bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An expanded model of variety‐seeking behaviour in food product choices
Authors: Meixner Oliver , Knoll Viktoria 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to introduce and evaluate an expanded model approximating variety‐seeking behaviour (VSB), which is defined as the phenomenon that consumers switch between brands because of the utility gained from the switch itself.Design/methodology/approachAs a theoretical basis, two existing approaches, the switch (S) and the successive switch (SS) models, were examined and adjusted. The integration of both approaches led to the expanded “switch of brands” (SB) model. SB was tested empirically using panel data for a highly developed food market (the Austrian food market for three product categories, i.e. fruit juice, fruit yoghurt, and chocolate, with data for 2007 and 2008).FindingsThe integration of S and SS into the expanded SB model succeeded. Based on an annual comparison, the reliability of the SB model was tested. Since the results can be reproduced, it can be determined that the SB model is reliable. To test the explanatory power, a variable assessing brand loyalty (“brand purchase frequency”) was introduced. Correlation analyses showed that the expanded variety‐seeking model is more appropriate for approximating VSB than either S or SS.Research limitations/implicationsThe SB model is still very basic, integrating only three variables. Other influencing variables have to be considered to further improve the significance of the SB model.Practical implicationsThe expanded VSB model can be applied in all product categories and markets where panel data are available. It helps to analyse panel data in view of consumers' variety seeking and brand switching behavior.Originality/valueThe expanded variety‐seeking model (SB) is easy to implement and gives valid information on VSB. It can be used for marketing decisions, especially in connection to brand management.
Adaptation and international students' perceptions of on‐campus foodservice
Authors: Ruetzler Tanya , Taylor Jim , Hertzman Jean 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate whether length of time spent in the USA impacts perceptions of international students studying in US schools regarding the service and food quality of on‐campus foodservice operations.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers surveyed international students at one Southeastern and one Southwestern university in the USA regarding their perceptions of university foodservice, divided into six factors, i.e. service and sanitation, food dislikes, selection and taste, drinks, value, and crowding. A two‐way MANOVA test was performed using SPSS Version 17.0 to identify any significant differences between the six factors, time in the USA, and universities.FindingsMANOVA testing indicated that there was a significant difference between length of time in the USA and the ratings of the service and sanitation factor. The group that had been in the USA for less than six months rated the service and sanitation factor higher than the group who had been in the USA for over a year.Research limitation/implicationsCampus administrators and food service operators need to consider that the interaction and socialization provided by the on‐campus dining experience may be an important step of the adaption process for international students.Originality/valueThe study applies theoretical concepts regarding service quality and adaptation that have not been used previously to study international students and their on‐campus foodservice preferences.
Consumer preferences versus commercial differentiation: a Spanish case study
Authors: Bernabéu Rodolfo , Tendero Antonio , Olmeda Miguel 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThis study measures the degree of influence that attributes such as price, organic production, origin and commercial type have on Spanish consumers when purchasing lamb meat, while also analysing various lamb meat differentiation strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consisted of a survey of 421 Castilla‐La Mancha (Spain) lamb meat consumers during the month of January 2009. The preferences of these consumers were determined through several multivariate techniques.FindingsThe results obtained by means of conjoint analysis techniques show that an additional potential differentiation strategy is to offer the market conventionally produced suckling lamb and organic “ternasco” lamb. Thus, potential commercial cannibalism would be simultaneously prevented between two types of meat belonging to one and the same PGI Manchego Lamb.Originality/valueThe excessive commercial differentiation that can arise in food for basic consumption in general and particularly within the Manchego Lamb PGI. Whether it be from the inclusion of another commercial type (suckling lamb meat) together with the traditional type (“ternasco” lamb meat) and the additional possibility of the organic certification, it can make way for a certain commercial “cannibalism” among PGI lamb meats.
Rationale of institutional repository categories and IR development challenges in India
Authors: Balaji Babu Preedip , Santosh Kumar Kadari , Shewale Nilesh A. , Singh Abhinav K. 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to find out the rationale for institutional repository (IR) categories, and the challenges in sustainable development of open scholarship to facilitate scholarly communication.Design/methodology/approachThis is a critical study method adopted to find out the categories of IR and various developmental challenges with the aid of related literature.FindingsIR categories and their nomenclature are found to be overlapping when used by repository registries and librarians alike. As the digital objects in the repositories are expanding, with a requirement to store new entities as diverse as linked data and web archives, IR categorization becomes difficult to determine. Even though the growth of IRs in India is phenomenal, concerted research and development efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and repository solutions in multilingual settings are slow.Originality/valueWith the rapid growth of IRs worldwide, the categories with which these are classified is examined. As a contentious player in scholarly communication process, the challenges of IRs' development are underlined. The prospects and deployment of IRs requires funding and an appropriately skilled workforce, along with government support. This is viewed from global and Indian perspectives.
Second career librarians: teachers transitioning to librarianship
Authors: Lambert Claudett , Newman Nadine 
Published: October 2012

PurposeSecond career librarians have emerged from many professions over the years. They have made significant contributions to librarianship as they transfer their years of expertise, knowledge and skills from their former careers into the field. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors which motivate teachers to leave the teaching profession and make the entrance into librarianship. The findings will be used to justify whether the switch is just a means of acquiring advance education or is a conscious desire to change their career. This research will discover common themes in their experiences and perceptions and draw reasonable conclusions about them.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a qualitative analysis of data gleaned from in‐depth interviews with teachers who completed the Master in Library and Information Studies degree between 1996 and 2008 at the Department of Library and Information Studies, University of the West Indies in Jamaica. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and responses were recorded to facilitate transcription in an effort to detect similar themes in their experiences.FindingsFindings of this research substantiate existing empirical evidence which highlights better opportunities as a major career motivation for second career librarians.Originality/valueThe paper builds on the literature in second career librarians and offers essential information which should impact library education and library administrators' recruitment policies. The findings of this research are therefore expected to be of value to educators and practitioners in the field of library and information science.
Assimilating total building performance mandates with Chinese geomancy principles and scenarios
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Xiaopeng Deng , Li Ting Quek 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe ancient principles of Chinese geomancy appear to share the same goal as total building performance (TBP) in delivering an optimal environment for occupants that promotes their well‐being. This research aims to evaluate the relevance and applicability of Chinese geomancy principles and scenarios with respect to the six TBP mandates.Design/methodology/approachThe Chinese geomancy concepts vary from considerations relating to openings and colours to surrounding amenities and building height. The assimilated principles and scenarios in both domains are tested through a survey questionnaire of 32 building professionals in Singapore.FindingsThe t‐test statistics indicate that 25 of the 26 Chinese geomancy principles and 12 of the 20 Chinese geomancy scenarios are significantly applicable for the TBP mandates at the 95 per cent confidence interval. This supports the hypothesis that there are common denominators between Chinese geomancy and TBP.Practical implicationsThe research examines Chinese geomancy's Form Theory, Yin and Yang Theory, the Classical Compass School and the Black Sect School with respect to the six building performance mandates in terms of the psychological, physiological, sociological and economic aspects. Chinese geomancy principles and scenarios are assimilated in the context of the TBP mandates with the support of evidence from existing literature.Originality/valueThis research provides a back to the basics, macro perspective of the relevance and applicability of Chinese geomancy principles and scenarios with respect to TBP and reveals possible limitations in actual application. However, it also observes that specific scenarios of Chinese geomancy concerning openings, key occupancy locations, building height, trees and roads are not applicable for all contexts. Further research should be carried out to identify the reasons for the inapplicability of certain scenarios, which are caused by different climatic and cultural context of applications, failure to account for technological advancement, and the evolution of Chinese geomancy since time immemorial.
Shaping mega‐event flagships: a case study of Expo Center of Expo 2010 Shanghai, China
Authors: Deng Ying 
Published: October 2012

PurposeA mega‐event flagship (MEF) refers to a purpose‐built building flagship for a global mega‐event and a popular instrument to catalyze urban renewal in the host city. Despite their lasting popularity and volatile outcomes, such highly controversial developments have received little analysis. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap in the research.Design/methodology/approachTo bridge the Triple‐C Gap identified, a case study method was adopted in the form of participant observation, due to the author's special role as a key project coordinator of Expo 2010. To provide a good reference for comparable developments, it takes three steps to study the Expo Center (EC) – one of the four MEFs of Expo 2010. First, planning rationales are explained to form a holistic understanding of the Big 4 as an integrated whole. Then, a pilot questionnaire survey is reported to identify pressing issues on a broader scale. Finally, the early stages of the EC are investigated in six dimensions.FindingsThe study concludes with significant lessons in shaping the early stage of a MEF, as well as correcting a misunderstanding of such a development being an end in itself.Research limitations/implicationsCertain constraints in participant observation have been minimized since the author maintained a relatively independent role as a process facilitator, which is different from the traditional role of a design manager or a project manager.Originality/valueA timely reminder to rethink the commitment to MEFs, this explorative study offers new insights into MEF research and will be of cross‐boundary value to a wide spectrum of people and agencies.
Investigating key components of the facilities management of residential care and attention homes
Authors: Leung Mei‐Yung , Yu Jingyu , Yu Shiwang 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe proportion of the population aged 65 and over is rapidly rising and is expected to reach 24.3 per cent by 2031, up from 12 per cent in 2006. As a result, the Hong Kong government is facing challenges in meeting the growing demand for residential care homes. To provide a clear picture for construction professionals engaged in the future design and operation of such homes, it is first necessary to understand the opinions of end‐users in existing facilities. The paper aims to identify key facilities management (FM) components in three particular areas of residential care homes.Design/methodology/approachIn order to collect data from end‐users, a questionnaire survey of 119 end‐users (both elderly residents and staff) based on post‐occupancy evaluation (POE) was used to evaluate the FM performance of the homes and establish the relationships between the comfort levels of FM components and the satisfaction of elderly residents.FindingsThe findings in the questionnaire survey indicated that all 16 key FM components were significantly related to the satisfaction with the home, while space planning, temperature, ventilation, privacy, finishes, and staff were the factors predicting satisfaction with different areas.Practical implicationsThe paper makes a number of practical recommendations to government and construction professionals for improving the residential care environment, including a wide corridor with short distance and a low‐speed air‐conditioning machines in the common areas. In the bedroom, designers are recommended to install some partitions in terms of privacy and consider the microclimate carefully. In the bathroom, the use of lifting devices, louver doors, sufficient ventilation and a stable hot water supply are beneficial for the elderly's satisfaction.Originality/valuePost‐occupancy evaluation is a commonly used tool to evaluate FM performance based on the end‐user's perspective. The study innovatively investigates the impact of different FM components on elders' satisfaction degree by application of POE.
On establishing cost‐effective condition‐based maintenance
Authors: Al‐Najjar Basim 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop the steps required for establishing and running cost‐effective condition‐based maintenance (CBM) exemplified for vibration‐based maintenance (VBM) and compared with real implementations in case companies.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on published knowledge and experience within condition monitoring (CM) and CBM, and three case studies.FindingsThe study has shown that all three case companies are in a big need for systematic procedures for doing right things right, in the right time cost‐effectively (establishing and running a cost‐effective CBM).Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses on development of cost‐effective CBM exemplified for VBM. Also, the case companies belong to three branches: paper and pulp mills, energy producer and engineering manufacturing. The case companies have different levels in applying CBM/VBM, experience and knowledge in CM and CBM.Practical implicationsSystematic procedures for establishing CBM/VBM policy are developed, motivated and discussed in a way which enables the user to establish and run CBM/VBM policy cost‐effectively.Originality/valueThe steps of establishment of CBM/VBM provide a unique model for companies to establish and run cost‐effective maintenance its originality.
Aircraft maintenance planning and scheduling: an integrated framework
Authors: Samaranayake Premaratne , Kiridena Senevi 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how certain limitations of the current approaches to planning and scheduling of aircraft heavy maintenance can be addressed using a single integrated framework supported by unified data structures.Design/methodology/approachThe “unitary structuring technique”, originally developed within the context of manufacturing planning and control, is further enhanced for aircraft heavy maintenance applications, taking into account the uncertainty associated with condition‐based maintenance. The proposed framework delivers the advanced functionalities required for simultaneous and dynamic forward planning of maintenance operations, as well as finite loading of resources, towards optimising the overall maintenance performance.FindingsExecution of maintenance operations under uncertainty involves materials changes, rectification and re‐assembly. It is shown that re‐scheduling of materials (spare‐parts), resources and operations can be taken care of by simultaneous and dynamic forward planning of materials and operations with finite loading of resources, using the integrated framework.Research limitations/implicationsAs part of adopting the proposed framework in practice, it needs to be guided by an overall methodology appropriate for application‐specific contexts.Practical implicationsThe potential direct benefits of adopting the proposed framework include on‐time project completion, reduced inventory levels of spare‐parts and reduced overtime costs.Originality/valueExisting approaches to aircraft maintenance planning and scheduling are limited in their capacity to deal with contingencies arising out of inspections carried out during the execution phase of large maintenance projects. The proposed integrated approach is, capable of handling uncertainty associated with condition‐based maintenance, due to the added functionalities referred to above.
Benchmarking the use of tools and techniques in the Six Sigma programme based on a survey conducted in a developing country
Authors: Augusto Cauchick Miguel Paulo , Satolo Eduardo , Marcos Andrietta João , Araújo Calarge Felipe 
Published: October 2012

PurposeSix Sigma program is an approach currently adopted by many companies, which involves a highly disciplined and guided process, in which applications of many different tools and techniques aim at generating a cycle of continuous improvement. In this sense, a survey‐based research was conducted in a developing country from which the aim of this paper is to identify and analyse the tools and techniques used in the stages of the DMAIC.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents parts of the results of a descriptive survey conducted by a postal questionnaire answered by more than 60 Six Sigma users. Specific results of tools and techniques applied in Six Sigma are compared with those prescribed in the literature.FindingsThe results confirm the use of Six Sigma tools and techniques suggested by the literature. It also points out that Six Sigma needs to be supported by measurable and reliable data, and thus that the use of tools and techniques is indispensable to the use of the DMAIC.Research limitations/implicationsThis is not a probabilistic survey and, therefore, the generalisation is not feasible.Practical implicationsThe paper may assist either academic and practitioners when teaching, researching and applying tools and techniques in Six Sigma.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few published studies that report tools and techniques applied in Six Sigma programme in developing countries.
Improving the service quality of ocean container carriers: an Indian case study
Authors: Kannan Vanumamalai , Bose S.K. , Kannan N.G. 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assist ocean container carriers in their service quality improvement strategies to ensure breakthrough performance in India.Design/methodology/approachA total of seven container carriers have been involved in this study. To explore the list of service criteria, reviews of transportation literature, customer satisfaction survey questionnaires of container carriers, SERVQUAL battery, telephonic interviews and focus groups were conducted. For data collection, a shipper satisfaction questionnaire was administered. After data collection, a mean score analysis using SPSS 15 was taken up to assess the present service performance levels of the select container carriers. Then a performance gap analysis was carried out using the gap analysis formula found in the benchmarking literature.FindingsOut of the 48 service criteria which decide the service quality of ocean container carriers, Maersk is the top performer in respect of 23 criteria, both Hanjin and MSC are top in eight criteria each, Evergreen is top in five criteria, APL is top in four criteria and CMA CGM is top in two criteria. Hapag has not scored top in any of the criteria. The gap analysis shows that APL needs to improve 44 areas in which it has shown negative gaps, CMA CGM needs to improve 47 criteria, Evergreen 45 criteria, Hanjin 47 criteria, Hapag 48 criteria, Maersk 40 criteria and MSC 43 criteria to become excellent.Practical implicationsThis paper has enabled container carriers to understand the list of criteria that decide their service quality in the Indian container carrier industry. It has also informed them of their present service performance levels, and their areas of strengths and weakness. This will help them in efficient resource allocation. Understanding the areas and sizes of negative gaps, they can take appropriate steps to close them and become excellent.Originality/valueThis is the first service quality improvement study undertaken in the Indian container carrier industry and it has opened up enormous scope for future research.
Twenty‐first century benchmarking: searching for the next generation
Authors: Pham Evans Mai T. , Tisak Daniel J. , Williamson Douglas F. 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this descriptive research article is to investigate current benchmarking practices (2001 to 2010) so as to determine new approaches which may transcend the traditional benchmarking model developed by Watson.Design/methodology/approachPrevious generations of benchmarking have been developed and utilized in the last century. Watson's generational benchmarking model predicted that global benchmarking would encompass future benchmarking. Watson's Strategic Benchmarking: Reloaded with Six Sigma links Six Sigma strategies with strategic planning and benchmarking.FindingsMost articles and dissertations reviewed indicate usage of existing benchmarking practices. The research also uncovered complementary approaches, including the Boyd Cycle, which underscores flexibility and speed, Six Sigma tools to implement significant business change decisions, the insights of Hoshin Kanri's philosophy of management, which fosters communication such that everyone in an organization is working toward a common goal, and “rapidmarking” of business improvements.Practical implicationsThese approaches, while complementary, do not represent a “new generation” of benchmarking.Originality/valueThe value of this article comes from making the connection between the very beginnings of benchmarking techniques and the latest techniques in use today.