bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mercadona (Spain): a retail model in expansion
Authors: López-González Alejandro , C. Lois-González Rubén , Fernández-Casal Rubén 
Published: March 2013

Purpose
– This paper evaluates the effect of Spain's regulatory framework on Mercadona's expansion. Mercadona is the main company in this commercial distribution sector and so we have taken the North American company Wal-Mart as a classic example of the sector on a world scale. In Spain the regulatory framework is characterized by the high grade of autonomy of the regional governments over the development of business regulation. In other words, the main objective is to check the extent of competitive bias resulting from regulatory risk.

Design/methodology/approach
– The article discusses the stores and retailers of Mercadona. Through the use of quantitative indicators the degree of concentration-dispersion is studied, which is reflected graphically with a series of maps. It also discusses the normalisation constraints by quantitative data analysis from a region with trade liberalisation criteria (Madrid) and another with criteria for restricting the construction of large retail outlets (Barcelona)

Findings
– In the commercial distribution sector, certain firms stand out due to their rapid expansion, firms that have been successful in implementing widely different business philosophies. This article interprets the course and the immediate challenges for Mercadona, taking Wal-Mart as a reference, since this company is already at a more advanced stage of development: the conversion of an operator on an international scale.

Originality/value
– The study described helps in understanding the process of forming a large commercial distribution chain in Southern Europe. This example in turn allows an understanding of business concentration processes in this sector.
Examining chain bookshops in the context of “third place”
Authors: Laing Audrey , Royle Jo 
Published: March 2013

Purpose
– This research theoretically conceptualises the notion of “third place” within the setting of chain bookshops. The widespread adoption of coffee franchises and comfortable seating has developed the bookshop as a leisurely setting. Underpinning the discussion in current retail marketing theory, the research aims to explore how the understanding of “third place” has changed with the passage of time and to examine whether chain bookshops can be called third places.

Design/methodology/approach
– The methodological approach is largely qualitative, drawing upon interviews with bookshop managers with regard to their strategic aims, and using focus groups to discuss consumers' bookshop experiences. The research also draws upon quantitative data, i.e. face-to-face questionnaires and online surveys.

Findings
– The research concludes that while consumer experience of chain bookshops is positive, they cannot be called a “third place” due to the lack of conversation therein. Nevertheless, an important caveat exists – the presence of an integral coffee shop encourages socialising among bookshop customers.

Research limitations/implications
– The project's scope is limited to chain bookshops in the UK. Future work might look at third place or restorative provision in other retail settings or over a wider geographic spread.

Practical implications
– The research has important implications and recommendations for managers of retail sites regarding the potential restorative qualities of bookshops, coffee shops and other retail environments.

Originality/value
– This empirical research enhances scholarly understanding of the bookshop as a restorative space, highlighting an important advantage which traditional retailers have over internet retailers.
Retaining or returning?
Authors: Foscht Thomas , Ernstreiter Karin , Maloles Cesar , Sinha Indrajit , Swoboda Bernhard 
Published: March 2013

PurposeRelatively scant attention thus far has been accorded in the marketing literature to the examination and explanation of return behaviour of consumers, especially within the mail order industry. The issues examined here consist of the nature and influence of such factors as “buying experience”, “perceived risk”, and “return frequency”. The aim of this paper is to analyse four groups of returners (“heavy returners”, “medium returners”, “light returners”, and “occasional returners”).Design/methodology/approachThis paper details an empirical study of return behaviour based on a field survey that was conducted specifically focusing on the apparel category. Exploratory factor analyses and analyses of variance (ANOVA) have been employed to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsResults show that there exist different reasons for returns among the four groups of returners. In particular, they differ in their initial shopping motivation for mail order purchases, their group‐specific reasons for product returns, and also in their spending patterns.Research limitations/implicationsThese are discussed within the body of the paper.Practical implicationsA number of meaningful implications for mail‐order firms are developed from the empirical findings. While product returners have been thought to be an amorphous category (akin to a “black box”) in the past, this paper highlights the disparate motives for making returns. Specific prescriptions are provided regarding the management of product description, consumer return policy, and the handling of consumer perceived risk.Originality/valueThis paper contributes toward the evolving literature of consumer return behaviour in the context of distance purchasing and also by taking into consideration the heterogeneity of return groups. It looks at the characteristics of the return groups and how they differ in their prior motives of making their purchase decisions.
How do franchisor policies and industry attractiveness impact franchise timing?
Authors: Tsang Seng‐Su , Finnegan Carol A. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis study provides a robust test of a central question in franchising: which factors influence the timing of adopting the first franchised outlet? Using a novel methodology, the purpose of this study is to examine the factors that accelerated or delayed the opening of the first franchisee outlet for the largest franchise chains in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe sample addresses a methodological shortcoming in traditional franchising literature. Using duration analysis, the paper captures the timing of the first franchise outlet for a retail concept. This allows us to capture the antecedents that explain the differences in timing between franchise systems.FindingsBy setting initial investment costs lower, the average time to attract the first franchisee is shorter. However, as franchisee net worth requirements rise, the time to attract the first franchisee is longer. Finally, franchisors tend to defer expansion via franchising in favor of managing their own outlets in resource rich industries.Research limitations/implicationsThe dataset is limited to the largest US franchise systems.Practical implicationsThis study suggests factors that would cause franchisors to decelerate or accelerate the initial franchise timing decision. Businesses time expansion based on industry size, outlet start‐up costs, and franchisee net worth.Originality/valueThis study provides the first examination of the firm and industry drivers affecting when a firm initiates franchising. This study uses rigorous empirical testing of franchising theoretical predictions using duration analysis.
The effects of purchase orientations on perceived loyalty programmes' benefits and loyalty
Authors: Meyer‐Waarden Lars , Benavent Christophe , Castéran Herbert 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis article aims to dwell on theoretical, managerial, and empirical knowledge to improve loyalty programme efficiency. Its intention is to try to understand how economic, hedonist, relational, convenience, informational rewards enhance or undermine customers' perceived programme benefits as well as subsequently loyalty according to individual shopping orientations (economical, hedonist, social‐relational, apathetic, brand/loyal).Design/methodology/approachThe research uses self‐determination theory (SDT) and purchase orientations to classify types of rewards in terms of their effect on perceived programme benefits and loyalty. Scales are developed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. To validate the hypotheses, surveys in two retail chains (grocery/perfumery) are used. Structural equation modelling confirms the research model.FindingsPerceived benefits and loyalty vary according to purchase orientations, in line with the SDT. Intrinsic (extrinsic) rewards motivate customers to act to obtain a benefit within (apart from) the target of their purchase orientation and influences loyalty positively (have low impact on loyalty).Research limitations/implicationsFurther testing of reward types, in(ex)trinsic motivation, across multiple contexts is necessary for validity enhancement as it remains challenging to categorize purchase orientations and rewards. It is necessary to precisely define the degree of the relationship among an intrinsic purchase orientation and perceived loyalty programmes' benefits as orientations might be multidimensional.Practical implicationsDifferentiation through tailored rewards is necessary in markets with strong competition to appeal to different segments. Differentiation could be achieved through nonmonetary benefits. The principal role of loyalty programmes should be to identify and segment customers as a means to improve resource allocations.Originality/valueThis is one of the pioneer articles in the use of SDT in marketing research. SDT provides a multi‐benefit framework which identifies the different (non‐) monetary rewards customers may value (in)extrinsically when participating in loyalty programmes. The development of scales which focus on rewards and the impact of purchase orientations on loyalty programmes' perceived benefits is another contribution.
Trust in customer‐salesperson relationship in China's retail sector
Authors: Twing‐Kwong Sherriff , Gerald Albaum Luk , Fullgrabe Lorna 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine consumer attitudes and purchase intentions toward three major retail types within China‐department stores, independent specialty stores, and franchising/chain specialty stores. Of particular interest is perceived risk of purchase, the relative importance of frontline sales staff, trust, and the relationships among satisfaction, trust, and customers' commitment to the salesperson.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained by a street intercept personal interview survey from 554 Chinese consumers to test hypotheses about consumer behavior and attitudinal reactions to the three types of retail store formats. Personal interviews were conducted in four urban cities, each in a different region of China. Two measures of trust were studied – affective trust and cognitive trust.FindingsThere was a difference in perceived risk in purchasing from the different types of stores, but the importance of the frontline salesperson's influence on consumers did not differ. Increased satisfaction by consumers with the salesperson leads to a higher level of both cognitive and affective trust. Intention to maintain a relationship with the salesperson is positively related to both types of trust.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine three major types of retail institutions in China and how trust in retailer salespersons is linked to customer satisfaction.
Key issues and challenges in e‐government development
Authors: Zhao Fang , José Scavarda Annibal , Waxin Marie‐France 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and study the key issues and challenges facing e‐government development from an integrative perspective, and to provide strategies and policy recommendations to address them in a broad and holistic way.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve a comprehensive understanding of the key issues in e‐government development, the authors took an integrative approach built on several existing theories and research. The authors conducted an empirical case study of Dubai. The data collection methods included documentary research; reviewing the major websites of Dubai government entities; and interviewing 22 e‐government stakeholders.FindingsThe authors have identified a variety of important issues and challenges facing e‐government development in Dubai. Of them, they focus on language issues on websites, e‐integration, uptake of e‐government services and the digital divide, and quality of Dubai e‐government websites and e‐services.Practical implicationsGiven that Dubai was ranked the number one eCity in the Arab World and the eighteenth in the world in e‐government implementation, this insightful case study has wider implications. It contributes to a better understanding of the key issues in e‐government development in the Arab nations. The broad and holistic strategies developed through this study address the root causes of the issues, which could help governments not only in Dubai but also in other countries in their policy making.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first integrative and empirical study that explores the key issues and challenges in e‐government development through studying e‐government experiences of Dubai from both supply and demand perspectives.
Social media and the social movements in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Shirazi Farid 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of social media in communication discourse in the Islamic Middle East and North African (MENA) countries.Design/methodology/approachBy applying the theory of social networks and a method known as critical discourse analysis (CDA) this study investigates the role of social media in the recent waves of popular unrest in the MENA region.FindingsThis study finds that social media not only played an important role in citizens’ participation in communication discourse and mobilization, but also that these media activities intensified in part because of the authorities’ failing rationales against protesters, as shown in the four‐part CDA validity test.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to a particular time frame covering the recent democratic discourse in the MENA region for the period 2009‐2011. While this research is limited to the case study of the MENA region, the author believes that lessons learned from this case study can be applied to other developing countries across the globe.Practical implicationsSocial media tools available via the internet have provided web users across the globe effective tools and services to share and disseminate information by interactively collaborating with each other in digital communities through blogs, social networking and video sharing sites. In this context, social networks are considered to be effective media for communication discourse. The intensive use of social media networks among citizens’ of the MENA region indicate that the internet has the potential to be a multivocal platform through which silenced and marginalized groups can have their voices heard.Originality/valueWhile the existing literature focuses largely on deploying Habermasian critical discourse analysis to media discourse within the context of democratic and well developed nations, this paper presents one of the few studies that extends the CDA method to non‐democratic countries. As such it contributes to the existing knowledge and understanding of the mobilizing effects of social media in communication discourse.
Students’ use of one to one laptops: a capability approach analysis
Authors: Hatakka Mathias , Andersson Annika , Grönlund Åke 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate effects of students’ 1:1 laptop use from a capability perspective by investigating increases and decreases of students’ opportunities and choices. The paper investigates changes that have taken place and how these changes enable or restrict students to do and be what they desire.Design/methodology/approachThe paper undertakes an interpretive case study based on group interviews and questionnaires. Sen's capability approach is used as theoretical framework and has informed the data collection and the analysis.Findings1:1 laptops in schools have provided students with new opportunities and choices, but also restricted others. An evident opportunity is the equalization of access to computers. Other opportunities relate to schoolwork efficiency and increased access to information. Gains also include the use of different media for overcoming disabilities or to fit individual learning styles. Regarding students’ well‐being, a “fun” learning environment is mentioned. However, the “fun” is often about playing games or using social media – something which diverts the students’ attention from the learning. Students also find that they are less social, too computer dependent, and that they miss using pen and paper. Additionally, health issues such as back problems and headaches are reported, as well as an increased risk of being robbed.Originality/valueMost research on 1:1 laptops in education focuses on easily quantifiable measures and reports from a teacher perspective. The paper takes a broader approach and investigates the impact 1:1 laptops have on students’ well‐being and agency.
Social network analysis for cluster‐based IP spam reputation
Authors: Sadan Zac , Schwartz David G. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeIP reputation systems, which filter e‐mail based on the sender's IP address, are located at the perimeter – before the messages reach the mail server's anti‐spam filters. To increase IP reputation system efficacy and overcome the shortcomings of individual IP‐based filtering, recent studies have suggested exploiting the properties of IP clusters, such as those of Autonomous Systems (AS). Cluster‐based techniques can enhance accuracy and reduce false negative rates. However, clusters generally contain enormous amounts of IP addresses, which hinder cluster‐based systems from reaching their full spam filtering potential. The purpose of this paper is exploitation of social network metrics to obtain a more granular, i.e. sub‐divided, view of cluster‐based reputation, and thus enhance spam filtering accuracy.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examined the performance of various social network metrics, including nodal degree, betweenness centrality, closeness centrality and valued graphs, to find an optimal element that enhances IP reputation prediction in AS clusters.FindingsIt was found that all measures contributed to prediction, yet the best predictor of spam reputation was the out‐degree metric, which showed a strong positive correlation with spam reputation prediction. This implies that more granular information can increase the accuracy of IP reputation prediction in AS clusters.Practical implicationsUsed in conjunction with other technologies, the granular cluster‐based reputation system can be a valuable addition to commercial and open‐source spam filtering systems, or to standalone DNS‐based blacklists.Originality/valueThe authors' approach can promote mitigation of larger spam volumes at the perimeter, save bandwidth, and conserve valuable system resources.
Health service employees and information security policies: an uneasy partnership?
Authors: Renaud Karen , Goucher Wendy 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how employees in a health board perceived and experienced information governance policies.Design/methodology/approachThe approach was interpretive. A series of interviews was carried out and the transcripts were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach.FindingsThe authors discovered that staff often felt subjugated by policies, they experienced a lack of support, and experienced pressure to comply and to motivate the staff they managed to comply with policy directives. It was also obvious that all interviewees were highly motivated and concerned about information security. The authors conclude by proposing some mediation: a recognition and reward scheme to reward secure behaviour, the implementation of an incident response process, facilitated upward communication and development of a security culture in the organisation. Finally, the authors argue for the same rules to apply to all staff, so that procedures are fair, and seen to be so.Practical implicationsThe authors make some recommendations for mediation, which should ensure that employees experience less pressure in complying with policy directives.Social implicationsIf the authors' recommendations are followed, information security is bound to improve, which would be an outcome greatly to be desired.Originality/valueThis paper empirically confirms recommendations made by other researchers working in this area.
Can spending on information security be justified?
Authors: Stewart Andrew 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the optimality of various strategies for spending on information security. Being able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of spending strategies is useful to organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe author's analysis begins with a whole‐systems view of the security spending decision that encompasses people, technology, and economics and a taxonomy of justifications is presented for spending on information security. Each justification within the taxonomy is discussed, with that analysis used to examine the apparent rationality of a number of common spending strategies. A model is constructed that can be used in a practical manner to enable an organization to select a rational approach to spending on information security.FindingsThe author describes two spending strategies intended to be simple and straightforward for an organization to employ in a practical manner. These strategies account for a number of weaknesses in common justifications for spending on information security. They also take into consideration the observation that a number of pressures push companies towards inefficiency in their spending.Originality/valueWhen faced with budgeting decisions, managers are bound by fiduciary duty to identify those investments that will maximize shareholder value. As such, decisions about spending must be carefully considered and evaluated in rational economic terms. This paper provides useful thinking on this important topic.
A method to calculate social networking hazard probability in definite time
Authors: Michalopoulos Dimitrios , Mavridis Ioannis 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate hazards for minor users while they are exposed to social networks. In particular, it provides the statistical relationship of these hazards with the exposure time as well as the amount of published personal information.Design/methodology/approachAn experiment was conducted that has revealed a huge number of personal information exposed by users of social network applications. Moreover, a significant amount of suspicious activity against minors has been recorded. Experimental data led to the hypothesis that online hazards can be modeled with known statistical distributions. In order to examine this hypothesis, survival analysis techniques, which involve the estimation of certain functions that reflect the relation of a disastrous event with time, were applied.FindingsThe results show that the incoming hazards for minor female profiles follow the Logistic distribution, while the corresponding hazards for minor male profiles follow the Normal distribution.Originality/valueThe findings of this work are crucial for developing an effective system for automated grooming recognition in real time by optimizing the detection threshold as a function of time. Thus, the threshold sensitivity can be appropriately adjusted such that lower frequencies of occurrence lead to lower threshold sensitivities, and higher frequencies of occurrence lead to higher threshold sensitivities.