bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operational routines and supply chain competencies of Chinese logistics service providers
Authors: Ding Ming J. , Kam Booi H. , Lalwani Chandra S. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThough resource based view (RBV) has been applied extensively in supply chain studies to examine how firms utilize logistics resources to attain superior performance, relatively little attention has been directed to exploring the effects of operational routines on logistics and supply chain (L&SC) competencies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the causal linkages between operational routines and L&SC competencies of Chinese logistics service providers (LSPs).Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model on the relationships between operational routines and L&SC competencies was developed based on RBV. In total, 76 valid responses from a survey of Chinese LSPs provided the empirical data for the testing of the formulated hypotheses. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to develop the constructs for the model and hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsNot all operational routines were drivers of L&SC competencies in the Chinese logistics market. Processes for increasing responsiveness are most important in contributing to building positioning, distribution support and agility competencies. Processes for increasing flexibility are only effective in developing positioning competency, while performance benchmarking has little contribution to competency building in the Chinese market. ICT support strengthens the relationship between performance benchmarking and distribution support, but weakens that between processes for increasing flexibility and distribution support as well as that between processes for increasing responsiveness and agility.Research limitations/implicationsThis study raises more questions than it attempts to answer, opening up a number of horizons for further research into the logistics market of China. Several follow‐up studies have been suggested, including a multiple case study on how Chinese LSPs contrive their operational routines to respond to the exigencies of market situations.Practical implicationsFindings from this study have significant managerial implications in resource investment and competency building to generate competitive advantage in the Chinese logistics market.Originality/valueThis research sheds new insights on the routine‐capability‐competency building chain in China's fragmentary logistics industry. It indicates that despite over three decades of economic reform, and ascension to the World Trade Organization, China remains a distinctively unique market environment with ingredients for operation success vastly different from those of the developed economies.
Retail service‐based operant resources and market performance
Authors: Skinner Beitelspacher Lauren , Tokman Mert , Adams Frank G. , Glenn Richey R. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe service‐dominant logic (SDL) concept is reshaping the view of business‐to‐business research and practice. Thus, understanding the role of knowledge‐based operant resources, a key component of the SDL paradigm, in the ability of supply chains to shape competitive advantage and performance outcomes is vital. Further, operant resources have a hierarchical structure, with differing effects in building value for a supply chain. This research seeks to explore the effects of different levels of hierarchical operant resources in a retail supply chain setting.Design/methodology/approachA survey was collected from 300 retailing informants who deal with both key suppliers and customers. The data were examined using hierarchical regression to explore the influence of internal and external operant resources on market performance, subject to the moderating effects of top management support and relationship quality.FindingsThere is a positive relationship between internal and external operant resources with market performance outcomes, but those relationships are subject to support from top management toward retailing supply chain relational initiatives. Thus, intangible, dynamic, customer‐oriented resources play an important role in developing retail supply chains’ ability to achieve a market advantage.Originality/valueThis research addresses a need to explore the implications of SDL in a supply chain context by examining the implications of influences of retailer operant resources on the supplier. Further, this research explores the question of operant resources by analysing those resources at various levels within supply chain relationships.
Productivity losses in smoking breaks on construction sites: a case study
Authors: Yung Ping , Agyekum‐Mensah George 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the extent of productivity losses in smoking breaks on construction sites.Design/methodology/approachThe smoking behaviours of workers in a small/medium‐sized construction company were examined for a period of four months. Construction workers were targeted due to their higher prevalence in smoking. The exact time losses through smoking breaks were measured and calculated. The productivity losses were then evaluated and compared with the estimates of productivity losses and wage penalties found in the literature.FindingsIt is found that a smoker on average smokes 5.6 cigarettes, which takes a total of 73 minutes, representing 15.2 per cent of productivity loss in an eight‐hour shift. This productivity loss is much higher than productivity losses through increased sick leaves or the wage penalties for smokers found in the literature.Research limitations/implicationsVariations of smoking behaviours throughout the year have not been considered. The study has focused on a renovation and rehabilitation project, it has not considered the workers from other trades who might have different smoking behaviours.Originality/valueThis paper is a contribution to the limited literature on the productive time losses through smoking breaks. Most studies on productive time loss attributable to smoking focused on the additional sick leaves taken by the smokers, without realizing that productive time losses through smoking breaks far exceeds those additional sick leaves.
Computer use ethics among university students and staffs
Authors: Mohamed Norshidah , Shahriza Abdul Karim Nor , Hussein Ramlah 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which individual characteristics, which are gender, religious (Islamic) work value, and organization level (students and staff), are related to attitudes toward computer use ethics. This investigation is conducted in an academic setting in Malaysia, among those subscribing to the same religious value.Design/methodology/approachThe research used a cross‐sectional survey approach in an attempt to achieve the objective. A total of 550 responses were collected from academic staff and students in an institution of higher learning in Malaysia. Respondents were given several scenarios of ethical behavior to rate their attitudinal directions in computer work ethic. Their perceptions would indicate whether they are inclined towards ethical or unethical types of computer use behaviors based on the action in the scenarios.FindingsThe findings indicate that individual characteristics consisting of individuals’ value for Islamic work ethics and level in the organizational hierarchy are linked to attitudes toward ethical computer use. However, there was no support to suggest that attitudes toward ethical computer use are related to gender.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory study may spark more investigation into the area of computer ethics, which is in need of more research. This study also contributes significantly in confirming findings in similar research on individual characteristics and ethics in computer use, and in providing a methodological approach for measuring the construct of ethical computer use attitude and personal ethical work values by using behavioral scenario measures.Practical implicationsThis research should contribute significantly in the area of Business Ethics and Management Information Systems courses for both undergraduate and postgraduate business programs. The fact that individual characteristics contribute significantly in the ethical use of computers may lead to better insights into computer misuse and allow better preventive measures to be taken by organizations through Ethics and Management Information Systems curricula in business education.Originality/valueThe research provides a unique perspective of computer use ethics, which is not much covered in the literature. The measurement produced can be used as a research tool for more exploratory and explanatory research in computer use ethics, and as an evaluative tool for organizations in hiring the right personnel and providing training and motivation for more productive and ethical employees.
Technology and ethical/moral dilemmas of higher education in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Clark Lisa D. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to plan a relevant, professional development conference for the faculty of a small, private, suburban college in upstate, New York. The Provost and Senior Vice‐President led a college‐wide committee of faculty, administrators, and staff in a survey method to discover the priorities of the faculty, in further development of excellence in teaching and learning.Design/methodology/approachThe committee designed 20 essential questions, and asked faculty to select three questions, in order of priority, to be used to guide the theme of the conference. Faculty members were also given the option to write their own question, if their choices were not reflected in the original list. Of the 207 full‐time faculty members, 155 responded to the survey within a two‐week period.FindingsOf the 155 survey respondents, 22 selected question 11, “In what ways do we weigh the political, ethical and economic implications of technological platforms against their pedagogical potential, and how can we model these kinds of complex decisions for our students?”, as one of three choices.Social implicationsIn this second decade of the twenty‐first century, there is a strong sense of urgency to examine and revise current public policy, so that society may connect with the realities of the present.Originality/valueThe paper addresses those needed changes in greater depth, and provides a framework for exploring issues of ethics, and the dilemmas faced by educators in the twenty‐first century, with regard to teaching and learning in higher education.
Measuring, archetyping and mining Olea europaea production data
Authors: Theodosiou Theodosios , Valsamidis Stavros , Hatziliadis Georgios , Nikolaidis Michael 
Published: November 2012

PurposeA huge amount of data are produced in the agriculture sector. Due to the huge number of these datasets it is necessary to use data analysis techniques in order to comprehend the data and extract useful information. The purpose of this paper is to measure, archetype and mine olea europaea production data.Design/methodology/approachThis work applies three different data mining techniques to data about Olea europaea var. media oblonga from the island of Thassos, at the northern part of Greece. The data were from 1,063 farmers from three different municipalities of Thassos, namely Kallirachi, Limenaria and Prinos and concerned the year 2010. They were analysed using the classification algorithm OneR, the clustering algorithm k‐means and the association rule mining algorithm, Apriori from the WEKA data mining package. Also, new measures which quantify the performance of the productions of olives and oil are applied. Finally, archetypal analysis is applied in order to distinguish the most typical/stereotype farms for each region and describe their specific characteristics.FindingsThe results indicate that organic cultivation could improve the production of olives and olive oil. Furthermore, the climate differences among the three municipalities seems to be a factor involved in production efficacy.Originality/valueIt is the first time that data from the island of Thassos have been analysed systematically using a variety of data mining methods. Also, the measures proposed in the paper in order to analyse the data are new. Furthermore, archetypal analysis is proposed as a method to extract sterotypes/representative farms from the dataset.
Achieving at university and beyond: does it help to be good looking?
Authors: Zubcevic Nives , Mavondo Felix , Luxton Sandra 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the associations between attitudes to academic achievement and post university success using perceptions of attractiveness, gender, ethnic identity, personality, and social acceptance as antecedents.Design/methodology/approachAn online questionnaire was completed by male (N=116) and female (N=126) university students from various cultural backgrounds. To evaluate the proposed relationships, multiple regression analysis was used.FindingsThe findings suggest that attractiveness is related to attitudes to academic achievement and success through its association with social appeal and acceptance. Ethnic identity is also related to both academic achievement and post university success. Personality is not positively related to academic achievement. Finally, social acceptance is positively related to academic achievement for males and to success for females.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst the survey targeted students from various cultural backgrounds studying in Australia, it did not look at university students from other countries. A cross‐cultural perspective could reveal further differences in attitudes.Originality/valueThis study links attractiveness and academic achievement theories. The findings have implications for tertiary institutions and suggest academics and policy‐makers to vigorously promote core personality and values such as intelligence, communication skills, and sincerity, rather than allow superficial values such as attractiveness to be placed at the centre stage of students' endeavour.
Will credit rating agency reforms be effective?
Authors: Boylan Scott J. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the potential effectiveness of government reforms aimed at improving the accuracy of ratings issued by credit ratings agencies in US financial markets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies unconscious bias as a source of inaccuracy in the credit ratings process. It examines prior behavioral research on unconscious bias, and uses this research to identify structural issues within the credit ratings industry that give rise to biased judgments. Finally, it examines whether government reforms will be effective in improving the accuracy of credit ratings, and offers additional reforms aimed at combating unconscious bias.FindingsRecent government reforms will be most effective in curbing intentional decisions to compromise the ratings process. However, the reforms will be less effective at mitigating unconscious biases in judgments underlying credit ratings, because they do not adequately address relevant structural issues. To combat unconscious bias, changes need to be made to ratings agencies' fee structures, business models, and risk management functions.Practical implicationsThe analysis is of use to regulators who are contemplating the need for reforms aimed at improving the accuracy of credit ratings. While focusing on events in the USA, the analysis is relevant to any country in which credit ratings are influential in financial markets.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to examine the performance of credit ratings agencies through the lens of behavioral psychology, and to introduce the concept of unconscious bias as a determining factor in the accuracy of credit ratings.
Recruitment to personality disorder treatment trials
Authors: McMurran Mary , Delport Juan , Wood Katherine , Jenkins Serenna , Wall Mie , Day Florence 
Published: November 2012

PurposeRandomised controlled trial (RCT) methodology is viewed as the gold standard in evaluating the impact of interventions. Recruitment problems present one threat to the validity of RCTs, yet the barriers to recruitment are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to identify obstacles to recruitment in a personality disorder (PD) treatment trial, with a view to suggesting ways of overcoming these obstacles.Design/methodology/approachA discussion group of 13 staff involved in the trial was held to identify barriers to recruitment. The information was subject to thematic analysis.FindingsEight themes were identified, and three overarching themes: reluctance to diagnose and preference for treating symptoms; increasing the burden and jeopardising other services; and lack of confidence in treatment and in treatment as usual.Practical implicationsSuggestions for minimising recruitment obstacles include careful site selection and protocol negotiation; education and training about PD; continued promotion of both research in general and the specific trial; and assurances about good research practice.Originality/valueRecruitment is a common problem in RCTs, and the paper addresses this issue, not only in identifying obstacles to recruitment but also in offering suggestions to other trialists for minimising the obstacles.
The perceived value of networking through an EMBA: a study of Taiwanese women
Authors: Chen Aurora , Doherty Noeleen , Vinnicombe Susan 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the perceived value of an executive MBA (EMBA) to the development of knowing‐who competency for Taiwanese women managers.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative research drew on in‐depth interviews with a sample of 18 female alumni across three business schools in Taiwan. Analysis, using NVivo 8.0, focused on individual perceptions of the development of knowing‐who, through networks.FindingsWomen emphasized the benefits of acquiring and developing networks from undertaking the EMBA. Cultural values impacted women's perceptions of networking.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an exploratory piece with limited generalisability, however, it indicates the perceived importance of networking to female EMBA students within the Asian context.Originality/valueFindings extend previous research on the acquisition and development of networks through the EMBA experience. The salience of networking for women is established. The clarification of age or career stage in research on women's careers is needed.
Transformational leadership, work engagement, and occupational success
Authors: Vincent‐Höper Sylvie , Muser Clara , Janneck Monique 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to give insights into the interplay between leadership, well‐being and occupational success by examining the indirect effect of transformational leadership on subjective occupational success mediated by work engagement.Design/methodology/approachA gender‐sensitive approach was applied in order to reveal possible differences in the relations and to deduce gender‐specific recommendations. Data were retrieved from 530 women and 602 men. The participants were questioned on their leader's behavior, their work engagement, and occupational success.FindingsResults show significant positive relations between transformational leadership, work engagement, and subjective occupational success for men and women. Work engagement is found to partially mediate the relation between transformational leadership and subjective occupational success. A significantly higher mediation effect was found for women, although the mediation is present in both gender groups.Practical implicationsBoth for men and women transformational leadership training, as well as interventions promoting work engagement, are promising approaches for the enhancement of occupational success.Originality/valueThe findings advance the understanding of how leaders enhance employees' occupational success and provide gender‐specific insights into the mediating mechanism of work engagement regarding this relation.
Cognitive and affective processes underlying career change
Authors: Muja Naser , Appelbaum Steven H. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeAligning social identity and career identity has become increasingly complex due to growth in the pursuit of meaningful careers that offer very long‐term personal satisfaction and stability. This paper aims to explore the complex cognitive and affective thought process involved in the conscious planning of voluntary career change.Design/methodology/approachA review of recent findings relevant to voluntary career change decisions was performed in order to develop a better understanding of psychological and sociological processes contributing to the pursuit of an MBA degree and subsequent employee mobility.FindingsComplex rational and emotional thoughts contribute to the definition and pursuit of proximal and distal career goals which stimulate self‐efficacy drives as they are achieved.Practical implicationsBecause realistic forecasting of very long‐term distal goals is extremely challenging, career seekers must carefully consider how proximal and distal goal pursuit, such as an MBA degree, contribute to personal identity. Goal pursuit merely for the sake of advancing self‐efficacy will likely prove insufficient to anchor individuals within a career and cement their identity.Social implicationsAs part of their career change strategy, individuals frequently chose to enrol in an MBA program to rapidly develop competencies and experiment with new career options. Consequently, there is a growing disconnection between the career options offered by employers and the choices that employees are seeking.Originality/valueThe paper explores the psychological processes that contribute to the pursuit of “boundaryless” careers. Boundaryless career growth is attainable through improvements in communication that aid the definition of “reality”.