bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
User‐driven innovation in a construction material supply network
Authors: Wandahl Søren , Jacobsen Alexia , Heidemann Lassen Astrid , Bolvig Poulsen Søren , Sørensen Henrik 
Published: October 2011

PurposeUser‐driven innovation (UDI) has been proven to successfully increase the value of products and services in single companies with direct linkages to the end‐user. The construction material industry often has no direct linkages to the end‐user, due to supply networks through builder merchants. Moreover, a lack of user knowledge is common in such networks, and companies rarely have explicit knowledge on how their products and services are in fact used and valued by their end‐users. Thus, it is clear that UDI is not directly applicable to the construction material industry without further developments. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that a network perspective is essential when adapting and implementing UDI in the construction material industry and to let the advantages of doing so surface.Design/methodology/approachThe research design includes a number of different approaches and types of interaction between the researchers and industry. Additionally, an extensive literature review on UDI is carried out to identify variables necessary for successful adaptation to a network perspective.FindingsThe conclusion of this research validates that a network approach to adapting UDI in the construction material industry is a precondition for a successful innovation journey. In addition, it was concluded that by adapting the network perspective new value‐adding potentials became visible, which could have a huge impact on innovation, effectiveness, efficiency, etc. in the construction material industry.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the body of knowledge on how to implement UDI in a supply network by developing a framework for such an innovation process. The framework has its outset in any given generic new product development model with a logical sequence of steps. However, the framework is further developed into defining the networks activities, the internal activities, and the user‐oriented activities needed.
The role of intrusion detection systems in electronic information security
Authors: Boyfriend Wilton Mlitwa Nhlanhla , Birch Dwain 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of intrusion detection systems as an access control supplement in protecting electronic information resources and networks in information‐centric organisations. The study focuses on the strengths and vulnerabilities of intrusion detection systems (IDSs).Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study is conducted with a retail organisation, and an educational institution in Cape Town, South Africa. Using purposive sampling, interviews are held with network administrators of sample institutions to unpack security priorities and the functionalities of IDSs, the significance of the system in concept, whether it is understood within network departments, the cost factor, and its value in securing networks against all possible security challenges. The activity theory is applied as a lens to understanding the security process, and to inform a future security frameworks and research initiatives.FindingsThe findings are clear. Although IDSs have vulnerabilities, they offer an added cushion to conventional network access control efforts. Access control for example, guards the gate but IDSs are the watchdogs in your yard, and IDS closes a gap in a network security that only IDSs can. It alerts you of a potential attacker, enabling you to respond promptly, in whichever way you like. It does however, require deliberate reaction against a detected intrusion to be effective, but remains a useful security tool that should become standard to all network security initiatives. A framework presenting network security as a work activity – with actors who are guided by goals – is offered to guide planning, implementations of network security and further research in future.Originality/valueSecurity awareness is crucial to effective e‐citizenry, but complacency could be a threat. As a unique contribution, the paper presents an activity‐theory work‐activity framework of analysing network security. Further, the paper presents original, industry‐specific interview findings, raising awareness that existing security measures need to be viewed as a continuous work‐activity whose planning and implementations are embedded on goals and processes towards pursued outcomes. Access controls themselves should be monitored. They should be supplemented by effective intrusion detection systems if unauthorised access is to be effectively minimised.
Development of a cyclone with internal electric field
Authors: Mamphweli Ntshengedzeni S. , Meyer Edson L. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a cyclone with an internal electric field to capture dust and fine carbon particles with less than 5 μm diameter.Design/methodology/approachThe cyclone collection efficiency model described by Cooper and Alley was used to design a conventional cyclone, which was later modified by introduction of the solenoid around it to introduce an electric field. The cyclone design performance was later established using ferrosilicon powder with less than 5 μm diameter.FindingsThe cyclone was found to have a particle collection efficiency of around 25 per cent for ferrosilicon powder before the introduction of the solenoid; the introduction of the solenoid increased the particle collection efficiency to around 50 per cent and the charging of the solenoid further increased the collection efficiency to 85 per cent at 2 kV DC and 97 per cent at 3 kV DC. When the cyclone was placed back on the gasifier system and supplied with 2 kV DC, it collected up to 270 g of fine carbon particles within 150 min of operation.Research limitations/implicationsThe major drawback was that the highest particle collection efficiency for the cyclone could only be achieved at very high voltage (3 kV) but this could not be supplied when the cyclone was back in the gasifier system due to air ionization that results in the corona effect.Practical implicationsThe collection of very fine particles (less than 5 μm diameter) in hot gas streams is always a challenge, particularly in biomass gasifier systems. This resulted in a high cost of gas purification or initial investments in downstream processes. The developed cyclone could cut down this expenditure since most of the particles will not go beyond the cyclone.Originality/valueElectrostatics has been applied in the development of gas cleaning devices, however most of these devices tend to be too cumbersome. The developed cyclone is based on the conventional design, which is less complicated and cheap to manufacture.
A kaleidoscopic view of psychology in design for maintainability of mechanical systems
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Khan I.A. , Gandhi O.P. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the literature on design for maintainability with emphasis on psychology and cognitive sciences and suggest possible gaps from the point of view of researchers and practitioners.Design/methodology/approachThe paper systematically reviews the published literature and then analyzes it methodically.FindingsThe paper discusses a new shift in engineering design, in general, and design for maintainability (DFM) of mechanical systems, in particular.Practical implicationsLiterature on DFM of mechanical systems with psychological factors has so far been very limited. This paper reviews a number of papers from the field of mechanical engineering and other related branches of engineering, along with important papers from the field of psychology and cognitive sciences. Subsequently, various merging trends in the field of DFM are identified to help researchers specifying gaps in the literature and direct the research efforts suitably.Originality/valueThe paper contains a comprehensive listing of publications in the field of maintainability from the psychology point of view. The paper will be useful to researchers, designers, maintenance professionals and others concerned with maintainability of a system. This paper is equally useful for the researchers and design professionals from the domain of engineering design irrespective of their field of application.
Pursuing pleasure: consumer value in leisure travel
Authors: Webster Cynthia M. , Rennie Vanessa A. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeSome consumption activities are inherently interesting, pleasurable, gratifying and potentially important to consumers' lives. The primary aim of this paper is to further understanding of the role pleasurable consumption plays in consumers' lives.Design/methodology/approachTo explore consumer value in pleasurable consumption experiences, the consumer value typology in conjunction with the subjective personal introspection (SPI) approach, is applied to experiences captured in travel photographs.FindingsAnalysis identifies all eight consumer value types with play, aesthetics and, surprisingly, spirituality the most evident. Pleasure is shown as much more than immediate, self‐gratification. Issues of competency, both active effort and appreciation of others' abilities, individual growth and development as well as sharing and feelings of relatedness are all important components of pleasure.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of consumer value as a conceptual framework in combination with a reflective tool such as SPI suggests not only alternative approaches for future research into pleasurable consumption, but also indicates some innovative strategies to put into practice.Practical implicationsCommunicating the different value types prior to consumption and incorporating active reflection, possibly could assist in improving consumers' enjoyment of their experiences which, in turn, could reduce post‐purchase dissonance. Besides being used as a promotional tool to increase customer satisfaction, the consumer value framework could facilitate product bundling and possibly expand product benefits.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates the multidimensional nature of pleasure through two research methods infrequently used, SPI and the photo essay, positioning both as valuable tools for exploring and enhancing pleasurable consumption.
Social housing: new demand, new tools
Authors: Ingaramo Luisa , Sabatino Stefania 
Published: October 2011

PurposeIn light of growing concerns on the scale of the housing affordability problem in Italy, and of the government's response in the form of a new Housing Plan, the purpose of this paper is to ask whether such new policy is a coherent and adequate strategy to address the alleged housing problems. In order to answer this core question, the paper first discusses whether Italy is indeed facing an affordability problem; it then analyses the evolving housing policy and the emerging solutions for its implementation to identify its core innovative features.Design/methodology/approachThis paper highlights the emerging role of social housing in Italy by presenting secondary evidence of the performance of real estate markets and of the demand for rented housing for 12 Italian metropolitan areas. The paper focuses on renters in an intermediate income bracket, which represents a core emerging social housing target group. Relying on existing evidence and international literature, the paper then discusses the implications of the new legislative framework for the delivery of social housing in Italy, with a focus on discussing the system of local real estate ethical funds, setting it against the evolving European context.FindingsThe recently introduced changes to the delivery and funding model in the Italian social housing system offer an opportunity to overcome the traditional Italian approach to social housing. First, the new model serves a new target group to avoid it drifting into relative poverty, and second it allows new subjects, and primarily banking foundations, to actively pursue an ethical return on their investment in new housing. The complexity of the local real estate ethical funds, however, constitutes a source of risk in the new delivery model, and the short time for which existing funds have been operational only leaves room for some preliminary considerations. Nonetheless, the analysis conducted in this paper indicates the core areas that will need to be monitored in the medium to long term to ensure a meaningful understanding of the implications of the Plan.Research limitations/implicationsA conclusive assessment of the Housing Plan and its impacts on the Italian economy requires a longer timeframe.Originality/valueThe paper offers an insight in the Italian rented housing market, with a focus on large metropolitan areas. It presents a review of evidence of housing affordability problems facing midium‐ to low‐income groups, and therefore adds to growing body of social housing international literature. It also provides a review of the emerging system of local real estate ethical funds, and therefore useful reference for national and international social housing and real estate funds practitioners and researchers.
The impact of a pedestrianisation scheme on retail rent: an empirical test in Hong Kong
Authors: Yim Yiu Chung 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study empirically the effect of a pedestrianisation scheme on retail rent, in a case study in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachMost of the previous studies on the impacts of pedestrianised areas on the environment were qualitative ones, and without controls. This study, in contrast, uses panel market data in Hong Kong to estimate the effect in a two‐street‐two‐period controlled model.FindingsThe results show a net 17 per cent increase in rental value of retail shops in the pedestrianised area is achieved, ceteris paribus.Research limitations/implicationsSample size and number of case study are not large enough to make robust conclusions; some other uncontrollable variables may well be attributed to the increase in rents.Practical implicationsRetail rent is found empirically to be dependent of the external environment.Social implicationsShoppers' preference for pedestrianisation schemes can be indirectly quantified by the change of retail rent.Originality/valueThis paper presents the first two‐street‐two‐period panel empirical test on the effect of pedestrianisation scheme on retail rent.
Exporting leadership talent: challenges and opportunities in MNC subsidiaries in India
Authors: Balaji G. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to advocate an approach to leadership development to support the increasing trend of India‐based executives of multinational companies' (MNC) subsidiaries taking on global roles.Design/methodology/approachThe paper defines distinctive competencies and recommends the alignment of individual development to the organization's evolution.FindingsThis approach enables leadership development efforts in MNC subsidiaries to focus on building a pipeline of leadership talent for the global organization.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that cultural intelligence, result orientation and thought leadership – the distinctive competencies required for a global career – can be built effectively on job opportunities that India‐based MNC subsidiaries provide.
Images of rural destinations hosting small‐scale sport events
Authors: Hallmann Kirstin , Breuer Christoph 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse quantitative and qualitative image aspects of destinations hosting a small‐scale sport event, as perceived by spectators and participants.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted at different sport events hosted by destinations in a rural setting. The data are analysed using confirmatory factor analyses and correspondence analyses.FindingsThe results suggest several differences between the image perception of participants and spectators. These can be attributed to different levels of involvement, which is very high for participants. The perception of the qualitative image aspects showed that unique features were associated with the destination, such as sport themes or organizational aspects of the sport event visited. Further, it is shown that the quantitatively measured indicators of affective destination image have a great influence on the image of rural sport event tourism destinations.Research limitations/implicationsA research limitation could arise due to the sample, as almost all sport tourists were German. A more international sample might have shown different results. Future research should analyse samples of different sports, concluding whether the sport performed also influences behaviour.Practical implicationsFor marketing communications it is essential to utilise emotions to promote the destination, as they are a very essential element of destinations hosting sport events.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the understanding of images held by spectators and participants of small‐scale sport events hosted in rural destinations. The value is the large sample, consisting of various rural destinations, which allows for general patterns of the perceived image to be drawn.
The importance of supervisor support for a change initiative
Authors: Elias Steven M. , Mittal Rakesh 
Published: October 2011

PurposeAlthough organizations change on a regular basis, much of what we know about the impacts of organizational change can best be described as macro‐level information. Only recently have scholars begun to examine the impact of organizational change at the level of the individual employee (i.e. micro level). The purpose of this paper is to assess the importance of a supervisor's support for a change initiative in relation to employee job satisfaction and job involvement.Design/methodology/approachThis research made use of archival data. Police officers (n=88) were randomly selected from across the USA to complete phone interviews meant to assess, in part, supervisor support for a change from traditional policing to community policing, job satisfaction, and job involvement.FindingsWhile supervisor support for the change initiative was found to be related to job satisfaction and job involvement, job satisfaction mediated the supervisor support‐job involvement relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation of this study is its small sample, which precluded the use of more advanced statistical techniques (i.e. structural equation modeling). The major implication is that both employees and the organization stand to benefit during a change initiative if the supervisor demonstrates his or her support for the initiative.Originality/valueThis research is of value given the prevalence of organizational change and the need for more research examining the impact of change on micro‐level issues.
Informal finance, trade credit and private firm performance
Authors: Su Jun , Sun Yuefan 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the effect of informal finance and trade credit on the performance of private firms.Design/methodology/approachBased on a survey to private firms in 19 cities, the paper empirically tests the promoting effects of informal finance and trade credit on the performance of private firms in China.FindingsIt was found that informal finance and trade credit have positive effects on private firms' performance measured by ROA. The net income reinvestment rate of private firms is positively related to whether or not the firm adopts informal financing or trade credit financing. A private firm having limited access to formal finance is more inclined to rely on self‐funds and is more limited by financing choices. Informal financing and trade credit can relieve the tension of cash flow chain but cannot solve the financing constraints. The empirical results also show that bank credit is still not the main financing choice for private firms and has not yet played a promoting role in private firms' performance and growth. Informal finance is more important to promote performance in manufacturing industry, while trade credit is more effective in wholesale and trading industry. The results show the coexistence viability of informal financing channels and formal financial institutions in China.Practical implicationsThe policy implication is the Chinese Government should take careful steps to regulate informal financing sources.Originality/valueAfter some theoretical literature, such as Lin and Sun, this paper explores for the first time the effect of informal financing channels on the performance of private firms.
Demand uncertainty, information processing ability, and endogenous firm
Authors: Li Yanfei , Yao Shuntian , Chia Wai‐Mun 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how information and communication technology (ICT) impacts firm performance, by changing the information processing ability of a firm.Design/methodology/approachIt takes the firm as information processing unit to coordinate production in an industry with two‐stage production and demand uncertainty. ICT is assumed to improve the information processing ability. It models that, conditional on the structure of markets described by level of uncertainty, a firm with information processing ability comes into being endogenously from market‐coordinated production, with profit generated.FindingsIt is argued that the profit of the firm depends on both the structure of markets, and the firm's information processing ability. The improving information processing ability increases firm profitability as long as market‐coordinated production persists elsewhere. However, when the improving information processing ability enables enough firms to compete with no market‐coordinated production left, it decreases profitability of all firms. Finally, case studies on the wholesale and retail industry and the finance and insurance industry of ten OECD countries presents consistent evidence that ICT does not necessarily bring better performance.Originality/valueThis paper is an innovation based on several streams of literature to model a firm with the consideration of specialization, demand uncertainty, and information processing ability. It thus provides a different perspective on how ICT contributes to firm performance. It theoretically and empirically shows that such contributions are conditional on market structure of a certain industry.