bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ISO 9000 maintenance in service organisations: tales from two companies
Authors: Ab Wahid Roslina , Corner James , Tan Peck‐Leong 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate and to highlight the way the quality system is being managed and the outcomes in terms of changes and improvements obtained by the two companies as a result of its maintenance approach. By studying how ISO 9000 is being maintained in the service organisations, it provides useful insights into the unique ways quality systems are managed and the aspects that are important to successful and effective maintenance of ISO 9000 quality system.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach as described by Eisenhardt and Yin, is used for this study. A total of 30 face‐to‐face interviews were conducted over a period of 13 weeks with top management, middle management, lower management in charge of operations and quality, and the management representative responsible for the implementation of ISO 9000 in the organisation. To support the findings of the interviews, 300 questionnaires were distributed to employees of both companies. ISO 9000 and quality documents were also reviewed as part of the data gathering process for the study.FindingsBased on the interview results, there are similarities and differences in how the two case companies maintain their ISO 9000 in terms of how they view and manage the aspects that are closely associated with ISO 9000 maintenance. It was found that the company with higher top management commitment and better internal communication has better‐motivated employees. Regardless of the length of time being certified to ISO 9000, the firm which incorporates a higher level of human resource aspects such as reward, recognition and empowerment into its quality system experiences higher employee enthusiasm and commitment to the maintenance of the quality system which resulted in better employee participation and involvement compared to the one that did not.Originality/valueThis paper makes a contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of quality management systems during the maintenance phase where such work is still limited, especially in the service sector.
Managerial practices of quality costing: an evidence‐based framework
Authors: Luther Robert , Issa Sartawi Iaad 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to use empirical data to classify and contextualize the various practices of quality costing.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses 23 “best practices” of quality costing extracted from the literature to survey quality managers of 88 publicly listed Jordanian manufacturing firms. Exploratory factor analysis is then used to create an empirical taxonomic framework.FindingsFactor analysis of the data identifies a six‐factor structure of the practices of quality costing (PQC). Inspection of the component items shows the factors to be conceptually meaningful with none of them containing conflicting items. All factors are reliable and valid and have statistically sound structures.Research limitations/implicationsThe classification provided can help managers to better visualize, understand and implement the concept of quality costing. It provides a framework within which practices can be structured and evaluated; managers can identify areas in their firms that are missing and may warrant improvement. The findings should be treated cautiously: the operational definition of PQC derives from an inconsistent literature. Furthermore, the findings are based on self reported data, collected through a questionnaire in Jordan and there is potential source bias or general method variance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the body of knowledge through operationalizing the overall concept of quality costing by means of the PQC scale. The six factors identified represent latent constructs within PQC and the component items operationalize such constructs. Furthermore, the procedure provides an illustration of pragmatic application of exploratory factor analysis to empirical managerial data, which can be used in other contexts.
Effects of process parameters on mechanical properties of coated fabrics
Authors: Bulut Yasemin , Sülar Vildan 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of coating process parameters (base fabric, coating material, coating technique and production parameters) on mechanical properties of coated fabrics.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, 24 coated fabrics were produced under controlled production conditions by using two cotton base fabrics and two coating materials as polyurethane (PU), PU/silicone in order to study how coating affects some of the base fabric's mechanical properties such as breaking strength, breaking elongation, tear strength, bursting strength, bending rigidity and abrasion resistance. The measured data were evaluated with variance analysis to determine the effects of the coating parameters at 95 per cent confidence level.FindingsBreaking strength shows increments for almost all fabrics, whereas breaking elongation values decreased by coating application. Coating has a very clear influence on tear strength of coated fabrics due to the penetration of coating material into the fabric structure. Changes in bursting strength are not similar for two base fabrics with systematically changed production parameters. Coating improves all measured parameters of bending rigidity. Coating application enhances abrasion resistance though some broken fibers are observed on the fabric surface in scanning electron microscopy investigation.Originality/valueIn the past few years, the researches on this area focused on investigating the effects of coating materials and layers on tensile properties. This study comprehensively examines the effects of several coating parameters on mechanical properties such as breaking strength, breaking elongation, tear strength, bursting strength, bending rigidity and abrasion resistance.
Disposable hydrophilic antimicrobial laminated nonwoven bed sheet
Authors: Onan Murat , Ozcan Gulay , Unal Hakan 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a unique disposable bed sheet design which reduces infection risk and other related problems from patient to patient and others during staying period at hospitals.Design/methodology/approachThe unique disposable bed sheet consists of three layers which are laminated to each other by hot‐melt technique. Upper and lower layers are different weights of 100 per cent polypropylene produced by spunbond technology. Plasma technology has been used to make the surface of the spunbond polypropylene sheets hydrophilic. Additionally, thermal bond 100 per cent polypropylene sheets, which have hydrophilic surfaces already due to chemical finish have been also used as upper layer. As core layer, different weights of 100 per cent viscose sheets, which have high liquid‐absorption capacity have been used. All three layers have been laminated by hot‐melt technique using etylene vinyl acetate interlayers between them. Antimicrobial effect has been achieved by the impregnation of silver and antibiotic‐based chemicals onto the hydrophilic surface of upper layers. Quality control and performance tests of all these works have been performed according to ISO and BS norms.FindingsIt is possible to have very good liquid suction capacity together with superb comfort properties, thanks to its viscose intermediate sheet and excellent wetback values. Moreover, it is initially cheap, hygienic and has enough strength against breaking and tearing.Research limitations/implicationsCheaper antimicrobial agents and different application amounts should be checked. Also, durability of the hydrophilicity given by plasma treatment has to be checked. Additionally, dermatological tests should be applied.Practical implicationsIt is expected that the infection risk at hospitals will be reduced. Moreover, hospitals will be able to use hygienic bed sheets, which would be preferable to the hospital management. Additionally, this unique design can be used for patients at home or for injured animals in veterinary clinics.Social implicationsAdditional staying period due to hospital infections and infections from patient to patient/hospital personnel/visitors/other people will be reduced. Moreover, it is expected that life quality will be raised and dead ratio will be decreased. Beside this, manpower loss and increasing costs due to hospital infections will be prevented.Originality/valueDesign is new and unique. It has practical and social implications.
Textile materials with a pH‐sensitive function
Authors: Van der Schueren Lien , De Clerck Karen 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop textile materials with a pH‐sensitive function.Design/methodology/approachAs a start point, the feasibility of incorporating pH‐indicators in conventional textiles using standard dyeing processes was investigated. Next, a pH‐indicator was incorporated into a nylon nanofibrous structure by adding the dye to the polymer solution before the start of the electro‐spinning process.FindingsThe authors' results proved that it is possible to develop a pH‐sensor using conventional textiles dyed by a standard dyeing process. Also, the incorporation of a pH‐indicator dye into a nanofibrous structure was possible. Moreover, reproducible samples could be obtained. Furthermore, the majority of the obtained textile structures showed a clear colour change with a change in acidity. This halochromic behaviour was, however, different from the behaviour of the dyes in solution due to dye‐fibre interactions.Originality/valueThe knowledge obtained in this study can lead to the development of a textile pH‐sensor. This sensor can be used in a broad field of applications since a colour change is a non‐disturbing but clear signal which can perform a first warning function.
Reducing risk in foreign market entry strategies: standardization versus modification
Authors: Omar Maktoba , Porter Marc 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the influence of six key contextual determinants upon the degree of standardization for firms who enter a new market directly. In the context of international business market entry, much research emphasis has been placed upon the issues of standardization versus modification. Generally, however, this research focuses on promotion and advertising.Design/methodology/approachThis paper investigates the research variables that influence standardization/modification decisions in a framework comprising “firm or company context” and “host country context”. The research, undertaken with a sample of 700 UK‐based for‐profit organizations, adapts and further develops Hofstede's study.FindingsIt identifies that the elements of competition and political risk are negatively significant in relation to the degree of standardization. In addition, economic development and international experience are positively significant in relation to the degree of standardization. Firm size and culture differences have no impact upon the degree of standardization.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is only conducted among British companies operating cross border.Originality/valueThis paper's originality is in providing specific types of elements as risk reducers in a firm's market entry strategy.
The global burger war: Russians are looking for the best fast food option
Authors: Ostapenko Nikolai V. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the fast food market and customer attitudes in Russia, and outline successful and questionable strategies of the Western fast food companies in their attempt to penetrate the Russian market.Design/methodology/approachThe objective has been achieved by reviewing the first Russian entry of the Belgian‐French fast food chain “Quick” by applying qualitative research method that included observational research, surveying, and interviewing customers and employees of the company both in Paris and Moscow. The topic has been approached by comparing “Quick's” strategies with the other mainly US‐based fast food chains that operate currently in Russia. The subject scope of the paper covers fast food sector development and trends under the early recession conditions of entry.FindingsIt was found that luxury or more upscale (“healthy”) positioning strategy of the new entrant “Quick” into the fast food market in Russia is not working. The company also exhibited a poor location strategy and possibly entered into an inefficient strategic alliance with the Russian partner Tashir group. Some meaningful adjustments are also required for the supply chain structure of “Quick” chain in Russia.Originality/valueThe paper is analyzing the experiences of the new entrant in Russia. It contains new ideas for the fast food sector in the country, and Russian‐foreign equity type joint ventures. This paper presents interest for the needs of the international executives and global marketing specialists.
The Sri Lankan stock market and the macroeconomy: an empirical investigation
Authors: Wickremasinghe Guneratne 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the causal relationships between stock prices and macroeconomic variables in Sri Lanka, in order to examine the validity of the semi‐strong form of the efficient market hypothesis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts unit roots and cointegration, error‐correction modelling, variance decomposition analysis, and impulse responses analysis to examine the causal relationship between six macroeconomic variables.FindingsThe results indicate that there are both short and long‐run causal relationships between stock prices and macroeconomic variables. These findings refute the validity of the semi‐strong version of the efficient market hypothesis for the Sri Lankan share market and have implications for investors, both domestic and international.Originality/valueThe paper addresses several methodological weaknesses in relation to unit root and cointegration tests which previous studies in the area of the paper have overlooked. Further, it uses more variables than those used in a previous study using Sri Lankan data.
Returns or valuation? Foreign equity investment in the United States
Authors: French Joseph J. , Ahmad Nazneen 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold; first, to understand the long‐run dynamics between returns, valuation measures and foreign investment in the USA; second, to determine if these dynamics change following financial market upheaval.Design/methodology/approachTo address long‐run dynamic nature of the variables, multivariate autoregressive models are fitted for the period of January 1977 to November 2008. To gain additional insight about the nature of equity flows its dynamics are analyzed over the periods containing the 1987 stock market crash and the two major asset bubbles, e.g. internet bubble and the housing bubble.FindingsThe authors find that foreign institutional equity flows are more sensitive to innovations in valuation measures than innovations to excess US market returns; and that foreign investors increase their purchases of US market capitalization following a positive innovation to measures of valuation. The results imply that the behavior of foreign institutional investors are not described by “return chasing” alone. The authors further find that in times of increased uncertainty the joint dynamics between foreign equity flows and valuation measures decouples. Finally consistent with existing literature it was found that equity flows to the USA are autocorrelated.Originality/valueThere is a broad literature on the dynamics of US investment in emerging and developed markets, but very little (if any) research that analyzes the dynamics of equity flows to the US, returns, and measures of valuation. Furthermore, the literature on the behavior of equity flows surrounding financial crises is scant, particularly for developed markets.
The intertemporal mechanics of European stock price momentum
Authors: Stork Philip A. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between a stock market's index returns and its subsequent firm‐level momentum profits. This relationship is analysed for each of ten individual European stock markets between 1973 and 2010.Design/methodology/approachUsing firm‐level data, intra‐market momentum returns are analysed, using various ranking and holding period combinations. Standard t‐tests as well as pooled and country‐specific regressions are employed to determine the significance of the non‐linear relationship between one‐, two‐ and three‐year index returns and subsequent momentum returns.FindingsMomentum returns following a bull market are positive for all ten stock markets; statistical significance is reached by nine of those ten. Per contrast, momentum returns following a bear market are insignificant for all ten stocks markets, and the average return is negative. Further, in all ten stock markets the momentum profits are lowest following the greatest drops in the index; this effect is significant in eight countries. These results are consistent with the behavioural theories on investors' overconfidence and undue self‐attribution.Practical implicationsThe paper's findings suggest that investors should refrain from pursuing a momentum strategy in European stock markets shortly after a severe bear market.Originality/valueThis is the first study to investigate the temporal dependence of firm‐level momentum returns on preceding index movements in European stock markets.
A new paradigm for real estate valuation?
Authors: Wyman David , Seldin Maury , Worzala Elaine 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this exploratory paper is to examine the efficient market theories and to argue that a new paradigm or an expanded paradigm is needed for the valuation of real estate. This may actually not be a new paradigm but it may be necessary to go back in time to make the valuation models that are used more realistic and to try to include the realities that there are many diverse actors in the real estate marketplace and their actions are important and should not be assumed away. Behavior matters and the models for pricing real estate need to take this into account.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines some of the emerging models in other disciplines and works to relate them to the real estate marketplace in general but, more importantly, to help to explain the most recent bust of the global real estate markets.FindingsThe paper finds that there is a need to consider an alternative paradigm for the valuation of real estate and complexity theory as well as the adaptive system models that specifically take into account that the various actors in a real estate marketplace could be used to help better explain the emergent nature of real estate values.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to one's knowledge that argues for a shift in thinking to include complexity economics and agent‐based modeling as potential solutions to gain a better understanding of how real estate markets react.
Real estate market dynamics during capital market imbalances
Authors: Hamilton Thomas 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe major purpose of this paper is to refocus the appraisal profession on estimating value rather than explaining price. The appraisal profession itself encompasses many disciplines of valuation beyond real estate, and transcends disciplines such as economics, the construction trades, business, finance, law, government, statistics, mathematics, geography, geology, mapping, and information sciences.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes how rapidly changing capital market conditions greatly affected transaction prices for real estate when underlying economic fundamental values of these properties remained unchanged. As such, differences between transaction prices and underlying economic value can be determined when capital markets rapidly expand or contract.FindingsMost of the concepts, methods, processes, and techniques that appraisers use today are the direct result of studies performed within the academic community and most often from some other related field of study, rather than from pure valuation research itself. This is where the problems with which one is living today have erupted.Originality/valueProperty values and transaction prices are two very different beasts: value is a concept, whereas price is a reality. Appraisers have somehow forgotten that the price paid for real estate can be quite different from the value of that same parcel of real estate.
Market value, fair value, and duress
Authors: Dorchester John 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to consider a significant market misconception and related errors commonly made by valuers, financial decision makers, and other users of valuation services. Its purpose is to focus on the importance of relating the explicit requirements of market value and fair value definitions to the evidence required for a supportable opinion of either.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides conceptual foundations for the terms “market value” and “fair value” and reviews their meanings and applications in a historical context. Business cycles and the recent recession are used as foundations for illustrating how prices, such as for real estate, vary with cycles, but are not always directly indicative of either market value or fair value. The latter term has a long history, but has undergone recent definition and revision by the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) that are shown to closely align fair value with market value. A current controversy over the use of transactions as prima fascie, or perhaps the only indication of market value is discussed and the “market” of “market value” is examined.FindingsThe paper offers a new look at market evidence concepts that are time‐honored, yet have been largely lost or forgotten. The principal finding is that duress is not consistent with conventional definitions of market value or fair value, yet significant market evidence exists that duress is often ignored or improperly considered in valuations and financial decisions. The paper also concludes that the FASB's focus on “market participants” (sellers and buyers) as the prime source of Fair Value evidence is akin to the rules which have applied to market value for many decades. The paper concludes with a discussion of why transactions may be evidence of “a market,” but are not necessarily representative of the “market” or of fair value.Originality/valueMarket Value is a market protection against fraud, misrepresentation, and misunderstanding. Valuations must be performed in accordance with that definition – not as it is interpreted for personal gain or for any other interpretations of convenience, misunderstanding, or special purpose.
Expert systems and mass appraisal
Authors: Kilpatrick John 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the usefulness of a heuristic expert system, to show its applicability to real‐world valuation problems, and to suggest several avenues for statistical testing.Design/methodology/approachThe expert systems follow a traditional sales adjustment grid format, with sufficient data for non‐parametric testing.FindingsThe paper finds that, while non‐parametric statistics provide weaker results than traditional (e.g. hedonic regression) modeling, the technique provides a statistically testable model useful in situations with limited data and/or poorly characterized probability functions.Practical implicationsThis paper addresses the conundrum faced by real estate valuers on the lack of statistical underpinnings of traditional heuristic models.Originality/valueThis is one of the first empirical studies in the valuation literature exploring statistical characterization of heuristic valuation methods.