bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The scope of the Common European Sales Law: B2B, goods, digital content and services
Authors: Illescas Ortiz Rafael , Perales Viscasillas Pilar 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis article aims to take a critical look at the proposed Common European Sales Law (CESL) and its field of application.Design/methodology/approachThe article provides a comparative analysis of the scope of application of CESL with that of the Convention on Contracts for the International Sales of Goods (CISG). The approach is critical in nature in that it questions the regulation of business‐to‐business (B2B) transactions under CESL. It also takes a critical look at the CESL and its coverage of three areas of contracting – sale of goods, supply of digital content, and supply of services.FindingsThe article exposes some of the shortcomings of the CESL in relation to its field of application.Research limitations/implicationsThe CESL as proposed offers an optional regulation that complicates the law of transborder sales within the European Union (EU) and between EU member states and non‐EU states. The article recommends that CESL not extend its coverage to B2B transactions and leave transborder commercial transactions to the CISG. The article also suggests other changes to improve the CESL.Practical implicationsFurther analysis is needed and more defined rules should be considered before CESL is enacted into law.Originality/valueThis article questions the wide scope of application of CESL. It further questions the rationality and practicality of the CESL's coverage of B2B transactions.
Time for a change: highlighting the Partnership Model
Authors: Wordsworth Russell , Malinen Sanna , Sloman Martyn 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis paper highlights the Partnership Model as an apposite approach to the planning and implementation of learning in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors provide a brief overview of the changing context for learning and development in organizations, followed by a discussion on the need for a shift in our approach to training. The authors draw attention to the Partnership Model as a solution to move forward.FindingsThe knowledge‐driven economy demands new skills sets for employees and new approaches to learning in organizations, yet trainer‐centric models such as ADDIE still dominate the training literature and practice. As a result, potentially more suitable approaches, such as the Partnership Model, have not gained traction with practitioners. The authors suggest that this is in part due to the practical challenges involved in establishing learning cultures and partnerships in organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper offers practical suggestions for developing a more learner‐centric, strategically aligned learning and development function through partnership and conversation with key stakeholders in the organization.Originality/valueThe paper offers practical suggestions for developing a more learner‐centric, strategically aligned learning and development function through partnership and conversation with key stakeholders in the organization.
Going the extra mile: developing managers to encourage voluntary, helpful, organizational behavior
Authors: Bandura Randall P. , Lyons Paul R. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis paper presents: the concept of voluntary, helpful organizational behavior (hereafter, V‐HOB), and an introduction to practical training and development approaches aimed at establishing a work environment in which V‐HOB can flourish.Design/methodology/approachThe authors synthesize relevant research to provide a practical view useful for training and development of managers and supervisors.FindingsTraining and development of existing staff may be a more effective approach than attempting to recruit individuals predisposed toward V‐HOB. Management training and development in the area of V‐HOB can be extremely effective in establishing an environment conducive to organizational success.Practical implicationsThe authors provide guidance to managers useful for management training toward nurturing an environment in which V‐HOB is more likely to be manifested.Originality/valueThis paper defines and describes behaviors that support V‐HOB. A gap is bridged between academic study of such behaviors and pragmatic techniques for development of today's managers.
Does the sky have to be the limit? Utilizing cloud‐based learning in the workplace
Authors: Ratten Vanessa 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the benefits of cloud‐based learning.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides examples of how cloud‐based learning is currently being implemented, and informs learning and development (L&D) professionals how to make the most of this technology.FindingsIn order to get the most out of cloud‐based learning, L&D practitioners need to encourage content creation and knowledge sharing in their organizations. As cloud‐based learning offers a useful way to take data and information from all parts of an organization and make it readily accessible to all employees, it is important that a number of steps be followed.Practical implicationsCloud‐based learning reduces costs in terms of hardware purchase and maintenance, whilst increasing the availability of real time data from any geographic location.Originality/valueThe paper offers a checklist that L&D professionals might find useful to assist their thinking on how they might make the most of the opportunities this technology offers.
Riding the Waves of Innovation
Authors: Wollard Karen K. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeReviews the latest learning and development books across the globe and pinpoints practical implications.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsOrganizational development students and practitioners will find familiar theories and concepts presented in a new and thought provoking way. The authors challenge the conventional wisdom of dichotomies and two‐ends‐of‐a‐spectrum by showing how creativity and innovation happen as individuals move along a continuum, adapting as need and circumstance dictate.Practical implicationsProvides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.
Investing abroad and investing at home: complements or substitutes?
Authors: Globerman Steven 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to assess whether outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) and home country capital investment are substitutes or complements.Design/methodology/approachCase studies of 22 Canadian multinational companies (MNCs) were carried out, and the qualitative and quantitative information from the case studies was used to evaluate whether OFDI and home country capital investment were substitutes or complements for the sample MNCs over the period 2000‐2010.FindingsTwo primary strategic motives were identified for the OFDI undertaken by the sample MNCs: market‐seeking; and resource‐seeking. Across the sample, domestic investment was typically a poor strategic alternative to OFDI. Furthermore, OFDI promoted faster revenue growth for the MNCs which stimulated increased domestic investment in later time periods. Hence, OFDI and domestic capital investment are complements in the longer run.Practical implicationsHome country government policies that directly or indirectly discourage OFDI will also discourage domestic investment by home country MNCs. This, in turn, might discourage investment by small and medium‐sized enterprises in the home country, if government limitations on OFDI hamper the growth of MNC head offices in the home country.Originality/valueThe study provides evidence drawing on case studies rather than traditional econometric models. The case study methodology provides evidence on the underlying strategic imperatives for OFDI that is not identified by econometric studies.
Three‐stage supply chain allocation with fixed cost
Authors: Panicker Vinay V. , Sridharan R. , Ebenezer B. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is of two‐fold. First, the authors propose the application of genetic algorithm (GA)‐based heuristic for solving a distribution allocation problem for a three‐stage supply chain with fixed cost. Second, a methodology for parameter design in GA is discussed which can lead to better performance of the algorithm.Design/methodology/approachA mathematical model is formulated as an integer‐programming problem. The model is solved using GA‐based heuristic and illustrated with a numerical example. An investigation is made for determining the best combination of the parameters of GA using factorial design procedure.FindingsThe optimum population size for the selected problem size is found to be 100. The mutation probability for a better solution is 0.30. The objective function value at the above mentioned levels is better than that obtained at the other combinations.Research limitations/implicationsThis work provides a good insight about the fixed cost transportation problem (FCTP) in a three‐stage supply chain and design of numerical parameters for GA. The model developed assumes a single product environment in a single period. Hence, the present study can be extended to a multi‐product, multi‐period, and varying demand environment. In the parameter design, three distinct numerical parameters are considered. The parameters, population size and mutation probability are set at four levels and the parameter, crossover probability is set at three levels. More levels can be selected so that more combinations can be experimented.Originality/valueThe paper presents the formulation and solution of a distribution‐allocation problem in a three‐stage supply chain with fixed cost for a transportation route.
A genetic algorithm‐based approach for job shop scheduling
Authors: Phanden Rakesh Kumar , Jain Ajai , Verma Rajiv 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to optimise the job shop scheduling problem using simulation and genetic algorithm.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a simulation‐based genetic algorithm approach for the job shop scheduling problem. In total, three cases have been considered to access the performance of the job shop, with an objective to minimise mean tardiness and makespan. A restart scheme is embedded into regular genetic algorithm in order to avoid premature convergence.FindingsSimulation‐based genetic algorithm can be used for job shop scheduling problems. Moreover, a restart scheme embedded into a regular genetic algorithm results in improvement in the fitness value. Single process plans selected on the basis of minimum production time criterion results in improved shop performance, as compared to single process plans selected randomly. Moreover, availability of multiple process plans during scheduling improves system performance measures.Originality/valueThe paper presents a simulation‐based genetic algorithm approach for job shop scheduling problem, with and without restart scheme. In this paper the effect of multiple process plans over single process plans, as well as criterion for selection of single process plans, are studied. The findings should be taken into account while designing scheduling systems for job shop environments.
Novel model for inhabitants prediction in smart houses
Authors: Kadouche Rachid , Abdulrazak Bessam 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel model for inhabitant prediction in smart houses based on daily life activities. It uses data provided by non intrusive sensors and devices to predict the house occupant. The authors' model, named Behavior Classification Model (BCM), applies Support Vector Machines (SVM) classifier to learn the users' habits when they perform activities, and then predicts the user. BCM was tested using real data and compared with a frequency based approach. In this paper the authors present also their approach to improve the accuracy of BCM using SVM feature selection algorithm.Design/methodology/approachThe model, named Behavior Classification Model (BCM), applies Support Vector Machines (SVM) classifier to learn the users' habits when they perform activities, and then predicts the user.FindingsBCM was tested using real data and compared with a frequency based approach. In this paper the authors' also present their approach to improve the accuracy of BCM using SVM feature selection algorithm.Originality/valueThe paper is based on blind user recognition in smart homes.
Dynamic similarity‐based activity detection and recognition within smart homes
Authors: Hong Xin , Nugent Chris D. , Mulvenna Maurice D. , Martin Suzanne , Devlin Steven , Wallace Jonathan G. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeWithin smart homes, ambient sensors are used to monitor interactions between users and the home environment. The data produced from the sensors are used as the basis for the inference of the users' behaviour information. Partitioning sensor data in response to individual instances of activity is critical for a smart home to be fully functional and to fulfil its roles, such as correctly measuring health status and detecting emergency situations. The purpose of this study is to propose a similarity‐based segmentation approach applied on time series sensor data in an effort to detect and recognise activities within a smart home.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores methods for analysing time‐related sensor activation events in an effort to undercover hidden activity events through the use of generic sensor modelling of activity based upon the general knowledge of the activities. Two similarity measures are proposed to compare a time series based sensor sequence and a generic sensor model of an activity. In addition, a framework is developed for automatically analysing sensor streams.FindingsThe results from evaluation of the proposed methodology on a publicly accessible reference dataset show that the proposed methods can detect and recognise multi‐category activities with satisfying accuracy, in addition to the capability of detecting interleaved activities.Originality/valueThe concepts introduced in this paper will improve automatic detection and recognition of daily living activities from timely ordered sensor events based on domain knowledge of the activities.
The young luxury consumers in China
Authors: Ngai Joann , Cho Erin 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe luxury market in China has grown significantly in recent years. One unique characteristic of luxury consumers in China is their youth. While exploratory in nature, this study aims to identify and offer a meaningful understanding of different segments of young luxury consumers in China.Design/methodology/approachThe data were obtained from personal interviews with 28 respondents between 20 and 25 years of age who were recruited via a mall‐interception method in three different high‐end department stores in Shanghai, China.FindingsBased on key values, motivations, and behavior patterns toward luxury consumption, the authors identify four distinct segments of young luxury consumers: the overseas pack; the self‐established cool; the luxury followers; and the spirituals.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a small sample consisting of 28 individuals.Practical implicationsWhile Chinese youth may share some traits as a collective group, they also have diverse reasons and patterns for luxury consumption. The authors identify at least four distinct segments whose values, motivations and behavior toward luxury are different from one another. Companies must consider the differences that exist within this generation to effectively approach this market.Originality/valueWhile exploratory, the current study is the first to identify segments in luxury consumers among young generations in China.
Towards a strategic CSR: a Brazilian case study
Authors: Dias Angelo Fernanda , Bartocci Liboni Amui Lara , Ferreira Caldana Adriana Cristina , Jose Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel 
Published: August 2012

PurposeOrganisations may be considered, at the same time, either part of the problem or part of the solution for the social‐environmental crisis that is occurring. To be part of the solution, they must head for a strategic management of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The objective of the present study is to identify and analyse the interfaces between theoretical models of strategic implementation of CSR and the variables and major players involved in this process.Design/methodology/approachThis is a qualitative research using a case study strategy. The company chosen for this case study has been highlighted as one of the best national companies to work for, with significant social responsibility indices.FindingsThe case study found some results, such as the importance of aligning with human resource management for strategic implementation of CSR and the integrative characteristic between different workers, that are essential for this process.Originality/valueOnly a few international articles discuss CSR in Brazil. The results could be useful for classes focusing on “Doing business in Brazil”.
Should tourism scientists accept climate change at face value?
Authors: Tarlow Peter 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis study aims to examine the philosophical issues dealing with climate change and tourism science. The paper neither endorses nor contradicts the theories of climate change, but rather questions to what extent tourism science and tourism professionals should accept any particular scientific theory as absolute fact. The paper's purpose is to instigate creative debate within the academic and industry world of tourism and to question some of the less precise notions of science when mixed with a particular point of view.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a viewpoint article.FindingsThe study finds that there is often a confusion of terms that may occur due to the mixing of a political viewpoint with objective social science.Originality/valueThis study challenges some of the paradigm assumptions often given as fact within the academic community and seeks a reexamination of the paradigmatic principles and notions often held within the academic community.
Rural people's perception of income adequacy in China
Authors: Gustafsson Bjorn , Yue Ximing 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate rural people's perception of income adequacy in order to understand how it is affected by income in the county where the respondent lives, age of household members, as well as number of household members. The paper also aims to find out how poverty lines and poverty counts derived from people's perception relate to what has been previously reported.Design/methodology/approachThe Subjective Poverty Line (SPL) methodology is modified by asking one question on the amount of grains necessary for the respondent's household and another on the amount of cash necessary. Information was obtained from a large survey covering 22 provinces in 2003 and analysed using regressions analysis.FindingsPeople in high‐income counties perceive that more cash, but not grains are needed than those living in low‐income counties. Respondents perceive that economies of scale exist in amounts of cash needed for a household. They also perceive that young children need less grain than adults and that a schoolchild incurs higher money expenditures than an adult. A poverty line for rural China derived by the SPL methodology is higher than the low income line used by the National Bureau of Statistics for 2002. However, a poverty count based on the SPL methodology is similar to what has been reported.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that poverty lines for rural China preferably should consider not only spatial differences in cost of living but also the number of household members in a non‐linear way.Originality/valueThe paper describes the first application of the SPL approach to rural China.
Measuring service quality in urban bus transport: a modified SERVQUAL approach
Authors: Barabino Benedetto , Deiana Eusebio , Tilocca Proto 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe paper adapts and applies a modified SERVQUAL approach compliant with the EN 13816, a European standard on service quality in public transport. The purpose of the study is to provide a quality evaluation tool readily usable by transport operators willing to certify the service offered.Design/methodology/approachCorrespondence between the SERVQUAL and the standard is ensured by guaranteeing that the 15 attributes investigated encompass the eight macro‐areas of the norm. Primary data were collected by means of an on‐board survey conducted in Cagliari over a two week period.FindingsThe study shows the possibility to implement a SERVQUAL approach abiding by the requirements set by the EN 13816. The results illustrate a high degree of importance placed on attributes such as on‐board security, bus reliability, cleanliness and frequency, with these latter three characterized by the widest negative gaps between perceptions and expectations. The sole quantitative supply of transport does not seem to influence quality perceptions more than attributes such as staff courtesy and bus comfort.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are too specific to enable their generalization. Moreover, the SERVQUAL framework might be improved with the inclusion of additional attributes.Originality/valueThe study provides public transport operators with a tool characterized by a good degree of openness and flexibility, so to fit individual needs. It might also be of interest for practitioners wishing to explore the main drivers of satisfaction among transport users.
Effects of shot peening on the torsional fatigue limit of high‐strength steel containing an artificial surface defect
Authors: Takahashi Koji , Okada Hideki , Ando Kotoji 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the effects of shot peening (SP) on the torsional fatigue limit of high‐strength steel specimens containing an artificial small defect.Design/methodology/approachSpecimens containing a drilled hole 0.1‐0.4 mm deep or a semi‐circular slit 0.15 or 0.3 mm deep were subjected to SP. Torsional fatigue tests were then carried out.FindingsThe torsional fatigue limits of specimens containing a drilled hole and those with a semi‐circular slit were increased 25‐64 per cent and 156‐186 per cent by SP, respectively. The torsional fatigue limits of the specimens subjected to SP and containing a drilled hole less than 0.1 mm in depth or a semi‐circular slit less than 0.15 mm in depth were almost equal to those of SP specimens without a defect. Based on these results, it can be concluded that a drilled hole less than 0.1 mm in depth and a semi‐circular slit less than 0.15 mm in depth could be rendered harmless by SP.Practical implicationsThe proposed method can be applied to mechanical parts subjected to cyclic torsion, such as coil springs, crank shafts and drive shafts.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to investigate the torsional fatigue limits after SP in materials containing a surface defect. In this paper, the effect of SP on the torsional fatigue limit having a surface defect is investigated.