bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hybrid data analytic approach to predict college graduation status and its determinative factors
Authors: Oztekin Asil 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The prediction of graduation rates of college students has become increasingly important to colleges and universities across the USA and the world. Graduation rates, also referred to as completion rates, directly impact university rankings and represent a measurement of institutional performance and student success. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort by federal and state governments to increase the transparency and accountability of institutions, making “graduation rates” an important and challenging university goal. In line with this, the main purpose of this paper is to propose a hybrid data analytic approach which can be flexibly implemented not only in the USA but also at various colleges across the world which would help predict the graduation status of undergraduate students due to its generic nature. It is also aimed at providing a means of determining and ranking the critical factors of graduation status.

Design/methodology/approach
This study focuses on developing a novel hybrid data analytic approach to predict the degree completion of undergraduate students at a four-year public university in the USA. Via the deployment of the proposed methodology, the data were analyzed using three popular data mining classifications methods (i.e. decision trees, artificial neural networks, and support vector machines) to develop predictive degree completion models. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the relative importance of each predictor factor driving the graduation.

Findings
The sensitivity analysis of the most critical factors in predicting graduation rates is determined to be fall-term grade-point average, housing status (on campus or commuter), and which high school the student attended. The least influential factors of graduation status are ethnicity, whether or not a student had work study, and whether or not a student applied for financial aid. All three data analytic models yielded high accuracies ranging from 71.56 to 77.61 percent, which validates the proposed model.

Originality/value
This study presents uniqueness in that it presents an unbiased means of determining the driving factors of college graduation status with a flexible and powerful hybrid methodology to be implemented at other similar decision-making settings.
Relating open innovation, innovation and management systems integration
Authors: Hernandez-Vivanco Alfonso , Bernardo Merce , Cruz-Cázares Claudio 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the level of integration of management systems (IMS) over product and process innovation capabilities (IC), by considering the role of open innovation (OI) activities as a moderating effect of those relationships.

Design/methodology/approach
A longitudinal empirical study was performed on an existing Spanish panel database that contains information related to innovation, where 9,765 companies were selected for the panel analysis. A logit approach with random effects was considered.

Findings
The level of IMS positively influences process and product IC. Moreover, external cooperation, and using it to a high extent not only positively moderates the effects of the level of IMS over process IC, but also of process over product IC, where it becomes indispensable for its effect to be positive. Finally, investing in external knowledge is a positive moderator of the effects of the level of IMS over both: process and product IC.

Originality/value
This is one of the first studies on empirically finding evidence of the impact of the level of IMS on process and product IC, and of the moderating effect of performing OI activities in order to achieve higher process and product IC through the IMS.
Modeling of product sales promotion and price discounting strategy using fuzzy logic in a retail organization
Authors: Kumar Anup , Adlakha Amit , Mukherjee Kampan 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to capture the dynamic variations in sales of a product based upon the dynamic estimation of the time series data and propose a model that imitates the price discounting and promotion strategy for a product category in a retail organization.Design/methodology/approachTime series data relating to sales has been used to model the sales estimates using moving average and proportional and derivative control; thereafter a sales forecast is generated to estimate the sales of a particular product category. This provides valuable inputs for taking lot sizing decisions regarding procurement of the products and selection of suppliers. A hybrid model has been proposed and explained with a hypothetical case, which considerably impacts the sales promotion and intelligent pricing decisions.FindingsA conceptual framework is developed for modeling the dynamic price discounting strategy in retail using fuzzy logic. The model imitates sales promotion and price discounting strategy. This has helped minimize the inventory cost thereby keeping the profitability of the retail organization intact.Research limitations/implicationsThere is no appropriate empirical data to verify the models. In light of the research approach (modeling based upon historical time series data of a particular product category) that was undertaken, there is a possibility that the research results may be valid for the product category that was selected. Therefore, the researchers are advised to test the proposed propositions further for other product categories.Originality/valueThe study provides valuable insight on how to use the real-time sales data for designing a dynamic automated model for product sales promotion and price discounting strategy using fuzzy logic for a retail organization.
Customer involvement and new product performance
Authors: Feng Taiwen , Cai Di , Zhang Zhenglin , Liu Bing 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the joint influence of technological newness (TN) and market newness (MN) on the relationship between customer involvement (CI) and new product performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors employed hierarchical moderated regression analysis to test the hypothesized relationships using survey data collected from 214 Chinese manufacturing firms.

Findings
The authors found that the impact of CI on new product performance varies across the different configurations of TN and MN. Specifically, the performance effect of CI is most positive under low TN and high MN, while the performance effect is least positive under low TN and low MN.

Originality/value
This study enriches CI research by identifying different configurations of product innovativeness that augment or limit the value of CI.
The triad value function – theorizing the value potential of connected relationships
Authors: Vedel Mette 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to explicate how connectedness of relationships results in varying value potentials of triads.Design/methodology/approachFirst connectedness is re-described as an actor-perceived and actor-interpreted phenomenon. The re-description is used to theorize the triad value function. Next, the applicability and validity of the concept is examined in a case study of four closed vertical supply chain triads.FindingsThe case study demonstrates that the triad value function facilitates the analysis and understanding of an apparent paradox; that distributors are not dis-intermediated in spite of their limited contribution to activities in the triads. The results indicate practical adequacy of the triad value function.Research limitations/implicationsThe triad value function is difficult to apply in the study of expanded networks as the number of connections expands exponentially with the number of ties in the network. Moreover, it must be applied in the study of service triads and open vertical supply chain triads to further verify the practical adequacy of the concept.Practical implicationsThe triad value function cannot be used normatively or prescriptively. It is a descriptive tool which indirectly supports managerial decision-making through the analysis of how the structural context of a triad influences the value of relationships.Originality/valueThe paper offers an additional aspect for the study of value in and of triads. It illustrates that perceived connectedness of relationships operates as a triad value function, which captures the structural value potential of the triad for a focal actor.
Clarifying the influence of emotional intelligence on salesperson performance
Authors: Kadic-Maglajlic Selma , Vida Irena , Obadia Claude , Plank Richard 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the linkages among emotional intelligence, relational selling behavior and salesperson performance. Although existing research acknowledges the importance of emotional facets in business relationships, the role of emotional intelligence is poorly understood in the literature on salesperson performance.

Design/methodology/approach
Two data sets from business-to-business salespeople in various industrial and service sectors were analyzed with structural equation modeling. Mediation hypotheses were cross validated through a bootstrapping approach with bias-corrected confidence estimates.

Findings
The results suggest that two focal types of selling behaviors – namely, adaptive selling and customer-oriented selling – fully mediate the positive relationship between emotional intelligence and salesperson performance.

Practical implications
The study offers new insights to sales and marketing managers on how individual capabilities (such as emotional intelligence) can be transformed into high sales performance.

Originality/value
Drawing on the ability view of emotional intelligence and highlighting its conative facet, the current research posits that emotional intelligence affects salesperson performance through relational selling behaviors.
Performance of shariah-compliant firms and non-shariah-compliant firms in the MENA region
Authors: Farooq Omar , Alahkam Amal 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to document the relative performance of non-financial shariah-compliant firms and non-financial non-shariah-compliant firms in the MENA (Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain) region during the period between 2005 and 2009.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses pooled ordinary least squares regression analysis to document the effect of shariah compliance on stock price performance in the MENA region on a sample of non-financial firms that consists of shariah- and non-shariah-compliant firms.

Findings
Using market-adjusted returns as a proxy for performance, this paper shows that shariah-compliant firms underperform non-shariah-compliant firms. The results also show that underperformance of shariah-compliant firms holds in the civil law and in the common law countries. Interestingly, this paper also shows that difference between the performance of shariah-and non-shariah-compliant firms disappears during the crisis period.

Research limitations/implications
This paper argues that the characteristics of shariah-compliant firms are such that these firms are at a disadvantage relative to their non-shariah-compliant counterparts. For example, high leverage of their counterpart firms can act as a disciplining mechanism and positively affect performance of these firms. Similarly, high account receivables and high cash allow non-shariah-compliant firms to make more effective business networks than shariah-compliant firms and fund large capital expenditures. Consequently, shariah-compliant firms underperform non-shariah-compliant firms. This study’s results, however, should be read with caution, as they are mainly based upon the performance of large volume, statistical significance, sampling errors and possible labeling miss-specification. Further research on this topic with different research methodology is essential.

Originality/value
This paper takes a financial view rather than religious view while highlighting the impact of shariah characteristics on firm performance.
Exploring behavioural branding, brand love and brand co-creation
Authors: Kaufmann Hans Ruediger , Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia , Manarioti Agapi 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the complex consumer brand relationships by holistically exploring the dynamics between brand love and co-creation, how they are impacted by behavioural branding and their combined impact to brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper, based on extensive and thorough literature review on the fields of brand love, behavioural branding, brand communities and co-creation, that leads to the formulation of a proposed synthesized framework.

Findings
The authors propose that consumers experiencing brand love are more willing to engage in an active co-creating behaviour in the context of a brand community, especially when brand representatives vividly communicate the brand values and motivate consumers to engage. This process is moderated by the product/service category and level of customer involvement with it, and it produces a combined positive impact on brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed conceptual framework needs to be validated through empirical research. However, even at this initial stage, it may have a significant impact, especially as it highlights the role of brand representatives and how they could drastically moderate the relationship between the brand and the consumer.

Originality/value
This is the first attempt to incorporate the constructs that are significant to the consumer–brand relationship research stream in one conceptual framework. The synthesis of these concepts will contribute to the improved understanding of the consumer–brand relationship, and its dynamics and will equip managers with a novel approach to the central role of behavioural branding.
The impact of brand evangelism on oppositional referrals towards a rival brand
Authors: Marticotte Francois , Arcand Manon , Baudry Damien 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThis study aims to build on the notion of brand evangelism developed by Becerra and Badrinarayanan (2013) by examining how brand relationship variables regarding one brand (i.e. brand loyalty, brand community identification and self-brand connection) influence oppositional referrals to a rival brand (i.e. desire to harm and trash-talking) in the high definition (HD) videogame console industry.Design/methodology/approachA survey of online communities devoted to video gaming was conducted using a sample of 809 respondents, all owners of either a PlayStation or an Xbox.FindingsThe results show that the desire to harm the rival brand is strongly and positively associated to participation in trash-talking. Brand loyalty is connected to both dimensions of oppositional brand referrals. Consumers’ connection with the brand affects trash-talking only indirectly through the desire to harm. No association is found between identification with the brand community and oppositional brand referrals.Originality/valueThis study is the first to demonstrate the mechanism linking brand relationship variables regarding a focal brand with consumers’ disparagement of a rival brand, showing that a desire to harm plays a central role. Just as the desire for retaliation drives negative word-of-mouth in the context of an unsatisfactory experience with a brand (Grégoire and Fisher, 2006), the desire to harm drives trash-talking against a rival brand by brand evangelists. This study improves our understanding of the relationships consumers build with their preferred brands and how this relationship may influence their rejection of competing brands with which they do not have direct experience.
Market brand equity: lost in terminology and techniques?
Authors: Schultz Don 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review, update and suggest new approaches to estimate/determine market brand equity (MBE) impact based on additional brand investments in existing brands. The approach can be used by senior managers, replacing traditional return-on-investment (ROI) historical approaches. The paper focuses on the brand owner’s values/returns rather than those of the customer/consumer.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual approach using a theoretical methodology based on a literature review and informed analysis of how a new type of MBE estimation/calculation methodology might be developed.FindingsThis paper proposes a radically different, forward-looking calculation/estimation of MBE determination based on estimations of additional cash flows which might return to the firm as a result of additional investments made in the brand. The approach moves away from traditional cost/managerial accounting approaches to a more actuarial-based estimation of future income flows should additional investments be made in the brand. A Markov chain or other probability-based methodology of estimating future returns is suggested.Originality/valuePresently, most brand investment models are based on historical backward-looking estimations/calculations of snapshots of point-in-time ROI models. These, the author argues, are outdated and irrelevant for forward-looking managers and firms. This recommended approach provides senior management with estimates of the value that might be created in the future.
What drives consumer’s responses to brand crisis? The moderating roles of brand associations and brand-customer relationship strength
Authors: Jeon Jung Ok , Baeck Sunmee 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate consumers’ attitudinal and behavioral responses to brand crisis and examine an empirical model to explain consumer’s internal process in the context of negative information about a brand, analyzing the relationships between the brand association types, brand-customer relationship strength and consumers’ responses depending on the types of brand crises.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses an integrative approach based on qualitative and quantitative methods: a focus-group interview and an experiment.FindingsThe results indicated that consumers’ responses were more favorable in the corporate ability (CA) crisis than in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) crisis. In addition, consumers with high brand-customer relationship strength and brand associations for CA (CSR) showed more favorable responses to a brand crisis related to CA (CSR) than to that related to CSR (CA).Practical implicationsManagerially, firms should improve their marketing activity to reinforce particular brand association type that strongly related customers mainly have. In addition, firms should carefully find the best timing and channel that strongly related customers usually access, to present corporate corresponding statements in brand crisis and information of their corporate crisis-coping process.Originality/valueTheoretically, this study will contribute to the literature on brand crises by providing critical insights into the mechanism underlying consumers’ responses to brand crises.
Audit quality indicators: perceptions of junior-level auditors
Authors: Brown Veena L. , Gissel Jodi L. , Gordon Neely Daniel 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
In an effort to develop an audit quality (AQ) framework specific to the US audit market, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) recently issued a concept release proposing 28 audit quality indicators (AQIs) along three dimensions: audit professionals, audit process and audit results. Using AQIs initially proposed by the PCAOB, as well as AQIs suggested by prior literature, the authors solicit perceptions from junior-level (senior and staff) auditors to investigate the current state of practice along many of the AQIs relating to audit professionals and audit process.

Design/methodology/approach
In the study, 78 junior-level auditors responded to the survey.

Findings
An analysis of the responses suggests auditors engage in activities and audit firms promote conditions that at times improve, and at other times, reduce audit quality. The authors find that individual auditors’ perceptions differ across experience level, gender and audit firm size for certain AQIs.

Practical implications
The study is useful to the PCAOB because it provides insights to help assess the value of potential AQIs in differentiating AQ. The study is also useful to other regulators because it describes audit staff and seniors’ perceptions of apparent firm and auditor compliance with accounting and auditing standards. Practitioners should find this information useful in helping to identify possible root causes of audit deficiencies, a challenge put forth to firms by the PCAOB.

Originality/value
This study provides academia with evidence on AQ from practicing auditors, which informs existing and future research along. The study complements existing work by showing how individual auditor characteristics (experience and gender) at the junior levels may impact AQ in practice
Audit committee and integrated reporting practice: does internal assurance matter?
Authors: Ahmed Haji Abdifatah , Anifowose Mutalib 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the role of the audit committee function as an internal assurance provider in the emerging integrated reporting (IR) practice. In particular, the authors examine the role of the overall effectiveness, as well as specific aspects, of the audit committee function in IR practice.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors examine the integrated reports of 246 firm-year observations of large South African companies over a three-year period (2011-2013), following the introduction of an “apply or explain” IR requirement and an embedded “combined assurance” model in South Africa. Drawing from conflicting theoretical perspectives of economics-based (e.g. agency theory) and socio-political theories (e.g. legitimacy theory), the authors develop competing hypotheses to predict the role of the overall, as well as specific aspects, of the audit committee function in IR practice.

Findings
Consistent with the predictions of economics-related theories, the authors find that the overall effectiveness of the audit committee function has a strong positive association with the extent and quality of IR practice. In particular, audit committee authority and meetings are shown to have a significant positive impact on IR practice. However, as implied by socio-political theories, the authors do not find a significant association between key aspects of the audit committee function such as audit committee independence and financial expertise and IR practice.

Practical implications
This study informs local and international regulatory authorities, as well as the business community, about the potential significance of internal assurance mechanisms such as the audit committee function in the emerging IR practice. Given the practical challenges associated with independent external assurance provisions, the findings of this study suggest that internal assurance mechanisms – such as the audit committee function – can be genuine and cost-effective alternative assurance mechanisms in enhancing the credibility and reliability of non-financial reporting practices, particularly the emerging IR practice. The results also inform academic researchers to take cognisance from the expanding roles and responsibilities of audit committees and conduct in-depth investigation on “how” the audit committee function is handling the increasing responsibilities.

Originality/value
The study provides initial empirical account towards the role of the audit committee function in the emerging IR practice. The study is novel because it shows the significance of internal assurance mechanisms in wider organisational reporting practice.