bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic performance measurement for university libraries in Vietnam
Authors: Kim Thi Ninh Thoah , Tanner Kerry , Johanson Graeme , Denison Tom 
Published: November 2010

PurposeHigher education reform in Vietnam has recently required university libraries to improve their quality, to evaluate their performance, and to be accountable for the purpose of quality assessment and accreditation. Systematic performance measurement is an integral part of this process. The aims of this paper are: to provide an overview of the current state of performance development in Vietnamese university libraries; to address issues related to the measurement of library performance; and to propose an approach to evaluation for university libraries in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the literature on library performance measurement, with particular focus on university libraries in Vietnam. Relevant documents relating to performance measurement were examined, and two case studies of performance measurement in university libraries in Vietnam were carried out.FindingsIt is critical that university libraries in Vietnam develop systematic performance measures and apply different methods and tools for performance measurement. To succeed, cooperation between the administering authority, university administration and library management is essential.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper reports on the first phase of a doctoral research project at Monash University. Further research is being undertaken to develop a framework for quality assurance and performance measurement for Vietnamese university libraries. The efficacy if this framework is yet to be tested through its deployment in practice.Originality/valueWhile performance measurement is well established in Western countries, it is less so in Vietnam. The current research is seeking to develop a performance measurement framework for university libraries that is attuned to the Vietnamese context. The paper stresses the urgent need for the development of effective performance measures and systematic performance measurement systems amongst this sector.
Workplace practices and firm performance in manufacturing
Authors: Cristini Annalisa , Pozzoli Dario 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of innovative workplace practices in a sample of manufacturing establishments.Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprises manufacturing establishments located in Italy and a comparable sample extracted from the British Workplace Employee Relations Survey (WERS). The paper controls for sector, size, skill quality and industrial relations.FindingsJob rotation and technical training are positively associated with current performance in both samples. On average, British establishments are more productive: the different endowment in terms of workplace practices, skills and industrial relations accounts for 40 per cent of the gap, while the different efficacy of the endowment on performance accounts for the remainder.Originality/valueIn both samples the introduction of team working implies a relatively important advance along the reorganisation process, which was undertaken in the early stages of reorganisation in British establishments but much later in Italian firms. Linking the progression of the reorganisation to non‐convexities in supermodular production functions may be an interesting line of future research.
Conflict inflation: an open economy approach
Authors: Vera Leonardo 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to draw together the various essential elements of the conflict inflation approach within the context of an open economy and to highlight the importance of global external factors in explaining inflation.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework is proposed based on a model with a few simple building‐blocks. A supply side relationship that determines the trade‐off between a stable distribution of income and the external balance is first derived. As a second step the model combines the supply side relationship with James Meade's analysis of the relation between internal and external balance.FindingsThe study first shows, in the context of an small open economy, relevant trade‐offs among three crucial macroeconomics targets – external balance, internal balance, and workers/firms' aspiration balance. It then disentangles the adjustment mechanism that explains how an adverse balance of payments shocks may lead eventually to the breakdown of the conflicting claims equilibrium and inflation. Finally, it provides analytical reasons for believing that the focus of globalization (sustained and higher world demand and strong global competitiveness) is the main cause of global disinflation.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study provides a starting‐point for further theoretical developments within the conflict inflation approach and requires empirical testing.Originality/valueThe open economy conflict inflation framework could prove to be useful in improving the understanding of the relationship between global external forces and domestic inflation.
Consumer adoption of technological innovations
Authors: Antioco Michael , Kleijnen Mirella 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis study seeks to investigate barriers in the consumer adoption process of technological innovations under different contingencies. The paper aims to focus on barriers impeding adoption of technologies characterized by high incompatibility and high uncertainty – i.e. a “lack of content” (LoC) situation – versus technologies characterized by low incompatibility and low uncertainty – i.e. a “presence of content” (PoC) situation.Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature study, the paper develops hypotheses that distinguish the diverging effects of both psychological and functional barriers on consumer adoption in different situations (LoC versus PoC). Data were collected by means of a survey, resulting in an effective sample of 229 respondents.FindingsIn the case of LoC, the value, risk (financial and performance) and image barrier are negatively related to adoption intention, where the latter barrier is significantly stronger for the LoC situation than for the PoC situation. For PoC, it is found that the value, image, and financial risk barriers are negatively related to adoption intention, where the value barrier outweighs all other barriers. Interestingly, the traditional barrier reveals a positive effect on adoption intention.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that managers and retailers should develop a more sophisticated understanding of consumers' adoption intention of new technologies. Distinguishing between LoC and PoC situations offers managers the opportunity to differentiate their communication strategies and design more compelling ways for consumers to overcome the specific barriers they perceive in each situation.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to offer a more fine‐grained understanding of consumer adoption by investigating the extent to which the lack versus the presence of content gives rise to differences regarding the effects of psychological and functional barriers to technology adoption.
The “killer” ad: an assessment of advertising violence
Authors: Söderlund Magnus , Dahlén Micael 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine whether violence embedded in stories in ads can contribute to advertising effectiveness along the same lines as well‐researched ad elements such as the celebrity endorser and the physically attractive ad model. More specifically, the paper aims to assess whether violent content in an ad story adds to excitement perceptions and to overall evaluations such as the attitude toward the ad and the attitude toward the advertised product.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an experimental approach comprising two studies in which participants were randomly allocated to ads with different levels of violence in an ad story.FindingsThe main finding is that representations of real violence (as opposed to staged violence) produced higher levels of excitement, attitude toward the story, attitude toward the ad, and attitude toward the advertised product compared with no violence. Such effects, however, were moderated by the level of congruence between the ad story and the advertised product; the highest response levels were obtained for ads with violent story content dealing explicitly with the advertised product.Originality/valueThe finding that violent stories in ads can have a positive charge is consonant with the assumption that violence is a narrative device that may heighten the excitement created by a story. It is also in accord with the observation that many consumers appear to relish stories with a violent content. Yet the main finding challenges existing research on violent ads in which violence consists of an image visually co‐exposed with a brand – and it questions the dominant approach in media violence research, which emphasizes the negative effects of media violence.
Building corporate reputation with stakeholders
Authors: Dickinson‐Delaporte Sonia , Beverland Michael , Lindgreen Adam 
Published: November 2010

PurposeManaging the corporate reputation of hybrid firms (organizations that act commercially to pursue social agendas) involves particular challenges because of competing stakeholder interests. With reference to the Trappist beer market, the paper seeks to identify the value of message ambiguity in reducing stakeholder tension, while simultaneously achieving a clear market positioning.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 25 in‐depth interviews were conducted with brand marketers, owners, channel buyers, industry representatives and consumers.FindingsThe findings demonstrate how ambiguous communications minimize tension between stakeholders. One form of ambiguous message strategy is identified – i.e. the deliberate use of “authenticity” as a positioning device. This positioning allows stakeholders to ascribe conflicting meanings to the Trappist brand, resulting in increased reputation and decreased stakeholder tension.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of authenticity and message ambiguity represents one means of balancing stakeholder interests, while achieving a clear market position. The paper believes the findings are particularly relevant for social marketers and managers of highly symbolic brands.Originality/valueMarketers can reduce stakeholder conflict through the use of brand images that emphasize normative as opposed to performance‐based commitments. Such commitments need to be broad enough to allow different stakeholders to ascribe their own meaning to the brand without diminishing the strength of the firm's market position.
Training in the use of e‐resources in academic libraries: one university's approach
Authors: Adeleke A.A. , Olorunsola R. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reflect on the experience of the Redeemer's University Library in Nigeria in its information literacy (IL) training programs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a brief literature review of current trends in IL training and challenges. A description of methods of training, schedules, content of IL, successes, and shortcomings are detailed. Information and data for the paper were collected from records kept by the IL librarian. The experiences of the authors and observation complemented the data.FindingsThe IL librarian's training programs have enabled a good number of students to attain IL. But much needs to be done by both librarians and faculty to attain the desired result of making every students information literate.Originality/valueThis paper provides information on Redeemer's University Library in Nigeria, and is useful for librarians in developing countries who may want to improve on their IL programs.
Effects of ethnocentric tendency on consumers' perception of product attitudes for foreign and domestic products
Authors: Zafer Erdogan B. , Uzkurt Cevahir 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between consumer ethnocentrism and product attitudes, including country of origin, and to investigate whether ethnocentric tendencies and product attitudes vary by demographic variables.Design/methodology/approachData for the study were collected through a face‐to‐face survey of consumers in Turkey. Of the 300 questionnaires distributed, 283 were accepted as usable for the study. Consumer ethnocentrism was measured by CETSCALE.FindingsThe findings show that shoppers with high levels of ethnocentricity are more likely to be less educated and to earn lower monthly income than those with low levels of ethnocentric tendency. As expected, those with low‐ethnocentricity levels perceive foreign products more favorably than their high‐ethnocentricity counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has two limitations. First, the research sample was located in only one Turkish city which is a clear constraint on the generalizibility of the results. Second, consumers were asked to evaluate the attributes of foreign‐origin products without reference to a specific product group.Practical implicationsThese findings provide useful market intelligence for marketing strategists targeting Turkey, but must be generalized with caution.Originality/valueThis paper both supports and contributes to the existing literature by examining consumer ethnocentrism and country of origin together.
RFID adoption and the role of organisational size
Authors: Strüker Jens , Gille Daniel 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThere is no doubt about the economic importance of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in industrialised countries. The amount of research on organisational size as a factor of radio frequency identification (RFID) adoption, however, is as yet, minimal. This paper aims to fill that gap by first determining firm‐size specific characteristics of RFID and then using organisational inertia theory to derive the hypothesis that the size and structure of SMEs can be advantageous for the adoption of RFID.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on organisational inertia theory and survey data.FindingsA survey conducted among German enterprises already deploying RFID is used to test our hypothesis. It confirms that smaller enterprise size can make RFID adoption and exploitation of the productivity potential easier. Accordingly, it recommends that SMEs avoid adopting a wait‐and‐see position or restricting themselves to easy‐to‐conduct RFID automation applications.Originality/valueThe study provides a starting point for future research and facilitates knowledge accumulation and creation concerning the role of organisational size for RFID adoption.
Intellectual capital and performance: testing interaction effects
Authors: Kamukama Nixon , Ahiauzu Augustine , Ntayi Joseph M. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction effect of intellectual capital elements and how they fuse to affect financial performance in microfinance institutions. The major purpose is to explore the appropriate blend or mix of intellectual capital elements that explains the source of value creation – hence performance – in microfinance institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts the ModGraph program (Excel version) along with the Kenny and Boran approach to test conditional hypotheses.FindingsThe magnitude effect of human capital on performance depends on any of structural or relational capital; hence the assumption of nonadditivity is met. However, no significant interaction effects were established between relational and structural capital.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a single research methodological approach was employed and future research through interviews could be undertaken to triangulate. Furthermore, the findings from the present study are cross‐sectional – future research should be undertaken to examine the multiplicative effects studied in this paper across timePractical implicationsIn order to boost the wealth of microfinance institutions in Uganda, managers should always endeavor to find a viable intellectual capital mix or blend that can add value to the firm.Originality/valueThis is the first study that focuses on testing the interactive effects of intellectual capital elements on financial performance in Ugandan microfinance institutions.
Prototype KPIs for rural infrastructure development
Authors: Posayanant Suchanya , Chareonngam Chotchai 
Published: November 2010

PurposeIt is difficult to manage and measure the effectiveness of infrastructure development efforts of the sub‐district local governments called Tambon Administrative Organizations (TAOs), the lowest level of local governments in Thailand. This paper aims to develop and demonstrate the applicability of key performance indicators (KPIs) based on the integration of balanced scorecard (BSC) and value chain approaches.Design/methodology/approachThe processes of designing KPIs are described with emphasis of how to apply a value chain model into designing BSC's KPIs. Expert focus groups and case studies from various parts of Thailand were conducted to give an insight into the adaptation of the performance measures in infrastructure development of TAOs.FindingsThe application of a value chain model is critical for the design of practical BSC's KPIs because they can be conveniently embedded into existing practices. The case studies of prototype KPIs demonstrate the performance measurement of infrastructure development, which associates executive and operational views with the hierarchy of scorecards.Practical implicationsThe prototype KPIs illustrate a quantifiable measure that the councils and staffs can use to communicate infrastructure development performance for target setting and accomplishment.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the key issue of how to design KPIs based on the balanced scorecard and value chain model. The integration of a value chain framework reflects the delivery process of infrastructure development.
An investigation on PMS attributes in service organisations in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Amir Amizawati , Nazli Nik Ahmad Nik , Har Sani Mohamad Muslim 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to make a contribution to the performance measurement system (PMS) literature by concentrating on the service context. Providing a Malaysian perspective on PMS design, the study aims to identify the desirable PMS attributes that are perceived to be important for the service sector.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by administering a mail questionnaire survey to top‐level management of private service firms operating in Malaysia. The sampling frame was based on information provided by the Department of Statistics, Malaysia, and the Central Bank of Malaysia. An extensive search of directories/portals was undertaken to compile the mailing list of each service sector. Samples were randomly selected from the list using proportionate stratified sampling.FindingsThe findings suggest that service firms placed greater emphasis on elements of performance evaluation, benchmarking, timeliness and precise PMS information. Differentiation strategy and intensity of competition are the most prominent factors that influence the choice of PMS attributes.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the study pertains to the low response from the foreign‐owned service firms operating in Malaysia, thus limiting the generalisability of the findings to local‐owned firms.Practical implicationsTo service managers, the evidence demonstrates the relevance of PMS in service firms, where the greater strategic uncertainty and intensity of market competition requires greater reliance on contemporary PMS attributes.Originality/valueThe evidence indicates the applicability of PMS in managing both professional service and mass service firms that removed the traditional view that all service activities are unique.
International differences in job satisfaction
Authors: Westover Jonathan H. , Taylor Jeannette 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to explore cross‐national differences in job satisfactions and its determinants over time (1989‐2005), which, in turn, impact long‐term worker productivity and performance.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing non‐panel longitudinal data from the International Social Survey Program on Work Orientations I, II, and III for 1989, 1997 and 2005, various bivariate and multivariate descriptive statistics and ordinary least squared regression analysis are used to explore the relationship between job satisfaction and its key determinants cross‐nationally in six countries (West Germany, Great Britain, the USA, Hungary, Norway and Israel).FindingsFor all countries, findings clearly show that intrinsic rewards explain the most variance in the respondents' job satisfaction, followed by work relations with management. In contrast, public service motivation‐fit (PSM‐fit) and work relations with co‐workers are found to play a less prominent role in shaping job satisfaction. Additionally, findings show that the above‐mentioned determinants of job satisfaction vary by country. Additionally, apart from age, which is found to be a significant antecedent of job satisfaction for 1989, 1997 and 2005 waves, the significance of the personal antecedents tends to vary with each wave.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary limitations to this research relate to the use of a pre‐existing dataset. The measurement of the study variables, particularly job satisfaction and public service motivation (PSM), is constrained by the limited single‐item measurement scales used in the surveys. Additionally, the measurement scale of PSM could be more rigorous. Data collected from self‐completed survey such as this can also suffer from common method variance; the respondents may have a distorted perception of their organizational conditions. Despite these limitations, this research supports the descriptive literature and empirical studies that look at job satisfaction, PSM, workplace rewards, and interpersonal dynamics.Practical implicationsIn an increasingly competitive global market, more and more organizations have to ask the difficult question, “How can we get more out of our employees?” However, though there are diverse “quick‐fix” methods to achieving rather short‐term gains in worker productivity and performance, long‐term and enduring improvement requires a strengthening and spreading of core organizational values and beliefs that increase overall worker satisfaction to help create a high engagement and achievement organizational culture.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is in looking at cross‐national differences in worker satisfaction and its determinants cross‐nationally over a 16‐year period. Additionally, the paper develops and justifies the use of a new construct, PSM‐fit, as an important component to understanding job satisfaction.