bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An economic analysis of willingness to pay (WTP) for conserving the biodiversity
Authors: Surendran A. , Sekar C.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of eco‐tourism on the socio‐economic characteristics of the native inhabitants and natural resources in Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), India. The paper estimates the recreational value and measures the willingness to pay (WTP) of the stakeholders and tourists to conserve the forest eco‐system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon theories and issues of eco‐tourism to examine the economic value of forest ecosystem, including direct and indirect use values of the ecological regulatory services. The 60 sample stakeholders of the study were agricultural and forest dependents and tourist dependents in addition to 60 visitors of ATR spot.

Findings

The travel cost had a significant negative influence on frequency of visits, while education had a positive impact. The agriculture and forest dependents, tourist dependents and tourists were WTP an average amount of Rs 202 (US$4.03), Rs 449 (US$9.55) and Rs 656 (US$14.00)/annum, respectively, towards internalizing eco‐tourism‐related externalities. The option value of conserving the ATR was estimated by contingent valuation method using bidding game technique. Education and number of animal species sighted have positively related to WTP and was highly significant.

Social implications

The paper addresses the attitude of people towards conservation of the forest biodiversity, as well as increasing the income of the people via eco‐tourism.

Originality/value

The outcome implies that eco‐tourism will reduce the dependency of forest and also create more employment and other tourism‐related income augmenting activities and thus enhancing additional income through tourism related occupations. The paper suggests the establishment of several other eco‐parks in Tamil Nadu for protecting the biodiversity as well as generating additional income and improving the livelihood security of the population.
Building and measuring employee‐based brand equity
Authors: King Ceridwyn , Grace Debra
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the first known empirically‐tested model of Employee Based Brand Equity (EBBE). In doing so, it seeks to provide insight into how organisations can not only effectively manage the internal brand building‐process but also, more importantly, appreciate the subsequent employee effects and organisational benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via an online survey of 371 employees who work in service organisations, sourced from a market research database list.

Findings

Strong support was found for nine out of the ten hypothesised relationships, thus providing strong validation for the proposed model.

Research limitations/implications

The employment of surveys can present data collection problems stemming from such things as lack of willingness to participate on behalf of the respondent, loss of validity when using structured questionnaires, and inherent challenges of wording questions properly. However, in acknowledging these limitations, actions, such as the utilisation of a national database of “opt in” survey participants coupled with the good reliability results and the methodical four‐stage survey design process undertaken, it is suggested that every effort was made to negate the limitations.

Practical implications

Knowledge is gained from empirically validating a model of EBBE: it further enriches the application of traditional brand management techniques; provides a framework for brand communication training; increases organisational understanding of how to engender positive employee actions; and increases the accountability of such an internal investment by identifying measurable organisational benefits that accrue as a result of such efforts.

Originality/value

The paper makes three important contributions: expanding the existing brand equity literature to incorporate a third yet equally relevant perspective, that being the employee; the adoption of a multi‐disciplined approach to addressing a marketing issue and, in doing so, extending beyond the connectionist cognitive psychology view of brand equity to incorporate a contextual/organisation cultural element; and reflecting the perceptions of employees, who are currently under‐represented in the internal brand management literature.
Segmentation in social marketing
Authors: Walsh Gianfranco , Hassan Louise M. , Shiu Edward , Andrews J. Craig , Hastings Gerard
Published: July 2010

Purpose

In 2005, the European Union launched a four‐year antismoking television advertising campaign across its 25 Member States. This study aims to evaluate the second and third years (2006 and 2007) of the campaign based on telephone interviews with over 24,000 consumers (smokers, non‐smokers, and ex‐smokers).

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on smokers and examines the potential for using segmentation and targeting in informing the campaign. Three important factors are used to identify clusters: attitude toward the campaign; comprehension of the campaign; and inclination to think responsibly about their smoking behaviour.

Findings

Cluster analyses identify three distinct and significant target groups (message‐involved, message‐indifferent, and message‐distanced) who respond differentially to the advertising. Furthermore, the percentage of respondents within each cluster varies across the EU Member States. Using Schwartz's cultural framework, the cultural dimension of “openness to change versus conservatism” is found to explain substantial cross‐national variation in message‐involved and messaged‐distanced respondents.

Research limitations/implications

Cluster solutions are shown to be stable across the two data waves. Implications of these results are discussed.

Originality/value

This is the first study that seeks to better understand consumer reactions to social‐marketing advertising across different segments of the overall target group.
Consumer responses to brand extensions: a comprehensive model
Authors: Martínez Eva , Pina José M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the reciprocal spill‐over effects of brand extensions by testing a comprehensive model that gathers both the brand extension evaluation process and the later influence on brand image.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 699 face‐to‐face interviews conducted in Spain. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that brand extensions have feedback effects on brand image depending on the attitude toward the new product and perceived image fit. Consumer attitude depends, in turn, on initial brand associations, perceived category fit, perceived image fit and consumer innovativeness. Brand familiarity also shows indirect effects.

Research limitations/implications

The model should be tested with extensions of the same (line extensions) or different categories. It is also necessary to analyse non‐fictitious products, and to take different moderating effects into account.

Practical implications

The results suggest how to protect the brand image from unsuitable extension strategies. The paper shows what kind of perceived fit is more important for consumers as well as the direct and indirect role of several variables.

Originality/value

The paper extends previous research by proposing a complete framework that considers the factors that influence either the attitude to the extension or the attitude to the extended brand.
REFolution: reference service in a constantly changing world, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 13‐14, 2010
Authors: Englert Tracy
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of the selection process used to select the ReSearcher Suite, and its implementation including an outline of why and how the suite was implemented at the Library in the Institute of Technology in Tallaght.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study – single site.

Findings

The Simon Frasier University (SFU) hosted ReSearcher Suite (with support) provides an open source solution for open URL linking integrated with inter‐library loan submission, federated searching, knowledge base, coverage data, and A‐Z listings for journals and databases. While it does not have the full integration with the library management system that a vendor supplied product would, the functionality is strong enough on the user end to offer a viable alternative.

Practical implications

Provides a start point for similar projects.

Originality/value

The site studied is an international customer for SFU, while the suite is still in beta. The option to have open source software hosted by the developing institution is of interest.
The dangers of internationalization and “one‐size‐fits‐all” in public sector management
Authors: Ohemeng Frank
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework to explain the failure in public management of wholesale policy transfer from well developed to developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies extensively on organizational surveys and specialized interviews in both jurisdictions, as well as on a review of government (primary) and other institutional documents. It is qualitative in nature.

Findings

The paper reveals that the context in which public sector reform policies are implemented matters. In short, the environment (with structural and contextual variables) is an essential element in the success of policies. It highlights important factors such as culture, institutional dynamism, the role of the external actors, etc. as issues that must be carefully looked at in the development and implementation of reform policies.

Research limitations/implications

The number of cases needs to be expanded to further confirm the results. Furthermore, before it is possible to generalize about the theory's applicability, it is necessary to test the theoretical framework by examining the issue of policy transfer among developing countries.

Practical implications

The findings point to the need for theorists, policy makers, and policy implementers to be open‐minded as they attempt to develop and implement policies for public sector reforms in different circumstances. They thus emphasize the need to adapt reforms to a particular environment rather than pursuing a one‐size‐fits‐all approach. The paper thus argues that the most appropriate management strategies for reforms must be cognizant of local environmental conditions so as to tailor policies that fit the environment.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to both theory and practice by participating in the discussion on what must be considered administrative reforms. The paper will be of interest to those searching for ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector organizations through reforms and, in particular, of performance management, as well as to stakeholders interested in well‐functioning public sector organizations.
Defining and measuring productivity in the public sector: managerial perceptions
Authors: Linna Paula , Pekkola Sanna , Ukko Juhani , Melkas Helinä
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to identify what productivity means in the public sector, how it is measured and how it should be measured and improved, according to municipal authorities in managerial positions.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is both theoretical and empirical. The first part is a literature review of research concerning public sector productivity. The second part presents findings of empirical research that is based on interviews and workshops with municipal authorities representing: special healthcare services; basic healthcare and social services; and educational services. The research has been carried out in the Päijät‐Häme region, Finland.

Findings

According to the results, there is a certain mismatch between perceptions concerning productivity and the potential that lies in this concept as a functional tool in the public sector's development efforts. Public sector productivity cannot be developed and discussed without taking into consideration the issue of effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Deeper common understanding concerning productivity and effectiveness and their measurement is likely to facilitate municipal decision making and service processes in individual workplaces as well as within and among different spheres of authority – and thus facilitate mutual learning.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to development and application of productivity and effectiveness thinking in the public sector. It is linked to service excellence, performance measurement and management systems, creativity in process delivery and deployment of improvement techniques in the public sector. It is of interest both to researchers and to practitioners.
Managing diversity: does it matter to municipal governments?
Authors: Hur Yongbeom , Strickland Ruth Ann , Stefanovic Dragan
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate how seriously diversity issues are considered by municipal governments in North Carolina and to identify specific diversity management practices (DMPs) that are adopted more often by municipalities. It also aims to examine whether the adoption levels of DMPs are influenced by demographic and economic factors and the various backgrounds of city managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data about adopted DMPs and city managers' backgrounds were collected by surveying all municipalities in North Carolina with populations of at least 5,000 (response rate: 50 percent). An index was constructed to determine the adoption level of DMPs, and the cities were divided into four groups, based on their index scores (i.e. DMP scores). Analysis of variance and correlations were used to test the relationship between a number of factors and the index score.

Findings

A number of DMPs were identified as being more popular among municipalities that took diversity and its related issues more seriously, and other DMPs as being less popular among cities that did not pay particular attention to diversity. It was also found that the adoption level of DMPs was significantly affected by population size, the heterogeneity of population, urbanization level, and city manager's age.

Practical implications

The DMPs that were found suitable for each one of the four groups of cities can be used as a guide when cities in a particular group want to adopt more DMPs to support and encourage diversity at work. According to the findings, cities need to be more proactive in managing diversity by introducing appropriate DMPs when their demographics are changing substantially.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to identify the more popular DMPs among municipalities with different attention levels toward diversity and its related issues. The study also contributes to the construction of a comprehensive diversity management model that explains how cities respond to changing demographics.
Regeneration of 3D body scan data using semi‐implicit particle‐based method
Authors: Hwan Sul In , Jin Kang Tae
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find automatic post‐processing scheme to give textures and motion data to three dimensional (3D) body scan data.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐implicit particle‐based method was applied to post‐processing of 3D body scan data. The template avatar mesh was draped onto the target scan data and the texture/motion data were transferred to regenerated body. Automatic body feature detection was used to correlate the template body with the target body.

Findings

Using semi‐implicit particle method, there are advantages in both computational stability and accuracy. The calculation is done in a few minutes and even data with many holes could be used.

Originality/value

There are several researches for body feature detection and scan body regeneration but this paper aims for fully automatic method which needs no human intervention. The semi‐implicit particle method, which is popularly used for cloth simulation, is applied to body data regeneration. The conventional 3D body scan data, which had no colors and motions can be given textures and motions with this approach. And even the face can be freely interchanged with the use of external face generation software.
Warp tension distribution over the warp width and its effect on crimp distribution in woven fabrics
Authors: Ozkan Gulcan , Eren Recep
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate warp and weft crimp distribution over the fabric width and how it is influenced by warp tension distribution over the warp width.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design in this research includes air jet loom, tension sensor, inductive sensor and personal computer.

Findings

It is found that warp crimp in the fabric on the loom is higher in the edge zones than the middle of the fabric and warp crimp in the middle is higher than warp crimp in edge zones of the grey fabric. Weft crimp in the edge zones is higher than in the middle of the grey fabric. The reason behind warp tension and warp and weft crimp variations over fabric width is that weft yarn slips towards inside fabric at selvedges and gets relaxed during beat up.

Originality/value

It is proved that reducing weft yarn slip and therefore weft yarn relaxation during beat up will reduce warp tension and warp and weft crimp variations and improve the uniformity of fabric properties over the fabric width.
Classification of body shape characteristics of women's torsos using angles
Authors: Lee Wookyung , Imaoka Haruki
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to classify body shapes using angular defects instead of sizes.

Design/methodology/approach

A large amount of dimensional data from a national anthropometry survey was analysed, and a basic pattern and its polyhedron were also used to create a three‐dimensional body shape from three body sizes. Using this method, the sizes were converted into nine angular defects.

Findings

The authors could define the factors explaining body shape characteristics and classify the body shapes into four groups. The four groups could be characterised by two pattern making difficulties of the upper and lower parts of the body as well as by two proportions, of waist girth to bust girth and bust girth to back length. Furthermore, depending on the age, the authors could understand body shape by the angle made.

Originality/value

Using a polyhedron model, the angles could be calculated using an enormous existing data set of sizes. An angular defect serves as an index to indicate the degree of difficulty for developing a flat pattern. If an angular defect of the bust is large, it is difficult to make a paper pattern of a bust dart. On the other hand, if an angular defect of the waist is large, it is easy to make a paper pattern of a waist dart. Thus, each body shape could be simultaneously characterized by two difficulty indices and two proportions of sizes.
Passionate rationalism: the role of emotion in decision making
Authors: Lakomski Gabriele , Evers Colin W.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that emotion has a central role to play in rational decision making based on recent research in the neuroanatomy of emotion. As a result, traditional rational decision‐making theories, including Herbert Simon's modified model of satisficing that sharply demarcates emotions and values from rationality and rational decision making, need substantial revision. The paper concludes by outlining some central features of a theory of emotional decisions that is biologically more realistic than the traditional rationalist‐cognitive model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs contemporary scientific as well as traditional philosophical criteria in its argumentation. Methodologically, it can be described as an example of applying naturalistic philosophy to a central issue of human thought and experience, and how humans are able to value things at all on the basis of their neuroanatomy.

Findings

The paper presents some initial features of a new theory of emotional decisions that is biologically more realistic than the traditional rationalist‐cognitive model.

Originality/value

The significance and originality of this paper lies in the fact that it proposes causal investigations of the real bases for rational decision making as a central human feature which runs counter to conventional wisdom and has far reaching implications for education, to name just one discipline; it demonstrates the importance and necessity of interdisciplinary research; and it outlines an exciting new research agenda that promises to be more productive in terms of understanding and hence planning for, the way in which humans make decisions.
From personal ethos to organizational vision: narratives of visionary educational leaders
Authors: Yoeli Raya , Berkovich Izhak
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Successful visionary educational leaders promote a shared vision with great commitment and manage to connect other organizational members to it. In spite of this, the source of their personal commitment to the organizational vision has not yet been the subject of extended study. The purpose of this paper is to correct this by investigating leaders' personal ethos; the personal experiences and values which form their motives and personality. This paper furthermore considers the influence of personal ethos on the content of the vision promoted in educational organizations. Finally, it explores the link between leaders' personal vision and the organizational vision they promote.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with visionary educational leaders. These interviews were narrative in nature and aimed to explore the development process and the interrelation of personal and organizational vision in an educational framework.

Findings

Data indicate that visionary educational leaders do not separate their personal vision from their organizational vision. Furthermore, the educational leaders interviewed told of formative experiences which affected their worldview and shaped their personal ethos. Personal ethos proved to be a key element in formulating the leaders' personal and organization vision. Four prominent factors emerged as central to the personal ethos of educational leaders: identity, culture and values, professional experience, and family.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that educational leaders should engage in a process of self‐reflection in order to form a significant personal vision to which they can fully commit. Furthermore, the insights of leaders about what is important to them can enable an open dialogue with other organizational members and the development of a shared vision.
Primary school principals and the purposes of education in Australia
Authors: Cranston Neil , Mulford Bill , Keating Jack , Reid Alan
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a national survey of government primary school principals in Australia, investigating the purposes of education, in terms of the importance and level of enactment of those purposes in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2009, an electronic survey was distributed to government primary school principals in Australia seeking their views on the purposes of education. The survey comprised 71 items of a closed format and three items of an open‐ended format. Respondents rated first the importance they ascribed to particular purposes of education, then second the degree to which they believed these purposes were actually enacted in their particular school. Factor analyses were conducted on the item responses. Differences between importance and enactment of purposes are discussed together with reasons for these differences.

Findings

The findings overwhelmingly point to tensions between what they, the principals, believe ought to be the purposes of education and what the strategies to achieve those purposes might be, and the realities of what is actually happening. It could be argued that the results indicate a major shift away from public purposes of education to those more aligned with private purposes. Many of the barriers to achieving a greater focus in schools on public purposes are seen to be related to external (to the school) issues, such as government policy decisions, differential funding and resourcing across school sectors and emerging community and societal factors.

Research limitations/implications

This research complements other aspects of this project into the purposes of education in Australia. There are some limitations to the reported findings in so far as only government principals participated in the survey. Non‐government school principals were invited but declined to participate.

Originality/value

This is the only piece of research of its kind in Australia and provides unique insights – those of principals – into what schools are focusing on and what the leaders think they ought to be focusing on. There are clearly policy and practice implications of the research.
“When experience matters”: building and measuring hotel brand equity
Authors: Kam Fung So Kevin , King Ceridwyn
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide hotel brand managers with a robust measure to evaluate brand equity as an outcome of brand strategies, as well as to gain insight into what contributes to hotel brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was adopted including the development of a survey questionnaire that allows for the measurement of the six constructs contained within Berry's service‐branding model. The development of the survey instrument followed a two‐stage process. In the initial stage, pretested items were generated from the research literature. The second stage involved conducting focus groups to identify and eliminate deficiencies of the questionnaire. Data were collected using a self‐administered survey via central location intercept across multiple tourist attractions in a major tourist destination in Australia. The sample of the present study consisted of 288 respondents who have previously stayed in a hotel organisation.

Findings

Using Berry's service‐branding model as a conceptual framework, a robust measure of hotel brand equity has been developed and validated. In doing so, the results of this paper indicate that for experienced hotel customers, service experience is most influential in determining brand meaning (i.e. the customer's dominant perceptions and impression of the brand). Such brand meaning in turn serves as the primary contributor to brand equity. The effect of brand awareness on brand equity is however found to be not significant.

Research limitations/implications

In establishing effective brand management practices and to realise positive and sustainable brand equity, hotel brand managers, need to have an equal focus on managing the brand internally as well as externally.

Practical implications

The findings provide a sound conceptual framework and robust measure through which hotel brand managers can effectively build, measure and manage hotel brand equity from the customer's perspective.

Originality/value

The paper provides an empirical examination of Berry's service‐branding model. In doing so, it provides hotel brand managers with a robust service brand measure to assess brand equity as an outcome of brand strategies. Further, the results give insight into the process by which hotel brand equity is built.
The mythological power of hospitality leaders?
Authors: O'Gorman Kevin D. , Gillespie Cailein
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how senior leaders in the hospitality industry use storytelling to disseminate their vision to employees and to illustrate how hermeneutics can be used as a method for the interpretation of qualitative data in hospitality management research.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposeful criterion‐based sample design was constructed and after a period of sensitisation to their organisations, 20 phenomenological interviews with high‐level international hospitality industry leaders were conducted. These interviews are analysed using a hermeneutical framework.

Findings

Storytelling is being used as a strategic method of communication and is fundamental to leadership in the contemporary commercial hospitality industry; stories are used to strengthen and revitalise current norms and values. Stories penetrate organisations and tap into the emotions of employees in order to inspire action and understanding.

Research limitations/implications

Hermeneutics is applied clearly and concisely and the paper demonstrates how hermeneutics could easily be adapted for other projects. Clear direction for further research is suggested, exploring the efficaciousness of stories from the listeners' rather than narrator's perspective.

Practical implications

This paper does not teach managers how to tell stories, or even make them better storytellers; however, it highlights how storytelling is used by leaders at the apex of the commercial hospitality industry to develop and enhance organisational culture.

Originality/value

Within hospitality management research, storytelling has mostly been ignored both as a management tool and as a form of data collection; similarly hermeneutics as a means of data analysis does not feature in the hospitality management literature.
Acculturation, assimilation, and retention of international workers in resorts
Authors: Taylor Marcia , Finley Dori
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Managers of US resorts are using H2B and J‐1 guest workers to fill seasonal labor needs. Acculturation and assimilation of international workers has a major impact on service and customer satisfaction in resorts. The purpose of this paper is to identify the methods used by resorts to successfully acculturate, assimilate, and retain international workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method was used. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with HR directors of six seasonal resorts that hired H2B and J‐1 workers. Content analysis of the interviews was used to generate acculturation, assimilation, and retention practices at the resorts.

Findings

Results from this paper indicate that techniques for acculturation of guest workers are informal and occur on‐the‐job while assimilation techniques are more formal. Retention strategies varied by resort. Differences are found between the techniques used in these resorts and those used in seasonal restaurants.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is limited to those HR directors agreeing to participate. Given the current economic situation and job market, many HR directors are hesitant to share information about their international workers.

Practical implications

A comprehensive assimilation, acculturation, and retention program for seasonal workers is proposed.

Originality/value

No research is found on the ways to successfully assimilate international workers to a resort's culture and acculturate them in the US culture. The results of this paper will give HR directors a guide on how to assimilate international workers in their workforce.
Importance‐performance analysis with benefit segmentation of spa goers
Authors: Koh Suna , Jung‐Eun Yoo Joanne , Boger Carl A.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Spas have become increasingly popular with consumers and have emerged as important profit centers for hotels. However, the uniqueness of this market has been largely overlooked in hospitality literature. The purpose of this paper is to fill the research gap by identifying different market segments among spa goers, based on a set of benefit variables.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to customers visiting hotel spas in Texas. Factor analysis was performed on 214 completed surveys to identify the dimensions underlying the benefits sought by spa goers. Cluster analysis was then applied to classify spa goers into different groups based on the benefit variables. Finally, importance‐performance analysis (IPA) was performed according to the groups to determine significant patterns.

Findings

Three distinct customer segments are identified based on the benefits sought by spa goers: escapists, neutralists, and hedonists. IPA results showed what each segment perceives as important and how well the hotel spas perform to meet expectations. The results of this paper support the effectiveness of the use of IPA with benefit segmentation.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this paper should be interpreted cautiously and considered tentatively until they are replicated by a larger spa population. Currently, there are very few benchmark studies on spas to aid in the understanding of this promising market segment. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate much‐needed spa research in hospitality literature.

Originality/value

Future researchers and industry practitioners can gain insight into the motives and benefits sought by spa goers through the use of IPA in conjunction with benefit segmentation.
Does the EUA institutional evaluation programme contribute to quality improvement?
Authors: Amado Tavares Diana , João Rosa Maria , Amaral Alberto
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to reflect on the relevance of the Institutional Evaluation Programme (IEP) of the European University Association (EUA) to universities' quality improvement. It aims to analyse IEP follow‐up reports to determine whether the programme contributes to the development of a quality improvement culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The structure and contents of 22 follow‐up reports were analysed to assess the IEP programme. All reports were subject to content analysis using adequate software (NVivo 8 with a 242 nodes tree), the main goal being to evaluate progress made since the original evaluation.

Findings

The reports analysed and the work by other authors show that IEP can constitute a useful approach towards the universities' quality improvement. IEP evaluations generally give a precise account of problems faced by each university, identifying its strong and weak points, opportunities and threats, and presenting clear recommendations and suggestions for improvement. If properly discussed inside the university, these evaluations can form the basis for an improvement plan.

Research limitations/implications

In general, follow‐up teams recognise the difficulty to distinguish changes caused directly by EUA teams' recommendations from others caused by external pressures.

Practical implications

The follow‐up process has as its main rationale the idea that a second review can assist a university evaluating progress made since the original evaluation. The reports analysed show that changes have always happened to a certain extent after the first evaluation.

Originality/value

This paper makes a contribution to the understanding of the effects of institutional evaluation over institutional quality culture.
Evaluation of the factors that determine quality in higher education: an empirical study
Authors: Tsinidou Maria , Gerogiannis Vassilis , Fitsilis Panos
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify the quality determinants for education services provided by higher education institutions (HEIs) in Greece and to measure their relative importance from the students' points of view.

Design/mthodology/approach

A multi‐criteria decision‐making methodology was used for assessing the relative importance of quality determinants that affect student satisfaction. More specifically, the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) was used in order to measure the relative weight of each quality factor.

Findings

The relative weights of the factors that contribute to the quality of educational services as it is perceived by students was measured.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on the questionnaire of the Hellenic Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. This implies that the measured weights are related mainly to questions posed in this questionnaire. However, the applied method (AHP) can be used to assess different quality determinants.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study can be used in order to quantify internal quality assessment of HEIs. More specifically, the outcome can be directly used by HEIs for assessing quality as perceived by students.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to develop insights into comparative evaluations of quality determinants as they are perceived by students.
Co‐creating learning: insights from complexity theory
Authors: Desai Darshan A.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Recent advances in the interactive technologies have transformed the way today's organizations and their different stakeholders learn. Now, because of the increasing learning requirements, neither these organizations nor their stakeholders can afford to be too self‐focused while learning; instead, they collaborate and learn together. Existing theories of learning are not sufficient to explain this complex learning “co‐creation”. Therefore, this paper aims to explore how different actors of a value network co‐create emergent creativity, learning and adaptability in the presence of imposed administrative control and coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted in the paper draws on human complex adaptive systems (CAS) perspectives.

Findings

Within the value networks, the emergent and informal constraints imposed by interdependent relationships coexist with the imposed administrative controls. Despite being valuable for planning and coordination, these administrative controls do not foster learning co‐creation, while, within the value networks, the informal emergent dynamics imposed by interdependent relationships, i.e. adaptive leadership, are crucial for co‐creation of emergent learning and creativity. An organization can enable leaders who foster co‐creation of learning, creativity and adaptability; and the interactive technologies boost the adaptive and enabling leadership and support the co‐creation of learning, creativity and adaptability within the value networks.

Originality/value

The research represents the first effort to explore learning “co‐creation” within a value network.
Creating a learning organization in law enforcement
Authors: Filstad Cathrine , Gottschalk Petter
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a stage model for maturity levels for police oversight agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review covering police oversight organizations and stages of growth models.

Findings

As a conceptual paper, the main findings are related to the appropriateness of the stage model, each identified stage, and the characteristics of each stage.

Research limitations/implications

An empirical study of police oversight agencies all over the world would be necessary to verify the proposed stage model.

Practical implications

The managers of police oversight agencies can apply the model in three ways: identify the current status; identify future direction; and evaluate the past progression.

Originality/value

Hitherto, knowledge transfer from police misconduct cases has not been conceptualized as a learning process in police districts and general law enforcement.
The learning organization: variations at different organizational levels
Authors: Weldy Teresa G. , Gillis William E.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of managers, supervisors, and employees from different organizations relevant to the seven dimensions of a learning organization (LO), and the two dimensions of knowledge and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The perceptions of 143 organizational members from different levels of four organizations were measured and compared using the Dimensions of a Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ).

Findings

ANOVA results indicated significant effects for level and organization for the LO dimensions and the two performance dimensions. The results indicated significant differences across levels for two of the learning dimensions (empowerment and system connections), and across organizations for six of the learning dimensions including all except continuous learning. The results for the performance dimensions showed managers higher than supervisors and employees on financial performance, and managers higher than employees on knowledge performance. The results also showed variations in the performance dimensions across organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicated variations across levels and across organizations that may hinder progress toward a learning organization and performance improvements. Practical implications include the need for more communication and participation across all levels of the organization, improved access to and sharing of information at lower levels, and empowering employees to use information for decision making.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the paucity of research on the perceptions of disparate groups relevant to the learning organization and organizational performance. It identifies an important area of research by identifying a potential road‐block for organizations attempting to adopt a learning organization culture.
Measuring project risk management process for construction contractors with statement indicators linked to numerical scores
Authors: Kululanga Grant , Kuotcha Witness
Published: July 2010

Purpose

There is relatively low implementation of formal project risk management methods in practice, leading to the construction industry consistently suffering from poor project performance. This study aims to ascertain the extent to which current project risk management practices are used by construction contractors in one of the countries of the sub‐Saharan region – Malawi.

Design/methodology/approach

A management process tool with statement indicators linked to numerical scores was conceived that characterised a series of steps of project risk management process. To ascertain the degree to which project risk management processes were used, a questionnaire survey was employed. Data were elicited from registered Malawian construction contractors on the elements underlining a series of steps of project risk management process as espoused by the literature. Out of 84 sampled construction contractors, 51 completed questionnaires were received.

Findings

Apart from large‐sized and more experienced construction contractors, all the small and medium‐sized construction contractors – which constitute the largest proportion of the construction industry – were characterised by a low implementation of the various required steps for the project risk management process. The application of project risk management processes was significantly influenced by the various categories of size and experience of the surveyed construction contractors at p<0.01. Furthermore, contingence planning within the series of steps of project risk management process featured highly among the surveyed construction contractors. The majority of the variables under the series of steps of project risk management process were positively and significantly linked to progression in size and experience of construction contractors at p<0.01.

Research limitations/implications

The study forms the basis for further research; replication of this study to other parts of world about how the actual implementation of the series of steps of project risk management process is undertaken could yield rich lessons for the construction industry.

Practical implications

The intentional move by industry towards measuring management processes as a precursor to uncovering the root causes that underlie project success or failure to provide quick feedback for remedial action is supported by an approach such as this.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in its uniqueness for a systematic approach to quantifying the project risk management processes with the view to understanding the implementation behaviours of construction contractors in one country in the sub‐Saharan region.
Using analytic network process to assess business failure risks of construction firms
Authors: Dikmen Irem , Talat Birgonul M. , Ozorhon Beliz , Egilmezer Sapci Nurdan
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to identify the determinants of business failure in construction and to predict the failure likelihood of construction companies by assessing their current situation based on both company‐specific and external factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is designed based on an extensive literature survey. The analytical network process together with the Delphi method is utilised to compute the importance weights of variables on business failure through interviews and discussions with experts. The applicability of the proposed model is tested on five companies to estimate their failure likelihood by using the findings derived from the analysis.

Findings

The results suggest the importance of organisational and managerial factors, including the efficiency of the value chain at the corporate level, the appropriateness of organisational decisions, and the availability of intangible resources for the survival of construction companies.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the analysis are limited to the experiences of three professionals in the Turkish construction industry. The performance of the model is only tested in five companies. The accuracy of the model may be improved by using the diverse experiences of a larger group of experts.

Practical implications

The proposed tool may act as an early warning system for construction companies by estimating the level of their failure likelihood. Companies may benefit from the findings of the model to assess their current situations and take necessary action to avoid possible business failures.

Originality/value

The knowledge and experiences of experts are used to obtain a complete model that accommodates both external and company‐specific variables, and more importantly the inter‐relations among them. Similar models may also be developed for companies in other industries to diagnose their bankruptcy or failure likelihood.
Bid mark‐up selection using artificial neural networks and an entropy metric
Authors: Christodoulou Symeon
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to perform bid mark‐up optimisation through the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) and a metric of the selected bid mark‐up's derived entropy. The scope is to provide an alternative, entropy‐based method for bid mark‐up optimisation that improves on the analytical models of Friedman and Gates.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method enables the incorporation of bid parameters through the use of ANN's pattern recognition capabilities and the integration of these parameters with a mark‐up selection process that relies on the entropy produced by possible mark‐up values. The entropy metric used is the product of the probability of winning over the bidder's competitors multiplied by the natural logarithm of the inverse of this probability.

Findings

The case study results show that the proposed entropy‐based bidding model compares favourably with the prevailing competitive bidding models of Friedman and Gates, resulting in higher optimisation with regards to the number of jobs won, the monetary value of contracts awarded and the value of “money left on the table”. Furthermore, the method allows for the incorporation of several objective and subjective bid parameters, in contrast to Friedman's and Gates's models, which are based solely on the bid mark‐up history of a bidder's competitors.

Research limitations/implications

While the proposed method is a useful tool for the selection of optimal bid mark‐up values, it requires historical data on the bidding behaviour of key competitors, much like the classic bidding models of Friedman and Gates.

Originality/value

The method is suitable for quantifying objective and subjective competitive bidding parameters and for optimising bid mark‐up values.