bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Illumination invariant seam line detection in real garments
Authors: Mariolis Ioannis G. , Dermatas Evangelos S. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a robust method for automatic detection of seam lines based only on digital images of the garments.Design/methodology/approachA local standard deviation pre‐processing filter is applied to enhance the contrast between the seam line and the texture and the Prewitt operator extracts the edges of the enhanced image. The seam line is detected by a maximum at the Radon transform. The proposed method is invariant to the illumination intensity and it has been also tested with moving average and fast Fourier transform low‐pass filters used in the pre‐processing module. Extensive experiments are carried out in the presence of additive Gaussian and uniform noise.FindingsThe proposed method detects 109 out of 118 seams when the local standard deviation is used at the pre‐processing stage, giving a mean distance error between the real and the estimated line of 2 mm when the image is digitised at 97 dpi. However, in case the images are distorted by additive Gaussian noise at 20 dB signal‐to‐noise ratio, the moving average low‐pass filtering method gives the best results, detecting 104 noisy images.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed method detects seam lines that can be approximated by a continuation of straight lines. The current work can be extended in the detection of the curved parts of seam lines.Practical implicationsSince the method addresses garments instead of seam specimens, the proposed approach can be imported in automatic systems for online quality control of seams.Originality/valueLocal standard deviation belongs to first‐order statistics, which makes it suitable for texture analysis and that is why it is mostly used in web defect detection. The novelty in the approach, however, is that by considering the seam as an abnormality of the texture, the authors applied that method at the pre‐processing stage to enhance the seam before the detection. Moreover, the presented method is illumination invariant, a property that has not been addressed in similar methods.
Internal branding to influence employees' brand promise delivery: a case study in Thailand
Authors: Punjaisri Khanyapuss , Wilson Alan , Evanschitzky Heiner 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the internal branding process from the perspective of service providers in Thailand. It will reveal the key internal branding mechanisms and empirically assess the relationship between internal branding and employees' brand attitudes and performance.Design/methodology/approachA case study representing the Thai hotel industry is adopted with mixed methodologies. In‐depth interviews are first carried out with 30 customer‐interface employees in six major hotels in Thailand. On a census basis, a quantitative survey with 699 respondents from five major hotels in Thailand follows.FindingsInternal branding coordinating marketing with human resource management has a statistically significant impact on attitudinal and behavioural aspects of employees in their delivery of the brand promise. As employees' brand commitment do not have a statistically significant relationship with employees' brand performance, it is not regarded as a mediator in the link between internal branding and employees' brand performance.Practical implicationsA number of significant managerial implications are drawn from this study, for example using both internal communication and training to influence employees' brand‐supporting attitudes and behaviours. Still, it should be noted that the effect of internal branding on employee behaviours could be dependent on the extent to which it influences their brand attitudes.Originality/valueThe paper provides valuable insights, from the key internal audience's perspectives, into an internal branding process. It has empirically shown the relationship between internal branding and the behavioural outcome as well as the partial meditating effects of employees' brand identification, commitment and loyalty.
Extending the career of the English primary school headteacher: a second headship
Authors: Fidler Brian , Jones Jeff , Makori Andrew 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to report findings from a national study of primary headteachers in their second headship in England. This investigated their reasons for moving schools, their choice of second school and a comparison of their experiences as heads of the two schools.Design/methodology/approachThe research design involved a national representative survey of primary school headteachers who were in a headship beyond their first. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 86 primary headteachers: a 74 per cent response rate. Follow‐up telephone interviews with 20 of them obtained more detailed responses on the research questions.FindingsThe reasons that heads gave for taking a second headship fell into three groups – personal, school and external. The over‐riding reasons were to provide a fresh challenge and prevent feelings of stagnation. Movement between schools was complex and the clearest overall trend was a move to larger schools. Heads generally considered themselves more effective in their second school than their first and there were many accounts of the re‐energising effect of taking on a new post.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that second headship should be considered as a valuable means of contributing to the continuing development of headteachers. Headteachers should consider a second headship as a possible extension to their headship career. They may need to plan their career before and during their first headship in order to obtain their desired second headship.Originality/valueThis is the first large‐scale study of headteachers in a second headship. The numbers of headteachers choosing to move to a second headship and their positive experiences suggest that further stages should be added to the current conceptualisations of the career of the headteacher.
Organizational citizenship behaviors in American and Portuguese public schools
Authors: DiPaola Michael F. , Mendes da Costa Neves Paula Maria 
Published: October 2009

PurposeOrganizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) have been studied in both private and public sector organizations in countries around the globe. The purpose of this study is to compare the perceptions of the OCB construct between American and Portuguese public secondary school teachers and test an operational measure of the construct for schools across the two cultures.Design/methodology/approachTeachers' perceptions of the OCB in their schools were measured using the Organizational Citizenship Behavior Scale. This operational measure, developed in the USA, was translated for use with Portuguese teachers. Data from samples of US and Portuguese secondary schools were compared. Principal axis factor analyses, reliability coefficients, and other descriptive data were used to verify the factor structures, number of factors, and reliability of the measure across these two cultures.FindingsBoth versions of the OCB Scale (American and Portuguese) were reliable and stable; they worked well for both high schools and middle schools in Portugal and in the USA. One factor of organizational citizenship emerged. The operational measure used to measure OCB in public schools in this study is reliable and stable, despite cultural differences.Practical implicationsOCB are important because they influence organizational effectiveness. Despite cultural variations, and dramatic historical differences in their public education systems, this operational measure of OCB was effective. It provides researchers and practitioners a reliable and valid measure to assess the OCB of school organizations.Originality/valueThis was the first attempt to determine the integrity of an operational measure of OCB across cultures. The construct has been studied in schools in different countries using different operational measures, which blurred the definition of the construct and made it difficult to study and compare to other variables of effectiveness.
Catholic school administrators and the inclusion of non‐Catholic students
Authors: Kent Donlevy J. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the understandings and administrative actions of six Catholic high school principals in relation to their administrative expectations of the admission of non‐Catholic students.Design/methodology/approachThis paper involves interviews with six Catholic school principals from one Catholic school division in a Western Canadian province. The methodology chosen for this paper is grounded theory. Specific analytical processes are employed: open‐, axial‐, and selective‐codings.FindingsThe findings present four major themes with respect to the inclusion of non‐Catholic students in their schools: the school administrators' expectations; the significance of the preliminary interview; the ongoing relationship of the non‐Catholic student to the Catholic school; and points of confrontation with the Catholic school administration.Practical implicationsThe paper provides some guidance with respect to the application and entrance procedures which non‐Catholic students should undergo before admission. It also points to the importance of providing information about the school's spiritual mission to non‐Catholic parents before their child is admitted to the school community.Originality/valueThe paper's originality lies in the findings offered in an area of education, which is not yet well researched.
Cyberbullying: causes, effects, and remedies
Authors: Hoff Dianne L. , Mitchell Sidney N. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present research exploring the pervasiveness and causes of cyberbullying, the psychological impact on students, and the responses to cyberbullying from students and administrators. The goal is to give school leaders a greater understanding of this phenomenon and suggest steps to deal with this challenging issue.Design/methodology/approachThe data are collected from 351 students using a survey, which contains limited choice, scaled response, and open‐ended questions. This qualitative/quantitative design enables collection of data from a large population along with rich qualitative data that expand and explain students' experiences.FindingsThe paper reveals that cyberbullying emerges most commonly from relationship problems (break‐ups, envy, intolerance, and ganging up); victims experience powerfully negative effects (especially on their social well‐being); and the reactive behavior from schools and students is generally inappropriate, absent, or ineffective.Research limitations/implicationsThis is self‐reported data collected from a group of students in one institution, who are asked to recall instances from their pre‐college experience. Additional research on from a variety of age groups and cross‐culturally would add another layer of understanding about cyberbullying among teens.Practical implicationsTechnological advances have created new challenges for schools in keeping students safe. This paper has implications for educational policy and practice, including steps school leaders can take to curtail cyberbullying.Originality/valueThis paper builds on a small body of research on cyberbullying and focuses on underlying causes, categories of psychological effects, and specific remedies.
Sustained successful school leadership in Denmark
Authors: Moos Lejf , Kasper Kofod Klaus 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to revisit three successful schools to see how the principals and the schools had sustained success over a period of five years.Design/methodology/approachA case study research design was used building on the 2005 design. This time the principals were interviewed.FindingsThe study is a case study over five years. In the first round of visits to schools four‐to‐five years ago in the ISSPP context, it was found that the modernization of Danish society was beginning to show new forms in the every day life and discourses of schools. It could be seen that the links between the state, local authorities and schools were changing. Some were being loosened and some were beginning to be tightened. Returning to three schools in 2008, it was found that the tightening of links had accelerated, so the new governance of schools through accountability, contracts and networks was at this stage implemented with a number of effects in schools and in school leadership. While rather big differences were seen between the schools at the first visit with respect to relations and leading, the differences seem to have diminished over the past four‐to‐fast years. Principals then considered it a major responsibility to act proactively in “setting and negotiating” the direction of the school. Now they are more inclined to name those activities as “translations” of external expectations to staff in a more reactive way because the expectations have been made more explicit and detailed. The political trend towards narrowing the focus of schooling seems to be successful in terms of test results. All three schools perform better now than previously in the national tests.Practical implicationsThe challenge to the principals and teachers is to sustain this development and at the same time take care of the comprehensive vision of “Democratic Bildung”. And the challenge to principals is to find ways of communicating with teachers and influencing teachers that are legitimate and effective.Originality/valueThe paper adds knowledge to the literature on sustaining school success and to the literature on relations between external policies and internal practices.
Building and sustaining successful principalship in England: the importance of trust
Authors: Day Christopher 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give an account of the ways in which one experienced secondary principal of an English secondary school developed and sustained a successful school over a 13‐year period in changing policy contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws from data collected during two three‐day‐visits separated by a six‐year period and is part of a multi‐site international research project. The researcher used a multi‐perspective qualitative design in which a range of staff, parents, students and board members were interviewed, according to a common protocol. The school was selected originally because it was judged by an independent external inspection team whose judgements were based on a number of key indicators, including national test scores. The qualitative data were cross‐referenced with a range of available documentation.FindingsThe data show that this principal exercised trust in such a way that it was broadened, deepened and embedded over time. The data suggest that educational ideals, commitment and trust were important features of his continuing success as leader and the sustained development of the school.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates that it is every principal's responsibility to create and sustain the conditions in which trust may be established and strengthened.
Testing a MIMIC model of e‐shopping site usage
Authors: Lim Kee‐Sook , Heinrichs John H. , Lim Jeen‐Su 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a multiple‐indicator‐multiple‐cause (MIMIC) model that assesses the relative influence of various e‐shopping web site design attributes on e‐shopping web site usage intention.Design/methodology/approachData from a survey of 261 students are used to test the research model. Factor analysis is performed to ascertain distinct constructs. LISREL analysis of the survey data is then used to test the proposed MIMIC model.FindingsThe results showed the effect of the dimensions of content quality (CQ), transaction quality (TQ), playfulness, and security on e‐shopping web site usage. Security is identified as the most important factor in e‐shopping web site success.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical contribution is the systematic evaluation of the relative influence of the four web site design factors on web site usage intention. The degree of influence of specific factors that can motivate continuous use is identified.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a guide for designers to make their web site relevant for organizations who desire a quality presence on the web. Additionally, the relative influence of the factors can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of web sites providing guidance for modifications and improvements.Originality/valueThis paper suggests that e‐shopping web sites should not include extensive entertaining components at the expense of responsiveness and useful contents. The information provided has to be informative, accurate, current, and relevant. The functionality must facilitate the completion of e‐purchases and ensure security.
How to solve product‐harm crises in retailing?
Authors: Standop Dirk , Grunwald Guido 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the current empirical research examining communication, compensation and logistics as elements of product crises management in retailing.Design/methodology/approachThe advantages and disadvantages of these three elements of crises response strategies are juxtaposed drawing on relevant empirical research. For each element of crises response the major findings of research are summarized and shown how it relates to crisis management. Needs for further research that would be necessary to solidify recommendations to retail managers are derived.FindingsThe investigation finds that both communicative and compensatory response elements as well as the retailer's logistics can positively influence evaluations of customers directly and indirectly affected by product problems thus enhancing brand equity. This in turn will serve to increase consumers' trust in the retailer that could win him new customers and generally benefit his reputation.Research limitations/implicationsMost of the discussed research rests on the assumption of a given (extraneous) crisis response strategy of the manufacturer. Potential problems concerning the co‐ordination or implementation of manufacturer and retailer strategies remain open to question. Additionally, further research should examine which strategies are appropriate to which crisis situation.Practical implicationsMaterially, over‐compensating customers often has a detrimental effect on solving the crisis. The impact of different compensation types on crisis resolution mostly depends on their respective signalling capabilities, the product problem constituting the crisis and consumer attributions. The use and the effects of a communicative crisis response largely depend on moderating factors such as the retailer's reputation or the existence of strong retail brands and consumer expectations. Elements of logistics seem to support the effects of communication and compensation on crisis resolution but are hardly capable of solving a product‐harm crisis.Originality/valueThe role of retailers in product‐harm crisis management has been widely neglected in research although such crises are predominant. This paper outlines the current empirical work on how different crises response elements may contribute to solving a product‐harm crisis for retailers. It derives relevant avenues for further research as well as useful insights to practitioners considering to using such response elements in their own crisis management strategy.
Global sourcing: recent trends and issues
Authors: Oshri Ilan , Kotlarsky Julia , Rottman Joseph W. , Willcocks Leslie L. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review recent trends and issues in global IT sourcing and to introduce papers in the special issue: “Social, managerial and knowledge aspects in global IT sourcing”.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines trends by regions including Brazil, Russia, India and China and also trends in Captive Centres and their strategies.FindingsThere will be a continuing rise in outsourcing revenues for global outsourcing, with BPO overtaking ITO within five years. Multi‐sourcing will continue to be the dominant trend. India will continue to dominate but its role will change. China heralds promise but will still struggle to achieve scale in Western European and North American markets. Emerging country competition will intensify. Software as a service will be a “slow burner” but will gain momentum in the second half of the next decade. Near‐shoring will be a strong trend. Outsourcing, by offering a potential alternative, will help discipline in‐house capabilities and service. Knowledge process outsourcing will increase as the BRIC and emerging countries move up the value chain. Captive activity – both buying and selling – will increase (see below). Outsourcing successes and disappointments will continue as both clients and suppliers struggle to deal with a highly dynamic set of possibilitiesOriginality/valueThe paper is of value to both academics and practitioners working in the field of IT sourcing. The study of captive centres is in its early stages and the paper introduces further work in this area.
The role of cultural intelligence for the emergence of negotiated culture in IT offshore outsourcing projects
Authors: Gregory Robert , Prifling Michael , Beck Roman 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze how individual project members in IT offshore outsourcing projects cope with culture‐specific behavior, and how the project members' cultural intelligence enables the emergence of negotiated culture.Design/methodology/approachThe employed research approach is an interpretive, in‐depth single‐case study based on 31 qualitative interviews. The cultural intelligence framework serves as a “sensitizing device” to develop a model of cross‐cultural interaction in IT offshore outsourcing projects.FindingsThe paper presents a model explaining cross‐cultural interaction at the individual level in IT offshore outsourcing. The analysis shows that effective cross‐cultural interaction manifests itself in active cross‐cultural adaptation behavior, which is driven by motivational and cognitive factors. Cultural intelligence, including cognitive, motivational, and behavioral elements, is found to be an important driver for the development of a negotiated culture, characterized by trust‐based interpersonal relationships, shared understanding, and the effective resolution of conflicts in IT offshore outsourcing projects.Practical implicationsThis study helps to understand how the emergence of a negotiated culture depends upon the cultural intelligence of individual project members. Practitioners need to focus on the accumulation of cultural intelligence in their project teams.Originality/valueThis study makes a theoretical contribution to the IT offshore outsourcing domain by presenting a model of individual‐level cross‐cultural interaction in this context. Furthermore, it represents one of the first qualitative case studies on cultural intelligence in IS.