bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The business‐government‐society relationship: a comparison between China and the US
Authors: Wu Jiyun , Kirk Davidson D. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThis paper aims to unveil the business‐government‐society relationship in China, as compared with that in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThree cases – the Chinese milk scandal, the beef recall, and the peanut butter scandal in the USA – are presented and contrasted.FindingsThe business‐society‐government relationship in China sets itself apart from that in the USA, largely due to its one‐party political system and the Confucian tradition. The relative lack of independent watchdogs and advocacy groups and the relative lack of independence of the media make it more difficult for irresponsible behavior by powerful corporations to be exposed in China. Further, paternal local governments can sometimes play an enabling role to companies engaged in irresponsible behavior under their protective wings.Research limitations/implicationsWith little extant research in the area of corporate social responsibility in the Chinese context, future research can build on this research and further test the relationship with quantitative data.Practical implicationsThe research provides insights into the context of business operations in China and thus has significant practical relevance.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to explore the business‐government‐society relationship in China.
Relationships among market orientation, JIT, TQM, and agility
Authors: Zelbst Pamela J. , Green Kenneth W. , Abshire Roger D. , Sower Victor E. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of a market orientation (MO) coupled with implementation of just‐in‐time (JIT), total quality management (TQM), and agile improvement programs within manufacturing organizations from a macro perspective using systems theory as the theoretical underpinning. From a systems perspective, this research focuses on MO and its direct relationships with JIT, TQM, and agile manufacturing (AM) and subsequent impact on operational and logistics performance (LP).Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 104 manufacturing managers, supervisors, and quality professionals and analyzed using a path analysis methodology.FindingsMO directly and positively impacts JIT, TQM, and AM. JIT positively and directly impacts TQM which in turn positively and directly impacts AM. AM positively and directly impacts both organizational and LP.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the sample size is large enough to support path analysis, it is not of sufficient size to support structural equation modeling. This limitation precludes assessing the model as a whole. Direct and indirect effects are assessed, however.Practical implicationsPractitioners are provided with a framework for assessing the synergistic impact of combining a MO with operations improvement programs on organizational and LP.Originality/valueA systems approach to assessing the impact of a combination of marketing and operations strategies is developed and tested.
Internal migration in Ghana: determinants and welfare impacts
Authors: Ackah Charles , Medvedev Denis 
Published: November 2014

PurposeUsing a recently compiled dataset on migration and remittances in Ghana, the purpose of this paper is to estimate the determinants of an individual's likelihood to be an internal migrant and the relationship between internal migration and welfare.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses treatment regression techniques to assess the characteristics of Ghanaian migrants, the determinants of migration, and its impact on household welfare.FindingsThe paper finds that the likelihood to migrate is determined by a combination of individual (pull) and community‐level (push) characteristics. The probability of migration is higher for younger and more educated individuals, but communities with higher levels of literacy, higher rates of subsidized medical care, and better access to water and sanitation are less likely to produce migrants. It is found that households with migrants tend to be better off than similar households without migrants, even after controlling for the fact that households with migrants are a non‐random sample of Ghanaians. However, the positive relationship is only true for households with at least one migrant in urban areas.Research limitations/implicationsClearly, if the authors had access to panel data, they would have been able to do something very nice and clean (on both theoretical and econometric grounds).Originality/valueThis paper adds to the Ghana migration literature by offering a novel empirical assessment of the characteristics of Ghanaian migrants, the determinants of migration, and its impact on household welfare by drawing on a recently‐assembled, nationally‐representative sample of Ghanaian households.
On uncertain systems and uncertain models
Authors: Liu Sifeng , Sheng Keqin , Forrest Jeffrey 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show which models, uncertain or certain, simple or complicated, are more suitable when they are faced with incomplete information and inaccurate data.Design/methodology/approachThe characteristics of fuzzy mathematics, grey system theory, rough set theory and the basic characteristics of incomplete information and inaccurate data in uncertain systems are analysed.FindingsThe similarities and differences among fuzzy mathematics, grey system theory, rough set theory and probability statistics are compared. The principle of simplicity of scientific theories, methods, and models are discussed.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that the tendency to concentrate on a complicated model isn't always necessary when faced with the condition of incomplete information and inaccurate data.Originality/valueThe paper shows that a more satisfied result can be obtained with an uncertain model than with a meticulous model on a certain situation.
An extension of grey target method with multistage fuzzy linguistic evaluation under incomplete weight
Authors: Wang Hehua , Fang Zhigeng , Zhu Jianjun 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the extensive method of grey target based on multi‐stage linguistic label, which is a hypothesis of incomplete information of the weight of stage and decision maker.Design/methodology/approachFor the incomplete weight information case, the weight model for the stage and decision maker is put forward based on the requirement of maximum difference among the alternatives. Also, the weight of the decision maker is estimated by the grey relationship method and the Euclid distance method.FindingsAs a result, the method of multiple stage grey target decision making based on linguistic label is suggested. In the incomplete information case, the weight model is suggested and the aggregation is put forward. The suggested method is clear and simple, which can be used in multi‐criteria decision making fields.Practical implicationsThis paper offers a very useful result for multi‐attribute decision making.Originality/valueThis paper succeeds in studying the extensive method of grey target based on multi‐stage linguistic label, which is a hypothesis of incomplete information of the weight of stage and the decision maker.
Research on ACPI system frame for R&D management of complex equipments
Authors: Liu Sifeng , Fang Zhigeng , Yuan Chaoqing , Li Yaping , Cao Ying 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a new system frame named ACPI for research and development (R&D) management of complex equipments according to the ideas of artificial societies, computational experiments, parallel execution and interactive optimization.Design/methodology/approachAn artificial system which can effectively model, simulate and recur the main features and behaviors of a real R&D system of complex equipment is established at first. The structure and function of the system and its subsystems, and the relation of factors in the system are analyzed. Then one can perform computation experiment, modeling and simulation in the artificial system to obtain the optimal solutions. Finally, practice these solutions in a real system and at the same time perform the solutions in artificial system, forecasting and warning the possible new situations and problems in a realistic process, and provide controlling scheme.FindingsThe typical characteristics and solutions of the R&D system of complex equipment are analyzed. The sketch scheme of ACPI, the system frame of ACPI for R&D management of complex equipments are proposed, and the key technologies used in implementing ACPI of R&D system of complex equipment are studied.Practical implicationsThe outcome of this paper can be used in computation experiments, management and optimization of R&D systems of complex equipment.Originality/valueThe sketch scheme of ACPI, the system frame of ACPI for R&D management of complex equipments are proposed first. The ACPI system can supply a high‐performance, open and interactive platform for the analog simulation and computation experiments of the R&D process management of complex equipment.
An introduction to alysidal algebra (II)
Authors: Nescolarde‐Selva J. , Vives‐Maciá F. , Usó‐Doménech J.L. , Berend D. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeDeontical impure systems are systems whose object set is formed by an s‐impure set, whose elements areperceptuales significances(relative beings) of material and/or energetic objects (absolute beings) and whose relational set is freeways of relations, formed by sheaves of relations going in two‐way directions. Objects and freeways form chains.Design/methodology/approachThe approach used was mathematical and logical development of human society structure.FindingsExistence of relations with positive imperative modality (obligation) would constitute the skeleton of the system. Negative imperative modality (prohibition) would be the immunological system of protection of the system. Modality permission the muscular system, that gives the necessary flexibility to the system, in as much to the modality faculty its neurocerebral system, because it allows one to make decisions. Transactions of energy, money, merchandise, population, etc. would be the equivalent one to the sanguineous system. These economic transactions and inferential relations, depend, as well, on the existence of a legislative body with their obligations, prohibitions and permissions that regulate them.Originality/valueThis paper is a continuation of Part I, published inKybernetes, Volume 41, Issue 1/2, 2012, continuing the development of Alysidal Algebra, which is important for the study of deontical impure systems. They are defined coupling functions and alysidal structures. It is defined as a special coupling function denominated gnorpsic function that can be used for algebraic operations between alysidal sets.
System design effects on online impulse buying
Authors: Ning Shen Kathy , Khalifa Mohamed 
Published: November 2014

PurposeIntegrating the two‐system (reflective vs. impulsive) model and the “stimulus‐organism‐response” framework, the purpose of this paper is to construct and empirically test a model that examines online impulse buying as a phenomenon triggered by system design factors.Design/methodology/approachA laboratory experimental design with a 2×2 full factorial design involving 151 undergraduate students was used to validate the effects of system design stimuli on online impulse buying. Interactivity and vividness, two design factors, were manipulated and a fictitious VCD movie store was created, with four storefronts representing each combination of treatments.FindingsA compelling and sociable virtual experience as conceptualized with telepresence and social presence has a significant effect on buying impulses over and above traditional marketing/product stimuli. Such virtual experience can be created through the usage of interactive and vivid website features. Furthermore, cognition positively moderates the relationship between buying impulse and the actual purchasing behavior.Practical implicationsThe findings provide valuable guidance in website design that can stimulate online impulse buying. The results also indicate the importance of providing cognitive intervention at the purchasing stage.Originality/valueA significant extension of the “stimulus‐organism‐response” framework is to introduce presence as the system stimulus that captures the overall virtual experience and to specify the associated design features; i.e. interactivity and vividness. By incorporating the two‐system model, this study offers a theoretical underpinning of the role of cognitive processing in impulse buying.
Beyond market‐fundamentalist economics: an agenda for heterodox economics to change the dominant narrative
Authors: Jo Tae‐Hee , Chester Lynne , King Mary C. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to introduce heterodox economics as a viable alternative to market‐fundamentalist economics and to outline the articles of the special issue.Design/methodology/approachThis introductory article provides an overview and summary of the contributions in the special issue.FindingsMarket‐fundamentalist economics has failed to adequately explain the economy or to provide guidance to policymakers that lead to widely‐shared prosperity and human well‐being. By contrast, heterodox economics offers social and historical narratives of both market and non‐market activities.Originality/valueThe article helps general readers to get acquainted with visions and approaches that are alternative to market‐fundamentalist economics. This will allow them to imagine more concretely that a better world is possible.
Health improvement: countervailing pillars of partnership and profession
Authors: Pate Judy , Fischbacher Moira , Mackinnon Jane 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe Scottish Parliament has recently formed Community Health Partnerships (CHPs), in which health and social care providers come together within a unified organisational framework. This paper aims to assess the extent to which employees identify with their profession and whether professional identity poses a significant barrier to multi‐disciplinary, inter‐organisational partnership.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a mixed methodology approach. A survey of all CHP staff was conducted, four months after the CHP was created and obtained a 31 per cent response rate. Additionally, to obtain an in‐depth understanding of the partnership, 26 interviews were conducted with senior and middle level managers and professional representatives.FindingsA strong professional identity in the health and social care context was evident while the partnership vision, in contrast, lacked clarity. Therefore under these circumstances individuals' sense of occupation has been heightened due to perceived attempts to erode their professional identity, and modifications to their sense of “self” have not been challenged by a strong partnership ethos.Practical implicationsManagers face a deep‐rooted cultural based challenge where individuals strongly identify with their profession rather than the ethos of the partnership, which impedes full integration. Managers have a “balancing act” of addressing structural and processual change within the integration agenda, without losing sight of the outcomes in terms of service delivery and improving health and wellbeing.Originality/valueThis paper examines the implications of a new major health policy change that aims to integrate health and social care. In addition, the study unravels the complex issue of professional identity in this context.
Medical assistants: the invisible “glue” of primary health care practices in the United States?
Authors: Taché Stephanie , Hill‐Sakurai Laura 
Published: November 2014

PurposeLittle attention has been given to the field of medical assisting in US health services to date. To explore the roles medical assistants (MAs) currently play in primary care settings, the paper aims to focus on the work scope and dynamics of these increasingly common healthcare personnel.Design/methodology/approachThis is a multiple step, mixed methods study, combining a quantitative survey and qualitative semi‐structured interviews: eight experts in the field of medical assisting; 12 MAs from diverse primary care practice settings in Northern California.FindingsSurvey results revealed great variation in the breadth of tasks that MAs performed. Five overarching themes describe the experience of medical assistants in primary care settings: ensuring patient flow and acting as a patient liaison, “making a difference”; diversity within the occupation and work relationships.Research implications/limitationsAs the number of medical assistants working in primary care practices in the United States increases, more attention must be paid to how best to deploy this allied health workforce. This study suggests that MAs have an expertise in maintaining efficient clinic flow and promoting patient satisfaction. Future recommendations for changes in MA roles must address the diversity within this occupation in terms of workscope and quality assurance as well as MA relationships with other members of ambulatory care teams.Originality/valueThis is the first study to explore perspectives of medical assistants in the USA. As this is a largely unregulated and understudied field, a qualitative study allowed the exploration of major themes in medical assisting and the establishment of a framework from which further study can occur.
“Water cooler” learning
Authors: Waring Justin J. , Bishop Simon 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the instances of informal knowledge sharing at the “backstage” of the clinical environment and to demonstrate their contribution to organisational learning and patient safety.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of an ethnographic study in two Day Surgery Units in the UK National Health Service undertaken over three months in various clinical and non‐clinical settings. The observations recorded the instances of communication and knowledge sharing, as well as taking into account the wider socio‐cultural and organisational context.FindingsThe study identified situations of informal knowledge sharing. These were characterised by degrees of homogeneity/heterogeneity and patency/privacy. Focusing on three sites – staff lounge, storeroom, and theatre corridor, the paper elaborates the context and content of knowledge sharing, and the contributions to clinical practice, service function and learning.Practical implicationsBackstage knowledge sharing is premised on shared understanding, trust and mutuality and situational opportunity. This contrasts with more formal models of learning advocated in policy. Services managers might embrace, rather than replace, these relationships, whilst emphasising the need for knowledge to be shared more widely amongst peers and service leaders.Originality/valueTo date, little research in the area of patient safety has considered the contribution of informal learning at the “backstage”. This is an important, if taken‐for‐granted, part of everyday practice and makes a “hidden” contribution to organisational learning.
Understanding the effect of decentralisation on health services
Authors: Regmi Krishna , Naidoo Jennie , Greer Alan , Pilkington Paul 
Published: November 2014

PurposeDespite enormous progress in health globally, primary healthcare services in many developing countries are facing different challenges. Many studies have documented that decentralisation could be useful in supporting and developing health services closer to citizens. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of decentralisation on health services, and to draw general lessons which might help to develop appropriate strategies to improve health services in Nepal.Design/methodology/approachA mixed method was used, consisting of reviews of current literatures relevant to decentralisation and health performance, engaging with health service inputs‐outputs data between 2001 and 2007, and assessing the range of choices (management, finance and governance) available to local authorities using Bossert's “decision‐space approach”.FindingsDecentralisation in many countries, including Nepal, suggests a new form of service delivery.Originality/valueReview of the selected studies in triangulation with health services data has revealed that decentralisation in many cases has improved access to, utilisation of, and management of health services. The effects on other performance dimensions such as policy, equity, quality and service effectiveness are poorly investigated topics in the literature. The findings suggest that the successful implementation of decentralisation requires a broader context of institutional capacity building and resource management, and underlines the need for their consideration during implementation processes, and further investigation.
Five have a leadership adventure
Authors: Naylor Jennifer Ann 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThis study proposes to examine whether tales from childhood influence the psyche and self of the adult in their professional role as a leader in a large organization. It is positioned within a social constructionist and postmodernist framework.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology development was challenging; to capture the level of abstraction within which it was positioned. Using narrative inquiry allowed for a less rigid methodology, data collection and analysis. The data were collected using a non‐structured single interview with a known subject, the data analysed using an initial thematic analysis followed by an in‐depth analysis of the themes against the background of an Enid Blyton novel.FindingsThis research project has shown how all are products of their whole life experiences to date; thus the tales from childhood must also impact on adult lives. This project identified links between the adult professional self and the characters in the tales, which were read as children. Leadership can be read as an adventure story or fairy tale, a myth born out of the narratives and language often used to describe it, reflecting tales of quest and achievement.Originality/valueThe interpretations on offer are only one version; another reader or teller would experience a different interpretation; finding her own story, while constructing herself as a researcher, was unexpected and surprising. There are at least two stories running throughout predominantly: the subjects’ story and the story of the research.