bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the gender gap in organizations
Authors: Sörlin Ann , Ohman Ann , Blomstedt Yulia , Stenlund Hans , Lindholm Lars 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a register‐based index that could provide a practical tool for gathering information and increasing our knowledge on gender equality at organizational level.Design/methodology/approachBased on Swedish gender policy and information available in public registers, six variables were chosen. For each variable, a gender gap was calculated as the ratio between the sexes, with the larger figure always treated as numerator. The study population consisted of 11,471 persons in 46 companies working in the computer sector, and 32,151 individuals in 77 companies employed in the grocery production sector.FindingsThe results show indices of 1.43‐2.09 for the computer sector and of 1.13‐2.14 for the grocery production sector, both with a normal distribution (one is considered fully gender equal and three least gender equal). Added together, the selected variables provide results that are sufficiently different to enable ranking. The variables vary in importance in the two sectors compared. The smallest index variation was for education and salaries; the largest was for parental leave and the number of men and women employed at the companies.Originality/valueThe index is based on public registers, treats men and women symmetrically, and the results generated by the index are easy to communicate to all stakeholders. This research could provide a useful tool for investigating the extent to which men and women differ in certain variables at company level.
A review of male and female Australian indigenous entrepreneurs
Authors: Wood Glenice J. , Davidson Marilyn J. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeResearch in indigenous small business entrepreneurship in Australia is sparse. This paper aims to provide a review of the available literature culminating in a comprehensive model of characteristics, motivations and potential barriers to entrepreneurial activity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a literature review.Findings“Push” factors were predominant as motivators for setting up business ventures and were strongly linked to the desire to improve severe disadvantage through very poor economic situations and negative racial stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice as well as addressing the needs of their community. Potential barriers to business development included lack of formal education, prior work experience, language barriers, culture conflicts and problems attaining sufficient finance. Female indigenous entrepreneurs faced both gender and racial discrimination.Practical implicationsThis paper concludes with some suggestions on future research and government and policy directions to encourage indigenous Australian entrepreneurship as a means of economic development for this population.Originality/valueThe paper presents a unique comprehensive review and model of both male and female Australian indigenous entrepreneurs.
A critical review of “green” procurement
Authors: Beer Sean , Lemmer Christian 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to help readers understand the nature of the food supply chain and the way that environmental “costs” are accumulated along its length, with a view to developing more sustainable supply chains from political, social, economic technological and environmental perspectives.Design/methodology/approachIn order to do this, the authors have examined elements of the supply chain starting off by looking at consumer expectations and moving on to the environmental impact of different food types, different production systems, food transport and food waste. A series of calculations looking at the costings for different types of meals, with different environmental credentials, that might be served at different events is included to put some of the more abstract ideas of and environmental cost/benefit into context.FindingsPerforming a thorough life cycle analysis of a meal is a very complex and far from certain procedure. It is essential for us to develop our techniques in order to make informed decisions, but in a commercial world probably the best approach is to adopt a broad set of criteria that are likely to give environmental benefits both to the business, the consumer and broader society. In some cases, this may be best achieved by adopting or developing some sort of accreditation scheme or brand.Practical implicationsThis paper gives event managers and others involved in the food supply chain context within which to start thinking about more environmentally sound peculiar and of foodstuffs.Originality/valueThis paper represents a broad overview pulling together many sets of original findings from a very diverse interdisciplinary literature base.
The development of competitive advantage through sustainable event management
Authors: Henderson Stephen 
Published: June 2011

PurposeWhilst the debate rages between progressive and destructive considerations of economic development, this paper aims to develop thinking around the sustainable event and its contribution to competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe paper defines the sustainable event and considers different position that might be adopted by private and public sector organisations when addressing the triple bottom line of sustainable development.FindingsCost leadership strategies are unlikely to work and the event organiser must address competitive advantage via differentiation and focus strategies.Practical implicationsEvent managers must gain a better understanding of the motivations of their audience in relation to sustainability and work towards clearer means to demonstrate that their event meets these sustainable development needs.Originality/valueThe intention being that if event organisers can see a competitive advantage in the sustainable event, their contribution to sustainable development will be increased.
Computational complexity of some intelligent computing systems
Authors: Tadjouddine Emmanuel M. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeAs agent‐based systems are increasingly used to model real‐life applications such as the internet, electronic markets or disaster management scenarios, it is important to study the computational complexity of such usually combinatorial systems with respect to some desirable properties. The purpose of this paper is to consider two computational models: graphical games encoding the interactions between rational and selfish agents; and weighted directed acyclic graphs (DAG) for evaluating derivatives of numerical functions. The author studies the complexity of a certain number of search problems in both models.Design/methodology/approachThe author's approach is essentially theoretical, studying the problem of verifying game‐theoretic properties for graphical games representing interactions between self‐motivated and rational agents, as well as the problem of searching for an optimal elimination ordering in a weighted DAG for evaluating derivatives of functions represented by computer programs.FindingsA certain class of games has been identified for which Nash or Bayesian Nash equilibria can be verified in polynomial time; then, it has been shown that verifying a dominant strategy equilibrium is non‐deterministic polynomial (NP)‐complete even for normal form games. Finally, it has been shown that the optimal vertex elimination ordering for weighted DAGs is NP‐complete.Originality/valueThis paper presents a general framework for graphical games. The presented results are novel and illustrate how modeling real‐life scenarios involving intelligent agents can lead to computationally hard problems while showing interesting cases that are tractable.
A novel sexual adaptive genetic algorithm based on Baldwin effect for global optimization
Authors: Zhang Mingming 
Published: June 2011

PurposeA novel sexual adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) based on Baldwin effect for global optimization is proposed to overcome the shortcomings of traditional GAs, such as premature convergence, stochastic roaming, and poor capabilities in local exploring. This paper seeks to discuss the issues.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed algorithm simulates sexual reproduction and adopts an effective gender determination method to divide the population into two subgroups of different genders. Based on the competition, cooperation, and innate differences between two gender subgroups, the proposed algorithm adjusts adaptively sexual genetic operators. Furthermore, inspired by the acquired reinforcement learning theory based on Baldwin effect, the proposed algorithm guides individuals to forward or reverse learning and enables the transmission of fitness information between parents and offspring to adapt individuals' acquired fitness.FindingsGlobal convergence of the proposed algorithm is proved in detail. Numerical simulations are conducted for a set of benchmark functions with different dimensional decision variables. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with that of the other evolutionary algorithms published recently. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm can find optimal or closer‐to‐optimal solutions, and is more competitive than the compared algorithms.Originality/valueThe proposed algorithm introduces, integrates and simulates correctly and adequately, for the first time, the mechanisms of sexual reproduction, Baldwin effect and adaptation to GAs by referring to the latest research results of modern biology and evolution theory.
Toward a typology of events venues
Authors: Hassanien Ahmed , Dale Crispin 
Published: June 2011

PurposeEvents venues are incredibly diverse and yet a coherent typology fails to be apparent in the mainstream literature. Indeed, the focus of research has predominately been on the demand as opposed to the supply side of events venues. The article attempts to ameliorate this gap in knowledge and reviews the literature on current methods of classifying events venues.Design/methodology/approachTo provide a context for the analysis and evaluation of events venues, it is necessary to explore the evolution of events venues classifications. Then, the paper offers a series of different criteria that can be used to explore the concept and scope of events venues.FindingsThe main aim of developing a new typology of events venues must be to produce a more effective and efficient classification of this sector. At the same time, the new typology needs to address various criteria that might further differentiate venues in terms of those factors which are outlined in the paper. Indeed, it should be noted that the discussed criteria could act as a foundation for how they can be classified into different types.Originality/valueThe proposed criteria provide a context that will guide academics and practitioners current and/or future classifications of events venues. A number of conclusions and recommendations for developing a new typology of events venues are then discussed.
Social media use in sports and entertainment venues
Authors: Rothschild Philip C. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to uncover how social media is used, managed, and perceived by sports and entertainment venue (SEV) managers. While there is considerable evidence that social media has been used effectively by Fortune 500 companies, it is not known how social media is administered and perceived among managers of arenas, stadiums, performing art centers, and convention centers.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used survey methodology to capture the perceptions of 383 venue management professionals, all members of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).FindingsMost venue managers feel their social media efforts are proficient or at the expert level and most have a defined social media strategy. Others feel much less confident about their social media efforts and have no defined social media strategy. At a statistically significant level, those with a defined social media strategy report increased revenue, while those without a defined social media strategy do not. Venue managers forecast a significant increase in non‐traditional marketing strategies while using traditional marketing efforts over the next three years far less.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the 383 responders are IAVM active members who are in venue management, they reasonably represent SEV managers in general and these survey results can be generalized to SEV managers with an overall conservative margin of error of ±5.0 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The survey was conducted online by e‐mail invitation. While using the online media to deliver a survey related to the proliferation of various online activities was, at one time, questionable and, potentially, a source of responder bias, the current level of saturation of e‐mail use by and comfort with online activity of professionals mitigates these likely sources of responder bias and is not a source of additional concern with this study.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes with a discussion of the results and a recommendation that venue managers define a social media strategy that includes hiring or reassigning staff to support this important area of social media marketing.Originality/valueThis paper is unique in that examines social media use in the unique context of SEVs.
Discretionary corporate social responsibility: introducing the GREENER VENUE
Authors: Whitfield Julie , Dioko Leonardo A.N. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual comparative framework measuring the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the UK conference sector.Design/methodology/approachA self‐administered internet‐based survey was conducted to examine the implementation of ten environmental policy initiatives, expressed by the acronym “GREENER”, using a CSR response scale, expressed by the acronym “VENUE”.FindingsThe greatest proportion of UK venues can be classified as “Eager”, with a quarter of respondents being deemed as “Unmotivated” or in “Eternal denial” regarding their implementation of CSR. It was also found that both size of venue space and venue type have significant effects on the level of CSR implementation.Research limitations/implicationsEnvironmental performance indicators are not the only components of CSR, there are others, including social, economic and ethical. Further research may expand the framework from a uni‐dimensional environmental framework to a multi‐dimensional framework, through the inclusion of some or all of these CSR components.Originality/valueThe GREENER VENUE framework contributes to two important areas hitherto overlooked in the CSR literature: first, it develops a framework with emphasis toward discretionary practices and illustrates the strength of this method through application to the sizeable and rapidly growing UK conference industry. Second, the framework exhibits conceptual and psychometric properties that enable its application to broad and diverse contexts. It is theoretically grounded but at the same time practical, easy to implement, easily understandable and highly relatable to organisational managers, frontline employees and many other key stakeholders of any industry.
Actualizing environmental sustainability at Vancouver 2010 venues
Authors: Ponsford Ian F. 
Published: June 2011

PurposePhilosophical espousal of the sustainability rubric is becoming widespread in the event industry. A business systems‐oriented literature has emerged that helps event organizers plan for and measure success of more environmentally responsible or sustainable events. While top‐down approaches to sustainability are increasingly well established, the practical application of these programs in the unique event planning and management context is less well understood. This paper aims to build understanding of operations‐level opportunities and constraints that may be faced by environmental practitioners in event organizations.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with members of the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee's (VANOC) Environmental Management Team (EMT), a group of environmental professionals embedded in VANOC's venue infrastructure business unit.FindingsSeveral organizational strategies are described but intra‐organizational relationships are found to be the medium by which the environmental sustainability concept is actualized at venues.Originality/valueAlthough the EMT operated within the standardized event delivery model established by the International Olympic Committee, it is hoped the Vancouver 2010 experience will be useful for other event organizers instituting and delivering environmental programs.
Effects of influential factors on consumer perceptions of uncertainty for online shopping
Authors: Zhang Geng , Liu Zhenyu 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate the effects of different influential factors on consumer perceptions of uncertainty for online shopping.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, consumer perceptions of uncertainty have been divided into perceived commodity uncertainty and perceived seller's behavior uncertainty, and the influential factors concerned are experienced commodity attributes, online communication, buyer's comments, and the warrants of the consumer to consumer (C2C) operator. Based on the theoretical framework, this paper takes a structural evaluation model to analyze the research hypotheses.FindingsTaking TAOBAO.com as an example, the empirical research results indicate that perceived commodity uncertainty can be reduced by all the influential factors directly, and the perceived seller's behavior uncertainty can be reduced by online communication. In addition, the results also show that the perceived seller's behavior uncertainty can significantly affect the buyers' will, and perceived commodity uncertainty can indirectly affect the buyers will through the perceived seller's behavior uncertainty.Practical implicationsBased on the empirical results, the paper argues that in order to effectively reduce the seller's behavior uncertainty and eliminate information asymmetry, the main issues C2C are faced with currently is to establish a more comprehensive protection mechanism and to develop more equitable trade rules.Originality/valueCompared with previous research on risk and uncertainty, this paper provides experimental analysis of the consumer perceptions of uncertainty for online buyers. It reveals the effects of different influential factors on the perceived uncertainty of consumers, which would help to explain the online consumer's behavior. Furthermore, the results from this research can enrich the understanding of the theory of risk.
Estimating the switching costs in wireless telecommunication market
Authors: Zhu Ge , Ao Shan , Dai Jianhua 
Published: June 2011

PurposeSwitching cost is an important concept in the study of consumer loyalty which has implications for organizational business strategy and regulatory policies. Much research has already examined the formation and influence of switching costs on the consumers' repeated purchase intentions, but little research has focused on quantitative measurement of the switching cost itself. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachBy game theory, a complete Nash‐Bertrand model is proposed to accurately estimate consumer switching costs considering price compensation and transport costs in a duopoly. The relationship between switching costs and market structure is then analyzed by using the example of Hong Kong's wireless telecommunication market. From the observed data of China's wireless telecommunication industry, the model calculates switching costs per year of China Mobile and China Unicom's users respectively, as well as other variables.FindingsThe results demonstrate that reducing consumer switching costs will benefit small operators and increase competition in a winner‐take‐all market.Originality/valueThe model is valuable in calculating unseen switching costs and studying the impact of switching costs on market structure, especially for a duopoly in telecommunication.
Cross-sectional study on the correlation of serum uric acid with disease severity in Korean patients with psoriasis
Authors: Kwon H. H. , Kwon I. H. , Choi J. W. , Youn J. I. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryBackground. Hyperuricaemia is a common finding in patients with psoriasis. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent results about the association between serum uric acid concentration (SUAC) and psoriasis severity. Recent studies have also reported that SUAC is associated with metabolic dysregulation.Aim. To assess any association between SUAC and clinical features of psoriasis, and to investigate the characteristics of patients with psoriasis with hyperuricaemia compared with similar patients with normouricaemia.Methods. Cross-sectional data from 198 Korean patients with psoriasis who visited our clinic were analysed. Association of SUAC with clinical features of psoriasis, body mass index (BMI) and various laboratory values was assessed in both genders separately.Results. The average uric acid concentration of patients with psoriasis was not significantly different from that of the healthy population, for both genders (P &gt; 0.05). There was a positive correlation between SUAC and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and BMI in patients with psoriasis (P &lt; 0.05). There was no association with age of disease onset, family history of psoriasis, or other laboratory values (P &gt; 0.05), in either gender. Of the other factors of disease severity, the extent of body surface involvement was correlated with uric acid concentration (P &lt; 0.05) although there was no significant relationship with activity of individual lesions (P &gt; 0.05). Mean PASI and extent of psoriasis were increased in hyperuricaemic compared with normouricaemic patients (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusions. SUAC in patients with psoriasis is positively associated with PASI, extent of skin involvement and BMI for both genders independently.
Activation of natural killer cells by hepatitis C virus particles in vitro
Authors: Farag M M S , Weigand K , Encke J , Momburg F 
Published: June 2011

Summary
Little is known about the ability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) to alter early innate immune responses in infected patients. Previous studies have shown that natural killer (NK) cells are functionally impaired after interaction of recombinant HCV glycoprotein E2 with the co-stimulatory CD81 molecule in vitro; however, the functional consequences of a prolonged contact of NK cells with HCV particles have remained unclear. We have examined the phenotypes of purified, interleukin-2-activated NK cells from healthy donors and HCV genotype 1b patients after culture for 5 days with HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) and serum samples containing HCV genotype 1b. NK cells from healthy donors and chronic HCV patients were found to up-regulate receptors associated with activation (NKp46, NKp44, NKp30, NKG2D), while NK receptors from the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor family (KIR/CD158), predominantly having an inhibitory function, were significantly down-modulated after culture in the presence of HCV particles compared with control cultures of NK cells. HCV-infected sera and HCVpp elicited significantly higher secretion of the NK effector lymphokines interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α. Furthermore, HCV stimulated the cytotoxic potential of NK cells from normal donors and patients. The enhanced activation of NK cells after prolonged culture with HCVpp or HCV-containing sera for 5 days suggests that these innate effector cells may play an important role in viral control during early phases of HCV infection.