bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of solidification of liquid copper saturated in porous structures fabricated by sintered steel particles
Authors: Damronglerd Piyasak , Zhang Yuwen , Yang Mo 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to solve solidification of liquid copper saturated in porous structure fabricated by sintered steel particles using a temperature‐transforming model (TTM).Design/methodology/approachThe convection in the liquid region is modeled using Navier‐Stokes equation with Darcy's term and Forchheimer's extension. The effect of natural convection is considered using the Boussinesq approximation. For the solid region, the velocity is set to zero by the Ramped Switch‐Off Method (RSOM). The model was validated by comparing the results with existing experimental and numerical results with gallium as phase change material and packed glass beads as porous structure. Solidification of liquid copper saturated in sintered copper particles is then simulated and the effects of various parameters on solidification process were studied.FindingsThe results indicate that the stronger convection effects are shown for the cases with high Raleigh number or high Darcy's number. However, when either Raleigh number or Darcy's number is reduced to below a certain order of magnitude, the solidification becomes conduction‐controlled.Originality/valueThis work is the first application of the TTM to solve solidification in porous media, which can find its application in post‐processing of laser sintered parts.
Exploring consumer‐brand relationship quality and identification
Authors: Papista Erifili , Dimitriadis Sergios 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine alternative constructs that are used in parallel to describe the strength of consumer‐brand relationships. First, the two main conceptualisations of relationship quality (RQ), as developed by relationship marketing and branding literature, are analysed to highlight their common elements. Then, the recently applied in branding context concept of consumer‐brand identification (CBI) is analysed, and issues regarding its nature and link to RQ are raised.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws upon existing literature on the streams of branding and relationship marketing, to propose a conceptualisation of consumer‐brand RQ and examine the link of CBI to RQ. To investigate the research questions, an exploratory qualitative paper is undertaken involving four focus groups with consumers who have developed relationships with cosmetic brands.FindingsResponses provide evidence for the concepts of satisfaction, trust, commitment, intimacy and love in describing consumer‐brand RQ. CBI emerges as a distinct construct of cognitive nature. Furthermore, RQ appears to be differentiated according to consumer age.Research limitations/implicationsThis research enables commencement of empirical examination of the link between RQ and CBI and the relative role of age into building strong relationships with brands.Originality/valueThe paper bridges two different research streams, relationship marketing and branding, into conceptualising consumer‐brand RQ. Furthermore, the paper is a first attempt to explore the role of CBI in relation to the construct of RQ, thus fulfilling an identified gap in the literature regarding the link of those constructs.
Investigating directionality for a media consumption construct
Authors: Wilson Bradley , Vocino Andrea , Adam Stewart , Stella Jason 
Published: December 2011

PurposeWhen assessing the psychometric properties of measures and estimate relations among latent variables, many studies in the social sciences (including management and marketing) often fail to comprehensively appraise the directionality of indicants. Such failures can lead to model misspecification and inaccurate parameter estimates. The purpose of this paper is to apply a post hoc test called confirmatory vanishing tetrad analysis (CTA hereafter) to a single construct called mass media consumption information exposure, which antecedent studies conceptually posited to be a formative (causative) representation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses a consumer sample of 585 US respondents and applies the CTA test to a single construct by its inclusion in various matrices within a statistical analysis system‐macro that takes into account nonnormal data characteristics. The matrices are derived from Mplus 5 through the estimation of a single‐factor congeneric model. The CTA test calculates a test statistic similar to an asymptotic χ2 distribution with degrees of freedom equal to the number of nonredundant tetrads tested.FindingsThe preliminary data analyses reveal that the data characteristics are nonnormal which is not uncommon in social research. The CTA results reveal that the reflective (emergent) item orientation cannot be fully ruled out as being the correct model representation. This is in contrast to prior theoretical conceptual work which would strongly support this construct being a formative representation.Originality/valueInsofar as the authors are aware, there is no paper with a particular focus on how the CTA might not provide sound results with a demonstrated example. The paper makes a valuable contribution by discussing modelling philosophy and a procedure for directionality testing. The authors advocate the implementation of pre and post hoc tests as a key component of standard research practice.
Can consumers be racist?
Authors: Rao Hill Sally , Paphitis Katherine 
Published: December 2011

PurposeConsumer racism (CR) is a highly relevant issue to societies such as Australia and one which has, up until now, been somewhat neglected by marketers. This paper aims to investigate this relatively “new” construct and its impact on product evaluation and subsequent willingness to buy cross‐ethnic products amongst Australian consumers.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a quasi‐experiment method. Data were collected from an intercept sample of 212 Australian consumers via personal interviews. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, and hypotheses were tested using regression analysis and two‐way between groups ANOVA.FindingsThe results provide evidence that higher levels of CR translate into more negative evaluations of product quality which, in turn, decrease willingness to buy products perceived as originating from the ethnic minority. Further, regardless of the importance of product outcome, CR has a consistent negative effect on product evaluation and willingness to buy amongst Australian consumers.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could be expanded into other ethnic groups and other countries, and could include other moderators such as level of interaction. CR construct can also be examined in service contexts.Originality/valueThe major contributions of the study are the validation of the CR construct and the findings about the impact of it on consumers' willingness to buy cross‐ethnic products via product evaluations in the Australian context.
Like it or not: differences in advertising likeability and dislikeability within Asia
Authors: Gazley Aaron , Krisjanous Jayne , Fam Kim‐Shyan , Grohs Reinhard 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine Asian consumers' attitudes towards television advertisements (ads) to provide an insight into the antecedents and consequences of liked and disliked ads and the cultural differences that influence these relationships.Design/methodology/approachA matched sample of young consumers from four Asian cities was asked to nominate ads that they both liked and disliked. They also provided reasons as to why they were liked and disliked and the effect this had on their purchase intentions. The results were analysed using multiple and logistic regression.FindingsFindings show that ad likeability increases if people feel that advertising provides something to talk about. Conversely, people who find advertising annoying have higher ratings of ad dislikeability. Results also show that a close relationship exists between liking (disliking) television ads and buying more (less) of the advertised products. However, differences exist between Asian cities.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that adherence to a standardised regional advertising strategy based on assumptions that close geography and a seemingly sufficiently close culture within the Asian region is appropriate, could lead to disappointing results. The only commonality is that disliked ads reduce intention to purchase.Originality/valuePrevious research does not consider the unique influences of ad likeability and dislikeability in the decision of whether to standardize or adapt advertising within the Asian region.
The impact of globalization on consumer acculturation
Authors: Gupta Nitin 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore whether predisposition towards foreign brands and consumer acculturation would differ across demographic segments in an emerging market (India). Further, the paper aims to investigate if predisposition towards foreign brands (acting as a proxy for forces of globalization) would lead to consumer acculturation among consumers in India.Design/methodology/approachInstruments to measure predisposition towards foreign brands and consumer acculturation were developed on the basis of extensive literature review. The data comprised of urban, educated, middle‐class Indian consumers. The data were collected using structured questionnaire. ANOVA and T‐test results were used to determine if extent of predisposition towards foreign brands and consumer acculturation would differ across demographic segments. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the impact of predisposition towards foreign brands on consumer acculturation.FindingsThe findings indicate that significant difference exists among various demographic segments with respect to predisposition towards foreign brands and consumer acculturation. Also, predisposition towards foreign brands does impact consumer acculturation among Indian consumers. Various demographic factors such as age, income and educational qualification level significantly affect this causal relationship.Practical implicationsThis paper provides interesting insights about the buying behavior of Indian consumers. These insights would enable corporate managers to develop more focused strategies catering to the Indian consumers.Originality/valueThe paper empirically demonstrates that Indian consumers, when segregated into various demographic segments, do show significant differences in their predisposition towards foreign brands and consumer acculturation. It also ascertains that predisposition towards foreign brands does lead to consumer acculturation.
General management of innovation: lessons from the Shaker community
Authors: Preble John F. , Hoffman Richard C. 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to employ the concepts of the general management of innovation to help explain the extraordinary inventiveness of the Shaker religious community.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing historical accounts of Shaker philosophy and practice, the paper examines Shaker innovativeness through the lens of the general management of innovation in order to develop a historical interpretation of innovation within the Shaker community.FindingsIt was demonstrated that Shaker society possessed a large number of the organizational characteristics, management practices, and values, which have subsequently been found to be positively related to innovative behaviors in modern institutions.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should examine in even greater depth specific values, structure, and practices of Shaker communities as well as focusing on key concepts in other fields such as product, operations, or R&D management to yield additional insights into the management of innovation within organizations.Practical implicationsThe paper discusses several managerial actions derived from an examination of Shaker practices related to the general management of innovation that are relevant for contemporary organizations.Originality/valueThis study uses the extant history of Shaker society to examine, illustrate, and help explain contemporary general management of innovation. This exposition should help inform organizations interested in improving their efforts at spurring successful innovation.
The importance of historical Tang dynasty for place branding the contemporary city Xi'an
Authors: Harry Rothschild Norman , Alon Ilan , Fetscherin Marc 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the opportunity of utilizing Tang dynasty history, heritage, buildings and names in the effort to place brand the contemporary city Xi'an.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a conceptual framework for place branding cities consisting of two main dimensions. The first describes the continuum of functional versus emotional values within a city; the second measures the degree to which the image of a place is historical or contemporary. The paper then employs historical analysis to examine the meaning and construction of a Tang dynasty brand for place branding twenty‐first century Xi'an.FindingsWhile Xi'an may possess an illustrious historical identity, the contemporary city is still searching for an image. Xi'an's glorious heritage attracts considerable tourism, but has not yet drawn substantial business, foreign direct investment or talents to contribute to and support economic development of the metropolitan region.Research limitations/implicationsHistorical analysis of a city can allow a reconstruction of identity in the modern context. Since this is a case study of one key Chinese city, additional cases are needed for other historically important cities to see their influence on business and marketing development.Practical implicationsCities that are attempting to grow should consider their historical legacy. Building on images of the past, they can leapfrog development and establish a brand identity. Modernization was often thought of as a practical developmental tool. Building on the history of a region, modernization can take unique characteristics and differentiated developmental patterns.Originality/valueFew, if any, studies examined the historical antecedents of a remaking and a re‐branding of a city. Destination marketing is an emerging area of research. Xi'an was a great, pivotal city in the past. This paper explores how one region built on the greatness of the past can re‐emerge in modern society.
Benefits of implementing management system standards
Authors: To W.M. , Lee Peter K.C. , Yu Billy T.W. 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of implementing management system standards among ISO (and other) certified companies in the Pearl River Delta and its effect on the perceived benefits.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional survey of certified companies was carried out using a self‐administrated questionnaire. A total of 157 companies participated in the study.FindingsIt was found that the majority of the responding companies implement more than one standardized management system, mostly adopting the quality management, environmental management, and occupational health and safety management systems (i.e. ISO9001, ISO14001, and OHSAS18001). Results show that companies certified to ISO9001 and ISO14001 gain more benefits than the others.Research limitations/implicationsThe study shows that companies implementing multiple management systems can have better corporate performance, product quality, and marketing edges than the others. The results indicate that different combinations of management systems give rise to different level of performance.Originality/valueThere is a lack of empirical proof that more benefits will be gained when multiple management system standards are adopted. The paper addresses this short‐coming and provides evidence that acquiring more system certifications will result in greater perceived benefits.
Eco‐design in total environmental quality management
Authors: Besseris George J. 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology that may aid in assessing ecological quality multi‐trait screening through the use of simple and robust tools while exerting minimal effort in conducting trials and interpreting results.Design/methodology/approachResponse data for two popular site‐monitoring environmental indicators, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), are arranged by implementing an 8‐run saturated orthogonal array proposed by Taguchi. Unreplicated data consolidation is performed through the Super‐Ranking translation. This permits converting the two eco‐traits to a single master response which becomes much easier to manipulate statistically. Distribution‐free multi‐factor contrasting provides the data reduction engine to filter‐out non‐active eco‐design variables for a waste treatment unit in a large dairy‐products plant.FindingsEnvironmental quality improvement is achieved by accumulating structured eco‐data sets through an unreplicated‐saturated L8(27) Taguchi design. Concurrent minimization of the two selected eco‐responses, COD and BOD, promotes in a statistically significant fashion the quantity of incoming wastes, set at its minimum load, as the sole active eco‐factor.Practical implicationsBrief but robust experimentation is exploited in gaining information about the phenomenological behavior of environmental quality indicators, namely COD and BOD, in facilities that manage wastewater treatment. Design for environment is enforced through standard DOE planning schemes. Collected multi‐metric eco‐quality data are translated non‐parametrically in an easy‐to‐comprehend manner that requires no assist from software aids while bypassing more statistical intensive techniques which may demand involvement of more experienced personnel. The methodology is accessible to any level of statistical competence seamlessly intertwined to optimization demands for rapid inference needs.Originality/valueThe method mixes up three distinctive “design‐and‐analysis” elements in order to provide optimal solution in a design‐for‐environment project. The sampling capabilities of Taguchi's orthogonal arrays in concert with Super‐Ranking transformation fuse multi‐eco‐characteristics to a single easy‐to‐handle master unitless eco‐response. Order statistics tables recently published in terms of true probabilities have been adopted for supplying the proper cutoff points to be utilized for gauging against observed rank sums for an 8‐run orthogonal array screening. Quality managers and environmental engineers who contribute routinely to continuous eco‐improvement projects in their Total Environmental Quality Management (TEQM) program may find this approach attractive and viable en route to a typical industrial pollution prevention control deployment.
Brands, quality badges and agricultural cooperatives: how can they co‐exist?
Authors: Kontogeorgos Achilleas 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine different quality schemes and to determine how these could be combined by Agricultural Cooperatives into a brand development strategy designed not only to differentiate their products but also to enhance them with higher value added in the competitive landscape of the food industry.Design/methodology/approachThis paper will first address how brands have enclosed quality signs and even more, how consumers respond to it. Then, it will examine to what extent Greek Agricultural Cooperatives have developed brands for their products and whether they have used quality systems in their activities. Thus, the starting point in the paper's argument is that Agricultural Cooperatives have been slow to develop brands while consumers have been displaying a positive attitude towards these products.FindingsThis work suggests a solution to overcome the difficulties and drawbacks associated with the notion “cooperative product” and to compare its similarities with a collective brand, which has been previously proposed as a brand development strategy for the Agricultural Cooperatives.Practical implicationsThe development of a Quality System especially designed for agricultural cooperatives’ products and, in combination with product certification, can be used as a part of their brand strategy.Originality/valueAgricultural cooperatives could build a brand development strategy based on quality systems, Total Quality Management elements and hence attain the benefits associated with their implementation.
Multilateral initiatives in the East Asian arena and the challenges for Japanese higher education
Authors: Yonezawa Akiyoshi , Meerman Arthur 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the recent evolution of the policy debate over the internationalization of Japanese higher education in times of particularly strong financial constraint, with reference also made to trends in the higher education systems of neighboring Asian countries. The authors describe the de facto formation of a regional Asia‐Pacific higher education arena through open multilateral initiatives, which continues to develop despite the lack of a developed regional policy consensus.Design/methodology/approachThe present paper is based upon over a decade of investigation into the Japanese and other Asian higher education systems. Observations drawn are based on the critical analysis of regional dynamics, including changing sociopolitical, demographic, economic and technology/information‐based factors. The paper objectively interprets information gathered on Japan's investment in human resources, the research performance and international standing of its universities, as well as on and cross‐border phenomena within the Asia‐Pacific region, such as transnational academic mobility, exchange agreements and other multilateral initiatives.FindingsThe international dimension of Asia‐Pacific higher education is becoming increasingly pronounced, primarily as a result of regional multilateral initiatives. Mutual exchange and collaboration between higher education institutions and individual academics and students are widespread and developing rapidly. However, at this moment, there is neither a developed policy consensus to guide the process, nor explicit agreement as to what the “regional higher education arena” in East Asia and the Asia Pacific looks like. Increasingly complex regional dynamics now present Japanese higher education with the need to reposition its role as a distinguished global leader to one as an active member in supporting multilateral initiatives within the Asia‐Pacific region.Originality/valueIn providing an objective synopsis of selected policy initiatives in Japanese and Asian higher education, this paper underscores the need to re‐conceptualize higher education dynamics in the Asian region and Japan's role therein. Long‐held views of Japan as “regional leader”, of the significance of the geographic situation of any one nation, of cross‐border initiatives as planned phenomena and of the factors influencing regional collaboration in academia are reassessed. As such, this paper moves beyond traditional “polar” conceptualizations to the new reality of “multilateral” relationships, concluding with an urgent call for consensus on key policy issues.