bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anglo American platinum South Africa: strategic renewal in a declining industry
Authors: Sichone Mbanza , Lew Charlene 
Published: August 2021

Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes are as follows: to demonstrate the phenomenon of strategic inertia in organizations and the impact this has on the type of renewal process that is undertaken; to differentiate between environmental and organizational adaptation strategies and synergies; to apply practical steps of renewal by outlining the influential forces and distinct stages of the process; and to create a practical framework that organizations can use as a guideline for sensing and reacting to changes in the business environment.

Case overview/synopsis
The case study examines the strategic renewal processes of Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) for the period 2012–2019. Amplats is the world’s largest producer of platinum group metals (PGMs). Despite the adversarial business environment of the South African PGM mining industry, six years into its new strategy, the organization had emerged debt-free and was poised to be sustainable. This posed a unique dilemma in strategic decision-making, namely, how to maintain a strategic renewal process. Chris Griffith, CEO of Amplats, was about to retire, but realized that the organization had yet to fulfil its potential. The ambition of the organization was to redefine the industry benchmark for performance across multiple pillars of value for different stakeholders, and to become the most valued mining company by 2023. Set in 2019, the case invites students to look back at the symptoms of strategic inertia at the time of Griffith’s appointment as CEO, and to define the nature and stages of the renewal that the organization underwent. This will provide insights that will enable an examination of the application of a framework for continual strategic renewal.

Complexity academic level
Postgraduate business students

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy
“Good-looking step” in “bad direction” – RBI Internal Working Group proposal
Authors: Saldanha Avil , Aranha Rekha 
Published: August 2021

Learning outcomes
After discussing this case, the authors expect that the students will have the following learnings: critically analyse the latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) banking proposal, which was proposed by the Internal Working Group (IWG) in November 2020. Understand concepts such as connected lending, crony capitalism and financial crisis. Have a basic idea about the Banking Regulations Act, 1949 and regulatory framework in the Indian banking sector.

Case overview/synopsis
This case is an analysis of the recent RBI proposal on banking regulations in India. The authors have referred secondary data in terms of published papers by stalwarts and experts in the banking and economics field. This case analyses the pros and cons of the IWG proposal to RBI governing body. The case also touches upon interesting banking and macroeconomics concepts. What makes this case interesting is that RBI is open to receive comments from all the stakeholders till January 2021.

Complexity academic level
Applicable to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying banking and finance specialisation in commerce and business management streams.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Releasing prisoners during COVID-19: the impact of the support for the early release, perceived insecurity and political orientation on attitudes towards released prisoners in Portugal
Authors: Lopes Paula Cristina , Pinto Isabel Rocha , Marques José Mendes , Bobowik Magdalena 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This study aims to examine how prisoners’ early release affects other citizens’ perceived insecurity and their attitudes towards those released prisoners, and how citizens’ political orientation influences these variables.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 383 Portuguese participants were presented with a recommendation from the United Nations for the release of prisoners because of COVID-19 and then asked to fill in a questionnaire measuring their political orientation, support for the early release of prisoners, perceived insecurity regarding such measure and their attitudes towards the released prisoners.

Findings
Results showed that support for the release of prisoners during COVID-19 is associated with perceived insecurity and both, in turn, predicts inclusive attitudes regarding these prisoners, while only perceived insecurity is associated with an agreement with an intensification of social control measures. Right-wing participants were found to express the negative side. The more participants felt insecure, the more they believed released prisoners should not have the same rights as common citizens and the more they should be left out of the community.

Research limitations/implications
The major limitation of this study concerns the sample: the authors collected answers from Portuguese participants exclusively, most of which held a university degree.

Practical implications
At least two major implications can be drawn from this study’s results. These implications deal with prisoners’ entrance in what can be considered a cycle of exclusion and the promotion of their social reintegration once they are released from prison.

Social implications
The findings point out the necessity to firstly put an effort in deconstructing the insecurity perception that results from the prospective of having prisoners back into society – that is to understand why it happens and how it can be reduced – promoting efficacy in the inclusion of these prisoners and preventing the emergence of controlling or protective approaches directed to these individuals in their return to society by enhancing people’s awareness that the social reintegration of ex-prisoners will benefit the whole community.

Originality/value
The authors present a different perspective of the impact that managing COVID-19 in prisons has on society.
Epistemic beliefs and internet reliance – is algorithmic authority part of the picture?
Authors: Ståhl Tore , Sormunen Eero , Mäkinen Marita 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The internet and search engines dominate within people’s information acquisition, especially among the younger generations. Given this trend, this study aims to explore if information and communication technology (ICT) practices, internet reliance and views of knowledge and knowing, i.e. epistemic beliefs, interact with each other. Everyday practices and conceptions among beginning undergraduate students are studied as a challenge for higher education.

Design/methodology/approach
The study builds upon survey-based quantitative data operationalising students’ epistemic beliefs, their internet reliance and their ICT practices. The survey items were used to compute subscales describing these traits, and the connections were explored using correlations analysis.

Findings
The results suggest that the more beginning undergraduate students rely on internet-based information, the more they are inclined to epistemic beliefs where knowledge is regarded as certain, unchanging, unambiguous and as being handed down by some authority.

Research limitations/implications
The approach used in the study applies to the sample used, and further research is required to test the applicability of the approach on larger samples.

Practical implications
The study highlights the risk of everyday information practices being transferred into the educational context.

Social implications
Ignorance of these changes may pose a risk for knowledge building on different educational levels and in a longer perspective, a threat to democracy.

Originality/value
While there is some research on epistemic beliefs in relation to internet-based information, studies approaching the problem over a possible connection between epistemic beliefs and internet reliance are scarce. In addition, this study implies a conceptual bridge between epistemic beliefs and internet reliance over the concept of algorithmic authority.
Effect of digital banking-related customer experience on banks’ financial performance during Covid-19: a perspective from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Nhung Thi Hong , Kim-Duc Nguyen , Freiburghaus Teresa Lien 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This study aims to investigate customer experience (CE) and its relationship with intermediate variables to analyze the impact of digital banking (DB) on banks’ financial performance (FP) before Covid-19 and during the lockdown in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach
These research data are from a survey of Vietnamese customers. The survey was deployed to a sample of 238 and 218 customers of 20 Vietnamese commercial banks via email in 2018Q4 and 2020Q2, respectively. FP is measured using banks’ quarterly financial statements before Covid-19 and during the lockdown.

Findings
CE with DB had a significant and positive impact on FP via customer satisfaction before Covid-19, while the other two intermediate variables (word-of-mouth [WoM] and trust) had no considerable impact. During the lockdown, only WoM had a positive impact on FP. These findings indicate that before Covid-19, when customers could easily interact with their bank through many touchpoints, customer satisfaction with DB services created higher FP for the bank. However, during the lockdown, DB became the customer’s main touchpoint and WoM mediated the CE–FP relationship.

Originality/value
During the national lockdown from the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020, customers in Vietnam may have had different experiences with DB when no alternate modes of payment were available. The study uses Covid-19 as a moderator variable to offer different viewpoints and findings related to CE with DB and its impact on FP.
Mapping the intellectual structure of business-to-business loyalty literature: a bibliometric analysis approach
Authors: Kittur Prathamesh , Chatterjee Swagato , Upadhyay Amit 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis study aims to identify evolution and advancement in the field of business-to-business (B2B) loyalty knowledge area by analyzing its intellectual structure.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use bibliometric analysis for quantitative evaluation of scholarly studies published on B2B loyalty area over a period of 27 years (1993–2020). The authors analyze intellectual knowledge base of B2B loyalty area by looking into 263 studies with 14,028 references authored by 693 researchers.FindingsThe results provide a comprehensive review of B2B loyalty area by identifying its foundations, influential works and intellectual communication linkage between these works. Notably, the analysis reveals most cited studies, key authors, important keywords, intellectual turning points and emerging trends of research in the discipline.Research limitations/implicationsThis study creates a baseline for presenting precise and comprehensive insights into research themes in B2B loyalty area, and identifies progressive trends over a period. This study is also helpful for researchers in identifying future directions of research in the discipline.Originality/valueThis study reveals the intellectual structure of B2B loyalty area.
How core, technical and social components of business relationship value drive customer satisfaction and loyalty in high tech B2B market
Authors: Sharma Neeru 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate to what extent core, technical and social components of relationship value influence customer satisfaction and loyalty in the high technology business to business (B2B) markets.Design/methodology/approachSeven attributes of a high-technology buyer-seller relationship are identified representing the core, technical and social nature of relationship value. A conceptual model is proposed in which customer satisfaction mediates between the relationship value components and the two aspects of customer loyalty – attitudinal and behavioural. The empirical study is conducted in India employing 127 high technology customers. Structural equation modelling and path analysis is used to test the hypothesized linkages and examine the impact of different components.FindingsTechnical and social components of value influence customer satisfaction to a greater extent than the core components. Whilst behavioural loyalty is more driven by core components, attitudinal loyalty is more influenced by the social component. Satisfaction mediates the links between relationship value components and the two aspects of loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could test the modelled linkages in different countries and using larger samples and investigate the supplier perspective.Practical implicationsThe paper provides useful implications for high tech product suppliers to improve their relationship with their customers. Suppliers must develop collaborative product/technology development projects and explore opportunities for personal relationships/rapport building with their customers, whilst delivering a quality product at a competitive price.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper is the first in B2B literature to provide an insight of how the different components of relationship value vary in influencing satisfaction and loyalty in a high technology B2B buyer-seller relationship.
The role of entrepreneurial families in entrepreneurial ecosystems: the family social capital approach
Authors: Benavides-Salazar Claudia , Iturrioz-Landart Cristina , Aragón-Amonarriz Cristina , Ibañez-Romero Asunción 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate how entrepreneurial families (EFs) influence the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) by using the family social capital (FSC) approach.

Design/methodology/approach
For this paper, the authors analyzed the Manizales EE as a case study. The authors used a variety of data collection procedures, including in-depth interviews with 26 entrepreneurs and mentors.

Findings
The authors established how EFs affect EE development, identifying how the FSC bridging mechanisms impact the EE’s social and cultural attributes, boosting entrepreneurial dynamics.

Originality/value
The results indicated the relevance of EFs’ embeddedness and the degree of the FSC institutionalization in promoting of entrepreneurship within the EEs.
How auditor locality affects audit report timeliness
Authors: Bazrafshan Ameneh , Dehghani Madise Simin 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Despite extensive research on the determinates of audit report timeliness, there is limited empirical evidence on the effect of auditor locality on audit report timeliness. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between auditor locality and audit report timeliness. Furthermore, this study investigates the moderating roles of audit committee, corporate governance and auditor quality in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the information of 157 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during the period 2013–2019 has been collected. Moreover, multivariate linear regressions were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings
Findings show that in general, there is no significant relationship between auditor locality and audit report timeliness. However, empirical evidence suggests that in companies with specialized audit committees, strong corporate governance and high-quality auditors, auditor locality improves audit report timeliness.

Originality/value
Overall, the results indicate that there are some circumstances in which auditor locality affects the audit report timeliness. Specifically, the association of auditor locality and audit report timeliness is conditional to audit committee, corporate governance and auditor quality.
The “hard, relentless, never-ending” work of focusing on discharge: a qualitative study of managers' perspectives
Authors: Kreindler Sara A. , Hastings Stephanie , Mallinson Sara , Brierley Meaghan , Birney Arden , Tarraf Rima , Winters Shannon , Johnson Keir , Nicholson Leah , Anwar Mohammed Rashidul , Aboud Zaid 
Published: August 2021

PurposeInterventions to hasten patient discharge continue to proliferate despite evidence that they may be achieving diminishing returns. To better understand what such interventions can be expected to accomplish, the authors aim to critically examine their underlying program theory.Design/methodology/approachWithin a broader study on patient flow, spanning 10 jurisdictions across Western Canada, the authors conducted in-depth interviews with 300 senior, middle and frontline managers; 174 discussed discharge initiatives. Using thematic analysis informed by a Realistic Evaluation lens, the authors identified the mechanisms by which discharge activities were believed to produce their impacts and the strategies and context factors necessary to trigger the intended mechanisms.FindingsManagers' accounts suggested a common program theory that applied to a wide variety of discharge initiatives. The chief mechanism was inculcation of a sharp focus on discharge; reinforcing mechanisms included development of shared understanding and a sense of accountability. Participants reported that these mechanisms were difficult to produce and sustain, requiring continual active management and repeated (re)introduction of interventions. This reflected a context in which providers, already overwhelmed with competing demands, were unlikely to be able (or perhaps even willing) to sustain a focus on this particular aspect of care.Originality/valueThe finding that “discharge focus” emerged as the core mechanism of discharge interventions helps to explain why such initiatives may be achieving limited benefit. There is a need for interventions that promote timely discharge without relying on this highly problematic mechanism.
Non-linear relationship of board size and board independence with firm performance – evidence from India
Authors: Potharla Srikanth , Amirishetty Balachandram 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis study aims to examine the significance of the non-linear relationship of board size and board independence on the financial performance of listed non-financial firms in India.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws the sample of the listed non-financial firm in the Indian market from the year 2011–2018 and applied panel least squares regression with and without industry fixed effects on the model with quadratic equation. Quantile regression is also used to test the robustness of the results. The financial performance is measured through one accounting measure (i.e. return on assets [ROA]) and one market-based measure (i.e. Tobin’s Q). The empirical model also controls firm-specific variables which are expected to have an impact on financial performance.FindingsThe study found that the relationship of board size and board independence with the financial performance of a firm is in a non-linear inverted U-shape. The results are qualitatively similar for both ROA and Tobin’s Q after controlling industry fixed effects.Originality/valueThis is the first study in India which tests the non-linear relationship of board size and board independence with the financial performance of the firm. The study contributes to the limited literature on the implications of board characteristics on the performance of the firms in India.
Technology, market change and the privatisation of communications in Britain
Authors: Smith Edward A. 
Published: August 2021

PurposeWhat are the trade-offs between public and private ownership in the business and how does this impact industries responsible for providing and offering services on critical national infrastructure? The privatisation of British Telecom (BT), the UK telecommunications provider that was initially part of the British Post Office, is used to explore this question. By broadening the business perspective beyond the political goals and economic consequences of privatisation; this study aims to approach management history provides new perspectives of the benefits and challenges offered by both public and private ownership.Design/methodology/approachTo fulfil its purpose, this paper examines how the UK telecommunications incumbent proactively adapted from being an organisation shaped by its unique position within the public sector, to one embracing the challenges offered by the private sector. The analysis is synthesised by linking an understanding of the customer’s requirements, services and technology with surveys of the secondary literature, supported where applicable by archival material, combining perspectives from authors both within the organisation and external to it. Sources include specialist and more general academic material and contemporary and reflective publications from practising engineers and managers; supplemented by material held at the BT Archives and the Guildhall Library in London. It links the debate on ownership to the evolution of the market under study and provides a balanced view across the business, its market, competition and technology.FindingsThe arguments surrounding public or private ownership, are complex, in particular, it is difficult to separate effects due to liberalisation and privatisation. Whilst the former provided the impetus for beneficial change, the latter reduced the level of detrimental entanglement with government policy and enabled the technology and structural changes that took the market forward.Originality/valueA new and balanced view of the privatisation of BT is taken, with an emphasis on how the company needed to change to thrive in a liberalised market, noting how technological change both required organisational change and enabled it. In contrast to many studies, the emphasis is on what was driving the organisation rather than the policy of privatisation and its effectiveness.
Multiple reproductive strategies of a spring ephemeral plant, Fritillaria maximowiczii, enable its adaptation to harsh environments
Authors: Tong Ling , Lei Feng‐Wei , Wu Yuan‐Mi , Shen Xue‐Li , Xia Xiao‐Fei , Zhang De‐Huai , Mu Xian‐Yun , Zhang Zhi‐Xiang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSpring ephemeral plants that experience harsh environments have developed specific reproductive characteristics. These characteristics are of great importance to the survival and reproduction of these species, particularly for rare and endangered plants. Fritillaria is a genus consisting of spring ephemeral plants with significant medicinal and ornamental value whose wild resources are highly threatened and whose reproductive characteristics and adaptative evolutionary mechanisms are still not well understood. Fritillaria maximowiczii is positioned at the most basal clade on the Fritillaria phylogenetic tree, whose reproductive characteristics remain obscure. In this study, we report the flowering dynamics, pollination biology and breeding system of F. maximowiczii. The flowering process of F. maximowiczii can be divided into seven stages. Based on the pollen/ovule ratio, the outcrossing index and a field pollination experiment on a natural population, F. maximowiczii showed high levels of outcrossing and self‐compatibility. Three types of pollinators were observed: two kinds of bumblebees, and spiders. Diverse herkogamy and dichogamy may have considerably improved its reproductive success rate. Furthermore, a special reproductive mode not previously reported in wild populations of Fritillaria, apomixis, was strongly suspected based on a high fruit setting rate (36.84%). Our study suggests F. maximowiczii has developed multiple reproductive strategies to adapt to harsh environments and ensure population reproduction, and the diverse reproductive mechanisms may be related to its primitive phylogenetic position in the genus. This study not only broadens our understanding of mechanisms of ecological adaptation in spring ephemeral plants but also provides key data for the conservation of Fritillaria.