bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case study: An examination of the decision making process for selecting simulations for an online MBA program
Authors: Neely Pat , Tucker Jan 
Published: March 2013

PurposeSimulations are designed as activities which imitate real world scenarios and are often used to teach and enhance skill building. The purpose of this case study is to examine the decision making process and outcomes of a faculty committee tasked with examining simulations in the marketplace to determine if the simulations could be used as assessment instruments in a new MBA program.Design/methodology/approachThe criterion for evaluating the decision making process was developed by adapting the five dimensional framework developed by Gulikers, Bastiaens and Kirschner.FindingsThe paper will conclude with a review of outcomes from the evaluation process and suggestions on how the decision process might be streamlined for faculty and curriculum designers who are developing new business programs.Research limitations/implicationsExpectations for evaluating simulations need to be completely defined before beginning the review process, assign an individual with content knowledge to lead the review of individual simulations, vendor presentations of the simulations tended to sway the evaluator's opinion of the product in a more positive manner regardless of content.Practical implicationsCompetency based education continues to be a focus in higher education as the pressure to illustrate demonstrable skills continues to mount. Simulations may play a role in helping students obtain competencies in specific areas but their ability to assess competencies acquired warrants further research. A solid and rational decision making process is required to accurately determine the effectiveness of using simulations in an MBA program.Social implicationsSimulations allow students to interact with complex systems and ideas but assessing the actual learning that takes place can be challenging (Frezzo, Behrens, and Mislevy). Students still need a conceptual framework of the material being presented in order for the simulations to be meaningful. Finding an effective instructional model which supports both hard (technical or procedural) and soft (people, communication) skills can be challenging as the soft skills are more difficult to quantify. Instituting an effective evaluation and decision process when evaluating these types of assessments is important when determining their value in a classroom.Originality/valueThis case study was based on the decision process of the University and the College of Business Administration in determining how simulations could be used in a competency based MBA program.
Student placement service: An exploratory investigation of employer retention and a “Priority Partner” intervention
Authors: Walsh Francis D. , Byrne Seán 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors relating to retention of employers on an undergraduate work placement programme in a third level institution.Design/methodology/approachAn action research methodology involving problem diagnosis, intervention planning, action and evaluation is employed. The diagnosis involved a survey of 130 employers that had taken students on placement during the first two years of the placement programme. The action research also involved workshops with the work placement team and the making of an intervention with respect to enhancing the placement process through the introduction of a Priority Partner initiative for 26 of the employers.FindingsThe survey findings reveal differences in the ranking of importance of college selection criteria by employers, as well the impact of the placement manager's characteristics on the placement process. The intervention findings show that the employer retention percentage increased for the Priority Partners but remained the same for the other employers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study reports qualitative findings in the context of a placement programme in one institution which limits external validity.Practical implicationsEmployer retention would seem to be improved with the development of a customer relations management orientation with employers. The role of the placement manager is pivotal to enhancing the retention of employers as is the quality and professionalism of the work placement service.Originality/valueNew empirical data extends the very limited understanding of company retention on work placement programmes.
Want to change the world? Think differently
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents part 2 of an interview with Paul Polman.FindingsDiscusses Unilever's presence in emerging markets, and its efforts to create markets in under‐developed regions.Originality/valueThe interview offers advice for leaders operating in a challenging business environment, and those looking to create more sustainable business models.
Regional differences of online learning behavior patterns
Authors: Yang Chyan , Hsieh Tsui‐Chuan 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to show that online learning behaviors are dictated by both personal characteristics and regional differences.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 16,133 users in 25 regions of Taiwan. The paper examined usage behaviors by looking at 11 items of categorical variables about online learning. This study implemented a multi‐level latent class model to investigate online learning behavior patterns that exhibit regional differences.FindingsThe results showed that online learning patterns do exhibit regional differences, as the regional segments are dictated by the individual segments of different use patterns. For instance, the urban area segment comprised a higher proportion of members who are good at using the internet. The rural area segment made up a higher proportion of members who occasionally use the internet. Interestingly, rural users went online more often than urban users when in search of e‐learning or entertainment. On the other hand, the individual segments are dictated by users' personal characteristics. For instance, younger people are good at employing online learning and entertainment services. Moreover, those who use many types of online applications pay less respect to intellectual property rights than those who only use a few types of applications.Originality/valueBy using a massive amount of survey data to show regional differences in online learning behavior patterns, the findings herein will help internet service providers form an applicable guideline for developing service strategies of higher service satisfaction between products and users' needs.
Malaysian authors' acceptance to self‐archive in institutional repositories
Authors: Wirba Singeh Feria , Abrizah A. , Harun Abdul Karim Noor 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to evaluate Malaysian authors' readiness to self‐archive in open access repositories. The effectiveness of open access repositories to support knowledge‐sharing is expected to be highly dependent on the readiness of authors to self‐archive their research output.Design/methodology/approachThe study has adopted a quantitative research design and a web based survey method was used for data‐gathering. The subjects of the study were authors within the five research‐intensive universities in Malaysia. An e‐mail invitation was sent out to 1,000 authors within the five intensive universities, of which 108 responded. This study uses the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, which postulates the constructs of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions on using technology. These constructs determine the behavioral intent, which influences the usage behavior of this technology.FindingsThe findings from this study revealed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating condition did not influence authors' behavioral intention to self‐archive. Even though academic researchers tend to agree that institutional repositories are a good way of disseminating information and use them frequently, most of them have not fully embraced self‐archiving in institutional repositories.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to utilize the UTAUT model to assess self‐archiving practices, and it shows that self‐archiving does not prove strong support for the model.
User education program as determinant of electronic information resources usage in Nimbe Adedipe University Library, Nigeria
Authors: Adeniyi Aderibigbe Nurudeen , Adebimpe Ajiboye Bosede 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe focus of this study is the development of effective user education programs that will enhance the use of electronic information resources (EIR) in an era of electronic information for the students of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, which consequently could be adapted for students in other higher institutions of learning.Design/methodology/approachThis study was carried out during the first semester of the 2010/2011 academic session (November 2010 to February 2011), employing a survey method. The target population is postgraduate students (postgraduate diploma, Master's degree and Doctor of Philosophy students) of the seven colleges that run postgraduate programs at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Of a total population of 330 postgraduate students, 250 postgraduate students were selected randomly using a purposive sampling technique since the student population was not evenly distributed across the colleges. Administration and retrieval of the questionnaire lasted for six weeks.FindingsThe findings of this study have shown that the user education program of Nimbe Adedipe Library is not adequate; the library provides more library orientation than bibliographic instruction and information literacy skills. It was also found that few of the students received training on EIR usage while an analysis of the open‐ended questions revealed that the students got to know how to use electronic resources through their own efforts, periodic training in the library, and through the efforts of some library staff and friends. It was also found that use of EIR has a great impact on the respondents' academic activities, as reflected in their responses, where the students agreed that their academic work would suffer without the use of EIR.Practical implicationsIt is the belief of the researchers that empirical research on the use of library resources is crucial for the design and implementation of user education programs.Originality/valueThe results of this study will be a meaningful addition to the literature of library and information science in the area of user studies.
Relationships between advisor characteristics and consumer perceptions
Authors: Söderberg Inga‐Lill 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationships between advisor characteristics and consumer risk perception, willingness to follow advice and perception of advisor credibility in a financial services context. It answers calls for more knowledge about financial advisors’ influence on financial decision‐making among consumers.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental study, displaying financial advice together with photographs of advisors, was completed by convenience sampling of 200 Swedish consumers and analysis using statistical techniques to compare groups: two‐way between‐groups ANOVA.FindingsThis study shows that advisor gender affected consumer risk perceptions, willingness to follow advice and perception of advisor credibility in a financial services context, whereas advisor mood affected only consumer willingness to follow advice. No biases depending on buyer–seller similarity were found.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on consumer perceptions – not real‐life investment choices. Conclusions are drawn from a relatively small sample. However, the policy implications are important, suggesting that characteristics other than those of consumers (e.g. gender, educational level, occupation, financial literacy) can be of relevance for policymakers in their attempts to improve consumer protection.Practical implicationsThe findings provide useful insights for marketing practitioners that could help adjust information disseminated to consumer segments and that could have implications for marketing and hiring practices in the financial sector.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates the role of advisor characteristics in consumer financial decision‐making and calls for more research on financial advisory services.
Much more than sports: sports events as stimuli for city re‐branding
Authors: Herstein Ram , Berger Ron 
Published: March 2013

PurposeCity branding has become a very popular activity all over the globe. In this paper the authors aim to show the importance of sports events in city re‐branding strategies, and how businesses take advantage of such opportunities to increase their incomes.Design/methodology/approachA new framework is presented that is based on four different alternatives for city re‐branding strategies based on sport events. These four re‐branding strategies are derived from two main dimensions: the locus of the sports event (local vs international) and the longevity of the sports event (one‐off vs continual).FindingsProspective hosts of mega or international sports events must ensure that people all over the world see their city as a leisure, tourism and consumption center and not just a sports arena. Conversely, when hosting medium or minor sports events, planners must aim for these sport events to increase residents' civic pride.Practical implicationsThis conceptual paper demonstrates how city planners and decision makers can leverage their city image and its business sector's potential to earn from this event directly and indirectly, based on the aforesaid four re‐branding strategies: Mega sports events, International sports events, Medium sport events, and Minor sport events.Originality/valueThis article deals with four types of sports event strategies at the same time, whereas other investigations tend to deal with only a single type.
Learning about customers
Authors: Perez Lourdes , Whitelock Jeryl , Florin Juan 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to gain a better understanding of how small technology start‐ups learn about a key customer in the context of B2B relationships, and to propose a model of interfirm learning with customers.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative case‐based approach, the authors immerse themselves in the development of three learning alliances between technology startups and industry leaders, two successes and one failure, to gain an in‐depth understanding of the dynamics involved. Data were collected on both sides of the alliance dyad.FindingsThe paper delineates four learning cycles: alliance inception, joint‐learning, specialization and discovery. These learning cycles constitute sequences of increasing understanding, cooperation, and higher order learning between the partners; evolving from an exchange of existing knowledge to the joint development of new knowledge.Originality/valueThis study contributes to an integration of the alliance and marketing literatures by offering empirical evidence of a different type of alliance, namely the reciprocal learning alliance. It also contributes to broadening our understanding of market orientation in inter‐organizational settings. In the context of business‐to‐business relationships, the study has identified four critical dimensions of learning alliance success, and proposed how they could be measured: Learn about customers; Interact with customers; Customer‐specific investments; and Co‐develop breakthrough innovations. Finally, the study demonstrates the significant role played by “committed champions”.
Service employees and customer phone rage: an empirical analysis
Authors: Harris Lloyd C. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeIn an era in which two‐thirds of interactions between firms and customers occur by telephone communications, the impact of customer telephone rage on employees' service‐related attitudes and beliefs is worthy of study. Telephone or “phone rage” involves occurrences of employee‐ or firm‐oriented injurious speech, aggression, anger, or antagonism that customers undertake during customer‐firm telephone interactions. The aim of this paper is to develop a conceptual model of the direct and indirect links between perceived customer phone rage and employee‐customer rapport, functional quality delivery, customer service orientation, retaliation intentions, negative word of mouth, and affective commitment.Design/methodology/approachTo test the developed hypotheses, the author deemed a self‐administered postal survey the most appropriate data collection method. In total, 257 fully completed questionnaires were received and analyzed via structural equation modeling.FindingsOf the eight hypothesized associations between phone rage and employee–customer rapport, functional quality delivery, customer service orientation, retaliation intentions, negative word of mouth, and affective commitment, seven are found to be significant. Three previously accepted associations are also found to be significant.Originality/valueThis study contributes in a number of ways. First, the paper develops a conceptual model that depicts service‐related dynamics, perceived customer rage, and employees' behavioral intentions. Second, this study also contributes methodologically through operationalizing, pretesting, applying, and testing a seven‐item scale of the level of perceived customer phone rage, from the perspective of the recipient (the employee). The third contribution of the study centers on the empirical insights gained. The study provides empirical evidence in support of the wider application of Huefner and Hunt's extension of Hirschman's framework.
The effect of relationship desire on consumer‐to‐business relationships
Authors: Raciti Maria M. , Ward Tony , Dagger Tracey S. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeMuch of the success of a relationship marketing program rests on the consumers' choice to participate in a service relationship in the first instance. The purpose of this study is to examine the degree to which this desire of the consumer to engage in a relationship impacts on their perceived cognitive‐state gains (motivation, confidence and affiliation) and key measures of consumer‐to‐business relationship success (relationship strength, satisfaction and retention intentions).Design/methodology/approachFollowing a qualitative study, the main quantitative study used a self‐administered survey of 334 service consumers to understand relationship perceptions. Structural equation modeling was then used to test the hypotheses.FindingsAnalysis revealed that consumers desire to participate in a relationship influenced their level of motivation, degree of confidence and these, in turn, impacted on the consumers' sense of affiliation with the service provider. A consumer's sense of affiliation subsequently influenced the strength of their relationship and their level of satisfaction with the relationship. Additionally, the effect of relationship desire on relationship strength and satisfaction was apparent. Consumers' desire indirectly impacted on retention intentions, suggesting that service managers should be careful not to assume that consumers' deliberate choice to participate in a relationship will routinely result in loyalty.Originality/valuePractitioners and academics have sought to determine why some consumers, and not others, participate in relationships. This study adds to knowledge in this area by empirically demonstrating the extent to which the desire of a consumer to participate in a service relationship effects the gains accrued to the consumer and the relationship outcomes.
Food safety in the US catering industry: empirical findings
Authors: Ghezzi Sara , Ayoun Baker 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore food safety measures in catering and special event programs, especially with respect to the knowledge and implementation of knowledge of food handlers in the catering sector in the USA.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was utilized in this study. A questionnaire was distributed to 557 respondents, representing over 40 chapters in the National Association of Catering Executives. The questionnaire was divided into three sections of food safety (food handling, equipment, and personal hygiene). This study utilized t‐tests and ANOVA to test for differences between gender, training, management status, and employment status with regard to food safety knowledge and practices.FindingsResults suggested that employees in the catering industry who work part‐time need more training and development. Management was seen as more knowledgeable than non‐management personnel and was seen to have more training. Overall the study found that there is a need to focus on training for employees, with even greater emphasis for new employees.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide significant evidence that greater emphasis must take place to require proper training of all employees in the catering sector. An educational training program that focuses on the catering sector can be developed by utilizing the usable factors gained from this research.Originality/valueThe present study provides a national survey representing a large geographic area of the USA, and focuses on catering servers, front‐line staff, and management in the special event industry. This study also combines the safety issues of equipment, personal hygiene, and food handling into one study as a whole to examine the overall knowledge of catering employees in the industry.
Commentary on “From ‘what do you do?’ to ‘a leap of faith’: developing more effective indirect intervention for adults with learning disabilities”
Authors: Reynolds Sharron 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on Alix Lewer's and Celia Harding's research on the factors influencing the success of speech and language therapy intervention in residential homes and day centres for people with learning disabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe article reflects on the issues raised by Lewer and Harding, in the light of the literature on implementation and the author's own research on the implementation of behaviour support plans.FindingsSimilar barriers underlie problems of implementation of programmes related to communication and behaviour support.Originality/valueProfessionals need to improve their understanding of implementation problems and ensure that their role includes providing support to frontline staff to initiate and maintain changed practices.