bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Syndicated bank loans and capital structure
Authors: Kaya Halil D. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of interest rates on the size and the maturity choice of a syndicated bank loan. In addition, it attempts to determine the long‐run impact of a syndicated loan on the borrower's capital structure.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a sample of 6,903 syndicated bank loans in the USA, covering the period 1984‐2004. First, all syndicated loans are categorized into two groups: loans in periods of increasing interest rates, and loans in periods of decreasing rates. Then, non‐parametric tests are performed to compare the characteristics of the two groups, including the proceeds from the loans, and robust regressions are used to examine the impact of the interest rates on the maturity choice. Finally, robust regressions are employed to examine the long‐run impact of the interest rates on the borrowers' leverage ratios.FindingsOn the whole, the results reject the market timing theory of capital structure for syndicated bank loans. Firms in the two groups borrow in similar amounts, and in the long run, the difference between the two groups' leverage ratios is statistically insignificant. On the other hand, firms tend to choose longer maturities when the interest rates are low compared to the rates two or three years ago.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study that links debt market conditions to the leverage ratios of firms that borrow in the syndicated bank loan market. In other words, this is the first study that tests the market timing theory of capital structure for syndicated bank loans.
Role changing for librarians in the new information technology era
Authors: Sun Hao‐Chang , Chen Kuan‐nien , Tseng Chishu , Tsai Wen‐Hui 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to show how implementing new information technology has expanded the role of librarians as educators and how this role has matched the evolution of new technology.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at librarians' approaches to their role as educators and explores ways of most effectively implementing changes. By reviewing the literature and taking the old discourse around library education and information literacy, the paper reflects on the changing role of librarians in an era of greater access to technology, including Web 2.0.FindingsCollaboration with faculty was found to be an essential feature of the most successful stories. Teaching students and faculty to use new information technologies may have become one of the major roles of librarians.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that the continual evolution of the web is causing a move from e‐libraries to mobile libraries, and that the educational role of the librarians must encompass this trend, and to anticipate similar future developments.
BOBCATSSS 2011
Authors: Marangio Federica 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the main contents of the Nineteenth BOBCATSSS Symposium held in Szombathely, Hungary in January 2011, with the theme of “Finding new ways”.Design/methodology/approachThe report provides a concise viewpoint of the overall impact of the conference.FindingsThe conference focused on finding new ways for libraries and those who love libraries to meet new challenges and create a better social environment, and debated the new role for librarians and information professionals.Originality/valueThis symposium is one of the few conferences in the world where students are the main characters and participate as organisers, reviewers, and presenters of the contributions. Reports on such conferences are of interest to students, to teachers and to professionals.
Embracing ethical fields: constructing consumption in the margins
Authors: Shaw Deirdre , Riach Kathleen 
Published: July 2011

PurposeLiterature examining resistant consumer behaviour from an ethical consumption stance has increased over recent years. This paper aims to argue that the conflation between ethical consumer behaviour and “anti‐consumption” practices results in a nihilistic reading and fails to uncover the tensions of those who seek to position themselves as ethical while still participating in the general market.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts an exploratory approach through semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with a purposive sample of seven ethical consumers.FindingsThe analysis reveals the process through which ethical consumption is constructed and defined in relation to the subject position of the “ethical consumer” and their interactions with the dominant market of consumption.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to a single country and location and focused on a specific consumer group. Expansion of the research to a wider group would be valuable.Practical implicationsThe impact of ethical consumption on the wider field of consumption can be witnessed in the “mainstreaming” of many ethical ideals. This highlights the potential movements of power between various stakeholders that occupy particular spaces of social action.Originality/valueUnderstanding the analysis through Bourdieu's concepts of field and the margins created between spaces of consumption, the paper focuses on the theoretical cross‐section of practice between ethical and market‐driven forms of consumption, advancing discussion by exploring how self‐identified “ethical consumers” defined, legitimatised and negotiated their practices in relation to consumption acts and lifestyles.
Brand image strategy affects brand equity after M&A
Authors: Lee Hsiang‐Ming , Lee Ching‐Chi , Wu Cou‐Chen 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the variance of two brand images and dimensions of brand equity after M&A, especially when the acquirer‐dominant is affiliated to a weak brand image and the acquired one has a stronger brand image.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 409 responses were collected through random sampling from an internet survey platform in Taiwan (weak image differences were gathered from 209 respondents and strong image differences were gathered from 200 respondents).FindingsThis study uses an experimental design to discuss how the variance of two brand images (this study uses two kinds of M&A: a company with an inferior brand image acquires one with a superior or average brand image) affects the acquirer's brand equity (perceived quality, brand association, and brand loyalty). This study also examines how brand equity of an acquired brand changes after M&A. Results from the MANOVA and paired‐sample t‐test methods show that the greater the perceived differences between acquirers and acquired brands, the more the brand equity of the acquirer will increase. In addition, all the dimensions of brand equity for the brand with a superior image decrease significantly.Originality/valueFew studies have evaluated the brand image effect of an M&A from a marketing perspective. The contribution is to help managers understand whether the acquirer should preserve the obtained brand and focus on increasing brand equity of the acquired brand to avoid the loss of customer loyalty.
Market orientation and manufacturing performance of Indian SMEs
Authors: Gaur Sanjaya S. , Vasudevan Hari , Gaur Ajai S. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper sets out to investigate the link between market orientation and manufacturing performance for small and medium enterprises in India.Design/methodology/approachThe paper collected the data for this research through intensive surveys of the CEOs or top managers of small and medium‐sized enterprises in India. The paper utilized scales, well established in literature, and revalidated them for the Indian context. It also utilized confirmatory factor analysis for scale validation, and hierarchical regression analysis for testing the hypotheses.FindingsThis study found a positive link between two sub‐dimensions of market orientation – customer orientation and inter‐functional coordination – and manufacturing performance. Competitor orientation, however, did not have a positive impact on manufacturing performance. Further, the paper found that firm resources and competitive intensity moderate the relationship between some of the sub‐dimensions of market orientation and firm performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is particularly relevant for personnel involved in the manufacturing functions as it studies the effect of market orientation on manufacturing performance. It is high time that firms with manufacturing focus realize the value of market forces and revamp various production processes to be more responsive to market needs and demands.Originality/valueThis research looks at manufacturing performance, rather than a firm's financial performance, and thereby helps in understanding the intervening processes that potentially lead to superior firm performance. It also identifies some important contingency factors, enriching the literature on market orientation. Finally, the empirical context of this research is quite novel and useful for European and other foreign firms trying to operate in emerging economies such as India.
Using product and retail choice attributes for cross‐national segmentation
Authors: Lockshin Larry , Cohen Eli 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study aims to use product attributes and retail display information to develop cross‐national segments.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses consumers' choice in wine stores to develop segments of consumers, based on the relative importance of 13 factors consumers use for the retail purchase of wine. Data are collected from 11 countries, using seven languages on five continents. Best worst scaling (BWS) and latent class analysis were used to develop the clusters.FindingsA three‐cluster structure provides a straightforward and robust segmentation across the 11 countries. This model fits better than one based on 11 single country segments. The three segments reveal different ways in which consumers choose wines: cognitive‐based, assurance‐based, and in‐store promotion‐based.Research limitations/implicationsThe samples are convenience‐based and do not represent the population of wine drinkers in each country. Choice criteria, including retail communications, can be used to develop useful and robust segments cross‐nationally.Practical implicationsThe three segments found in this study provide clear guidelines for wine marketers depending on whether they work for small or large wine companies. The use of choice attributes and BWS show the utility of this method in cross‐national research.Originality/valueThis research demonstrates that product attributes and retail communication devices like labels and displays can be used for cross‐national segmentation. Applying BWS and Latent Class Clustering to choice criteria leads to clear, usable, and robust segmentation across a wide range of cultures and product use histories.
Service‐dominant logic: a necessary step
Authors: Lusch Robert F. , Vargo Stephen L. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to respond to the criticism O'Shaughnessy and O'Shaughnessy made of service‐dominant logic in EJM, on behalf of both the paper and the worldwide community of scholars that have embraced S‐D logic as historically informed, integrative, transcending and rich in its potential to generate theoretical and practical contributions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a critical, conceptual analysis of the fallacious arguments that O'Shaughnessy and O'Shaughnessy developed to argue against the emerging and rapidly developing service‐dominant logic.FindingsThe paper shows that, contrary to the claims of O'Shaughnessy and O'Shaughnessy, S‐D logic: is neither regressive nor intended to displace all other marketing perspectives; is not advocating technology at the expense of explanatory theory; and is pre‐theoretic and intended to be soundly grounded in a manner to assist theory construction.Research limitations/implicationsTheory advancement is critical to marketing and S‐D logic puts special emphasis on the development of theory. It begins to do this by proposing ten foundational premises, which some may wish to refer to as axioms. From these axioms, considerable theoretical work and related empirical research can develop.Practical implicationsO'Shaughnessy and O'Shaughnessy wish to prevent marketing scholars from adopting, advocating, and supporting service‐dominant logic and, as they suggest, taking a backward step. They view the S‐D logic movement as primarily USA‐dominated (which it is not) and are firmly anti‐S‐D logic. The available evidence from around the world suggests that the S‐D logic movement has profound implications for the advancement of both marketing science and marketing practice.Originality/valueIt is critical that S‐D logic should not be viewed as being represented by a single paper but as a body of work that Lusch and Vargo have developed since their initial publication and also the work of a community of scholars working collaboratively to co‐create S‐D logic.
Career aspirations of Malaysian research and development professionals in the knowledge economy
Authors: Ismail Maimunah , Sofiah Ramly Efizah 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to compare the influence of self‐efficacy, organizational socialization and continuous improvement (CI) practices on the career aspirations of research and development (R&D) professionals in government research institutes (GRIs) and multinational corporations (MNCs) in Malaysia. R&D professionals in this study refer to a specific group of knowledge workers.Design/methodology/approachSocial cognitive career theory (SCCT) was used as this study's theoretical framework. The study involved 164 respondents from GRIs and 120 respondents from MNCs in Malaysia. Descriptive statistics and inferential multiple linear regressions were used to analyse the data.FindingsSelf‐efficacy and organizational socialization were found to differ significantly in terms of their levels, and CI practices and career aspirations were not found to be significantly different between the two groups of respondents. Regression results showed MNCs reported higher explanatory power compared to that of the GRIs in terms of the variance in career aspirations.Research limitations/implicationsThe insights generated about the factors affecting career aspirations are based on three independent variables, namely: self‐efficacy, organizational socialization and CI practices that are most suitable for a R&D environment.Practical implicationsThis study confirms the relevance of CI practices in the existing model of SCCT because it represents the organizational variables. HRD practitioners in both types of organizations should consider changing the work practices of R&D professionals by strengthening the quality improvement procedures because they affect the professionals' career aspirations.Originality/valueIncorporating CI practices into the SCCT model is believed to be a contribution of this study to the theory.
A new management for enduring company success
Authors: Christopher William F. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain how the system science and cybernetics in Stafford Beer's viable system model (VSM) will help management structure and manage their company to achieve on‐going success in a fast‐changing world.Design/methodology/approachThe author worked with Stafford Beer in the 1970s, applying his VSM in the corporation he then worked for and has used the VSM ideas in work with companies in 16 countries, always with success. The VSM instructs in how to structure and how to manage. For what to manage the author used Peter Drucker's key performance areas, and has more than 50 years of experience working in these areas.FindingsThe author has found, during his long career in industry and in consulting, that the VSM is the best available guide for structuring and managing a business enterprise for success in turbulent times.Practical implicationsIn the 1950s, Ralph Cordiner “decentralized” General Electric into 120 businesses, pioneering a new, better way to structure and manage a corporation. After 50 years, we have the next revolutionary advance in management, the system science and cybernetics in Stafford's VSM. The VSM includes information and environments in structure, enabling companies to change as appropriate for achieving on‐going success in a world of huge and fast‐growing variety.Originality/valueThe paper shows how a simple form of the VSM includes all the system science company management needs to structure and manage their company for enduring success in fast‐changing times.
Can a cybernetic lens contribute to the business strategy domain?
Authors: Harwood S.A. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the strategy literature in such a manner as to identify the key approaches and themes of current interest and thus provide a platform to position organisational cybernetics, in particular, the viable system model (VSM), as a complement to these established approaches.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the dominant themes of three conceptual strands to the business strategy domain (the resource‐based view, the strategy‐as‐practice approach and the strategy‐structure debate) to ascertain how they inform about the notion of strategy as the content of the process of strategising. Concepts from organisational cybernetics are examined to reveal how they can enrich our understanding of strategy, and complement the strategy domain conceptualisations.FindingsThis analysis presents the view of strategy as discourse for action. The VSM provides a device to support discussions about the organisational implications both of the process of strategising, as well as of considered strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe different themes found within the strategy literature (e.g. the process of strategising, internationalisation, collaborative ventures and mergers and acquisitions) offer a rich domain within which organisational cybernetics and the VSM can enrich through its systemic epistemology. Likewise, the strategy domain can inform interpretations of the VSM. Together, this offers the opportunity for a new stream of enquiry.Practical implicationsThe insights provided suggest that assistance can be given to organisations for them to improve, not only their strategy‐related activity, but also how they evaluate the organisational implications of considered strategies.Originality/valueThe paper bridges the two conceptual domains of strategy and organisational cybernetics to promote the view that they usefully enrich each other when attempting to understand strategy.
Intumescent coatings based on an organic‐inorganic hybrid resin and the effect of mineral fibres on fire‐resistant properties of intumescent coatings
Authors: Otáhal R. , Veselý D. , Násadová J. , Zíma V. , Němec P. , Kalenda P. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study properties of intumescent coatings based on a silicone‐epoxy hybrid resin (with an aminosilane as hardener). In the first part of this study, fire‐resistance behaviour of the intumescent coating based on silicone‐epoxy resin containing intumescent additives is evaluated. The second part assesses the effect of mineral fibres on fire‐resistant properties of intumescent coatings based on the silicone‐epoxy resin.Design/methodology/approachThermal degradation and char formation of coatings were investigated by Thermogravimetric analyses, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The salt spray corrosion test was applied to study the resistance of intumescent coatings. Anticorrosion and fire‐resistant properties after one, three and seven days of exposure were evaluated.FindingsIt was shown that a silicone‐epoxy hybrid resin is suitable for applications in the field of intumescent coatings. Intumescent coatings based on this resin form a thermally stable thin ceramic‐like layer, which improves the thermal insulation properties of the char. Mineral fibres reinforced the char structure and thus improved fire‐resistant properties of intumescent coating before as well as after the salt spray test. Mineral fibres also improved anticorrosion properties.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper discusses only the effect of mineral fibres on properties of intumescent coatings.Originality/valueA silicone‐epoxy hybrid resin has not previously been used in intumescent coatings. This type of intumescent coating can be used as an effective passive fire protection system for steel constructions.
Impulse purchases of groceries in France and Sweden
Authors: Hultén Peter , Vanyushyn Vladimir 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify similarities and differences with regard to factors affecting consumers' impulse purchases of groceries in France and Sweden.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by a random survey of 202 Swedish and 368 French households. MANCOVA is the principal analytical technique.FindingsThe analysis indicates that, while Swedish shoppers make more impulse purchases, the French consumers appear to be more attentive to special in‐store displays and two‐for‐the‐price‐of‐one offerings. Contrary to expectations, the impulse purchases of French and Swedish shoppers are not predicted by gender.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies should incorporate situational variables such as outline of stores and supermarkets and the specific country's food culture, since these factors affect shoppers' choices and shopping habits.Practical implicationsThe findings help practitioners to understand how market‐specific factors affect shoppers' impulse purchases. These insights are important in the light of the increased internationalization of the supermarket chains' operations.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the current knowledge on consumers' impulse purchase behavior by demonstrating that, although the behavior as such is universal, there may be differences between countries with regard to the number of impulse purchases that shoppers make and how they respond to special in‐store displays and discount offerings.