bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporating attitude towards Halal banking in an integrated service quality, satisfaction, trust and loyalty model in online Islamic banking context
Authors: Mohsin Butt Muhammad , Aftab Muhammad 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the influence of consumer attitude towards Halal banking on e‐service quality and e‐satisfaction, in an online Islamic banking context. The proposed model also aims to investigate the relationships among e‐service quality, e‐satisfaction, e‐trust and e‐loyalty.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was designed to collect data from the regular users of online services of Islamic banks in Pakistan. Convenience sampling method was adopted to collect data from the existing customers of six Islamic banks, residing in five major urban centres of Pakistan. A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 292 returned questionnaires were suitable for further analysis. Structural equation modelling procedure was used to test the proposed research model.FindingsThe results of this research suggest that attitude towards Halal banking positively influences perceived e‐service quality and overall e‐satisfaction with the online services of Islamic banks. Furthermore, perceived online service quality enhances customer e‐satisfaction and their e‐loyalty towards the bank. Similarly, e‐trust mediates the relationship between e‐satisfaction and e‐loyalty.Practical implicationsThis study enhances our understanding of how specific religious attitudes can positively influence consumer assessments of a bank's perceived e‐service quality and their overall e‐satisfaction with it.Originality/valueMuch of the previous research on Islamic banking has been descriptive in its nature. This study contributes to the existing literature by exploring the causal effect of attitude towards Halal banking on consumer perceptions about the e‐service quality and e‐satisfaction with the online services of Islamic banks.
Middle‐level secondary school leaders
Authors: Gurr David , Drysdale Lawrie 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to bring together for the first time three studies of middle‐level leaders in secondary schools in Victoria, Australia. The studies span more than a decade and allow consideration of the progress in developing middle‐level leadership roles.Design/methodology/approachAll studies followed a consistent approach using multiple perspective interviews of middle‐level curriculum and subject leadership in government and Catholic secondary schools in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Principals, senior leaders, middle‐level leaders and teachers were interviewed to gain their perceptions on middle‐level leadership. Interviews were supplemented with school document analysis.FindingsThe work of middle‐level leaders is heavily dependent on how their roles are constructed and the capacities, abilities and attitudes of the leaders. Some are expected to be leaders that influence teaching and learning, and they may be developed and supported to do so. Too often, however, teachers in these key roles have few expectations or opportunities to exercise leadership. Whilst many have the capacity to be leaders of teaching and learning, others are not sure about their ability to influence teaching and learning. Suggestions are made for how leadership might be structured in schools to emphasise the importance of middle‐level leaders, and how these leaders can be better prepared and supported.Research limitations/implicationsObservational studies, studies of primary school contexts and cross‐country comparisons would extend this research.Practical implicationsMiddle‐level school leaders need to be seen as key personnel in improving teaching and learning, school structures need to reflect this, and developing leadership capacity needs to be prioritised.Originality/valueThis paper highlights continuing issues with how the work of middle‐level school leaders is conceptualised and supported, and makes suggestions for leadership structure and the preparation and development of school leaders.
Strike four! Do‐over policies institutionalize GPA distortion
Authors: Marx Jonathan , Meeler David 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to illustrate how universities play an institutional role in inflating student grade point averages (GPA) by modifying academic polices such as course withdraw, repeats, and satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade options.Design/methodology/approachThree research strategies are employed: an examination of eight public institutions in a southern state illustrates the variability in academic policies; a transcript analysis demonstrates how students at some universities can capitalize on academic regulations to inflate GPA; and an empirical analysis of 1,798 graduating seniors at one institution explores the parameters of utilizing “do‐over” policies and how the policies correlate with GPA inflation.FindingsSchools are transforming the “rules” of the academic game. Such changes enable students to selectively inflate their GPA, thereby rendering effective comparison of GPA problematic. This is of particular significance to administrators, governing and accrediting bodies, potential employers, graduate or professional school recruiters, and policy makers.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is cross‐sectional and the sample is restricted to one state and in some analyses one institution. Longitudinal research exploring a larger number of universities in a variety of states is necessary to uncover the determinants of any changes in academic policies.Originality/valueThe paper reframes grade inflation as GPA inflation, which is partially a function of institutionalized processes, and offers a remedy to the problem of GPA comparison. A new simple metric (EAR) is offered to accompany GPA; only when considering earned hours versus attempted hours (EAR) does grade point regain some utility to educators, recruiters, or policy makers engaged in assessment.
Facebook: examining the information presented and its impact on stakeholders
Authors: Haigh Michel M. , Brubaker Pamela , Whiteside Erin 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the content of for‐profit organizations' Facebook pages and how the communication strategy employed impacts stakeholders' perceptions of the organization‐public relationship, corporate social responsibility, attitudes, and purchase intent.Design/methodology/approachFor Study 1, a content analysis examined the types of information on for‐profit organizations' Facebook pages. Facebook pages were coded for organizational disclosure and information dissemination, corporate social responsibility information, and interactivity. Pages were also coded for using a corporate ability, corporate social responsibility, or hybrid communication strategy. Three organizations were then selected based on the content analysis results to serve as exemplars in the two‐phase experiment. Participants filled out measures of initial attitudes, perceptions of the organization‐public relationship, corporate social responsibility, and purchase intent. A week later, participants interacted with the organizations' Facebook pages and then answered additional scale measures.FindingsStudy 1 found for‐profit organizations discuss program/services, achievements, and awards on their Facebook pages. The main communication strategy employed on Facebook is corporate ability. Study 2 results indicate interacting with Facebook pages bolsters stakeholders' perceptions of the organization‐public relationship, corporate social responsibility, and purchase intent. The organization employing a corporate social responsibility communication strategy had the most success bolstering these variables.Research limitations/implicationsSeveral of the organizations did not have Facebook pages to code for the content analysis. Some organizations' pages were not coded because the page was just starting and there was no information available. The content analysis included a small sample size (n=114) which impacted the experiment. It limited the number of organizations that could be employed in the experimental conditions.Practical implicationsWhen posting information on Facebook, organizations should employ the corporate social responsibility communication strategy. However, regardless of the strategy employed, interacting with Facebook information can bolster stakeholders' perceptions of organizational‐public relationships, corporate social responsibility, attitudes, and purchase intent.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the experimental literature. There is very limited experimental research examining the impact of Facebook on stakeholders. It provides practitioners with some guidance on the types of communication strategy they should employ when posting on Facebook.
City events: short and serial reproduction effects on the city's image?
Authors: Gelders Dave , van Zuilen Bart 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to answer the following questions: to what extent do city events typify cities and do they yield long‐term effects?Design/methodology/approachThe paper comprises a literature overview of evidence‐based research regarding the impact of city events on tourists' perceptions of their host cities. In total, eight case studies are further analyzed.FindingsSeveral events typify cities, contradicting the often proclaimed assumption that they are only serial reproductions which do not really make differences between cities. City events may increase one's knowledge about the specific city and stimulate positive feelings about the city. However, this is only true if certain conditions are fulfilled, such as connecting the event to the typical physical and other aspects of the city. Changes in tourists' perceptions decrease in the long run if the perceptions are only related to specific events. Long‐term effects are possible if the city events are embedded in broader marketing strategies supported by other stakeholders, such as residents. In practice however, this is rarely the case.Research limitations/implicationsResults are based on a limited number of available empirical studies and focused on two key variables (differentiation and the duration of effects). Neither other variables, nor stakeholders other than tourists are taken into account. Perceptions of tourists are operationalized in different ways.Originality/valueThe paper brings together insights from previous empirical studies, in order to clarify the added value of events for city promotion. It contradicts the assumption of the homogenizing effect of such events and points out some key conditions for their success.
Thermal analysis of LED lamp with LTCC‐COB package
Authors: Keun Lee Chang , Keun Ahn Jung , Ro Lee Cheul , Kim Daesuk , Joon Baek Byung 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the thermal behaviors of high power LED packages to enhance the thermal performances of low temperature co‐fired ceramic chip on board (LTCC‐COB) package. Thermal analysis demonstrated an improved LTCC‐COB package design that is comparable to a metal lead frame package with low thermal resistance.Design/methodology/approachThe LED device developed in this study is a LTCC package mounted directly on the metal PCB. A numerical simulation was performed to investigate the thermal characteristics of the LED module using the finite volume method, which is embedded in commercial software (Fluent V.6.3). Thermal resistance and temperature measurement validate the simulated results.FindingsThe effect of the thickness of the die attach material on the thermal resistance was dominant due to low thermal conductivity, and the junction temperature decreased significantly with slight increases in thermal conductivity, especially when the value was less than 5 W/mK. The results reveal that the thermal resistance of MCPCB is about 49 per cent‐58 per cent of the junction to board thermal resistance. The thermal model results showed good agreement with experimental results.Originality/valueThe developed model overcomes the large thermal resistance of a conventional LTCC package for high power LED module. The extensive results have demonstrated an improved thermal design, optimal dimensions of each component and boundary conditions for high power LTCC‐COB type package.
Enhanced photovoltaic properties of solar cell based on ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag by an annealing treatment
Authors: Wang Xinmin , Yu Chengqun , Wu Junxi 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the influence of annealing treatment on the photovoltaic properties of the solar cell based on ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag.Design/methodology/approachThe influence of the annealing temperature and time on the P3HT/ZnO interface morphology and the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag solar cell performance was discussed. The morphology and the current‐voltage (J‐V) characteristics were investigated by atomic force morphology (AFM) and solar simulator with an AM 1.5 G filter under an irradiation intensity of 100 mW cm−2. The light intensity was calibrated using a standard silicon photovoltaic solar cell.FindingsThe photovoltaic performances were found to have been greatly enhanced by an annealing treatment at 145°C for 30 min.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that the annealing treatments play a crucial role in improving the morphology and J‐V performance of the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag solar cell.
Competitive strategies and firm performance: the mediating role of performance measurement
Authors: Teeratansirikool Luliya , Siengthai Sununta , Badir Yuosre , Charoenngam Chotchai 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role performance measurement plays in the relationship between competitive strategies and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a mail‐survey of Thai listed companies in 2009. A total of 101 Thai listed companies’ executives, each representing their company, participated in this study. The SPSS version 11.5, path‐analytical model is adopted to analyze the survey data obtained.FindingsThis study finds that generally, all competitive strategies positively and significantly enhance firm performance through performance measurement. Specifically, firms’ differentiation strategy not only has a direct and significant impact on firm performance but also it has indirect and significant impact on firm performance through financial measures. Cost leadership strategy that firms pursue does not directly affect firm performance. However, it does so indirectly and significantly through financial performance measures.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could consider the use of longitudinal data to ascertain more clearly these causal relationships.Practical implicationsThe paper offers managerial implications that whether a firm chooses to pursue cost leadership or differentiation strategies, a strong emphasis on performance measurement will ensure the positive impact on firm performance in a fierce competitive environment.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the existing theoretical discussion and analyses the research and findings on the mediating role of performance measurement on the relationship between competitive strategy and firm performance.
A flow direction weighting scheme for facility layout in cellular manufacturing
Authors: Davies Alan , John Elwyn , Thomas Andrew 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to re‐examine the solution methodology to the facility grouping problem in group technology originally outlined by Mukhopadhyayet al.The aim of this re‐examination is to attempt to resolve some of the problems associated with the original solution methodology and to provide the system designer with an improved technique for the creation of an efficient initial system design solution. Cellular manufacture by its very nature requires work‐part transfer both within a machine cell and in some instances between machine cells. By utilising a design methodology which seeks to minimise work‐part transfer, these non‐value but cost adding tasks are kept to a minimum, thereby providing a faster throughput time and lower operational costs for companies who use cellular manufacturing systems in their production operations.Design/methodology/approachIn approach, the technique advocated parallels the possible alternative solution method suggested by Johnet al.to resolve the problem of edge ranking ties which exists in the original Mukhopadhyayet al.solution technique. Presented and discussed in this contribution is a revised flow direction weighting scheme (FDWS) which simplifies the solution input data requirements and overcomes a perceived disadvantage in the earlier scheme outlined by Johnet al.The methodology outlined in the paper is subsequently evaluated for its generic nature, applicability and effectiveness via the use of previously published synthetic production data, and the findings compared to the results determined by several alternative approaches to the problem.FindingsThe development and application of the FDWS to cellular manufacturing system design is outlined in the paper and the usefulness of the technique is subsequently examined and compared to the results found for several competing methods. The approach provides for the identification of improved solutions to the test problems examined in both of the earlier contributions by Mukhopadhyayet al., and Johnet al.In addition, the results show that irrespective of the assessment criteria used, the FDWS technique provides solutions that are comparable to or better than the alternative approaches examined.Originality/valueThe proposed FDWS technique further contributes to the existing knowledge base on cellular manufacturing system design. It can provide good initial solution guidance for manufacturing system designers and thereby reduce the time required to achieve an acceptable and cost efficient design for a cellular production system.
A “DIRE” needs orientation to Saudi health services leadership
Authors: Mohammed Al‐Borie Hussein , Tanweer Abdullah Muhammad 
Published: January 2013

PurposeIn recent years, effective leadership initiatives have been emphasized in the healthcare industry all over the world. This paper aims to examine contemporary healthcare development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and prescribe four essential policy dimensions to its leadership, depicting the imperative needs for direction, integration, revision, and evidence – the “DIRE needs” approach.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews literature on the contemporary KSA health system and provides guidelines for policy reformsvis‐à‐visthe emerging challenges.FindingsFirst, the paper offers a conceptual model to examine the ongoing and future health policy development of the KSA. It identifies four key policy dimensions – direction, integration, revision, and evidence and links these to the scope of broader health sector reforms. Second, it characterizes these dimensions as key initiatives for health resource capacity and infrastructural development, essentially the primary health care, which need to be taken up by KSA mainstream health services leadership. Third, it underlines the importance of integrating institutional research and information systems for evidence‐based policy‐making and practicable implementation. Fourth, it offers a social science research perspective to the need for multi‐dimensional health policy reforms in the KSA.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper opens up KSA health leadership initiatives that may be viewed as the DIRE needs, to be mainstreamed in the domains of policy and strategic planning, research and development, and healthcare management practices.Originality/valueSocial research in KSA health policy and planning is rare. This paper introduces a context‐specific multi‐dimensional model that provides critical insights into challenges and complexities that the Saudi health leadership must attend to. It defines a set of four essential benchmarking dimensions for guiding future policy reforms.
Sovereign wealth fund and financial crisis – a shifting paradigm
Authors: Fei Yiwen , Xu Xichi , Ding Rong 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to empirically analyze the influence of the financial crisis on the investment behavior of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs).Design/methodology/approachUsing 615 deals from 20 SWFs, a series of research are designed and conducted to compare the SWFs' governance, external environment, investment strategy and financial markets' feedback around the crisis.FindingsThe paper finds that the recent financial crisis did not only bring SWFs heavy losses and the pressure to improve its image and governance structure, but also a precious opportunity of a better external environment by easing the nerves of the recipient country's government. Their investment strategies will be more positive, diversified and complementary to their own real economy. The event studies illustrate that financial markets turn to be more effective after the crisis. The market reaction to SWF's investment tends to mitigate speculative trading to a larger extent, which is shown by the lower cumulative abnormal return and turnover volatility.Originality/valueThis paper tries to test the change of SWFs' behavior pro‐ and post‐crisis. It reveals that SWFs have changed their effects on SWF's home country, SWF's host country, the financial market and the real economy after the financial crisis, which is helpful for government and institutions to maintain the stability of the national economy and security market.
Changes in Structural Characteristics of Antioxidative Soy Protein Hydrolysates Resulting from Scavenging of Hydroxyl Radicals
Authors: Zhao Jing , Xiong Youling L. , McNear Dave H. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAntioxidant activity of soy protein (SP) and its hydrolyzed peptides has been widely reported. During scavenging of radicals, these antioxidative compounds would be oxidatively modified, but their fate is not understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural characteristics of SP hydrolysates (SPHs), compared to intact SP, when used to neutralize hydroxyl radicals (•OH). SPHs with degree of hydrolysis (DH) 1 to 5 were prepared with Alcalase. Antioxidant activity of SPHs was confirmed by lipid oxidation inhibition measured with thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, ability to scavenge 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) radicals, and ferrous ion chelation capability. Oxidation of SPHs was initiated by reaction with •OH generated from 0.1 mM FeCl3, 20 mM H2O2, and 1.0 mM ascorbate. After oxidative stress, carbonyl content of SPHs increased by 2‐ to 3‐fold and sulfhydryl groups decreased by up to 42% compared to nonoxidized samples (P < 0.05). Methionine, histidine, and lysine residues were significantly reduced as a result of inactivating •OH (P < 0.05). Attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared and circular dichroism spectroscopy suggested the conversion of helical structure to strands and turns. Oxidatively modified SPHs had a lower intrinsic fluorescence intensity but similar solubility when compared to nonoxidized samples. These structural changes due to •OH stress may impact the ingredient interaction and functionality of SPHs in food products.