bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of “scratch and save” promotions: the moderating roles of price consciousness and expected savings
Authors: Choi Sungchul , Kim Moontae
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to examine consumer perceptions of “scratch and save” (SAS) promotions, which are popular store‐level promotional tools. This paper particularly focuses on investigating the moderating effects of consumers' price consciousness and savings expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

Two laboratory experimental studies were employed to examine consumer responses to SAS promotions.

Findings

The results of two experiments show that SAS promotions positively affect consumer perceptions of offer value and store prices, and consumers' intentions to shop and spread positive word‐of‐mouth. In particular, the effects of SAS promotions are moderated by consumer price consciousness and expected savings. Furthermore, the first study shows that the level of claimed savings of SAS promotions does not favorably affect consumer reactions. The second study also shows that consumers' discounting of expected savings increases as the level of claimed savings of SAS promotions increases.

Research limitations/implications

Although SAS promotions are widely used by various types of retailers, there really is little known as to how consumers respond to SAS promotions. By providing evidence of the effectiveness of SAS promotions, this paper enables pricing researchers to extend issues related to such promotional tools.

Practical implications

For retailers, the most distinctive finding of this paper is that the level of claimed savings may not significantly affect consumer perceptions and shopping intentions, although an SAS promotion would be an effective promotional tool.

Originality/value

As a preliminary effort to examine the effects of SAS promotions, this paper offers a discussion of the future research opportunities.
Will you care when you pay more? The negative side of targeted promotions
Authors: Tsai Dungchun , Lee Hsiao‐Ching
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine perceptions of unfairness and accompanying cognitive and emotional outcomes exhibited by present versus prospective customers when faced with targeted promotions. The targeted promotions were designed to be alternatively advantageous or disadvantageous to the targeted group.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted with a two (customers categories: present /prospective customer) × two (inequality conditions: advantaged/disadvantaged condition) between‐subject design. A total of 104 valid questionnaires were completed with a minimum of 24 participants per cell.

Findings

Present customers perceive higher unfairness than prospective customers when faced with disadvantaged conditions. However, perceived unfairness was not significantly different when faced with advantaged conditions. Further, perceived unfairness cognitively and affectively influences purchase intentions through perceived value and negative emotions.

Practical implications

Although prospective customers are price‐sensitive, targeted promotions should favor present customers instead of prospective customers to lower the perceived price unfairness of present customers. In addition, when relatively low prices are necessary to attract prospective customers, firms should create a type of “segmentation fence”, where present customers are exposed as little as possible to special offers designed to attract prospective customers.

Originality/value

This research contributes to three streams of literature. The first is related to perceived reference price unfairness, focusing on self/other comparisons (present versus prospective customers) rather than self/self comparisons. The second contribution is related to the outcomes of perceived price unfairness. The mediating effect of perceived value (i.e. cognitive outcomes) and negative emotions (i.e. affective outcomes) between perceived price unfairness and purchase intentions is examined concurrently. The third contribution is that this research raises echoes with the perspective of customer relationship management.
The effects of digit‐direction on eye movement bias and price‐rounding behavior
Authors: Coulter Keith S.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to suggest that individuals are either consciously or non‐consciously aware of the left‐right (forward/backward) orientation of numeric digits. The purpose of the studies is to demonstrate that the “directionality” (left‐ or right‐facing nature) of numerals, and the resultant eye movement bias that this directionality creates may affect the degree to which consumers attend to, or focus upon, the various digits in a price. The degree of attention paid to these digits will, in turn, impact consumers' price‐encoding strategies. It is argued that the use of left (right)‐facing digits may increase (decrease) the likelihood that consumers will employ a truncation (i.e. rounding down) price‐encoding strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper contains two experiments. In Experiment 1, subjects were exposed to one of four ads containing regular and sale prices. The prices were placed at opposite ends of the Mueller‐Lyer illusion, with the prices substituting for the “extraneous stimuli” (i.e. inward‐ or outward‐facing wings) in the illusion. In Experiment 2, subjects were exposed to one of six ads containing a sale price only.

Findings

In Experiment 1, digit “directionality” was found to cause eye movement bias, which resulted in distorted physical distance perceptions. In Experiment 2, digit directionality was found to impact price‐rounding behavior.

Research limitations/implications

It is suggested that perceived digit‐directionality creates eye movement bias, and that eye movement bias may impact the manner in which price digits are recalled and encoded. Eye movement bias can be inferred from the results of Experiment 1, but it is not directly measured. It is suggested that future research efforts might employ eye‐tracking measures to more directly confirm that this perceptual bias does indeed occur.

Practical implications

The findings have important implications for the marketing practitioner, because they demonstrate that the use of particular digit combinations can result in a price being perceived as greater or less than its actual value.

Originality/value

In presenting the concept of “digit‐directionality”, the paper offers an entirely new rubric in which to examine matters pertaining to numerical cognition.
Developing individual and group attributes for effective learning in e‐learning communities
Authors: Webster Ray , Sudweeks Fay
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics of individual and group factors that facilitate successful collaborative work in e‐learning environments. The aim of the paper is to develop a conceptual framework and a methodology for implementing the framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework is developed. The framework is an integration of two innovative methodologies (CEDA and RAPAD) which have been implemented in previous research.

Findings

The operationalisation of the integrated methodology enables the development of a learning environment by structured reflection and negotiation on preferred learning related characteristics.

Originality/value

The proposed approach facilitates student learning at the individual and group level. Extending the framework to training procedures locates the research to a broader societal context.
Between a rock and a hard place?
Authors: Smith Alison J. , Collins Lorna A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This case study aims to describe the work of a Business Link in relation to the promotion and implementation of Investors in People (IIP) with small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Its purpose is to highlight the views of IIP advisors with regard to working with SMEs and the appropriateness of the award.

Design/methodology/approach

The case identifies the particular challenges that the advisors face in trying to deliver a consultancy service to SMEs which is valuable to them and which also satisfies the government's requirement for commitment to and recognition of attainment of IIP. The research involved in‐depth interviews with IIP advisors at a Business Link which sought to understand the nature of their work, the methods they use and what they saw as the issues and challenges in meeting customer needs.

Findings

The research confirms previous studies detailing the difficulties in matching IIP requirements with the individual requirements of SMEs. It also highlights the fact that Business Links need to “play the system” in order to reach the government set targets. IIP advisors are caught in the undesirable position of trying to deliver a useful consultancy service (which may not lead to IIP recognition) to the firm and the need to achieve specified commitment and recognition rates.

Research limitations/implications

While it is recognised that a single case has its limitations in terms of universal applicability, this example provides an aspect of IIP which has not previously been explored.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that listening to and consulting with those “at the coalface” could have considerable benefits in both ensuring that assistance for SMEs is appropriate and that funding is targeted appropriately.

Originality/value

The views of those charged with implementing government initiatives are rarely sought, although there has been considerable research undertaken with the firms themselves.
Tacit knowledge, heuristics, consistency and error signals
Authors: Mole Kevin F.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to consider the methods used by publicly supported business advisers to assess their client businesses. These business advisers are increasingly required to diagnose the problem or opportunities that face their clients before recommending types of business support.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reports semi‐structured interviews with 39 business advisers, from accountants to publicly funded Business Link business advisers.

Findings

The study suggests that one of the key to understanding the way in which advisers assess businesses is through congruence, that is does the business reflect the aims and objectives of the management in its operations and processes. Failure to be congruent can deliver error messages to advisers that suggest a problem diagnosis.

Practical implications

Business advice is shown to be a process that involves judgemental decision making. In turn, this may enable advisers to focus on solutions to these identified problems.

Originality/value

This paper builds on a significant gap in the extant knowledge on the processes of making diagnosis of business problems in a holistic manner.
The function and character of relationship benefits
Authors: Kelly Stephen
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to critique the foundations of the relationship benefits concept and develop a theoretical model that is tested and validated.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of exploratory in‐depth interviews were initially conducted and the results considered against extant literature. This was followed by a mail survey of the selected population that resulted in 254 usable responses that represented an effective response rate of 21.4 per cent.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that relationship benefits sought by small firms collaborating with larger partners can be classified as cost, service, image and flexibility benefits and suggest that their transfer can facilitate improved small firm competitiveness by building capabilities and resources. It is concluded that this classification of relationship benefits provides a clearer understanding of how value is transferred to small firms engaged in rich and deep relationships.

Originality/value

The classification presented in this paper provides practitioners with a framework for comparing benefit packages offered by partners. In doing so it also provides small firms with a conceptual model that facilitates the application of relationship benefits to the building of competencies underpinning competitiveness in selected markets.
Determinants of internet adoption by SME agri‐food companies
Authors: Simmons Geoffrey J. , Durkin Mark G. , McGowan Pauric , Armstrong Gillian A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

As evidence mounts on the importance of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to national and international economies and the opportunities presented to them by the internet, it becomes important to understand the key issues which determine internet adoption and utilisation. With literature on SME internet adoption fragmented and incoherent, there is also a need for conceptual framework development and testing to provide more focused research in this important area. Several researchers have also highlighted a need for research which concentrates more on specific industrial sectors rather than taking a more generalist approach to SME internet adoption. Within this evolving research context, the agri‐food industry makes a particularly relevant area of study, which this paper aims to study.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses this purpose by conducting a study of 50 Northern Ireland SME agri‐food companies. The study utilises and tests a conceptual framework derived from the extant literature in relation to the determinants of SME web site adoption and utilisation.

Findings

The findings of this study point to the need for SME agri‐food companies to develop an awareness of the internet's efficacy for their business and a subsequent dynamic strategic approach in adoption and utilisation. However, the lack of marketing ability and negative industry norms prevalent within developed economy agri‐food industries will contribute negatively to internet adoption and utilisation. These will need to be addressed if the internet, and web site adoption and utilisation in particular, are to provide an effective business tool. The research findings support the conceptual framework's usefulness as a research tool. The findings point to the importance of marketing ability and industry norms in relation to their impact on the central determinants of internet adoption by the SME agri‐food companies studied.

Originality/value

In this paper it is contended that a lack of marketing ability and negative industry attitudes towards internet adoption and utilisation will constrain levels of awareness of the efficacy of the internet as a business tool for the individual businesses researched. The findings reveal that this will subsequently contribute to a lack of strategic web site development and subsequent utilisation.
Supporting SME e‐commerce migration through blended e‐learning
Authors: Caskey Kevin , Subirana Brian
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a blended learning environment to introduce principals in small businesses to the benefits of electronic commerce, while avoiding many of the barriers identified in recent research.

Design/ methodology/approach

The paper reports results from field tests of the Virtual Product Development Workshop (VPDW) approach to introducing leaders of small businesses to the benefits and practical issues involved in adding e‐commerce capabilities to their firms.

Findings

The paper finds that the benefits to smaller business of e‐commerce are real. Even so, senior staff in smaller firms have been reluctant to invest the time and resources needed to develop e‐commerce activities tailored to their firms' strengths and needs. A training approach blending online preparation and physical participation is found to be more effective than either approach alone. This paper allows senior staff participation in tailored e‐commerce design with a lower time and monetary commitment than other sources of individualized support.

Research limitations/implications

While the participants in the field tests represented small business from throughout Europe, there was little participation from outside Europe.

Practical implications

The approach described provides a route to exposing senior staff in small businesses to opportunities and solutions for e‐commerce implementation. The VPDW approach allows customized advice at a lower cost and using less time than other sources providing firm specific advice.

Originality/value

The paper provides guidelines to running a successful VPDW. Recommendations address the kick‐off, introductions, context and content, participants' experience, and the closing. Actual participant comments from the tests are included.
Perception of success and its effect on small firm performance
Authors: Reijonen Helen , Komppula Raija
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into small firm entrepreneurs' perceptions of success and how these perceptions affect the performance of a firm. The emphasis is on non‐financial measures of success and their interaction with the financial indicators of a firm's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a comparative analysis of two separate studies conducted in the same geographical area in Finland. The studies were concerned with micro‐businesses in the industries of craft and rural tourism.

Findings

The study finds that non‐financial meters of success that are affected by the entrepreneur's motivations and goals influence the financial performance of the small firm. Making a living is important, but going beyond that is not often seen of great concern. Consequently, the entrepreneurs are likely to measure their performance by other criteria and find success, e.g. in job satisfaction and satisfied customers.

Research limitations/implications

In the data collection process, the used questions and themes were not identical. The main themes of performance, growth and success are, however, comparable.

Practical implications

The paper provides useful information about small firm entrepreneurs' perceptions and attitudes of success and growth and how these affect the management of the firm.

Originality/value

This paper brings empirical evidence to the studies of factors affecting small firm performance. In addition, it offers useful insight into the non‐financial measures of success.
Entrepreneurial potentials of African‐Caribbeans in the United Kingdom
Authors: Okonta Patrick , Pandya Kaushik V.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Many researchers attribute poor performance of African‐Caribbean business people down to their ethnic backgrounds and traits. The purpose of this research was to investigate if African‐Caribbean business people possess entrepreneurial quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample population of 400 (with 150 contributing) African‐Caribbean business owners in London was surveyed using a questionnaire. Selected business owners were also interviewed.

Findings

The analysis and tests carried out conclusively disproved the hypothesis that African‐Caribbeans are devoid of entrepreneurial attributes.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection was limited to African‐Caribbean business owners in London. A generalisation should not be attempted to reflect on all African‐Caribbean business owners. Further research is planned in the near future.

Practical implications

The results of this research show that African‐Caribbean business owners have entrepreneurial tendencies, and that financial institutions and authorities at national and regional levels may want to consider this in their business approaches.

Originality/value

The African‐Caribbean businesspersons were subjected to a “litmus test” in order to discover whether they are entrepreneurial. The authors developed an ANN and the E‐Factor models and both models offer the originality.
Team‐oriented women entrepreneurs: a way to modern management
Authors: Cantzler Ingmari , Leijon Svante
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand how women as small‐business owners build good internal and external relations and to what extent they develop their businesses and contribute to community development.

Design/methodology/approach

This longitudinal study is ongoing. In the first broader study, personal interviews were made with 30 women business owners. To get a deeper understanding a case study was carried out with four of them. The result of this study was a typology with two categories.

Findings

The paper finds that the category Visionary entrepreneurs are genuine entrepreneurs and they work in teams within the company and also have a network around their business. The team‐oriented way of working develops their business as well as society. The dynamic process that supports the team is both stable and flexible and through openness, testing new ideas and discrediting habits, small changes take place all the time. The Visionary entrepreneurs represent a modern business role and are socially gifted. The Managing leaders, the other category representing a more traditional way of doing business, have not been able to create a team within the company or a network around it that could develop the business.

Practical implications

Modern business management is characterised by a team‐based way of working. Building relations with customers, partners and employees takes time and much effort and you have to meet and communicate.

Originality/value

The internal team in a small business, or a network that is team‐oriented, is not often the subject of research. The team‐oriented working method, supported by a dynamic process, develops the business and helps to renew society.
Learning by costing
Authors: Lindholm Anni , Suomala Petri
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss life cycle cost management and highlight the practical challenges related to collecting adequate data and practicing long‐term cost management in an uncertain environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports a case study conducted in the Finnish Defence Forces. As part of the case study, a life cycle cost model for a case product was developed.

Findings

Activity‐based life cycle cost modeling can provide relevant information for varying product management needs at different stages in the life of a product. Quantification of uncertainty is one of the elements in the modeling that can improve the feasibility of LCC both for cost estimation and tracking purposes.

Originality/value

Only a few empirical studies on life cycle costing have been reported which focus on the defence sector. The paper contributes to our understanding of how LCC can be used in a continuous manner and depicts how LCC can produce a sharpened cost image of a particular product.
Modeling the logistics outsourcing relationship variables to enhance shippers' productivity and competitiveness in logistical supply chain
Authors: Qureshi M.N. , Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Pradeep
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model the key variables of logistics outsourcing relationship between shippers and logistics service providers (LSPs) and to study their influence on productivity and competitiveness of the shipper company.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) based approach has been used to model the variables of logistics outsourcing relationship. Various variables, used by researchers and practiced by the shippers for effective management of logistics outsourcing relationship have been identified. These variables have been classified as enablers and outcome variable. Enablers are those variables that boost the “relationship bond” between shippers and LSPs, while outcome variables are the resultant variables arising out of outsourcing relationship between shippers and LSPs.

Findings

A key finding of this modeling helps shippers as well as LSPs to take various initiatives, in order to have prosperous, outsourcing relationship between shippers and LSPs. Top management from both shippers as well as LSPs should focus, on improving on the enablers such as trust or commitment, direct assistance, long term contract, evaluation of supplier performance, practices of TQM and JIT to add distinctive values, and top management support.

Originality/value

In this research, an interpretation in terms of driving and dependence powers has been carried out for enablers and outcome variables of logistics outsourcing relationship. Those variables found possessing strong driving power in the ISM model, need to be taken care on a priority basis because of their impact on dependent variables. A variable emerging with high dependence contributes to productivity enhancement and competitiveness in a logistical supply chain.
Productivity and efficiency analysis of Taiwan's integrated circuit industry
Authors: Dash Wu Desheng , Ho Chien‐Ta Bruce
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the productivity and efficiency of Taiwan's integrated circuit (IC) industry using DEA analysis and the Malmquist index (MI).

Design/methodology/approach

The Malmquist index, as a total factor productivity index based on distance functions, is estimated using DEA in this study.

Findings

Results indicate that as the asset size class becomes larger and larger, the associated companies become more and more inefficient. Also, results indicate a possible scale inefficiency in the IC industry investigated.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a DEA study to investigate the productivity and efficiency in IC industry. This performance analysis is important because Taiwan's IC industry stands in a critical global position as indicated by analysis of market share across various sub‐components of the industry. The resulting analysis might provide valuable managerial insights.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is its application of specific analytical techniques to the productivity and efficiency if IC companies in Taiwan's companies. The MI is appropriate for measuring the productivity change because it does not require the assumption of a possibly unwarranted functional form on the structure of production technology, as required by the econometric method.
The causes of productivity change in GCC banking industry
Authors: Al‐Muharrami Saeed
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine historic rates of productivity change in Arab GCC banks. The paper planned to answer the following research questions: How did productivity develop during the period 1993‐2002? What was the cause for this change?

Design/methodology/approach

Using data of 52 banks over ten years, total factor productivity (TFP) changes were calculated using the Malmquist DEA. The Malmquist DEA productivity index measures the ratio of two distance functions pertaining to distinct time periods.

Findings

The Malmquist DEA slight downward shift in average efficiency of the banks in the sector during 1993 to 2002, stemming from change in the technical efficiency of banks (catching up effect), and technology equally decreasing during the period. Looking at the behaviour of total assets, deposits, and loans, the results revealed that there was a downward trend in total of assets, deposits, and loans.

Research limitations/implications

These findings may have been a temporary effect, evident during the sampled period only. To draw firmer conclusions a longer sample period is needed.

Originality/value

Studies of production performance in the developed economies banking are commonplace, however, to the researcher's knowledge, there has been no study conducted for GCC economies. In fact, this study is pioneer for the region in using pooled data of the six GCC countries to measure productivity change for ten years.
Re‐examining the training side of productivity improvement: evidence from service sector
Authors: Aghazadeh Seyed‐Mahmoud
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review past and current research on the productivity problems and how to alleviate it by appropriate training.

Design/methodology/approach

The article presents the collective results of two experiments, a grocery store chain, and a top outsourcing provider to show the higher levels of productivity can be achieved by proper training methods.

Findings

The results of two experiments specify that businesses should incorporate proper training techniques in order to increase their productivity. If such an approach to generating high levels of productivity contingent on training is implemented, we expect that business should harvest the benefits.

Research limitations/implications

Ideally, the experiments reported on should be extended to comprise a measure of the amount of employer‐provided on‐the‐job training and training costs.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the current training and productivity literature by emphasizing, to both human resource practitioners and policy makers, inadequate investment in workforce training is related directly to poor employee. The results have offered practical implication to organizational training.
Reflections on the use of case studies in the accounting, management and organizational disciplines
Authors: Lee Bill , Collier Paul M. , Cullen John
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the background to the special issue and to provide an introduction to the articles on case studies included in the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a review of developments in both the qualitative tradition and case studies in management research to provide a backdrop for the articles that are included in the issue. The articles discuss: the merits of unique cases and singular forms of evidence within a single case; the comparability of case studies with tools in other areas; and methods of theorising from case studies.

Findings

The merits of case studies have often been understated. The articles in this issue highlight a broader variety of uses of case study research than is commonly recognized.

Originality/value

This guest editorial introduces the papers in this issue, which may be read either as individual contributions that have merits per se, or as part of a collection that this introductory paper helps to knit together.
A researcher's tale: dealing with epistemological divergence
Authors: Bryant Janet , Lasky Barbara
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to explore a theoretical and methodological dilemma.

Design/methodology/approach

Commencing doctoral research, and committed to an orthodox grounded theory approach, a unique story was uncovered which, to do it and the research justice, required an alternative form of representation. Intuition decreed that this should be narrative. However, grounded theory and narrative entail epistemologically and ontologically incommensurate paradigms. The paper seeks to consider whether inclusion of the unique story would compromise, or subvert, the already emergent grounded theory. An exploration of the relationship between different epistemological and ontological traditions is also to be made, based on the assumption that method “slurring,” and a more eclectic approach to using incommensurate paradigms, may be valuable.

Findings

In transcribing and coding data using strictly orthodox grounded theory methods, the researcher runs the risk of “stripping” the research story of some critical dimension(s). However, combining a narrative approach with that of grounded theory, the paper allows for the representation of an atypical “Maverick” case, along‐side other more typical cases.

Originality/value

The paper points out, to the early career qualitative researcher in particular, that it is legitimate to combine seemingly incommensurate methodologies, notably where not to do so would result in the loss of enriching and powerful insights into basic social processes.
Introducing strong structuration theory for informing qualitative case studies in organization, management and accounting research
Authors: Jack Lisa , Kholeif Ahmed
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present a reinforced version of structuration theory, known as strong structuration theory, set out in Stones as a disciplined approach to qualitative case study research in the organization, management and accounting fields. This framework challenges the belief held by certain critics that structuration theory cannot be used in substantive empirical research but is only a sensitising device or analytical tool.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual discussion is the approach of the paper.

Findings

The key concepts of strong structuration theory are outlined and then put in the context first of two attempts to apply the framework to empirical research and second of two recent papers which address theoretically informed qualitative research and the use of structuration theory in IT studies.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations of this paper. The framework offered was not used to set the original research questions in the two case studies employed as these cases were conducted before the publication of Stones' book in 2005. Also, as weaknesses in the framework can best be assessed using empirical findings, a full evaluation cannot be carried out until such research is undertaken.

Originality/value

This paper draws on recent research and thinking in sociology that have yet to be brought into case studies in the fields of accounting and management in particular.
Case study research and network theory: birds of a feather
Authors: Gummesson Evert
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advocate that case study research needs to renew itself and employ its full potential as an innovative theory‐generating methodology in management disciplines; and to propose that a viable strategy for such renewal is to exploit the power of case study research and network theory as supplementary methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a reflective and synthesising comparative study.

Findings

If one steps down from the tip of the iceberg and inspects the underwater properties of case study research and network theory a common core is found: the recognition of complexity. The methodologies supplement each other, case study research primarily using verbal language and qualitative data, while network theory uses a nodes‐and‐links language that opens up for verbal, graphic and mathematical treatment. Case study research is primarily associated with qualitative research in social sciences and network theory with quantitative research in both social and natural sciences. By abolishing the unfortunate categories of qualitative/quantitative and natural sciences/social sciences that have been set against each other, and letting them join forces for a common goal – to learn about life – people open up for methodological creativity.

Originality/value

By comparing case study research with network theory on a fundamental level, the paper offers a novel perspective on research. It is a contribution to an overriding desire to improve the understanding of management and society.
Diversity and conservation of on‐farm woody plants by field types in Paromo Subcounty, Nebbi District, north‐western Uganda
Authors: Okullo John B. L. , Waithum Gilbert
Published: November 2007

A study aimed at assessing diversity and local conservation strategies for on‐farm woody plants (OFWPs) under different cropping systems was conducted in Nebbi District, north‐western Uganda in 2004. Forty farmers were randomly selected and interviewed on local conservation practices of OFWPs. One field per interviewed farmer was randomly selected and woody plants enumerated. On‐farm plants’ diversity was calculated using the Shannon–Weiner Diversity Index (H′). Results indicate that >87% of the OFWPs, majority being indigenous species, were utilized. The highest proportion of OFWPs was retained for poles, shade, fruits and medicine. The OFWPs were conserved by deliberately retaining them while opening the field. Woody plant diversity varied between field types. Fields associated with continuous cropping (H′ < 1.7) were less diverse than those associated with fallows (H′ > 1.7) as fallows allow species to regenerate. Poor access to planting materials of OFWPs, inadequate training on nursery techniques, lack of adequate extension services and markets for indigenous woody products limited their conservation. Farmers need to be trained on tree nursery techniques and provided with relevant extension information in order to diversify the production of OFWPs.
Diversity and distribution of bryophytes in three forest types of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Authors: Tusiime Felly Mugizi , Byarujali Steven M. , Bates Jeff W.
Published: November 2007

An ecological study was conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda to determine bryophyte species richness, their distribution along the altitudinal range, along streamsides and trails within the forests. Lower altitude mature mixed forest, medium altitude tropical evergreen and high altitude montane bamboo forest types were studied. Transects of 1000 m were laid and a 1 × 1 m quadrant was placed along each transect at an interval of 50 m. Abundance was measured using visual estimates of percentage cover of the bryophytes. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariate statistical package. Of the 131 bryophyte species collected, nine were new records to Uganda, five to East Africa and one (Eurrhynchium meridionale) to tropical Africa. Bryophyte richness was negatively correlated with altitude except for the thalloid hepatics, which increased with altitude. Bryophytes occurred mostly along the streamsides than along trails. Human disturbance appeared to affect bryophyte diversity. The tropical evergreen forest was the most diverse in terms of bryophytes followed by the mature mixed and bamboo forests. In spite of the low diversity, bamboo forest is important for hosting exclusively 17.6% of the collected bryophytes in this study one of which is a new record for Africa.
Distinguishing forest tree communities in Kibale National Park, western Uganda using ordination and classification methods
Authors: Mucunguzi Patrick , Kasenene John , Midgley Jeremy , Ssegawa Paul , Tabuti John R. S.
Published: November 2007

A study of spatial variation in tree community structure and species composition in the Kibale National Park, western Uganda was conducted. Tree communities were compared at five sites namely K‐14, K‐15 and K‐30 at Kanyawara in the north, Ngogo in the central part of the forest and Mainaro in the southern part. All trees ≥10‐cm diameter at breast height were censused along belt transects covering a total of 15 ha in all sites. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to identify forest tree communities and species associations. Using cluster analysis, two species assemblages emerged: the Mainaro, Ngogo and K‐15 cluster and the K‐30 and K‐14 cluster. Principal component analysis revealed the descriptive species for the northern and southern sites.
Another case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
Authors: GALE CAROL A. , HORNER MOLLY M.
Published: November 2007

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a difficult to diagnose, complex form of child abuse. The subtleties of this type of abuse allow the parent to victimize the child by presenting a fictitious medical history, which then initiates a series of unnecessary diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions. By recognizing the warning signals of this syndrome health‐care professionals can intervene, and prevent its potentially fatal results.
Counselling of patients with HIV‐related diseases: what is the role of the nurse?
Authors: MELBY V.
Published: November 2007

The need for counselling of patients with HIV‐related diseases has been clearly demonstrated in the literature.

This study aimed to elicit nurses', perception of their role in such counselling.

Nurses did not have a uniform understanding of the term ‘counselling’, viewing it mostly as ‘information‐giving’, however listening skills and allowing the person to deal with their own problems and fears were also central issues.

The doctor was seen as the most important health professional when it comes to counselling of AIDS patients. The nurse is viewed as a ‘number two’, surprisingly perceived as more important than priests, psychologists and social workers, despite being thought of as not being well trained and consequently not having the necessary skills for counselling interventions.

As a result, there was a clear need and wish for more general education on AIDS and counselling issues.
Partnership caring
Authors: STOWER SHARON
Published: November 2007

‘Partnership caring’ emphasizes the current paediatric practices and their importance in paediatric nursing Today.

The importance in not compromising care in a rapidly changing health scene is described when shrinking resources and increasing constraints put pressure on the health services.

Important concepts such as pre‐admission programmes, creating the right environment for the child, family‐centred care, parent participation, family accommodation and supporting services, nursing documentation, the rights of the child and family, specialist and community nursing services as well as children's out‐patient services providing the vital link in the continuum of care are all emphasized. They show how these became ideas 5–6 years ago but are now firmly established in the philosophy of family‐centred care.

In the new health service today, paediatric nurses face new challenges which emanate from the children and parents served, but also from within new clinical directorate structures. ‘However, within our new world of clinical directorates and when the clinical director has the executive authority to make and influence decisions, and when segmentalization of paediatric services becomes a real threat (and in some places this is happening now!) paediatric nurses must remember the children. We must stand firm in our values and beliefs and above all we must not allow these changes to compromise the care we give to children and their families.’
The demand for measuring the impact of nursing interventions: a community perspective
Authors: BARRIBALL K. LOUISE , MACKENZIE ANN
Published: November 2007

There has not been a more appropriate time for nurses working in the community to measure their efficiency and effectiveness. The manner in which health‐care services are delivered to the community and the quality of these services are being carefully scrutinized.

Changes in community health services have seen the emergence of nurses practising in innovative and varying ways to meet the health needs of the population, and it is vital in the competition for resources that they measure the impact of such practice upon the health status of the population.

The evidence suggests, however, that few nurses working to an advanced level have measured their effectiveness, highlighting the need for empirically based research.
Focus groups: a humanistic means of evaluating an HIV/AIDS programme based on caring theory
Authors: SCHROEDER CAROLE , NEIL RUTH M.
Published: November 2007

This qualitative study utilized focus group methodology to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a nurse‐directed HIV/AIDS facility based on Jean Watson's theory of human caring (1985a,b, 1988, 1990).

The focus group method proved to be a humanistic means of evaluating consumer satisfaction congruent with Watson's theory of human caring.

Different concerns of research informants in different stages of the HIV/AIDS disease process were elicited; in addition, many of the informants elected to tell their stories of living with HIV/AIDS. These stories were profoundly moving and informative regarding the realities of living with HIV/AIDS in an under‐prepared social and health‐care system.

A consistent theme emerging from the data was the high value the clients placed on the caring behaviour shown by nursing staff.

This study was the beginning of an empirical validation of the tenets of Watson's theory of human caring in nursing, and demonstrated the applicability of caring theory in practice.
The evolution of the RSCN
Authors: FRADD ELIZABETH
Published: November 2007

The first English Child Branch students will complete their programme of training in September of this year. It is timely, therefore, to review again the role that has emerged for nurses interested in the care of children.

The status of children's nursing has in the past been uncertain, and their role poorly understood. The evolution of high‐quality care in an increasingly complex field is explored and some issues which remain, are discussed.

As the care of children becomes more specialized the need to ensure a cohesiveness exists is essential in order to move practice forward in a logical and comprehensive fashion. The field is too small to survive fragmentation and it is not in the best interest of the child and its family.

Throughout the paper the child is the focal point which, together with the need to enable families to knowledgeably participate in their own child's care, has been the major thrust behind recent changes.

The paper explores not just the past and present, but some of the issues that need to be considered in the future.
The measurement of nurses' attitudes towards nursing research and the research environment in clinical settings
Authors: MARSH GENE W. , BROWN BSN TERRI L.
Published: November 2007

Professional nurses in newly developed clinical nurse researcher roles may initially need to focus on determining the climate for research within the clinical setting. The purposes of this descriptive study were to describe the attitudes of nurses towards nursing research and the research environment, and to determine the strengths and weaknesses among nurse attitudes that could be used to implement more effectively a clinical nursing research programme.

Nurses employed at an urban private hospital (n=144) completed a demographic profile, Attitudes Towards Nursing Research Scale and Nursing Research Environment Scale (present and future). The typical respondent was 39 years old, female, BSN prepared, and had been employed full time in nursing for about 12 years. Sixty‐two nurses (43%) had some previous experience with research.

Nurses' attitudes towards research were moderately positive, significantly higher by educational degree, and higher for nurses with research experience. A significant difference existed in nurses' perceptions of the present and desired future research environment. Nurses desired an environment that would be more conducive to conducting research than their current environment. The greatest perceived discrepancies between present and future environments were related to time and funding for conducting research. The findings are the basis for presenting implementation strategies for clinical nursing research programmes. However, due to a 29% response rate, findings must be interpreted with caution.