bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employment relationships as drivers of firm flexibility and learning
Authors: López‐Cabrales Alvaro , Valle Ramon , Galan Jose L.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyse whether the firm model of employment relationships is associated with functional flexibility and organisational learning (exploratory versus exploitative). It also aims to assess the mediating effect of functional flexibility in the relationship between a specific employment mode (mutual investment) and organisational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted using a sample of Spanish companies in the food industry, from which data from HR managers and production managers in each firm were collected. Cluster analyses, MANOVA and regression analyses were applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that those firms developing a mutual investment employment relationship outperform other firms in terms of functional flexibility and organisational learning (both exploitative and exploratory learning). The paper also finds a mediating effect of one dimension of functional flexibility (range‐number of activities) between mutual investment and exploitative learning.

Research limitations/implications

The principal limitation of this paper is the cross‐sectional study design, because the dynamic character of learning would require a longitudinal study design. The main research implications are derived from the combination of employment relationships, variety of dimensions of flexibility and learning, and identification of a model of direct and mediating effects among variables.

Practical implications

The results of this paper suggest that a model of employment relationships (mutual investment) favours not only functional flexibility but also ambidextrous learning. Thus, the findings not only provide a broader understanding of the variables associated with HRM, employment relationships and/or flexibility, but also reinforce the strategic role of HRM through its contribution to the development of such a relevant organisational capability that learning represents.

Originality/value

The paper combined a series of variables that previous studies have rarely treated in combination: employment relationships, functional flexibility and exploitative versus exploratory learning. This paper also discusses different dimensions of functional flexibility (range‐number of activities, heterogeneity, mobility, and uniformity), demonstrating the association of some of these dimensions with exploratory or exploitative learning.
Under‐employment among recent graduates: a review of the literature
Authors: Scurry Tracy , Blenkinsopp John
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a systematic review of the literature that explores under‐employment among recent graduates. Literature from a range of disciplines is reviewed in an attempt to further a theoretical understanding. In doing this, the secondary aim is to identify avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a systematic literature review methodology to answer the question “What is graduate underemployment?”

Findings

The review highlights significant issues around the conceptualisation and measurement of graduate under‐employment. It argues that individual volition and meaning making are important issues that to date remain under‐researched in relation to graduate under‐employment. The paper argues that the most appropriate basis for developing a theoretical understanding of graduate under‐employment is to draw upon relevant theoretical frameworks from career studies – specifically those on the objective‐subjective duality of career, career indecision, and career success. This approach provides a greater focus on the dynamics of the individual's experiences.

Practical implications

This review has implications for a range of stakeholders including students, graduates, teachers and careers advisers, parents, universities, employers, HR professionals and policy makers.

Originality/value

In the context of policy debates surrounding the purpose and value of higher education, this review brings together the highly fragmented perspectives on a phenomenon that encapsulates many of the issues being debated.
Recent developments in adhesive technology: a review
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an insight into recent developments in adhesive technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a brief introduction, this paper discusses recent developments in biomimetic adhesives, the use of nanomaterials and “smart” adhesive technology.

Findings

Biomimetic dry adhesive technology has advanced very rapidly in recent years and techniques to mass‐produce these materials are now under development. The use of nanomaterials is being investigated widely and recent research suggests that adhesives with enhanced mechanical, thermal and electrical properties will emerge. Smart adhesives, such as switchable types which can be triggered to bond and de‐bond in response to physical or chemical stimuli are under development and some are already available commercially. These will contribute to product disassembly and recycling.

Originality/value

This paper provides a review of recent R&D into three fields of adhesive technology that are presently attracting strong interest.
Using selective laser sintering for manufacturing
Authors: Butler James
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the basics of selective laser sintering (SLS) and also the benefits of designing parts to be built using this technology. Some design requirements are also included.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was written to assist design engineers in using the SLS technology as opposed to traditional manufacturing technologies.

Findings

The findings of the paper are primarily limited to the differences of the functionality of products designed for manufacture using traditional technologies as compared to the ability to design for perfect functionality and the parts are able to be manufactured using SLS.

Originality/value

The paper shows that any application where light weight, maximum performance or the ability to customize is the prime consideration is a candidate for the many benefits afforded by SLS and the related technologies.
Integration of PCB assembly process planning and scheduling
Authors: Du Xuan , Li Zongbin , Wang Song
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to realize the integrated optimization of process planning and scheduling in printed circuit board assembly (PCBA).

Design/methodology/approach

Logical and numerical contour matrix is used to describe the constituent of component and machine for different PCBA processes on the basis of polychromatic sets (PS) theory, and a PS model of PCBA is built. A hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) is developed to optimize the component allocation, PCB assignment and assembly sequence simultaneously.

Findings

Integration of PCBA process planning and scheduling (PCBAPPS) can bridge the gap between design and manufacturing to guarantee the assembly quality and improve the production efficiency. However, PCBAPPS have to search for the optimal result in their own vast solution space. They are complex combinatorial optimization problems. The optimization of PCBAPPS constructs a unified solution space which includes two sub‐solution space stated above. In this paper, dynamic optimization of PCBAPPS is implemented and the solution efficiency is improved.

Originality/value

PS model holds unified standard form on the basis of logical contour and numerical matrix. It is adopted to describe the static structure and dynamic characteristic of PCBA system and combine with GA to solve the integrated optimization problem of PCBAPPS effectively and dynamically.
Automatic inspection and strategy for surface defects in the PI coating process of TFT‐LCD panels
Authors: Lin Chern‐Sheng , Kuo Jung , Lin Chi‐Chin , Lay Yun‐Long , Shei Hung‐Jung
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply an on‐line automatic inspection and measurement of surface defect of thin‐film transistor liquid‐crystal display (TFT‐LCD) panels in the polyimide coating process with a modified template matching method and back propagation neural network classification method.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the technique of searching, analyzing, and recognizing image processing methods, the target pattern image of TFT‐LCD cell defects can be obtained.

Findings

With template match and neural network classification in the database of the system, the program judges the kinds of the target defects characteristics, finds out the central position of cell defect, and analyzes cell defects.

Research limitations/implications

The recognition speed becomes faster and the system becomes more flexible in comparison to the previous system. The proposed method and strategy, using unsophisticated and economical equipment, is also verified. The proposed method provides highly accurate results with a low‐error rate.

Practical implications

In terms of sample training, the principles of artificial neural network were used to train the sample detection rate. In sample analysis, character weight was implemented to filter the noise so as to enhance discrimination and reduce detection.

Originality/value

The paper describes how pre‐inspection image processing was utilized in collaboration with the system to excel the inspection efficiency of present machines as well as for reducing system misjudgment. In addition, the measure for improving cell defect inspection can be applied to production line with multi‐defects to inspect and improve six defects simultaneously, which improves the system stability greatly.
Dynamic analysis of vibratory insertion process
Authors: Kilikevicius Sigitas , Baksys Bronius
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate theoretically and experimentally the process of compliantly supported peg insertion into a bush for high‐speed assembly, when vibrations are provided to the bush in the axial direction, and to analyse the influence of the parameters of the dynamic system and excitation on the assembly process.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical model of parts vibratory insertion process is formed and the simulation is performed using a numerical computing software environment. The model includes inertia, compliance, dry friction, insertion speed and vibratory excitation. The three‐dimensional simulation of peg‐in‐hole insertion is accomplished using motion analysis software to test the influence of vibratory excitation on assembly failures, such as jamming and wedging. The experimental setup for the robotic vibratory assembly and the investigation methodology were presented. The experimental analysis of the vibratory insertion process of cylindrical parts with clearance is performed when the compliantly supported peg is inserted by the robot into the bush, which is excited in the axial direction.

Findings

The vibratory excitation allows preventing the balance between the insertion force and frictional forces and so to avoid jamming and wedging. It is advantageous to select such the frequency of vibrations under which the resonance state of the compliantly supported peg does not occur. The parameters of vibratory excitation and initial assembly state are defined which have the principal influence on the insertion duration and the success of the process. The experimental results show the applicability of the mathematical approach.

Research limitations/implications

The assumption is made that the chamferless rigid peg moves in a plane in respect of the rigid bush with a chamfer. Also, it is considered that there is no impact during the peg and bush contact. The dynamic and static friction coefficient between the parts is equivalent and the insertion speed is constant.

Practical implications

The results can be useful aiming to design the reliable high‐performance vibratory assembly equipment for peg‐hole type parts, which does not require sensors, feedback systems and control algorithms.

Originality/value

The proposed method of applying the vibratory excitation during the peg‐in‐hole insertion process allows to avoid jamming and wedging, and to minimize the duration of the process.
Attitudes towards environmentally friendly products
Authors: Cheah Isaac , Phau Ian
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the key antecedents and moderators that influence consumers' willingness to purchase environmentally friendly products.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sampling method was employed. A total of 600 self‐administered questionnaires were distributed during lectures in a large Australian university. In total, 256 useable Australian consumer responses were collected and used for analysis.

Findings

The results show that the three antecedents of ecoliteracy, interpersonal influence and value orientation have strong correlations with attitudes towards environmentally friendly products. Consumers with favourable attitudes towards environmentally friendly products are more likely to purchase environmentally friendly products. Perceived product necessity moderates the relationship between attitudes toward environmentally friendly products and the willingness to purchase environmentally friendly products.

Research limitations/implications

Longitudinal studies can be conducted in the future. Other possible moderating factors such as product involvement or pricing can also be explored. A wider range of behavioural indicators can be used to capture a more accurate measurement of environmentally oriented behaviours.

Practical implications

Consumer education about the environment is crucial for consumers to form a more favourable mindset towards environmentally friendly products. Communication initiatives that highlight various environmental support campaigns and environmentally conscious product strategies are some of the ways to encourage purchasing behaviour.

Originality/value

The study empirically examines the antecedents and consequences of attitudes towards purchasing green products in an Australian context. Furthermore, the study uses day‐to‐day necessity products as the product category.
Development of a business‐to‐business critical success factors (B2B CSFs) framework for Chinese SMEs
Authors: Kian Chong Woon , Shafaghi Mathew , Leing Tan Boon
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically explore business‐to‐business critical success factors (B2B CSFs) for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Chinese B2B marketplace, evaluate the findings, and use the generated CSFs to propose a framework to assist in the marketing management of B2B in China. The proposed framework provides a guideline for academics and practitioners and highlights the significant role of each factor in developing and sustaining effective B2B electronic commerce (B2B e‐commerce) practice for SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework is constructed by combining the empirical findings and B2B literature. The quantitative (online survey) was targeted at, proprietors, chief executive officers, managing directors, general managers, sales/marketing managers and export managers in selected SMEs that participated in B2B electronic marketplace (B2B e‐marketplace) in China. The data received from the recipients were processed on SPSS to conduct factor analysis to identify whether a factor structure underlies the correlations between a number of variables.

Findings

The findings are indicative of two sets of internal and external critical factors, including: successful customer relationships, supply chain facilities, global competition, information system/information technology (IS/IT) infrastructure and performances, information visibility, top management support and commitment, government encouragement and commitment, security and trust, and cultural consideration.

Practical implications

SME managers can derive a better understanding and measurement of marketing activities that appropriately balance between traditional and B2B e‐commerce practice. At the same time, the CSF can be integrated into the companies to determine the level of marketing performance in B2B e‐marketplace.

Originality/value

The paper's findings provide new theoretical grounds for research into B2B relationships in the digital business environment. The paper also provides an empirical assessment of the essential components in B2B e‐commerce adaptation, and implications for the means to prioritize CSF.
Quality system implementation process for business success
Authors: Bell Michael , Omachonu Vincent
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation activities involved in certifying a quality management system to the ISO 9000 quality management system standard. This includes developing the best business performance measures that will serve as indicators of an effective quality management system. This paper aims to establish a relationship between implementation activities involved in the quality system and specific business performance measures that can be used to assess the system's effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an online survey combined with publicly available financial reporting information. Regression and other statistical techniques along with text clustering and association of the survey comments were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Emphasis on implementing a documentation system were found to be linked to business performance as measured by the return on assets financial measure.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should explore various documentation system aspects such as knowledge management and information sharing in greater detail. A larger sample focused on a specific industry might provide useful information for industry appropriate performance indicators.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research focus on the design and implementation of an organization's quality management system in areas that will provide the most benefit to organizations seeking ISO 9000 certification. A baseline measurement can be used prior to implementing the system to strategically manage the implementation process. By understanding how best to implement the quality management system, fewer resources are wasted on ineffective quality management system certification projects and some of the skepticism around the implemention of an ISO 9000 certified quality management system is eliminated.

Originality/value

Few quality system researchers target the implementation process for analysis. Combining survey data and publicly held financial represents is a new method for studying ISO 9000 implementation.
Updated proportional hazards model for equipment residual life prediction
Authors: You Ming‐Yi , Meng Guang
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Most current condition‐based maintenance (CBM) systems using proportional hazards model (PHM) assume that enough historical data are available. However, in many practical cases, it is usually costly to collect much historical data prior to real practice (model implementation). This paper aims to focus on the necessity and benefits of updating a PHM with new samples generated in the process of model implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an updating scheme is presented and embedded into the entire cycle of PHM establishment, its application/implementation, and its updating. Next, a simulation evaluation is conducted based on a typical degradation model.

Findings

By updating a PHM using newly generated samples, the precision and reliability of residual life (RL) prediction can be improved, especially close to system failure.

Research limitations/implications

The current version of PHM is typically for non‐repairable systems or those systems only receiving renewal maintenance. Further research should focus on the inclusion of the effect of imperfect maintenance.

Practical implications

The updating scheme enables maintenance practitioners to more precisely and reliably predict the RL of an in‐operation system, and enhances further CBM decision making.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the necessity and benefits of updating a PHM using emerging new training resources, which has not received enough attention in existing research/practice of a PHM.
A study on the beam pattern of ultrasonic sensor integrated to textile structure
Authors: Kursun Bahadir Senem , Kalaoglu Fatma , Thomassey Sebastien , Cristian Irina , Koncar Vladan
Published: August 2011

Purpose

During the past decades, several researchers have introduced devices that use sonar systems to detect and/or to determine the object location or to measure the distance to an object using reflected sound waves. The purpose of this paper is to use sonar sensor with textile structure and to test it for detection of objects.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a sonar system based on intelligent textiles approach for detection of objects has been developed. In order to do this, ultrasonic sensor has been integrated to textile structures by using conductive yarns. Furthermore, an electronic circuit has been designed; PIC 16F877 microcontroller unit has been used to convert the measured signal to meaningful data and to assess the data. The algorithm enabling the objects detection has also been developed. Finally, smart textile structure integrated with ultrasonic sensor has been tested for detection of objects.

Findings

Beam shape is presented related to identified object and compared with the actual one given in sensor's datasheet in order to test the efficiency of the proposed method of detection. The achieved results showed that the determined beam pattern matches with the actual one given in its datasheet. Therefore, it can be concluded that the integration of sensor was successful.

Originality/value

This is the first time in the literature that a sonar sensor was integrated into textile structure and tested for detection of objects.
Greenhouse vegetable production in The Netherlands and Switzerland
Authors: Mann Stefan , Breukers Annemarie , Schweiger Jennifer , Mack Gabriele
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theory that is sufficiently adapted to sector competitiveness. The case of greenhouse vegetable production in The Netherlands and Switzerland is used to explain differences in sector competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews focusing on the fields of spatial planning, labor, energy supply, and market organization were carried out with stakeholders and producers in both countries and evaluated by Grounded Theory.

Findings

The work shows that the flexibility not only of producers, but also of the whole institutional framework in The Netherlands exceeds the flexibility on the Swiss side by far, which may be an important factor for explaining differences in competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The result that it is a basic difference in flexibility and adaptability that determines sector competitiveness is valid for the vegetable sector. It should be examined whether similar patterns can be found in other sectors.

Originality/value

The competitiveness discussion is transferred to a new economic level, namely the economic sector. Likewise, new answers are found in looking for explanations for differences in competitiveness.
Credit booms in the Caribbean
Authors: Howard Stacia , Lewis‐Bynoe Denny , Moore Winston
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Credit booms have frequently been identified as causes of financial crises. However, credit growth, and the supply of finance, in general, is intimately associated with economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to consider why Caribbean countries go through episodes of credit booms.

Design/methodology/approach

Two approaches are employed to identify credit booms. The first approach uses an ad hoc classification rule, while the second technique is based on a Markov‐switching vector autoregressive approach. To explain the number of credit boom episodes occurring over a particular period, a count data model is employed.

Findings

The results suggest that credit booms were more likely to occur during periods of low inflation, above trend economic growth, investment, money supply changes, and world growth. Relatively under‐developed financial systems as well as capital account liberalisation was also associated with the emergence of credit booms.

Research limitations/implications

It is also possible that bank‐specific factors (e.g. capital adequacy, share of non‐performing loans and bank competition) may also be important determinants of the emergence of credit booms. However, data on these variables were not available over the sample period.

Originality/value

The study provides an alternative approach to identifying credit booms. In addition, the potential role played by external factors and economic policy are also considered.
Real estate valuation, cognitive risk, and translational research
Authors: Wofford Larry , Troilo Michael , Dorchester Andrew
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to consider selected aspects of the relationship between real estate valuation, human cognition, and translational research. Its purpose is to introduce the concept of cognitive risk, to propose a framework for mitigating it, and to develop a stream of translational research to transfer knowledge to real estate valuers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes an interdisciplinary conceptual approach towards the development and study of cognitive risk, and its mitigation. It proposes to broaden the study of behavioral issues in real estate valuation beyond cognitive psychology to cognitive science, and also fields such as time studies and human failure, in order to identify and mitigate cognitive risk.

Findings

The paper offers a framework as a starting‐point for handling cognitive risk. It borrows the concept of translational research from medicine to discuss how basic theoretical knowledge may be communicated to real estate valuers to improve performance.

Originality/value

The paper's concept of cognitive risk and discussion of its mitigation will enrich behavioral real estate by introducing the wisdom of other fields such as cognitive science and time studies. These fields have much to say about managing the risk surrounding human cognition, and will be of both academic and practical value to the discipline of real estate valuation.
Using contingent valuation to measure property value impacts
Authors: Lipscomb Clifford
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the impact of a proposed biomass facility on prospective property values using the contingent valuation method.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a web‐based survey approach to measure respondents' reactions to two scenarios: one that describes the study area currently and another that also mentions the proposed biomass facility.

Findings

The paper found no statistically significant difference in the respondents' WTP for a house based on whether they read about the baseline scenario (no mention of the biomass plant) or the proposed biomass plant.

Research limitations/implications

The survey sampled males, younger people, and those with higher incomes relative to the county where the facility will be built. A few respondents, who were offered very low bids (5 percent and 15 percent of their current home value), may not have understood the question or were exhibiting strategic behavior.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that uses contingent valuation to measure property value impacts.
Do peer effects shape property values?
Authors: Des Rosiers François , Dubé Jean , Thériault Marius
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Both hedonics and the traditional sales comparison approach are derived from a similar paradigm with respect to how prices, hence market values, are determined. While the hedonic approach can provide reliable estimates of individual attributes' marginal contribution, it may – unlike the sales comparison approach – underestimate the prominent influence that surrounding properties exert on any given nearby housing unit and sale price. This paper seeks to develop a simple method for reconciling the two approaches within a rigorous conceptual and methodological framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Peer effect models, an analytical device developed, and mainly used, by labour economists, are adapted to the hedonic price equation so as to incorporate nearby properties' influences, thereby controlling for non‐observable neighbourhood effects. In addition to basic, intrinsic, building and land attributes, the ensuing model accounts for three types of effects, namely endogenous interactions effects (i.e. comparable sales influences, or peer effects), exogenous, or neighbourhood, effects and, finally, spatial autocorrelation effects.

Findings

Preliminary findings suggest that integrating peer effects in the hedonic equation allows bringing out the combined impacts of endogenous, exogenous and spatially correlated effects in the house price determination process, with spatial autocorrelation of model residuals being significantly reduced, even without resorting to a spatial autoregressive procedure.

Research limitations/implications

Further investigation is still needed in order to find out which submarket delineation should be used to obtain optimal model performances.

Originality/value

The paper leads to the conclusion that the comparable sales approach, as used in traditional appraisal practice, is valid, although its application is typically flawed by the too small sample size generally used by appraisers. Further investigation is still needed, however, in order to find out which submarket delineation should be used to obtain optimal model performances. This raises the paramount question as to whether the peer effect variable is adequately measured and addresses the tricky issue of kernel determination in spatial statistics and related applications, such as GWR.
How does private firms' investment respond to uncertainty?
Authors: Rashid Abdul
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the extent at which idiosyncratic and financial market uncertainty affect the UK private manufacturing firms' investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A firm‐level panel data covering the period from 1999 to 2008 drawn from the Financial Analysis Made Easy database was analyzed using the system‐generalized method of moments (GMM) technique to purge time‐invariant unobserved firm‐specific effects and to mitigate the potential endogeneity issues.

Findings

The results from the two‐step robust system‐GMM estimation indicate that firms significantly reduce their capital investment expenditures when uncertainty (measured by either form) increases. The findings also reveal that private firms' investment is more sensitive to idiosyncratic uncertainty than to financial market uncertainty. The results related to firm characteristics suggest that the firm‐specific variables such as debt‐to‐assets ratio, growth of sales and cash flow‐to‐assets ratio are also important in the determination of private firms' investment. The sensitivity analysis confirms that the findings are robust to an alternative method of estimation as well as to an alternative measure of idiosyncratic uncertainty.

Practical implications

The findings of the paper are useful for firms' investment decisions and authorities in designing effective fiscal and monetary policies.

Originality/value

The main value of this study is to investigate the effects of both idiosyncratic and financial market uncertainty on the investment decisions of private limited manufacturing firms.
Tourism branding and nation building in China
Authors: Scott Noel , Suwaree Ashton Ann , Ding Peiyi , Xu Honggang
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for nation branding based on the concepts of co‐branding and perceived fit, and to apply these concepts to discuss the type of nation brand that China may develop and how this brand relates to individual destinations through brand architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

Branding is a deliberate process applied to the shaping of a nation's image and reputation on the global stage, in the heightened global competition for ascendancy. The paper reviews selected literature of national identity and nation branding to identify models, techniques and prior research that informs nation branding. This paper examines national branding and nation building from the perspective of international tourism promotion and development.

Findings

The formation of the Chinese national identity is the result of a complicated historical progression, as well as current national aspirations, and the process of globalization and the introduction of the market system. Branding the nation in the globalised world is a strategy or tool in the competition for attention and wealth, as well as a tool of self‐affirmation. Nation brands are more complex to develop and less tangible than corporate brands.

Originality/value

The paper identifies that value of examining nation branding as a form of co‐branding, with the related concepts of perceived fit, brand architecture as well as existing techniques.
Segmenting destinations: in the eyes of the stakeholders
Authors: Tkaczynski Aaron , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to recommend a two‐step approach to destination segmentation that incorporates the views both of multiple stakeholders and of tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

Step one applies a case study approach incorporating semi‐structured interviews with 13 destination stakeholders. Step two involves segmenting tourists to the destination based on a questionnaire survey developed from the semi‐structured interviews. The study compares and contrasts the result with the current DMO approach.

Findings

The two‐step approach produces three segments for the destination under study using four segmentation bases and ten variables. The DMO approach also utilizes all four segmentation bases but produces six segments with five different variables. The DMO approach captures fewer tourists visiting the destination.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers one regional Australian destination. Future research is recommended in a range of alternative destinations to further understand the two‐step segmentation approach. It is recommended that the two‐step approach should be extended to destination branding and positioning.

Originality value

Segmentation guides positioning and branding strategies and the proposed two‐step approach may assist destination stakeholders to reach more of the types of tourists who are likely to visit the destination.
Sustainable tourism certification and state capacity: keep it local, simple, and fuzzy
Authors: Bowman Kirk S.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the state of sustainable tourism certification in developing countries and to present methodological and practical critiques and improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses methodological refinements of fuzzy logic and comparative analysis based on fieldwork in seven countries.

Findings

Sustainable tourism programs should be locally designed with local logos, largely performance‐based, and aggregation should be based on fuzzy logic concepts of necessary and jointly sufficient attributes of sustainable tourism.

Originality/value

The paper uses political science concepts of state capacity and methodological advances of fuzzy logic to provide keys for successful sustainable tourism certification programs in developing countries.
Conceptualization and anatomy of green destination brands
Authors: Insch Andrea
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the concept of green brands to destinations and to examine the application and limitations of green destination brands for nations adopting this positioning strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies characteristics of green destination brands, drawing on established concepts in corporate branding, destination branding and green marketing. The paper demonstrates the application and limitations of the concept through an in‐depth case study analysis of New Zealand's destination brand to explain the possibilities and problems of building green destination brands at a national level.

Findings

The findings suggest that a holistic, strategic approach to building a green destination brand which emphasizes and qualifies the green essence of a nation's brand is required to avoid the pitfalls, cynicism and criticisms of greenwashing.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings are embedded in the context studied – New Zealand's destination brand. Additional case studies at multiple levels – nations, regions, cities – would offer a rich database to gain a better understanding of the concept and the implications of green destination branding.

Practical implications

Barriers to executing a credible green destination brand position are identified and the implications for destination marketing organizations and their stakeholders are discussed.

Originality/value

A conceptualization of green destination brands is provided and the application and limitations of the concept are demonstrated through an in‐depth case study of a nation that has adopted this positioning strategy. Rather than taking a snapshot research approach, a historical perspective enabled the development of the destination's brand positioning strategy to be captured.
Tourist‐created content: rethinking destination branding
Authors: María Munar Ana
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between tourists' user‐generated content on the web and destination branding, as well as to discuss the online strategies used by destination management organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts an exploratory study of social media sites and destination brands, relying on qualitative research methods, content analysis and field research.

Findings

Tourists are largely contributing to destination image formation, while avoiding the use of the formal elements of the brands. The most popular strategies used by destination management organizations exhibit some crucial weaknesses. However, a strategy based on analytics brings new opportunities for destination branding.

Originality/value

The study provides an innovative analysis of tourist‐created content and its impact on destination branding and presents a theoretical model of generic web‐based strategies.
Building from scratch a marketing services giant by acquisition
Authors: Ghobadian Abby , O'Regan Nicholas
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Mergers and acquisitions are among the most intensely used strategic decisions. Yet research by both academics and consulting groups suggests that many mergers and acquisitions fail to add value. On the other hand there are many companies that successfully use mergers and acquisition to grow and add shareholder value. One such company is WPP. The aim of this paper is to explore why WPP has been successful in its acquisition strategy while so many other companies fail.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on documentary evidence and a semi‐structured interview with Sir Martin Sorrell – Chief Executive and founder of WPP.

Research limitations/implications

The case study offers a unique insight into thinking of a successful acquirer and sheds light on how mergers and acquisitions are managed by WPP. However, because of its design the findings are not generalisable.

Originality/value

This case study sheds light on how mergers and acquisitions can be used to create a £9 billion company from a standing start. Furthermore, very few case studies offer insight into the thinking of entrepreneurial Chief Executives who established the business, grew it to become the largest and most profitable marketing services company in the world and engineered close to 300 acquisitions.
Cross‐border financial surveillance: a network perspective
Authors: Espinosa‐Vega Marco A. , Solé Juan
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how network analysis can be used for effective cross‐border financial surveillance, which requires the monitoring of direct and indirect systemic linkages.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper illustrates how network analysis could make a significant contribution in this regard by simulating different credit and funding shocks to the banking systems of a number of selected countries. After that, the authors show that the inclusion of risk transfers could modify the risk profile of entire financial systems, and thus an enriched simulation algorithm able to account for risk transfers is proposed.

Findings

Finally, the authors discuss how some of the limitations of the simulations are a reflection of existing information and data gaps, and thus view these shortcomings as a call to improve the collection and analysis of data on cross‐border financial exposures.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the very few to take a cross‐border perspective on financial networks. It is also unique in accounting for risk transfers and in proposing a methodology to include the analysis (and monitoring) of risk transfers into a network model.
Stock demand curves and TARP returns
Authors: Wilson Linus
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if the US Treasury's at‐the‐market sales of 5.27 billion Citigroup shares in 2010 drove down the banks' share price. It attempts to use the evidence of Citigroup's stock returns to accept or reject competing hypotheses of larger stock sales.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a geometric Brownian motion model to test if there were abnormal returns at various points in the US Treasury's highly publicized stock sale that lasted from 26 April to 6 December 2010.

Findings

There was a weakly significant drop in the stock price at the announcement of the sale and a weakly significant rise in the stock price just after it ended. This is evidence that the demand curve for the stock had a negative slope.

Practical implications

The evidence from this study will influence policy makers and investors in the upcoming privatizations of large bailed‐out firms such as American International Group, Ally Financial, Chrysler, and General Motors. The evidence indicates that slow at‐the‐market sales may temporarily depress stock prices more than quicker, underwritten secondary offerings. Patient investors may experience modest abnormal returns from providing liquidity to the US Treasury as it privatizes its holdings.

Originality/value

This is the only paper to study the stock price impacts of the US Treasury's liquidation of its 27 percent stake in Citigroup in 2010. Because the stock sales were delegated to a third party and highly publicized, unlike most other large stock sales, the Citigroup privatization is an unprecedented opportunity to test if the demand curve for common stocks is perfectly elastic.
Ballarpur Industries Ltd: aligning marketing strategy in a turbulent environment
Authors: Thomas Joffi , Arora Ashok Pratap , Gupta Rajen K.
Published: August 2011

Subject area

Transforming a production-oriented firm into a marketing-oriented firm; aligning marketing strategy of local companies in globalizing emerging markets; creating sustainable competitive advantage.

Student level/applicability

Post graduate management courses in marketing management, strategic marketing, international marketing, business strategy.

Case overview

This case is about how the leader in the Indian paper industry, Ballarpur Industries Ltd (BILT), is proactively transforming a production-oriented firm to a marketing-oriented firm to compete in the globalizing emerging market scenario, in the wake of economic liberalisation. It requires the participants to evaluate the impact of marketing initiatives made, and align BILT's marketing strategy to leverage it's strengths and help create sustainable competitive advantage.

Expected learning outcomes

To understand the need for local companies in emerging markets to proactively align marketing strategy to build competitive advantage in the globalizing industry.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Adult exposure influences offspring response to ocean acidification in oysters
Authors: Parker Laura M. , Ross Pauline M. , O'Connor Wayne A. , Borysko Larissa , Raftos David A. , Pörtner Hans‐Otto
Published: August 2011

It is essential to predict the impact of elevated Pco2 on marine organisms and habitats to anticipate the severity and consequences of future ocean chemistry change. Despite the importance of carry‐over effects in the evolutionary history of marine organisms, few studies have considered links between life‐history stages when determining how marine organisms will respond to elevated Pco2, and none have considered the link between adults and their offspring. Herein, we exposed adults of wild and selectively bred Sydney rock oysters, Saccostrea glomerata to elevated Pco2 during reproductive conditioning and measured the development, growth and survival response of their larvae. We found that elevated Pco2 had a negative impact on larvae of S. glomerata causing a reduction in growth, rate of development and survival. Exposing adults to elevated Pco2 during reproductive conditioning, however, had positive carry‐over effects on larvae. Larvae spawned from adults exposed to elevated Pco2 were larger and developed faster, but displayed similar survival compared with larvae spawned from adults exposed to ambient Pco2. Furthermore, selectively bred larvae of S. glomerata were more resilient to elevated Pco2 than wild larvae. Measurement of the standard metabolic rate (SMR) of adult S. glomerata showed that at ambient Pco2, SMR is increased in selectively bred compared with wild oysters and is further increased during exposure to elevated Pco2. This study suggests that sensitive marine organisms may have the capacity to acclimate or adapt to elevated Pco2 over the next century and a change in energy turnover indicated by SMR may be a key process involved.