bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological contract, engagement and employee discretionary behaviours
Authors: Kasekende Francis 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the mediation effect of employee engagement on the relationship between employer obligations, employee obligations and state of the psychological contract and employee discretionary behaviours.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data were collected using self-administered questionnaires with 278 participants from 11 commissions and three agencies in the public service in Uganda. The authors used hierarchical regression analysis to investigate the hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that employer obligations, employee obligations and state of the psychological contract were positively related to employee discretionary behaviours. In addition, employee engagement was found to be a partial mediator between employee obligations, employer obligations and state of the psychological contract and discretionary behaviours among for both subordinate and supervisory staffs.Originality/valueSince little is known about the process by which public service commissions and agencies in Uganda promote employer obligations, employee obligations and state of the psychological contract on discretionary behaviours, this paper contributes to the literature by examining human resource management practices in a developing country context.
Group acceptance sampling plan for resubmitted lots based on life tests for odds exponential log logistic distribution
Authors: K. Rosaiah , Gadde Srinivasa Rao , K. Kalyani , D.C.U. Sivakumar 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a group acceptance sampling plan (GASP) for a resubmitted lot when the lifetime of a product follows odds exponential log logistic distribution introduced by Rao and Rao (2014). The parameters of the proposed plan such as minimum group size and acceptance number are determined for a pre-specified consumer’s risk, number of testers and the test termination time. The authors compare the proposed plan with the ordinary GASP, and the results are illustrated with live data example.

Design/methodology/approach
The parameters of the proposed plan such as minimum group size and acceptance number are determined for a pre-specified consumer’s risk, number of testers and the test termination time.

Findings
The authors determined the group size and acceptance number.

Research limitations/implications
No specific limitations.

Practical implications
This methodology can be applicable in industry to study quality control.

Social implications
This methodology can be applicable in health study.

Originality/value
The parameters of the proposed plan such as minimum group size and acceptance number are determined for a pre-specified consumer’s risk, number of testers and the test termination time.
The life cycle of a feature: modelling the transitions between feature states
Authors: Batarfi Raaid , Guergachi Aziz , Wahab M.I.M. 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
Studies have suggested that attributes are dynamic and a life cycle of product and service attributes exists. When an innovative feature is introduced, the feature might attract and delight customers. However, with the passage of time the state of the attractiveness of this feature may change, for better or for worse. The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed model that shows the factors and related sub-factors that affect the life cycle of a feature and thereby explain the changes that may happen to a feature over time.

Design/methodology/approach
This model provide detailed explanations of the direct and indirect factors that affect the states of a feature, the ones that affect the rate of adoption, and the ones that trigger the changes between states. The model uses a current-market product’s feature to discuss the effects of these factors on the life cycle of this feature in detail.

Findings
This paper extends the theory of attractive quality attributes by identified seven states of the feature in its life cycle. These states are as follows: unknown/unimportant state, honey pot state, racing state, required state, standard state, core state, and dead state. This paper also identified eight major factors that affect the transition of the feature from one state to another. These factors include demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, psychological, geographical, environmental, organisational, and technological factors.

Originality/value
The findings of this paper provide additional evidence that product and service attributes are dynamic. This paper also increases the validity of the attractive quality attributes theory and the factors that affect the state of the feature in its life cycle. The understanding of the state of the feature in its life cycle, and the factors that influence this change, helps not only in the introduction of completely new features but also in knowing when to remove obsolescent ones.
An integrated approach for multivariate statistical process control using Mahalanobis-Taguchi System and Andrews function
Authors: Sikder Sagar , Panja Subhash Chandra , Mukherjee Indrajit 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a new easy-to-implement distribution-free integrated multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) approach with an ability to recognize out-of-control points, identify the key influential variable for the out-of-control state, and determine necessary changes to achieve the state of statistical control.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed approach integrates the control chart technique, the Mahalanobis-Taguchi System concept, the Andrews function plot, and nonlinear optimization for multivariate process control. Mahalanobis distance, Taguchi’s orthogonal array, and the main effect plot concept are used to identify the key influential variable responsible for the out-of-control situation. The Andrews function plot and nonlinear optimization help to identify direction and necessary correction to regain the state of statistical control. Finally, two different real life case studies illustrate the suitability of the approach.

Findings
The case studies illustrate the potential of the proposed integrated multivariate process control approach for easy implementation in varied manufacturing and process industries. In addition, the case studies also reveal that the multivariate out-of-control state is primarily contributed by a single influential variable.

Research limitations/implications
The approach is limited to the situation in which a single influential variable contributes to out-of-control situation. The number and type of cases used are also limited and thus generalization may not be debated. Further research is necessary with varied case situations to refine the approach and prove its extensive applicability.

Practical implications
The proposed approach does not require multivariate normality assumption and thus provides greater flexibility for the industry practitioners. The approach is also easy to implement and requires minimal programming effort. A simple application Microsoft Excel is suitable for online implementation of this approach.

Originality/value
The key steps of the MSPC approach are identifying the out-of-control point, diagnosing the out-of-control point, identifying the “influential” variable responsible for the out-of-control state, and determining the necessary direction and the amount of adjustment required to achieve the state of control. Most of the approaches reported in open literature are focused only until identifying influencing variable, with many restrictive assumptions. This paper addresses all key steps in a single integrated distribution-free approach, which is easy to implement in real time.
Ruth N. Bolton: Autobiographical reflections
Authors: Bolton Ruth N. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeMy goal is to describe my life in marketing over more than 36 years and to help readers better understand (from my personal perspective) the history of marketing. I also aim to lift the curtain on some aspects of service within the marketing community.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is an autobiographical sketch. It describes some key moments in my career, as well as describing how my most cited articles came to be written. It emphasizes the contextual factors at work in different periods, so readers can better understand how and why my research evolved in certain ways. I aim to convey the nature and variety of career experiences that were (and are) open to marketing academics. I discuss my experiences at theJournal of Marketingand the Marketing Science Institute.FindingsMarketing changed rapidly between 1974 and 2017. Although change can be uncomfortable, I urge marketers to seek exposure to new ideas and practices; they are essential to learning and growth. Unexpected opportunities will come along and an alert individual can learn much from them. My time in industry was a learning experience for me. There are many kinds of interesting and successful careers.Practical implicationsThe marketing field advances, not by the work of a single individual, but from the accumulated work of the entire marketing community. Everyone has a role to play. I encourage each individual to look for ways to contribute. I offer thoughts on how to build a research career based on my own experience.Social implicationsMy thoughts may shed some light on the experiences of a woman academic and the globalization of marketing academia between 1974 and 2017.Originality/valueMy hope is that this paper contributes to a better understanding of the history of marketing, when it is considered together with other articles on this topic. It may also be useful to people who are embarking upon a career, as well as those seeking to understand the work of earlier marketing scholars.
Pricing of Sukuk Musharakah with joint venture as underlying, beyond the use of PLS ratio
Authors: Ahroum Rida , Achchab Boujemaa 
Published: July 2017

PurposeParticipatory contracts reflect the true spirit of Islamic finance. However, these contracts face several challenges during their implementation. This is reflected by the low volume of contracts processed by Islamic banks and the low number of Sukuk issued. This study aims to introduce a new parameter related to the valuation of Sukuk Musharakah when the underlying asset is a joint venture.Design/methodology/approachThe author applies the Gordon & Shapiro model on the valuation of Sukuk Musharakah with a joint venture as underlying. A new pricing framework is introduced with several usual parameters such as the profit and loss sharing ratio, besides a new parameter, which is the dividend payout ratio. The framework shall contain price, duration and convexity computation. The new framework differs from the classic bond pricing methodology broadly used nowadays in determination of Sukuk prices.FindingsThe results indicate that negotiating only the profit and loss sharing ratio is not sufficient to have a fair price of Sukuk Musharakah when the underlying is a joint venture. It is due to the mismatch of interest between investors and issuers. Thus, another parameter should be negotiated which is the dividend payout ratio.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses exclusively on Sukuk Musharakah with joint venture as underlying. Also, the choice of Gordon & Shapiro formula, by definition of the model, restricts the calculation of the net asset value by using only the future expected dividends with constant growth. This choice is made primarily to explain the objective of this paper in a simple way.Practical implicationsFor investors, a compatible pricing framework with the underlying flows and risks of an asset is essential to create a liquid market. This work would help investors to boost the Sukuk Musharakah market.Originality/valueSeveral studies have analyzed the various challenges in Sukuk markets. Few of them dealt with specificities of Sukuk Musharakah by focusing on the underlying nature. So far, the profit and loss sharing ratio is the only parameter analyzed in these studies. Thus, the authors contribute to the literature by studying other parameters that can solve the various challenges of Sukuk Markets.
Beliefs about Islamic advertising: an exploratory study in Malaysia
Authors: Shafiq A. , Haque A. , Abdullah K. , Jan M.T. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to explore people’s beliefs towards Islamic advertising.Design/methodology/approachBeing exploratory in nature, this paper applies qualitative method of research by adapting thought elicitation technique of data collection. This method rests in the projective techniques of data collection and is also known as “word association technique”. It allows free thinking of respondents that helps in generating rich data which is most required in qualitative studies.FindingsVarious beliefs regarding Islamic advertising were extracted and categorized into different dimensions. These dimensions pertained to Islamic advertising’s possibility, nature, characteristics, real-time decisions and potential outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsBeing an exploratory study, the data are collected from a small sample, hence raising generalization issues. Though, the same opens avenue for future research in that these dimensions should be subject to validation via large sample size.Practical implicationsThis research will help in developing a scale to measure attitudes towards Islamic advertising, which the researchers can use to find justification for using Islamic advertising. Such application has great implications for businesses, as Islamic advertising concept stands contrary to the contemporary practices.Social implicationsWith a growing concern for business ethics, this research is an attempt to bring Islamic ethics into advertising practice. This will not only eradicate the ill-effects of contemporary advertising but also provide sound evidence for revising advertising policies.Originality/valueIt adds to the developing field of Islamic marketing, by being the first attempt of its kind in paving the way for Islamic advertising.
Intention of and commitment towards purchasing luxury products
Authors: Khan Nur Jahan , Razzaque Mohammed Abdur , Hazrul Nik Mohd 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to empirically probe into the impact of product-related factors on the purchase intention (PI) of luxury products by Muslim consumers in Malaysia and their commitment to purchase (CP) these products. It tests if PI influences CP and how moderating variables affect the PI–CP relationship in the context of purchase of such products.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from a sample of 186 Muslim consumers drawn through a series of carefully conducted mall intercept interviews in six major shopping malls located in different parts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, using a structured, self-administered survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using a moderated regression analysis.

Findings
Although Islam does not seem to encourage spending on luxuries, sampled Muslim consumers did not seem to have much inhibition about purchasing luxury products. Their PI was found to be significantly influenced by product advantage and brand awareness, while PI–CP relationship pertaining to luxury products appeared to be positive. Of the two moderating variables examined in the study, only advertising exposure was found to strengthen the PI–CP relationship, while perceived risk, the other moderating variable, seemed to weaken it.

Research limitations/implications
As the study was conducted in a single country setting (i.e. Malaysia), the findings may lack generalizability. Future researchers may enlarge the scope of the study by including other countries, particularly other Muslim countries, to obtain generalized findings.

Practical implications
Manufacturers as well as marketers of luxury products should emphasize the product-related factors in their promotional efforts and increase familiarity of the brand through repeated exposures for brand recognition and brand recall.

Social implications
This study also provides food for thought for Muslim scholars and researchers about the Muslim consumer psyche.

Originality/value
To date, this is the first research undertaking to empirically study the PI–CP relationship in the context of purchase of luxury products in a predominantly Muslim country. The study will be useful to marketers, academics and other researchers working in this area.
Multi-agent target searching with time constraints using game-theoretic approaches
Authors: Hazra Tanmoy , Kumar C.R.S. , Nene Manisha 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for a target searching problem in a two-dimensional region with time constraints. The proposed model facilitates the search operation by minimizing the mission time and fuel usage, and the search operation is performed by a set of agents divided into a number of groups.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors have applied optimization techniques, Cartesian product, inclusion–exclusion principle, cooperative strategy, Shapley value, fuzzy Shapley function and Choquet integral to model the problem.

Findings
The proposed technique optimizes the placement of base stations that minimizes the sortie length of the agents. The results show that the cooperative strategy outperforms the non-cooperative strategy. The Shapley values quantify the rewards of each group based on their contributions to the search operation, whereas the fuzzy Shapley values determine the rewards of each group based on their contributions and level of cooperation in the search operation.

Practical implications
The proposed model can be applied to model many real-time problems such as patrolling in international borders, urban areas, forests and managing rescue operations after natural calamities, etc. Therefore, defence organizations, police departments and other operation management sectors will be benefitted by applying the proposed approach.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, determining the optimal locations of base stations in a region is not explored in the existing works on target searching problems with fuel constraints. The proposed approach to cooperatively search the targets in a region is new. Introducing the Shapley function and fuzzy Shapley function is a novel idea to quantify the rewards of each group based on their contributions and level of cooperation in the search operation. This paper addresses these unexplored areas.
Financial evaluation of the convergent technologies development in a digital economy
Authors: Pižmoht Franja , Györkös József , Močnik Dijana 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the digital economy in the fields of the most promising new technologies: information and communication technologies, biotechnology and nanotechnology. It highlights the convergence of nano-, bio-, info- and cognitive (NBIC) technologies by developing a model for the accurate evaluation of different types of options in the development process of convergent technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical research is based on theoretical analysis and case studies. The authors conducted six in-depth interviews. The study covered different research projects led by centres of excellence, competence centres and institutions that support the transfer of innovations in the economic and business environment.FindingsThe research findings prove that there is a convergence of NBIC technologies that can be observed and modelled. The created evolutionary model of NBIC convergence, also based on the theory of real options, allows a proper evaluation of the entire convergence process.Practical implicationsFor enterprises and scientific research institutions, the NBIC model could represent the starting point for developing further concepts of investment evaluation. The model also considers the indicators of the innovation system, which, in addition to the marketing area, include regulatory challenges of companies (competition, copyrights, patents, taxation, etc.).Originality/valueThis paper enhances the understanding of new technologies in a digital economy. The purpose of this study is to clarify the principal factors for the effective observation and measurement of the convergence phenomenon. It also offers suggestions for improvement of the research and innovation system in the new economy.
Succeeding a family business in a transition economy: is this the best that can happen to me?
Authors: Ljubotina Predrag , Vadnjal Jaka 
Published: July 2017

PurposeFamily business successors have three career options. They may find a job, start their own business or join their family business and eventually take it over. This broadens the scope of a common entrepreneurial dilemma of whether to start a new venture or seek hired employment. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problem from multiple angles in two different socio-political environments.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted among senior students in 34 countries with 109,000 participants. Several influencing variables such as family business background, motivation for self-employment, university environment and family business performance were defined. The used multinomial logistic regression with categorical three-dimensional independent variable allows to capture the complexity of an individual’s approach to career choice intention taking into consideration family business performance, personal motives for self-employment and university support for entrepreneurship.FindingsAll hypotheses include succession intention as a central category. There is significant correlation between friendly and supportive environment for entrepreneurship at university and the successor’s career choice. Performing family business is positively connected with the succession preference compared to the other two career alternatives. In the market economy group, students, who attended at least one entrepreneurial course, exhibit a significant preference for succession compared to employment. Male students are more likely to choose succession career than employment and founding a new own venture than succession. Students with family business background exhibit significant preference towards succession.Originality/valueSome EU countries have a common denominator of almost 50 years of communist regime experience, which broke the entrepreneurial tradition and for a couple of decades prolonged the development the market economy. The value of the study is in the model comparison of transition and market based economies in the EU.