is developed from the literature. The model is tested using survey data from 98 small and medium‐sized enterprises in The Netherlands.

Findings

The results indicate significantly smaller effects of both knowledge and satisfaction for companies at the advanced level of e‐commerce compared with companies at the basic level. The current adoption level has a highly significant positive direct effect on adoption intention. These findings imply that at the higher levels of adoption the classical adoption determinants have less effect and other less explored factors are more important.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first empirical studies to deal with multiple levels of innovation adoption. It is concluded that, when innovations can be adopted at various levels, the determinants of innovation adoption vary between different levels of adoption. This finding deserves further attention from researchers, consultants and policy makers.
Language mining
Authors: Dell'Era Claudio , Marchesi Alessio , Verganti Roberto , Zurlo Francesco
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The main objective of this article is to propose an interpretive model that attempts to decipher a product's values in terms of functionality, usability and meaning. This model can support companies in better integrating these values in their product offering and in defining the most adequate innovation strategies that they can adopt.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an empirical analysis on more than 450 products from the Italian furniture industry. Moreover, using an interpretative model 50 product signs were mapped (materials, surfaces, colours, etc.) for each product. The obtained database was analyzed via the principal component analysis (PCA) statistical technique with the intent to identify dominant product languages. In fact, interpreting a product language as a set of product signs, the article describes an objective process able to identify dominant product languages as combinations of different product signs.

Findings

The interpretive model described in this article represents a first result in itself. In addition, by mapping the dynamics of dominant product languages, it has been demonstrated that they evolve differently in relation to several product typologies. In turn, the possibility of “brokering” dominant product languages from one product typology to another and from one industry to another has been verified.

Practical implications

First of all, this model can support companies in the identification of emerging trends and, consequently, allows them to develop product semantic forecasts. In addition, the analysis of dominant product languages over time can also allow a company to propose combinations of product signs typical of past periods. Finally, the identification of dominant product languages can also allow companies to analyze the state‐of‐the‐art of the industry and, consequently, identify different ways to propose innovation to the market.

Originality/value

Most of conducted researches related to product languages have shown primarily a qualitative‐based approach, in which the observations are made by a restricted set of design experts on a subset of representative products. In contrast with the current literature in this research field, this article describes an objective process that is able to identify dominant product languages.
Management of innovation networks: a case study of different approaches
Authors: Ojasalo Jukka
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The literature includes a vast amount of research on both innovation and business networks; however, the empirical knowledge of their intersection – innovation networks and their management – is still scarce. This empirical study aims at increasing the knowledge of management of innovation networks by mapping characteristics of management approaches of two case companies. These companies operate in the software business and develop their products in inter‐organizational networks. Special attention is paid to differences in the management approaches between the case companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The present empirical article is based on analysis of two case companies representing very different and contrasting approaches to management of innovation networks. The empirical study is conducted among SMEs in the software business.

Findings

As a result of the analysis, several aspects of management of innovation networks are identified and their nature explained. These aspects are: duration of the network; rewards from the network; fundamental meaning of the network; the nature of the networked organization; planning, control, and trust; and hierarchies, authority, and coordination. These aspects are powerful in mapping and explaining the characteristics of innovation network management.

Originality/value

Various management practices are suggested and discussed in the context of each of the identified aspects of innovation network management.
Images of new product success: a case study in search of local validity
Authors: Jan Kiewiet Derk , Achterkamp Marjolein C.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to measure new product success within a Dutch mailing company and to hypothesize that there exists no definition of new product success which is generally applicable, or valid in all circumstances. It seeks to opine that the best that can be achieved is a “local” definition: a definition valid only in a specific local context. In this article, a method is described on how to develop such a local measure.

Design/methodology/approach

To prevent this framing bias, a multidimensional scaling approach is used, in which data collection and analysis have relevant new product success features as output instead of input.

Findings

The method was applied to a Dutch mailing company, and it was found that in this case only two dimensions of new product success were prevalent. These were ROI and customer acceptance. From this, it was inferred that local valid measures in this particular situation were only a subset of all measures of new product success mentioned in the literature. Originality/value – In summary, the method used could shed light on the difficulties that sometimes do arise when different parties are working together. As a consequence, not only researchers but also practitioners should become aware of the indefiniteness of the concept of new product success.
Online innovation: the case of open source software development
Authors: Vujovic Sladjana , Parm Ulhøi John
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of online networking during the innovation process, including its role(s) in communication, cooperation and coordination. The paper neither implicitly assumes that online computer‐based networking is a prerequisite for the innovation process nor denies the possibility that innovation can emerge and successfully survive without it. It merely presupposes that, in cases of innovation where information and communication technologies play a substantial role, non‐proprietarity may offer an interesting alternative to innovations based on proprietary knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper borrows from the theory of communities‐of‐practice, which takes into account social relations, contacts, and the transfer and incorporation of knowledge. Open source innovation is not the exclusive preserve of computer nerds, but also has implications for existing software manufacturers. The paper therefore includes the case of IBM, a company which has successfully integrated this new and more open way of collaboration into its business model.

Findings

The paper concludes that online computer‐based innovation fundamentally challenges current ways of communicating, cooperating and coordinating during the innovation and product development process. Moreover, it challenges the traditional business model in that it forces the actors involved to shift the focus from the innovation itself to the identification of new supporting services higher up the value chain. Last, but not least, it blurs the boundary between development and use, since the developer remains the key user.

Research limitations/implications

The paper addresses the implications for future research in the area.

Practical implications

The paper addresses implications for practitioners directly involved in innovation and product development.

Originality/value

This paper develops a conceptual framework for understanding product development based on non‐proprietary knowledge, which cannot be adequately accounted for by traditional corporate innovation theory alone.
Mobile television: technological and regulatory issues
Authors: Curwen Peter , Whalley Jason
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse technological and regulatory issues arising from the introduction of TV services on mobile handsets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the various technological solutions to the provision of mobile TV and records the progress to date of trials of these technologies. It also examines the regulatory framework in the EU and certain individual countries and analyses the effects of spectrum shortages.

Findings

The paper finds that the existence of competing, incompatible technologies, the constraints on the availability of suitable spectrum, the issue of what content to broadcast and the difficulties of persuading customers to pay for it are holding back the widespread dissemination of mobile TV, but only on a temporary basis.

Originality/value

This paper is the first detailed attempt to investigate this topic.
Fostering competition in Thailand's telecommunications sector
Authors: Xavier Patrick
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use “best practice” regulatory principles to derive proposals for fostering competition in Thailand's telecommunications market.

Design/methodology/approach

On‐site research in Thailand was conducted, including interviews with a range of policy and regulatory agencies and telecommunications market participants.

Findings

The paper finds that Thailand's relatively late start in applying pro‐competitive regulation in the telecommunications sector presents an opportunity for installation of “regulatory leap‐frogging” measures proposed by the paper. The concession regime that prevails in Thailand is a major obstacle resulting in “gridlock” of Thailand's efforts to develop competition in the telecommunications sector. The Thai Constitution prohibits the regulator from directly regulating telecommunications companies operating on the basis of concessions that were in place prior to the adoption of the new telecommunications law. The paper examines this problem and points to a solution. Another major problem is the protracted absence of the National Broadcasting Commission that has been given joint responsibility (along with the National Telecommunications Commission) for spectrum management. Accordingly, pressing decisions regarding spectrum management cannot be made. The paper concludes that the two Commissions be merged (especially in the face of convergence). The paper finds that Thailand needs to develop and implement a national strategy for the development of communications infrastructure, including a collaborative approach to infrastructure development.

Originality/value

There are very few (if any) independent studies of policy and regulation of Thailand's telecommunications sector. More broadly, the paper indicates – by way of a case study – how “best practice” regulatory guidelines might be applied to enhance competition in developing countries.