bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust‐optimum multi‐attribute age‐based replacement policy
Authors: Rahadiyan Wijaya Andi , Lundberg Jan , Kumar Uday 
Published: August 2012

PurposeA common model in the age‐based replacement policy is based on the cost attribute and assumes that the model parameters are known. In practice, the model parameters are estimated from limited historical data, which brings uncertainty into the model. Moreover, minimizing the cost is not the only goal of the maintenance activity. From the decision maker's point of view, the multi‐attributes and the uncertainty of the age‐based replacement policy are two important aspects to take into consideration in the decision‐making process. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach for a robust‐optimum multi‐attribute age‐based replacement policy.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed approach is based on a combination of the multi‐attribute age‐based replacement policy and robust design problem philosophy. A case study is provided for illustrating the application of the proposed method.FindingsIt is found that the proposed approach can determine the interval time for preventive replacement that provides a robust and optimum solution for a multi‐attribute age‐based replacement policy.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach can be used by the decision maker in determining a robust‐optimum interval time for preventive replacement of multi‐attribute age‐based replacement, a time interval which is not only optimum, but also robust.Originality/valueThis paper presents an approach that simultaneously considers the multi‐attributes and the uncertainty in the age‐based replacement policy which is, to date, not available.
Mobile marketing and consumer perceptions of brand equity
Authors: Smutkupt Phumisak , Krairit Donyaprueth , Ba Khang Do 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of SMS (Short Message Service) advertising on consumer perceptions of Au Bon Pain's brand equity in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe experimental study was based on a 4×2 between‐subjects design, with four levels of message types (personalization, interactivity, general, and no message control) and two levels of permission (with and without permission). Structural equation modeling was utilized to test the hypotheses.FindingsSMS marketing is found to have a significant positive impact on brand awareness and perceived quality. Personalized, interactive, and general messages are effective for building brand awareness, and general and personalized messages positively influence perceived quality. With the right choice of message, explicit permission enhances the effects of SMS marketing on brand association.Research limitations/implicationsThe experiment was conducted over a period of one month, with three SMS ads sent to each subject. Future research could extend the trial period and increase the number and variation of ads to confirm validity of the results.Practical implicationsAs text message ads have a strong impact on brand awareness, marketers should focus on using text messages as reminders or updates rather than for complete marketing campaigns. They should also focus on offering permission‐based customers personalized information.Originality/valueThis is among the first mobile marketing experiments in a real‐life setting. Real text‐based promotions from an existing brand (Au Bon Pain) were tested on consumers. This approach creates a natural ad‐processing situation for participants, thus increasing the internal validity of the experiment.
The mediating role of marketing capability: evidence from Korean companies
Authors: Shin Sohyoun , Damon Aiken Kirk 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shift the research focus from singular investigations of strategic orientations (i.e. learning, technology, market, customer, and competitor) to a broadened exploration of how variouscombinationsof orientations link to firm performance. Further, the paper reveals the mediating role of marketing capability between strategic orientations and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachMail and e‐mail surveys were received from 198 Korean executives among the nation's Top 500 firms (across various industries). Generally, multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the various hypotheses.FindingsData confirm that each strategic orientation has distinct paths through marketing capability (single or multiple, and mediating) that significantly impact firm performance.Practical implicationsFostering marketing capability, including marketing planning and implementation ability, will have a direct positive impact on firm performance. In addition, companies should understand how differently their cultural resources and orientations affect firm performance.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to argue that a deployment mechanism, marketing capability, is needed between strategic orientations and business performance. The paper further contributes by extending geographic generalizability to Asian countries (since the majority of extant research on organizational orientations and capabilities comes from western countries).
Balanced Scorecards in education: focusing on financial strategies
Authors: Schobel Kurt , Scholey Cam 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the use of the Balanced Scorecard in a higher education distance learning environment, and to highlight the importance of financial strategies.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a review of the existing literature, case studies and management best practices, the authors use their university as an example to develop a second‐generation Balanced Scorecard including a strategy map and scorecard.FindingsHigher education organizations with well‐defined financial strategies that are linked to educational outcomes will be well positioned for success even as their funding models change.Research limitations/implicationsThe scorecard was created for a publicly funded university and thus some features may be less relevant to privately funded universities.Practical implicationsThis paper demonstrates a working, second‐generation Balanced Scorecard and provides practitioners with a proven example of a strategy map and its resultant scorecard. In addition, considerations for the development of a scorecard in higher education are provided as well as working financial strategies for a university.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the use of a BSC within a higher education distance learning environment and highlights the importance of financial strategies for higher education at a time when most universities are focused on performance metrics associated with learning.
Measuring parameters of lean manufacturing realization
Authors: Chauhan Gulshan , Singh T.P. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeManufacturing organizations are under pressure to improve productivity and reduce costs through the realization of lean manufacturing. This paper approaches lean manufacturing and aims to identify and measure the intimately associated parameters of lean manufacturing and also examines the weight of their contribution to overall lean manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey study was performed in Indian manufacturing industries to collect data. The reliability of the survey instrument was pre‐tested and an acceptable value of Cronbach's α (a reliability coefficient) was found. Three experts determined the relative weight of various parameters using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Pearson's coefficient of correlation analysis was used to measure the strength of the relationships between various parameters of lean manufacturing.FindingsThe experts found “elimination of waste” to be the most important parameter of lean manufacturing, followed by “just in time deliveries”. The survey shows that most of the responding firms are in transition towards the realization of lean manufacturing. These firms believe that the factors that drive the realization of lean manufacturing are “just in time deliveries” and achieving “continuous improvement”. This study also revealed that Indian manufacturing industries are still overlooking the elimination of waste, the most important parameter of lean manufacturing.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation of this paper is the sample size (n=52).Practical implicationsThe present study provides guidelines to assess the status of leanness in the manufacturing industries. According to conclusions, feeble areas in the manufacturing system can be identified and a suitable course of action might be planned for the improvement. Hopefully this study will help the firm's management to identify the problems to implement an effective lean manufacturing.Originality/valueIn this work, the theoretical perspective was used not only to update the original instrument, but also to study the subject from a perspective beyond that usually associated with lean manufacturing.
Evolving benchmarking practices: a review for research perspectives
Authors: Hong Paul , Hong Soon W. , Jungbae Roh James , Park Kihyun 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to review a major section of the literature on benchmarking practices in order to achieve better perspectives for emerging benchmarking research streams.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the benchmarking literature and presents a framework that suggests evolving patterns of firms' benchmarking practices. This paper examines the studies published in Benchmarking: An International Journal and other articles related to benchmarking practices in major Strategic Management, OM/SCM, and Technology Management journals from 2001 to 2010.FindingsBenchmarking remains an important strategic tool of business in turbulent times. Five research dimensions for benchmarking are discussed in terms of the following: strategy‐based benchmarking; operational effectiveness‐based benchmarking; technical efficiency‐based benchmarking; and micro‐macro integrative benchmarking. For sustainable competitive advantage, benchmarking goes beyond the operational level and moves into a wide range of value chain, strategic, operational, and project levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to the benchmarking literature by identifying key areas of benchmarking. It reflects a qualitative orientation, but future research may achieve a more systematic and quantitative analysis of the benchmarking literature.Originality/valueThis review paper is unique in that it examines the benchmarking literature and summarizes the results in order to gain a proper understanding of benchmarking and provide perspectives for future research.
Dealing with informational asymmetries under the proposed CESL and CISG
Authors: Twigg‐Flesner Christian 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the way in which informational asymmetries between the two parties to a contract for the sale of goods are dealt with under two legal regimes designed for transnational sales contracts: the UN Convention on the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and the proposed Common European Sales Law (CESL).Design/methodology/approachHaving considered the different types of informational asymmetry that can exist in a contract of sale, the paper undertakes a doctrinal legal analysis of the relevant provisions first in the CESL and then the CISG to identify what, if anything, has been done to deal with informational asymmetries. The paper primarily exposes and analyses these rules and compares the approaches taken under both legal regimes.FindingsThe CESL has a more detailed set of rules which address informational asymmetries. This might be because the genesis and context of the CESL (being limited to the EU) might make it easier to agree on more extensive rules. However, the CESL has not yet been adopted.Practical implicationsA seller in a contract of sale governed by CESL will be subject to more detailed (and onerous) requirements when it comes to the disclosure of information.Originality/valueThis is a first attempt to compare the treatment of informational asymmetries under the CISG and CESL, and will be of interest to scholars of both transnational and EU private law.
Change of circumstances: CISG, CESL and a case from Scotland
Authors: MacQueen Hector L. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a critical analysis of the concept of “change of circumstances” as a justification for judicial revision of contracts.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyses international legal texts on the subject in the light of a decision of the Inner House of the Court of Session in Scotland,Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotlandv.Lloyds Banking Group plc[2011] CSIH 87 (currently subject to appeal to the UK Supreme Court).FindingsWhatever the merits of a change of circumstances doctrine, theLloydscase does not provide a good example for its application.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of a change of circumstances doctrine should be tested by further comparative study.Originality/valueThis is the first consideration of theLloydscase in an international and comparative context.
Strategic engagement and alignment of corporate talent
Authors: Wilson Clive 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share a methodology for strategic engagement and alignment of corporate talent.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is gleaned from 25 years' practical experience in the design and delivery of interventions to leverage leadership and team dynamics to support corporations with the development of progressive strategies for talent management.FindingsManagers and staff are motivated to add significant value to their organizations when they are provided with the opportunity to co‐create their future and work out how to align their talents to its delivery.Research limitations/implicationsThis work is based on practical assignments with clients over a 25‐year period.Practical implicationsOrganizations have identified significant bottom‐line benefit from the actions delivered by managers through these techniques.Social implicationsSocial benefits lie in two areas. First, when people are provided opportunity to engage with the delivery of their futures this provides opportunity for more democratic and socially acceptable outcomes. Second, these methods have been used by change agents and social entrepreneurs, including the United Nations and British Council.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge these methods are not used elsewhere. Experiential engagement with future vision and the alignment of talent in this way is novel, efficient and value‐adding.
An approach to analyze logistic outsourcing problem in medium‐scale organization by CFPR and VIKOR
Authors: Kumar Raman , Singh Harwinder , Dureja J.S. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to make out a complete solution to logistic outsourcing problem in a medium‐scale organization by using consistent fuzzy preference relation (CFPR) and vlsekriterijumska optimizacija i kompromisno resenje (VIKOR) method.Design/methodology/approachThe initial approach to this research was to develop a comprehensive framework for logistic outsourcing problem and selection of most appropriate third party logistic (3PL) provider.FindingsIt has been found that the organization should outsource logistic activities. The alternatives (3PL providers) have also been ranked and the fifth 3PL provider has been termed as best third party logistic provider.Research limitations/implicationsThe parameters selected for this study and developed framework are applicable only to a medium‐scale organization manufacturing automobile parts in northern India.Originality/valueThis is probably the first time that an attempt has been made to apply the two‐phase methodology approach, using CFPR and VIKOR, to analyze a multi‐criteria logistic outsourcing problem. A case is provided which demonstrates how to solve logistic outsourcing, a multi‐criteria decision‐making problem.
Selection of logistic service provider using fuzzy PROMETHEE for a cement industry
Authors: Gupta Rajesh , Sachdeva Anish , Bhardwaj Arvind 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a method to select the best alternative in a multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) environment when the decision is taken by a group of members in an uncertain environment.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, Fuzzy Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (Fuzzy PROMETHEE) technique has been used for MCDM problems. The team of decision makers is constituted to integrate their opinion. The analysis is done using Geometrical Analysis for Interactive Aid (GAIA) plane, available in Decision Lab 2000 software, which provides valuable help in understanding the conflicts among criteria.FindingsThe selection of best alternative is done on the basis of generally conflicting criteria. Fuzzy PROMETHEE technique has been proposed and the same is demonstrated using Decision Lab 2000 software. This software can be used for as many criteria as possible and also in a fuzzy environment, where the crisp data for criteria comparison are not available. It is found that the analysis of the results becomes very easy and effective with this software. A case study is conducted for a cement company to select the logistic service providers (LSPs) to demonstrate its ease and effectiveness of use.Originality/valueThe research provides a model to choose the best alternative using Decision Lab 2000 software for Fuzzy PROMETHEE technique. The proposed methodology can be used in a fuzzy environment with ease and effectiveness. In the competitive scenario, this could help the industry in prompt and efficient decision making in MCDM problems.
Determining the parameters of MSG algorithm for multi period layout problem
Authors: Ulutas Berna , Saraç Tugba 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe facility layout problem aims to assign machines/departments to locations and modeled as a quadratic assignment problem (QAP). Multi period facility layout is a special case of this problem where the sum of material handling and re‐layout costs are minimized. Since the problem is proved to be NP‐hard, several exact and heuristic methods are proposed in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to solve the multi period layout problem by using the modified sub‐gradient (MSG) algorithm for the first time and to determine its parameters.Design/methodology/approachThe MSG algorithm can solve a large‐scale of optimization problems that also includes multi period facility layout. Since the performance of the algorithm depends on parameters, a design of experiment is made to determine the appropriate parameter values.FindingsThe proposed method evaluates the parameters of the MSG algorithm and most suitable general algebraic modeling solvers. It is observed that the parameter α value and solver type have main effects for small and large size test problems. Further, the results stated that solver type has more influence on large size test problem.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited with the determination of the MSG algorithm parameters and solver types on the well known small and large size test problems. Further studies may include other test problem results obtained from the presented MSG algorithm parameters and compare them with best known results in the literature.Originality/valueThe paper determines the parameters of the MSG algorithm that is used to solve the multi period layout problem, for the first time in the literature.
Factorial analysis of lifting task to determine the effect of different parameters and interactions
Authors: Singh Sarbjeet , Kumar Sunand 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of main parameters and their interactions on the workers' Lifting Index in a steel rolling mill.Design/methodology/approachNIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) lifting equation has been used to evaluate the risk of lifting tasks with respect to low back injury under varying load (10, 15, 20 kg), frequency (2, 3, 4 lifts/min), and twisting angle (0, 30, 45 degree).FindingsThe level of importance of the parameters on lifting index at origin and destination has been determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA).The analysis draws on lifting parameters and uses both main effects and interactions to describe the variation in Lifting Index and to identify the social influence associated with back injury. The interactions between object weight and twisting angle and object weight and lifting frequency turn out to be significant (p<0.05), whereas the interaction between twisting angle and lifting frequency is less significant (p=0.061).Research limitations/implicationsThe study includes a specific location (steel rolling mills located in Jammu region of India) only.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that focus should be made on all lifting parameters, rather than sole emphasis on the load to be lifted.Originality/valueThe paper supports the view that load, twisting angle and lifting frequency greatly influence the physical stressfulness of the task. It is suggested that the workplace should be designed for negligible twisting and moderate lifting frequency, so as to have minimum Lifting Index.
Family members' roles in healthy‐eating socialization based on a healthy‐eating intervention
Authors: Pedersen Susanne , Grønhøj Alice , Bech‐Larsen Tino 
Published: August 2012

PurposeHealthy‐eating socialization is often described as a bi‐directional process, but there are only few studies on children and parent's roles in the process. This paper aims to investigate children and parents' accounts of awareness and involvement in healthy eating and how they relate it to their roles in healthy‐eating socialization.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 38 families three months after a healthy‐eating intervention involving dietary advice and SMS feedback. The interviews were analysed by means of qualitative content analysis.FindingsChildren and parents identified several causes of awareness and involvement in healthy eating: new or re‐activated health knowledge, visualization of amounts, self‐regulation and planning. Children adopted two strategies in terms of family socialization: a direct strategy placing demands on parents or a cooperative strategy helping the parents. Parents initiated dialogues with family members about healthy eating and felt responsible as role models often honouring the children's demands and help.Research limitations/implicationsFindings provide a concrete empirical account of the socialization process and confirm that parents still have the superior hand, when it comes to healthy eating, but with children as active players. The authors suggest future studies to explore the development of influence and awareness of healthy eating among children and the extent to which children wish to engage in healthy‐eating socialization.Originality/valueThe study supplements previous research by including children's immediate family as a unit of analysis. By taking an intra‐familiar systemic approach to studying family socialization, future studies can take into account the family support (or lack hereof), when designing interventions and evaluating the outcomes.