bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of E-quality within the consumer decision making process
Authors: Wen Chao , R. Prybutok Victor , Blankson Charles , Fang Jiaming 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to develop and test an empirically grounded comprehensive framework of e-quality that is the composite of the relationship between e-satisfaction and e-loyalty. This study’s objectives were: first, to develop a comprehensive measurement scale of perceived quality from an operations perspective, based on the classic Engel-Kollat-Blackwell (EKB) decision-making process; second, to develop a framework that integrates dimensions of quality and measures perceptions of e-quality during the customer’s decision-making process; and third, to examine the predictive capability of quality attributes in relation to service operations that rely on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach
– Following review of the related literature, focus group protocols were developed and interviews conducted. Based on the focus group input, surveys were developed and administered. Survey data from 717 online customers allowed testing the research hypotheses, and structural equation modeling allowed validation of the research framework.

Findings
– The study determined that “e-channel quality”, “e-service quality” (including “web site quality” and “transaction quality”), and “product quality” positively influence customer e-satisfaction within an online operation. These constructs, in turn, influence customer e-loyalty in the e-commerce domain. The findings contribute valuable theoretical and managerial implications that can improve e-service operations.

Originality/value
– The paper fills a relevant gap in the e-commerce and services operations literature by empirically developing and validating a new and robust quality measurement scale based on the EKB consumer decision-making process. The study also makes an important research contribution by providing empirical evidence that quality is pivotal in gaining customer loyalty and a competitive e-commerce edge.
Leadership in OM research: a social network analysis of European researchers
Authors: S. Behara Ravi , Babbar Sunil , Andrew Smart Philip 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the leadership role of authors, institutions, and countries based on research co-authorship networks in the field of operations management (OM) and ranks European authors, institutions, and countries using network centrality measures. It also identifies the primary research areas of each of the leading European authors and maps the areas that European research in general has focussed most on.

Design/methodology/approach
– Based on co-authorships in publications appearing in a representative set of three leading OM journals over the 15-year period of 1998-2012, network measures of total degree centrality and betweenness centrality are used to identify influential European agents serving as leaders and bridge builders in OM research. Keyword analysis is used to identify the dominant areas of OM research in Europe as well as the primary areas of research of the leading authors.

Findings
– With UK, Spain, The Netherlands, and Italy accounting for the dominant share of authorship of papers in the journal set, many authors and institutions from these countries are also found to rank high on network centrality measures. While certain authors, institutions, and countries are found ranking high on total degree centrality based on number of direct connections in the network, others are found to play uniquely important roles as gatekeepers and bridge builders in network relationships. The body of research is found to be focussed most on the area of supply chain management. It is also found to be focussed more on manufacturing than service.

Research limitations/implications
– The examination of networks in this study based on co-authorships in publications in the set of three leading journals: Journal of Operations Management, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, and Production and Operations Management, is not all encompassing as there are likely other co-authorship relationships of OM researchers that go beyond publications in this set of journals.

Practical implications
– Co-authorship of papers in the leading academic journals in a discipline provides a window on patterns of collaboration among key researchers within that academic community. The findings of this study inform the community of stakeholders on who the leading European agents in OM research are, what the primary areas of research of the leading European authors are, and areas that European research has focussed most on.

Originality/value
– This is the first study of its kind that identifies and maps key European authors, institutions, and countries based on the analysis of co-authorship networks of researchers who have published in a set of leading OM journals that are considered to be among the most relevant outlets in the field of OM. It also maps the primary areas of research.
Effects of antiwear additives in the base oil on the tribological performance of hydrogen-free DLC coating
Authors: Ng Edward , Kumar Sinha Sujeet 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of zinc dialkyl dithiophophates (ZDDP) and ash-less triphenyl phosphorothionate (TPPT) on hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings. For many years, ZDDP have traditionally been used in engine oils as antiwear (AW) and extreme pressure (EP) additives. However, additives containing sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur (SAPS) have a detrimental effect on the exhaust after-treatment device found on modern vehicles. Besides the automotive industry, DLC is also used in hydraulic applications where zinc-free and ash-less hydraulic fluids have gradually gained popularity in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach
– The tribological tests were performed using a disk-on-cylinder tribometer, where the stationary hydrogen-free DLC-coated steel disk formed a line contact with an uncoated rotating steel shaft under lubricated conditions.

Findings
– It was found that TPPT and ZDDP separately at a concentration of 1.0 wt% increased the amount of friction of the base oil by approximately four times. TPPT appeared more effective than ZDDP in minimizing wear on the DLC-coated surface. Also, primary ZDDP seemed to have a more detrimental effect on the DLC-coated surface compared to a mixture of primary and secondary ZDDP. With regard to surface roughness of the hydrogen-free DLC-coated surface, the values corresponding to a lubricant containing TPPT were lower than those obtained for a lubricant with ZDDP and a lubricant without any additive.

Originality/value
– This is the first report on the effects of ZDDP and ash-less TPPT on the tribology of hydrogen-free DLC coatings.
Wet multi-disc friction components heat dissipation capability and optimal oil supply under continuous braking condition
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Wei Bin 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to investigate wet multi-disc brake temperature field and optimal oil supply under continuous braking condition. The oil supply of wet multi-disc brake has a direct impact on the drivability and fuel economy for tracked vehicles. Too small flow will result in the higher temperature and failure of brake while excessive one will lead to slow engagement increasing disengaged torque and the transmission efficiency could decline notably. The optimal oil supply and brake temperature field were obtained in this research.

Design/methodology/approach
– This article investigated on the heat dissipation capability and optimal oil supply of the brake by the means of CFX model. The working condition was continuous braking and the lubricating and cooling factors were included in the model.

Findings
– That the complex trends with increased oil flow is inconsistent with the traditional formula in which the effects of grooves were neglected. The fitting curve of optimal oil supply can predict various needed oil flow in various rotating speed and it provides a theoretical guidance for oil supply design.

Originality/value
– Traditional empirical formula of heat transfer coefficient and Reynolds equation solved by different methods could be difficult to deal with the complex boundary conditions of wet multi-disc brake. CFX model can solve the problem of complex boundary condition. The optimal oil supply curve can provide a theoretical guidance for oil supply design.
Preparation of SiO2 nanoparticles and investigation of its tribological behavior as additive in liquid paraffin
Authors: Peng De-Xing , Kang Yuan 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this work is to study tribological properties of liquid paraffin with SiO2 nanoparticles as an additive, which are made by surface-modification method. Taguchi robust designs for optimization in synthesizing SiO2 nanoparticles by sol-gel method.

Design/methodology/approach
– The tribological properties of the SiO2 nanoparticles as additive in liquid paraffin are studied by ball-on-ring wear tester to find out optimal concentration, and the mechanism of the reduction of wear and friction will be investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and atomic force microscope (AFM).

Findings
– Under optimal conditions identified by Taguchi robust designs method, SiO2 nanoparticles with a narrow particle size distribution can be obtained and optimal concentrations of SiO2 nanoparticles as additives in liquid paraffin have better properties than the pure paraffin oil.

Originality/value
– It is shown in the paper that by reducing friction and AW, the lubricant prepared by the methods described can prolong operating hours of machinery.
Investigation of carbon–carbon composite brake pads in wet and dry sliding wear conditions
Authors: Ozsarac Ugur , Aslanlar Salim , Varol Faruk , Ekici Mehmet 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study was to investigate wear behaviours of brake pads produced from carbon–carbon (C/C) composites in both wet and dry friction sliding conditions. Carbon is probably the most remarkable element in science and also C/C composites are a family of advanced composite materials. They are the most advanced form of carbon and consist of fibre based on carbon precursors embedded in a carbon matrix. In the present work, wear test specimens were prepared according to the related standards and they were exposed to pin-on-disc wear testing in wet and dry sliding conditions with different loads as 10, 20, 30 and 40 N with 1 m/s constant sliding speed. Wet friction process was conducted on all specimens by means of rain water collected from the nature.

Design/methodology/approach
– Pin-on-disc wear test tribology lubrication was used.

Findings
– Mechanical and physical property measurements of C/C composite brake pad materials: hardness, modulus of elasticity, density and water absorption capacity. Wear performance of materials were measured as coefficient of friction, volumetric loss and specific wear rate.

Originality/value
– C/C composite brake pads are used in railway vehicles. Wear performances of them are very important for safety. In this study, wear behaviours of these materials were investigated not only in dry sliding friction condition but also in wet sliding one. Because safety braking is important in all weather conditions for trains, and we used natural rain water to observe the wet sliding friction behaviour of brake pads. “Water lubrication” is an important aspect mentioned in tribology handbooks.
Evaluation of vendors ranking by EATWOS approach
Authors: Bansal Ankit , Kr. Singh Rajesh , Issar Siddhant , Varkey Jayson 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– In order to improve the supply chain performance, organizations need to improve the efficiency of vendors. Although many techniques are used for vendor efficiency measurement, there is a lack of research about defining satisficing level to analyze improvement potential of vendors. The purpose of this paper is to incorporate satisficing level of some outputs to determine efficiency improvement potential of existing vendors.Design/methodology/approach– Method used in this paper is an extension of Data Envelopment Analysis, which has been used frequently for efficiency measurement of Decision Making Units. This method is known as Efficiency Analysis Technique with Output Satisficing (EATWOS), which has been mainly used in the field of economics for efficiency measurement.Findings– A case illustration of a National Capital Region of Delhi, India, based manufacturer and distributor of packaged drinking water is depicted to portray the practical application of EATWOS in vendor efficiency evaluation and their relative ranking. This method has helped in evaluating the improvement potential in performance of given vendors and helping in strategic decision making for the given organizationResearch limitations/implications– In case of more variables, this method becomes more complex to get the solution. Second, sometimes difference in vendors ranking without and with satisficing concept is very less, as in this case. Therefore, recording and analysis of output data of vendors should be done very carefully.Practical implications– Major implications of this study is that while selecting vendors, organizations should also try to understand improvement potential for given vendors by applying satisficing concept as given in this research. This approach helps in analyzing improvement potentials of suppliers.Originality/value– This paper explores an innovative approach to rank vendors on basis of certain criteria after considering the satisficing concept and improvement potentials of vendors.
Manufacturing excellence and its critical factors
Authors: Ojha Ravindra , K. Vij Anil , Vrat Prem 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify and understand the relationship dynamics amongst the key factors impacting the tier-I auto manufacturing domain which is currently under severe strain. It is an approach for improving the pace of the manufacturing excellence journey.

Design/methodology/approach
– In total, 20 key factors impacting the manufacturing sector have been identified from the literature review coupled with the inputs from the experienced industry and academic experts. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been adopted for the inter-relationship understanding and in stratifying the factors into drivers and independent clusters. The interpretation of the ISM results with respect to the current environment has also been carried out.

Findings
– Out of the 20 identified key factors, people- excellence related factors have been found to be the key drivers and global presence and visibility, operational cost reduction approach and customer responsiveness have a significant role to play in changing the pace of manufacturing excellence.

Research limitations/implications
– ISM framework does not incorporate the feedback concept and transition dynamics toward manufacturing excellence. These issues may be tested through System dynamics, which will help in identifying the cause and effect relationship between variables and model the transition toward manufacturing excellence.

Practical implications
– The manufacturing framework of 20 variables is a useful trigger to the strategic planners. The deep understanding of these variables in the current challenging environment is highly relevant and would facilitate the strategic industry leaders in their journey to excellence.

Social implications
– The manufacturing sector has been the growth engine for a nation's economy. If the manufacturing sector grows, the impact on the society will always be favorable as it results in greater degree of employment, better earning capacity and improved quality of life. Through this paper an attempt has been made to identify those key factors which could accelerate the manufacturing excellence pace and hence it is very relevant for the society at large.

Originality/value
– The paper provides some useful insight to manufacturing excellence framework and the application of ISM approach to it involving the experienced industry and academic experts.
Development of Balanced Scorecard for healthcare using Interpretive Structural Modeling and Analytic Network Process
Authors: Meena Kailash , Thakkar Jitesh 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to develop a Balanced Scorecard-based performance measurement framework for health care system.

Design/methodology/approach
– An integrated ISM-ANP-based quantitative approach is used for the development of balance scorecard for health care system. The necessary insights are drawn from the secondary literature.

Findings
– This research identifies Key Performance Indicators and their interrelationships for health care system. An integrated approach of ISM and ANP is employed for the development of balance scorecard.

Research limitations/implications
– The findings of the research are based on insights gained from secondary literature and an analysis of five cases in health care segment and hence generalization of proposed framework is limited to the system representing some commonalities with chosen cases.

Practical implications
– Health care is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, illness, injury and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Access to health care varies across countries, groups and individuals, largely influenced by social and economic conditions as well as the health policies in place. The changing nature of today's health care organizations, including pressure to reduce costs, improve the quality of care and meet stringent guidelines, has forced health care professionals to re-examine how they evaluate their performance.

Originality/value
– The Balanced Scorecard health care expanded organization measures beyond financial analysis. It was first proposed by Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton in their book “The Balanced Scorecard (1996, Harvard Business School Press).” This research reports a development of Balanced Scorecard for health care using an integrated approach of Interpretive Structural Modeling and Analytic Network Process is used.
How senior managers perpetuate accounting fraud? Lessons for fraud examiners from an instructional case
Authors: E. Lokanan Mark 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the risk factors that led to the Livent fraud, and the procedures that need to be taken by responsible parties to carefully investigate and address the incidents of misconduct.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper combs through the chronology of events that led to the Livent fraud by looking at both primary and secondary sources. These sources made it possible to examine how the fraud was discovered, and the investigative steps that should have been taken to uncover the fraud.

Findings
– The findings indicate that a corporate culture which focuses on the bottom line coupled with weak to non-existent internal controls were the key elements that led to the Livent fraud. The findings also illustrate that when faced with declining profits, senior managers will go to any length possible to manipulate and falsify their company’s records.

Practical implications
– The paper is useful to management personnel and fraud examiners in that it used an actual accounting fraud case to highlight areas more susceptible to fraud and the approach that can be taken to investigate similar cases of misconduct. The paper also highlighted the practical implications for internal and external auditors in detecting and addressing fraud.

Originality/value
– The study used an accounting fraud case to examine the techniques used by management personnel to produce fraudulent financial statement.
Exploring HECM counselors’ fraud awareness and training
Authors: C. Seay Martin , T. Carswell Andrew , Wilmarth Melissa , G. Zimmerman Lloyd 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this research was to explore the growth of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) fraud and the role of housing counselors in its identification and prevention. HECMs are the Federal Housing Administration endorsed version of a reverse mortgage and represent the majority of reverse mortgages on the market.

Design/methodology/approach
– To investigate HECM counselor’s training, and their ability to detect fraudulent activity, a survey was constructed and distributed nationwide using HUD’s publicly available roster of qualified agencies and counselors. The survey consisted of three main sections agency and respondent information including HECM certification process, typical interactions with clients, and mortgage fraud and HECM fraud.

Findings
– Responses indicate that HECM counselors have limited awareness of and training in identifying fraudulent activities.

Originality/value
– The case is made that additional training is needed to raise awareness among counselors so that they might better serve their clients. Given the sizable population that may legitimately need HECMs, it is important to improve awareness and provide training to detect fraudulent schemes and prevent this type of deception from occurring.
Where do we go from here? Towards a theory in Islamic marketing
Authors: Sergius Koku Paul , Jusoh Osman 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to argues for theory development in Islamic marketing and attempts to lay the ground work by drawing on other social sciences.Design/methodology/approach– This paper is based on a critical review of the literature for insights that advance Islamic marketing.Findings– The study suggests that scholars in the area of Islamic marketing should start working towards the development of a theory of Islamic marketing. While this theory will draw on the unique engagement of Muslims with non-Muslims, it will offer an opportunity to explain and predict the world around us.Research limitations/implications– This is purely a theoretical piece that is aimed at knowledge development in the field, and, as such, it does not give much guidance to the practitioner, instead in invites other academics to draw on the world around us as they engage in their scholarly activities towards theory building.Practical implications– The study gives directions for areas of possible future research in Islamic marketing.Social implications– Broadening the research efforts in Islamic marketing as advocated in this paper does have several important social implications.Originality/value– This study is rare in terms of the issues it raises.