bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Career management systems: what are China's state‐owned hotels practising?
Authors: Kong Haiyan , Cheung Catherine , Qiu Zhang Hanqin 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the current situation of career management in China's state‐owned hotels and to delve into employees' perceptions of such activities.Design/methodology/approachTo obtain a comprehensive view of the career management situation, three qualitative research methods were applied in the study, namely, case study, focus groups, and in‐depth interviews. The results were combined to provide a better insight into career management activities in China and employees' perceptions of these activities. Based on the data collected, career management practices in China's hotel industry are grouped into four dimensions: assessment tools, career development information, professional training, and promotion system.FindingsThe findings of the study reveal that not all Western career management activities are being practised in China's hotels. The results of the qualitative research methods also reveal several career management techniques with Chinese characteristics. Although career management plays an important role in human resources management, there is a gap between hotel career management and employees' career needs. To obtain the best result, it is necessary to find a match between the requirements of the hotel and the aspirations of the individual employee.Practical implicationsBased on the data collected, recommendations and directions on career management practices are established and given to state‐owned hotels management. By developing the four dimensions of career management activities, the paper generates important references and suggestions for further study in the area of employees' career development.Originality/valueFor both hotel operators and hotel employees, the paper is the first attempt to provide comprehensive information concerning China's hotel career management. The development of the four career management dimensions may serve as a basis for future study.
“One size doesn't fit all”
Authors: King Ceridwyn 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the effect of internal brand management (IBM) practices on tourism and hospitality employees' ability to demonstrate brand supportive behaviours. A model, which includes brand knowledge dissemination, role clarity, brand commitment and brand supportive behaviour is proposed. To provide further insight, the study seeks to examine the impact that hierarchical roles have on employees' responses.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research methodology was adopted, resulting in the development of a self‐administered online survey instrument. Using a national database of service employees, respondents were invited to participate in the online survey, resulting in the completion of 137 surveys.FindingsWhile all paths were significant in the overall model, differences were found when comparing front line and management models. Overall, brand commitment played a more significant role in the front line model, whereas role clarity was not shown to be significant in the management model with respect to influencing brand supportive behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe results suggest that the tourism and hospitality employee market is not homogeneous. IBM has a positive effect on all employees but it is what they choose to do with that information that differs. Managers should endeavour to develop brand‐committed front‐line employees, while the management employees should be encouraged to apply their brand knowledge, thereby “leading by example”.Originality/valueAn IBM strategy should be paramount in the tourism and hospitality industry, given the critical role the employee provides to a guest's overall experience and assessment of the brand. The study empirically validates the effects of IBM, identifying differences in responses based on hierarchical position, which has ramifications for practitioners and academics in developing best practice.
How determinant attributes of service quality influence customer‐perceived value
Authors: Chen Po‐Tsang , Hu Hsin‐Hui 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate empirically how the determinant attributes of coffee quality, service, food and beverage, and extra benefits influenced customer‐perceived value in the coffee outlet industry.Design/methodology/approachA self‐administrated questionnaire was distributed to 834 respondents from chain and independent coffee outlets for the study. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify which factors of determinant attributes of service quality influenced customer‐perceived value.FindingsThe study found that factors of determinant attributes of service quality significantly influenced functional and symbolic dimensions of perceived value with the former being related with coffee quality, service, and food and beverage, whereas the latter is positively related with coffee quality, food and beverage, and extra benefits.Practical implicationsThe paper bears significant theoretical and practical results. Theoretically, determinant attributes of service quality can enhance not only functional value but also symbolic value, ignored in previous value‐based research. It is believed that perceived value should be considered as a base in designing determinant attributes of service quality. Practically, it is imperative for marketers to gain a thorough understanding of the consumption experience of their customers by enhancing value perceptions in terms of determinant attributes of service quality.Originality/valueThe study challenges the existing literature by identifying how customers perceived function and symbolic values based on determinant attributes of service quality offered in the coffee outlet industry.
China's second‐tier cities as exhibition destinations
Authors: Jin Xin , Bauer Thomas , Weber Karin 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the exhibition industry in China and to report on an exploratory study of 306 exhibitors and visitors to a trade exhibition in Guangzhou, China, which examined decision‐making factors that influence the visitors and exhibitors in exhibition‐participation.Design/methodology/approachThe research took a quantitative approach by conducting a survey at the Guangzhou International Beauty & Cosmetic Import‐Export Expo in late March 2008. A total of 306 valid responses were obtained. Descriptive analysis and factor analysis were conducted using SPSS 12.0.FindingsStudy findings indicate five categories of factors that influence exhibition‐participation. Promising second‐tier cities as exhibition destinations are also identified and discussed.Originality/valueA contribution of the study is exploring whether participants attach importance to destination attributes when they consider attending an exhibition. It also investigated, for the first time, exhibitors' and visitors' preferences for 15 second‐tier cities in China as exhibition destinations.
Nutritional labelling in restaurants
Authors: Alexander Matthew , O'Gorman Kevin , Wood Kati 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore consumer attitudes towards the potential implementation of compulsory nutritional labelling on commercial restaurant menus in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe research was approached from the perspective of the consumer with the intention of gaining an insight into personal attitudes towards nutritional labelling on commercial restaurant menus and three focus groups were conducted consisting of participants with distinctly differing approaches to eating outside the home.FindingsThe research suggests that, while some consumers might welcome the introduction of nutritional labelling, it is context‐dependent and without an appropriate education the information provided may not be understood anyway. The issue of responsibility for public health is unresolved, although some effort could be made to provide greater nutritional balance in menus.Research limitations/implicationsFollowing this research with a quantitative investigation, the ideas presented could be verified with the opinions of a larger sample. For example, a study into the reactions to nutritionally labelled menus in various restaurant environments.Practical implicationsConsumers would react differently if this information were to be presented in a fine‐dining restaurant rather than in a popular catering or fast food scenario. The obstacles faced by restaurants to provide not only nutritional information, but also attractive, nutritious food are significant.Originality/valuePrior to the research there were few, if any, studies into the effects of food labelling on consumer choice behaviour in the context of hospitality management.
Effects of heat transfer on the strength of shock waves emitted upon spherical bubble collapse
Authors: Mahdi Miralam , Shams Mehrzad , Ebrahimi Reza 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study numerically the effects of heat transfer on the strength of shock waves emitted upon spherical bubble collapse.Design/methodology/approachThe motion of bubble under ultrasound is predicted by solutions of the Navier‐Stokes equations for the gas inside a spherical bubble. The Gilmore model and the method of characteristics are used to model the shock wave emitted at the end of the bubble collapse.FindingsThe theory permits one to predict correctly the bubble radius‐time curve and the characteristics of shock wave in sulphuric acid solution. These simulations indicated that the heat transfer inside the bubble and the liquid layer plays a major role in the bubble behaviour and the strength of the shock waves. Also, the developed numerical scheme is checked for different gas bubble like air, Argon and Xenon. It is observed that the gas thermal conductivity plays an important role in the shock wave strength. A good agreement is observed by comparison of the results with the experimental data.Originality/valueThe effect of heat transfer on the emitted shock wave strength has not been studied previously. In this paper, a numerical scheme is developed to consider heat transfer on the shock. Also, this simulation is checked for different gas conductivities.
Mixed convection flow over a vertical power‐law stretching sheet
Authors: Patil P.M. , Roy S. , Chamkha Ali J. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider steady two‐dimensional mixed convection flow along a vertical semi‐infinite power‐law stretching sheet. The velocity and temperature of the sheet are assumed to vary in a power‐law form.Design/methodology/approachThe problem is formulated in terms of non‐similar equations. These equations are solved numerically by an efficient implicit, iterative, finite‐difference method in combination with a quasi‐linearization technique.FindingsIt was found that the skin‐friction coefficient increased with the ratio of free‐stream velocity to the composite reference velocity and the buoyancy parameter while it decreased with exponent parameter. The heat transfer rate increased with the Prandtl number, buoyancy parameter and the exponent parameter.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information for researchers on the subject of convective flow over stretching sheets.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates mixed convective flow over a power‐law stretched surface with variable wall temperature.
An agile and diversified supply chain: reducing operational risks
Authors: Liu Shuguang , Lin Jun , Hayes Karen A. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeRecent trends of outsourcing in global competition make the firms vulnerable to operational risks. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how firms implement supply chain strategies to reduce operational risks, especially risk exposure involving catastrophic events.Design/methodology/approachDrawn on risk management and supply chain research, the concepts of operational risk and the underlying demand and supply uncertainties are delineated. Then, based on literature review and numerical demonstrations, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of supply chain strategies in reducing operational risks. The paper examines the benefit of these strategies and illustrate how to setup risk pooling and dual sourcing programs.FindingsEmploying the strategies of risk pooling and dual sourcing, an agile and diversified supply chain can be built to cope with the demand or supply uncertainties and in turn reduce the operational risks.Practical implicationsLeaders in any organization should consider operational and supply risk critically when planning their competitive strategy. They could foster creative solutions in supply chain strategies and essentially enhance competitiveness.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the tension between outsourcing trend in pursuit of competitive advantage and risk exposure to catastrophic events. This paper fulfils a practical need for better understanding of how supply chain strategies could be implemented to reduce operational risks.
Individual profiles as predictors of expatriate effectiveness
Authors: Downes Meredith , Varner Iris I. , Hemmasi Masoud 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the relationship between expatriate personality and effectiveness on overseas assignments.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 118 expatriates who were currently on assignments overseas or had been on an assignment in the past.FindingsResults of multiple regression analysis show expatriate personality traits to be significant predictors of two of the effectiveness measured used. Extraversion, emotional stability, and openness have a significant, positive impact on expatriate adjustment, and agreeableness is significant and positively associate with expatriate job performance.Practical implicationsOrganizations may be well‐served to consider expatriate personality as an important criterion for selection for overseas assignments, as successful assignments reflect on the organization in a number of ways and thus contribute to the company's global competitiveness.Originality/valueExtant research on the connection between expatriate personality and effectiveness has been limited, relies on expatriate or supervisor perceptions of which traits they believe are important to success, and has been inconsistent in measuring the effectiveness construct. This paper directly assesses personality and employs multiple dimensions of effectiveness, thus contributing to the understanding of this relationship.
Cycles of poverty and consumption: the sustainability dilemma
Authors: Farias Christine , Farias Gerard 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the dilemma of global sustainable economic development and poverty alleviation in the context of the environmental concerns.Design/methodology/approachA range of recently published literature focusing on the bottom of the pyramid (BoP) is reviewed. The arguments that are in favor and against the notion of poor being a “market” are examined. The implications of increased consumption by the poor even while the developed countries maintain their levels of consumption are discussed.FindingsThis paper argues that current levels of consumption by the developed world is not sustainable even as the world's poor begin to consume more to maintain a reasonable standard of living. New business models and models for sustainable development are called for.Research limitations/implicationsSustainable development is an extremely complex issue and it is impossible to address this complexity in a single article.Practical implicationsThe paper challenges businesses to develop new business models that have more stringent constraints imposed on them.Originality/valueThis paper challenges the current norm of unbridled growth. The paper calls for academicians and practitioners to develop new models.
The enterprise perspective: a new mind‐set for competitiveness and sustainability
Authors: Harris Drew L. , Twomey Daniel F. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purposr of this paper is to introduce a new perspective on the organization's role, purpose, and relationships, both within and among organizations, that holds the promise of more ecologically sustainable and economically competitive business practices.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes critiques of the current corporate perspective of organizations and builds upon Roome's framework for sustainable management to articulate a new model for organizational relationships that engage value‐chain members in an enterprise‐based competitiveness model. The paper offers examples to illustrate the potential of the new model.FindingsThe new model requires a shift in the mind‐set of executives and major shareholders, but that shift holds the theoretical potential to improve long‐term competitiveness and environmental sustainability.Practical implicationsThe enterprise perspective model (EPM) holds the promise of improving competitive strength for firms and reducing negative environmental impacts from their operations. Executives who have embraced this model also find renewed energy and sense of purpose in their work.Originality/valueThis paper introduces the EPM and provides a framework for thinking about the assumptions and practices that need to change to move from the corporation perspective model to the EPM. The paper raises important research questions about implementing the EPM.
Socioeconomy of innovation and entrepreneurship in a cluster of SMEs in emerging economies
Authors: Islam Faheem 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to profile the socio‐economy of an internationally competitive textile industry cluster of small and medium‐sized enterprises in the Faisalabad region of Pakistan and present how the agglomeration has helped the small enterprises to overcome growth constraints and supported them to compete nationally and abroad.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on secondary data, semi‐structured interviews, and questionnaire survey including 267 enterprises. Top managers of small, medium, and large sized enterprises answered the questions. Mixed methods of inquiry and concurrent triangulation approach is used to corroborate and analyze the data.FindingsThe paper presents how the agglomeration has allowed the constituent small and medium sized firms to benefit from various forms of market and nonmarket spillovers, which, in turn, has raised local endogenous innovation and productivity growth.Originality/valueThe paper presents significant new insights for policy makers, practitioners, educators, and researchers into the socio‐economy of agglomerated small and medium sized firms in the context of an emerging economy.
An analysis of marketing programmes adopted by regional small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Parrott Guy , Azam Roomi Muhammad , Holliman David 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create an understanding of the true nature of contemporary SME marketing activities. While acknowledging operational constraints, the paper aims to hypothesize that, if effective marketing planning was employed, this would improve the long‐term growth of small to medium‐sized enterprises. The paper seeks to assess the implications current practices may have on the long‐term survival of enterprises and to identify significant SME marketing development and training needs.Design/methodology/approachA marketing audit approach yielded data from the collation of 125 completed online questionnaires within the East of England region. Statistical analysis using SPSS was applied to produce an in‐depth quantitative analysis of these data. In addition, qualitative data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews of some 20 owner‐managers. These responses were further inductively analysed and interpreted.FindingsData analysis demonstrated a significant disparity between their perceived marketing effectiveness compared with their actual practices recorded at interview. Significantly, they failed to understand why campaigns did not yield results, as they routinely did not employ appropriate controls and procedures. SMEs believed that they were fully cognisant of the effectiveness of their marketing activity, through further exploration; evidence revealed that they failed to employ sufficient review procedures, and in the extreme cases these procedures were non‐existent. A direct correlation was also witnessed between company size and the application of effective marketing planning. Larger enterprises demonstrated a greater awareness of strategic marketing competence.Originality/valueTheir ability to understand their marketplace and to become truly competitive relies on SMEs developing a deeper understanding of their current marketing decision‐making processes through the systematic adoption of more robust strategic procedures. In summary, there is an observable difference between marketing activities conducted by SMEs and best practice defined in academic theory.
Is there a relationship between information technology adoption and human resource management?
Authors: Carroll Wendy R. , Wagar Terry H. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the adoption of information technology is associated with human resource management and organizational restructuring.Design/methodology/approachSMEs in Nova Scotia were visited and complete data from 130 firms were obtained.FindingsThe rate of IT adoption varies noticeably among SMEs in Nova Scotia, with less than 10 per cent being high adopters. IT adoption was strongly associated with employer size, organizational restructuring and investment in human resource management.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are cross‐sectional and the generalizability of the results may be limited. While it was found that HRM and IT were strongly related, it was whether they are associated with higher employer performance was not examined.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that IT may play a role in enhancing the human resource function.Originality/valueThere has been little research exploring the link between HRM and IT adoption, particularly among small firms. This paper fills some of the gaps.
Financing entrepreneurship in different regions
Authors: Berggren Björn , Silver Lars 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to analyse the financial search behaviour of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in different regions and the perceived importance of different external financiers for these firms.Design/methodology/approachA postal survey targeting the chief executive officers (CEOs) of 459 SMEs was distributed in different regions of Sweden.FindingsLarge differences exist in the financial search behaviour exhibited by firms in the four different types of regions. In the metropolitan areas, firms are more active in searching for new owners, especially professional investors. In smaller municipalities, banks dominate as the most important financier.Research limitations/implicationsThe study might not be generalised for other settings because it was carried out in Sweden. Furthermore, the regional types used might cause some concern as to whether the findings can be generalised.Practical implicationsThe study provides evidence that policies need to be tailor‐made for different regions because the predominant type of financier differs greatly between regions. The findings also emphasise the need for policymakers to focus on equity gap issues in regional centres.Originality/valueThe paper fulfils an important role in elaborating on the use and importance of different types of financing in various regions.