bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of market and technological knowledge in recognizing entrepreneurial opportunities
Authors: Siegel Donald S. , Renko Maija
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Opportunity recognition is an important aspect on entrepreneurship, especially for technology‐based ventures. Drawing on Austrian economic theory, recent studies have emphasized the importance of market knowledge in opportunity recognition. Although insightful, these studies do not take account of relationships that exist between different types of knowledge (e.g. technology and market knowledge). The authors aim to address this gap by integrating the Schumpeterian theory of opportunity development with Kirzner's theory of opportunity discovery to examine these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The data consist of a longitudinal sample of 42 new biotechnology ventures from the USA, Finland, and Sweden.

Findings

The paper finds that both market knowledge and technological knowledge (measured as the number of patents) contribute to firms' subsequent recognition of entrepreneurial opportunities.

Originality/value

The results show the value and importance of early market knowledge and technological knowledge for subsequent opportunity recognition. The empirical findings are reflected in the light of current research on Kirznerian and Schumpeterian opportunity recognition.
Toward a theory of evidence based decision making
Authors: Baba Vishwanath V. , HakemZadeh Farimah
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate existing body of knowledge on evidence‐based management, develop a theory of evidence, and propose a model of evidence‐based decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, the paper takes a conceptual approach toward developing a theory of evidence and a process model of decision making. Formal research propositions amplify both theory and model.

Findings

The paper suggests that decision making is at the heart of management practice. It underscores the importance of both research and experiential evidence for making professionally sound managerial decisions. It argues that the strength of evidence is a function of its rigor and relevance manifested by methodological fit, relevance to the context, transparency of its findings, replicability of the evidence, and the degree of consensus within the decision community. A multi‐stage mixed level model of evidence‐based decision making is proposed with suggestions for future research.

Practical implications

An explicit, formal, and systematic collaboration at the global level among the producers of evidence and its users akin to the Cochrane Collaboration will ensure sound evidence, contribute to decision quality, and enable professionalization of management practice.

Originality/value

The unique value contribution of this paper comes from a critical review of the evidence‐based management literature, the articulation of a formal theory of evidence, and the development of a model for decision making driven by the theory of evidence.
Virtues and leadership
Authors: Hackett Rick D. , Wang Gordon
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bring definitional clarity to the term “virtue” as pertinent to the behavioural sciences literatures on leadership; to identify a short and consolidated list of cardinal virtues commonly associated with leadership effectiveness; to provide a model relating leader virtues to leader outcomes (i.e. ethics, happiness, life satisfaction, and effectiveness); and to propose a program of research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors systematically and comprehensively review Aristotelian and Confucian literatures on virtue ethics, and the literatures on seven leadership styles – i.e. moral, ethical, spiritual, servant, transformational, charismatic, and visionary leadership.

Findings

Six virtues, including four considered cardinal by Aristotle (courage, temperance, justice and prudence), and two considered cardinal by Confucius (humanity, and truthfulness), were common to all seven leadership styles.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers should aim to develop and validate a measure of virtuous leadership based on the six cardinal virtues presented here and also to test both the proposed measurement and structural models.

Practical implications

The authors' recommended program of research will ideally inform development and design of selection and training programs for enhancing virtuous leadership.

Originality/value

The authors provide definitional clarity to the term “virtue” – one that is well grounded in the moral philosophy and virtue ethics literatures; consolidate vast and varied literatures on seven different widely subscribed leadership styles and identify six cardinal virtues most likely to positively impact leadership effectiveness; present an organizing framework, structural model, and research agenda to catalyze research on virtuous leadership.
A contextual, flexibility‐based model of the HR‐firm performance relationship
Authors: Tracey J. Bruce
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a more refined and comprehensive explanation of the HR‐firm performance relationship. Based on the recent conceptual and empirical research that is grounded in attribution theory, the model posits that flexibility regarding firm's HR system is a key mediator in the focal relationship, and that environmental dynamism determines the extent to which flexibility may be required. Specifically, the model specifies that a firm's high commitment work system will have a direct influence on the flexibility of the HR system, as well as climate perceptions about commitment and performance. HR flexibility and climate will in turn influence employees' evaluative attributions regarding the effectiveness of the firm's HR system, which will in turn affect employee commitment and performance and ultimately, firm‐level performance outcomes. And finally, the model specifies that environmental dynamism will have a direct influence on HR flexibility and the resulting employee‐ and firm‐level outcomes. This explanation is designed to have broad utility in light of the adaptive requirements for firms that operate in rapidly changing and highly competitive conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper.

Findings

The proposed model provides a more comprehensive explanation of the mechanisms by which a firm's high commitment work practices may influence firm performance, and as such, offers both a diagnostic and prescriptive basis for improving and enhancing the firm's competitive position.

Originality/value

The analysis and discussion presented in this paper demonstrates the need for a broader perspective on the internal and external contingencies that influence the HR‐firm performance relationship. The proposed model addresses this need and offers a more detailed, flexibility‐based explanation of how HCWS affect individual and organizational performance outcomes. It is hoped that this expanded framework offers new insights that will help scholars and practitioners to consider the ways in which HR practices can be leveraged to promote committed, high‐performing employees that help organizations achieve sustained levels of superior performance.
Talent management decision making
Authors: Vaiman Vlad , Scullion Hugh , Collings David
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The paper sets out to understand the key issues that emerge in the context of decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a literature review.

Findings

First, the authors review debates around talent management decision making. Second, they examine some of the main factors currently influencing decision making in talent management. Third, they seek to identify some future research areas that will inform future decision making in talent management.

Practical implications

The paper will be of interest to practitioners in designing and developing talent management decision systems.

Originality/value

The paper presents a state of the art review of talent management decision marking.
Body image dissatisfaction among food‐related degree students
Authors: Kolka Magdalena , Abayomi Julie
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Current western society promotes a strong desirability to be thin. The majority of young females are unhappy with their body shape and wish to be thinner. This can lead to many health problems such as addictive exercising, depression and disordered eating. It is also established that certain groups tend to be more prone to body image dissatisfaction (BID) than others. The purpose of this paper is to determine if there was a high prevalence of BID and/or disordered eating among students studying a food‐related degree course.

Design/methodology/approach

Students were recruited via e‐mail. Subjects were weighed, measured and BMI calculated. A software package Anamorphic Micro was used to measure BID and a validated questionnaire “BITE” assessed for disordered eating.

Findings

Nutrition students had a low mean BMI of 21.8 kg/m2. Despite this, the majority (90 per cent) were dissatisfied with their body; with 83 per cent wishing to be thinner and 60 per cent overestimating their body size. The BITE questionnaire revealed that 30 per cent scored for disordered eating and 10 per cent scored for Bulimia Nervosa.

Originality/value

This paper confirms that students studying food‐related degree courses are at greater risk of developing eating disorders.
Socio‐economic class affects nutritional status but not food habit
Authors: Muzaffar Ali Khan Khattak Muhammad , Akram Zenub
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the nutritional status of two socio‐economic classes, i.e. upper and middle class females, using different approaches apart from body mass index (BMI).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 50 houses were randomly selected from a military officer colony, 25 in each social class on the basis of rank of the retired military officers. From each house a female in between the age range of 30‐50 years was selected and interviewed.

Findings

On overall basis, i.e. socio‐economic class, age and activity level, the respondents were having increase over reference protein and carbohydrate, while decrease over reference fat intake. The respondents were also having lower calcium and iron intakes by 31‐34 per cent and 39‐44 per cent, respectively. The vitamin A intake was also lower by 22‐43 per cent. These data suggest that there are faulty food habits and unnecessary restrictions among the females on energy and nutrients intakes in both classes.

Research limitations/implications

This research will have significant effect on the readers and will not only warn about the food habit but will also provide information on the misconceptions about dietary intakes and therefore, the energy and nutrients consumptions. Generally, the privileged classes of the society hold the misconceptions about healthy food habits. Furthermore, this study was conducted on free‐living individuals and the data reported are based on confronted questionnaire. Therefore, in such data there are chances of bias because of over‐ or under‐estimation. The sample size was small, which might have affected the results.

Practical implications

Improved life style and healthy eating is of great concern in the learned societies, since the healthy outcome solely depends on these two factors. This paper provides baseline data on two privileged classes, which may be useful in planning of studies and recommendation for social classes.

Social implications

This could be useful information and could be used in healthy lifestyle and energy and nutrients intakes when studies are to be planned on socioeconomic status.

Originality/value

This research takes into consideration the effect of social class on energy and nutrients intake in the two privileged socioeconomic classes in a military officer colony.
Impact of nutrition education on the nutritional status
Authors: Sachithananthan Vedavalli , Buzgeia Mohammed , Awad Fadwa , Omran Rema , Faraj Amna
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Nutrition education is an important measure to improve dietary habits and food choices, since poor dietary habits are the main reason for poor nutritional status of adolescents. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of nutrition education on the nutritional and dietary profile of adolescents and early adults.

Design/methodology/approach

A pre‐test post‐test experimental design was employed and the study was a cross‐sectional study. From three stratified areas of Benghazi city, two schools were selected by random sampling. From the total of six schools, all the children aged 14‐21 years were selected, amounting to 111 girls and 89 boys. Nutrition education was imparted after initial nutritional (BMI, physical activity) and dietary assessment (food frequency, 24 hour recall) and repeated at weekly intervals. After three months, nutritional and dietary assessments were again repeated.

Findings

No significant changes in BMI and physical activity were observed. A significant reduction in the frequency of intakes of chocolate (p < 0.01), chips (p < 0.01), bread and fast food in the female subjects and bread (p < 0.01), cereals and chocolate in the male subjects were observed. Significant increases were observed with respect to percentage of RDA met by intake of nutrients such as energy, carbohydrate, riboflavin and niacin and a significant decrease in the intake of zinc in male subjects.

Originality/value

The paper shows that nutrition education is the need of the hour, which would help adolescents and early adults to imbibe healthy eating habits.
Steps towards an organic professional kitchen
Authors: Tikkanen Irma
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the programme Steps Towards an Organic Professional Kitchen (Organic Steps) and how it has been adopted by both the public and private kitchens and a depicted case kitchen.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical framework consists of corporate social responsibility, sustainability of food, and sustainable procurement. Recent research on organic food is introduced. Organic Steps depicting five steps is illustrated, and the interrelated statistics are outlined. Consuming organic products in a case kitchen is described.

Findings

During the ten years, Organic Steps have been adopted well by the professional kitchens, and especially by the public kitchens. The customers of those kitchens consist mainly of children, young people, and the elderly. However, most kitchens are still employing Step 1. The case kitchen has reached Step 4 and consumes 25 organic products regularly.

Practical implications

Organic Steps encapsulates a practical model for both the public and the private kitchens in order to gradually move on towards an organic kitchen.

Originality/value

Publicly‐financed Organic Steps offers an example of a model, which successfully promotes the consumption of organic food. The long‐term results indicate the programme might be implemented also in other countries.
Evaluating enterprise education: why do it?
Authors: Edwards Louise‐Jayne , Muir Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that evaluations of enterprise education need to develop beyond the economist viewpoint of business start‐up and business growth and promote the notion that evaluations of enterprise education should encompass prime pedagogical objectives of enterprise education, enabling students to grow and develop and to shape their own identities in the light of their learning experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports on one of the key findings (self identity and the entrepreneur) from a PhD study of 18 case studies/life stories of graduate entrepreneurs and their experiences of enterprise education from one university.

Findings

It is found that graduates who start their own businesses are reluctant to call themselves “entrepreneurs”; they question the meaning of the word and its relevance to them and findings suggest that “Entrepreneur” is a label given to them by educators and peers.

Research limitations/implications

The present study provides a starting point for further research of evaluating enterprise education, through the lens of students and graduates that have taken/are taking part in accredited and non‐accredited enterprise education whilst at university.

Originality/value

The study has proven to be useful in improving the format, content and delivery of enterprise education on campus and also the development of appropriate evaluation tools.
Fashion entrepreneurship education in the UK and China
Authors: Jenny Shi Jiwei , Chen Yudong , Kate Gifford Elena , Jin Hui
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain a shared understanding of entrepreneurship education and to evaluate the effectiveness of employability and enterprise division in current fashion courses and amongst the students between a British and a Chinese university (UClan and SCAU).

Design/methodology/approach

It is a three‐stage action‐oriented PMI2 project (Second Prime Minister's Initiative for International Education) in fashion entrepreneurship, which was funded by the British Council. This paper presents the findings of the first stage of the research project. A combination of literature reviews, participant observation, semi‐structured interviews and focus groups were employed to deliver the results at this stage.

Findings

The findings represent similarities and differences between UClan and SCAU related to enterprise entrepreneurship education: identify rationale of evaluating fashion entrepreneurship education; and clarify a shared understanding of entrepreneurship education and the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Due to geographical restrictions and limited resources, smaller‐scale samples were selected to gain a deeper insight into different approaches to fashion enterprise and entrepreneurship education between UClan and SCAU.

Practical implications

This research will be valuable to academics who wish to develop or enhance fashion entrepreneurship education, in particular with regards to forging links between universities in the UK and China.

Social implications

This paper will increase awareness of fashion entrepreneurship amongst students, graduates and academics.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the current knowledge and best practice of fashion entrepreneurship education.
Evidences of outsourcing in science and technology libraries of Delhi
Authors: Gupta Dinesh K. , Sharma Veerbala
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to study the status and future trend of outsourcing in science and technology libraries in Delhi.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is the result of the detailed literature survey and a survey conducted on 40 science and technology libraries of Delhi, India. Questionnaire and interview tools of survey were used to collect the primary data.

Findings

The paper reveals that most Indian libraries have been using selective outsourcing for many years, which has had favorable impact on these libraries. The majority of libraries outsource professional‐automated and non‐professional activities and services. They are still not ready to outsource professional traditional library activities and services, whereas the literature shows that internationally libraries outsourced tradition activities and services equally. Indian libraries also want to continue and expand the use of outsourcing in the future, especially digitization, RFID tagging and maintenance.

Originality/value

The Indian library science literature gives just the reflections of outsourcing being practiced in various libraries and no traces of survey(s) conducted in this area. This paper is the first attempt to glance at this widely used concept in almost all types of libraries in one way or another. This paper may open discussions on an area that is being used by all, although they refrain from accepting it, considering outsourcing as an anti‐professional activity.
A model for a library‐management toolbox
Authors: Laitinen Markku , Saarti Jarmo
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Quality management, and its associated evidence‐based ideology, have influenced library management from at least the beginning of the 1990s. Both concepts emphasize that decisions have to be based on facts. Libraries have a long history of using statistics in data collection due to international agreements and standards. Although there is much data available in the libraries, perhaps this collected data have not been utilized as effectively as possible. This paper aims to discuss the possibilities of combining different types of statistical data in order to measure the efficiency of the work being done in libraries and what possible impact they can have in their parent organizations. It also aims to use the concept of data warehousing as a tool for joining different types of statistical data in the analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a case study with statistical analysis of library data collected and a conceptual analysis of possibilities in the data warehousing of the library and library‐related data in order to improve its analysis.

Findings

The authors suggest that in order to improve the analysis of the library statistical data towards the actual effects the library has, for example, to the learning and research done within university, one must start to develop statistical data systems that enable the combination of different types of statistical data. This needs co‐operation between different vendors and government officials in defining the statistical data collected.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on Finnish experiences and the data warehousing model should be tested empirically and developed further due to the challenges in the conformity of the data collected.

Practical implications

The paper presents ideas and possibilities to evolve the library statistical data analysis.

Social implications

The paper presents ideas for national and international bodies in how to develop statistical data systems and their interoperability.

Originality/value

The paper promotes the idea of combining library and other statistical data collected in order to provide better tools for library management.
New challenges for the quality of librarian services delivery in Portugal
Authors: Margarida Melo de Carvalho Maria , Elizabeth Dominguez Caroline
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the user's assessment of the level of quality of the library services of the Portuguese University of Trás‐os‐Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) in order to identify its potential improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review on library service quality assessment focusing on the ServQual, Lib Qual, or Biqual conceptual tools, a survey was designed and applied to a sample of the UTAD library's users, and then subjected to statistical analysis.

Findings

The literature review on library quality service assessment points out an array of dimensions that must be taken into account. The conceptual tools recently developed for that assessment showed that the services provided by the UTAD library needed to be redefined in order to enhance its user's autonomy. The results of the survey follow the findings of the literature review and, in particular, show that for the UTAD case study: gender is an important variable to take into account; the access to new technologies and to its convenient use is of the outmost importance; and face to face relation between users and service providers must be deepened.

Practical implications

The data survey clearly indicates the areas in which UTAD library has to direct its efforts in order to improve the quality of its services and meet users' expectations.

Originality/value

The results opened up the way to future comparative investigations with other services provided by other university libraries.
Interview with Dr Stanley C. Abraham, author of Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide for Competitive Success
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Dr Stanley C. Abraham.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an interview with Stanley C. Abraham, author of Strategic Planning.

Findings

In the interview, Dr Abraham discusses his background in strategic planning and consultancy, and his role as co‐founder of the Association for Strategic Planning.

Originality/value

The interview highlights the benefits of Dr Abraham's “Strategic Analysis Model (That Works).”
Speech as a way of constructing change in space
Authors: Airo Kaisa , Rasila Heidi , Nenonen Suvi
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This article presents a model of employees' rhetorical patterns, which take place during a workplace change.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of discourse analysis is used to investigate employees' perceptions of and dispositions to the change. In total, 21 semi‐structured interviews were conducted in two organizations before and after moving to open plan offices.

Findings

People tend to frame the change in space by either opposing or conforming ways of making sense. Opposing discourses include rhetorical strategies of social community versus own responsibility, believing in a hidden agenda of management, and distancing oneself. Conforming discourses include social community versus individual opinion, including oneself, and trusting the professionals. Additionally it was found that employees tend to be ambiguous with their messages when interviewed during a workplace change process.

Social implications

Acknowledging the results of this paper can help workplace managers to make a difference between naturally occurring change resistance among employees and well justified disagreement with the content of the change. Also, the results help workplace managers to understand the rhetoric and behaviour of employees' during a workplace change.

Originality/value

The methodology of discourse analysis is rarely used in facilities management research and is thus a method to be considered in future studies of FM.
A user pre‐occupancy evaluation method for facilitating the designer‐client communication
Authors: Shen Weilin , Shen Qiping , Xiaoling Zhang
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper introduces a building information model (BIM)‐based user pre‐occupancy evaluation method (UPOEM), which is applied in architectural design stage to narrow the gap between inexperienced clients and designers. It aims to improve the communication efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review studied the related technologies applied in the UPOEM, which includes building information modeling, user activity scheduling, and requirements documentation method. Based on the building information model, a virtual environment involving the end‐users' daily activities was built up. In this virtual environment, the clients can observe how their organization will be accommodated in the built environment according to their daily work routines. A requirements and feedback interface was designed to facilitate the clients to conduct a pre‐occupancy evaluation and store the relevant information into the database.

Findings

In briefing and design stages, there is a considerable gap between the inexperienced clients and designers when the clients specify requirements and review the design solutions. In the UPOEM, the user activity simulation model can facilitate clients to obtain a better understanding of the design. The requirements and feedback interface can also help them specify requirements and give comments to the design. Thus it provided an alternative tool to improve the efficiency of the designer‐client communication.

Research limitations/implications

This research established a virtual platform which involves both building information and the user activity information. This platform can be further extended by the integration of more building performance simulation tools. Thus it provided a potential to bring the traditional post occupancy evaluation process to the pre‐construction stage.

Practical implications

The implementation of this method in practice can improve the efficiency of the designer‐client communication, and also maximize the clients' satisfaction during the requirements specification and design review process.

Social implications

This study built up a collaborative working environment for both designer and clients. It can strengthen the designer‐client relationship during the briefing and design stage.

Originality/value

The user activity simulation and requirements management methods are innovatively applied together to enhance the clients' performance during designer‐client communication.
Manufacturing strategies for time based competitive advantages
Authors: Lin Yong , Ma Shihua , Zhou Li
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the current manufacturing strategies and practices of bus manufacturers in China, and to propose a framework of manufacturing strategies for time‐based competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual research framework is devised from a review of the literature, and case studies are used to investigate the manufacturing strategies and practices in place in the case companies. Data are collected through semi‐structured interviews and secondary documentation.

Findings

The results show that, with over‐capacity in the Chinese bus manufacturing industry, success is no longer determined by high productivity or low price; a quick response to the customers' tailored demands is essential in a climate of fierce competition. The suggested best practices for time‐based competitive advantages comprise building technical centers and post‐doctoral research stations, applying modularity logic, adopting radio frequency identification (RFID), and optimizing processes by, for example, involving customers and integrating inbound and outbound logistics.

Research limitations/implications

The research results are limited within the context of the bus manufacturing industry in China.

Practical implications

The research results help both the practitioners and the researchers gain a better understanding of the practices of Chinese bus manufacturers from the perspective of time‐based competitive advantage. The proposed strategies and best practices have the potential to improve the manufacturing performance of this type of manufacturer.

Originality/value

This paper shows the big picture of manufacturing strategy and practice of bus manufacturers in the Chinese automobile industry. Furthermore, it presents a manufacturing strategy framework with best practice guidance to gain a time‐based competitive advantage.
Correlating service touch‐point preferences with engagement parameters
Authors: Ojiako Udechukwu , Chipulu Maxwell , Graesser Andrew
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to extant research which emphasises the need for service suppliers to be able to leverage firm‐customer relationships through an understanding of the correlation between service touch‐points and engagement parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilised multivariate methods (CATPCA and Pro‐fit) to analyse the data. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 238 respondents, sampled through the social networking site, “Facebook”.

Findings

It was found from the analysis of data that within the context of customer engagement, four critical parameters (“satisfaction”, “loyalty/advocacy”, “recruitment/retention” and “customer losses”) impact on customer touch‐points.

Research limitations/implications

The study is characterised by two limitations. The first is that the respondents' simultaneous utilisation of multiple touch‐points was not accounted for in the study. Second, the authors acknowledge that the narrow demographic spread of the respondents is a possible limitation of the study.

Originality/value

The study findings are grounded in empirical findings which is a departure from traditional scholarship on customer touch‐points which has been based on case observations and anecdotal evidence.
An analysis of critical information technology issues facing organizations
Authors: Peslak Alan R.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyze the views of top financial executives on the information systems (IS) in their organizations and to study the critical information technology issues facing organizations. Specifically, it aims to study critical issues over the period 2006 to 2010, as well as the effect of company size on the criticality of issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an analysis of secondary data obtained from the 2006 and 2010 Financial Executives International (FEI) comprehensive survey‐based research on technology issues for financial executives. The study was conducted by the FEI and in conjunction with Computer Sciences Corporation in 2006. Factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and other statistical methods are used.

Findings

The findings confirm critical issues that are facing organizations today. The study also finds that company size generally does not play a significant role in the criticality of information technology (IT) issues and that generally, there has been variation in the relative importance of issues between 2006 and 2010.

Research limitations/implications

The study can be used as a basis for further exploration on critical IT issues, as well as the influences on company size on criticality of issues. It can also serve as a preliminary model to analyze firm IS over time. Limitations of the study include that the only group included in the survey were financial executives and the study is primarily based on US company responses.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to guide management teams in emphasizing areas that need attention and are of critical importance to all organizations. The article is extremely topical and useful for practitioners in understanding what are the major issues facing IT today. The longitudinal analysis and size study are particularly important in confirming the importance of the relevant IT issues.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes a large current sample set which empirically reviews a cross‐section of major corporations, IS departments and their returns. In addition, it begins to explore longitudinal and size effects on critical IT issues
Looking at resource sharing costs
Authors: Leon Lars , Kress Nancy
Published: May 2012

Purpose

– This paper is the result of a small cost study of resource sharing services in 23 North American libraries. Its aim is to discuss trends that have affected resource sharing costs since the last comprehensive study.

Design/methodology/approach

– Selected libraries were approached for this phase of study. A pilot phase helped to clarify the cost and service definitions and revise the database which served as the data collection instrument.

Findings

– Immediate access to electronic items at point of use has resulted in user demand for faster turnaround for physical materials. This in turn has led to increased costs for ILL technology and shipping. Costs have decreased but continue to show a noticeable disparity between ILL borrowing and lending. The data also clearly support the perception that patron initiated Circ-to-Circ module requests have a lower per transaction cost than traditional ILL.

Originality/value

– Libraries have been relying on cost data that is now almost ten years old. While this study is small, the data provide an updated benchmark to assist libraries in making effective decisions regarding resource sharing. The study illustrates a range of costs which reinforce the need for libraries to investigate their own average costs to optimize decision making.
Building on success: evolving local and consortium purchase-on-demand programs
Authors: Wiley Lynn , Clarage Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

Purpose

– Patron driven acquisitions (PDA) programs have emerged as an important component in library collection practices. The authors aim to report on four PDA programs (two completed, two currently underway) undertaken by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign either by itself or in partnership with a statewide academic library consortium known as CARLI.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a case study approach based on their professional experience and direct involvement with these programs.

Findings

– The programs were built on successful partnerships with both vendors and consortial partners; each program was informed by and built on the success of the previous one. The processes can be scaled up and applied to larger systems in order to maximize their impact and user satisfaction.

Originality/value

– Acquisitions librarians and selectors will find the local PDA programs of interest, while the consortial approach will be of interest to anyone involved with building and sharing collections in a multi-institutional environment.
From Russia with love
Authors: Kinslow Kenneth
Published: May 2012

Purpose

– This paper
'
s aim is to provide an overview of the challenges and solutions to obtaining Russian language materials. Despite the challenges presented by inaccurate or incomplete bibliographic citations and multiple methods of transliterating titles from the Cyrillic to the Latin alphabets, many excellent sources of assistance are available to ILL staff.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author relies on his extensive professional experience in locating such materials. He provides a broad survey of library collections, Russian language subject specialists, and online book purveyors who are both willing and able to provide assistance.

Findings

– Locating and obtaining Russian language materials via ILL is not as difficult as it appears. Excellent Russian language library collections in the US, Russia, and Eastern Europe as well as online booksellers all provide discovery tools, delivery services, and payment methods that are readily accessible to ILL staff.

Originality/value

– All ILL staff who need to obtain Russian language materials on behalf of their users will find this article especially useful.
Integrated in‐plane mirror and multimode waveguide fabrication using 248 nm excimer laser ablation for optical interconnects on PCBs
Authors: Zakariyah Shefiu S. , Conway Paul P. , Hutt David A. , Suyal Navin , Selviah David R.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the need, and a potential solution, for in‐plane routing of optical signals for optical‐enabled circuit boards.

Design/methodology/approach

Multimode waveguides and integrated 45° in‐plane mirror structures were made in a low loss acrylate‐based photopolymer using excimer laser ablation. The fabrication of multimode waveguides and mirrors was carried out in a single laser system which minimised alignment issues.

Findings

It was established that in‐plane mirror fabrication using laser ablation can be achieved and can potentially be used to define mirrors in waveguides made by other methods such as photolithography.

Research limitations/implications

While the concept (integrated in‐plane mirror) was demonstrated, the viability of its deployment will depend on the results of optical loss measurements for which further research is required.

Originality/value

The paper gives an overview of the design concept and fabrication steps for an in‐plane embedded mirror.
Unmet need and met unneed in health care utilisation in Iran
Authors: Hajizadeh Mohammad , Connelly Luke B. , Butler James R.G. , Khosravi Aredshir
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper uses a unique nationwide survey data derived from the 2003 Utilisation of Health Services Survey (UHSS) in Iran (n=16,935) to analyse inequities of health care utilisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Concentration indices are used to measure socioeconomic inequality in actual use of the five types of health services, and in unmet need for two of those types of service (any ambulatory care and hospital admissions). Horizontal inequity indices are employed to examine inequity in ambulatory and hospital care. Generalised linear model (GLM) was employed to investigate factors contributing to the phenomena of “unmet need” and “met unneed”. Moreover, a decomposition analysis of inequality is performed to determine the contributions of each factor to the inequality of “unmet need”.

Findings

Results suggest that self‐reported need for ambulatory and inpatient care is concentrated among the poor, whereas the utilisation of ambulatory and inpatient care were generally distributed proportionally. Results of horizontal inequity indices show that the distributions of any ambulatory care and hospital admissions are pro‐rich. The probability of “unmet need” for ambulatory care was higher among wealthier individuals. The decomposition analysis demonstrates that the wealth index, health insurance, and region of residence are the most important factors contributing to the concentration of “unmet need” for ambulatory health care among the poor. Results also illustrate that higher wealth quintiles used more unneeded ambulatory care than their poorer counterparts.

Originality/value

A special characteristic of the UHSS is that it contains questions about the need for medical services use and about actual services use. This characteristic provides an opportunity to measure the inequality of health care consumption against self‐assessed treatment needs, as well as an analysis of which observables are associated with “unmet need”. Moreover, the incidence of health care use when it is reported as not needed can be analysed with this dataset. The analysis of this phenomenon – which we refer to as “met unneed” – is another novel aspect of this work.
Corporate identity anchors: a managerial cognition perspective
Authors: He Hongwei
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Previous studies on corporate identity (CI) suggest that different beholders view CI from different angles. For example, senior managers' angle can be different from those of employees or customers. The present study aims to explore the dimensions of managerial perceptions of CI.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 48 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with senior managers within three organisations in the British financial service sector.

Findings

Seven principal categories of corporate identity anchors were identified: ownership, vision and mission, values and beliefs, business, personality attributes, external image, and strategic performance.

Practical implications

The study suggests that CI anchors can be a starting point for CI program or corporate image management. Attention should be accorded to the diversity of the internal and managerial perceptions of CI and how such diversity can be translated into strong and persuasive messages to other stakeholders.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature by identifying potential corporate attributes that are relevant to CI. These findings expand the traditional view of the CI mix and represent a significant progress toward the identification and mapping of the construct of CI.
Employee as symbol: stereotypical age effects on corporate brand associations
Authors: Davies Gary , Chun Rosa
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to test one of the symbolic influences of the employee on brand associations and by doing so demonstrate why the stereotyping of employees should be added to the research agenda for corporate branding.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is a quantitative study of the employees (n=424) and customers (n=964) in 28 branches of four fashion retailers providing data to model the influence of employee age on the associations customers make with such corporate brands.

Findings

Theory suggests two competing employee age‐related stereotypes influence the associations customers hold of a corporate brand. Using a measure of brand personality, the authors confirm that the older the average age of employees the more competent the corporate brand appears but the less enterprising. The overall effect on customer satisfaction is negative. The average age of employees and customers in the branches studied also correlate positively. The symbolism of the employee to the customer, in this instance due to their age, can be important in creating associations with the corporate brand.

Practical implications

Discrimination in employment due to an employee's characteristics is illegal in most circumstances. However the authors' findings show employers need to recognize the potential influence on their corporate brand imagery (and consequently customer satisfaction) due to employee stereotyping by customers and the symbolic as well as the functional role that employees can have in marketing a corporate brand.

Originality/value

While prior research argues that employees influence a corporate brand by how they behave, less is known about any symbolic effects due to their stereotyping by customers. The symbolism to customers of brand elements such as packaging has been researched but, thus far, the symbolism of employees, the employee stereotype effect, has been largely but wrongly ignored.
Informing a new business‐to‐business relationship:
Authors: Simões Cláudia , Mason Katy J.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Firms face the challenge of working with other firms in their business network so as to increase the value of products and services offered to end customers and consumers. This often requires managers to invest in developing strong and effective business‐to‐business relationships. While an extensive literature examines the different dimensions of successful business‐to‐business relationships, little research examines how perceived corporate identity is likely to influence market relationships. This paper aims to explore how a buyer and supplier draw on their own identities and the identities of each other in ways that enable them to develop a basis on which to conceptualise and operationalise a strategic sourcing relationship. Specifically, the paper seeks to investigate the emergent relationship identity that results from buyer‐seller interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an in‐depth, longitudinal case study of a buyer‐supplier relationship which involves an engineering buyer and design services supplier.

Findings

The study suggests that the corporate identity of companies involved in a relationship has a prominent role in informing and moulding the relationship. Further, the strategic scope of the analysed business relationship adds to the significance of corporate identity in informing the relationship and, ultimately, the business policy. Finally, a key contribution is the notion of “relationship identity”. Relationship identity conveys the idea that when companies develop a continuous relationship, the relationship itself has a unique identity.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings are based on a single case study. Additional research across multiple case studies is needed in order to verify the findings reported.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a gap in the literature concerning the areas of the role of corporate identity in business relationship development. The findings are important to research and practice with regard to how companies develop successful business‐to‐business relationships.