bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Past purchase and intention to purchase in e‐commerce
Authors: Weisberg Jacob , Te'eni Dov , Arman Limor
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Purchasing on the internet has unique features that make it different from the traditional shopping process, particularly with regard to its social context. This study seeks to investigate the relationship between past online purchases and purchasing intentions, representing the social context by the notions of social presence and trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 115 working MBA students purchased an item online (but were stopped at the stage of paying), and then completed a questionnaire on social presence and trust.

Findings

The results show that past purchasing predicts intentions to purchase and that trust and social presence act as partial mediators.

Practical implications

Social context is important for understanding how past behavior affects future purchasing. Designs should therefore enhance social presence and trust. Moreover, it may be beneficial to monitor these mediators to detect potential problems.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates the important role of social context in online shopping. In particular, the mediation of trust and social presence between past and future purchasing is determined.
Cultural intelligence's influence on international business travelers' stress
Authors: Ramsey Jase R. , Nassif Leonel Jordan , Zoccal Gomes Geovana , Rafael Reis Monteiro Plinio
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine cultural intelligence's (CQ) influence on international business travelers' ability to deal with the strain caused by institutional distance (ID).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology begins with a literature review to establish a framework for discussion by bringing together international business travel, stress, distance, and CQ. A total of 841 participants from Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport were surveyed in order to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results reveal that CQ partially moderates the relationship between ID and travel and job strain.

Research limitations/implications

Furthermore, the research implies that an increase in CQ is not positive in all situations.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study to examine CQ in the short‐term context of international business travel.
Relation between big five personality traits and Hofstede's cultural dimensions
Authors: Migliore Laura Ann
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to quantitatively assess the inter‐relational aspects of personality traits, using the five‐factor model of personality, and Hofstede's five dimensions of national culture for work‐related values to evaluate the differences between the US and Indian cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is quantitative and samples include qualified online‐panel respondents, representing educated and experienced business professionals who use the internet. Data analysis includes Pearson correlation and multiple analysis of variance. Sample results show large differences in all five cultural dimensions as compared to Hofstede's 1980 data.

Findings

Changes in work‐related values may reflect the influence of advances in communication and internet technologies, offering insight toward problems associated with global multicultural projects. Correlations between personality traits and cultural dimensions exist for certain occupational‐job categories, and provide insight on leadership characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include self‐reported responses via a web‐based survey, rather than actual observations in the workplace.

Practical implications

Technical and cultural competence is needed for global leaders, especially with increased use of the internet and networked environments. Navigating through cross‐cultural situations requires cultural insight, interpersonal skills, and an ability to build trust.

Originality/value

This study extends Hofstede's 1980 original research by acquiring new, cross‐culturally comparative data. It also extends the original research of Donnellan et al., regarding the Mini NEO assessment. The study provides confirmatory analysis to the exploratory work of Smith and Bond and McCrae, but only for one of the three predicted correlations: extraversion with individualism.
The dual value of honesty among Russians in selected former Soviet countries
Authors: Vadi Maaja , Jaakson Krista
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyse the factors associated with the perception of the value honesty among Russian organisational members from selected former Soviet countries: Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Rokeach Value Survey, the respondents were asked to rank their own values and to speculate on how their co‐workers would rank the same values. The following analysis focused on the importance of honesty, its concurrence with speculations about co‐workers, the impact of other personal values and socio‐demographic characteristics.

Findings

One of the most important findings of this study is that value honesty is amongst the most important values for Russians, while the importance of this value was not similar for Russians living in Russia and the Baltic States. Value consensus tells us the most about how important honesty is for the focal person. Results also reveal that other personal values, namely, family security, comfortable life, imaginative, capable and broad minded help to predict the assessment of honesty.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study imply that societal influence prevails over cultural influence when the importance honesty is assessed among Russians. Also, we show that individually, value honesty is socially construed and can therefore be manipulated via changing his/her perception of social consensus rather than directly.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in the focusing on the Russians living in different countries of former Soviet Union by analysing the importance of value honesty which plays a role in business and societal culture.
Variation in communication satisfaction of academic staff in universities in Yemen depending on national culture
Authors: Mohammed Al‐Nashmi Murad , Syd Abdul Rahman Hj. Syd Zin Hj.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an assessment of communication practices in universities in Yemen. The paper also gives further insight into the relationship between national culture (NC) and communication satisfaction (CS) of multicultural teams at universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative research design and used quantitative instruments to collect data from 338 faculty members from different countries including professors, associate professors, assistant professors, teachers, and tutors working at four universities in Yemen. Data were collected using the CS questionnaire and the Value Survey Module.

Findings

The analysis of the data shows that the CS levels among the academic staff vary according to the nationality. In addition, analysis of the data revealed that there is a significant relationship between CS factors and NC dimensions.

Originality/value

This research provides valuable insight into the faculty members' development and performance. It may assist the multicultural academic staff to be able to help, improve working relationships, and understanding of intercultural communication which help them to reach a CS.
The impact of institutional processes, social networks, and culture on diffusion of global work values in multinational organizations
Authors: Rosenblatt Valerie
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Previous research has documented emergence of global work values and an important function of multinational organizations (MNOs) in their diffusion. However, studies on the processes supporting the diffusion of global work values have been limited. This study seeks to conceptually explore the roles of institutional mechanisms and moderating functions of social network structures and cultural values in diffusion of global work values within the context of MNOs.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a multilevel approach and grounding the arguments in the neo‐institutional framework, this work synthesizes cross‐cultural research with organizational theory research to present a conceptual model of the diffusion of global work values in the context of MNOs.

Findings

It is proposed that the level of diffusion of global work values by members of MNOs is positively related to the level of institutionalization of these values within and between MNOs by means of regulative and normative institutional processes. The arguments also suggest that regulative and normative institutional processes are likely to diffuse global work values more efficiently among members of MNOs with collectivistic value orientations and tight dense social networks with closures.

Practical implications

The findings may be useful for managers looking to implement global corporate culture and values programs, searching for the right mechanisms to diffuse values among units with certain cultural backgrounds, social network structures and institutional contexts.

Originality/value

This paper combines diverse research streams to elaborate on the dynamic interfaces of global work values diffusion and lays groundwork for future empirical investigations.
Developing a supply chain performance tool for SMEs in Thailand
Authors: Banomyong Ruth , Supatn Nucharee
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present a supply chain performance assessment tool that measures the performance of key supply chain activities of a firm under different performance dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

The tool was developed based on an extensive literature review. The nine key internal supply chain activities, as proposed by Grant et al. in 2006, constituted the backbone of the assessment framework, while performance was measured based on three dimensions: cost, time, and reliability. The tool was pilot‐tested on 44 local SMEs. The results were then compared with existing performance benchmark as well as within the benchmarked group itself and a high performing Thai multinational in order to see whether the developed tool could identify performance gaps in the trial group.

Findings

The results obtained from the tool provide a description of a firm's internal supply chain activity. The utilised supply chain performance framework can isolate each individual supply chain activity. The results are therefore precise enough for firms to identify individual areas of strengths and weaknesses. The tool is relatively simple and easy to use and understand.

Research limitations/implications

Limitation is related to the availability of the required assessment data. The availability of data is a reflection of systematic data collection and storage procedures of the respondent firms.

Originality/value

The tool was developed on clearly defined theoretical foundations. The three dimensions of cost, time and reliability can balance both financial and non‐financial characteristics of supply chain performance. The data required are simple and objective.
Multimodal supply chains: iron ore from Australia to China
Authors: Beresford Anthony , Pettit Stephen , Liu Yukuan
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse available multimodal transport route variations for iron ore shipments from northwest Australia to northeast China, focusing on a major iron and steel manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is focused on a case study and uses an established cost model as a framework, for the first time, in the context of heavy bulk cargo shipments. Field interviews and a questionnaire form the principal methods of primary data collection. The characteristics of bulk iron ore transport flow are analysed against traditional criteria and an appraisal of the transport infrastructure in north east China is made, considering both road and rail options, and various possible combinations for transport being evaluated. All factors affecting modal choice in the region are examined, including cargo volume, weight, and value, transport distance, transit time, transport costs and schedule reliability.

Findings

The volumes of iron ore moved are large, with a high weight‐to‐volume ratio, and shipments are regular. The research initially confirms that sea and rail transport combinations are the most appropriate for the movement of iron ore. However, where rail transport corridors are congested, provided that the transport distances are not too great, road haulage appears to be an effective substitute and the most competitive multimodal transport route, at least in the short to medium term, is found to be a rail‐sea‐road combination via Port Bayuquan in China.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on the delivery of iron ore to one major steel manufacturer in northeast China; so findings may not be transferable to other companies or circumstances.

Practical implications

The paper first demonstrates that, for heavy, high volume cargoes concentration of flows on to one corridor, perhaps under the control of one service provider, maximises scale economies, but works against competition and route/mode choice. Second, it demonstrates that, for long haul shipments of iron ore, port variations and modal differences for inland transport yield only marginal differences in overall logistics costs.

Originality/value

An assessment of high volume/heavy/low value cargoes such as iron ore has not previously been undertaken using this cost model. This paper therefore provides an original analysis of such supply chains.
Supply chain management in an uncertain economic climate: a UK perspective
Authors: Ross Andrew
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to consider whether the benefits that construction organisations achieve by adopting a supply chain management approach to their specialist partners outweigh those that are derived from a market‐driven approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial adopts a transaction economics perspective to evaluate the external environment facing contracting organisations within the UK, especially as a result of the recent economic downturn. One of the consequences of the reduced demand for construction work is that clients now prefer a market‐based approach to the procurement of their contractors; this assertion is supported by analysis of recently published survey data on client procurement approaches and price and cost data.

Findings

The transactional economic implications of these changes to the supplier/contractor relationship are presented for discussion. The research implications of this indicate that further empirical data is required on: the economic benefits of supply chain management, how the benefits are derived from the different sub markets that exist in construction, and the influence the external economic environment has upon the contractor/subcontractor transaction interface.

Originality/value

This work seeks to encourage researchers to empiricise the theoretical constructs of new institutional economics in line with the dynamics of the subcontracting/supplier market. In doing so, a better understanding of the economic factors that can influence the bilateral dependencies that exist between large and small organisations may result.
Success factors for the implementation of web‐based construction project management systems
Authors: Nitithamyong Pollaphat , Skibniewski Mirosław J.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Academics and practitioners anticipated that web‐based project management systems (WPMSs) would enhance and revolutionise the way in which construction‐related organisations conduct business. However, widespread adoption and effective use have not reached expected levels partly because of a lack of comprehensive understanding on how to implement WPMSs avoiding pitfalls and failure. This paper aims to investigate the rationale behind WPMS performance deviations in order to suggest ways to effectively employ WPMSs in construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Three project‐level case studies were undertaken representing a highly successful, a moderately successful, and an unsuccessful WPMS implementation. For each case, WPMS implementation and operational issues were examined, followed by a detailed investigation on the key factors affecting the WPMS application. The findings from the three case studies were then compared and analysed.

Findings

The case studies reveal a clear pattern related to WPMS performance in relation to a number of issues. Following this pattern, the study identifies “basic” requirements as well as “important” and “key” factors for a successful WPMS implementation. The conclusions from the case studies suggest ways in which construction project teams can reap greater benefits from using WPMSs in their work.

Originality/value

The findings reported herein will benefit construction practitioners by guiding them to more productive ways of utilising and managing WPMSs, thereby promoting widespread acceptance of such systems in the industry.
Applying and developing health service theory: an empirical study into clinical governance
Authors: Greenfield David , Nugus Peter , Fairbrother Greg , Milne Jacqueline , Debono Deborah
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine an organisation's enactment of clinical governance through applying and advancing a theoretical model.

Design/methodology/approach

The research site was a large organisation within an autonomous jurisdiction. The study focused on one organisational division. There were nine interviews and 15 focus groups (118 participants). Ethnographic observations totalled 60.5 hours. Document analysis was conducted with organisational reports and website. Data were examined against the model's four attributes and 24 elements, and used to conduct an organisational culture analysis.

Findings

Analysis showed that a majority of elements, 17 of 24, were strongly identifiable. The remainder were identifiable but not strongly so. Analysis suggested two additions to the model: the inclusion of two elements to an existing attribute and a new attribute and defining elements. This showed that the organisation was working towards, but not yet having achieved, a positive quality and safety culture. In particular, a schism in understanding between managers and frontline staff was noted.

Research limitations/implications

The study empirically applied and refined a health service theory. The new model, the “clinical governance practice model”, can be broadly applied, and can continue to be developed to expand the evidence base for the field.

Practical implications

Substantively, the study accounts for differences in managerial and frontline staff actions in applying clinical governance. Investigations to understand and identify strategies to bridge the differences are required.

Originality/value

The study is an original application and refinement of a health service theory. The study identifies that the interpretation of clinical governance, whilst different in different places, gives rise to similar disagreements.
Physical healthcare for people with serious mental illness
Authors: Ratcliffe Tom , Dabin Sam , Barker Peter
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to design and implement an audit of physical health monitoring for patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in primary care.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence‐based criteria for physical health monitoring were developed from current clinical guidelines. Physical health monitoring of 128 patients with a diagnosis of either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder was audited against these criteria in two urban GP practices.

Findings

The number of patients whose smoking history, alcohol consumption history, blood pressure and body mass index had been recorded in the preceding 15 months varied significantly by practice, whilst recording of blood cholesterol and diabetes status did not. Patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were significantly more likely to have had a diabetes status recorded in the preceding 15 months compared to patients with bipolar disorder.

Research limitations/implications

Standards for compliance with audit criteria need to be debated and agreed with stakeholders. Further research is needed into how physical healthcare services can effectively engage patients with serious mental illness.

Practical implications

Audit of physical health monitoring in primary care is feasible and could be used to identify shortcomings in physical healthcare for people with serious mental illness. Inviting patients on practices' mental health registers for cardiovascular risk screening should be considered.

Social implications

Regular audit of physical health monitoring in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may help ensure equitable healthcare delivery for patients with serious mental illness.

Originality/value

This paper presents an audit methodology that primary care trusts and general practitioners can use to assess how effectively the physical health of people with serious mental illness is being monitored.
Section 136 assessments in Trafford Borough of Manchester
Authors: Tanveer Sadiq Khurram , Moghal Akbar , Mahadun Prem
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study is to ascertain a trend of the section 136 assessments over a period of time and compare it with the standards laid down by the code of practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The study looks at trends over a period of eight months since the opening of the section 136 services. The demographic details such as age, gender, and ethnicity were recorded. The other variables recorded include reason for using section 136, the place of assessment, time of referral, total time of assessment, the assessors undertaking the assessment, outcome of referral, whether the patient was under the influence of alcohol and suffered any concomitant physical problems and whether the police were present during the assessment

Findings

A total of 45 assessments were undertaken under section 136 of the Mental Health Act. The majority (93.3 percent) of the assessments were done in section 136 suite. Threats to self harm (35.5 percent) was the most common reason of detention. Mood disorders were the commonest diagnosis (22.2 percent each). A total of 17 (37.8 percent) of the patients detained were admitted to the inpatient units.

Research limitations/implications

It was noticed that rate of section 136 assessments decreased over months after an initial surge. It was also noted that the conversion rate of admissions was low which raises questions about the rightful use of section 136 detentions.

Practical implications

It will be interesting to conduct future studies to find out the reasons for the surge in the use of section 136 detentions when a new service is set up for the same. It also need to be noted that the conversion rate was low which raises the appropriateness of section 136 detentions, together with the finding that one‐third of the detained patients had a discharge diagnosis of alcohol and drug problems raises the possibility whether section 136 is overused among this group.

Originality/value

Previously studies have been conducted regarding the section 136 assessments but this study monitors all the variables identified, to be monitored, by the code of practice.
Determining quality of public health care services in rural India
Authors: Narang Ritu
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the perception of patients towards quality of services in public health care centres in rural India.

Design/methodology/approach

A 23‐item scale that tested well for reliability and construct validity was employed for the study. Mixed sampling technique was employed to select the sample. A total of 500 respondents from Eastern, Western and Central regions of Uttar Pradesh were surveyed.

Findings

The survey instrument had an overall Cronbach's alpha value of 0.96 and was able to discern differences across various socio‐demographic characteristics of the respondents. The opinions of the respondents towards health care quality were not very favourable. Negative scores were obtained on items, “availability of adequate medical equipments” and “availability of doctors for women”. Education, gender and income were found to be significantly associated with user perception.

Research limitations/implications

The current study was limited to measuring the perceived quality of health care services in public centres only. Moreover, as the study was confined to the state of Uttar Pradesh so caution has to be exercised in making generalisations for the entire nation.

Practical implications

Valuable insights into the quality of services at public health care centres in rural India have been provided by the study.

Originality/value

Knowledge about the patients' perception towards health care quality is one of the most important steps towards introducing reforms in the health care sector. Identification of areas that require immediate improvement in public health care centres provides valuable guidance to the policy makers who can devise suitable strategies to make these centres more sensitive and responsible to the needs of the rural population. This can lead to restoration of faith in public health care centres and subsequently their increased consumption.
Community of CompetenceTM
Authors: Smith Elizabeth A. , Mireles Matthew C.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to propose that Community of CompetenceTM (C of C), as a catalyst for change, can foster and accelerate a paradigm shift in how longstanding, complex problems in health care are perceived, interpreted, and resolved. When multiple stakeholders within a C of C share a common or superordinate goal, group productivity increases as more effective and efficient use is made of human and material resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the logical step‐by‐step process of systems thinking to see the whole picture, from beginning to end. Continuously cycling trial solutions back through the entire system improved the depth and breadth of results. Participants in each of the three ongoing projects used the safety and welfare of patients, the only true customers of health care, as a superordinate goal. This sole focus expedited and clarified decision making and provided valuable information on best practices for use in improving the safety and overall quality of patient‐centered care.

Findings

Results of anecdotal, observational, and documented findings validated the decision to continue using patient safety and patient welfare as the common, unifying superordinate goal in health care. The flexible structure and competency‐based, interactive work environment of C of C support networking and sharing of unique competencies and knowledge to guide a focused, streamlined problem‐solving processes.

Originality/value

C of C has been used for more than seven years to analyze high‐priority healthcare problems and to create comprehensive, realistic solutions. When members of a proven competence identify a superordinate goal, collaborate and openly share tacit and explicit knowledge, the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of solutions increase.
Global supply chain adaptations to improve financial performance
Authors: Liao Kun , Marsillac Erika , Johnson Eldon , Liao Ying
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand and describe the conditions that compel and underscore global supply chain (SC) adaptations.

Design/methodology/approach

Insights from contingency theory, Porter's economic cluster theory and international factory mapping are used to analyze the SC adaptations that follow when an automotive firm moves from a domestic to a global SC.

Findings

An automotive global SC adaptation includes market entry considerations, the establishment of a three‐stage flexible time‐ and production‐based supplier network plan, and the integration of logistics partners.

Research limitations/implications

SC adaptations are an important consideration for any manufacturing expansion effort, especially international ones. Varying production levels impact supplier relationships and decisions and may result in varied supplier perspectives. Government regulations influence entry and routine decisions, while logistics issues and costs play an integral role in supplier perceptions and reactions.

Practical implications

With the rapid expansion of the Chinese auto market, entering manufacturing firms need more information about how to strategically locate, and develop and support supplier networks. A stepped supplier network establishment approach optimizes benefits for both manufacturing firm and suppliers. Evaluating and integrating logistics issues also sets the stage for future expansion efforts at optimal cost and supplier support.

Originality/value

The internationalization of the automotive SC involves adaptations that can only be successful through advance planning, strategic supplier networking, and systematic logistics integration.
A global supplier selection process for food packaging
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Hong Qui S. , Haggerty Linae N.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Numerous research articles and industry reports are currently available that deal with global sourcing, however, few articles and reports can be specifically found on sourcing packaging materials in the consumer packaged food (CPF) industry. The purpose of this paper is to understand and develop the supplier selection process and overall cost modeling that facilitates the selection of a high‐quality global supplier for low‐cost packaging materials used in large quantities for CPF products.

Design/methodology/approach

To gain information relating to packaging material sourcing, a comprehensive literature search was conducted. Additionally, interviews with packaging material sourcing managers and directors were performed at a major global CPF products manufacturer. Knowledge gained from literature, industry interviews and available business data was used to develop a generic strategic outsourcing model and a closed loop business framework for selection of global suppliers of packaging material. This framework utilizes the proposed total cost of ownership model for global sourcing and weighted qualitative criteria matrix demonstrating how it is used in global supplier selection.

Findings

The results of this study show a standardized supplier selection process and the total cost of ownership model for a CPF manufacturer which incorporates the different logistic costs such as tariffs, duties, inventory carrying levels and cost of quality. These two models are then merged into a selection matrix to determine with which supplier to enter into a long‐term supply relationship.

Originality/value

The paper combines both the relevant closed loop supplier selection modeling framework and the total cost of ownership model in the selection of supplier for low‐cost high‐volume CPF materials. It adds rigor regarding cost of ownership and emphasizes the need for a strategic rationale when entering into long‐term global supply relationships between CPF products manufacturers and packaging material suppliers.
A model for design and performance estimation of pick‐and‐sort order picking systems
Authors: Marchet Gino , Melacini Marco , Perotti Sara
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the performances of “pick‐and‐sort” order‐picking systems (OPSs) and investigate picking efficiency and design issues as a function of the number and length of the picking waves.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical model is proposed to estimate the picking efficiency as a function of wavelength. The model, which has been tested by simulations, includes an algorithm to estimate the expected overlapping of order lines. Finally, a case study illustrates the use of the model in the initial assessment phase of OPS design, and resolves the trade‐off between picking efficiency and sorting cost.

Findings

The effect of the wavelength on picking efficiency is calculated.

Research limitations/implications

The trade‐off analysis between picking efficiency and sorting cost refers to a specific sorting system and picking area layout.

Practical implications

The paper provides a tool to support the design of “pick‐and‐sort” OPS, where the importance of the length of the picking wave emerges.

Originality/value

This paper presents an innovative model that can be used in the initial phase of “pick‐and‐sort” OPS design.
Impact of business strategies of automobile manufacturers in Thailand
Authors: Phongpetra Vichak , Johri Lalit M.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate automobile manufacturers in Thailand and the effects that their business strategies had on their organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

For empirical analysis, the method of confirmatory factor analysis and the structural modeling method were applied in order to refine business strategies, functional strategies, financial, and marketing organizational scales.

Findings

This research reveals that there are three significant business strategies of automobile manufacturers in Thailand which have a positive effect on the organization's financial and marketing performance: cost focus (the first priority), cost leadership (the second priority), and integrated cost an differentiation (the third priority). All the priorities of functional strategies that have a positive effect on the financial and marketing organization performance were subsequently analyzed as follows: manufacturing strategy (most significant), human resource management (the second most significant), marketing strategy (the third most significant), and the financial strategy (the least significant).

Research limitations/implications

Future research should select different random samples to assess the perceptions of front line managers of automobile manufacturers, dealers and automobile part firms.

Practical implications

The management of automobile manufacturers and automobile part firms should implement and improve their business strategies in terms of cost focus, cost leadership, and integrated cost leadership strategies achieve higher financial and marketing performance.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature by reexamining the impact of business strategies of automobile manufacturers on organizational performance.
The linkage between energy consumption and income in six emerging economies of Asia
Authors: Rafiq Shuddhasattwa , Salim Ruhul
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the short‐ and long‐run causal relationship between energy consumption and gross domestic product (GDP) of six emerging economies of Asia. The importance of identifying the direction of causality emanates from its relevance in national policy‐making issues regarding energy conservation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs co‐integration and vector error correction modeling along with generalized impulse response functions and varience decomposition tests to check the robustness of the findings.

Findings

The empirical results show that there exists unidirectional short‐ and long‐run causality running from energy consumption to GDP for China, uni‐directional short‐run causality from output to energy consumption for India, whilst bi‐directional short‐run causality for Thailand. Neutrality between energy consumption and income is found for Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines. Both the generalized variance decompositions and impulse response functions confirm the direction of causality.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have important policy implications for the countries concerned. The results suggest that while India may directly initiate energy conservation measures, China and Thailand may opt for a balanced combination of alternative polices.

Originality/value

Many economists and social scientists are claiming that the increased demand for energy from developing countries like China and India is one of the major reasons for the energy price hikes in recent times. In this backdrop, it is justified to search causal relationship between energy consumption and national output (GDP) of some developing countries from Asia. Since the traditional bivariate approach suffers from omitted variable problems, this paper employs a trivariate demand side approach consisting of energy consumption, income and prices.
The investment development path theory: evidence from India
Authors: Verma Rakhi , Brennan Louis
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus, at the country‐specific level, on India's recent outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) surge, and more broadly test the investment development path (IDP) hypothesis for India.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of descriptive and empirical analysis has been used to ascertain the relevance of the IDP theory for India. The theoretical background of this paper is the IDP hypothesis, which states that the net outward investment position (NOIP) of a country depends on its level of development. The hypothesis is tested with a time series data set from 1991 to 2006.

Findings

This paper highlights that while India's sharp rise in investments since 1991 has followed the gross domestic product driven development, its NOIP fails to exactly match the stylized IDP model.

Research limitations/implications

This paper undertakes a macro level analysis and has not tested the hypothesis at the sectoral or bilateral levels.

Practical implications

The paper identifies some peculiar features of Indian OFDI that cannot be explained by the IDP modelper se. Hence modifications are required for a fuller understanding of India's investment position.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an under researched topic of Indian OFDI.
The Sandals philosophy: exceeding guest expectations – now and in the future
Authors: Brown Phillip , Hassan Samer , Teare Richard
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to introduce the Sandals philosophy and how it enabled Sandals Resorts International to become the world's most celebrated ultra all‐inclusive resort company.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper profiles the company's growth and approach to human resource development.

Findings

The paper concludes that an active, practical learning method is the most suitable development process to enable personal, professional and organizational development.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates the importance of organizational learning in sustaining corporate success.

Originality/value

The paper provides a perspective on the business philosophy that underpins the development of Sandals Resorts International.
Getting to the transfer point: cascading action learning
Authors: Brown Phillip , Teare Richard
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the objectives for learning at work and the strategic imperative to ensure that the rate of individual and corporate learning keeps pace with change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an interview format to reveal personal insights on the challenges, benefits and outcomes of human resource development by action learning.

Findings

The paper concludes that customized learning provides the best way of facilitating self‐actualization at work – both for employees and the organization as a whole.

Practical implications

The paper provides senior leader insights on the potential for learning at work and the underlying themes that enable organizations to develop as authentic learning organizations.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the benefits of embedding and cascading action learning so that participants can develop themselves and at the same time, their workplace environment.
Sandals Corporate University: “the change‐included experience”
Authors: Brown Phillip , Hassan Samer , Teare Richard
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to outline the role of Sandals Corporate University (SCU) and the contribution of action learning to human resource development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relates theme issue content to the mission and mandate for SCU as an own brand learning system.

Findings

The paper concludes that action learning is a key element of SCU's capability and effectiveness in supporting the ongoing development of Sandals Resorts International.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates the scope and potential for own brand learning that is accessible to all employees and provides development pathways with professional certification on a career‐long basis.

Originality/value

The paper reflects detailed piloting work and the emergence of an organizational learning system that fully integrates personal and professional development with the workplace.
The response of Physical Science post‐graduates to training courses and the connection to their PhD studies
Authors: Pritchard Jane , MacKenzie Jane , Cusack Maggie
Published: January 2011

Training in both employability and discipline‐specific skills has been provided and expanded over a number of years for post‐graduate research students, (PGRs) in the Faculty of Physical Sciences administered by the Physical Sciences Graduate School (PSGS) at the University of Glasgow. This project explored the training provided in 2005/06 with a view to further developing a programme that students and faculty alike consider appropriate, timely and developmental for the needs of research students. The training provided by the PSGS had grown over a number of years in response to suggestions from academic staff in the Faculty of Physical Sciences. Data were collected from Postgraduate Research students (PGRs) from all the stages of the 3 year PhD process to enable a complete map of views to emerge. In particular, the way PGR students perceive the training they undergo in relation to their core PhD research and career progression was examined. The students in our study also identified clearly where they perceived they were developing such transferable skills, and training sessions are not seen as the sole or even major source; the research group itself would appear to play a major role. The authors believe the finding could inform the provision of PGR training in other UK institutions.
Developing researchers in the arts and humanities: lessons from a pilot programme to develop discipline‐specific research skills
Authors: Saunders Clare
Published: January 2011

Although increasing emphasis is placed on the provision of research training for doctoral students, much of the support currently available is generic in nature, rather than tailored to the student’s particular field(s) of study. In this paper, I briefly review UK graduate education for arts and humanities research students, and some of the ways in which the distinctive demands of their discipline(s) shape the research student experience and hence their development needs. I describe the design and delivery of a pilot programme of discipline‐specific research skills development, co‐ordinated by the Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies, which aims to address such needs; and I evaluate its success. I conclude with some recommendations for future practice; in particular, I argue that doctoral training provision is more effective when it involves a subject‐specific approach in which practising academics from the discipline(s) play a significant role – both in terms of fostering an improved level of student engagement with the programme, and of delivering training and development opportunities which are tailored to the student’s particular context and needs.
Making sense of doctoral training reforms in the social sciences: Educational development by other means?
Authors: Mills David
Published: January 2011

Educational reforms are increasingly driven by political and economic forces beyond the university. In this paper I describe how the policy initiatives of the United Kingdom’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have steadily reshaped the length,content and structure of doctoral education in the social sciences. This history of the Council’s willingness to respond to national and international policy concerns about the doctorate dates back to the early years of the Thatcher Government in the 1980s. As well as redefining the doctoral student experience, this interventionist policy environment potentially challenges the institutional autonomy of academics and others involved in educational development. In this article I explore the implications of this for doctoral training provision, and for the meaning of educational development itself. I end by pointing to the possibilities for policy “activism” in responding to these changes.
Doctoral student experience in Education: Activities and difficulties influencing identity development
Authors: McAlpine Lynn , Jazvac‐Martek Marian , Hopwood Nick
Published: January 2011

This paper explores variation in the events or activities Education doctoral students describe as contributing to their feeling of being an academic or belonging to an academic community as well as difficulties they experience. The results (drawing principally on students in a Canadian research‐intensive university though with some in a UK university) demonstrate a rich variation in multiple formative activities that are experienced as contributing to a developing identity as an academic, with many lying outside formal and semi‐formal aspects of the doctorate. Yet, at the same time students report tensions in the very sorts of activities they often find significant and positive in the development of their identity. We see this analysis as offering much‐needed insights into the formative role of cumulative day‐to‐day activities in the development of academic identity.
Evaluating the Impact of Newer Researcher Training & Development: Which Direction Forward? (Report of a Joint Seminar)
Authors: Gough Martin
Published: January 2011

The Vitae Yorkshire & North‐East Region Hub and the Society for Research into Higher Education Postgraduate Issues & Academic Practice Networks jointly organised this seminar on 30th April 2009 at the University of Leeds, UK. The seminar comprised two sessions, each with presentation followed by audio‐recorded open discussion. Attendees were from those working in the UK in the area of researcher and academic development who were invited and able to attend. A summary of the presentations and the second session discussion questions were posted immediately after the event on the Society for Research into Higher Education Postgraduate Issues Network website (http://www.srhe.ac.uk/networks.pin.asp). Those invited (attending or not) were able to respond further in writing. This report provides a collated summary of what people said in the period leading up to the Vitae researcher development conference 2009: Realising the potential of researchers (8‐9 September), where I introduced this report in the fringe session “Assessment within development events as evaluation of researcher support programmes”, and does not draw firm conclusions. Its purpose is more to help move further the debate in this domain of practice about “Which Direction Forward?”, with a view towards implications for both academic and non‐academic career paths for researchers, and to raise further discussion (see invitation at the end).