bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microenterprise performance and microenterprise zones (MEZOs) in China
Authors: Welsh Dianne H.B. , Munoz J. Mark , Deng Shengliang , Raven Peter V. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this exploratory study is to examine whether performance of microenterprises located in a microenterprise zone (MEZO) in China is positively related to key management practices, entrepreneurial orientation, marketing capability, and technology capability. The paper aims to introduce the concept of MEZOs as a supplemental tool for governments to strengthen microenterprise activity.Design/methodology/approachA total of 150 randomly selected microenterprises located in a MEZO in Changchun, an industrial city in Northeast China, completed a survey consisting of a three‐part measure of microenterprise performance developed by Zingeret al.and entrepreneurial orientation. Factor analysis was performed on 11 management issues and correlation analysis was performed.FindingsThe study found that key management practices, marketing capability, and technology capability of microenterprises in MEZOs do have a positive impact on performance sales, net profit, and growth.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's results are limited by a sample in one city in one province of China collected in one month. The data are cross‐sectional rather than longitudinal. Sample bias may exist.Practical implicationsThis study is valuable to government officials, policy makers, non‐government organizations and consulting firms as they examine new measures to unleash the economic power of microenterprises.Social implicationsMEZOs need to be explored as one solution to aide microenterprise development to improve the poverty level, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first exploratory study of the performance of microenterprises located in a MEZO in China. Through research, the factors that contribute to microenterprise performance and success can be better understood and the impact that the MEZO model has on microenterprises can be better delineated.
Towards green trust
Authors: Chen Yu‐Shan , Chang Ching‐Hsun 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis study aims to combine the literature on green marketing and relationship marketing into a new managerial framework of green trust. In addition, this study seeks to elaborate the relationships among green perceived quality, green perceived risk, green satisfaction, and green trust.Design/methodology/approachThe research object of this paper focuses on Taiwan's consumers who have the purchase experience of information and electronics products. This study undertakes an empirical study by means of the questionnaire survey method. The questionnaires were randomly mailed to consumers who had the purchase experience of information and electronics products. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to test the research framework.FindingsThe empirical results indicate that green perceived quality would positively affect green satisfaction and green trust, whereas green perceived risk would negatively influence both of them. In addition, this study points out that the relationships between green trust and its two antecedents – green perceived quality and green perceived risk – are partially mediated by green satisfaction. Hence, investing resources in the increase of green perceived quality and the decrease of green perceived risk is useful to enhance green satisfaction and green trust.Originality/valueAlthough previous research has explored the relevant issues about trust, none highlights trust about green or environmental issues from the perspectives of perceived quality and perceived risk. This study proposes a research framework, which can help companies enhance their green trust via its three determinants: green perceived quality, green perceived risk, and green satisfaction.
Selection and institutional shareholder activism in Chinese acquisitions
Authors: Peng Fei , Kang Lili , Jiang Jun 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the role that institutional shareholders play in acquisition decisions using micro data in the Chinese stock market during 2003‐2008.Design/methodology/approachAcquisition decision is the selection and coordination process of shareholders as strategic alliances, which is determined by corporate acquisition ability, composition of institutional shareholders and concentration of tradable share (TS) in China. The paper uses the Heckman selection model to surmount the selection biases in acquisition decision.FindingsThe paper finds that institutional shareholders, including qualified foreign institutional investors (QFII), social security funds (SSF), security firms (SF) and security investment funds (SIF), as well as TS concentration, affect acquisition probability rather than annual acquisition scale. SSF, SIF and TS concentration can increase acquisition probability while QFII decreases it.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper suggests a strategic alliance model in which institutional shareholders choose whether to collaborate with controlling shareholders and management. However, detailed information of the selection and coordination process is unavailable in the authors' data. Future research need provide more evidence of this postulate.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the published literature in three ways. First, it offers a model to understand the selection and coordination process of acquisition decision. Second, it investigates whether institutional shareholders could effectively monitor annual acquisition scale. Third, it identifies the Heckman selection problem that institutional shareholders could affect PLCs' acquisition decision on whether to acquire rather than how much to acquire.
The growth performance of top African American businesses
Authors: Smith Delmonize A. , Tang Zhi 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the growth performance of top African American‐owned employer firms when compared with their White counterparts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses longitudinal, revenue data from a sample of the largest African American‐owned employer firms in the USA with that of a comparable sample of White‐owned firms.FindingsThe paper finds that complex and volatile industry environments have a significantly greater negative impact on African American businesses than their White‐owned counterparts.Social implicationsThe complexity and volatility associated with one of the most difficult US business environments since the 1940s may increase the performance disparity between established African American and White‐owned firms. On a macroeconomic level, such a performance disparity will have significant negative impact on US economy output and job creation, particularly as the number of new minority businesses continues to outpace the rate of all US business.Originality/valueThis is the only published research to date, which examines the growth of top African American businesses.
Managerial social networks and strategic flexibility: the role of strategic orientation
Authors: Fernández‐Pérez Virginia , José Verdú‐Jóver Antonio , Benitez‐Amado Jose 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how the characteristics of CEOs' social networks, such as the size of the network and the strength of the ties, influence strategic flexibility from a strategic orientation perspective. External social networks can affect strategic flexibility positively. Different orientations could have repercussions for the relationship between external social networks and strategic flexibility.Design/methodology/approachThe data came from surveys completed by the managers of 188 Spanish firms. The methodology used was regression analysis.FindingsThe authors observe that external social networks affect strategic flexibility positively, more strongly when the networks are greater in size. The sample was classified into three groups: conservative, intermediate and entrepreneurship firms. The authors find that other effects vary according to the kind of strategic orientation in the organization. Both findings support and extend social capital and network theory and flexibility literature.Research limitations/implicationsThe interviews were held with Spanish CEOs, and the character of the research was cross‐sectional. This could have implications for the generalizability of the findings.Originality/valueThe authors' results extend previous research not only by highlighting the importance of CEOs' social networks in driving strategic flexibility but also by indicating how different strategic orientations either enhance or inhibit this relationship.
Engagement and assessment in a credit‐bearing information literacy course
Authors: Mayer Jennifer , Bowles‐Terry Melissa 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe authors teach a three‐credit, upper‐division, information literacy (IL) course to students in various majors. The purpose of this paper is to share the various philosophies and activities the authors use to engage their students and create a cohesive interdisciplinary course and to describe the various assessment tools utilized.Design/methodology/approachIn this case study, the authors give specific examples of engaging assignments and methods for evaluating student work in a credit‐bearing IL course.FindingsIt is found that if students are engaged, and effective assessment tools are employed, library credit instruction in a face‐to‐face setting with upper‐classmen from diverse majors is an impactful way to teach IL.Practical implicationsThis article provides ideas on how to use a topical theme in teaching an interdisciplinary IL credit course; concrete approaches on engaging students in an IL course; and new strategies for assessing an IL credit‐bearing course. Many of the engagement and assessment methods the authors share may also be applied to one‐shot instruction sessions.Originality/valueThe paper provides a practical case study of the authors' experiences engaging students and assessing their work in an upper level, three‐credit, face‐to‐face class, a type of course not well represented in the information literacy literature at this point in time.
Reflections on teaching and tweaking a discovery layer
Authors: Fyn Amy F. , Lux Vera 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the hypotheses that led to the selection and implementation of a number of customizable features in Serials Solutions' “Summon” discovery layer tool.Design/methodology/approachUndergraduate students were surveyed to determine their preferences regarding certain customizable features in the Summon discovery layer tool.FindingsThe authors were most interested in asking students their preferences regarding the ability to add newspapers and outside resources into their search results, as well as their interest in the database recommendation feature. The default Summon settings were selected based on hypotheses grounded in the knowledge of information seeking behavior of undergraduate students. However, it was discovered that the student preferences uncovered through the use of the survey often ran counter to initial assumptions. The results of the case study indicate that this population of students is overwhelmingly interested in having Summon recommend databases in which students might continue their research. However, the results were not as clear regarding the inclusion of newspaper sources and sources from outside the institution in the search results.Originality/valueThe paper's ﬁndings demonstrate the importance of supplementing research‐driven hypotheses with specific data‐driven feedback from users when determining the customization and layout of library research tools and technology.
A new approach to online database instruction: developing the guide on the side
Authors: Sult Leslie , Mery Yvonne , Blakiston Rebecca , Kline Elizabeth 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development and rationale for the creation of a scalable approach to online database instruction.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the pedagogical, organizational, and technological considerations for developing an interactive, online tutorial that can be used by librarians for database instruction.FindingsDatabase instruction during one‐shot library sessions is a cornerstone of information literacy programs, but with a move to online instruction, it has not been clear how to replicate many of the pedagogical advantages that take place in a face‐to‐face environment. Librarians along with programmers have developed a new type of scalable and pedagogically‐sound interactive tutorial.Originality/valueThe paper provides librarians with a history of the development of a tutorial that has been released as open‐source software program that can be easily modified by other libraries.
Qualitative analysis of student assignments: a practical look at ATLAS.ti
Authors: Scales B. Jane 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the basic principles of qualitative analysis, and examine the practical application of these principles to analyze student assignments using the ATLAS.ti software.Design/methodology/approachStudent comments from an assignment are prepared for import into ATLAS.ti. The comments are coded, and then analyzed for patterns using ATLAS.ti and its mechanisms for exploring data and data patterns.FindingsATLAS.ti offers myriad analytic tools that allow the researcher to quantify qualitative information through coding, data query, cross‐tabulation, and networked visualization of project design. By developing both technical expertise with the software, and developing familiarity with qualitative methodology, librarians can wield an effective means to assess and evaluate text‐based data, such as student assignments or surveys.Research limitations/implicationsBecause the ATLAS.ti software, and the qualitative analysis process itself is so complex, this article can only outline the most prominent aspects of the tool.Practical implicationsThe document can serve as a “jumping‐off” point for other researchers wishing to either explore the qualitative analysis process, particularly as conducted with ATLAS.ti. The reader will become more familiar with the basic concepts of qualitative analysis as reflected in the organization and functions of the ATLAS.ti, as well as the process of preparing and analyzing textual information with ATLAS.ti.Originality/valueBecause there is a general lack of literature on setting up a project with the software, the article is potentially valuable to anyone wishing to expand and improve their evaluative skills using ATLAS.ti or similar tools.
Social media and international advertising: theoretical challenges and future directions
Authors: Okazaki Shintaro , Taylor Charles R. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe primary aim of this article is to identify theoretical foundations that can be used in research on social media in the context of international advertising research. An additional objective is to identify future research directions for theory building in this research area.Design/methodology/approachThe article draws on the extant literature to identify three key theoretical foundations that can be used in research on advertising in media from an advertising perspective: networking capability; image transferability; and personal extensibility. For each of these perspectives, the current state of knowledge, theoretical challenges, and future research directions are summarized.FindingsThe three key theoretical perspectives (networking capability, image transferability, and personal extensibility) provide strong potential for better understanding the advantages and disadvantages of social media use for advertisers. They are also useful for identifying important research gaps that need to be filled in the future.Research limitations/implicationsResearch on social media advertising in an international context is still in its infancy, and needs further attention. As few cross‐cultural studies have been conducted, the theories and their application will likely evolve in the future.Originality/valueA review and conceptual framework pertaining to theoretical perspective used in social media research in an international advertising context has been practically non‐existent. Thus, this article is designed to serve as a solid starting point for future research endeavors.
How service quality influences brand equity
Authors: Jahanzeb Sadia , Fatima Tasneem , Mohsin Butt Muhammad 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe aim of this study is to test a holistic model that investigates the direct influence of service quality on building consumer based brand equity, along with the mediating role of corporate credibility and perceived value.Design/methodology/approachA self‐administrated questionnaire was used to collect data from the customers of local and foreign banks in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi regions of Pakistan. The hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling procedure.FindingsThe results suggest that perceived value and corporate credibility fully mediate the relationship between perceived service quality and consumer based brand equity.Practical implicationsThis study is managerially important for two reasons. First, it will help managers to focus on a more integrated and holistic approach in building consumer based brand equity of their service firms. Second, it will provide clear guidelines for managers regarding how investments in different aspects of important marketing constructs can influence consumer preferential relations with a brand.Originality/valueThis research is probably the first to investigate a holistic model that explores the causal relationships among service quality, perceived value, corporate credibility and consumer based brand equity of service organizations.
Work‐family conflicts, threat‐appraisal, self‐efficacy and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Glaser Wendy , Hecht Tracy D. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine associations between work‐family conflicts, threat appraisals, self‐efficacy, and emotional exhaustion. Threat appraisal was hypothesized to mediate relations between work‐family conflicts (work‐to‐family and family‐to‐work) and emotional exhaustion. Self‐efficacy was hypothesized to moderate relations between work‐family conflicts and threat appraisal, with relations expected to be weaker for individuals high in self‐efficacy.Design/methodology/approachUniversity employees (n=159; 67 percent female) participated in this non‐experimental study. Data were gathered via questionnaire. Two‐thirds of participants completed measures of work‐family conflicts and threat‐appraisal a few weeks prior to completing measures of self‐efficacy and emotional exhaustion; remaining participants completed one cross‐sectional survey.FindingsObserved relations were consistent with predicted mediation hypotheses. Contrary to predictions, self‐efficacy did not moderate relations between work‐to‐family conflict and threat‐appraisal and the relation between family‐to‐work conflict and threat‐appraisal was stronger for those with higher self‐efficacy. Self‐efficacy was negatively related to emotional exhaustion.Practical implicationsOrganizations should foster positive work‐family climates to help alleviate work‐family conflicts. Managers should demonstrate compassion when dealing with employees who have serious family concerns, as even efficacious individuals may find such situations threatening.Originality/valueThis research integrates stress theories with research on the work‐family interface. The relevance of threat appraisal and the role of self‐efficacy are highlighted.
Adopting self-service technology to do more with less
Authors: Hilton Toni , Hughes Tim , Little Ed , Marandi Ebi 
Published: February 2013

Purpose– Employees have traditionally played a major role in the customer ' s service experience. Yet self-service technology (SST) replaces the customer-service employee experience with a customer-technology experience. This paper seeks to use a service-dominant logic lens to gain fresh insight into the consumer experience of SST. In particular, it aims to consider the resources that are integrated when consumers use SSTs, their co-production role and what might constitute value.Design/methodology/approach– The paper presents findings from 24 semi-structured interviews that focus on the everyday experiences of consumers in using SST. Both genders and all socio-economic categories within all adult age groups from 18 to 65+ were included.Findings– There is a danger that organizations embrace SST as an economic and efficient mechanism to “co-create” value with consumers when they are merely shifting responsibility for service production. The paper identifies risks when customers become partial employees and concludes that customers should perceive the value they gain from using SST to be at least commensurate with their co-production role.Research limitations/implications– The qualitative study was confined to the consumer perspective. Future research within organizations and among employees who support consumers using SST would extend understanding, as would research within the business-to-business (B2B) context. Quantitative studies could measure the frequency and extent of the phenomena the authors report and assist with market segmentation strategies.Practical implications– The application of service-dominant logic highlights potential risks and managerial challenges as self-service, and consequent value co-creation, relies on the operant resources of customers, who lack the tacit knowledge of employees and are less easy to manage. There is also the need to manage a new employee role: “self-service education, support and recovery”.Originality/value– The paper draws attention to managerial challenges for organizations to ensure that SST adoption enhances and does not destroy value. Additionally, it highlights the importance of distinguishing between co-production and co-creation.
Modelling trust in service relationships: a transnational perspective
Authors: Sekhon Harjit , Roy Sanjit , Shergill Gurvinder , Pritchard Adrian 
Published: February 2013

Purpose
– This empirical paper aims to assess the multi-dimensional nature of trust in service relationships. Although trust is deemed to be important for managing service relationships there is a dearth of research looking at its multidimensional nature outside of Western markets.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study is undertaken in three countries: UK, Hong Kong and India (September to November 2010). The sample consists of more than 300 sample members from across the three countries with an approximately even split between each.

Findings
– The findings show that cognitive trust does not significantly impact affective trust, but the other relationships in the model are supported. Customer
'
s disposition to trust impacts both cognitive and overall trust.

Research limitations/implications
– The research provides direction for services marketing scholars and practitioners, but there are limitations because not all types of financial institutions are evaluated.

Practical implications
– The practical implications of this work are profound given that transnational operations of most retail banks. Understanding trust dimensions aids relationship managers to devise differentiated strategies to build/re-build and maintain long-term trust relationships with customers.

Originality/value
– This work extends the understanding of relationships, but by rooting the work in retail banking it provides new insights for academics and practitioners. For service marketing scholars, this study calls into question some of the multi-dimensional nature of trust and for practitioners it can help aid strategy development.