bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marketing toys without playing around
Authors: Gardner Meryl P. , Michnick Golinkoff Roberta , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy , Heiney‐Gonzalez Daniel 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain insight into how both characteristics of toys and marketer‐provided cues influence parents' perceptions of advertised toys and their ideas of what life skills are important for their children's future well‐being and success.Design/methodology/approachData were collected with a 2 (toy encourages structured play vs toy encourages unstructured play) × 2 (ad mentions “brain development” vs ad mentions “child development”) experimental design involving four advertisements for a hypothetical toy.FindingsParents recognized that the toy encouraging unstructured play has many benefits. Relative to parents who saw an ad with a “child development” appeal, those who saw an ad with a “brain development” appeal rated social and intellectual development as less important for their children.Practical implicationsFindings support the idea that manufacturers can and should continue to develop toys, which encourage relatively unstructured play; such toys are both appreciated by parents and valued by experts. They also support eliminating “brain talk” from advertising; such messages do not enhance parents' evaluations of toys and detract from parents' maintaining the value they place on social and intellectual development.Social implicationsBy designing toys which encourage play which is most beneficial to children and promoting them with advertisements without “brain” language, marketers can support children's development and parents' values.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights into the effects of toy and ad characteristics on parents' perceptions of toys and what is important for their children.
Public leadership: motivated by values not bonuses
Authors: Maddock Su 
Published: November 2012

PurposeTurbulent times are here to stay and public leadership needs to become less managerial, more adept at harnessing resources and transforming governance. While the media continues to search for heroic leaders there is a growing awareness that there is more to public leadership than charisma and that compliant leaders do little to nurture innovation. The purpose of this paper is to address the varying concepts of leadership within public services in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThis paper addresses the varying concepts of leadership within public services in the UK and offers a comparative discussion on these choices of types of leadership.FindingsEvidence shows that successful public leaders tend to motivated by social values rather than money and that in the UK, transformative leadership is stronger at the local level than in central government, where although embryonic, political and executive leaders are forging platforms for innovation and new governance systems that central governments could learn from.Originality/valueThere are examples of exemplary public leadership in the UK and this paper attempts to unpack where these are, how they challenge existing leadership thinking and why new forms of leadership are critical at this time.
Domestic and international strategies in the Queensland wine industry
Authors: Bamberry Geoff , Wickramasekara Rumintha 
Published: November 2012

PurposeOver the past decade, the Queensland wine industry has experienced a greater percentage growth than the Australian national average. The aim of the research undertaken for this article is to identify specific national and international strategies that have allowed the industry to achieve this level of growth.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved a quantitative survey of all Queensland wineries at the time (n=101), using a five‐point Likert‐scaled questionnaire with questions developed from the literature, together with a small‐scale qualitative survey involving in‐depth interviews of winery managers and industry leaders.FindingsThe findings indicated that key strategies in the domestic sector included a focus on cellar door sales combined with establishing links with the tourism industry, together with an incremental expansion of domestic markets. For the international sector, additional strategies included targeting familiar, psychically‐close and niche markets in the initial stages of exporting, as well as taking advantage of firm‐specific strengths and managerial competencies.Originality/valueNot previously regarded as a major wine producing region of Australia, the Queensland wine industry has received limited attention in the literature, particularly the reasons for its rapid growth in recent years. The article helps to identify the strategies used by wineries in growing the industry.
ECRM and customers: a case of Askari Commercial Bank, Pakistan
Authors: Shakil Ahmad Muhammad , Rashid Shahid , Ehtisham‐Ul‐Mujeeb  
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to observe and analyze current banking practices in Pakistan, regarding the electronic customer relationship management system (ECRM). The aim is to explore the variables in relation to operational problems that may occur with banks that use ECRM and the customer's perception of the usage of e‐banking.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is divided into two sections using both qualitative as well as quantitative methods to represent the results. The first section explores the variables related to the operational problems with e‐banking while the second section discusses the variables related to the customer's perception of the usage of e‐banking systems. Descriptive statistics are used to define the demographic variables while correlation is used to describe the operational problems. Cross case analysis is used to present the customer perception of e‐banking practices. In total, 40 staff members and four customers are selected as samples for this study. SPSS was used for data analysis.ResultsData analysis shows that customers are not ready to adopt new technologies, which results in a low level of satisfaction with e‐banking. Internet speeds and government policies are also not supportive of e‐banking in Pakistan. Owing to a lack of trust in technology and a low computer literacy rate, customers hesitate to adopt new technology. On the other hand, internet rates are too high and provided speed is in Kb/s.Practical implicationsThe results of this study will provide some ideas and practical suggestions, which can be implemented, particularly with E‐banking in order to improve its continuance (i.e. customer satisfaction strategies as an effective means of maintaining the subscriber base, market share and the overall revenue of online banking).Originality/valueThe paper delineates the importance of understanding e‐banking in Pakistan and the reasons why more customers avoid using electronic banking.
Climate change in Oman: current knowledge and way forward
Authors: Ahmed Mushtaque , Choudri B.S. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give professionals, researchers and policy makers in Oman and the region understanding of the climate change implications for better planning. The likely impacts will cause serious damage to the economy of Oman which already suffers from aridity, soil salinity, recurrent drought and water scarcity. This paper highlights the work being carried out and current knowledge and efforts being made in view of climate change challenges in Oman.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a literature review of texts and references sourced from scientific reports, research papers and other published documents by various national and international agencies.FindingsSultanate of Oman is vulnerable to the potential impacts of climate change, the most significant of which are increased average temperatures, less and more erratic precipitation, sea level rise (SLR) and desertification. Integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation in development strategies and policies is a must for a country like Oman which is at the early stage of economic and industrial development.Research limitations/implicationsIt is not clear from existing data that any organized research effort is ongoing in Oman to tackle various climate change related issues. There are number of projects undertaken may look impressive but none of the projects was taken up as a direct response to climate change concerns. A small and scattered number of research studies have been published in the field of climate change, and there are many gaps that still need to be filled in the future, especially pertaining to the vulnerability of water resources, agriculture, and biodiversity of Oman.Originality/valueThe paper offers inputs for researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders on issues related to climate change and its management in Oman and the region.
Generation Y workforce expectations: implications for the UAE
Authors: Ling Lim Hwee 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe United Arab Emirates' demographics show the entry of a large Generation Y (Gen Y) segment into the workforce. Companies need talented human resources hence this trend has implications for the country's continued economic growth. However, little is known about Gen Y in the UAE. Furthermore, the asymmetric distributions of the population and labor force by nationality, positively skewed for expatriates, present a diverse population that challenges our understanding of this generation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the life priorities and work preferences of Gen Y Emiratis and expatriates, so that organizations can effectively recruit this new generation into the nation's workforce.Design/methodology/approachSurvey and interview results from Schwartz Value Inventory and Twenge et al.'s motivational model were analyzed for correspondence between life priority and work preference choices, and differences in preferences of Emiratis and expatriates.FindingsEmirati and expatriate Gen Y regarded seeking stability as the most important life priority and were most motivated by extrinsic rewards. However, differences were found in the ranking of other life values and in comparison with the literature.Originality/valueThis research extended previous studies and increases understanding of Gen Y at work. Moreover, recommendations for the effective recruitment and retention are provided to help organizations manage this young generation who are central to the future of the Middle East.
HRM practices during the global recession (2008‐2010)
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Perera Gayan 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate human resource management (HRM) practices adopted by firms during the recession period of 2008‐2010, their impact on employees' happiness at work, and whether there are any differences by the size of the firm.Design/methodology/approachTwo survey questionnaires were developed for the study, one targeting non‐managerial employees and the other targeting senior managers. Two random samples of non‐managerial employees (n=263) and senior managers (n=76) attached fulltime to globally distributed software development firms in Sri Lanka responded. For the data analysis, descriptive statistics, factor analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple regression were used.FindingsIt was found that reduction in financial rewards, reduction in benefits, and training and development provision significantly vary by the size of the firm. Further, the communication of information, performance management, reduction in financial rewards, and reduction in benefits significantly predict employees' happiness at work during recession.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was designed as a cross‐sectional study employing survey methodology. Respondent senior managers were reluctant to provide actual data on layoffs and quits during the recession period.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study would contribute for practitioners to better understand the HRM practices adopted by the firms during recession and effects of these HRM practices on employees' level of happiness at work.Social implicationsEmployees' happiness by doing what is worth doing, pursing important goals, and using one's skills and talents during the economic recession could be affected by the HRM practices adopted during the recession.Originality/valueIt is evident that firms facing economic recession launch cost reduction initiatives such as pay cuts and freeze in new hires. From the academic and practical standpoint it is important to identify the influence of such HRM practices adopted during the recession on employees' happiness at work. However, available research does not provide sufficient understanding about the influence of HRM practices on employees' happiness at work during recession as empirical research on this area is presently lacking.
Towards a framework for transferring technology knowledge between facilities
Authors: McBeath Andre , Ball Peter 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe transfer of technical know‐how is now recognised as an essential component in the globalised expansion of multinational companies. As these companies offshore or outsource their operations the success of the new facility can depend on the ability to convey both tacit and explicit knowledge willingly during all phases of the transfer. There is a lack of clarity in current literature on the success factors for effective transfer of knowledge on production parts transfer and an absence of frameworks. The purpose of the research reported in this paper is to examine documented success factors and propose an integrated framework.Design/methodology/approachPeer reviewed literature was used to establish dominant themes on knowledge‐sharing from which interview and survey were designed and undertaken to establish motivating factors.FindingsFive key themes required for successful knowledge transfer were established for moving parts to new production facilities: willingness to share information, willingness to receive information, explicit knowledge transfer, tacit knowledge transfer and verification. These were then assembled into a transfer of technical intellect framework for knowledge transfer to new facilities.Research limitations/implicationsThe research draws from the experience of practitioners across multiple parts transfers rather than examining a specific transfer. This work brings research not previously brought together. It draws from the literature and a significant survey of a large multi‐site engineering company and future work needs to be carried out to examine the generalisability of the work.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework guides the tacit as well as explicit transfer of technical knowledge of production parts between facilities.Originality/valueThe research identifies the key themes and motivating factors for transferring tacit product knowledge to another organisation.
An indicator for decline of industrial estates
Authors: Beekmans Jasper , van der Krabben Erwin , Martens Karel 
Published: November 2012

PurposeUrban decline is a much‐researched topic in both urban and real estate literature. Yet, there is no generally accepted measurable indicator for decline. This paper starts to fill this void. The purpose of this paper is threefold: to better understand the process of decline of one particular urban area, industrial estates; based on that, to identify a possible indicator for decline; and to take a first step in the empirical testing of the suitability of this indicator.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on a review of the literature on definitions of urban decline, and inspired by hedonic price models, the average property value per hectare is identified as a promising indicator for urban decline. Drawing on hedonic price studies explaining the value of individual industrial property, the paper subsequently distinguishes a number of independent variables likely to influence the average property value of an urban area. The paper uses a simple OLS regression to test whether the relation between these independent variables and average property value is in line with expectations.FindingsThe analysis shows that nearly all independent variables have the expected effect on average property values of industrial estates. From this the authors conclude that constructing an indicator for decline based on the average property value of an urban area can prove fruitful to measure decline.Originality/valueThe decline of industrial estates, as a particular type of urban area, has not received much attention in the international real estate literature. Furthermore, the identification of average property value as an indicator for the decline of urban areas is new.
Further evidence on the association between corporate social responsibility and financial performance
Authors: Sun Li 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper performs an empirical test on the association between CSR and financial performance of a firm.FindingsThe regression analysis reveals a significant and positive association between CSR and financial performance. In addition, it finds that the age of long‐term assets is highly correlated with CSR.Originality/valueThis paper extends Cochran and Wood by using a larger and more recent sample to examine the association between CSR and financial performance of a firm. It contributes to the CSR literature.
Influencing factors of innovation for Turkish companies
Authors: Özdemir Güngör Dilek , Gözlü Sitki 
Published: November 2012

PurposeIn this study, some of the internal and external determinants of innovation for Turkish companies are examined. The purpose of this paper is to determine which factors significantly influence innovativeness of Turkish companies.Design/methodology/approachThe study begins with literature research. The knowledge gained from literature is used to develop a research model, which displays internal and external determinants of innovation and innovation types as product and process innovations. In order to test the model, the data of “Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey”, provided by the World Bank, are used. The data are collected from 1,152 Turkish companies in 2008. Some statistical tests are conducted to determine significant relations between the determinants of innovation and innovation types. Finally, results are discussed in the light of previous literature.FindingsThe authors' results provide clues that the companies involved in product innovation activities mostly perform process innovations. There is also a group of companies which invest in capabilities, but are not involved in any of the innovative activities. R&D activities, licensed technology usage, formal training programs, and experience of managers are significant internal factors, although the investments accomplished are not significant. International relations are an outstanding external factor for Turkish companies.Research limitations/implicationsThe data used in this study come from secondary source data, and it is not aimed at exploring innovation‐related issues. Also, this study does not aim to rank influencing factors for Turkish companies. Thus, it is not possible to reach a conclusion that compares internal and external factors.Originality/valueThis is a pioneer study that deals with internal and external influencing factors of both product and process innovations for Turkish companies.
Global trade and climate change challenges
Authors: Jafry Tahseen 
Published: November 2012

PurposeDue to changing climatic circumstances there is increasing uncertainty about the amount of agricultural produce any country can expect to achieve in particular seasons. As a result, there is a growing trend especially in developing countries to adopt and benefit from international trade as a coping strategy to overcome food shortages. Given the fact that much of the agricultural workforce is made up of women, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the need to develop an understanding of how agribusiness models of food security are affecting their livelihood opportunities, questions the validity of existing approaches to tackling the challenges of climate change and food security and describes a new approach to agricultural extension provision to overcome these challenges.Design/methodology/approachA description of trends related to agricultural growth, food security and the impact of climate variability on achieving this growth with special emphasis on poverty and gender is provided. This paper also provides an account of a new approach in tackling gender issues in the agricultural sector.FindingsThe poorest, most vulnerable farming communities and women farmers will not reap the benefits of global agricultural trade unless mechanisms are put in place to support them. A gender sensitive agricultural extension system is one support mechanism that can be used to design and develop meaningful programmes and help them to deal with climate change challenges that lie ahead.Originality/valueThis paper provides an overview of how agricultural extension systems need to adapt to provide gender equitable approaches to supporting the most vulnerable farming groups under changing climatic circumstances. For instance, at a micro level the ability to identify the changing needs of women farmers and at a macro level institutional reform.
Faulty genes: consanguinity in the Pakistani community
Authors: Ali Nasreen , Mclean Carl , Rehman Hamid 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss the attitudes and beliefs of the Pakistani/Kashmiri community in Birmingham towards the cultural practice of consanguineous (cousin) marriage and health, and how an understanding of Pakistani/Kashmiri community views may help institute good practice for health care professionals.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research study using eight gender‐ and age‐specific focus group discussions and eight in‐depth one‐to‐one interviews with participants who were in consanguineous relationships. All participants were from the Pakistani/Kashmiri community and residents of Springfield ward in Birmingham.FindingsThe findings illustrate Pakistani/Kashmiri attitudes towards consanguinity and health. There was awareness of still births and genetic conditions but a poor understanding of genetics; respondents were reluctant to accept the link between cousin marriages and birth issues and explanations for still births and impairments were largely attributed to the “will of God”. Female respondents were in favour of screening for genetic conditions but would not terminate pregnancies as this was contrary to Islamic ideas about pre‐destiny and all respondents wanted more medical and Islamic scholarly information on cousin marriage and how it is linked to disabilities. Clearly there is a need to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce infant mortality in the Pakistani/Kashmiri community.Research limitations/implicationsResearch findings correspond with previous studies that have explored ethnic minority knowledge and attitudes to health and healthcare services and the need for culturally competent services.Originality/valueThis paper presents some suggestions on effecting behaviour change in this important area.