bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The underlying motivations of Chinese wine consumer behaviour
Authors: Somogyi Simon , Li Elton , Johnson Trent , Bruwer Johan , Bastian Susan 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discover the underlying motivations of Chinese wine consumption.Design/methodology/approachQualitative focus group interviews were performed on 36 Chinese wine consumers and four focus groups were performed, with participants segmented into groups based on age and gender.FindingsThe main findings were that Chinese wine consumers are influenced by face and status. These issues may be affecting their wine consumption behaviours, particularly related to anomalous behaviours such as mixing red wine with lemonade and the rationale for the preference of cork‐closed wine bottles. Furthermore, the notion of wine consumption for health‐related purposes was uncovered and a linkage found with traditional Chinese medicine.Originality/valueWhile research has been conducted on Chinese wine consumers, this paper attempts to uncover the underlying motivations for consumption and finds a linkage between wine consumption and traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, this paper links the traditions and beliefs of traditional Chinese medicine with a product category other than food or medicine.
Allocation of budget on marketing efforts: an econometric approach in India
Authors: Baidya Mehir Kumar , Basu Partha 
Published: September 2011

PurposeBudget allocation on individual marketing efforts is a complex issue for managers. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the elasticities of individual marketing efforts to allocate budget by taking into consideration two brands in India.Design/methodology/approachHistorical data on physical sales and various marketing efforts (advertising, sales force, promotion, distribution and price) have been collected for two brands. Double‐log regression model has been fitted on data to estimate the elasticity of sales to each effort. Subsequently, the estimated elasticities have been used to allocate budget on the individual marketing efforts in question.FindingsVarious interesting results have been observed, such as the sales force claimed the highest amount of budget for both the brands. Further, managers of both the brands are under‐spending on all the efforts except for advertising in the case of second brand.Practical implicationsThe findings will provide insight into allocation of budget on individual marketing efforts objectively instead of subjectively, which dominates in the field of marketing.Originality/valueThis research captures the real‐world situations (rather than small scale lab‐studies or theoretical modeling) and will definitely add some value in marketing literature.
Role of tactile and visual inputs in product evaluation: a multisensory perspective
Authors: Balaji M.S. , Raghavan Srividya , Jha Subhash 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThere has been an increased interest in marketing literature in understanding the role of sensory experience. However, few researchers have addressed multisensory interaction of visual and tactile evaluation for products salient in single sensory modality. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap and investigate how multisensory evaluation influences overall attitude and purchase intentions. Further, the role of individual personality variable in influencing the interrelationship between sensory evaluation and behavioral outcomes are examined.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this study were collected from 126 students who responded to attitude towards the product and purchase intentions after evaluating three experimental tasks. Repeated measures analysis of variance was carried out to test the multisensory interaction hypotheses.FindingsThe multisensory interaction of tactile and visual information was found to significantly increase the consumer attitudes for products dominant on single sensory modality of touch. Further, the multisensory evaluation led to greater purchase intentions than visual or tactile evaluation.Originality/valueThe paper is perhaps first to investigate multisensory interaction of tactile and visual sensory information in evaluation of products that are salient in touch properties. The current study further examines the role of individual personality variables in influencing interrelationship between sensory evaluation and purchase intentions.
Supply chain integration: an international comparison of maturity
Authors: Childerhouse Paul , Deakins Eric , Böhme Tillmann , Towill Dennis R. , Disney Stephen M. , Banomyong Ruth 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the uptake of supply chain integration (SCI) principles internationally and the resultant integration maturity.Design/methodology/approachA rigorous supply chain diagnostics methodology called the Quick Scan is used to assess the integration maturity of 72 value streams located in New Zealand, Thailand and the UK.FindingsThe majority of the organisations studied are struggling to turn the SCI concept into reality. Supply chains on average are poorly integrated. However, there exist a handful of exemplar cases that provide guidance; levels of integration maturity appear not to differ internationally.Research limitations/implicationsOnly three nations are compared, hence the sample is not fully representative of all countries and industries. There is a significant gap between supply chain rhetoric and practice; clear guidance on how to enable effective integration is required. National settings do not appear to affect the extent of application of supply chain management concepts.Practical implicationsSCI is a very difficult undertaking. Indifferent practice is the norm. If organisations can attain even the middle ground of internal integration they will outperform many of their competitors.Originality/valueThe paper presents an international benchmark of SCI maturity involving three triangulated measures of supply chain performance.
The role of developmental relationships in the transition to entrepreneurship
Authors: Terjesen Siri , Sullivan Sherry E. 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the under‐researched subject of the role of mentoring relationships within and outside of organizational boundaries as individuals make the career transition from being a corporate employee to becoming an entrepreneur.Design/methodology/approachUsing structured interviews, the authors collected data from 24 men and women in the financial services industry in the UK about their experiences in making the transition from a corporate organization to a new venture work context. All interviews were transcribed and systematic Nvivo coding was used.FindingsDevelopmental relationships with structural, relational, and cognitive embeddedness were most likely to transfer from the individual's corporate workplace to their new venture. Support for both the recent literature on multiple mentors and for gender differences in the patterns of these mentoring relationships was also found.Originality/valueThis is the first published study to examine whether mentor relationships from previous corporate employment transfer to the protégé's new entrepreneurial venture and whether other types of relationships (e.g. coworkers, clients) are transformed into mentor‐protégé relationships after the career transition to entrepreneurship. It is also among the few studies to examine mentoring of entrepreneurs and gender differences in mentoring within the entrepreneurial work context.
Benchmarking operation and maintenance costs of French healthcare facilities
Authors: Sliteen Samer , Boussabaine Halim , Catarina Orlando 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a benchmarking study of operation and maintenance costs of French healthcare facilities between 2008 and 2009. The investigation presents findings using quantitative methods, including cumulative frequency and descriptive statistics. The purpose also is to highlight and capture the performance profile of long‐term hospitals, using several operational cost drivers.Design/methodology/approachA literature review revealed that there are no studies on the benchmarking of operation or maintenance costs of health facilities in France. Operational cost drivers reported in literature from other countries were used as the underlying constructs for this research, with a view to generating a benchmarking framework for the health assets in the data sample. The data were extracted from the databases of the hospitals concerned. Some of the data were collected via interviews and questionnaires. Statistical analysis was carried out to investigate and generate potential benchmarking cost curves. Potential operational cost drivers were extracted and used to develop cumulative frequency curves for benchmarking purposes.FindingsThe authors found that cost per bed ratio can be used as an efficient metric to classify health facilities into similar to data sets. The results also show that the operational costs of utilities, maintenance and operations & maintenance staff correlate positively and significantly with the square meter of floor area. This relationship indicates that 82 per cent of the operational performance can be explained by this linear relationship. However, it was found that the relationship between the total of operational costs per square meter with the floor is negatively correlated and surprisingly only explains 41 per cent of the performance of the health asset operational cost variation in the data sample.Originality/valueThe paper presents the first metric benchmarking method in France which allows health facility managers in France to evaluate and develop operational strategies, with a view to reducing the costs burden.
A study of facility management strategy: the case of commercial banks in Thailand
Authors: Chotipanich Sarich , Lertariyanun Veerason 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate strategy adopted in facility management (FM) and to introduce a framework of studying FM strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe research reported in this paper adopted case study approach. In total, five case studies of FM practices of leading banks in Thailand were chosen. The key data and information were collected by using semi‐structured interview method supplemented by relevant documents. This study examined the FM practices profile, scope and operational programs by using a literature‐based analytical framework of FM strategy content.FindingsFour types of FM strategy were identified based on key value intent that FM attempts to deliver to its organisation: business value focused, workplace focused, facility performance focused and facility cost focused. Each strategy represents a particular domain focus of FM practice, determined to support the organisation's core operations. The paper discusses two levels of strategy concerning FM.Research limitations/implicationsThe key findings of this research offer both practitioners and academic insights of FM strategies implemented in practices. However, the findings were derived from a rather small number of case studies and a certain industry.Originality/valueThe paper presents empirical evidence of FM strategy, which has been rare. To academics, it introduces a means and framework for FM strategy research.
Digital Divide among youth: socio‐cultural factors and implications
Authors: Parycek Peter , Sachs Michael , Schossböck Judith 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine socio‐cultural differences in internet use (Digital Divide) among 14‐year‐old Austrian pupils, in particular usage scenarios and research competences. It is based on a paper presented at the International Association for the Development of the Information Society e‐Society conference, 10‐13 March 2011, Spain (Parycek et al., 2011).Design/methodology/approachThe interpretation follows the results of a study conducted in 2009 and 2010 in school computer labs. The study design includes an online survey, a questionnaire and a cloze test.FindingsThe results give evidence that a Digital Divide in Austria exists even among teenagers, in particular in relation to gender, socio‐economic status and school type.Research limitations/implicationsAs the survey was done with 14‐year‐old pupils, the results are limited to this age group. However, the target group enables researchers to relate the results to the main two school types in Austria, as pupils attend either of these schools at this age.Practical implicationsThe findings of the survey were communicated to the Federal Ministry for Education, Arts and Culture of Austria. They provide a basis for target‐group specific projects aiming at enhancing e‐literacy among Austrian youth.Originality/valueThe focus on 14‐year‐old pupils allows for a more detailed analysis of the Digital Divide within this age group in three regions of Austria. The study provides detailed data on the search behavior of young people due to an integrated test element that tracked pupils' surf paths.
The constructive research approach in project management research
Authors: Oyegoke Adekunle 
Published: September 2011

PurposeProject management (PM) is a diverse discipline which covers the study of management practices. Different research approaches have been used in the study of PM but not much emphasis has been given to the constructive approach which is implicitly applied in most cases through managerial constructions. The purpose of this paper is to support the application of the constructive research approach to the construction PM discipline. It is also aimed at showing the rigour of the constructive research approach that satisfies the requirements of applied studies research.Design/methodology/approachThe study is carried out via extensive literature review and a demonstrative example of the development of the Specialist Task Organisation procurement approach through the six stages of the constructive research approach.FindingsThe paper shows the applicability of the constructive research approach to construction and PM. The paper also highlights some criticisms that the constructive approach has not been firmly rooted in PM research and suggests some solutions.Research limitations/implicationsThe constructive research approach is applicable to the PM discipline because most research in this field is applied and practical. The paper specifically scrutinises and promotes the constructive research approach.Originality/valueThe paper will provide an additional research tool in the PM discipline that produces innovative solutions which are grounded by valid research instruments. The impact of this paper will increase the popularity of this research methodology, generate and stimulate a debate to further explore its application and the development in the PM discipline.
Organizing boundaries in early phases of product development
Authors: Burström Thommie 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and to summarize a PhD thesis that contributes to the understanding of how boundaries are organized in early phases of new product development. The thesis explores the reality of project member's attempts to create a shared vehicle platform. The author also reports his PhD “journey”.Design/methodology/approachResearch reported here is based on a qualitative study through combinations of interviews, observations, and document studies. Data were gathered during three months at two different sites in two different countries. A practice approach was implemented where the daily work activities of project members were studied.FindingsIt was concluded that organizing of boundaries should be understood as being affected by tensions and characterized by iterations that cross all types of organizational boundaries. The theory of Concurrent Boundary Enactment is therefore proposed as an answer to how the organizing of boundaries should be understood.Research limitations/implicationsThe study shows how project members in parallel organize technologies, structural units, and work processes. Thus, the study focuses on the complexity of organizing boundaries. There is a need to perform more of this type of practice‐based, high complexity studies so that more profound organizing patterns can be understood.Practical implicationsActors in projects are closely attached to brands' core values. This core value attachment should be seen as both at strength and a weakness. It is seen as strength because core value attachment calls for compassion and dedication. It is seen as weakness since this type of attachment also makes it difficult to create synergies between brands. Therefore, brand managers should try to find least common nominators that bring together dispersed brand value statements.Originality/valueBy studying multiple boundaries between functions, projects, projects and the permanent organization, projects and steering committees, projects and external organizations, it has been possible to illustrate the everyday complexity which follows by creating a shared vehicle platform between two organizations that compete and collaborate at the same time. Earlier research studies usually only concern one of the boundaries.
The empirical relationship between success factors and dimensions
Authors: Ika Lavagnon A. , Diallo Amadou , Thuillier Denis 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a PhD thesis that examined the empirical relationship between a specific set of critical success factors (CSFs), project success, and success dimensions (criteria) from the perspectives of World Bank project supervisors (task managers or task team leaders) and project managers (the national project coordinators). Also, the PhD thesis author's journey and motivation are explained.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by web questionnaires addressed to 1,421 World Bank task team leaders and paper‐based questionnaires delivered to 600 national project coordinators in 26 different countries in Africa. Principal component and confirmatory factor analyses, multiple correlation and regression analyses, as well as structural equation models were used for data analysis in this study.FindingsFirst, research findings highlight a specific set of World Bank project CSFs (monitoring, coordination, design, training) and the existence of a second‐order latent CSF, that is World Bank project supervision. Second, they suggest that World Bank project supervision has differing significant influences on the two project success dimensions and that the first (project management (PM) success) does not significantly affect the second (deliverable success). Third, consistent with theory and practice, they suggest that the most prominent CSFs for both World Bank project supervisors and managers are design and monitoring. Fourth, they suggest that for the national project coordinators, project success is insensitive to the level of design efforts but a significant correlation does exist between monitoring efforts and project “profile”, a success dimension which is an early pointer of long‐term deliverable success (impact).Originality/valueThis study offers insights into the relationship between success factors and dimensions for ID projects with the perspectives of both the World Bank project supervisors and managers. The thesis calls for further research on PM in the ID industry sector.
Foundations of international relations: an Islamic Sufi approach
Authors: Bidabad Bijan 
Published: September 2011

PurposeInternational relations are involved in an undesirable order at the present time. It is emphatically necessary to propound firm principles to regulate the relationships among states and nations, and new laws and regulations are to be enacted at the international level. The purpose of this paper is to enumerate some of the main guide stones for development of Islamic thoughts in the fields of international humanities.Design/methodology/approachThe authors enumerate the principles of Sufi foundations of international relations in Islam by introducing the theosophical standpoints of Islamic Sufism.FindingsThe paper introduces 95 principles in three categories of public international law, foreign policy, and diplomacy.Research limitations/implicationsAs long as the essence of all religions has a unique root which is their spiritual paths and understandings based on their mystical views. To popularize and internationalize this proposition, comparative researches in other religions' Gnosticism will be essential.Practical implicationsPutting several principles forward, on the next phases, they can be used as the basis for many applied debates in the field and may be ended to a new international declaration/law.Social implicationsDelicateness, truthfulness, and righteousness of Islamic Sufism, which is the gist of thoughts of humankind's elites who are divine messengers/guardians during millenaries, may turn the attentions of scholars and researchers to this viewpoint, and consequently a new set of thoughts/doctrines for regulating international relations to be defined and codified.Originality/valueInternational relations scholars have not touched the topic from a Sufi point of view. This paper brings this approach to a new challenging arena for those who are engaged in international relations related subjects of laws, politics, institutions, and organizations.
Marginalising the objective justification defence in retirement cases?
Authors: Butler Mark 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an analytical review of the key jurisprudence of the European Court and to present the argument that a more conservative approach is being adopted when considering the objective justification defence in dismissals by reason of retirement.Design/methodology/approachA review approach is adopted in the paper, with a primary focus on recent European Court decisions, whilst appreciating existing literature on the position of retirement cases. Attempts were made to draw together the evidence which suggests a shift in approach to objective justification in this context.FindingsThe paper reveals that the approach being adopted in retirement cases appears to be devaluing the age discrimination protections, through allowing individual, subjective reasons to justify less favourable treatment, despite the express wording of the Parent Directive precluding such an approach. It is highlighted that this could have damaging practical implications by placing a much lighter burden on employers when arguing objective justification of retirement dismissals.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper's main limitation is that it only considers case law from the European Court, without considering the approach adopted in any of the EU member states, where the eventual approach will be decided. However, this paper provides useful analysis of the approach being adopted in the European Court which is the ultimate interpreter of EU law, whilst questioning whether it is the correct approach.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to examine the shifting approach to objective justification in retirement cases.