bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Navigating the information‐scape: information visualization and student search
Authors: Conner Matt , Browne Melissa 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate three tools based on principles of information visualization and measure their impact on undergraduates' abilities to generate keywords for database research.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 50 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to a condition (Control, Keyword Matrix, Wonder Wheel, Visual Search) and instructed to find relevant article citations on unfamiliar topics in EBSCO's Academic Search Complete. All students completed a pre‐test to provide baseline data. Control subjects performed one additional search. Students in the experimental conditions were introduced to the relevant information visualization strategy, employed it to identify keywords for two post‐test searches, and provided a written assessment of its impact. Audio and screen captures from search sessions were recorded, transcribed and analyzed.FindingsBrainstorming Behavior: Wonder Wheel subjects spent significantly more time brainstorming search terms than those relying on the Keyword Matrix. Search Behavior: Visual Search subjects utilized significantly more search concepts and attempted more searches. Evaluation: Students expressed satisfaction with all three tools tested; however, a subset of Visual Search subjects verbalized frustration as they searched. The Visual Search produced desirable student search behaviors.Research limitations/implicationsThe study sample was limited (50 undergraduates from a single institution) and student searches were not motivated by authentic information needs.Originality/valueThis study offers insight into how information visualization tools can be leveraged to improve undergraduate search behavior. The findings have practical implications for teaching librarians and course instructors.
Assessing student satisfaction in transnational higher education
Authors: Wilkins Stephen , Stephens Balakrishnan Melodena 
Published: February 2013

PurposeGiven that there exists in the literature relatively little research into student experiences in transnational higher education, the purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of student satisfaction at international branch campuses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative study involved 247 undergraduate and postgraduate students at branch campuses in the UAE who completed a questionnaire using either hard copies or an online version.FindingsIt was found that levels of student satisfaction at UAE branch campuses were generally high. The factors that were most influential in determining whether or not a student at a UAE branch campus was satisfied overall with their institution were quality of lecturers, quality and availability of resources, and effective use of technology.Research limitations/implicationsGiven that cultures, customs, traditions and social contexts vary considerably in different locations, the findings of this study are not generalisable across all international branch campuses globally.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate that there remains scope for UAE branch campuses to further increase levels of student satisfaction. Managers might use the findings to review their own institution's performance, so that areas for improvement can be identified.Originality/valueGiven that the logit model developed had an 87.4 per cent success rate in predicting whether or not a student at a UAE branch campus was satisfied overall with their institution, this research has demonstrated the potential usefulness of logistic regression as a predictive and explanatory tool in education management.
On revenue management and last minute booking dynamics
Authors: Chen Chih‐Chien , Schwartz Zvi 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis study aims to explore booking behavior in an online experiment where the time before the date of stay was controlled for and where action and perceptions were recorded.Design/methodology/approachAn initial pool of 302 students enrolled in various undergraduate and graduate courses in a Midwestern university were asked to participate in the study. Participants were assigned randomly to one of five groups. The treatments differed in the number of days participants had to complete the task of booking a room.FindingsThe findings suggest that a sharp increase in the participants' propensity to book occurs during the last week before the date of stay. In addition, the results of the binomial logistic regression provide strong support for the notion that time and the two assessed perceptions are strongly associated with the booking decisions of last minute deal seekers. Participants were more likely to book the closer it was to the date of stay if they thought the hotel was likely to sell out, and if they expected to be offered a better deal later in the process.Originality/valueThis study explored the role of time in hotel room booking decisions. Research suggests that two relevant trends are to be reckoned with when it comes to last minute bookings. First, a growing segment of the travel market is taking advantage of technological advances that facilitate effective deal‐seeking behavior. Second, these patterns of deal‐seeking behavior, and the manner in which consumers respond and adapt to revenue management policies in their attempt to book optimally, are not well understood yet. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore several aspects of last minute perceptions and behavior.
Service quality perceptions and customer loyalty in casinos
Authors: Prentice Catherine 
Published: February 2013

PurposeBuilding and maintaining service quality is one means of retaining customers and thus establishing competitive advantage in the casino industry. The current study aims to investigate the relationship between casino service quality, player segments and customer loyalty in an Asian casino.Design/methodology/approachThe research involves the conduct of focus group interviews with different segments of gamblers.FindingsThe interview findings indicate that players at different segments have distinct perceptions of service quality. Operationalising service quality into five dimensions, this study has shown that various dimensions of service quality have differing effects on customer loyalty, and the level of loyalty varies across different segments.Research limitations/implicationsIt is insufficient to view service quality as the customer's judgement about an entity's overall excellence or superiority as has been defined in the services literature. Differing perceptions and attitudes arise with customers of different segments and are resultant from the variety of service encounters that a customer experiences. To obtain positive customer perceptions towards the organisation's service quality, it is advisable to manage each service encounter closely and to develop service encounters nuanced to the expectations of different segments.Originality/valueThis is the first study to incorporate customer pyramid segmentation approach into the analysis of the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty. It provides insights into the relationship between service quality, customer segments and customer loyalty through interviewing casino customers of different segments based on customers' services preferences and the card segmentation system employed by the survey casino
Capital project performance measurement and benchmarking in Singapore
Authors: Hwang Bon‐Gang , Fang Tan Hui , Sathish Sowmya 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the implementation status of performance measurement and benchmarking in the Singapore construction industry and to provide some suggestions to increase the scale of implementation in these two areas.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was first carried out, then a questionnaire was developed and 32 contractor firms participated in the survey.FindingsIt was found that contractor firms in Singapore do not practice performance measurement on a regular basis and there is no uniformity in calculation of performance metrics, leading to low usage of benchmarking.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations faced during this study was the low number of companies that responded. Another limitation is that the size of projects analyzed tended to be focused towards a relatively small and medium scale.Practical implicationsDevelopment of a standardized performance measurement and benchmarking system in Singapore is required. Also, common definitions are vital to enable uniform data collection and the meaningful comparison of performance.Originality/valueThis study will help the Singapore construction industry to remain competitive internationally and to continue to attract foreign investors for its capital projects.
Analysis of counterfeit fashion purchase behaviour in UAE
Authors: Fernandes Cedwyn 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purchase of counterfeit fashion products in the UAE is increasing and government agencies have focused mainly on the supply side. To curb demand for counterfeit products would require an understanding as to what motivates a buyer to willingly buy a counterfeit product. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that influence the demand for counterfeit products.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical framework was based on Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior and relevant variables identified from previous studies. The questionnaire was designed based on established scales and administered to students at a business school in Dubai, UAE. The Cronbach alpha test is used to test the reliability of the constructs and the hypotheses are tested using correlation and regression.FindingsLack of ethical judgement, self ambiguity, value consciousness and being susceptible to the opinions of others are some of the key reasons for purchasing counterfeits.Research limitations/implicationsThe perceived value of the original product should be enhanced either by reducing the price or preferably educating the potential buyer of the superior physical attributes of the product. Educational campaigns on the ethical issues of buying counterfeit products are required.Originality/valueThe study is the first of its kind in understanding the counterfeit purchase behaviour in the UAE. Policy makers and companies can have a better idea on the areas they need to focus on in order to reduce the demand for counterfeit products.
Exploring career agency during self‐initiated repatriation: a study of Chinese sea turtles
Authors: Guo Chun , Porschitz Emily T. , Alves José 
Published: February 2013

PurposeDrawing on career and self‐initiated expatriation/repatriation literatures, this paper aims to examine the career experiences of Chinese self‐initiated repatriates after their return to China.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted an exploratory, qualitative study involving in‐depth interviews with 20 Chinese individuals who returned to China after spending at least three years living, studying and/or working in a range of “host” countries.FindingsThis study shows that the career agency of Chinese returnees reflects both independent and interdependent factors. It provides specific empirical support for Tams and Arthur's argument that career agency is impacted by both individual and contextual factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate the central role played by individual proactivity and contextual influences during self‐initiated repatriation. The small sample size allows for rich data, but limits the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsManagerial practices that address the unique career values and expectations of self‐initiated repatriates can facilitate the application of skills and knowledge acquired abroad to the local context. Policy makers should provide more institutional support to encourage and facilitate the return of overseas Chinese.Originality/valueThis study is among only a small number to explore the experiences of self‐initiated repatriates in developing countries. Recent research has addressed the importance of recognizing and identifying the boundaries that constrain and enable global careers. This study identifies a number of such boundaries and also adds to the understanding of the challenges and difficulties of repatriation.
Learning on the fly: exploring the informal learning process of aviation instructors
Authors: Grant Wofford Michael , Ellinger Andrea D. , Watkins Karen E. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis study aims to examine the process of informal learning of aviation instructors.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative instrumental case study design was used for this study. In‐depth, multiple semi‐structured interviews and document review were the primary approaches to data collection and the data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The Marsick, Watkins, Callahan, and Volpe reconceptualized model of informal and incidental learning underpinned this study.FindingsFindings support prior research on the catalysts, strategies, and lessons learned that are associated with informal learning. However, a key finding of this study was capturing the complexity of the informal learning process for aviation instructors as they faced the daily challenges associated with facilitating their students' learning which served as the catalyst for their learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study are not intended to be generalizable to populations beyond this specific study due to limitations associated with the site selection, purposeful sample selection criteria, and sample size. Additionally, the unique nature of the aviation field and temporal considerations prevent the generalizability of the results of this study.Originality/valueDespite the growing base of research on informal learning, calls for research that continues to examine how certain characteristics of workers and their work environment influence informal learning, and research that provides more holistic understandings of this type of learning have been requested. This research responds to these calls by exploring the process of informal learning among aviation instructors. The catalysts for informal learning, the strategies used, and lessons learned are identified. More importantly, unlike previous research, the complexity of the process of informal learning is captured and illustrated as a cyclical, non‐linear, non‐sequential process that is highly intertwined with teaching in this aviation context. The careful documentation of the actual learning process provides thick, rich data to deepen our understanding of what this kind of learning actually looks like.
Strategic analysis of knowledge firms: the links between knowledge management and leadership
Authors: Merat Anooshiravan , Bo Damien 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and explain the links between knowledge management (KM) and leadership in knowledge‐intensive firms.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs an instrumental case‐based study on four knowledge‐based firms to explore KM and leadership approaches, and the links between them. Data were primarily collected through qualitative interviews with firm managers and direct observations, as well as quantitative data by questionnaire from the firm employees.FindingsThe study identified two combinations of KM and leadership systems. These combinations are personalization‐distribution and codification‐centralization; which are explained within the theoretical framework of this paper. Other theoretically possible combinations were discussed and argued to be non‐viable or non‐economical.Research limitations/implicationsAs with most qualitative case‐based research papers, this research was focused on study of a small number of cases; a limitation that does not allow the authors to claim a statistical generalization but nevertheless allows analytical generalization to be made. Limitations of this paper include the fact that all cases were located in one country and all were more or less involved with the field of information technology.Practical implicationsPractical implications of this paper for managers and company strategists involve alignment of their KM strategy with a relevant leadership system.Originality/valueThere has been little research aimed at finding links between KM and leadership in firms, and how this link may lead to increased knowledge exploitation capability for the firm. The present study addresses this issue and presents an evidenced and theoretically supported explanation for this link.
The intellectual core and impact of the knowledge management academic discipline
Authors: Serenko Alexander , Bontis Nick 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is two‐fold: to explore the intellectual core of the knowledge management (KM) academic discipline in order to test whether it exhibits signs of a reference discipline; and to analyze the theoretical and practical impact of the discipline.Design/methodology/approachThe most influential articles published in the Journal of Knowledge Management were selected and their cited and citing works were scientometrically analysed.FindingsThe KM discipline: builds its knowledge primarily upon research reports published in the English language; successfully disseminates its knowledge in both English and non‐English publications; does not exhibit a problematic self‐citation behavior; uses books and practitioner journals in the development of KM theory; converts experiential knowledge into academic knowledge; is not yet a reference discipline, but is progressing well towards becoming one; exerts a somewhat limited direct impact on practice; and is not a scientific fad.Practical implicationsKM researchers need to become aware of and use knowledge published in non‐English outlets. Given the status of KM as an applied discipline, it is critical that researchers continue utilizing non‐peer reviewed sources in their scholarly work. KM researchers should promote the dissemination of KM knowledge beyond the disciplinary boundaries. The issue whether KM should strive towards becoming a reference discipline should be debated further.Originality/valueThis study analyzes the KM field from the reference discipline perspective.
The development of SME managerial practice for effective performance management
Authors: Ates Aylin , Garengo Patrizia , Cocca Paola , Bititci Umit 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the gap between theory and practice in performance management in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and analyse it in the light of specific SME characteristics and needs, to identify how SMEs can develop their managerial practice for effective performance management.Design/methodology/approachThe design of the study is based on literature review and multiple case studies. Combining both approaches and investigating a spectrum of 37 European SMEs through 232 semi‐structured and face‐to‐face interviews with managers helped the authors to provide theoretical and empirical evidence to offer a more effective performance management process for SMEs.FindingsThe paper found that SMEs engage with a four‐stage performance management process, although there are some gaps between their practice and the complete process as recommended in literature. SMEs seem to be more focussed on internal and short‐term planning, whereas they pay less attention to long‐term planning. The main challenge for making performance management practice more effective lies in an appropriate, balanced use of strategic and operational practices and relevant measures. Therefore, managerial activities such as vision, mission and values development, internal and external communication, change management and horizon scanning represent recommended areas for improvement.Originality/valueThe paper suggests a number of ways to improve the SME managerial practice to achieve a more balanced view of the whole performance process, which includes the mechanisms for the development and implementation of good practice in performance management.
Indoor air quality in the rural India
Authors: Gautam Sumit Kumar , Suresh R. , Sharma Ved Prakash , Sehgal Meena 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the exposure of cooks in rural India (55 households) to the indoor air pollution levels emitted from burning of different fuels, i.e. cow dung, wood, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and propane natural gas(PNG) kerosene for cooking purposes.Design/methodology/approachIndoor air quality was monitored during cooking hours in 55 rural households to estimate the emissions of PM10, PM2.5, CO, NO2, VOCs and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While, PM10 and PM2.5 were monitored using personal dust samplers on quartz filter paper, CO and VOCs were monitored using on line monitors. The PM10 and PM2.5 mass collected on filter papers was processed to analyse the presence of PAHs using GC.FindingsResults revealed that cow dung is the most polluting fuel with maximum emissions of PM10, PM 2.5, VOCs, CO, NO2 and Benzene followed by wood and kerosene. Interestingly kerosene combustion emits the highest amount of PAHs. Emissions for all the fuels show the presence of carcinogenic PAHs which could be a serious health concern. The composition of LPG/PNG leads to reductions of pollutants because of better combustion process. LPG which is largely propane and butane, and PNG which is 90 per cent methane prove to be healthier fuels. Based on the results, the authors suggest that technological intervention is required to replace the traditional stoves with improved fuel efficient stoves.Practical implicationsThe prevailing weather condition and design of the kitchen in these rural houses severely affect the concentration of pollutants in the kitchen as winter season combined with inadequate ventilation leads to reduced dispersion and accumulation of air pollutants in small kitchens.Originality/valueThe present study provides a detailed analysis of impact of widely‐used cooking practices in India. Even today, countries such as India rely on biomass for cooking practices exposing the cooks to high level of carcinogenic pollutants. Further, women and girls are the most threatened group as they are the primary cooks in these rural Indian settings. Based on the results, the authors suggest that technological as well as policy intervention is required to replace the traditional stoves with improved fuel efficient stoves.