bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance measurement and metrics in supply chains: an exploratory study
Authors: Piotrowicz Wojciech , Cuthbertson Richard 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the approaches and metrics used to measure supply chain (SC) performance, and to understand the relative perceived importance of such measures.

Design/methodology/approach
– This research is based on empirical data captured through a survey of SC professionals in a variety of business sectors.

Findings
– The research confirms the importance of the balanced scorecard (BSC) approach, with BSC, SCOR and economic value added being the most commonly used tools. Economic metrics dominate, focused on cost and customer service. While social and environmental-related measures are of emerging importance, they appear to be of similar importance to economic metrics only when backed up by a legal obligation.

Research limitations/implications
– The small sample of 51 companies was based on access and the group is not wholly representative of all businesses. Respondents were mainly managers from EU countries involved in procurement, logistics and transport activities. Surveyed companies included manufacturing, automotive, retail, logistics services and wholesaling businesses.

Practical implications
– The common key performance indicators (KPI’s) are identified. These include measures related to: quality, efficiency, responsiveness, health and safety, employees, emission, natural resources utilisation, waste and recycling. Issues that influence the usage of measurement systems as well as the company and SC levels are ranked.

Social implications
– Implementation of a monitoring system and subsequent usage of the collected data may help to reduce negative external impacts on society and the environment.

Originality/value
– The field of SC performance management is still developing, with growing empirical work. Nevertheless this paper is one of the first attempts to carry out such an analysis focused on metrics and their usage. The survey instrument has been tested and can now be applied to other contexts.
Key indicators of rice production and consumption, correlation between them and supply-demand prediction
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Patil Sanjaysingh Vijaysingh 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to establish correlations among the input variables of production within themselves and input variables of consumption within themselves and to forecast the production and consumption of the rice.

Design/methodology/approach
– The production and consumption of rice crop is governed by diverse variables. In the present study five key input variables for production of rice based on literature review and the authenticated data available from agricultural sources have been selected. These variables are area sown, agricultural workers (AW), area irrigated, growth rate and yield per hectare. On similar basis four key input variables responsible for consumption of rice are considered, namely, price of rice, population, poverty ratio and per capita net national product (NNP).

Findings
– Correlation analysis showed that priority wise production of rice depends upon yield per hectare, percentage irrigation, AW and area sown. The growth rate is found to be having insignificant correlation with other variables of production and hence was omitted from subsequent study. Correlation analysis also showed that priority wise consumption depends upon whole sale price per ton, population and the per capita NNP. The poverty ratio is found to be having insignificant correlation with other variables of consumption and hence was omitted from subsequent study. The outcomes of the correlation analysis are utilized for designing rule base for fuzzy inference system (FIS) to forecast the production and consumption of the rice. Subsequently Bayesian technique is used to forecast production and consumption and its results are compared with the results of fuzzy inference analysis.

Originality/value
– There are many techniques used for forecasting purpose but FIS and Bayesian technique outperform others. In the present study, the authors therefore focussed on these two techniques. Bayesian technique takes into account the expert opinion at the current conditions whereas FIS uses previously designed rule base. Besides discussing the appropriateness of these two techniques for forecasting production and consumption of rice, their forecasting outcomes will help in logistical and operational planning of the resources at national level, farmers’ level and traders’ level.
Marketing capabilities and firm performance: literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Kamboj Shampy , Rahman Zillur 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to broaden the body of knowledge on marketing capabilities (MC) and firm performance (FP) by presenting a systematic review of literature along with providing a path for future research agenda.Design/methodology/approach– In total, 101 empirical research papers from 51 different journals of online databases were selected systematically. The papers were reviewed thoroughly and summarized under strategic, functional and operational marketing capability classifications.Findings– The paper depicts a research field that is immature and developing quickly. The results found were diverse in terms of publication trend, industries and countries studied in reviewed articles. Product, price, promotion and distribution found as majorly studied measures of MC with mainly positive and significant impact on FP. In identified 38 different measures of FP, highly used were market share, customer satisfaction, sales growth, profitability and ROI. The findings also present the summary of different internal and contextual factors driving MC. In addition, from the review some of the research gaps also found that helps scholars in future research.Research limitations/implications– The review was guided by considering peer review journals with inclusion criteria that have restricted the findings. This paper will be utilitarian for both academicians and managers.Originality/value– This is the first paper that demonstrates a systematic review of literature on MC and FP for the period 1987-2014. The study also addresses gaps in this field and represent them in the form of research inquiries for further probe.
Measuring lean readiness through the understanding of quality practices in the Turkish automotive suppliers industry
Authors: Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Ates Emre Mehmet , Kumar Vikas 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a study that evaluates the readiness level of the Turkish automotive suppliers industry (T-ASI) to provide a foundation for the successful implementation and/or sustainment of lean practices.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper adapts an assessment framework developed by Al-Najem et al. (2013) to conduct the evaluation of the lean readiness (LR) of the T-ASI. Thus, the LR assessment is based on six quality practices related to lean manufacturing (LM), namely: processes; planning and control; human resources; top management and leadership; customer relations; and supplier relations. One research question and three hypotheses were formulated and tested using a combination of descriptive statistics and t-test and Levene’s tests. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire responded by 48 manufacturing organisations members of the Association of Automotive Parts and Components Manufacturers (TAYSAD).

Findings
– The results of the study revealed that the T-ASI has a high level of LR, especially in the areas of customer relations and top management and leadership while processes, planning and control and supplier relations still need to be enhanced. In addition, the study found that company size has no effect on the LR level of suppliers whereas supplier level and location of customers have.

Practical implications
– As the LR level of the T-ASI is measured, this research study increases the awareness of supplier companies with respect to complementary quality practices that support the implementation and/or sustainment of LM. Thus, managers can use this study as a platform to take better decisions regarding what quality aspects of their operations need to be enhanced to successfully deploy or sustain a lean strategy.

Originality/value
– This research is among the very few studies that have focused on evaluating how ready the T-ASI is to successfully implement or sustain lean practices. For this reason, this research expands the very limited existent body of knowledge of LM in the T-ASI.
A methodology for facing the accessibility of monuments developed and realised in Thessaloniki, Greece
Authors: Naniopoulos Aristotelis , Tsalis Panagiotis 
Published: October 2015

PurposeArchaeological sites and monuments, by their nature, do not allow major interventions to their structure, in order to abolish the obstacles that make them inaccessible. Any interventions should be made sensitively and carefully, so as not to alter the monument’s character or damage it, either visually or structurally. The project “PROSPELASIS” focused on creating a methodology for facing monuments’ accessibility and perceptibility problems for people with disabilities and testing its application at Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe creation of the proposed methodology was based on both research in relevant bibliography and the application of a form of “Delphi method” among involved actors. In this process persons specialized in accessibility and disability issues, persons with disability themselves, as well as employees of the 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, archaeologists and experts in monuments’ restoration, participated.FindingsThe possible sites of interest for visitors with disabilities examined amount to 20 monuments which document the evolution of Byzantine architecture and are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In six major monuments (Acheiropoietos, Saint Demetrios, Saint Nicholaos Orphanos, Hagia Sofia, Rotunda, Heptapyrgion Fortress) significant accessibility improvements were realized in order to verify the methodology proposed.Practical implicationsA practical tool for improving monuments’ accessibility has been developed, open for use by any interested body.Social implicationsThe application of the methodology developed is beneficial for the promotion of the equality and non-discrimination principles.Originality/valueThe successful implementation of the proposed methodology and the importance that accessibility improvement of monumental sites has in the attraction of visitors with restricted mobility and perceptibility and the development of accessible tourism, constitute the results of this project not only pertinent to Thessaloniki or Greece, but worthy of a wider application.
Accessibility improvement interventions realised in Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki, Greece
Authors: Naniopoulos Aristotelis , Tsalis Panagiotis , Papanikolaou Eleni , Kalliagra Alexandra , Kourmpeti Charitomeni 
Published: October 2015

PurposeAccess to culture is a fundamental right of people with disabilities and a significant aspect in the development of accessible tourism. A visit to a monument provides an authentic experience which cannot be substituted by any representation. However, any interventions to improve accessibility should be made carefully, so as not to alter the monument’s character, or damage it visually or structurally. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical approach model was defined in the PROSPELASIS project for the improvement of accessibility in monuments which was applied in Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki. This approach contains the following steps: evaluation of existing accessibility level; definition of alternative solutions; creation of final studies, approval by archaeological authorities and implementation of interventions.FindingsIn six major Byzantine monuments significant improvements were realized which include: installation of two lifts and creation of a new staircase at Acheiropoietos; creation of a metal bridge, a new staircase and installation of a lift at Rotunda; opening of the secondary gate and creation of a ramp at the Heptapyrgion fortress; creation of an accessible toilet at the Saint Demetrios church; installation in the six monuments of a WiFi system providing text and audible information as well as information in Greek and International Sign Language; creation of two tactile models; creation of a “cultural route” connecting three major Byzantine monuments.Originality/valueFor the first time, to the knowledge, a set of interventions has been realized in Byzantine monuments focusing on various categories of people with disabilities, i.e. motor, visual, hearing and cognitive.
Stakeholder perspectives of the future of accessible tourism in New Zealand
Authors: Gillovic Brielle , McIntosh Alison 
Published: October 2015

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to put forward the argument that New Zealand’s tourism industry generally fails to acknowledge the importance of the access market. Despite anecdotal evidence of the market’s value and strong legislation, New Zealand’s access market arguably remains underserviced and misunderstood. The current research sought to explore social and business rationales to support a future for accessible tourism in New Zealand, from the perspectives of its key stakeholders. It sought to uncover contemporary issues in the tourism industry, to examine the capacity and context for which issues can be addressed and overcome, to achieve a future for accessible tourism in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachUnder the interpretive paradigm, original, exploratory research was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten key New Zealand tourism industry stakeholders who agreed to participate in the research. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. The following five key themes inductively emerged from the data: “Accessibility as a human right: Developing a culture of accessibility”; “Accessible tourism: Good for business?”; “Bottom-up, market-led approach”; “Leadership from the top: Moving from apathy to action”; and “Meeting somewhere in the middle”. The five themes correspond to themes evidenced in the wider literature and present propositions for the future development of accessible tourism in New Zealand.FindingsFindings revealed stakeholder opinions of an industry exemplifying minimal awareness and consideration for accessibility. Accessibility was perceived to be an issue of social change, requiring the achievement of a cultural shift where accessibility is envisioned as a cultural norm necessary for the future. Whilst top-down leadership and support were deemed pertinent, ownership and accountability were seen to be crucial at the lower, operational levels of the industry. A “meeting in the middle” was reported necessary to see the leveraging of a greater push towards accessibility and emphasising more prominently, what has been and can be done, moving forward into the future.Originality/valueThis paper provides original insights into the current and future scope of accessible tourism in New Zealand from the perspectives of its stakeholders. The key themes derived from the research assist knowledge for aligning the industry on a pathway towards achieving the necessary awareness and collaboration required in order to offer accessible tourism experiences to all.
Enhanced and changing roles of school librarians under the digital age
Authors: Lo Patrick , Chiu Dickson K.W. 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the recent viewpoint of classroom teachers and school administration about the role of school librarians, which is lacking adequate studies. The current trend of fast-evolving information and communication technologies (ICT) and the emphasis on enquiry-based learning has increasing impacts on school curriculum and the required library support.Design/methodology/approach– This paper is based on a qualitative analysis of interviews on three practicing secondary school librarians in Hong Kong on three separate occasions to explore a different, richer type of data, in particular new requirements and issues that a questionnaire survey could provide.Findings– The new roles of the school librarians improving teaching and learning effectiveness under this environment include: being information literacy specialists, leading library improvement projects and providing classroom teaching collaboration and support.Originality/value– This is one of the very few qualitative studies reporting professional practices and changing roles amongst school librarians in Hong Kong. The results of this study are of practical interest to education policymakers, school administrators, practicing school librarians and educators with a vested interest capitalizing on the school library’s potentials to positively affect students’ achievements.
The fit of the social responsibility standard ISO 26000 within other CSR instruments
Authors: Zinenko Anna , Rovira Maria Rosa , Montiel Ivan 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The aim of this paper is to discuss how ISO 26000 fits within two predominant corporate social responsibility (CSR) instruments, GRI and UNGC. The past two decades have witnessed considerable changes in the CSR field with the introduction of new voluntary CSR instruments. Organizations adopting such tools may perceive some of the existing and emerging CSR instruments as redundant or complementary.

Design/methodology/approach
– The relationships between the CSR instruments analysed are treated through the lenses of institutional entrepreneurship and coopetition theories. The analysis presented is based on secondary data such as literature reviews, publications and online resources and databases from the UNGC, GRI and ISO as well as personal communications with representatives of ISO, GRI and UNGC.

Findings
– The paper shows that from the users’ perspective, CSR instruments should not be treated as separate alternatives, but rather as complementary to each other. At the same time, organizations that set up CSR instruments have to strengthen their existing collaboration as a network, in order to contribute more effectively to sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications
– The use of secondary data to discuss some of the ISO 26000 diffusion trends might provide an incomplete picture but still offer interesting insights.

Practical implications
– This study allows to better understand the linkages, overlaps and differences between three CSR instruments: UNGC, GRI and ISO 26000. At first sight, some of these instruments may appear as redundant but our analysis points out that they complement each other. They have different goals and are useful in different parts of one organization’s CSR infrastructure. These instruments help organizations to implement different CSR tools at different stages of integrating sustainability issues into their strategies and operations.

Originality/value
– CSR instruments have mainly been examined separately by scholars. In contrast, this study analyses ISO 26000, UNGC and GRI as a collaborative mechanism and predicts the fit of ISO 26000 within these well-established CSR instruments. The main contribution of this study is an in-depth analysis of the relationships between organizations that are developing and promoting prominent CSR instruments. In addition, we apply organizational theories to our analysis as a novel perspective. This study contributes to institutional entrepreneurship theory by showing how organizations playing the role of institutional entrepreneurs may encourage the early adoption of a new CSR instrument. It also contributes to the coopetition theory by applying this approach outside the traditional business setting.
The corporate reporting landscape: a market for virtue or the virtue of marketization?
Authors: Gibassier Delphine 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to further elaborate on the topic of standardization bodies and standards “wars” within the “market for virtue” (Vogel, 2005). This paper is a commentary on the paper by Zinenko et al. (2015) who analyze the fit between different CSR instruments at the field and the organizational level.

Design/methodology/approach
– This is a commentary based on secondary data analysis.

Findings
– This commentary reviews the implications of Zinenko et al.’s (2015) paper for research on the CSR reporting landscape and provides some additional insights into coopetition practices and the impact on organizations. It elaborates both on the development of marketization strategies and the impact of this “marketization” on what the CSR standards were initially designed for.

Originality/value
– This commentary provides six avenues for research, which are: coopetition between standard-setters, the influence of adopters on the development of standards, the key intermediary role of investors and analysts, the governance processes of standard-setting organizations, the role of the state in the arena of private CSR instruments and, finally, the disruption and maintenance of work linked to existing standards.
Three‐dimensional controlled‐source electromagnetic modelling with a well casing as a grounded source: a hybrid method of moments and finite element scheme
Authors: Tang Wenwu , Li Yaoguo , Swidinsky Andrei , Liu Jianxin 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTSteel well casings in or near a hydrocarbon reservoir can be used as source electrodes in time‐lapse monitoring using grounded line electromagnetic methods. A requisite component of carrying out such monitoring is the capability to numerically model the electromagnetic response of a set of source electrodes of finite length. We present a modelling algorithm using the finite‐element method for calculating the electromagnetic response of a three‐dimensional conductivity model excited using a vertical steel‐cased borehole as a source. The method is based on a combination of the method of moments and the Coulomb‐gauged primary–secondary potential formulation. Using the method of moments, we obtain the primary field in a half‐space due to an energized vertical steel casing by dividing the casing into a set of segments, each assumed to carry a piecewise constant alternating current density. The primary field is then substituted into the primary–secondary potential finite‐element formulation of the three‐dimensional problem to obtain the secondary field. To validate the algorithm, we compare our numerical results with: (i) the analytical solution for an infinite length casing in a whole space, excited by a line source, and (ii) a three‐layered Earth model without a casing. The agreement between the numerical and analytical solutions demonstrates the effectiveness of our algorithm. As an illustration, we also present the time‐lapse electromagnetic response of a synthetic model representing a gas reservoir undergoing water flooding.