bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Today's contradictory challenges in achieving profitable growth: strategy guidance for “re‐imagining”
Authors: West Page
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The aim of this viewpoint is to highlight the key steps in re‐imagining a business, as articulated by senior executives; to present the nature of the challenges and a summary of best practices discussed by strategy executives.

Design/methodology/approach

The recent financial crisis has presented twin challenges for organizations: how to profitably grow the business, but at the same time how to respond to the public's perceived trust and legitimacy concerns about business. These challenges were discussed in depth by senior executives attending a recent management conference. This summary is provided by a professor whose teaching and research focus on strategy and innovation, and distills the findings of the conference down to a guideline for strategic action.

Findings

Executives have discovered that re‐imagining the business can address both concerns simultaneously. Re‐imagining involves three steps: embracing outside‐in innovation, re‐conceiving the company's core and vision, and aligning the organization and its incentives. Re‐imagining is not change, it is extending and leveraging your company's strengths.

Practical implications

Strategic action steps for re‐imagining are provided in a concise outline format.

Originality/value

Ideas about new forms of innovation and the need to address social concerns about business usually stay at a general level. This paper provides actionable information derived from success stories of companies that have already gone down this path.
The value – and changing face – of business intelligence: an interview with David Abramson, Director of Product Management at LogiXML
Authors: by Bob Little Interview
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with the Director of Product Management at LogiXML.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is an interview with David Abramson.

Findings

The interview highlights that, in the past, reporting and business intelligence (BI) was IT‐centric – an organisation's IT department was in charge of delivering reports to the user of that output. However, as the workforce has become increasingly sophisticated in terms of data so the actual consumers of that information want to interact with the data and develop individualized reports for themselves.

Originality/value

The interview highlights the changes in the business intelligence sector.
Developing a scale for measuring the personality of sport teams
Authors: Tsiotsou Rodoula
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to develop a reliable measure of sport team personality that incorporates the relevant dimensions/traits consumers attribute to their sport teams.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, content analysis of sport teams' web sites and magazines were used to identify the items of the scale. Following this a survey research method was used to gather data from consumers. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on a sample of 301 consumers.

Findings

The analyses of the data resulted in a sport team personality scale consisting of five dimensions: competitiveness, prestige, morality, authenticity, and credibility

Practical implications

Sport brand managers can use the scale for benchmarking purposes and for examining how their sport teams/brands are perceived by sport consumers in terms of the five dimensions identified in this research.

Originality/value

The study expands the concept of brand personality to sport services and provides insights into the main dimensions of sport brands' personality. This is the first study that develops a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the personality of sport teams.
Factors influencing relationship development in franchise partnerships
Authors: Altinay Levent , Brookes Maureen
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and evaluate the factors which influence relationship development between franchisors and franchisees in international service franchise partnerships.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies of two international hotel firms were the focus of the enquiry. Interviews and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that role performance, asset specificity and cultural sensitivity influence relationship development in franchise partnerships. The influence of these factors, however, varies in different forms of franchise partnerships, namely individual and master franchises.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on case studies in the international hotel industry and therefore may not be generalizable to other industry sectors.

Practical implications

Service firms should adopt a systematic organization‐wide approach to, and management of, relationship development in franchise partnerships. In particular, in the case of cross‐country partnerships, both franchisors and franchisees need to develop and exploit their inter‐cultural skills and adapt their business practices to the cultures of host and home countries where appropriate.

Originality/value

The paper exploits three main streams of research which could inform the antecedents of business‐to‐business relationships, namely power‐dependence, transaction cost theories and international business. It thus advances services marketing and more specifically international franchising literatures by offering a holistic theoretical perspective to our understanding of business‐to‐business relationship development.
Motives of dysfunctional customer behavior: an empirical study
Authors: Daunt Kate L. , Harris Lloyd C.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the associations between individual factors (personality and demographic variables) and contextual factors (servicescape and situation‐specific variables), and the motives that drive episodes of dysfunctional customer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Self‐report data were collected from a survey of bar, hotel, and restaurant customers (n=380). Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were utilized to analyze the data.

Findings

Analysis of the data revealed three clusters of motives labelled: financial egotists, money grabbers, and ego revengers. Statistically significant differences were revealed across the personality, servicescape, and situation specific variables for each motive. However, no differences were found concerning demographic variables.

Research limitations/implications

This research emphasizes the primacy of three customer behavior motivations. Future research might investigate the motives for dysfunctional customer behavior across different organizational contexts and the dynamics between such motivations.

Practical implications

The findings of the study indicate that service managers can proactively control and manipulate servicescape and situation‐specific variables that relate to customer misbehavior motives.

Originality/value

No existing scholarly research has developed a data‐grounded understanding of the motivations of dysfunctional customer behaviors. Moreover, to date, no study has explored the associations between customer's motives to misbehave and personality, situation specific, servicescape, and demographic variables.
Connecting the voices of users, caregivers and providers on service quality
Authors: Firbank Oscar E.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This article aims to discuss the relevancy of different instruments used to gather information on homecare service quality from multiple stakeholders and the challenges encountered when trying to blend their views for prioritizing areas needing improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study centers on four homecare agencies: one public, one private for‐profit and two not‐for‐profit services, implementing continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs. Various instruments were tested with random and convenience elderly service user, family caregiver and front‐line worker samples. Instrument evaluation included operational effectiveness and agency manageability.

Findings

A qualitative approach, centered on small stakeholder samples, is fairly effective at assessing service quality, yet demands a strong commitment from agencies in personnel time and resources, as well as the necessary skills. Small‐size, private homecare providers seem less‐well equipped to handle comprehensive assessments without external support. More importantly, assessments have to be done strategically, such that timing and work needed does not undermine program viability.

Practical implications

The approach and instruments tested have practical implications for decision makers and homecare organization managers interested in CQI.

Originality/value

The article systematically evaluates quality assessment and priority‐setting instruments applied to various stakeholders and homecare settings.
Long‐term care physical environments – effect on medication errors
Authors: Mahmood Atiya , Chaudhury Habib , Gaumont Alana , Rust Tiana
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Few studies examine physical environmental factors and their effects on staff health, effectiveness, work errors and job satisfaction. To address this gap, this study aims to examine environmental features and their role in medication and nursing errors in long‐term care facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodological strategy was used. Data were collected via focus groups, observing medication preparation and administration, and a nursing staff survey in four facilities.

Findings

The paper reveals that, during the medication preparation phase, physical design, such as medication room layout, is a major source of potential errors. During medication administration, social environment is more likely to contribute to errors. Interruptions, noise and staff shortages were particular problems.

Research limitations/implications

The survey's relatively small sample size needs to be considered when interpreting the findings. Also, actual error data could not be included as existing records were incomplete.

Practical implications

The study offers several relatively low‐cost recommendations to help staff reduce medication errors. Physical environmental factors are important when addressing measures to reduce errors.

Originality/value

The findings of this study underscore the fact that the physical environment's influence on the possibility of medication errors is often neglected. This study contributes to the scarce empirical literature examining the relationship between physical design and patient safety.
Improving medical personnel selection and appointment processes
Authors: Bassett Mark L. , Ramsey Wayne P. , Chan Christopher C.A.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to argue that processes for selecting and appointing medically qualified personnel in some healthcare organizations may be limited, especially those that emphasize qualifications rather than expanding the criteria to include practice scope, person‐organization fit and capability to function within a healthcare team.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the authors' experiences and a literature review.

Findings

Selection based purely on academic merit, advanced clinical training, skills and professional achievements may not address other essential selection criteria. Medical personnel need to possess competencies such as ability to give high quality care and work constructively in a clinical team; communication skills; willingness to actively participate in quality and safety programs; teaching ability; management and leadership skills; and support institutional values and corporate aims. These attributes are often over‐looked and cannot be assumed from academic merit and achievements.

Research limitations/implications

The study's conclusions are based on the authors' experiences and literature review. Future studies may wish to examine selection technique efficacy and outcomes empirically.

Practical implications

Better medical personnel selection and appointment processes are likely to reduce unnecessary costs associated with poorly‐made appointments, improve patient outcomes and may have a formative role encouraging medical personnel to take a broader view of their healthcare organization roles.

Originality/value

The authors challenge selection panel members to consider non‐traditional with normal selection criteria for medical appointments. Nine recommendations for enhancing selection processes are provided.
Using complaints to enhance quality improvement: developing an analytical tool
Authors: Yahui Hsieh Sophie
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This study aims to construct an instrument for identifying certain attributes or capabilities that might enable healthcare staff to use complaints to improve service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

PubMed and ProQuest were searched, which in turn expanded access to other literature. Three paramount dimensions emerged for healthcare quality management systems: managerial, operational, and technical (MOT).

Findings

The paper reveals that the managerial dimension relates to quality improvement program infrastructure. It contains strategy, structure, leadership, people and culture. The operational dimension relates to implementation processes: organizational changes and barriers when using complaints to enhance quality. The technical dimension emphasizes the skills, techniques or information systems required to achieve successfully continuous quality improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The MOT model was developed by drawing from the relevant literature. However, individuals have different training, interests and experiences and, therefore, there will be variance between researchers when generating the MOT model.

Practical implications

The MOT components can be the guidelines for examining whether patient complaints are used to improve service quality. However, the model needs testing and validating by conducting further research before becoming a theory.

Originality/value

Empirical studies on patient complaints did not identify any analytical tool that could be used to explore how complaints can drive quality improvement. This study developed an instrument for identifying certain attributes or capabilities that might enable healthcare professionals to use complaints and improve service quality.
Study of the wave‐breaking's qualitative behavior of the Fornberg‐Whitham equation via quasi‐numeric approaches
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Manafian Heris Jalil
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to show that the variational iteration method (VIM) and the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) are powerful and suitable methods to solve the Fornberg‐Whitham equation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using HPM the explicit exact solution is calculated in the form of a quickly convergent series with easily computable components. Also, by using VIM the analytical results of this equation have been obtained in terms of convergent series with easily computable components.

Findings

Numerical solutions obtained by these methods are compared with the exact solutions, revealing that the obtained solutions are of high accuracy.

Originality/value

Also the results show that the introduced methods are efficient tools for solving the nonlinear partial differential equations.
Prediction of a temperature‐dependent electroosmotically driven microchannel flow with the Joule heating effect
Authors: Sheu Tony W.H. , Kuo S.H. , Lin R.K.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

A convection‐diffusion‐reaction scheme is proposed in this study to simulate the high gradient electroosmotic flow behavior in microchannels. The equations governing the total electric field include the Laplace equation for the effective electrical potential and the Poisson‐Boltzmann equation for the electrical potential in the electric double layer.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed electroosmotic/pressure‐driven flow in a straight microchannel is studied with the emphasis on the Joule heat in the equations of motion. The nonlinear behaviors resulting from the hydrodynamic, thermal and electrical three‐field coupling and the temperature‐dependent fluid viscosity, thermal conductivity, electrical permittivity, and conductivity of the investigated buffer solution are analyzed.

Findings

The solutions computed from the employed flux discretization scheme for the hydrodynamic, thermal and electric field equations have been verified to have good agreement with the analytical solution. Parametric studies have been carried out by varying the electrical conductivity at the fixed zeta potential and varying the zeta potential at the fixed electrical conductivity.

Originality/value

Investigation is also addressed on the predicted velocity boundary layer and the electric double layer near the negatively charged channel wall.
Numerical solution of 2d seepage flow problem using discrete singular convolution method
Authors: Alyavuz Bahadir
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of discrete singular convolution (DSC) method to steady seepage flow while presenting one of the possible uses of DSC method in geotechnical engineering. It also aims to present the implementation of DSC to the problems with mixed boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Second order spatial derivatives of potential and stream functions in Laplace's equation are discretized using the DSC method in which the regularized Shannon's delta kernel is used as an approximation to delta distribution. After implementation of boundary conditions, the system of equations is solved for the unknown terms.

Findings

The results are compared with those obtained from the finite element method and the finite difference method.

Originality/value

The method is applied to the flow problem through porous medium for the first time.
Nonlinear dynamics of flow in piping trees using projection methods
Authors: Mayes Jason , Voikov Vladimir , Sen Mihir
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Simple methods for the steady‐state analysis of a flow network are readily available, but the dynamic behavior of a large‐scale flow network is difficult to study due to the complex differential‐algebraic equation system resulting from its modeling. It is the aim of this paper to present two simple methods for the dynamic analysis of large‐scale flow networks and to demonstrate their use by examining the dynamics of a self‐similar branching tree network.

Design/methodology/approach

Two numerical projection methods are proposed for one‐dimensional dynamic analysis of large piping networks. Both are extensions of that suggested by Chorin for the nonlinear differential‐algebraic system resulting from the Navier‐Stokes equations. Each numerical algorithm is discussed and verified for turbulent flow in a nonlinear, self‐similar, branching tree network with constant friction factor for which an exact solution is available.

Findings

The dynamics of this network are calculated for more realistic friction factors and described as system parameters are varied. Self‐excited oscillations due to laminar‐turbulent transition are found for some parameter values and dynamic component behavior is observed in the network which is not observable in components apart from it.

Practical implications

It is shown that the dynamics of a flow network can exhibit unexpected behavior, reinforcing the need for simple methods to perform dynamic analysis.

Originality/value

This paper presents two numerical projection schemes for dynamic analysis of large‐scale flow networks to aid in their study and design.
Natural convection flow under magnetic field in a square cavity for uniformly (or) linearly heated adjacent walls
Authors: Sathiyamoorthy M. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of magnetic field on natural convection in an enclosure with uniformly or linearly heated adjacent walls and especially its effect on the local and average Nusselt numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is formulated and solved using the finite element method. Accuracy of the method is validated by comparisons with previously published work.

Findings

It was found that the presence of a magnetic filed causes significant effects on the local and average Nusselt numbers on all considered walls.

Originality/value

Although the problem is not very original it is important in that many applications have heating on adjacent walls.
Action‐centered team leadership influences more than performance
Authors: Braun Frank C. , Avital Michel , Martz Ben
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Building on a social‐technical approach to project management, the authors aim to examine the effect of action‐centered leadership attributes on team member's learning, knowledge collaboration and job satisfaction during IT‐related projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was utilized to assess the work environment of team members as well as the leadership practices of their respective project team leaders. Data were collected with a survey questionnaire from 327 team members in a variety of organizations in 15 industry sectors including financial services, software, manufacturing, retail, government and universities.

Findings

The identified action‐centered project leadership practices (effective task management, team efficacy cultivation, and individual autonomy support) create a project team environment that fosters individual learning and knowledge collaboration along with individual performance and job satisfaction, and ultimately project success.

Research limitations/implications

The action‐centered leadership practices construct, developed in this study, can be a good surrogate measure of what is required to be an effective leader in an IT project team environment. The main limitations of the research are those inherent in the survey method (self‐reported; subjective data).

Practical implications

In a project team environment, it is essential that all team members collaborate effectively to increase the likelihood of project success. The implication for managers from these findings is that concentrating more on the identified action‐centered leadership practices can positively influence the team environment.

Originality/value

Although previous studies have described attributes that influence team performance, a clearer understanding of what team leadership practices enable a project manager to be effective warrants further investigation. A second order construct merges these team leadership practice attributes and validates its use.
A behavioral framework for highly effective technical executives
Authors: Morris Linda E. , Williams Christine R.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of behaviors effective technical managers and executives use to lead complex projects, programs and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Described is a qualitative study to identify and document behaviors and attributes of effective technical executives at NASA. Methods included observation, shadowing and interviews with 14 NASA executives, who possessed a technical background and a systems orientation, and whom agency leadership identified as highly effective in their roles. Included also is a review of related theoretical and empirical scholarship on leadership and managerial effectiveness, focusing on research describing leaders' behaviors and competencies and approaches to deal with project and organizational complexity.

Findings

The study surfaced 225 observable behaviors clustered into 54 elements, within six broad themes: leadership, attitudes and attributes (including executive presence), communication, problem solving and systems thinking, political savvy and strategic thinking.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the small number of executives interviewed for 60‐90 minutes and observed for a brief period. Future studies might include more executives, from a variety of organizations, and/or employ a quantitative approach based on or incorporating these findings.

Practical implications

The study's rich data will serve as a framework to help develop technical executives where complexity and technology drive the need for systems‐oriented leaders with technical backgrounds.

Originality/value

The study and literature review provide a context for a deeper understanding of technical leaders' behaviors and use of systems thinking within complex situations.
Leadership in projects: what we know from the literature and new insights
Authors: Clarke Nicholas
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This editorial aims to introduce the special issue on leadership in projects and to highlight salient points from the background literature in this in order to place the articles contained in this special issue in context.

Design/methodology/approach

A summary of key findings from the literature relating to leadership in projects is provided highlighting limitations with previous research and challenges for research in this area.

Findings

Much of the literature relating to leadership in projects has adopted primarily a style perspective of leadership and the results from a number of studies show a number of inconsistencies. Generally many of the findings are additive and an overall theory of leadership in projects has yet to emerge. Findings from the review of previous studies suggest the need to examine far more mediator and moderator variables in future research using a style perspective given the variable contexts affecting project and leadership effectiveness. In addition, alternative perspectives on the nature of leadership may better accommodate the increasing environments of complexity in which projects find themselves. The contributions of each of the four papers in relation to this agenda are highlighted.

Originality/value

To date there have been few attempts to offer a synthesis of findings from empirical studies that have explored leadership in projects. In addition to offering a context in which to place the contribution of each of the articles that follow in this special issue, the editorial provides a summary of major findings from previous research to help inform current theorising and debates in this field.
The impact of no fault found on through‐life engineering services
Authors: Hockley Chris , Phillips Paul
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a platform for discussion on the problem of no fault found (NFF) events which continues to plague maintenance operations of complex engineering systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The research has been collated from many sources: academic literature, industrial discussions and the authors’ experiences. The study defines the NFF problem, its causes, impacts and costs as well as an evaluation of the available scientific research.

Findings

The paper identifies a continuing serious problem with NFF; it is not just a technical problem but also encompasses organisations, culture and behaviours. Focusing only on one of these at a time is no longer enough to solve the NFF problem in modern maintenance operations and solutions will require each category to be addressed as an integrated problem.

Originality/value

The overall value is a detailed picture of the NFF field seen from both an industrial and academic viewpoint. The originality of the paper is that it articulates and organizes the existing knowledge concerning the NFF phenomena, the value of which is to identify gaps in existing research and knowledge.
Shutdown preparedness in oil and gas production
Authors: Utne Ingrid , Thuestad Lars , Finbak Kaare , Anders Thorstensen Tom
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach for measuring the ability of oil and gas production plants to utilize shutdowns opportunistically for maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

Key performance indicators have been developed from case studies with two offshore oil and gas installations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The key performance indicators measure the quality of the work preparations and the ability to utilize shutdowns opportunistically. Shutdowns may provide opportunities for execution of maintenance, but it is hardly possible to undertake any maintenance work requiring shutdown if the organization is not well prepared and the work is not well planned.

Findings

The results from testing of the indicators on two oil and gas installations shows that several of the indicators are relevant for determining the quality of preparations, whereas more effort needs to be put into gathering data applicable for monitoring the actual utilization of the shutdowns.

Research limitations/implications

Production losses, due to turnarounds and unforeseen shutdowns in oil and gas operations, are significant, and the improvement potential is large. The indicators may assist maintenance managers in planning and improving the plant's utilization of shutdowns and may contribute to substantial cost savings.

Originality/value

The approach in the paper adds important knowledge on how to actually measure the quality of maintenance work planning and execution.
Collaborative contracts for inter‐organisational quality systems
Authors: de Jong Arjan , Smit Klaas
Published: June 2012

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that collaborative contracts enable inter‐organisational quality systems.Design/methodology/approach– The research compares performance contracts with collaborative contracts, a new contract type whereby the contract parties align their objectives. The study uses game theory and describes the contract types as mechanism designs for comparison. The mechanisms are validated with a case study. The utility of the contract types is verified with Monte Carlo simulations using expert opinions.Findings– The research demonstrates that, under certain conditions, collaborative contracts enable inter‐organisational quality systems by facilitating the exchange of information between the contract parties and investments in inter‐organisational work processes.Practical implications– The use of collaborative contracts between an operator of a technical system and a maintenance organisation leads to improvements in inter‐organisational work processes, reducing maintenance costs and improving the availability of the technical system; thereby increasing the utility of all contract parties.Originality/value– The collaborative contract is a new contract type for maintenance services and the research method provides a new approach to enable inter‐organisational quality systems.
Impact of IT procurement on the quality of the maintenance process
Authors: Kans Mirka
Published: June 2012

Purpose

IT investments in maintenance are of strategic importance, but it is hard to fit the IT systems to the business demands. One possible reason could be inadequate planning and execution of the procurement. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the IT procurement process within maintenance, and its impact on the quality of the maintenance process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is performed as a web‐based questionnaire survey addressing maintenance managers in Swedish industry followed by five additional interviews.

Findings

The decision to purchase IT is, to high extent, a maintenance internal matter and the purchases are often run in project form involving several working areas and the decision making is commonly based on the purchaser's own experience. The involvement of future users is frequent. Maintenance IT investments are seen as connected to real needs and beneficial for the maintenance.

Practical implications

Highlighting the current practices within procurement helps practitioners to understand the process and thereby better prepare the purchasing of technology.

Research limitations/implications

Systematic methods for the procurement of IT are used to a low extent, which implies a need for practical and easy tools within the area. In addition, the economic importance of IT investments should be further studied and tools for assessing the impact of the procurement should be developed.

Originality/value

Papers dealing with maintenance IT procurement are scarce and do not cover the full procurement process, and no empirical studies within the area have been found.
Iron microparticle deposition at high concentration
Authors: Pablo Isaza Juan , Avila Alba
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Deposition of ink containing metal particles is possible using inkjet technologies. The purpose of this paper is to show a novel method for deposition of iron microparticles, with an average diameter of 1.24 μm, on a glass substrate that can potentially achieve concentrations of 0.21 per cent or higher.

Design/methodology/approach

The method combines drop‐on‐demand (DOD) technology with a creative way of positioning iron microparticles near to the nozzle's print head. The use of ferromagnetic particles allows the control of particle dispersion on the target sample surface. The particles are positioned close to the nozzle using a sharpened steel rod as holder and their alignment is controlled by generating an external magnetic field along the sharpened steel rod.

Findings

Successful deposition of iron microparticles with a potential concentration of 0.21 per cent or higher is reported.

Research limitations/implications

The implemented method is restricted to ferromagnetic particles or alloys of ferromagnetic and non‐ferromagnetic materials.

Practical implications

The method described could be integrated to control the deposition of iron microparticles in the production of optoelectronic devices and biosensors. This method speeds up the deposition process due to the higher metal microparticle concentrations achieved.

Originality/value

The deposition method introduced in the paper reached concentrations of 0.084 per cent, similar to the highest concentrations (0.1 per cent) reported with conventional methods (inkjet inks containing metal nanoparticles). It also prevents the blocking of the print head nozzles, thus improving the efficiency of Fe particle deposition.
A study on the fabrication method of removable partial denture framework by computer‐aided design and rapid prototyping
Authors: Wu Jiang , Wang Xiaobo , Zhao Xianghui , Zhang Chunbao , Gao Bo
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore an application of computer‐aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) to a process of electronically surveying a scanned dental cast as a prior stage to producing a sacrificial pattern for a removable partial denture (RPD) metal alloy framework.

Design/methodology/approach

With the introduction of laser scan technology and commercial reverse engineering software, a standard plaster maxillary dental cast with dentition defect was successfully scanned and created as a STL‐formatted digital cast. With the software, the unwanted undercuts were eliminated based on the desired path of insertion. Parts of the RPD framework were then successfully custom‐designed and combined as a whole.

Findings

A sacrificial pattern was produced by rapid prototyping (RP) method and finally casted with chromium cobalt alloy. With suitable finishing process, both the sacrificial pattern and the casted framework fitted the cast well.

Originality/value

The research indicated the feasibility of creating a library of RPD framework components. It is believed that, in the future, with the advance of the techniques, a totally new platform can be developed for the design and fabrication of custom‐fit RPD framework based on the CAD/CAM/RP system.
Are Indian consumers brand conscious? Insights for global retailers
Authors: Mukherjee Arpita , Satija Divya , Goyal Tanu M. , Mantrala Murali K. , Zou Shaoming
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess Indian consumers' brand consciousness by examining their brand knowledge, purchase behaviour and perceptions of foreign brands. It provides key inputs for global retailers to harness the potential in growing consumerism in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 300 Indian consumers was conducted and the data were analysed using descriptive and simple regression techniques.

Findings

The study found that brand purchase in India varies across product categories. At present, consumer knowledge and use of foreign brands is low, and Indian consumers are price‐sensitive. Indian consumers are experimenting with brands and would like more foreign brands to enter the Indian market.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the small sample size, advanced econometrics techniques could not be used to analyse the dataset.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to assess the impact of retail liberalisation on Indian consumers' shopping behaviour, particularly their brand consciousness.
Urbanized young Indians: are they goal oriented?
Authors: Sett Rahul Kumar
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate the Higgins regulatory focus/goal orientation questionnaire (RFQ) in the Indian context on a sample of urbanized young Indians: one of the most important consumer segments in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Items were validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, through both parametric and non parametric approaches to estimation.

Findings

Scale validity and reliability was established in the Indian context.

Research limitations/implications

A sample of 152 final year students enrolled in professional courses, conforming to the characteristics of urbanized young Indians, was used. Consumers' goal orientation may now be successfully measured in the Indian context.

Practical implications

Marketers may use the questionnaire to measure consumers' goal orientation and design products and advertisements catering specifically to promotion and prevention oriented customers. According to Cesario, Grant, and Hissing and Avnet and Higgins, this is important as message persuasiveness and product evaluation is dependent on consumer's goal orientation.

Originality/value

Given the aspirational and goal directed nature of the dominant consumer segment of young Indians in India, it is essential that regulatory focus is measured well. This study establishes the validity of the scale for young Indians whose chronic regulatory focus can now be measured effectively.
3PLSP scale for co‐operative dairies in Indian context
Authors: Shah Tejas R. , Sharma Mahendra
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a scale for measuring benefits of third party logistics service providers for co‐operative dairies in an Indian context. The objective is to measure benefits of third party logistics service providers for co‐operative dairies.

Design/methodology/approach

A standard scale development research procedure recommended by experts was followed. First, the literature review of studies to measure benefits of third party logistics was undertaken. Later, Delphi method was used. Interviews were conducted of experts and customers for understanding and generating items for measuring benefits of third party logistics service providers for co‐operative dairies. A survey was then undertaken first for development of the scale and later for validation purpose.

Findings

A reliable and valid scale is developed to measure the five dimensions of benefits of using 3PLSPs for co‐operative dairies: responsiveness, accuracy, customization of service, inventory handling and order processing and information sharing.

Research limitations/implications

This scale is developed to outsource logistics functions at operational levels in the context of co‐operative dairies in India. So, this scale can be tested for co‐operative dairies of countries other than India. The scale can also be tested where outsourcing of logistics activities is done at operational level, other than co‐operative dairies.

Practical implications

The proposed scale can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify important benefits to consider in outsourcing operational function of logistics management to 3PLSPs in co‐operative dairies.

Originality/value

Most relevant studies about benefits of third party logistics service providers do not have stable factor structure, especially for co‐operative dairies. The new scale fills the gap of the absence of a validated scale to measure benefits of 3PLSPs for co‐operative dairies at operational level.
Work engagement as mediator between job characteristics and positive and negative extra‐role behaviors
Authors: Sulea Coralia , Virga Delia , Maricutoiu Laurentiu P. , Schaufeli Wilmar , Zaborila Dumitru Catalina , Sava Florin A.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This study is based on the JD‐R model and aims at understanding the role of work engagement (WE) as a mediator between job resources (i.e. perceived organizational support) and positive extra‐role behaviors (i.e. organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB)), between job demands (i.e. interpersonal conflicts at work) and negative extra‐role behaviors (i.e. counterproductive work behaviors (CWB)), and also between a personal resource (i.e. conscientiousness) and both types of extra‐role behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from three Romanian organizations (n=258) were collected in a cross‐sectional study. Two main models (fully mediated and partially mediated) tested the role of WE as a mediator, using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results support the partially mediated model. All anticipated antecedents have a direct, and also an indirect relation with extra‐role behaviors – via WE. In addition, the mediating effect was stronger for OCB than for CWB. Overall, the results show that job and personal characteristics differentially predict OCB and CWB, and that employees' affective‐motivational state explains, in part, these job and personal characteristics – extra‐role behaviors associations.

Originality/value

The paper advances the knowledge about the JD‐R model and its relevance for OCB and CWB. In addition, understanding work engagement's potential to stimulate OCB and inhibit CWB can aid professionals to advance beneficial behavioral outcomes in organizations by promoting wellbeing at work, thereby supporting the employees' healthy career development.
Linking LMX, innovative work behaviour and turnover intentions
Authors: Agarwal Upasna A. , Datta Sumita , Blake‐Beard Stacy , Bhargava Shivganesh
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationships among leader‐member exchange (LMX), innovative work behaviour (IWB), and intention to quit. The mediating role of work engagement is tested within the relationship of LMX, IWB, and intention to quit.

Design/methodology/approach

Respondents to a survey were 979 Indian managerial employees working in six service sector organisations in India. Structural equation modelling was used to test hypothesised relationships.

Findings

Results suggest quality of exchanges between employees and their immediate supervisors influences engagement. Work engagement correlates positively with innovative work behaviour and negatively with intention to quit. Work engagement mediates the relationship between LMX and innovative work behaviour, and partially mediates intention to quit.

Research limitations/implications

A cross‐sectional design and use of self‐reported questionnaire data is a limitation of this study. Since the study focuses only on service‐sector organisations, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution.

Originality/value

This study makes important theoretical contributions in three ways. In the domain of work engagement, it addresses factors that influence employee engagement and its outcomes. It expands knowledge about organisational resources that foster work engagement. For LMX, this study complements existing research by investigating work engagement as an outcome. Identifying LMX and work engagement as antecedents of innovative work behaviour, it also extends research in that domain. An important contribution is positioning work engagement as a means through which job resources are linked to employee outcomes. The study is also a rare examination of the Indian context.
Upward mobility
Authors: Laud Robert L. , Johnson Matthew
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to identify and examine the tactics and upward mobility strategies utilized by individuals who advanced into leadership positions.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on both narrative, consensual qualitative research (CQR) and empirical research, the authors conducted in‐depth interviews with 187 leaders from 136 organizations.

Findings

This study offers an elaboration on the interrelatedness of career tactics and presents a typology based upon the ranking, bundling and utilization of selected tactics by organization leaders. The analysis produced a framework of four strategic categories: foundation strategies, building self‐brand, being centered and seizing opportunity. The results suggest that the utilization of these strategies is likely to influence career advancement.

Research limitations/implications

This study was confined to individuals who had achieved high level positions which may limit the ability to generalize.

Practical implications

Organization players will benefit by leveraging the upward mobility typology and recognizing the value of proactive preparedness and career self‐management. Inclusion of this tactical framework will also enhance the effectiveness of organization leadership, mentoring and career counseling programs.

Originality/value

The value of this study is twofold. First, it contributes to understanding of advancement tactics in the limited, and often inconclusive, research on upward mobility and predeterminants. Second, it underscores the importance of career tactics in the thought processes of career aspirants faced with a hypercompetitive market.
Personality and organisational commitment
Authors: Spagnoli Paola , Caetano Antonio
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This study aims to test the mediating role of work satisfaction aspects, such as satisfaction with the work itself and satisfaction with human resource practices, in the relationship between the Big Five and organisational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 190 new police officers in a three‐wave longitudinal survey were analysed by structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

Results showed that: satisfaction with human resource practices completely mediated the relationship between openness to experience and normative commitment; satisfaction with the work itself completely mediated the relationship between conscientiousness and normative commitment whereas it partially mediated the relationship between extroversion and affective commitment.

Research limitations/implications

This study is focused on the police context. Future studies should investigate other contexts for comparison.

Practical implications

The predictive effect of personality on both job satisfaction and organisational commitment has some practical utility with regard to selection practices. During the organisational entry process, organisations should monitor different aspects of job satisfaction in order to foster a positive environment for employees.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the process linking personality to job satisfaction and organisational commitment in a unique longitudinal model during the organisational socialisation process.