bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility and independent employee representation: an ethical contradiction?
Authors: Ryan Lorraine , Turner Thomas 
Published: November 2020

PurposeMany familiar global corporations have well-developed corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies that enunciate socially caring values that include the dignity and well-being of their employees. Yet opposition to independent employee voice from companies with trumpeted CSR credentials indicates an uncomfortable contradiction between rhetoric and reality in the treatment of employees as valued stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to explore these contradictions using the lens of a libertarian tradition.Design/methodology/approachThe CSR statements of three companies are examined to provide the context for their espoused values towards employees. Media, trade union and academic publications on each of the companies are then considered to identify systematic evidence of anti-union practices.FindingsThe paper illustrates the paradox of companies with espoused CSR policies advocating the dignity and well-being of their employees with often explicit coercive anti-union practices. These practices are a constraint on the negative freedom/liberty of employees in the libertarian tradition and amount to unethical behaviour on the part of the firm.Originality/valueThe paper offers important insights into the disconnection common in many firms between normative ethical claims in CSR statements to treat employees as valued legitimate stakeholders and the reality in the workplace.
Assessing entrepreneurial competences: insights from a business model challenge
Authors: Bolzani Daniela , Luppi Elena 
Published: November 2020

PurposeWhile the number of entrepreneurship education programmes offered around the world is on the rise, research into the assessment of entrepreneurship education programmes is still lacking. The purpose of this paper is to take the stance that entrepreneurship education has to focus on a set of transversal competences aimed at teaching individuals to become more enterprising, and develop a framework and practical proposal for the teaching and assessment of entrepreneurial competences.Design/methodology/approachThe authors followed a three-pronged research design. First, the authors reviewed the literature and practices on the definition of entrepreneurial competences and measures for their assessment and identified a rubric of competences and a set of assessment tools. Second, the authors tested the identified tools to assess entrepreneurial competences through the development of an intensive extra-curricular initiative on entrepreneurship based on a business model challenge. Third, the authors evaluated the outcomes of this experience based on 72 student pre-test and post-test survey responses.FindingsThe authors assessed the impact of participation in a business model challenge with regard to five competence areas: positive attitude and initiative; communication and interaction; team-work and collaboration; critical and analytical thinking or problem solving, including risk assessment; creativity and innovation. The authors found no relevant changes across these dimensions, concluding that the mere exposure to the business challenge was not a sufficient condition for stimulating the development of entrepreneurial competences in our sample.Originality/valueThis work provides a relevant contribution to researchers, educators and policymakers by taking an interdisciplinary approach to reviewing previous literature and proposing ways of assessing transversal competences in the context of entrepreneurship education.
Pedagogical innovation in higher education and active learning methodologies – a case study
Authors: Carvalho Andreia , Teixeira Sergio Jesus , Olim Leonilde , Campanella Sancha de , Costa Teresa 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe aim of this study is to obtain a broader knowledge of innovative pedagogical practices in higher education, by analysing the particular case of the Higher Institute of Administration and Languages (ISAL). The literature review reveals a gap in this scientific field, and filling this gap is as imperative as the need to articulate higher education with the Students' Profile by the End of Compulsory Schooling.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a qualitative methodological approach, in order to analyse the students and teachers' perceptions of the active learning methodologies implemented at ISAL. Data were collected from a closed-ended questionnaire, aimed at a population composed of students and teachers.FindingsThe literature review reveals a gap in this scientific field, particularly in Portugal. Filling this gap is as imperative as the need to articulate higher education with the Students' Profile by the End of Compulsory Schooling.Practical implicationsWith the adoption of this methodological approach, this research intends to verify not only whether the innovative pedagogical practices addressed in the literature review are implemented in this institution, but also to identify obstacles to their implementation. With regard to the results, several pedagogical innovation practices are already implemented, even though some limitations to their implementation are identified.Originality/valueThis research allows identifying indicators that are essential to outline an intervention plan in the pedagogical practices implemented at ISAL or other higher education institutions and contributes to assessing the current state of pedagogical practices in higher education.
Analysis of the channeling of water injection in low permeability reservoirs with interlayer considering the seepage–stress coupling
Authors: Youjun Ji , Vafai K. , Xu Huijin , Jianjun Liu 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to establish a mathematical model for water-flooding considering the impact of fluid–solid coupling to describe the process of development for a low-permeability reservoir. The numerical simulation method was used to analyze the process of injected water channeling into the interlayer.

Design/methodology/approach
Some typical cores including the sandstone and the mudstone were selected to test the permeability and the stress sensitivity, and some curves of the permeability varying with the stress for the cores were obtained to demonstrate the sensitivity of the formation. Based on the experimental results and the software Eclipse and Abaqus, the main injection parameters to reduce the amount of the injected water in flowing into the interlayer were simulated.

Findings
The results indicate that the permeability of the mudstone is more sensitive to the stress than sandstone. The injection rate can be as high as possible on the condition that no crack is activated or a new fracture is created in the development. For the B82 block of Daqing oilfield, the suggested pressure of the production pressure should be around 1–3MPa, this pressure must be gradually reached to get a higher efficiency of water injection and avoid damaging the casing.

Originality/value
This work is beneficial to ensure stable production and provide technical support to the production of low permeability reservoirs containing an interlayer.
Water efficiency in Malaysian commercial buildings: a green initiative and cost–benefit approach
Authors: Mohd Zaini Farhana , Kwong Qi Jie , Jack Lynne Barbara 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe demand for potable water increases with population growth, given its role in sustaining life. As part of a wider approach to ensuring sustainable provision, this has prompted a number of carefully formulated water efficiency improvement plans for buildings, one of the highest water-consuming sectors. This paper presents a detailed analysis of water efficiency potential for a multi-storey commercial complex and an office building in central Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a detailed analysis of the water use and efficiency of the water fittings was carried out. Important data such as historical water use and details of water fittings were acquired during a field survey. A series of water flow rate tests were conducted at the selected buildings and each of the water systems was analysed separately, using the criteria of water efficiency stipulated by a locally applied green building tool. A comparison of water consumption before and after the improvement plan was then made.FindingsFindings from the field surveys indicate that only some of the water fittings were certified with recognised efficiency ratings, which suggests a good opportunity for improvement. The proposed replacement of more-efficient fittings could potentially improve the obtainable green credit points by at least 10 from a maximum of 15. A cost–benefit analysis for a water fitting replacement scheme shows that the estimated payback period is less lengthy for the larger commercial building due to the higher potential savings.Practical implicationsStrategies for improvements in water efficiency for existing non-residential buildings are provided in this paper. The same water consumption analysis procedure can be used by maintenance engineers and other practitioners in building assessments where water efficiency and sustainability in building operation are of concern.Originality/valueThis case study responds to the need for efficient use of freshwater and provides insight into the water efficiency opportunities for commercial buildings. The potential cost savings for replacements of inefficient water fittings have been analysed using a green building tool as a guide. This has not been extensively analysed in previous studies.
A critical review and reconstruction of perceptual brand equity
Authors: Tasci Asli D.A. 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to: distinguish between financial brand equity and perceptual brand equity; distinguish among different stakeholder perspectives on customer-based brand equity, consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) (consumer, customer, employee and resident); contrast the original definitions and measures of CBBE by Aaker and Keller; identify the deviations from the original conceptualizations and measures of CBBE by Aaker and Keller; discuss the evolution of the most commonly used CBBE components; analyze the structural relations of the most common CBBE components and generate conceptual, structural, relational and methodological suggestions for future research.Design/methodology/approachThis critical review conducted a narrative analysis of the perceptual brand equity literature (CBBE) by inventorying about 200 empirical and conceptual CBBE studies in several different contexts. Studies that included CBBE, brand equity, customer-based brand equity and consumer-based brand equity were included in this review. Only 87 representative studies that either conceptually defined or empirically measured CBBE and its components were included in the deep analysis.FindingsThe review revealed that the literature is divergent in terms of CBBE components or structural relations among components in any context including tourism and hospitality. Even though about 40 different CBBE components exist in different contexts, the totality of the CBBE literature reflects a consensus on five components of CBBE, brand familiarity/brand awareness, brand image/brand associations, perceived quality, consumer value and brand loyalty, all of which collectively define the total meanings of a brand from consumer/customer perspective.Research limitations/implicationsKeeping these five components intact, this study suggests a concise CBBE definition, conceptual clarifications for these components, a model reflecting their structural relations and a framework of parsimonious measures. The study makes future research recommendations in terms of using uniform CBBE components, measures and relational structure among components, identifying the relationship between CBBE and financial-based brand equity and comparing different stakeholder perspectives on CBBE in future research.Originality/valueWith these observations and suggestions, this critical review provides a guideline for more robust theory development of the CBBE construct. Additionally, it offers a parsimonious and practical CBBE blueprint for the practitioners who include CBBE as a strategic market metric in their marketing and research plans. Furthermore, it suggests standardization in CBBE research to enable systematic reviews with meta-analysis of the CBBE literature in the future. Using standard components, measures and relational models in CBBE research, as was suggested in this study, would allow meta-analysis for a meaningful comparison of results between different brands, products and even industries.
Heat transfer modeling within the microclimate between 3D human body and clothing: effects of ventilation openings and fire intensity
Authors: Tian Miao , Li Jun 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the effect of ventilation openings and fire intensity on heat transfer and fluid flow within the microclimate between 3D human body and clothing.Design/methodology/approachOn account of interaction effects of fire and ventilation openings on heat transfer process, a 3D transient computational fluid dynamics model considering the real shape of human body and clothing was developed. The model was validated by comparing heat flux history and distribution with experimental results. Heat transfer modes and fluid flow were investigated under three levels of fire intensity for the microclimate with ventilation openings and closures.FindingsTemperature distribution on skin surface with open microclimate was heavily depended on the heat transfer through ventilation openings. Higher temperature for the clothing with confined microclimate was affected by the position and direction of flames injection. The presence of openings contributed to the greater velocity at forearms, shanks and around neck, which enhanced the convective heat transfer within microclimate. Thermal radiation was the dominant heat transfer mode within the microclimate for garment with closures. On the contrary, convective heat transfer within microclimate for clothing with openings cannot be neglected.Practical implicationsThe findings provided fundamental supports for the ease and pattern design of the improved thermal protective systems, so as to realize the optimal thermal insulation of the microclimate on the garment level in the future.Originality/valueThe outcomes broaden the insights of results obtained from the mesoscale models. Different high skin temperature distribution and heat transfer modes caused by thermal environment and clothing structure provide basis for advanced thermal protective clothing design.
Improving peer-to-peer accommodation service based on text analytics
Authors: Lee Carmen Kar Hang , Tse Ying Kei 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to identify key service attributes in peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation from online reviews and formulate service improvement strategies based on the unsatisfactory service encounters mined from the reviews.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology involves topic modelling using latent Dirichlet allocation, sentiment analysis and process analysis based on process chain network (PCN).FindingsThe text analytics results showed that negative P2P accommodation experiences are caused by the lack of hot water for shower, poor sleep quality and unpleasant check-in.Research limitations/implicationsThe PCN analysis shows that the surrogate interactions of the P2P accommodation platform with both the guest and the host impact consumer experiences. This highlights that the key to managing consumer experiences lies in the non-human resources such as information, rather than direct interactions between process entities.Practical implicationsThe information on the P2P accommodation platform should be in a more interactive format such as video and 360 degrees camera. Hosts should ensure a good condition of the physical products such as water heaters and beds before guests' arrival. Professional videography and handyperson services should be provided by the platform to help hosts deliver a preferred consumer experience. Flexible and strict check-in polices should also be introduced to smoothen the check-in process.Originality/valueThis study is built on multi-attribute utility theory. It is also one of the first to study P2P accommodation services from an operations management perspective. It demonstrates how text analytics serves as an additional supplement for service improvement.
The country context in Triple-A supply chains: an advanced PLS–SEM research study in emerging vs developed countries
Authors: Machuca José A.D. , Marin-Garcia Juan A. , Alfalla-Luque Rafaela 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis paper analyzes whether the Triple-A supply chain (SC)–competitive advantage (CA) relationship is influenced by the country context and considers the case of emerging vs developed countries. Any differences in the importance of the three Triple-A SC dimensions (agility, adaptability and alignment) and a potential synergy effect among them when pursuing CA are also analyzed.Design/methodology/approachPartial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method is applied to an international multiple informant sample of 304 manufacturing plants in nine developed and five emerging countries.FindingsA significant positive relationship is found between the Triple-A SC and CA in the full sample and in the two separate samples of emerging and developed countries, which is more intense in the emerging countries. For the same samples, it is also concluded that (1) there are no significant differences in the importance of SC adaptability (SC-Ad), SC agility (SC-Ag) and SC alignment (SC-Al) as levers in the Triple-A SC–CA relationship and (2) a synergy effect among the Triple-A SC dimensions when pursuing CA is not supported.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study brings new evidence to the previous research on Triple-A SC and its relationship with CA in different country contexts. For managers, this work (1) shows that Triple A should be considered in the design of global SCs irrespective of the country context and (2) offers a first approach for determining the Triple-A SC levers that must be taken into consideration when pursuing a CA.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to Triple-A SC theory development. It is the first research study that analyzes the effect of the country context on the Triple-A SC–CA relationship and the importance of each of the Triple-A SC dimensions and their possible synergy effect when pursuing CA using a multiinformant international sample taken from different country contexts.
Differentiation strategies for defence supply chain design
Authors: Ekström Thomas , Hilletofth Per , Skoglund Per 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
Defence supply chains (SCs) aim at operational outcomes, and armed forces depend on them to provide availability and preparedness in peace and sustainability in war. Previous research has focussed on strategies for SCs aiming at financial outcomes. This raises the question of how suitable commercial supply chain strategies (SCSs) are for supply chain design (SCD) in defence. The purpose of this paper is to explain the constructs of SCSs that satisfy military operational requirements and to propose SCSs that are appropriate in defence.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper reports on a Delphi study with 20 experts from Swedish defence authorities. Through three Delphi rounds, two workshops and a validation round, these experts contributed to the reported findings.

Findings
The findings demonstrate that commercial SC constructs are acceptable and applicable in defence but not sufficient. An additional strategy is required to satisfy requirements on availability, preparedness and sustainability. The paper shows that different requirements in peace and war make it challenging to design suitable defence SCs and proposes eight SCSs that satisfy these requirements.

Research limitations/implications
The results emanate from the Swedish defence context and further research is required for generalisation.

Originality/value
This paper extends theory by investigating SCs aiming at operational outcomes. For managers in companies and defence authorities, it explicates how the unique issues in defence must influence SCD to satisfy operational requirements.
Industrial growth in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from machine learning with insights from nightlight satellite images
Authors: Otchia Christian , Asongu Simplice 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis study uses machine machine learning techniques to assess industrial development in Africa.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses nightlight time data and machine learning techniques to assess industrial development in Africa.FindingsThis study provides evidence on how machine learning techniques and nightlight data can be used to assess economic development in places where subnational data are missing or not precise. Taken together, the research confirms four groups of important determinants of industrial growth: natural resources, agriculture growth, institutions and manufacturing imports. Our findings indicate that Africa should follow a more multisector approach for development, putting natural resources and agriculture productivity growth at the forefront.Originality/valueStudies on the use of machine learning (with insights from nightlight satellite images) to assess industrial development in Africa are sparse.
Financial statement comparability and corporate investment efficiency
Authors: Alhadi Ahmed , Habib Ahsan , Taylor Grantley , Hasan Mostafa , Al-Yahyaee Khamis 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relation between financial statement comparability and corporate investment efficiency of a large sample of US firms.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a large sample of US-listed firms from 1981 to 2013. The authors use several econometric methods including ordinary least square, firms fixed effects and mediation effects regression. Sensitivity tests that include the use of alternative measures of both the dependent and independent variables provide results that are consistent with the authors’ baseline model results.

Findings
The authors find that financial statement comparability mitigates risks associated with both under-investment and over-investment. They also find that product market competition mediates the relation between financial statement comparability and investment efficiency. The authors consider this to be a function of a competitive environment, whereby firms normally disclose less private information. This in turn reduces the effect of financial statement comparability on investment efficiency. Conversely, where there are higher levels of product market competition, it is less likely that firms will under-invest. Their results are consistent with these predictions.

Originality/value
The authors contribute to this growing field of research by providing evidence that financial statement comparability does in fact improve firms’ investment efficiency. Findings enhance our understanding of the relation between investment efficiency and financial statement comparability which is likely to have flow-on effects in terms of financial reporting quality and firm value. This study also contributes to research that links agency theory to financial statement comparability through an analysis of moral hazard and adverse selection tenets, and how it leads to reduced levels of investment inefficiency in a firm.