bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The rise and fall of a dot-com pioneer in a developing country
Authors: Effah John 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of dot-com pioneers in developing countries to complement the experience of their counterparts from the developed world as documented in the dot-com boom and bust literature. Beginning from this literature, dot-com phenomenon in the developed world has attracted much research. However, despite some entrepreneurial attempts to promote the innovation in the developing world, less is known about dot-coms there.Design/methodology/approach– The study follows interpretive case study methodology and actor-network theory to understand the formation, initial success and final failure of a dot-com pioneer in the developing country of Ghana.Findings– The developing country dot-com pioneer transferred e-tail technology from the developed world. The under-developed infrastructure in the developing world forced the technology to be adapted to local context. The firm managed to succeed temporarily by engaging with actors from both the developed and the developing world. It, however, collapsed largely due to inflation in its developing country context, which rendered its stockless business model with purchasing on order to deliver economically unfeasible as purchasing prices outrun sales prices.Research limitations/implications– The findings are based on historical reconstruction of events which may differ from current circumstances. The study, however, demonstrates how pioneer dot-coms in developing countries may have fared and offers implications for research and practice.Practical implications– Stockless e-business model with purchase on order to supply may not be economically feasible under inflationary conditions as purchase prices may outstrip sales prices. Entrepreneurs need to pay attention not only to the virtual world but also the physical world which equally contribute to e-business practice.Originality/value– The paper is the first attempt to offer insight into the experiences of developing country dot-com pioneers to complement the literature from the developed world.
The effect of knowledge management capability and dynamic capability on organizational performance
Authors: Tseng Shu-Mei , Lee Pei-Shan 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– The current conventional strategic management model is incapable of dealing with various questions on organizational management in a dynamically discontinuous environment. Hence, how an enterprise can effectively apply its knowledge management (KM) capability and develop a uniquely dynamic capability in order to provide quick response to a dynamic environment has become an urgent need. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the above-mentioned issues.Design/methodology/approach– In order to gain best exploration on KM capability, dynamic capability, and organizational performance, the questionnaire and statistical analytical techniques were used.Findings– The results indicate that dynamic capability is an important intermediate organizational mechanism through which the benefits of KM capability are converted into performance effects at the corporate level. That is, KM capability enhances the dynamic capability of organizations. While dynamic capability, in turn, increases organizational performance and provides competitive advantages.Research limitations/implications– This research applied a purposive sampling method and obtained a slightly inadequate number of respondents. Therefore, it is suggested that future research should apply a random sampling method to collect more responses and increase the generalizability.Practical implications– This research aims to investigate KM capability, dynamic capability, and organizational performance, as well as establish and verify the patterns of the aforementioned relationships based on how enterprises implement their KM capabilities and dynamic capabilities to enhance organizational performance.Originality/value– There is still little related literature investigating the relationships among KM capability, dynamic capability, and organizational performance. Hence, this study applies questionnaire methods as the main research tools in order to conduct an in-depth investigation into the influence of KM capability and dynamic capability on organizational performance. Furthermore, this research is expected to provide enterprises with valuable suggestions for management practices.
Overcoming cross-cultural barriers to knowledge management using social media
Authors: Ray Deepa 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the barriers to knowledge management (KM) due to various national cultural dimensions and to understand how social media can be used to mitigate those barriers to KM processes within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper begins with a focussed review of existing literature to understand the key concepts in KM and national culture. The paper then outlined the important dimensions of national culture and the barriers they introduce to the KM processes. The paper also briefly reviews the features of some of the popular social media tools available. The paper then conceptually link the three areas of KM, national culture and social media to emerge with a clear picture of how social media can overcome KM barriers due to specific cultural traits.

Findings
– National culture has multiple dimensions and each of these dimensions can act as a significant barrier to KM within organizations. Social media tools have rich interactive features which can help overcome these barriers. Choosing the correct social media tool with specific features can help alleviate the issues introduced by specific cultural traits.

Originality/value
– This paper integrates the three areas of KM, national culture and social media. It provides an understanding of how the various cultural dimensions can act as barriers to KM. It particularly outlines specific social media tools to remedy obstacles to KM due to each of the national culture dimension.
The impact of information technology on knowledge creation
Authors: Wagner David , Vollmar Gabriele , Wagner Heinz-Theo 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to outline the potential of information technology, particularly social media and their affordances, in supporting knowledge creation within organizations.Design/methodology/approach– This is a conceptual paper which integrates the literature on both knowledge creation and social media.Findings– Social media may support knowledge creation by affording new types behaviors that were not possible with previous forms of computer-mediated communication.Research limitations/implications– The paper contributes to theory development by integrating knowledge creation theory and addressing the role of technology, more specifically social media and their affordances, in the knowledge creation process.Practical implications– The results of the paper will help managers to understand which social media affordances support the distinct knowledge creation processes and target their use of technologies within the organization accordingly.Originality/value– The paper is of high theoretical and practical relevance. It bridges two previously unconnected literatures and, in doing so, provides an innovative perspective on how social media and their affordances may support knowledge creation.
DEA performance assessment of Greek listed metallurgical firms
Authors: Tsolas Ioannis 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– This paper aims to assess two distinct aspects of performance in terms of technical (sales) efficiency and efficiency in market value generation of a sample of Greek metallurgical firms listed on the Athens Exchange by using data envelopment analysis (DEA).Design/methodology/approach– Both aspects of performance are measured by employing the DEA BCC model, combined with bootstrap and generalized proportional distance function (GPDF). Statistical analysis is performed to investigate whether there is a positive link between the two examined performance dimensions.Findings– Inefficiency is uncovered in both performance dimensions, but there is a lower level of performance in market value generation than in technical efficiency. Correlation analysis results do not point out positive links between performance measures for the sample firms.Research limitations/implications– The derived performance measures allow firm managers to set their own priorities and to seek out improvements along the two dimensions of performance; moreover, they may contribute to the reduction of information asymmetry among investors.Originality/value– This paper is one of a few that investigate the link between DEA-based sales performance and performance in market value generation. It contributes methodologically through the adoption of fundamental analysis principles in estimating efficiency in the two performance dimensions and the development of a DEA efficiency model in the presence of negative data.
Non-residential real estate and economic activity: the case of Greece
Authors: Lekkos Ilias , Staggel Irini , Kefalas Konstantinos , Vlachou Paraskevi 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– The aim of the paper is to discuss developments in non-residential real estate in Greece.Design/methodology/approach– Given the lack of existing literature, the authors start by discussing at length the data sources available, and analyzing the stylized facts of non-residential real estate activity in Greece. Finally, the authors examine the degree of covariation (using the index of concordance methodology) between non-residential real estate and the business cycle.Findings– The results indicate that the structure of non-residential sector is highly fragmented into various sub-categories and at the initial stages of its developments, it was strongly affected by the preparations for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Finally, despite its small share of total GDP, non-residential real estate exhibits a significant degree of covariation with the business cycle.Practical implications– The extracted information may be a useful resource for those interested in the developments in non-residential real estate in Greece and the covariation of key variables with the business cycle.Originality/value– The paper constitutes a systematic research approach for the role of non-residential real estate in the Greek economic activity.
Business strategy of automotive and farm equipment sector of the Mahindra & Mahindra Group of India
Authors: Prasad Mohanty Rajendra , Augustin Prince 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– This paper traces the historical evolution and growth trajectory of the automotive and farm equipment sector, which is a very significant entity of the Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) group. The purpose of this paper is to understand and provide a pragmatic framework through which the authors can see what were the internal and external factors and the spirit of the contemporary times that led to the changes in the nature of the group.

Design/methodology/approach
– The “Greiner curve” model has been applied to interpret the evolutionary growth of the group and strategic trajectory explaining characteristics in its different phases.

Findings
– M&M initially went through its share of learning and grew through pragmatic and, orchestrated entrepreneurial risk. The group made a very successful transition from a proprietorship model to a professionally managed group. It is found that rapid growth has been possible through innovation led collaboration. The group is increasingly organizing its innovation activities around the development of responses to specific challenges.

Research limitations/implications
– This study suffers from methodological limitations associated with a stage model that the estimated length of the time the organizations will stay in a phase is not known. It is unclear whether passage through all stages is necessary; or whether, in some circumstances, one or more stages may be omitted, and if variations in sequencing can occur. The data for the initial years was not available in primary form and the paper had to depend entirely on the secondary sources.

Practical implications
– Various strategies adopted by the group from time to time have practical implications for Indian economy. The group has faced many challenges, but challenge-led collaboration-driven approach represents a new type of innovation process that contrasts with other methods of business strategies and provides a sharper focus for managerial and technical issues and brings together stakeholders with diverse interests, expertise and perspectives.

Originality/value
– This study is a unique attempt in India to trace the evolution of the strategic interventions in the context of a major business group, which is considered to be a symbolic representation of Indian economic history. The paper has got both academic as well as managerial utility.
An empirical assessment of factors affecting the brand-building effectiveness of sponsorship
Authors: Donlan Leah 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to assess, in two different live sponsorship environments, the contribution of sponsorship to consumer-based brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study adopts a quantitative survey methodology, employing self-administered questionnaires at two UK sporting events (athletics and cricket). To isolate the impact of sponsorship, questionnaires were also distributed to comparison sample groups not exposed to the sponsorship activities. The elements of consumer-based brand equity are operationalized in line with Aaker's (1996) brand equity measurement tool.

Findings
– Sponsorship can be an appropriate vehicle through which to build consumer-based brand equity; however brand-building success is not guaranteed and is subject to a range of factors impacting upon particular sponsorships, including strength of the sponsor-event link, leverage activities and clutter. The most successful sponsorship displayed marked contributions to building brand associations, perceived quality and brand loyalty. However, the presence of sponsorship clutter in particular was found to impact negatively upon the perception of quality transferred to a brand through sponsorship.

Research limitations/implications
– The use of live event settings limits the ability to tightly control all variables; therefore replication of this study using experimental methodologies is recommended. Nonetheless, findings indicate managers should consider the above mentioned contextual factors when selecting sponsorships in order to maximize sponsorship success.

Originality/value
– This study explores the contribution of sports sponsorship to consumer-based brand equity in live sponsorship settings, addressing concerns over the generalizability of previous experimental studies. Equally, this study compares the brand equity-building effectiveness of sponsorship for two sponsors, which differ on a range of contextual factors that impact upon sponsorship success.
Commissioning personalised care in the English adult social care sector: an action research model to support leadership development
Authors: McCray Janet , Palmer Adam 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present the perspectives of English adult social care sector partners on the qualifications and standards required for leaders as they prepare to meet the demands of commissioning personalised care. Continuing an action research cycle guided by Coghlan and Brannicks (2010, p. 4) organisational centred model (McCray and Palmer, 2009) it benefits from the previous experience and reflection in action of the partners and researchers. Set in a general social care context, lessons learned from the study outcomes will be of interest to both commissioners of services and service users with acquired brain injury.

Design/methodology/approach
– A model of action research informed by Coghlan and Brannicks’ (2010, p. 4) organisational centred model focused on context, quality of relationships, quality of the research process and its’ outcomes was used. The role of the authors was to facilitate diagnosis of the leadership issues arising from the implementation of personalised care in the English adult social care sector and in collaboration with sector partners seek resolutions. Six focus groups comprising two commissioners, service providers, user group and care manager/social work leads were facilitated at two separate events in the south of England.

Findings
– Findings presented are derived from focus group discussions with strategic and organisational leaders and service user partners from the English adult social care sectors. Analysis of focus group data identified a number of themes. The overarching themes of human resource management, gaps in industry standards and leadership are discussed here. Whilst industry sector standard qualifications and frameworks may be at the centre of strategic planning for transformation, findings here have identified that additional support will be required to create leaders who can commission successfully to create cultural change. New approaches to leadership development may be needed to facilitate this process.

Research limitations/implications
– The study offers a single method qualitative research approach based on two local authorities in the south of England. It presents a localised and particular view of leadership development needs.

Practical implications
– The paper shows how action research can make a contribution to knowledge and practice.

Originality/value
– The paper provides interesting new insights into the skills for commissioning in a changing public and third sector environment with reference to commissioning personalised support for people with brain injury.
Developing a data sharing framework: a case study
Authors: Higgins Emma , Taylor Mark , Lisboa Paulo , Arshad Farath 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of the research project was to examine the process of developing a data sharing framework between different public sector organisations.

Design/methodology/approach
– A two-year case study of a data sharing project between a UK fire and rescue service, local council, NHS primary care trust and a police force was undertaken.

Findings
– It is important to carefully determine the requirements for data sharing, to establish data sharing agreements, to have secure arrangements for data sharing, and to ensure compliance with data protection legislation.

Research limitations/implications
– Data sharing between public sector organisations can operate effectively if appropriate care is taken when creating data sharing agreements between partner organisations.

Practical implications
– Data sharing can assist in reducing duplication of effort between public sector organisations and can reduce costs and enable more co-ordinated provision of public services.

Originality/value
– The detailed analysis of a data sharing case study identified the need for a systematic data sharing framework. Such a framework is proposed and illustrated with practical examples of specification, implementation and evaluation.
Renal vascular structural properties and their alterations by removal of uraemic toxins in a rat model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yamazaki Hidenori , Tomoda Fumihiro , Koike Tsutomu , Kinuno Hiroyuki , Sugimori Hiroko , Inoue Hiroshi , Bannai Kenji , Sugano Mikio , Nishijima Fuyuhiko 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Renal vascular structural properties and their alterations by removal of uraemic toxins with AST‐120, an oral adsorbent, were examined in subtotal nephrectomized rats.

Eight‐ or 9‐week‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats received 3/4 nephrectomy (n = 18) and thereafter were fed 24.5% protein diet with (AST; n = 9) or without (AST–; n = 9) AST‐120 (0.4 g/100 g bodyweight). Sham‐operated rats (Sham; n = 9) received the diet without AST‐120. At 21–22 weeks of age, flow–pressure (F‐P) and pressure–glomerular filtration rate (P‐GFR) relationships were determined for maximally vasodilated, perfused kidneys.

The gradient of F‐P (minimal renal vascular resistance reflecting the overall luminal dimensions of pre‐ and post‐glomerular vasculature) was lower in AST– than Sham rats. In contrast, the x‐intercept (preglomerular : post‐glomerular vascular resistance ratio) and gradient (glomerular filtration capacity) of P‐GFR did not differ between the two groups. The vascular wall and lumen at the interlobular arteries were greater in AST– than Sham rats.

Although the vascular wall and lumen at the interlobular arteries were less in AST than in AST– rats, the gradient of F‐P and the x‐intercept of P‐GFR did not differ between the two groups. In contrast, the glomerular filtration capacity was greater in AST than AST– rats.

In conclusion, the lumen of both pre‐ and post‐glomerular resistance vessels increased and glomerular filtration capacity failed to increase in subtotal nephrectomized rats. Uraemic toxins could play an important role in the development of structural alterations in glomeruli rather than renal resistance vessels in chronic kidney disease.
Effects of opioid (tramadol) treatment on testicular functions in adult male rats: The role of nitric oxide and oxidative stress
Authors: Ahmed Marwa A , Kurkar Adel 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Nowadays, tramadol hydrochloride is frequently used as a pain reliever, and for the treatment of premature ejaculation. Decreased semen quality was noted in chronic tramadol users. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of tramadol on the testicular functions of adult male rats.

A total of 40 albino adult male rats were divided into control and tramadol groups, with 20 rats for each group. Rats of the tramadol group were subcutaneously injected with 40 mg/kg three times per week for 8 weeks. The control group received normal saline 0.9%. Blood samples from each animal were obtained. Plasma levels of different biochemical substances were determined. Nitric oxide was measured in testicular tissue samples. Those samples together with epididymal tissue samples were processed for histopathological examination.

Tramadol significantly reduced plasma levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, testosterone and total cholesterol, but elevated prolactin and estradiol levels compared with the control group. In addition, tramadol increased the testicular levels of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation, and decreased the anti‐oxidant enzymes activities significantly compared with the control group. The tramadol group showed decreased sperm count and motility, and numbers of primary spermatocytes, rounded spermatid and Leydig cells. Immunohistochemical examinations showed that tramadol increased the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in testicular tissues.

The present study showed that tramadol treatment affects the testicular function of adult male rats, and these effects might be through the overproduction of nitric oxide and oxidative stress induced by this drug.