bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving check-in (C/I) process: an application of the quality function deployment
Authors: Moğol Sever Mune 
Published: August 2018

PurposeQuality function deployment (QFD) is a suitable tool for understanding the expectations of hotel guests from services provided to them and designing the new one. It is also a well-known technique for improving service and product quality in general. First applied by Yoji Akao in 1960, the idea behind QFD is to understand the customer needs and determine the problem which might be associated with product or service provided by an enterprise. The purpose of this paper is to present how check-in operations in hospitality business can be improved with the help of QFD.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, deep interview was employed as main data gathering instrument. Once customer expectations were assessed, a House of Quality scheme was established. Consequently, the QFD matrix was being analyzed as a whole.FindingsThe results of the study demonstrate that customers do not want to wait in queue or for any process on the front desk.Originality/valueThe research contributes to the literature a new technical term on hospitality industry, “Voice of Hotel.”
Firms’ entrepreneurial orientation and the adoption of quality management practices
Authors: Bello-Pintado Alejandro , Kaufmann Ricardo , Merino Diaz de Cerio Javier 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between firms’ entrepreneurial orientations (EOs) and the adoption of quality management (QM) practices. The role of environmental uncertainty as the moderator of the former relationship is considered.Design/methodology/approachUsing theories and related empirical evidences, two research hypotheses were argued and proposed. These hypotheses were tested using data collected from a unique sample of 301 Uruguayan and Argentinean manufacturing companies with more than 20 workers assessed through personal interviews. The empirical methodology includes statistic treatment for scale validation, statistic descriptive techniques and regression analysis.FindingsFirms’ EO is determinant for the adoption of QM practices. The environmental uncertainty strengthens the positive impact of EO on the adoption of QM practices, mainly human resource management practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe data come from a particular geographical context and refer to manufacturing plants. It would be interesting to extend the scope of this study to services. The collection of data from only one individual in each organization can generate a potential problem with using single-source information.Practical implicationsInnovative manufacturing companies that try to adopt advanced QM practices will benefit from hiring managers who are able to take risks, and to seek a long-term orientation toward being aggressive with their environment, especially in highly competitive contexts. Mustering these features may ensure perseverance in the adoption of advanced manufacturing practices, even in the presence of complex and uncertain environments.Originality/valueThe principal contribution of this paper is that it advances the study of the intersection between operations management and entrepreneurship, analyzing how firms’ EO affects the adoption of new methods and practices in manufacturing. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the fact that the authors use data from a unique survey of manufacturing companies from Argentina and Uruguay in the southern cone of Latin America. The authors also contribute to the open debate about the universality of QM practices.
Impact of TQM/Six Sigma practices on company’s performance: Tunisian context
Authors: Lamine Kaouthar , Lakhal Lassaad 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the link between TQM/Six Sigma practices and their impact on performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review of research that investigated the TQM and Six Sigma best practices and performance, the TQM/Six Sigma practices are classified into three key categories: top management commitment and support (TMCS), infrastructure and core practices. This paper proposes a path model linking these practices and performance. The empirical data were obtained from a survey of 91 Tunisian companies in different sectors. The research model was tested using partial least squares (PLS) technique based on SmartPLS software.FindingsThe result shows that the implementation of Six Sigma practices is based majorly on the TQM practices. Also, it reveals the positive impact of TQM/Six Sigma practices on performance. Furthermore, the analysis of path model reveals the relative interdependence and significant link between TMCS, infrastructure, core practices and performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe path model tested in this study combines the TQM/Six Sigma practices and reveals their link with performance, which enhance the research theory of both two approaches. Moreover, it will be a useful support for the quality expert on the effective integration of TQM and Six Sigma methods.Originality/valueThis study is the first one which studies the link between TQM/Six Sigma practices and company’s performance in the Tunisian context based on PLS technique.
Transportation extended wastes and road haulage efficiency
Authors: Salhieh Loay , Abushaikha Ismail , Atmeh Muhannad , Mdanat Metri 
Published: August 2018

PurposeAlthough recent research acknowledges the importance of reducing the inefficient activities from road transportation, there is still a missing link in literature of how transportation extended wastes impact road haulers efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between waste reduction practices (WRP) and fleet operational efficiency (FOE) in road hauler firms.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model was developed to assess this relationship. The authors test the model with a sample from logistics companies providing road haulage services in the Middle East, providing a contribution to extant literature from a different setting.FindingsResults suggest that WRP have a positive and significant impact on FOE. A valuable scale for the measurement of operational efficiency was developed and validated, representing an index toward the most efficient organization.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study serves as a tool for shippers to benchmark the efficiency levels of their motor carrier service providers against each other, considering that segmentation is a relevant issue to understand the choice in favor of a given provider to the detriment of another. Furthermore, road haulers can use the efficiency measurements as a basis for establishing future action plans to adopt waste reduction practices.Originality/valueThe research deals with a newly emerging stream of research on linking waste practices to road transport. The authors contribute to this developing body of research through filling a gap in the link between waste and road transport operational performance. The research is also different from recent literature in that the authors provide insights from a larger population, unlike other similar studies who used VSM and studied only a particular case. Thus, the work is important to generalize the findings, especially that the authors provide a perspective from a non-western perspective.
A DMAIC Six Sigma approach to quality improvement in the anodising stage of the amplifier production process
Authors: Sharma Pallavi , Malik Suresh Chander , Gupta Anshu , Jha P.C. 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the anodising process of a portable amplifier production process to identify and eliminate the sources of variations, in order to improve the process productivity.

Design/methodology/approach
The study employs the define-measure-analyse-improve-control (DMAIC) Six Sigma methodology. Within the DMAIC framework various tools of quality management such as SIPOC analysis, cause and effect diagram, current reality tree, etc., are used in different stages.

Findings
High rejection rate was found to be the main problem leading to lower productivity of the process. Four types of defects were identified as main cause of rejections in the baseline process. Pareto analysis resulted in detection of the top defects, which were then analysed in details to find the root cause of the problem. Further study resulted in finding improvement measures that were discussed with the management before implementation. The process is sampled again to check the improvements, and control measures were established.

Practical implications
The study provides a framework for implementation of DMAIC Six Sigma methodology for a manufacturing firm. The results presented are based on the data collected from the shop floor. Results and findings of the study were implemented for quality improvement of the process.

Originality/value
The study is based on an original research conducted with the objective of quality improvement in the anodising process of the production process. Besides presenting an approach to DMAIC Six Sigma methodology, an application of the current reality tree tool for root cause analysis is presented, a tool used limitedly in the Six Sigma studies. The tool finds its uniqueness in its ability to address problems relating multiple factors than isolated factors.
The relationships between shop floor management and QCCs to support Kaizen
Authors: Ma Jie , Jiao Feng , Lau Chi Keung , Lin Zhibin 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and redefine the “classic” roles of shop floor management and quality control circles (QCCs) in Kaizen. In specific, it aims to examine the linkage between shop floor management and QCCs, and test the relationships among shop floor management, QCCs and long-term Kaizen improvement outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach
This study employs qualitative method by using a questionnaire to obtain data from 371 respondents in nine Sino-Japanese automotive joint-ventures. The data are analysed with the method of canonical correlation approach.

Findings
The study identifies important factors to assist the adoption of shop floor management and QCCs for Kaizen. The analysis on the survey indicates that not all the shop floor management tools could help to identify improvement opportunities. QCCs are effective in addressing large problems and challenging current policies in companies, however, they have low impacts on individual learning.

Research limitations/implications
The data of this study come from nine Sino-Japanese automotive joint ventures. Therefore, the sample selection is limited to these companies. The findings are able to be applied for improving the similar problems which were identified in this study.

Practical implications
The study has the following practical implications, first is small shop floor problems can be identified and solved rapidly and continuously at source by shop floor management. The second one is QCCs, or other similar group-based improvement approaches take long to be fully addressed and implemented. Third, practical solutions can be achieved from small and gradual changes, and they can prevent the results backsliding to the pre-improvement stage. Finally, QCCs are hardly to achieve a better improvement alone. It requires other Kaizen approaches to support.

Originality/value
This study is probably the first to explore and investigate the implementation of the four building block tools of shop floor management in real business practise, and more specific the first to discuss the relationship among shop floor management, QCCs and long-term improvement outcomes based on empirical data from Sino-Japanese automotive joint-ventures.
The role of website stimuli of experience on engagement and brand advocacy
Authors: Bilro Ricardo Godinho , Loureiro Sandra Maria Correira , Ali Faizan 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationships between stimuli of website experience (information/content, interactive features and design–visual appeal) and online engagement (cognitive processing, affection and activation) with consumer-generated media and brand advocacy. Furthermore, this study examines if online engagement mediates the relationships between website stimuli of experience dimensions and brand advocacy.Design/methodology/approachA total of 183 valid online questionnaires were collected, from members of an online forum related to travel and leisure, to empirically test the measurement and structural model using partial least square path modeling. The study sample includes consumers who search for, select and book hotel rooms via Booking.com.FindingsThe findings confirm that information/content and design–visual appeal have a significant impact on all three dimensions of online engagement whereas interactive features of a website have significant impact on affection and activation. Furthermore, results suggest that affection and activation predict brand advocacy and engagement mediates the effect of stimuli of experience on brand advocacy.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to explain the relationships between website stimuli of experience (information/content, interactive features and design–visual appeal), online engagement (cognitive processing, affection and activation) and brand advocacy. Altogether, these variables are not well studied and understood in current literature despite having important implications for managers, academicians and consumers alike.
Evaluation of groundwater potential in Kabirwala area, Pakistan: A case study by using geophysical, geochemical and pump data
Authors: Hasan Muhammad , Shang Yanjun , Akhter Gulraiz , Jin Weijun 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTKnowledge of hydraulic parameters (hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity) is essential for the delineation of groundwater potential zones. Conventionally, these parameters are measured using pumping tests carried out on boreholes. However, pumping tests are costly, labour intensive and require a considerable amount of equipment. The integration of geophysical methods with pumping tests provides efficient and cost‐effective alternative to calculate hydraulic parameters. Fifty electrical resistivity soundings were carried out in the study area using Schlumberger inter‐electrode configuration to obtain hydraulic characteristics that are estimated through the pumping tests. To apply this approach successfully, sufficient number of boreholes are used. Part of the boreholes, in which pumping tests were carried out, is used for both to constrain resistivity inversions and to establish the empirical relationship between the interpreted geophysical and hydraulic parameters. The rest of the boreholes without pumping tests are still used for constraining the inversions. Initially, aquifer parameters were measured using pumping tests at 12 water wells. Afterwards, transmissivity (T) and hydraulic conductivity (K) were correlated with transverse resistance (Tr) and the bulk resistivity (ρo) of the aquifer at other sites where pumping tests had not been conducted. In this way, the entire study area was covered to assess the groundwater reserves. The hydraulic properties obtained by the geophysical method fit pretty well to both the pumping and physicochemical data of the investigated area. The integrated study reveals five layers (i.e. topsoil, clay, clay sand, sand and gravel sand) and three potential zones (i.e. high, medium and low potential aquifer zones) with specific ranges of T, K, Tr and ρo. The results suggest that, in case of sparse well data, the aquifer parameters can be estimated using the relations depending on the specifications of the area.
Pet problems: Biological and economic factors that influence the release of alien reptiles and amphibians by pet owners
Authors: Stringham Oliver C. , Lockwood Julie L. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

The number of alien reptiles and amphibians introduced and established worldwide has increased over the last decades. The legal pet trade is now the dominant pathway by which individuals of these species arrive in their non‐native locale. Despite its importance, specific factors of pet trade pathway that influence the release (introduction) of exotic reptiles and amphibians have not yet been examined.

We set out to identify broadscale and easily measured biological and economic factors that influence the release of these exotic pets by their owners. We hypothesize that biological factors reflect the cost of care, and economic factors reflect the value that owners place on their pet, both of which can influence the probability when a pet is released. We collected life history and economic data on the 1,722 species of reptiles and amphibians sold within the US as pets over the last 18 years. We also compiled a list of pet trade‐attributed releases in the US (i.e., all free‐living species regardless of whether they successfully established). We used boosted regression trees to correlate species release status with their life‐history traits and economic attributes (r2 = 0.51, AUC = 0.89).

We found that species with a high probability of being released were imported at higher quantities over our period of record, have a relatively large adult mass and commanded cheaper retail prices. The number imported and price interacted with longevity and adult mass to produce nonlinear increases in release probability. The most important interaction revealed that large‐bodied species imported in high quantities have a three times higher release probability compared to large‐bodied species imported in lower quantities.

Policy implications. Our results provide guidance towards targeting exotic pet reptile and amphibian species that are at a high risk of being released. Species that are both prevalent in the pet trade and large‐bodied or long‐lived have the highest probability of being released. This will aid in developing education and policy solutions aimed at decreasing the rate at which these pets are released, thus curtailing the invasion process before these species can establish and impacts can occur.
The weariness of the hero: depression and the self in a civilization in transition
Authors: Pereira Henrique C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization, depression is currently the leading cause of disability, which is of great concern worldwide; however there is much dispute about depression and its causes. This article raises the hypothesis that depression could be related to an increase or inflation of ego‐consciousness, which, in turn, is inseparable from the development of modernity. The ‘hero’, symbol of this historical process of self‐consciousness and autonomy, stands now wearied and disoriented. The paper outlines how, in this cultural scene, certain ideas from Carl Jung's and James Hillman's depth psychologies may be useful in addressing the issue: the rediscovery of figures of the other through the analysis of the unconscious (Jung) and associating with others in groups imbued with communal sense (Hillman) could help the depressed individual to mitigate his or her inflated ego‐consciousness. These are two complementary ways of experiencing the conglomerate nature of the self, thus promoting the process of individuation.
Freud, Jung and The Great Chain of Being
Authors: Ekstrom Soren 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFor some time, it has been clear that psychoanalytic theories are built upon the kind of master narratives Roy Schafer, a New York psychoanalyst, described in 1980. As such, psychoanalytic theories may today have lost some of their initial scientific credibility in that they can no longer be seen as summarizing findings from data collected in a research environment. As aids in participating in their patients’ process of healing, however, narratives continue to be used by practitioners and reflect allegiance to core beliefs and propositions with roots in long‐standing Western thought. In this article, the metaphors in master narratives of Freud and Jung are compared with a conceptual system identified by cognitive linguists as ‘The Great Chain of Being’. Based on this analysis, the article proposes that theoretical formulations have mainly a secondary role to play in achieving good outcomes. The most critical element is the therapist's capacity to access a specific narrative for what transpires throughout each treatment.
Brain activation patterns in response to complex triggers in the Word Association Test: results from a new study in the United States
Authors: Escamilla Michael , Sandoval Hugo , Calhoun Vince , Ramirez Marisol 
Published: August 2018

AbstractC.G. Jung's theory of psychological complexes lies at the root of analytical psychology theory and practice. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides a powerful tool to validate the theory of complexes and eludicate the neuropsychologic mechanisms underlying the unconscious activation of significant memories. In this study, using fMRI, we identify two brain circuits which are activated in response to complex triggering words. Circuit one involves brain regions involved in episodic memory and somatic (body) responses and the experience of uncertainty. A second circuit involves episodic memory, emotion, visual and language association, and semiotic meaning. Specific brain regions include the right prefrontal cortex, SMA cortex, left temporal cortex, and the caudate and cingulate. These brain circuits may be thought of as the biological form in which complexes are experienced. Implications for analytic psychology practice and theory are discussed.
Diagnostic protocols for the management of pregnancy of unknown location: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bobdiwala S , Saso S , Verbakel JY , Al‐Memar M , Van Calster B , Timmerman D , Bourne T 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundThere is no international consensus on how to manage women with a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL).ObjectivesTo present a systematic quantitative review summarising the evidence related to management protocols for PUL.Search strategyMEDLINE, COCHRANE and DARE databases were searched from 1 January 1984 to 31 January 2017. The primary outcome was accurate risk prediction of women initially diagnosed with a PUL having an ectopic pregnancy (high risk) as opposed to either a failed PUL or intrauterine pregnancy (low risk).Selection criteriaAll studies written in the English language, which were not case reports or series that assessed women classified as having a PUL at initial ultrasound.Data collection and analysisForty‐three studies were included. QUADAS‐2 criteria were used to assess the risk of bias. We used a novel, linear mixed‐effects model and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves for the thresholds of interest.Main resultsThere was a high risk of differential verification bias in most studies. Meta‐analyses of accuracy were performed on (i) single human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) cut‐off levels, (ii) hCG ratio (hCG at 48 hours/initial hCG), (iii) single progesterone cut‐off levels and (iv) the ‘M4 model’ (a logistic regression model based on the initial hCG and hCG ratio). For predicting an ectopic pregnancy, the areas under the curves (95% CI) for these four management protocols were as follows: (i) 0.42 (0.00–0.99), (ii) 0.69 (0.57–0.78), (iii) 0.69 (0.54–0.81) and (iv) 0.87 (0.83–0.91), respectively.ConclusionsThe M4 model was the best available method for predicting a final outcome of ectopic pregnancy. Developing and validating risk prediction models may optimise the management of PUL.Tweetable abstractPregnancy of unknown location meta‐analysis: M4 model has best test performance to predict ectopic pregnancy.