bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Export performance: multiple predictors and multiple measures approach
Authors: Tinashe Kahiya Eldrede , L. Dean David 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of export performance within the parameters of the structure-conduct-and-performance (SCP) paradigm, resource-based view (RBV), rational choice (RC) and perceptual view (PV), theoretical templates.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study surveyed continuing manufacturing exporters from New Zealand (n=118) using an electronic method. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationships among the groups of predictors and three types of measures.

Findings
– The results found that strategic factors (encapsulating RC) were strong predictors of both export intensity (EI) and export intensity growth, followed by export barriers (representing PV). Conversely, firm factors (representing an amalgamation of SCP and RBV variables) generated lower explanatory power in predicting export performance. Regarding measures of export performance, EI carried the highest efficacy.

Practical implications
– This research suggests export performance depends primarily on deliberate strategic initiatives (RC) (regarding, products, markets and approaches to order generation), and implicitly challenges the resource and natural selection based advantages inherent in firm factors.

Originality/value
– This is one of the few studies on export performance to test the explanatory power of competing theoretical views using a multiple measures approach. Insights from this research extend to the very definition of an internationalizing SME with significant implications for export researchers.
The performance implications of perceptual differences of dependence in marketing channels
Authors: Yang Zhilin , Jia Fang , Cai Shaohan 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to address two essential questions: do perceptual differences regarding dependence matter in determining channel performance, and if so, how?Design/methodology/approach– The paper conducted an empirical study of 347 cellular telephone supplier-retailer dyads in China. A questionnaire survey was employed.Findings– The results reveal that a retailer's perceptual difference of dependence exerts a significant effect on its evaluation of supplier performance only. Retailer trust partially mediates the effect of the perceptual differences on supplier performance and retailer performance. Therefore, the particular side of a dyadic relationship that researchers choose to study matters in an unbalanced dependence relationship.Practical implications– Managers, depending on their side, should pay close attention to perceptual differences and their consequences and deliberately employ different strategies to ensure effective channel management.Originality/value– Do differences in parties’ perceptions of dependence influence channel performance? If they do, how do these perceived differences exert direct and indirect impacts? By answering these questions, the authors contribute not only to an understanding of the unique nature of dyadic channel relationships but also to methodological notions about whether to study one side in a dyad.
Institutional reorganisation can be inspired by forward-looking information systems
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert , Mayer Johannes 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– This paper is the continuation of an earlier paper in this journal on global megatrends provoking institutional changes. It contains sectoral analyses with relevance to environmental protection. Conclusions for suitable institutional reorganisation of (environmental or other) institutions are presented. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– A planet-wide information system might optimally also include areas such as human development indicators, water supply and demand and deforestation issues.

Findings
– While administrations are increasingly oriented towards servicing a society, environmental institutions should specifically take care of global megatrends in the following areas: genetic engineering and biological safety, integrated plant technology in industry, climate protection, agriculture, noise, emissions and air pollution, sustainability, spatial planning and regional planning, radiation protection and nuclear power, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Information Act, traffic, forest, water.

Originality/value
– The approach of this paper is the long-term matching of (national) administrative structures with (global) megatrends.
Naming is taming
Authors: Rauch Herbert 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to encourage a discourse aiming to better understand the “psycho-social situation” of many people – from a global perspective. The following “first hypotheses” are formulated; pointing to crucial “hidden agendas” which shall be “named” in order to focus attention towards these phenomena (“taming”).Design/methodology/approach– Following the news and the “official” comments in Europe and America allow – almost demand – the formulation of “suspicions” with regard to “silent” (unconscious) shifts in the “loud” societies.Findings– The present economic regime is broadening the division between rich and poor worldwide, as is known. However, there are also other, more hidden divisions emerging, especially between “official” (e.g. administration-announced) and “common” opinions and attitudes, despite a growing globalisation of information (access-wise and content-wise, not necessarily reaching out to all milieus).Research limitations/implications– Formulating hypotheses can bring important issues to the forefront of attention within social science (e.g. starting a precautionary process also with regard to information).Practical implications– This paper aims to deepen the understanding of the social structure of the (now almost) worldwide interconnected social communication network (including “scars”).Social implications– Multicultural connectivity (understanding and exchange) is needed in order to solve (first perceive) the worldwide problems ahead of us.Originality/value– Naming agendas of global dimensions that are perhaps largely hidden and not yet perceived (“named”).
Deck-stay interaction with appropriate initial shapes of cable-stayed bridges
Authors: Liu Ming-Yi , Lin Li-Chin , Wang Pao-Hsii 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to provide a variety of viewpoints to illustrate the mechanism of the deck-stay interaction with the appropriate initial shapes of cable-stayed bridges, which is validated by a symmetrical structure.Design/methodology/approach– Based on the smooth and convergent bridge shapes obtained by the initial shape analysis, the one-element cable system (OECS) and multi-element cable system (MECS) models of the symmetric harp cable-stayed bridge are developed to verify the applicability of the analytical model and numerical formulation from the field observations in the authors’ previous work. For this purpose, the modal analyses of the two finite element models are conducted to calculate the natural frequency and normalized mode shape of the individual modes of the bridge. The modal coupling assessment is also performed to obtain the generalized mass ratios among the structural components for each mode of the bridge.Findings– The findings indicate that the coupled modes are attributed to the frequency loci veering and mode localization when the “pure” deck-tower frequency and the “pure” stay cable frequency approach one another, implying that the mode shapes of such coupled modes are simply different from those of the deck-tower system or stay cables alone. The distribution of the generalized mass ratios between the deck-tower system and stay cables are useful indices for quantitatively assessing the degree of coupling for each mode. For each identical group of stay cables in the MECS model, the local modes with similar natural frequencies and normalized mode shapes consist of the participation of one or more stay cables. These results are demonstrated to fully understand the mechanism of the deck-stay interaction with the appropriate initial shapes of cable-stayed bridges.Originality/value– It is important to investigate the deck-stay interaction with the appropriate initial shape of a cable-stayed bridge. This is because such initial shape not only reasonably provides the geometric configuration as well as the prestress distribution of the bridge under the weight of the deck-tower system and the pretension forces in the stay cables, but also definitely ensures the satisfaction of the relations for the equilibrium conditions, boundary conditions and architectural design requirements. However, few researchers have studied the deck-stay interaction considering the initial shape effect. The objective of this paper is to fully understand the mechanism of the deck-stay interaction with the appropriate initial shapes of cable-stayed bridges, which is validated by a symmetrical structure. The modal coupling assessment is also performed for quantitatively assessing the degree of coupling for each mode of the bridge.
Introducing conjugate gradient optimization for modified HL-RF method
Authors: Keshtegar Behrooz , Miri Mahmoud 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– Generally, iterative methods which have some instability solutions in complex structural and non-linear mechanical problems are used to compute reliability index. The purpose of this paper is to establish a non-linear conjugate gradient (NCG) optimization algorithm to overcome instability solution of the Hasofer-Lind and Rackwitz-Fiessler (HL-RF) method in first-order reliability analysis. The NCG algorithms such as the Conjugate-Descent (CD) and the Liu-Storey (LS) are used for determining the safety index. An algorithm is found based on the new line search in the reliability analysis.Design/methodology/approach– In the proposed line search for calculating the safety index, search direction is computed by using the conjugate gradient approach and the HL-RF method based on the new and pervious gradient vector of the reliability function. A simple step size is presented for the line search in the proposed algorithm, which is formulated by the Wolfe conditions based on the new and previous safety index results in the reliability analysis.Findings– From the current work, it is concluded that the proposed NCG algorithm has more efficient, robust and appropriate convergence in comparison with the HL-RF method. The proposed methods can eliminate numerical instabilities of the HL-RF iterative algorithm in highly non-linear performance function and complicated structural limit state function. The NGC optimization is applicable to reliability analysis and it is correctly converged on the reliability index. In the NCG method, the CD algorithm is slightly more efficient than the LS algorithm.Originality/value– This paper usefully shows how the HL-RF algorithm and the NCG scheme are formulated in first-order reliability analysis. The proposed algorithm is validated from six numerical and structural examples taken from the literature. The HL-RF method is not converged on several non-linear mathematic and complex structural examples, while the two proposed conjugate gradient methods are appropriately converged for all examples. The CD algorithm is converged about twice faster than the LS algorithm in most of the problems. Therefore, application of the NCG method is possible in reliability analysis.
Who's influencing whom? Developing sustainable business partnerships
Authors: Adderley Simon , Mellor Duane 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– Recently David Jones inWho Cares Winsproposed sustainability as being essential for businesses success over the coming decades. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the development of a partnership between an environmental non-government organisation (NGO) (world wildlife fund-UK) and a major retailer (Marks and Spencer). The partnership developed three “types”, sponsorship, technical and communication partnerships.Design/methodology/approach– A grounded theory approach was taken; information was gathered using semi-structured interviews. Data from these interviews were then triangulated with corporate materials to allow generalisations to develop.Findings– Through the three “types” of partnership themes of conflict and project drift were identified, although the overarching “Plan A” commitment is seen as a potential exemplar in sustainability. Difficulties were identified with respect to the dissemination of the outputs from the partnership, some of which were too complex, where others appeared to change to be more appealing to the consumer.Social implications– Although a single case study, it highlights the challenges and benefits to both partners. As such, it provides insight into the practical issues of delivering sustainability commitments and projects in partnership. Such approaches are critical not only for the viability of business, but also for the long-term health of our planet.Originality/value– This represents a case study of the development of a sustainable partnership between a large corporate and an NGO, which could represent a template for sustainable business. This paper in responds to the growing demand for such case-study examples.
The association between CEO incentive rewards and earnings management
Authors: Jouber Habib , Fakhfakh Hamadi 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether or not there is a link between CEO incentive-based compensation and earnings management and to examine how institutional environment's features influence such link.

Design/methodology/approach
– To test the predictions, the authors use a panel of 1,500 American, Canadian, British, and French firm-year observation over the period 2004-2008.

Findings
– The authors find a significant association between earnings management and CEO incentive-based compensation. Moreover, the analysis provides evidence that institutional factors are strong determinants of this association. Specifically, the results show that firms from countries within the Anglo-American corporate governance model, which provides greater protection of shareholder rights, ensures strict enforcement of law, and scores high on board oversight, tend to have lower level of earnings management. The analysis shows however, that beside the formal corporate governance quality, it is relevant to consider weaker shareholder protection and lower law enforcement indexes to explain earnings management in firms from countries within the Euro-Continental corporate governance model.

Originality/value
– This paper is the first to provide insights regarding the extent to which CEO incentive rewards imply management discretion and to indicate how much institutional features matter. The analysis contributes to two distinct strands of research. It extends prior research on the association between executive compensation and earnings management and adds to the literature demonstrating a relationship between institutional factors and financial decisions.
Democracy meets rangatiratanga: Playcentre's bicultural journey 1989-2011
Authors: Manning Suzanne 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to trace the implementation of biculturalism in the New Zealand Playcentre Federation between 1989, when a public commitment to The Treaty of Waitangi was made, and 2011, when Tiriti-based co-presidents were elected.

Design/methodology/approach
– The data were drawn from the Playcentre Journal and papers from Playcentre National meetings, as well as from the author's experience as a Pākehā participating in Playcentre. The events are analysed using democratic theory.

Findings
– Despite a willingness to encompass biculturalism, the processes of democracy as originally enacted by Playcentre hindered changes that allowed meaningful rangatiratanga (self-determination) by the Māori people within Playcentre. The factors that enabled rangatiratanga to gain acceptance were: changing to consensus decision making, allowing sub groups control over some decisions, and the adult education programme. These changes were made only after periods of open conflict. The structural changes that occurred in 2011 were the result of two decades of persistence and experimentation to find a way of honouring Te Tiriti within a democratic organisation.

Social implications
– The findings suggest that cultural pluralism within a liberal democratic organisation is best supported with an agonistic approach, where an underlying consensus of world view is not assumed but instead relies on a commitment by the different cultures to retaining the political association within the structure of the organisation.

Originality/value
– Many organisations in New Zealand, especially in education, struggle to implement biculturalism, and the findings of this study could be useful for informing policy in such organisations. This history of Playcentre continues from where previous histories finished.
Representation and use of aboriginality in a post-federation kindergarten setting
Authors: Jones Jennifer 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine an experimental neo-Herbartian and Frobelian curriculumWork in the kindergarten: An Australian programme based on the life and customs of the Australian Blackpublished by Martha Simpson in 1909.Design/methodology/approach– The paper uses both primary and secondary sources to understand the context of production and reception of the settler narratives advocated for use in the curriculum. Simpson's curriculum and other primary literary texts provide case study examples.Findings– The research found that colonial and imperial literary texts provided a departure point for learning activities, enabling the positive construction of white Australian identity and the supplantation of Aboriginal people in a post-federation kindergarten setting.Originality/value– By considering the role of imperial and colonial narratives in post-federation experimental curriculum, this paper offers insight into the role such narratives played in the formation of Australian national identity.
A study of male participation in early childhood education
Authors: Ho Dora , Lam Haze 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The function of early childhood education (ECE) has shifted from mothering to nurturing child development in Hong Kong. Teaching in kindergartens seems to be more attractive to men nowadays. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues of male participation in ECE through a case study of a local kindergarten.

Design/methodology/approach
– A case study methodology was used in the research design and the data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The interviewees all came from a single, case study school, and included the kindergarten principal, head teacher, teachers, both Chinese and foreign nationals, and parents.

Findings
– The findings of the study indicated that most of the school staff support hiring male teachers in kindergartens and perceive that male teachers play an important role in educating young children. On the other hand, the views of parents who participated in the study were divided. This reflects gender bias on the part of parents.

Originality/value
– Minimal research on male participation in kindergartens has been conducted in Hong Kong. The findings of the study shed some light on the issues of male participation in ECE in a Chinese context. It is argued that overcoming the low participation of male teachers in ECE will require changes in deeply rooted institutional and management practices. From a wider perspective, providing better career prospects and improving the professional status of kindergarten teachers will attract more men to teach in kindergartens.
Symbolic leadership culture and its subcultures in one unified comprehensive school in Finland
Authors: Juhani Lahtero Tapio , Risku Mika 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe a symbolic-interpretative research on the leadership culture and its subcultures in one unified comprehensive school in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research is a phenomenological, qualitative case study. Its methodology is based on triangulation.

Findings
– The leadership culture of the unified comprehensive school studied in the present research seemed to be based on equality, communality, appreciation, flow of information and humor. Besides examining the general leadership culture of the school, an attempt was made to study the possible subcultures of the school by examining the six subject groups into which the teachers were divided in the school on the basis of the teachers’ education and tasks. These subject groups formed the subgroups of the research. If a subgroup's interpretation of the leadership culture of the school differed significantly from those of the other subgroups, the subgroup was considered to have a subculture of its own. Only one such subculture was found, that of the mathematic teachers. It, too, although being clearly a subculture of its own, included several common features with the main leadership culture of the unified comprehensive school.

Originality/value
– The study is the first one in Finnish schools where leadership culture is conceived as a constantly reforming outcome of the meaning and interpretation processes which form themselves through the social structures of the school in connection to the leadership actions at the school.
Difficulties facing women entrepreneurs in Israel: a social stratification approach
Authors: Heilbrunn Sibylle , Abu-Asbeh Khaled , Abu Nasra Muhammed 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this article is to explore the difficulties facing entrepreneurs in three groups of women in Israel: immigrant women from the Former Soviet Union (FSU), women belonging to the Palestinian Israeli minority and Jewish Israeli women belonging to the majority population. Relying on the stratification approach, the authors investigate the extent to which labor market, resource and women-specific disadvantages constrain women's entrepreneurship within these three groups.Design/methodology/approach– The target research population consisted of 477 women entrepreneurs who operated businesses between 2009 and 2010. Using systematic sampling, the authors surveyed 148 FSU immigrant women business owners, 150 Jewish Israeli women business owners and 170 Palestinian Israeli women business owners, using a comprehensive questionnaire administered in the entrepreneurs' native language.Findings– The authors found similarities and differences between the three groups as to their ability to handle difficulties deriving from labor market, resource and women-specific disadvantages. Overall, the authors found that Palestinian women entrepreneurs have relatively more difficulties than the other two groups.Research limitations/implications– Women entrepreneurs' socio-political status within stratified social realities imposes constraints on their economic activities. Further research should investigate policies, which could assist in overcoming these constraints taking into consideration similarities and differences between specific groups.Originality/value– In addition to shedding light on the impact of socio-political environmental circumstances on women entrepreneurs in a particular country, the authors believe that applying the social stratification approach is especially valuable at the intersection of minority status, gender and entrepreneurship.