bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How can economic sociology help business relationship management?
Authors: Mandják Tibor , Szántó Zoltán 
Published: February 2010

PurposeBy analyzing organizations as social actors and business relationships as social relationships, sociology can improve business relationship management. This paper aims to explore the issues involved.Design/methodology/approachA business relationship is an interactive exchange between two organizations embedded in a network of business connections. The paper reviews theories of social actions and social actors and the concepts of economic field and embeddedness to illustrate some social dimensions of business relationships.FindingsSocial action and social actor theories emphasize that co‐operation is always encumbered with conflicts, that consciousness about the relationship is fundamental for both strongly and weakly structured actors, and that actors (people involved in a business relationship) always have some freedom of manoeuvre. The concept of economic field underscores the specificity of each business relationship and the critical need for concrete analysis. The concept of embeddedness highlights that no business relationship is possible without personal bonds.Research limitations/implicationsThese are the first results of a deeper and broader research directed towards a conceptual model of business relationship management.Practical implicationsThe paper can help managers to analyze more deeply the social dimensions of business relations with both suppliers and buyers. Consciousness, the ongoing presence of conflicts, the unavoidable role of personal bonds, and interactivity are always relevant in business relationship management.Originality/valueThe paper integrates sociological and business marketing approaches. It applies essential sociological theories and concepts to business relationship management.
Theory versus practice: perspectives of Middle Eastern financial managers
Authors: Chazi Abdelaziz , Renato Soares Terra Paulo , Caputo Zanella Fernando 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to survey financial managers in the Arab Gulf region about a broad set of financial decisions and contrast their answers with both prescriptions of financial theory and practices of their North American and European peers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses Graham and Harvey's questionnaire on the cost of capital, capital budgeting and capital structure that is also employed by Brounenet al.in Europe, containing two additional questions on corporate governance. Moreover, the survey included an additional question about Islamic financial instruments.FindingsDespite each firm's unique characteristics and institutions, chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Middle East are acting in a manner similar to their North American and European counterparts.Originality/valueAll CFOs surveyed are located in countries that abide by a combination of Islamic, civil (French, Romano‐Germanic), and common (Anglo‐Saxon) laws. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that a nearly identical corporate finance survey has been simultaneously administered in North America, Europe and the Arab Gulf region.
Entrepreneurs and trade names: evidence from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Alserhan Baker Ahmad 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper aims to classify the problems associated with the various types of trade names, identify Arab entrepreneurs' approaches to naming, and to construct a model that enables entrepreneurs to develop optimal names.Design/methodology/approachA self‐administered questionnaire is distributed to 150 Arab entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates. Qualitative name‐analysis is combined with quantitative analysis of the data and the results are used to answer the research questions.FindingsResponses show that entrepreneurs know the major naming considerations but lack the ability to use that knowledge; the naming process remains informal with minimum investments, and clear dependence on translation, tribal names, and imitation in naming businesses.Research limitations/implicationsThe study includes only Arab entrepreneurs in a country where nearly 70 percent of entrepreneurs are non‐Arabs. The survey is administered by Arabic speaking research assistants. Future research can focus on other groups using multilingual research assistants to overcome the language barrier and understand the country's entrepreneurial diversity.Originality/valueThe paper develops a detailed model for use in developing trade names, helps entrepreneurs identify and avoid the problems associated with the different types of names, offers insights into the state of affairs of trade names in an emerging market that has gained increased international recognition, and expands the scope on trade name study and development.
Events, emotions, and technology: examining acceptance of workplace technology changes
Authors: Stam Kathryn R. , Stanton Jeffrey M. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to understand the relationship between emotional salience and workplace events related to technology change by using a combination of key features of two popular psychological theories – regulatory focus theory and affective events theory – to view the change process in diverse settings.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on analysis of 18 months of qualitative interview data (n=52 respondents) collected before, during and after the introduction of three different new technologies in three organizations – a hospital, a manufacturing facility, and a psychological counseling center. The mixed methods approach combined descriptive case studies and a structured coding approach derived from a synthesis of the two theories with which the transition processes at each organization were examined.FindingsEmployees with a so‐called promotion‐focused orientation were more likely to accept an IT change and the events related to it. Organizational cultures and the staging of events play a role in individuals' affective reactions and behavior. The use of the framework is promising for illuminating the role of emotions, the timing of change events, and subsequent behavior in response to organizational change.Research limitations/implicationsThe variety of types of organizations and job types represented, as well as the types of IT change proposed in each, provides a rich sample of diverse motivations and scenarios. Further development of the relationships between the timing of organizational events and regulatory focus is needed.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework suggests a shift in emphasis away from beliefs and towards emotionally relevant events. The findings suggest consideration of two distinct motivational aspects of both new and old technology. A peak in emotional events related to training indicates that an organization must actively manage how the plans, strategies, and communications with regard to training affect workers' beliefs and expectations.Originality/valueThe paper highlights how an emphasis on emotionally relevant events and attention to the regulatory focus involved in interpretation of those events could provide the basis for new approaches to organizational interventions. Interventions should focus on facilitating situations where individuals can frame relevant transition events with a promotion focus.
Knowledge transfer processes for different experience levels of knowledge recipients at an offshore technical support center
Authors: Chen Jihong , McQueen Robert J. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the relationships between the levels of knowledge and the type of knowledge transfer approaches, and the relationships between the types of knowledge and the knowledge transfer approaches which were adopted in a study of knowledge transfer from a US‐based technical support center to an offshore support center in China.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted as an interpretive case study. Three techniques (i.e. document review, participant observation, and semi‐structured interviews) were employed for data collection in the field.FindingsThe findings indicate that the lower the level of recipient absorptive and retentive capacity, the more difficulty the recipient will have in acquiring tacit and complex types of knowledge, and the more formal structured knowledge transfer approach the recipient will need to adopt. The results identify that “structured transfer stages” was used by novices to transfer embrained and encoded knowledge, while “unstructured copy” was widely adopted by advanced beginners to transfer encoded and embodied knowledge, “unstructured adaptation” was mainly utilized by those at the competence level to transfer embodied and embedded knowledge, and “unstructured fusion” was preferred by recipients at the proficiency level to transfer embodied and embedded knowledge as well.Practical implicationsThe findings contribute to an understanding of the knowledge transfer processes required when US‐based firms outsource business processes to offshore countries with significantly different cultural contexts. The findings also reflect the testing of possible analytical structures for understanding the processes of knowledge transfer, and the mechanisms for knowledge transfer in a cross‐cultural business context.Originality/valueThe paper provides new insights into the knowledge transfer process for different levels of knowledge acquisition in a cross‐cultural business context.
Prioritization of rural roads: AHP in group decision
Authors: Dalal Jyotirmoy , Mohapatra Pratap K.J. , Chandra Mitra Gopal 
Published: February 2010

PurposePoor conditions of rural roads in most developing countries have hindered the growth of their rural economy. Investments from government and other sources in rural road projects are inadequate, leading often to political, rather than socio‐economic, considerations in allocating funds to specific projects. Realizing this, many donor organizations demand an unbiased study for prioritizing rural roads for funds allocation. This requires prioritizing rural roads on a rational basis. This paper seeks to examine this issue.Design/methodology/approachA two‐stage AHP model is developed considering several socio‐economic criteria relevant to a road and the region through which it passes. The model is exercised in a group‐decision environment. The final scores indicate a list of roads in decreasing order of priority.FindingsThe framework, when applied to 178 rural roads in two districts of Orissa, a relatively backward state of India, yields a ranked‐order list of roads.Research limitations/implicationsExperts' judgments during pair‐wise comparison are associated with imprecision. Fuzzy AHP is a distinct alternative. Possible dependency among criteria has been ignored. Use of Analytic Network Process (ANP) can overcome problems arising from such dependencies.Practical implicationsFunds that are limited can be allotted to the highly ranked roads.Originality/valueThe paper presents application of AHP for ranking of rural roads in a developing country; development of a generic road prioritization framework; and devising a group decision‐making procedure that combines the best features of the group consensus and geometric mean methods.
Sustaining architects' and engineers' motivation in design firms
Authors: Oyedele Lukumon O. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe overall intent of this research is to identify critical factors influencing architects' and design engineers' (AE) motivational level in design firms.Design/methodology/approachMotivational theories from the literature on organizational behaviour were examined to identify possible attributes influencing motivation. These attributes were put together in a questionnaire survey of architects and engineers in Northern Ireland design practices. Using factor analysis and regression modelling, four critical factors were identified. The model was validated to determine how well the factors can predict the AE motivational level.FindingsThe results show that the four factors are favourable project working condition, organisational support, design process efficacy and effort recognition.Practical implicationsDesign firms and their managers play an important role in ensuring that their designers are motivated in completing their project.Originality/valueOwners and managers of design firms can use the identified factors to improve the motivation of their architects and design engineers, thus developing a quality workforce.
Critical, manifest variables in virtual construction project value delivery
Authors: Barima Oliver , Rowlinson S.M. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the use of the increasingly important virtual concept to deliver value in projects, focusing on the manifest, critical issues which can enhance value delivery in virtual construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses both quantitative and qualitative triangulated methods to examine the concepts in the study. Triangulated data analysis is also used to give insight.FindingsThe study disentangles 16 manifest, independent variables as being crucial in enhancing value delivery in virtual construction projects. Also the research gives a fresh view, by differentiating between influential and necessary crucial variables in virtual construction project value delivery.Research limitations/implicationsThe study demonstrates the use of triangulation in critical variables research. It also gives integrated insight on rigorous, triangulated, data analysis to enhance understanding in the critical variables research domain.Practical implicationsThe research gives insight to managers on the issues which need attention in the design and implementation of virtual construction projects to deliver value.Originality/valueThe research adds value to the literature on the virtual construction project delivery concept, where little knowledge exists. Based on empirical evidence, the study also gives a fresh insightful lens, for the examination of critical variables from the perspective of influential and necessary items.
Library to go
Authors: Fox Robert 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the area of mobile technology and its usefulness for library instruction and information disseminationDesign/methodology/approachThis column is exploratory, examining the advantages and disadvantages of mobile technology for librarianship.FindingsThere is an inevitable onslaught of mobile technology within the patron populations. It is essential that libraries and the profession as a whole inject the digital services, both traditional and non‐traditional, into mobile technology in order to reach patrons.Originality/valueThe paper examines several studies and offers theoretical options for tackling the important issue of mobile technology in the library. The paradigm of the library as a place needs to change into a paradigm where the library is not only a place, but also a collection of valuable services that can be accessed from anywhere.
Participation of the National Library of the Czech Republic in the project TELplus
Authors: Foltyn Tomas 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis short study aims to describe the participation of the National Library of the Czech Republic in the project TELplus.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports the results of project TELplus and describes the challenges of the project.FindingsDocuments OCR production in the National Library of the Czech Republic.Originality/valueThe study provides general information about the project TELplus and its subsequent participation in the framework of the National Library of the Czech Republic.
A synchronic understanding of involvement with fashion
Authors: Díaz Meneses Gonzalo , Nieves Rodríguez Julia 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis work proposes to study the phenomenon of fashion not as being evolutionary but as a consumption response that is mediated by consumers having a certain perception of time. This work also proposes not only that the temporal dimension seems to be essential in the process of fashion adoption but also that emotional aspects are predominant.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical work was conducted based on structural equation modelling with a sample of 341 individuals, using path modelling with a multi‐group analysis.FindingsThe empirical results show that the needs for social acceptance not only do not arouse interest in new tendencies but even entail unpleasant emotions such as anxiety. Moreover, fashion is more emotionally positive if it has the quality of future.Practical implicationsNot only would it be profitable to promote involvement with fashion by transmitting the importance of others, but also the use of social needs in advertising could be unethical since it would generate unease in the consumer. Since it is clear that, in fashion, an orientation to the past is accompanied by an increase in negative emotions, it seems logical to reject designers who praise classic styles without offering anything new.Originality/valueThe work studies the phenomenon of fashion not as being evolutionary but as a consumption response that is mediated by consumers having a certain perception of time.
Women's wear sizing: a new labelling system
Authors: Faust Marie‐Eve , Carrier Serge 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that a new size labelling system based on the data gathered by [TC]2in the Size USA, Let's Size up Americasurvey would better serve the female population than the system currently in use.Design/methodology/approachBased on previous research conducted on [TC]2data and on pants measurements in the Canadian market, a new labelling system is proposed where size information is provided with three specific body measurements along with a female silhouette pictogram.FindingsThe paper demonstrates that a size label showing three pants measurements: pants waist, approximate hips, and inseam length, accompanied by a silhouette identifying where these measures were taken, is highly predictive of fit.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to lower body (pants) for female.Practical implicationsA change to such a size‐labelling system would allow the apparel industry to move towards mass customisation at minimal costs. It would be more effective for the apparel order givers and retailers, enabling them to target whichever market they wish yet convey the necessary fit information in a generally accepted format. This system would also be more efficient as it would reduce the consumer time spent in fit identification and merchandise returns, in the case of internet or catalogue sales. As a corollary, it would increase both consumer shopping experience satisfaction and industry profitability.Originality/valueThe study proposes a new labelling system.
Adolescents' clothing motives and store selection criteria
Authors: Chen‐Yu Jessie H. , Hong Keum‐Hee , Seock Yoo‐Kyoung 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to compare South Korean (SK) and United States (US) adolescents' clothing motives and their store selection criteria, examine whether adolescents with different primary clothing motives would have similar or different store selection criteria, and examine an interaction effect of country of residency and clothing motives on store selection criteria.Design/methodology/approachA total of 307 US students and 297 SK students participated in the study. The convenience sampling method was used to recruit teachers who volunteered to help with the study and administer the survey.FindingsResults showed that clothing motives and store selection criteria differed significantly between SK and US participants. Participants with different primary clothing motives had significantly different store selection criteria. SK and US participants with the same primary clothing motive did not have significantly different store selection criteria.Research limitations/implicationsParticipants were recruited using a convenience sampling method and, therefore, they could not represent adolescents generally in either country.Practical implicationsBased on the findings, suggestions for store positioning, service management and international marketing strategies for apparel companies that target adolescents were provided.Originality/valueLimited studies have examined adolescents' motives behind the clothes they purchase and wear, and their store selection criteria.
An exploratory study
Authors: Moody Wendy , Kinderman Peter , Sinha Pammi 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis study sets out to explore the application of psychological research methods (as yet not applied) in the fashion arena. The aim of this project is to quantify, formalise and explore the causal relationships between clothing style, preference, personality factors, emotions and mood with a view to a better understanding of the psychological profile of the fashion consumer.Design/methodology/approachUsing a uniformly composed sample of females, explorative quantitative research was carried out. Two sets of questionnaires were administered to the sample to examine emotion, mood and personality before trying on a set of eight garments categorized according to style; and again afterwards to examine emotion and mood while wearing each outfit. Photographs of participants were taken wearing each of the outfits. Participants then ranked the eight outfits in order of preference. SPSS analysis identified relationships and preference indicators.FindingsThe results indicated strong relationships between mood and significant relationships between three out of five personality factors and clothing style preference; mood was a significant predictor of preference, whilst personality was moderate.Research limitations/implicationsThe research methodology necessitated lengthy time commitments from the participants and therefore limited the sample size, making generalization difficult. Based on the findings, the research requires further exploration of methods for practical application with a larger sample size.Practical implicationsPersonality, emotion and mood were shown to be managed and reflected through clothing with implications for assistance in consumer clothing decisions, service training, and strategies for personal shoppers, market segmentation and design.Originality/valueThe methodology derived from a combination of research methods coupled with actual wearing experience, previously not studied together. This is original and demonstrates how important this combination is in order to fully appreciate the psychological profile of the fashion consumer.