bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross‐cultural competitive benchmarking of fast‐food restaurant services
Authors: Min Hokey , Min Hyesung 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to help fast‐food restaurants successfully penetrate foreign markets and then strengthen their foothold in those markets by identifying cross‐cultural differences in the perceived service quality of fast‐food restaurants; and by examining how those differences affect the globalization of fast‐food restaurant franchises based in the USA and Korea.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a set of target performance standards that helps fast‐food restaurants monitor their service delivery process, identify relative weaknesses, and take corrective actions for continuous service improvements in cross‐cultural settings using analytic hierarchy process and competitive gap analysis.FindingsThis study reveals that a service attribute considered most important to the fast‐food restaurant customers' impressions of service quality differs from one country (USA) to another (Korea). It was found that US customers valued taste of food most whereas Korean customers valued cleanliness most. Also, it was discovered that Koreans considered employee courtesy far more important for their service impression of service quality than Americans, while they were less concerned about food price than their US counterparts. Furthermore, Koreans tended to be more brand‐conscious than Americans and thus considered word‐of‐mouth reputation more seriously than Americans for restaurant selection.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study is limited to the evaluation of comparative service quality of fast‐food restaurants in only two countries (namely the USA and Korea). Thus, this study cannot be generalized to the restaurant customers' perceived service quality in other countries or cultural settings. Also, this paper focuses on the performance aspect of benchmarking rather than the strategic aspect of benchmarking.Practical implicationsSaturated with the US restaurant market selling fast‐serving and cheap meals, a growing number of US fast‐food restaurant franchises began to explore foreign markets to increase world‐wide customer bases. However, it is not easy for them to duplicate their domestic success in foreign soils due to different needs, tastes, and preferences of foreign customers. This paper helps the fast‐food restaurant franchises develop viable market penetration and localization strategies and then provides practical guidelines for enhancing their competitiveness in the emerging foreign markets.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to compare the service quality of fast‐food franchises in the USA to that of Korean fast‐food restaurant franchises from the cross‐cultural perspectives.
Measuring the longitudinal performance of 3PL branch operations
Authors: Joo Seong‐Jong , Keebler James S. , Hanks Sue 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the longitudinal efficiency of branch operations of a third party logistics (3PL) company for comparative performance measurement and internal benchmarking.Design/methodology/approachData envelopment analysis (DEA) is used for measuring the performance of a branch of a 3PL company for 36 months using internal data.FindingsDespite increasing revenues, the branch suffers diminishing efficiencies in recent months. Indirect expenses are identified as a major source of inefficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThe 3PL company has over 600 branches. However, due to the availability of data and the regulation on information disclosure for publicly traded companies, this study includes information on only one branch.Originality/valueThe contributions of this study include demonstrating a novel framework for internal benchmarking with longitudinal data, providing actionable managerial insights, and the use of internal data, which is not accessible to the general public.
Developing partnerships with the community for coastal ESD
Authors: Kawabe Midori , Kohno Hiroshi , Ikeda Reiko , Ishimaru Takashi , Baba Osamu , Horimoto Naho , Kanda Jota , Matsuyam Masaji , Moteki Masato , Oshima Yayoi , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Yap Minlee 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to draw lessons for developing community‐university partnerships from experiences in promoting coastal education for sustainable development (ESD).Design/methodology/approachQualitative data collected from two coastal community outreach projects were analyzed.FindingsThe outreach projects improved the relationship between university and community members. It is important to conduct interviews at the early stages of the projects to understand the needs of the community and set project outcomes to meet community‐defined priorities. The most effective means for promoting an ESD program based upon community‐university partnerships is to reach out to and network with local individuals who have been active in community projects and embed the program concept into the activities of those individuals. Mediators who link the academic community with the local community are helpful in promoting the partnerships, and university students were found to be successful mediators.Originality/valueOn the basis of the experiences gained from starting an ESD program in the community, this research provides some clues to initiate service learning or community‐based research based upon community‐university partnerships.
Leakages in the tourism systems: case of Zanzibar
Authors: Anderson Wineaster 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe objective of this study is to estimate leakages in tourism systems. More precisely, the study aims to investigate the sources of the annual requirements in the resorts and to identify the triggers for leakages in tourism systems in Zanzibar. It then seeks to explore the challenges that operators face when sourcing the inputs locally. Likewise the study seeks to trace the distribution channel of the tourists arriving in Zanzibar from generating markets.Design/methodology/approachInterviews involving 150 resorts were conducted during 2010 in the island of Unguja, where almost 97 percent of Zanzibar's resorts are found. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis were employed.FindingsThe findings reveal massive internal (import‐coefficient leakages) and external leakages that only 16 percent of the resort requirements are sourced within Zanzibar. Unreliable capacity in terms of quantity and quality of the local supplies are among the leading factors that trigger high leakages. Most resorts in Zanzibar are owned, managed and operated by non‐locals. Tourism in this archipelago is revolving around the beach product; whereby the direct charter inclusive tourists, mainly from Europe, dictate the tourism channels. Nevertheless, a number of tourists buy pre‐arranged tours to Zanzibar as an “add‐on” to their mainland Tanzania safaris.Practical implicationsThis study lays out the case for the need for more local linkages in the supply chain by revealing the extent to which the accommodation sector depends upon imported as opposed to local goods and services. Practical strategies to minimize leakages are proposed.Originality/valueAn abundance of literature has been written on linkages and leakages in tourism in several destinations. The same amount of work has yet to be done in sub‐Saharan Africa. The choice of Zanzibar is therefore justified.
Data confidentiality using fragmentation in cloud computing
Authors: Hudic Aleksandar , Islam Shareeful , Kieseberg Peter , Rennert Sylvi , Weippl Edgar R. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this research is to secure the sensitive outsourced data with minimum encryption within the cloud provider. Unfaithful solutions for providing privacy and security along with performance issues by encryption usage of outsourced data are the main motivation points of this research.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a method for secure and confidential storage of data in the cloud environment based on fragmentation. The method supports minimal encryption to minimize the computations overhead due to encryption. The proposed method uses normalization of relational databases, tables are categorized based on user requirements relating to performance, availability and serviceability, and exported to XML as fragments. After defining the fragments and assigning the appropriate confidentiality levels, the lowest number of Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) is used required to store all fragments that must remain unlinkable in separate locations.FindingsParticularly in the cloud databases are sometimes de‐normalised (their normal form is decreased to lower level) to increase the performance.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a methodology to minimize the need for encryption and instead focus on making data entities unlinkable so that even in the case of a security breach for one set of data, the privacy impact on the whole is limited. The paper would be relevant to those people whose main concern is to preserve data privacy in distributed systems.
Towards a domain‐specific context acquisition, presentation and rule‐based control platform
Authors: Kapsalis Vassilis , Christos Fidas , Hadellis Loukas 
Published: March 2013

PurposeResearch on context‐aware systems design has received significant attention lately. One of the research directions on context‐aware systems is towards context‐aware frameworks adapted to domain‐specific requirements, aiming to improve their applicability in a variety of applications, which share common requirements. The purpose of this paper is to present the design of a domain‐specific context‐aware platform supporting context acquisition, presentation and rule‐based control.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed platform uses a formal context model, based on ontologies description, aiming to provide a common representation of contextual information, facilitating thus integration and reusability in application domains, which embrace a common set of requirements. A context‐aware system has been built upon a well defined data model, which inherits a list of offered functionalities and/or services at the acquisition, presentation and reasoning level. The presented platform entails an event‐driven context‐based inference mechanism aiming to enable automated reasoning.FindingsThe proposed platform has been applied in two different case studies, aiming to provide a proof of concept towards the applicability of the proposed framework in different application areas through the offered integration and adaptation mechanisms. Evaluation results, in the frame of these case studies, show the ease of using the platform and its acceptable performance in practice.Originality/valueAs context‐aware applications within specific domains share common requirements, it becomes mandatory to offer solutions, like the proposed in this paper, which can be easily adapted to application semantics and can be reused with different levels of abstractions in order to meet specific requirements. The present paper proposes a domain‐specific platform, which applies on a variety of application types with a common set of requirements.
Adoption of environmental management systems and standards in Norwegian education and nursing
Authors: Monkerud Lars C. , Ytterhus Bjarne 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore the driving forces and cost/benefit effects of introducing environmental management systems (EMS) and standards in education and nursing in five of the largest Norwegian cities. The relevant standard is the Eco‐Lighthouse program which offers a Norwegian environmental certificate.Design/methodology/approachMultivariate analyses of data on motivating factors and perceived costs/benefits from reported EMS adoption from a survey going to executives in 391 schools and 87 nursing homes.FindingsThe study confirms that EMS adoption is driven by resources and capabilities, rather than simply institutional pressure, and that managers in nursing and education perceive reduced costs and other benefits from EMS adoption. The value added of the Eco‐Lighthouse certification is ambiguous.Research limitations/implicationsSince the study builds on survey data on perceived effects from EMS adoption, a potential limitation is non‐representativeness, although sampled and un‐sampled institutions are similar in relevant respects. Moreover, since data are cross‐sectional, dynamic effects from EMS adoption is difficult to assess.Originality/valueThe paper corroborates results from previous studies. A novelty in the study is its attempt to control for the effect of rationalization and/or social desirability bias in effects reporting. The likely impact of rationalization/social desirability bias is in general positive but not significant in analyses of cost reductions, although both positive and significant in analyses of other benefit effects.
Researching the gap between strategic and operational levels of corporate responsibility
Authors: Kujala Johanna , Rehbein Kathleen , Toikka Tiina , Enroth Jenni 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand differences between the strategic level and the operational level of corporate responsibility within an organization.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted as a single case study of one of the more noteworthy Finnish firms with respect to corporate responsibility reporting.FindingsThe results show that strategic and operational levels differ in terms of their developmental stage of corporate responsibility. The strategic level is more focused on responsibility issues concerning external stakeholders, on reporting, on corporate image and on quantitative measures. The operational level emphasizes internal stakeholders, acting, daily existence, and qualitative criteria.Research limitations/implicationsA well‐known corporate responsibility model was useful for identifying how perspectives concerning corporate social responsibility vary within the corporation. However, to explore the reasons for this variation, the actors, actions, outcomes and drivers of corporate responsibility need to be examined. The single case study method limits the generalizability of the results.Originality/valueThe research presents a unique case study with novel empirical data. The study contributes to the corporate responsibility research by discussing the differences between words and deeds of corporate responsibility, by testing the usefulness of a corporate responsibility framework and by trying to understand the reasons why different functions of an organization are at different developmental stages regarding corporate responsibility.
Foreign direct investment and innovation in Estonia
Authors: Masso Jaan , Roolaht Tõnu , Varblane Urmas 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to study the linkages between inward and outward foreign direct investment (FDI) and the innovation inputs and outputs of domestic and foreign owned companies in Estonia, a small economy in CEE.Design/methodology/approachThe econometric analysis of the data about the linkages between FDI and innovation is made using the model by Créponet al., which allows estimation of the innovation expenditure equation, the knowledge production function (with various innovation output variables as dependent variables) and the productivity equation (production function), with all the equations including company and industry level FDI variables.FindingsThe results show that the higher innovation output of foreign owned companies vanishes after various company characteristics are controlled for, but there were significant differences in innovation inputs such as the higher use of knowledge sourcing and the lower importance of various impeding factors. Outward investment has a positive influence on innovativeness among both domestic and foreign owned companies.Practical implicationsThe managers can benefit from this study by tapping into a wider range of knowledge sources via diverse and active involvement in exporting and investing activities. Often they fail to realise that initiation of international activities can also serve as an important learning opportunity in becoming more innovative. The policy implications suggest that government policies as well as triple helix cooperation should be oriented not only towards attracting foreign interest, but also towards building opportunities for more extensive regional and international business networking by exporting and outward FDI.Originality/valueThe originality of the study lies in the usage of the data from a small open economy of Central and Eastern Europe. This region is a good candidate for studying the impacts of FDI; while CEE countries were closed to FDI before the onset of transition, since the beginning of transition they have witnessed massive FDI inflows. The present study seems to be one of the first ones to use three different waves of the Community Innovation Survey (CIS), specifically CIS3 covering 1998‐2000, CIS4 (2002‐2004) and CIS2006 (2004‐2006). Thereby the authors are able to study the impact of the changing economic environment on the link between FDI and innovativeness.
Addressing indigenous (ICT) approaches in South‐East Asian learning systems
Authors: Amato Silvia 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a structural overview about indigenous approaches to learning in South East Asian countries, with a particular reference to education initiatives that have been operating in this region; and especially to investigate information and communication technologies (ICT) systems, in combination with institutional approaches for enhanced knowledge.Design/methodology/approachDiscussed issues have been designed together, through a rights‐based approach that can frame verified access to indigenous cultures under the changing methods concerning ICT, as well as, similarly compare collective challenges for applicable methodologies towards poverty reduction and sustainability.FindingsThis research process has followed developmental options already in place from the recent spread of technologies in Asia. A lack of equal distribution patterns due to the presence of multiple actors has been advanced in this study, with the gradual reduction of opportunities in education in rural/remote settings.Research limitations/implicationsConstraining factors about the compatibility of information systems and policy impacts need functional/operational data of information sources for further testing of explicative explorations.Practical implicationsThis research focus, oriented to changing implications of IT solutions in Asia, has increased a comparative analytical understanding about the direct transfer of IT methodologies to subjects for learning enhancement.Originality/valueThis study activity has explored grassroots transition in terms of limiting factors for ICTs adaptability and empowerment.
Distance learning and skill acquisition in engineering sciences
Authors: Potkonjak Veljko , Jovanović Kosta , Holland Owen , Uhomoibhi James 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an improved concept of software‐based laboratory exercises, namely a Virtual Laboratory for Engineering Sciences (VLES).Design/methodology/approachThe implementation of distance learning and e‐learning in engineering sciences (such as Mechanical and Electrical Engineering) is still far behind current practice in narrative disciplines (Economics, Management, etc.). This is because education in technical disciplines requires laboratory exercises, providing skill‐acquisition and hands‐on experience. In order to overcome this problem for distance‐learning developers and practitioners, a new modular and hierarchically organized approach is needed.FindingsThe concept involves simulation models to emulate system dynamics, full virtual reality to provide visualization, advanced social‐clubbing to ensure proper communication, and an AI tutor to supervise the lab work. Its modularity and hierarchical organization offer the possibility of applying the concept to practically any engineering field: a higher level provides the general framework – it considers lab workplaces as objects regardless of the technical field they come from, and provides communication and supervision – while the lower level deals with particular workplaces. An improved student's motivation is expected.Originality/valueThe proposed concept aims rather high, thus making the work truly challenging. With the current level of information and communication technologies, some of the required features can only be achieved with difficulty; however, the rapid growth of the relevant technologies supports the eventual practicality of the concept. This paper is not intended to present any final results, solutions, or experience. The idea is to promote the concept, identify problems, propose guidelines, and possibly open a discussion.
A social exchange perspective of the individual guanxi network
Authors: Ahmed Ishfaq , Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail Wan , Mohamad Amin Salmiah , Musarrat Nawaz Muhammad 
Published: March 2013

PurposeUsing the social exchange perspective, the aim of this research is to add value to the construct by looking at direct and indirect effects through perceived organizational support (POS) and leader‐member exchange (LMX) of the guanxi network in job involvement, and ultimately the effect of job involvement on in‐role performance.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was used as the medium for data collection. A total of 458 respondents took part in research at two points of time. Respondents were selected using random sampling technique from hotels of western part of Malaysia. Descriptive statistics, CFA, and SEM were used for this purpose.FindingsFindings of the study reveal that individual guanxi network significantly contributes towards social exchange relations (POS and LMX), and employees' job involvement. The individual guanxi network has both direct and indirect effects on job involvement, which confirms that individual guanxi network affects involvement through social exchange relations, i.e. POS and LMX; it also confirms the basic notion of individual guanxi network (social relations with norm of reciprocity).Research limitations/implicationsThis study covers only hotel employees working in Western Malaysia. Other sectors can be selected for future research endeavours with a larger sample size.Practical implicationsOne obvious implication of this research is that management should utilize the guanxi network of employees, which can result in increasing involvement and improved performance.Originality/valueThe main contributions of the study contain: consideration of LMX as a mediator and explaining the social exchange essence of individual guanxi network.