bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the relationships among service features, customer loyalty and switching barriers in the Greek banking sector
Authors: Koutsothanassi Eleni , Bouranta Nancy , Psomas Evangelos 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The aim of this paper is to present and empirically validate a conceptual framework that explores the links between the two service features (physical and interactive) and their impact on customer loyalty. It also introduces and investigates the potential intervening role of a single personality dimension (neuroticism) in the relationship between service features and customer loyalty. In addition, examining whether the customer’s switching barriers affect customer loyalty is also an aim of the present study.

Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 224 customers in the banking industry in Greece. The respondents were picked using simple random sampling. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to validate the latent factors of the proposed conceptual framework, whereas their relationships were examined through linear regression analyses.

Findings
The empirical data verify that physical and interactive features of service quality have a significant impact on customer loyalty. The study also concludes that customer neuroticism has an intervening effect on the relationship between service features and customer loyalty. In addition, switching barriers such as confidence benefits, special treatment benefits, switching costs and availability and attentiveness of alternatives affect a bank’s customer loyalty.

Practical implications
This perspective could improve managerial understanding of the service-quality/customer-loyalty relationship and lead to more focused decisions. During the period of economic Greek crisis, the customers’ learning and understanding, the immediate response to their needs and expectations, the provision of customer services in accordance with their personality type and the establishment a long and effective relationship with them may have an important impact not only on success but also mainly on bank survival.

Originality/value
Previous studies have shown the positive and significant relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty in the banking industry, but this study extends the literature of consumer behavior theory by examining the distinct role that the physical and interactive service features play in the formation of customer loyalty. While it is known the role of personality in customer satisfaction has not been analyzed sufficiently the effect of neuroticism in the evolution of the above relationship. The present study tries to fill the bibliographic gap focusing on the Greek banking sector in the period of economic crisis.
Product development based on design attributes
Authors: Brusch Michael , Baumert Katrin , Kastner Paula 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate an approach to include the influence of design attributes (DA) into an early product development step. In general, the development of new products with market success is of high relevance for companies. Because of a relatively high-quality level in general, not the product quality itself but rather new issues as attributes with aesthetical values are becoming more and more important. However, the right consideration of these attributes is still one of the challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe underlying investigation is based on an empirical data set resulting from a survey with motorcycles as research object. Motorcycles are a good example for a good with a certain relevance of DA for the buying decision of customers. The data collection and analysis will focus on a recommended presentation alternative of measuring perceptions and influences through customer evaluations, separating customer segments and identifying differences. Therefore, data analysis methods such as cluster analysis will be applied.FindingsThe findings are new for researchers from a theoretical and from a practical point of view. The results verify the use of pictorial stimulus presentation and emphasize the necessary integration of DA within the product development process.Originality/valueWithin the paper the usefulness of the consideration of design elements in case of gathering customer meanings is highlighted. Therefore, existing approaches of measuring design attribute influences and using pictorial instead of verbal descriptions of stimuli are adopted and enhanced through the use of additional information of the respondents.
Logistics service providers’ engagement in disaster relief initiatives
Authors: Cozzolino Alessandra , Wankowicz Ewa , Massaroni Enrico 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of logistics service providers’ (LSPs) initiatives to disaster relief and how LSPs are engaged with humanitarian sector. In recent years, the importance of logistics services in disaster relief operations and the capacity of LSPs to improve humanitarian supply chain management have become an increasingly interesting topic for both professionals and academics.

Design/methodology/approach
This research follows a qualitative approach based on multiple case studies.

Findings
The current research, after considering the differences and similarities among collaboration, cooperation and coordination and underlining how crucial these mechanisms are in the humanitarian context, explains the contribution of LSPs to relief operations alongside humanitarians.

Research limitations/implications
There has been increased interest in humanitarian logistics on the part of international academic and professional communities. This study constitutes a first exploratory step in the research to build a platform for benchmarking analysis of logistics services that aims to ensure the effective implementation of social responsibility principles.

Practical implications
The managerial implications arising from the research offer a range of current responsible actions from which strategic and operative directions to contribute can be derived.

Originality/value
Humanitarian logistics represents a crucial field in logistics management. This paper addresses the innovative socially responsible initiatives undertaken by the main international LSPs in the area of humanitarian logistics.
Influences of cognitive dimensions on the collaborative entry mode choice of small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Del Giudice Manlio , Arslan Ahmad , Scuotto Veronica , Caputo Francesco 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address internationalisation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by specifically focussing on collaborative entry modes. Despite significant research done on market entry and internationalisation strategies of firms, the use of collaborative entry modes by SMEs during internationalisation has not received a lot of attention. The authors contribute to foreign market entry studies by analysing the influences of cognitive dimensions on collaborative entry mode choice (equity vs non-equity modes) of SMEs in their international markets.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyse the influences of cognitive dimensions on the choice between equity-based vs non-equity-based collaborative entry modes. The empirical sample consists of internationalisation strategies of 345 Italian SMEs, where the authors used a questionnaire to collect the data. The authors use structural equation modelling to analyse influences of factors like asymmetric information, informal institutional distance, time trends of country, perception of size and resources of potential host country partners, and perception of host country partners’ power on this important market entry mode.FindingsThe results show that high informal institutional distance leads to preference of non-equity-based collaborative entry mode by Italian SMEs. The authors also find that positive time trends of the host country, positive perception of size and resource of the local partner, as well as the local partners’ power leads to preference of equity-based collaborative entry mode by Italian SMEs.Originality/valueThis study focusses on an ignored aspect of market entry strategies, i.e., equity vs non-equity collaborative entry mode choice of SMEs. The authors use insights from resource-based view and cognitive dimensions literature, to address the influences of five cognitive dimensions on the collaborative entry mode choice of SMEs during their internationalisation.
Generic decision support system to leverage supply chain performance (GLE) for SMEs in Thailand
Authors: Boonsothonsatit Ganda 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
This paper explains the development stages of a generic decision support system to leverage supply chain performance (GLE). The purpose of this paper is to identify and trade off the critical supply chain measures which are interrelated and in contradiction with each other.

Design/methodology/approach
The GLE was developed as an extension of the supply chain performance assessment tool proposed by Banomyong and Supatn (2011). It contained nine measures covering key activities along the supply chain under dimensions of cost, time and reliability. Their interrelations were figured out by causal linkages, whereas their contradictions were traded off as multi-objective optimization. It is solved using fuzzy goal programming along with a weighted max-min operator in order to acquire the Pareto-optimal solution.

Findings
The results from the GLE showed there were two critical supply chain measures including supply chain cost per sales and average order cycle time. They contradictorily influenced by a root-cause, namely product lot size. Its Pareto-optimal value was provided to achieve the minimized values of supply chain cost per sales and average order cycle time which were consistent with their relative weights.

Research limitations/implications
As generic features, the GLE needs further validation in several industries under various supply chain strategies. The further validation may contribute the GLE to include multiple decision variables, multiple types of product and multiple periods of time. In addition, the GLE may consider a dimensional measure of environmental impact along the supply chain activities.

Originality/value
The GLE is a unique decision support system to identify and trade off the critical, interrelated and contradicting supply chain measures. More uniqueness is obtained when the GLE offers an option of inputting a set of relative weights for the interrelated supply chain measures.
Implementation of hybrid Kanban-CONWIP system: a case study
Authors: Leonardo Dênis Gustavo , Sereno Bruno , Silva Daniel Sant Anna da , Sampaio Mauro , Massote Alexandre Augusto , Simões Jairo Celso 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
Shop floor control systems are generally major points of discussion in production planning and control literature. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how lean production control principles can be used in a make-to-order (MTO) job shop, where the volume is typically low and there is high variety. This paper examines the procedures involved in implementing a constant work-in-process (CONWIP)/Kanban hybrid system in the shop floor environment and also provides insights and guidelines on the implementation of a hybrid system in a high-variety/low-volume environment.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors review literature on Kanban, CONWIP, and CONWIP/Kanban hybrid systems to analyze how lean production control principles can be used in a MTO job shop. The second part focuses on the process of implementation. Using a case study of a manufacturer of electromechanical components for valve monitoring and controls, the paper describes how the operation is transformed by for more efficient shop floor control systems. Real experiments are used to compare pre- and post-improvement performance.

Findings
The study shows that the proposed hybrid Kanban-CONWIP system reduced the cycle time and achieved an increase of 38 percent in inventory turnover. The empirical results from this pilot study provide useful managerial insights for a benchmarking analysis of the actions to be taken into consideration by companies that have similar manufacturing systems.

Research limitations/implications
The statistic generalization of the results is impossible due to the use of a single case method of study.

Originality/value
This paper provides insights and guidelines on the implementation of a hybrid system in a high-variety/low-volume environment. The literature on real applications of hybrid CONWIP/Kanban by case study is limited.
Analysis of research trends and constructs in context to lean six sigma frameworks
Authors: Yadav Gunjan , Seth Dinesh , Desai Tushar N. 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The literature of lean six sigma (LSS) is flooded with frameworks. But to date, there has been no attempt to expose the inconsistencies in the existing frameworks and associated research trends. The purpose of this paper is to critically review 26 LSS frameworks and highlight inconsistencies. The study also helps in analysing research trends and constructs of LSS frameworks, and facilitates new applications.

Design/methodology/approach
It uses Scopus database and finalises 26 frameworks in the LSS domain considering a timeframe from 2000 to 2017, using a structured literature review approach and involving domain experts. It uses a battery of systematic requirements-based questions to understand trends and covers building blocks/constructs also.

Findings
It reveals inconsistencies at three different stages, namely, the framework stage, usage stage capturing existing research trends and construct stage. It also offers details at building block/construct level. Thus, it offers guidance in reducing inconsistencies and possible modifications in the existing frameworks. It not only exposes existing constructs and sub-constructs but also guides about the new upcoming changes in the business influencing the LSS domain. It also educates about the strengths and weaknesses of each framework.

Research limitations/implications
This study tries to reduce inconsistencies, but does not offer new generalised or sector-specific framework.

Practical implications
This study will assist for modification/corrections in the existing frameworks by reducing inconsistencies and will encourage new frameworks to facilitate applications.

Originality/value
This is a unique study which offers frameworks-based review, portrays research trends and guides about constructs of a framework by exposing inconsistencies at each stage. It helps in reducing inconsistencies and offers guidance regarding modifications in the LSS framework considering upcoming challenges.
Process-aware FMEA framework for failure analysis in maintenance
Authors: Battirola Filho Julio Cesar , Piechnicki Flávio , Loures Eduardo de Freitas Rocha , Santos Eduardo Alves Portela 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish a Process-aware FMEA (PAFMEA) development environment in order to face the main Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) deficiencies concerning failure analysis in maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed framework integrates Delphi methodology to obtain consensus of specialists’ opinions, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to perform multiple criteria-based risk assessment and a business process management system to instantiate the development cycle. A conceptual model is presented and analyzed through a case study.

Findings
PAFMEA reveals a new perception in the evaluation and prioritization of failure modes during maintenance failure analysis, such as risk definition and resource availability, dealing with conflicting characteristics in decision-making approaches.

Practical implications
The PAFMEA environment includes requirements that are grouped with a process instantiation of an AHP structure, providing a high degree of applicability and performance to the development cycles of the FMEA. The new method confronts the classical risk assessment approach and contributes to the literature, adding new perspectives to the FMEA analysis.

Originality/value
PAFMEA brings new and promising perspectives to the FMEA development cycle, which, in short, means adding on a multi-criteria failure analysis method (AHP) through a process-aware platform, with performance impacts in FMEA knowledge sharing, decision making and delivery.
Fuzzy logic approach for investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties of Sn96.5-Ag3.0-Cu0.5 lead free solder alloy
Authors: Aamir Muhammad , Izhar Izhar , Waqas Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad , Hanif Muhammad Imran , Muhammad Riaz 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to develop a fuzzy logic-based algorithm to predict the intermetallic compound (IMC) size and mechanical properties of soldering material, Sn96.5-Ag3.0-Cu0.5 (SAC305) alloy, at different levels of temperature. The reliability of solder joint in materials selection is critical in terms of temperature, mechanical properties and environmental aspects. Owing to a wide range of soldering materials available, the selection space finds a fuzzy characteristic.

Design/methodology/approach
The developed algorithm takes thermal aging temperature for SAC305 alloy as input and converts it into fuzzy domain. These fuzzified values are then subjected to a fuzzy rule base, where a set of rules determines the IMC size and mechanical properties, such as yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of SAC305 alloy. The algorithm is successfully simulated for various input thermal aging temperatures. To analyze and validate the developed algorithm, an SAC305 lead (Pb)-free solder alloy is developed and thermally aged at 40, 60 and 100°C temperature.

Findings
The experimental results indicate an average IMCs size of 5.967 (in Pixels), 19.850 N/mm2 YS and 22.740 N/mm2 UTS for SAC305 alloy when thermally aged at an elevated temperature of 140°C. In comparison, the simulation results predicted 5.895 (in Pixels) average IMCs size, 19.875 N/mm2 YS and 22.480 N/mm2 UTS for SAC305 alloy at 140°C thermally aged temperature.

Originality/value
From the experimental and simulated results, it is evident that the fuzzy-based developed algorithm can be used effectively to predict the IMCs size and mechanical properties of SAC305 at various aging temperatures, for the first time.
NS1643 enhances ionic currents in a G604S‐WT hERG co‐expression system associated with long QT syndrome 2
Authors: Huo JianHua , Guo Xueyan , Lu Qun , Qiang Hua , Liu Ping , Bai Ling , Huang Christopher LH , Zhang Yanmin , Ma Aiqun 
Published: July 2017

SummaryLoss of function mutations in the human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) cause long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2). Most LQT2 patients are heterozygous mutation carriers in which the mutant hERG exerts potent dominant‐negative effects. 1, 3‐bis‐(2‐hydroxy‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐phenyl)‐urea (NS1643) is known to enhance IKr in WT‐hERG. We investigated its actions following lipofectamine‐induced expression of both mutant G604S‐ and WT‐hERG in the heterologous HEK293 expression system. Cells transfected with pcDNA3‐G604S‐hERG did not lead to any expression of detectable currents whether before or following NS1643 challenge. Cells transfected with both pcDNA3‐WT‐hERG and pcDNA3‐G604S‐hERG showed reduced hERG currents compared to those transfected with pcDNA3‐G604S‐hERG consistent with the reduced trafficking and formation of modified heteromeric WT‐G604S channels reported on earlier occasions. Nevertheless, NS1643 then continued to produce concentration‐ and voltage‐dependent increases in hERG current amplitude. It did not affect the voltage dependence of activation, recovery from inactivation and deactivation. However, NS1643 (30 μmol/L) slowed steady state inactivation and shifted the steady state half maximal activation voltage (V1/2) of the inactivation curve by +10 mV, and significantly increased the time constants of inactivation. Our present experimental results suggest that NS1643 significantly increases ion current and attenuates its inactivation in cells co‐expressing G604S‐hERG and WT‐hERG. These findings raise the possibility that hERG channel activators offer potential treatment strategies for inherited LQT2.
The impact of reading at rapid rates on inference generation
Authors: Collins W. Matthew , Daniel Frances 
Published: July 2017

AimsSpeed reading is advertised as a way to increase reading speed without any loss in comprehension. However, research on speed reading has indicated that comprehension suffers as reading speed increases. We were specifically interested in how processes of inference generation were affected by speed reading.MethodsWe examined how reading speed influenced inference generation in typical readers, trained speed readers and participants trained to skim read passages. Passages either strongly or weakly promoted a bridging or predictive inference. After reading, participants performed a lexical decision task on either a nonword, neutral or inference‐related word.ResultsTypical readers responded to strong and weak inference words faster than neutral words. There were no statistical differences in reaction time between inference‐related and neutral words for speed and skim readers.ConclusionsThese findings provide no substantive evidence that the appropriate inferences are generated when reading at rapid speeds. Thus, speed reading may be detrimental to normal integrative comprehension processes.
Managerial Ability and Credit Ratings
Authors: Cornaggia Kimberly J. , Krishnan Gopal V. , Wang Changjiang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe test whether credit rating analysts consider managerial ability as a credit risk factor and find that higher‐ability managers obtain more favorable credit ratings. Controlling for past performance, these results suggest that managerial ability is itself a significant credit rating factor. Cross‐sectional analyses indicate that managerial ability is beneficial specifically in firms facing financial or competitive pressure. We find that high‐ability managers mitigate the adverse impact on ratings of other credit risk factors including negative earnings and low interest coverage. Our results contribute to a growing literature documenting economic benefits to hiring and retaining high‐quality management.