bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hybrid group decision model for green supplier selection: a case study of megaprojects
Authors: Liang Ru , Chong Heap-Yih 
Published: May 2019

PurposeGreen supplier selection is one of the crucial activities in green supply chain management. However, limited studies have addressed the vagueness and complexities during the selection process, particularly in multi-criterion decision-making (MCDM) circumstances. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to develop a group decision model using a modified fuzzy MCDM approach for green supplier selection under a complex situation.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed study develops a framework for sorting decisions in green supplier selection by using the hesitant fuzzy qualitative flexible multiple attributes method (QUALIFLEX). The synthetic consistent or inconsistent indexes were used to calculate all alternative suppliers by normalizing the hesitant fuzzy decision matrix.FindingsThe proposed framework has been successfully applied and illustrated in the case example of CB02 contract section in Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge project. The results show various complicated decision-making scenarios can be addressed through the proposed approach. The synthetic (in)consistent indexes are able to calculate all alternative suppliers by normalizing the hesitant fuzzy decision matrix.Originality/valueThe research contributes to improving accuracy and reliability decision-making processes for green supplier selection, especially under vagueness and complex situations in megaprojects.
Expectations and service quality: perceived performance at low-season events
Authors: Meleddu Marta , Melis Giuseppe , Pulina Manuela , Zapata-Aguirre Sandra 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
Events play a strategic role to attract tourist flows especially during the low season. The purpose of this paper is to explore the gap between consumers’ expectations and actual satisfaction at cultural events.

Design/methodology/approach
A principal components analysis identifies a set of orthogonal factors related to visitors’ expectations and actual satisfaction at two different events. The empirical data were collected during two events. The geographical setting is Sardinia (Italy) where two important cultural events are held in the low season: the Cavalcata (held at the end of May) and the Sartiglia (held during Carnival). A representative random sample is collected taking into account gender, age and visitors’ nationality heterogeneity (Italian, English-speakers, French and Spanish).

Findings
Some homogeneous findings have been obtained for the two events, regardless of the different levels of attractiveness. Notably, both the events are perceived as authentic and as the expression of identity. On the whole, the empirical results indicate that the events were able to generate high levels of satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this research is that the data refer to only one year, while a wider time series could allow a more accurate evaluation of both the expectations and the performance results deriving from the management of the two events. The findings provide directions to local policy makers to adopt tailored strategies to boost strengths and to contrast weaknesses of low season events.

Practical implications
The methodological approach presented in this paper helps practitioners and policy makers to deepen their understanding of visitors’ actual experience as well as to improve the overall quantity and quality of services offered during the events.

Social implications
An in-depth analysis of the perceived quality of the services provided at events can allow public and private organizers to identify critical issues, enabling them to improve event planning, efficiency, profitability and overall performance.

Originality/value
This paper employs an “Importance-Performance” model (Martilla and James, 1977; Riviezzo et al., 2009) to study the gap between visitors’ expectations and their perceived performance in two events held during the low tourist season. Thanks to the use of an equivalent survey, the comparison offered the opportunity to highlight common features that allowed a generalization of results and a broader discussion.
Influences of role models and gender on Saudi Arabian freshman students’ entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Choukir Jamel , Aloulou Wassim J. , Ayadi Faouzi , Mseddi Slim 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThere have been few investigations regarding the relationship of gender and role models with students’ entrepreneurial intention (EI). The purpose of this study is to apply a conceptual framework to explain the relationship of gender and role models with the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) constructs: attitudes towards behaviour (ATB), subjective norms (SN), perceived behaviour control (PBC) and intentions.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on data collected from a questionnaire survey completed by 1,496 freshman Saudi students enrolled during the 2016-2017 academic year in business, finance and economics undergraduate programmes. To analyse the data and test the proposed hypotheses, a confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) are applied.FindingsThe results show that the TPB constructs are validated in the specific Saudi context. In fact, these constructs were significantly related to EI. Only the SN and PBC constructs mediate the relationship between role models and EI. Furthermore, gender moderates the relationships of role models with EI, PBC with EI and role models with the SN. More precisely, this study reveals that gender differences in SN and PBC, and women’s EI are more likely to be influenced by the SN and PBC than men’s EI. However, PBC is a relevant determinant for both male and female students. These results differ from those of previous studies on gender influences. These results could be explained by two main reasons, such as women’s socialization and institutional processes.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation is that it was not possible to claim generalization of findings. Theoretical and managerial implications are proposed to add new evidence in the field. These results could help all stakeholders engaged in promoting entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and stimulate appropriate and customized entrepreneurial initiatives, curriculum and policies for both men and women.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to conduct such investigations in Saudi Arabia and in institutions of higher education. This study removes the stereotypes about the entrepreneurial potential of women.
Quality criteria for lesson and learning studies as forms of action research
Authors: Elliott John 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to articulate criteria for assessing the quality of lesson and learning studies as forms of practice-based educational action research that are grounded in the practical experience of those engaged in such research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores the implications of Stake and Schwandt’s distinction between quality as measured and quality as experienced for assessing lesson and learning studies in higher education contexts, where “standards templates” are increasingly used to measure “quality”. Such templates it is claimed distance research from the action context of teachers’ work. Previously published work, in which the author distils criteria for good educational action research from his own narratives of experience, is then summarised as a basis for conceptualising lesson study as good action research. This poses the issue of whether the use of learning theories to inform lesson study distorts their quality by distancing them from action. The author argues that this does not apply to lesson studies that are informed by Marton and Booth’s theory of variation. In doing so he distils a set of experience-based quality criteria for assessing learning studies, and demonstrates a high degree of congruence between the pedagogical implications of variation theory and Stenhouse’s idea of “teachers as researchers”.FindingsA set of experience-based quality criteria are distilled for assessing what counts as a high-quality learning study report.Originality/valueThe paper creates an alternative view of the relationship between educational research and practice to that which currently dominates academic discourse.
Quantifying the relationship between lean maturity and occupational health and safety
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Sajad , Khani Jazani Reza , Cudney Elizabeth A. , Trucco Paolo 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
This study aims to quantify the multifaceted relationship between lean implementation and occupational health and safety (OHS) performance. Hypotheses based on a set of antecedents (mediating factors) are built and quantitatively tested.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through an international survey with responses from more than 20 countries. Partial least square-based structural equation modeling was used to test a theoretical framework derived from literature. Leading indicators (formative indices) were used to evaluate the four antecedents of OHS performance (mediating factors).

Findings
All the identified antecedents show a significant mediating role. Antecedents related to the working environment and organizational factors have the strongest mediating effect. Results support the importance of using OHS leading indicators to appropriately measure the impact of lean implementation on workers’ health and safety.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed OHS leading indicators connecting lean practices to OHS performance antecedents are only explored in this study. Therefore, to establish a comprehensive, validated and practically usable set of leading indicators, further research is needed.

Practical implications
As there are some synergistic and trade-off relationships between lean and safety, the findings of this study will enable managers and organizations to leverage the positive effects of lean implementation on workers’ health and safety and mitigate the negative effects.

Originality/value
Several prior studies investigated the multifaceted link between lean and OHS; however, this is the first study that tested direct and mediated influence by defining a coherent set of antecedents. The results justify and strongly support the adoption of OHS leading indicators to measure the impact of lean implementation on OHS performance.
Application of Six Sigma to minimize the defects in glass manufacturing industry
Authors: Yadav Narottam , Mathiyazhagan Kaliyan , Kumar Krishna 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve the yield of a particular model of a car windshield, as the organization faces losses due to poor performance and rejection.Design/methodology/approachThe Six Sigma DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) methodology is used to reduce variation and defects in the process. It is a methodology based on data-driven and fact-based analysis to find out the root cause of the problem with the help of statistical analysis. A worst performing model is selected as a case study through the scoping tree. The preprocess, printing, bending and layup process defects are reduced by analyzing the potential causes and hypothesis testing.FindingsThis paper describes Six Sigma methodology in a glass manufacturing industry in India for automotive applications. The overall yield of a car windshield achieved 93.57 percent against the historical yield of 88.4 percent, resulting in saving 50 lacs per annum. Due to no rework or repairing in the glass, low first-time yield causes major losses. Process improvement through focused cross-functional team reduces variation in the process. Six Sigma improves profitability and reduces defects in the automotive glass manufacturing process.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study is applied in automotive glass manufacturing industries. For service and healthcare industries, a similar type of study can be performed. Further research on the common type of processor industry would be valuable.Practical implicationsThe case study can be used as a problem-solving methodology in manufacturing and service industries. The tools and techniques can be used in other manufacturing processes also. This paper is useful for industries, researchers and academics for understanding Six Sigma methodology and its practical implementation.Originality/valueThis case study is an attempt to solve automobile glass manufacturing problems through DMAIC approach. The paper is a real case study showing benefits of Six Sigma implementation in the manufacturing industry and saving an annual cost of 50 lacs due to rejections in the process.
Purchasing strategies for relief items in humanitarian operations
Authors: Lamenza Arthur Abreu da Silva , Fontainha Tharcisio Cotta , Leiras Adriana 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a Humanitarian Purchasing Matrix to guide purchasing strategies for relief items in humanitarian operations.

Design/methodology/approach
The research synthesizes the structures of a Purchasing Portfolio Model and the characteristics of purchasing in humanitarian operations, validating them with academics and practitioners to develop a Humanitarian Purchasing Matrix. Then, based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process to classify the relief items in the matrix, an illustrative example is used as an empirical test for the proposed Humanitarian Purchasing Matrix.

Findings
The academic literature on purchasing in general and purchasing in humanitarian operations share some similarities in terms of “Importance of Purchasing” and “Complexity of Supply Market” dimensions. Moreover, the analysis of such criteria supports the definition of purchasing strategies for different relief items in humanitarian operations.

Practical implications
The Humanitarian Purchasing Matrix can be considered a tool/guide for professionals of humanitarian organizations in the adoption of purchasing strategies for the different relief items purchased for humanitarian operations.

Originality/value
Considering a scenario of a constant increase in the variety of relief items, the high purchasing volume and the pressure to more efficient relief operations, the research discusses the intersectionality of business purchasing models and the purchasing characteristics of humanitarian operations. Moreover, the research deliveries a tool/guide to the adoption of purchasing strategies that are composed of criteria observed in the literature and suggested by both humanitarian logistic academics and practitioners.
Customer-based brand equity index of Kurukshetra
Authors: Rani Pooja 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the customer-based brand equity index (CBBE-I) of Tourism Brand Kurukshetra.

Design/methodology/approach
For the purpose of this study, the author uses primary and secondary data on destination attractiveness of Tourism Brand Kurukshetra for a sample of 150 tourists including domestic and international. The study used structural equation modeling and factor weighting methods.

Findings
The research presents an investigation into the destination attractiveness index of Tourism Brand Kurukshetra in an emerging market, i.e. Kurukshetra. Tourism Brand Kurukshetra from the brand equity perspective is an attractive destination.

Practical implications
It suggests that the CBBE index of Kurukshetra ought to analyze a longitudinal study to get the proper image of Kurukshetra from a touristic perspective. It provides long-term attractiveness to enhance tourism.

Originality/value
This is the first brand equity study contributed to branding literature of Tourism Brand Kurukshetra. The index is an accomplished way to present the tourism condition of any destination.
Corporate social responsibility performance of small and medium enterprises in regional Japan: an empirical examination
Authors: Zoysa Anura De , Takaoka Nobyuki 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the extent of corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in regional Japan. It also aims to examine the impact of firm size, industry, CSR awareness, firm origin and firm’s strategic focus on CSR.Design/methodology/approachThe study measures the CSR performance using a CSR index and seven sub-indexes designed on the global CSR standard – ISO26000. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 146 firms. The indexes were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U tests.FindingsThe results indicate that CSR performance of firms in regional Japan is low across all main areas of CSR and is significantly lower in SMEs relative to large firms. Further, CSR performance of SMEs differs across various industries and firms established in the region display significantly lower CSR performance compared to their metropolitan counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsLittle research exists on the role SME’s play in improving CSR practices in Japan, especially regarding SMEs in regional areas. The findings highlight the need for improving CSR performance of SMEs and promoting the use of ISO26000 as a guiding tool for measuring CSR performance.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first papers that critically examine the CSR performance of SMEs in regional Japan. It highlights that despite the recent CSR boom and regulatory initiatives in Japan, CSR performance of SMEs in regional Japan remained low.
SRUD: A simple non‐destructive method for accurate quantification of plant diversity dynamics
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Kowalchuk George A. , Soons Merel B. , Hefting Mariet M. , Chu Chengjin , Firn Jennifer , Brown Cynthia S. , Zhou Xianhui , Zhou Xiaolong , Guo Zhi , Zhao Zhigang , Du Guozhen , Hautier Yann 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Predicting changes in plant diversity in response to human activities represents one of the major challenges facing ecologists and land managers striving for sustainable ecosystem management. Classical field studies have emphasized the importance of community primary productivity in regulating changes in plant species richness. However, experimental studies have yielded inconsistent empirical evidence, suggesting that primary productivity is not the sole determinant of plant diversity. Recent work has shown that more accurate predictions of changes in species diversity can be achieved by combining measures of species’ cover and height into an index of space resource utilization (SRU). While the SRU approach provides reliable predictions, it is time‐consuming and requires extensive taxonomic expertise. Ecosystem processes and plant community structure are likely driven primarily by dominant species (mass ratio effect). Within communities, it is likely that dominant and rare species have opposite contributions to overall biodiversity trends. We, therefore, suggest that better species richness predictions can be achieved by utilizing SRU assessments of only the dominant species (SRUD), as compared to SRU or biomass of the entire community.

Here, we assess the ability of these measures to predict changes in plant diversity as driven by nutrient addition and herbivore exclusion. First, we tested our hypotheses by carrying out a detailed analysis in an alpine grassland that measured all species within the community. Next, we assessed the broader applicability of our approach by measuring the first three dominant species for five additional experimental grassland sites across a wide geographic and habitat range.

We show that SRUD outperforms community biomass, as well as community SRU, in predicting biodiversity dynamics in response to nutrients and herbivores in an alpine grassland. Across our additional sites, SRUD yielded far better predictions of changes in species richness than community biomass, demonstrating the robustness and generalizable nature of this approach.

Synthesis. The SRUD approach provides a simple, non‐destructive and more accurate means to monitor and predict the impact of global change drivers and management interventions on plant communities, thereby facilitating efforts to maintain and recover plant diversity.
Significance of isolating non‐tuberculous mycobacterial organisms in infertile women with tubal disease: an observational study
Authors: Radha Bai Prabhu T , Pandiyan N , Sujatha N , Jawahar MS 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo explore whether non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are associated with tubal disease leading to infertility.DesignProspective observational study.SettingTeaching hospital.PopulationWomen with tubal factor infertility.MethodsIn all, 173 infertile women with tubal disease were investigated for genital tuberculosis,Chlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaeusing polymerase chain reaction, culture and histopathological examination. On culture,NTMwere grown in 23.7% of endometrial samples. The mycolic characteristics of these organisms were analysed.Main outcome measureWhetherNTMare associated with tubal disease leading to infertility.ResultsThe organisms identified in association with tubal disease wereMycobacterium tuberculosisin 30%, gonococci in 1.7%,Chlamydiain 7.5% andNTMin 23.7% of cases.Mycobacterium chelonaewas the predominant organism identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography. In ten women, for whom there was laparoscopic evidence of tubal disease, the only organism that was grown wasNTM, and the tests for other organisms were negative. Tests for possible environment (theatre, instruments) contamination was reported negative.ConclusionWhile evaluating infertile women for tubal disease, culture studies revealed a high prevalence ofNTMin the endometrium. In the absence ofM. tuberculosis, gonococci andChlamydiainfection, the presence ofNTMsuggests the possibility that these organisms may be responsible for tubal damage leading to infertility.Tweetable abstractOn evaluating the causes of tubal disease,NTMwere associated with tubal disease.
Increased risk of fatal paediatric injuries in rural Northern Norway
Authors: Holter June A. , Wisborg Torben 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundFinnmark, Northern Norway, had a mortality rate for paediatric injury in 1998‐2007 that was more than twice the national average. We investigated whether this rate had decreased in 2008‐2015 after improvements in emergency care. We also compared the mortality rate to rates of non‐fatal injury and trauma team activation both regionally and in Norway.MethodsThe study was based on 4 national registries. Mortality and injury rates were calculated per 100 000 persons per year. The study population was divided into age groups; 0‐5, 6‐10, 11‐15 and 16‐17 years.ResultsBetween 1998‐2007 and 2008‐2015 there was an overall decrease in paediatric mortality rate due to external causes in Norway in total from 7.1 to 4.0. Despite this, in 2008‐2015, the mortality rate remained 2.5 times higher in Finnmark than in Norway (9.7, RR = 2.5 CI 1.4‐4.3, P = 0.001), similar to findings for 1998‐2007. Finnmark had half the rate of non‐fatal injuries in 1999‐2007 (5052, RR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.6‐0.7, P < 0.001) and in 2008‐2015 (3893, RR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.5‐0.6, P < 0.001) as in Norway. The rate of trauma team activation was similar in Finnmark and Norway.ConclusionsThe risk of injury‐related death remained significantly higher, while the overall risk of non‐fatal injury was significantly reduced for children in rural Northern Norway. Thus, injuries in this rural area seem to be less frequent but more severe. There is a need for detailed examination of each death to determine possible preventive measures.