bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elastic—plastic analysis of crack propagation with branching
Authors: Kim K.S.
Published: February 2008

A numerical procedure is described for the elastic—plastic finite
element analysis of crack propagation with branching. Constraint equations
are used to model crack closing and sliding. Constraint conditions are
imposed by using a penalty method for the self‐similar crack
propagation and an elimination method for the off‐axis propagation.
The contact condition is examined during plasticity iterations. The use of
multiple constraints at the crack branching point to determine the mode of
contact is discussed in detail. The method is then applied to (i)
the self‐similar crack growth in a single‐edge notch specimen,
(ii) the self‐similar propagation followed by interfacial
splitting in a center‐cracked 0° composite plate, and
(iii) the bifurcation of a crack in a compact tension
specimen.
Basic values and objectives regarding money
Authors: Raich Margit
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The study seeks to identify basic values and objectives from different bank retailing customers by asking them about their views on topics that deal responsibly with money. Based on their experiences, perceptions and expectations, those values and objectives that are of utmost relevance for them regarding their money life are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is of a qualitative nature, using a total of 60 surveys with open‐ended questions to acquire data that are evaluated by the qualitative rule‐based method GABEK® (GAnzheitliche BEwältigung von Komplexität), a tool for analysing textual qualitative data.

Findings

The results show a holistic picture of people's views concerning money and the role of retail banks. Three main topics are identified: banks' and customers' responsibilities; trustworthiness; and support service. These issues are discussed based on the basic values and objectives discovered in the context of customer relations.

Research limitations/implications

The study adds to the discussion of customer relationship management. A more detailed analysis of the results will bring additional illuminating information concerning the main topics identified. The use of a representative sample would allow a precise comparison of sub‐categories.

Practical implications

Alternative research approaches can be useful in identifying the value systems of customers that can be transformed into a company's strategy and its marketing activities.

Originality/value

In a descriptive account of customers' values and objectives concerning money the study shows how this can help us to gain new insights for the management of continuing customer relationships.
The “name game”: affective and hiring reactions to first names
Authors: Cotton John L. , O'Neill Bonnie S. , Griffin Andrea
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine how the uniqueness and ethnicity of first names influence affective reactions to those names and their potential for hire.

Design/methodology/approach

In study 1, respondents evaluated 48 names in terms of uniqueness and likeability, allowing us to select names viewed consistently as Common, Russian, African‐American, and Unusual. In Study 2 respondents assessed the uniqueness and likeability of the names, and whether they would hire someone with the name.

Findings

Results indicated that Common names were seen as least unique, best liked, and most likely to be hired. Unusual names were seen as most unique, least liked, and least likely to be hired. Russian and African‐American names were intermediate in terms of uniqueness, likeability and being hired, significantly different from Common and Unique names, but not significantly different from each other.

Research limitations/implications

The name an individual carries has a significant impact on how he or she is viewed, and conceivably, whether or not the individual is hired for a job.

Practical implications

Human resource professionals need to be aware that there seems to be a clear bias in how people perceive names. When resumés are screened for hiring, names should be left off. Our findings also suggest that when selecting, parents may want to reconsider choosing something distinctive.

Originality/value

This study offers original findings in regards to names, combining diverse research from social psychology and labor economics, and offering practical implications.
Methods for dissipating heat from RF circuit boards
Authors: Wille Markus
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present methods for dissipating heat from RF circuit boards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes various models developed by RUWEL in this respect.

Findings

The integration of heat removal systems in the structure of printed circuit boards is a proven and reliable technique, and ideally suitable for RF circuit boards.

Originality/value

In addition to using conductive adhesive films to bond RF circuit boards to heat sinks, new methods have been developed to integrate local heat removal systems in the form of Cu coins. These techniques give the circuit designer flexibility in terms of board design and choice of materials. The models presented are already being used for various RF components in base stations for cellular telephone networks and WiMax services.
A wellbeing index based on an enabling environment
Authors: Cornachione Kula Maria , Panday Priniti , Parrish Brandon
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to devise a new index of wellbeing that includes social and political in addition to economic factors. The new index seeks to assess a country's underlying “enabling environment” – the extent to which individuals are able to live as each chooses. Country rankings using this new measure (the HENX) are compared with the ranking of countries using the UN's popular indicators of development, the human development index and the HPI‐2.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the necessity of a new index, the subcomponents used in its construction, and the method of construction.

Findings

Country rankings are sensitive to which measure is used for the ranking. In particular, the USA and UK fare poorly when ranked by the HPI‐2 but their rankings improve dramatically when the HENX is used.

Originality/value

If a measure of the enabling environment of a country is deemed to be important as a measure of the wellbeing of citizens, and if political and social dimensions are deemed to be important to this environment, rankings of the most developed economies by the UN fail to adequately capture the countries' relative positions.
Investigating cost efficiency in the branch network of a Greek bank: an empirical study
Authors: Noulas Athanasios G. , Glaveli Niki , Kiriakopoulos Ioannis
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the cost efficiency of 58 branches of a major Greek commercial bank, in six major Greek cities, for the years 2000 and 2001.

Design/methodology/approach

The efficiency is measured through the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method. Using regression analysis, the effect of size on cost efficiency is also examined.

Findings

The results indicate that there is a room for substantial efficiency improvements. The average inefficiency is about 30 per cent. It has also been observed that rural branches tend, on average, to be more efficient than urban branches.

Research limitations/implications

A direction of future research would be to extend the analysis of determinants of bank branch efficiency in order to investigate the role that the region and the characteristics of the branch play in relation to efficiency.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comparative evaluation of the efficiency of 58 branches of a major Greek commercial bank using the DEA method.
Cost efficiency impact of bank branch characteristics and location
Authors: Giokas Dimitris I.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the operating efficiency of a set of 171 retail orientation bank branches of a large commercial bank in Greece, offering relatively homogenous products in a multimarket business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

For the measurement of the indices of efficiency the internationally known method of data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used. Two semi‐parametrical statistical tests and one additional Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (non‐parametric) were conducted to choose the appropriate DEA model for the analysis. Using regression analysis, the paper also seeks to examine the effects of selected branch characteristics (profitability, size, market power) and location to variations on operating efficiency.

Findings

The results indicate the scope for substantial efficiency improvements. It is also observed that, within the branch characteristics variable, more profitable and larger branches have higher operating efficiency. Finally, holding profitability and branch size constant the analysis showed that rural branches tend on average to be more efficient than urban branches.

Originality/value

The paper examines the operating efficiency of bank branches of a large commercial bank in Greece.
Customer switching behaviour in Greek banking services using survival analysis
Authors: Mavri Maria , Ioannou George
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine customer switching behaviour in Greek banking services. More specifically it aims to investigate predictors of churn behaviour as part of customer relationship management (CRM).

Design/methodology/approach

The enhancement of existing relationships is of pivotal importance to banks, since attracting new customers is known to be more expensive. The paper discusses survival analysis based on data collected from customers of a leading financial services company. It examines a number of variables, which represent characteristics of the customers and of the offered services and products. By using life tables, it estimates the contribution of each separate factor in customers' switching behaviour in different periods of time.

Findings

A hazard proportional model is built to determine the risk of churn behaviour, which is the end‐result of all the examined factors.

Practical implications

Bank's management team could use the findings of our study, in order to determine specific attributes in designing financial services and products, which would add in customers' satisfaction.

Originality/value

The approach and results have significant implications for enlarging the duration of the relationship among customer and bank.
Researching the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in contemporary marketing practices
Authors: Brady Mairead , Fellenz Martin R. , Brookes Richard
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a review of how the role of information and communications technology (ICT) within marketing practice has developed over the past decade and to develop a research agenda to meet future challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a theoretical approach and reviews the historical and current deployment of ICT into marketing practice. It focuses on the CMP framework of marketing practice and, within that, on the original conceptions of e‐marketing within the framework and the corresponding empirical results from various CMP research projects..

Findings

The paper concludes that, regardless of the dominant focus of marketing within an organisation, marketing practitioners increasingly have an ICT requirement within their marketing practice.

Practical implications

The paper develops the argument for academic research to focus more on ICT practice and implementation to provide a deeper understanding of ICT deployment.

Originality/value

Despite the emphasis on ICT deployment in the late 1990s marketers have struggled to embrace ICT within their organisations due in part to a lack of academic clarity and study. This paper extends the Contemporary Marketing Practice framework to examine this issue.
Moral school building leadership
Authors: Easley Jacob
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore the factors and conditions of moral leadership that affect the potential for teacher retention among Alternative Route Certification teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

Alternative Route Certification teachers participated in a single focus group. Participants' dialogues were recorded and analyzed for themes. These themes were triangulated with external data from a related study.

Findings

Not only are Alternative Route Certification teachers drawn to the profession due to their own moral ideals, findings reveal that they are simultaneously responsive to principals' moral leadership. The praxis of moral leadership is expressed through relationships between principals and teachers and is defined by dispositions as well as actions. Three themes from this study define moral leadership as: a respect for teachers as professionals; relationships with teachers; and focusing on the right things.

Practical implications

This paper lays out a theoretical framework and low cost implications for the development of a leadership praxis toward sustaining teacher retention, particularly among Alternative Certification Route teachers working in urban schools.

Originality/value

Research on Alternative Route Certification teacher retention is underdeveloped, at best. This project adds to this body of research by exploring the specific traits, attitudes, dispositions, and actions that define the moral leadership needed to foster teacher retention.
Category killers and big‐box retailing: their historical impact on retailing in the USA
Authors: Sampson Susan D.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This study aims to examine the evolution of category killers or big‐box retailers over a 17‐year time span and the impact that this retail format has had on seven retail sectors, sales revenue, and per capita retail consumption in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Sales revenue, average store size and per capita income were examined over a 17‐year period – 1988‐2004 – for the book, sporting goods, home center, electronic, toy, home furnishings and the grocery sector (warehouse stores) to determine the effect of large retail formats on sales revenue and per capita spending.

Findings

This longitudinal study demonstrates that evolving to big‐box formats had a positive impact on both sales revenue and per capita spending in each of the retail sectors.

Research/limitations/implications

It is a starting‐point for fully understanding the impact of large retail formats on the retail industry.

Originality/value

The evolution of large format retailers has not been studied from a macro view. Most studies have focused on their impact on small markets. This study focuses on the overall trend and examines their impact on the industry and per capita spending.
Efficiency and regulation in Spanish hypermarket retail trade
Authors: de Jorge Moreno Justo
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This study aims to present an approach for analyzing hypermarkets efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) in Spanish retailing. In particular, the influence of the Retail Trade Act of 1996, by means of which the Spanish state transferred authority to concede licenses for opening commercial establishments to the regions, is to be studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a DEA model that allows for the evaluation of categorical variables in DEA in cross‐section data.

Findings

The findings suggest the existence of three different production frontiers in relation to the markets' regulation process where the hypermarkets operate; high, medium and low regulation. In the second place, the effect of the regulatory restrictions carried out by the autonomous communities is corrected in the second stage. This correction (once managerial inefficiencies have been eliminated) allows the hypermarkets operative in areas with low restrictions to be more efficient than those located in areas of greater regulation.

Research limitations/implications

The generalization of the conclusions of the study to the whole sector should be made with caution, because only one of the players in the distribution channel has been analyzed.

Practical implications

The implications that can be derived from the analysis carried out could be of great interest to policy makers in Spain with regard to the influence of the Retail Trade Act of 1996.

Originality/value

The paper uses the model mentioned as evaluation of the efficiency in relation to the environment or regulation carried out in the sector. The methodology proposed to analyze the impact of this environment variable is one of the main contributions of the work.
Do small and medium‐sized hotels exploit search engine marketing?
Authors: Catherine Murphy Hilary , Kielgast Christian D.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how small‐ and medium‐sized hotels use search engine marketing (SEM) to make their hotels (services and products) more visible and easier to find for existing and potential customers.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, exploratory approach is taken and eight case studies of small, independent hotels are conducted via in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

These interviews reveal that though all hotels have a web site they do not exploit SEM, which may be attributable to poor marketing planning and lack of control of their web site through outsourcing key web development and optimisation activities.

Practical implications

The practical implications are that small hotels risk being marginalized, losing contact with their customers and fail to maximise their return on investment on their web site.

Originality/value

This research highlights the critical issues and explores the potential to re‐orient the small operator towards the opportunities of successful SEM and fully utilise their web site as a tactical and strategic marketing tool.
Quality convergence in airline co‐brand alliances
Authors: Tsantoulis Michael , Palmer Adrian
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate effects on service quality where an individual airline chooses to jointly market its services with other airlines under the umbrella of a co‐brand alliance. Concept combination theory would lead to an expectation that quality performance of individual airlines would converge when their individual brands are combined to form a co‐brand alliance. This paper seeks to review the conceptual basis for quality convergence, and test this with a study of actual convergence levels among airlines that have joined alliances, and those that have not.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a longitudinal, quantitative methodology. An index of airline service quality is constructed from a number of published sources, and this index combines technical and functional aspects of quality. The choice of components to include in the index, and their relative weighting, was informed by a panel of experts. Time series data were collected for the period 1998‐2004, and analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

The study indicates that the effects of recent alliance membership on service quality for an airline are insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

Other factors such as industry‐wide trends had a greater effect on airlines' level of quality than alliance membership.

Originality/value

Previous research into co‐brand alliances has tended to emphasise technical and financial performance metrics. This study has taken a broader perspective based on operational and customer perceived aspects of service quality. The principal finding of the paper is that variations in quality levels are accounted for more by broader industry wide phenomena, rather than the presence or otherwise of a co brand alliance. Differentiation between co‐brands may be more subtle, and based on distinctive styles of service delivery which are not typically picked up through quantitative research.
Alternative measures of service quality: a review
Authors: Ladhari Riadh
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the key conceptual and empirical issues that should be considered in the development of alternative industry‐specific measurement scales of service quality (other than SERVQUAL).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 30 studies are selected from two well‐known databases: Science direct and ABI inform. These studies are subjected to a comprehensive in‐depth content analysis and theoretical discussion of the key conceptual and empirical issues to be considered in the development of service‐quality measurement instruments.

Findings

The study identifies deficiencies in some of the alternative service‐quality measures; however, the identified deficiencies do not invalidate the essential usefulness of the scales. The study makes constructive suggestions for the development of future scales.

Originality/value

This is the first work to describe and contrast a large number of service‐quality measurement models, other than the well‐known SERVQUAL instrument. The findings are of value to academics and practitioners alike.
Customer‐support service in the relationship perspective
Authors: Roos Inger , Edvardsson Bo
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe customers' perception of customer support service related to the core service in telecomminucations customer relationships. The customers' perceptions of the support‐service stem from their contacts with the support service and are related to the importance for the relationship with the telecommunications provider.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a modified version of Switching Path Analysis Technique (SPAT) in its analysis to create the necessary data for carrying out a dynamic analysis – in other words customers' experiences of the customer‐support service over time in their relationship with the service provider. The modification, called the SPAT mechanism, only focused on the difference between driving and non‐driving factors related to the relationship strength.

Findings

From the service perspective it was found that some of the customers in the present study were particularly focused on the customer‐support, which made it dominate the relationships. At that special time, their telecommunications service predominantly comprised customer support, which was more important than the core service. At other times, when the support‐service focus was not as strong, the priority was likely to be different. Consequently, the composition of the telecommunications service and the core service is according to customers' expressions dynamic and only the customer perspective has the authority to define it.

Research limitations/implications

Research on service has been going on for several decades, and thus offers a great variety of findings from cross‐sectional studies. Therefore, the present study's presentation of only one kind of service could be considered limited.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on customers' perception of customer support service related to the core service in telecommunications customer relationships.
Day‐to‐day leadership
Authors: Kesby David
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to position leadership as a relationship between leader and follower, and suggests ways that leaders can develop the relationship as a day‐to‐day activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses current thinking on “followership” as a perspective, and draws on the author's practical experiences of leadership as an army officer.

Findings

Argues that the leader/follower relationship requires continuous work day‐to‐day to engage and create trust to align effort towards goals. Leaders need to work hard at listening and understanding other people's desires, issues and stories, and to be clear when sharing important messages with other people, so that communication is effective. In addition, argues that effective leaders choose to follow at times, in order to deepen the level of trust and engagement within the relationship. Advances the view that to follow is, in fact, an act of leadership.

Practical implications

Emphasizes that leadership is a collective, rather than individual, phenomenon. Leaders therefore should not be seen in isolation from their followers.

Originality/value

Reinforces the power that the follower, as well as the leader, has in the leader/follower relationship.
Improving your interview process: five key steps
Authors: Barnett Tim
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to contend that the traditional interview is one of the least effective ways of recruiting for important posts and that there are at least five alternative ways to recruit more efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

Outlines the five steps to more effective recruitment.

Findings

Highlights the importance of reversing the interview process, capability testing, psychometrics, research tasks and recruitment centers.

Practical implications

Presents alternatives to the job interview for recruiting staff.

Originality/value

Argues that, while the interview will continue to be a significant tool in the recruitment process, firms should take time to consider their current practice, to decide if they are really doing enough to make the right candidate choice. The investment they make now could be repaid tenfold in the future.
Interview with Lucy Bolton
Authors: by Rachel Brown Interview
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper provides an interview with Lucy Bolton.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an interview with Lucy Bolton.

Findings

Lucy Bolton discusses her experiences at Microsoft's well‐being center.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insightful interview with Lucy Bolton.
Keep your employees safe on the road
Authors: Pitt Mike
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to examine health and safety of employees on the road.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the safety of employees on the road.

Findings

Employees have a duty to drive safely but employers also have clear duties – not only to ensure that they do not put their people under pressure, but also to take all reasonable steps to reduce the chances of an accident occurring.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful advice on the safety of employees on the road.
Course evaluations: a tendency to respond “favourably” on scales?
Authors: Darby Jenny A.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a possible favourable response pattern on scaled forms used as a means of evaluating training courses.

Design/methodology/approach

In part one of the study evaluation forms were examined referring to courses were completed by 879 students attending 15 university level courses and 531 students at school. In part two a more exacting test for a favourable response tendency using attitude scales was designed. This involved 212 teachers who were asked about their willingness to include “children with special needs” in their classes.

Findings

It was found that the majority of students in part one responded at the favourable end of the evaluation scales. The same tendency was noted with the teachers in part two of the study.

Practical implications

Courses are likely to be evaluated favourably and therefore it is suggested that it is necessary to incorporate in any evaluation a means of comparison. Internal elements of courses need to be compared and courses should be judged in terms of how good they are when compared with other similar courses..

Originality/value

This is an important issue as scales are frequently used to collect student feedback and also to measure attitude change as a result of training courses, in universities, colleges and industry.
The development of a conceptual model of student satisfaction with their experience in higher education
Authors: Douglas Jacqueline , McClelland Robert , Davies John
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a conceptual model of student satisfaction with their higher education (HE) experience, based on the identification of the variable determinants of student perceived quality and the impact of those variables on student satisfaction and/or dissatisfaction with the overall student experience. The paper will also identify those determinants most likely to have either a positive or negative impact on subsequent student loyalty behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the results of a study of 163 undergraduate students at Liverpool John Moores University in the UK, which utilised Critical Incident Technique (CIT) as the method that encouraged the recording of situations that the students themselves perceive as critical incidents. It is envisaged that these situations have occurred in their experience of HE teaching, learning and assessment and their experience of other university ancillary service aspects, i.e. within and beyond the classroom experience.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that responsiveness, communication and access are the critical areas that Education Managers need to focus upon. Also the CIT method of data capture could be adapted and adopted by the wider Higher Education sector.

Research limitations/implications

There are a number of limitations with this study. For the quantitative results, the sample size was relatively small and involved only one Faculty within a University. There is also an assumption that the statements made in relation to the loyalty behaviours would actually be acted upon, i.e. they would do what they say. The study is based on the respondents' recollections of past events and it is assumed that these were accurate.

Practical implications

The implications for university managers are that creating and maintaining a responsive, communicative and useful environment is necessary across the teaching, learning and assessment areas, whilst within the Ancillary areas responsiveness, access and socialising are the important factors. Reducing the number of dissatisfying experiences may not be an easy task, but if successful, then improved student recruitment, retention and ultimately financial stability for the Institution should ensue. The wider implication is that CIT should be considered by HEIs as a means of collecting student intelligence.

Originality/value

Critical Incident Technique is a method that is already attractive to many researchers. However, within higher education, the norm is to use traditional student feedback questionnaires which restricts the student to questions that have been predetermined. CIT allows respondents to freely describe their experiences and unreservedly express their feelings without being constrained to specific areas.
University students' knowledge of services and programs in relation to satisfaction
Authors: Nasser Ramzi N. , Khoury Bechara , Abouchedid Kamal
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey students on their satisfaction with university services and programs in a coeducational Lebanese Catholic higher education institution. The study attempts to relate self‐assessed knowledge of the university procedures, rules and regulations on six dimensions of satisfaction, being: academic experience, academic advisor, residential life, campus life, personal development opportunities, resources and student services.

Design/methodology/approach

A cluster random selection procedure was used to select n=870 students from within the university. Students rated 31 knowledge items and 33 satisfaction items. The study analyses student satisfaction in relation to their knowledge of procedures, rules and regulations. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was run to determine differences between university class level, and knowledge level on satisfaction. In addition, a regression analysis was run to determine whether university class (freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior level) and knowledge level (low, middle and high knowledge levels) were predictors of the satisfaction dimensions.

Findings

Generally, those who assessed their knowledge (of the services) as higher were more inclined to be satisfied. In addition, seniors in general were less satisfied with programs and services than freshmen students. Self‐rated knowledge and university level (freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors) significantly predicted satisfaction with both variables being highly associated (i.e. predicting) with satisfaction in academic advising.

Originality/value

Self‐enhancement theory suggests that those individuals with greater self‐worth have greater affective need to feel satisfied. Increased self‐worth is manifested in active roles of decision making and judgments about events that the individual experiences (Wells and Sweeney, 1986). Thus, self‐worth is highly correlated with knowledge about an aspect. This study shows that knowledge is an important predictor to satisfaction – i.e. the higher the knowledge the more satisfied students are likely to be.
The effect of e‐mail on attitudes towards performance feedback
Authors: Kurtzberg Terri R. , Belkin Liuba Y. , Naquin Charles E.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to argue that people's inherent attitudes towards the various communication media (e‐mail, paper‐form, face‐to‐face) will change their reactions to identical performance feedback.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an empirical scenario study with 171 business school students as participants, peoples' attitudes were explored about the use of e‐mail for feedback by having participants enact the role of an organizational employee receiving (identical) feedback via e‐mail, paper‐form, or a face‐to‐face conversation.

Findings

It was found that people responded most positively to the feedback when they believed it was delivered via paper‐form, and most negatively when they believed it was delivered via e‐mail. Thus it is theoretically challenged that the notion that all text‐based media (i.e. paper‐form and e‐mail) should be considered identical, and empirically document differences. Further, the negative reaction to the concept of feedback delivered via e‐mail was magnified by a performance‐goal orientation as opposed to a learning goal‐orientation.

Practical implications

It is argued that the norms and expectations about each medium should play a significant role in determining appropriate feedback communication tools.

Originality/value

This research can help individuals and organizations decide the mode of communication they use to deliver feedback.
Business ethics versus economics: the ideological foundations of the debate
Authors: Goldsby Michael G. , Burton Brian , Grana Peter , Neck Christopher P.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the current debate between business ethics and economics by examining the underlying ideologies of each side.

Design/methodology/apprach

It is our intention in this article to examine the stories business ethicists and economists utilize to explain how the world works. A two dimensional model is employed to accomplish this goal by plotting the two sides' different theories of human nature on one axis and the two sides' different theories of society on the other axis.

Findings

This article provides a framework for assisting practitioners and scholars/teachers in better understanding the origins and causes for the debates that take place on complex issues regarding the economic domain.

Research limitation/implications

A limitation of this article is that while it offers better understanding of positions, it does not offer guidance to the reader in crafting future strategies. Space does not warrant doing so in this article; however, it is an important issue.

Practical implications

The framework in this article can be utilized to help managers and students understand the debate between business ethicists and economists, help them to examine and form their own positions, and be better prepared to take part in debates that promote societal progress.

Originality/value

While scholars have described the current debates well, little coverage has been placed on how the debate arose. By knowing how past and current positions were developed, it is our hope that more informed frameworks addressing developing social issues can be developed in the future.
Exploring disruptive technology: the structure and control of internal corporate ventures
Authors: Callaway Stephen K. , Hamilton Robert D.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual model addressing how environmental uncertainty resulting from disruptive technology affects an internal corporate venture's organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon a review of two complementary theoretical perspectives – resource dependence theory and institutional theory, propositions regarding internal and external linkages and the internal organizational governance mechanisms of organizational structure and strategic control systems of ICVs are developed.

Findings

Resource dependence theory and institutional theory are both necessary to explain the organizational issues resulting from the uncertainty surrounding disruptive technology. Research limitations/implications – A limitation is that this is a theoretical paper; empirical research is needed to test the theories presented in this paper.

Practical implications

To the extent that managers can be trained to recognize and understand the complexities of disruptive technology, their likelihood of appropriate organizational responses will be enhanced.

Originality/value

The paper presents a conceptual model of how to successfully manage an internal corporate venture in a disruptive technology environment.
Consumer behaviour in multi‐channel contexts: the case of a theatre festival
Authors: Slack Frances , Rowley Jennifer , Coles Sue
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to complement existing work on multi‐channel environments of shopping experiences and retail channels by exploring the use of different channels in the consumer decision‐making processes associated with ticket purchase for performances in a regional annual theatre festival.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of the audience questionnaire focuses on the relative use of different channels and specifically the importance of the Internet in the stages leading up to attendance at the festival – awareness, information gathering, decision making and purchase transaction.

Findings

The extent of use of different channels at different stages in the decision‐making process varies, although the Internet is the only channel that can be and is used to support all stages of the process. Throughout the process, with the exception of purchase transaction, the use of word‐of‐mouth is significant. Customers who started using the Internet at the awareness stage often continued to use it. Neither gender nor age has a significant effect on patterns of channel use.

Originality/value

This study contributes to research into the use of multiple channels in consumer decision making, particularly in relation to customer multi‐channel employment, the factors that affect channel use, and the role of word‐of mouth in multi‐channel contexts.
eDSPLab: remote laboratory for experiments on DSP applications
Authors: Barrero F. , Toral S. , Gallardo S.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a remote lab and a web‐based teaching environment which provides access for remote control of Digital Signal Processors (DSP device) and real instrumentation. The framework, named eDSPLab, has been designed using LabVIEW for debugging and testing Digital Signal Processing (DSP) experiments in a real lab without physical and temporal restrictions, and it has been integrated as a service in a modern e‐learning application domain and a Learning Management System (LMS) to reinforce its utility.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is presented to provide background to the progressive role that DSP and DSP devices play in Information and Communications Technology (ICT)‐demanded job profiles, and the role that a computer‐mediated environment plays in modern teaching methodologies. The web service access control architecture is defined.

Findings

The paper provides new insights into the use of the Internet for laboratory teaching.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to one particular remote lab. Results could be extended if students' perceptions and their acceptance of the new e‐learning technology are examined using an information system theory, such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need for adapting the teaching methodology applied in an undergraduate Advanced Microprocessor course of the Telecommunication Engineering degree at the University of Seville, Spain, allowing the development of laboratory experiments anywhere and anytime, avoiding one of the problems in lab training: the low number of laboratory working places in relation to the high number of enrolled students. The system developed has been successfully used during the last academic years in a course involving more than 200 students.
Product‐oriented design theory for digital information services
Authors: Wijnhoven Fons , Kraaijenbrink Jeroen
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give a structured literature review, design concepts, and research propositions related to a product‐oriented design theory for information services. Information services facilitate the exchange of information goods with or without transforming these goods. Exemplar information services are e‐publishing, electronic communities‐of‐practice, and management reporting. The importance of information services in the current economy merits the development of an explicit product‐ and process‐oriented design theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This article focuses on the product‐oriented design theory by applying Wallset al.'s framework. A product‐oriented design theory of information services identifies relevant descriptive and explanatory insights (i.e. content, use, value, and revenue), meta‐requirements, and meta‐designs. The paper describes design problems for information services, and gives key requirements for information services. Next, it describes the information, organizational and information technological components of an information service, and identifies at least four information service architectures. Finally, it gives research hypotheses, research ideas, and discusses practical implications.

Findings

The results form a product‐oriented design theory for information services. The paper gives a structured way for practitioners to analyze information service design challenges, and suggestions are given for requirements and design decisions on three aspects (content, use feature, and revenue).

Originality/value

Given the previously fragmented nature of the literature, this paper gives new opportunities for research and practice.
The library and the internet: introduction to the special issue
Authors: Sax Boria
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue of On the Horizon, which is devoted to the next wave of innovation in online education; analyzes the traditional tension between the realm of books and reality, and to examine ways it which this may be influenced by digital technologies; and reviews possible alternatives to the structure of the traditional classroom for online education.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the work of Hans Blumenberg, this article begins with analysis of the malaise that pervaded literary culture on the threshold of the digital age. It evaluates various educational structures and technologies as attempts to respond to this challenge.

Findings

Books not only contain but also structure learning, in fact they condition our expectations of what “knowledge” would be. The world of books has traditionally been opposed to that of “experience,” but digital technologies now provide new means of storing knowledge that transcend this dichotomy. This is a major change in the structure of knowledge, which will eventually transform our institutions of higher education.

Originality/value

This article shows how the development of digital media was not simply driven by technology but was a response to the exhaustion of literary traditions, as thinkers began to doubt whether there was anything more worth putting in print. This perspective enables the article to go beyond the technological determinism that pervades much futuristic writing, and suggest how we may innovate, particularly in education, while retaining continuity with the past.
Effects of price decisions on product categories and brands
Authors: Álvarez Álvarez Begoña , Vázquez Casielles Rodolfo
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this present paper is to analyse the influence prices have on consumers' purchase decisions. Specifically, three aspects related to this variable are considered: formation of reference prices, effects of price variances on the buying behaviour and the influence of price promotions on the purchasing process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper elaborates two household panels, one national (Taylor Nelson Sofres Group) and the other regional (elaborated by us) which complements the information provided by the former.

Findings

The results confirm the use of reference prices by consumers, highlighting the importance of the stimuli present at the point of sale for their formation. Likewise, the paper observes the interrelation of strategic decisions, emphasising the collateral effects derived from them.

Originality/value

The paper cautions retailers that immediate discounts as a promotional strategy may be successful, but this does not apply to all product categories.
Integrated analytic hierarchy process and entropy to develop a durable goods chain store franchisee selection model
Authors: Hsu Pi‐Fang , Chen Bi‐Yu
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a selection model that adopts several important criteria, enabling a durable goods franchiser to select franchisees that are most appropriate.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires based on selection criteria are identified from modified Delphi Technique and then sent to experts and decision makers. Major criteria weights are analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process and entropy. Final weights are then determined using the compromised weighting method.

Findings

This study has demonstrated that the durable goods sector in Taiwan emphasizes the condition of a franchisee personal condition more than its store location, and our results further indicate that a franchiser should emphasize finance and business ability when selecting franchisees. Additionally, consumer purchasing power, individuals passing by and parking convenience are all important factors for selecting a franchisee.

Originality/value

Analysis results indicate that the proposed selection model enables a franchiser to select franchisees more reasonably by allowing them to operate effectively.