bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐destructive testing as a tool in reinforced concrete buildings refurbishments
Authors: Concu Giovanna , De Nicolo Barbara , Pani Luisa 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to report a case study regarding the combined use of several non‐destructive techniques (NDTs) as a tool in the management of diagnosis and refurbishment of a damaged reinforced concrete building.Design/methodology/approachFour types of NDTs have been selected and carried out on the pillars of the building: visual inspection, electromagnetic rebar location, sonic test and rebound hammer test. The campaign has been planned and run in order to get the highest amount of reliable data about materials degradation and structural safety with limited costs and limited interference with the functionality of the building.FindingsThe diagnostic campaign highlighted the usefulness of the selected techniques in the diagnosis of the type and the amount of degradation, thus permitting a plan of refurbishments to be defined, and to get a realistic estimation of restoration costs.Practical implicationsNDTs' ability to specifically identify a type of damage may be viewed as a reliable tool in assessing and managing the structural life‐cycle cost.Originality/valueThe presented case study highlighted that NDTs are very likely to locate and quantify the damage of materials and buildings, so that they can be considered as one of the most important parts of health monitoring of civil structures and infrastructures.
World Heritage cities management
Authors: Pereira Roders Ana , van Oers Ron 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis article aims to introduce the special issue of the journal Facilities on “World Heritage cities management”, together with the respective articles.Design/methodology/approachThis introduction addresses the topic of world Heritage cities management and its relevance to science and society. In so doing, it indirectly points to the emerging field of cultural heritage management within facilities management.FindingsEven though the management of cultural heritage assets is nothing new for facilities managers, cultural heritage management as a field of research can be considered at a younger stage of development than other related studies, such as the discipline of architectural conservation, which originated in the nineteenth century with the advent of modernity. The application of management practices to immovable cultural heritage assets emerged as recently as the 1990s. At a time in which the role of culture and heritage in processes of sustainable development is gaining more ground, this special issue can be seen as the first of more contributions to come, which aim to enhance the conservation and management of cultural heritage assets for the benefit of present and future generations.Originality/valueThis paper aims to make a contribution to the growing field of cultural heritage management and is of use to facilities managers, scholars and consultants who have responsibilities but limited knowledge in this field.
Strategies, policies and tools for an integrated World Heritage management approach
Authors: Ripp Matthias , Eidenschink Uli , Milz Christina 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the strategies, policies and tools used in the World Heritage city “Old town of Regensburg/Germany with Stadtamhof” to face specific challenges. Even in a short period of time the city set up a management system which is working with an integrated approach to deal with all World Heritage issues.Design/methodology/approachTheoretical and practical UNESCO guidelines are the framework for each World Heritage property. On the local, regional and national level there are a multitude of parameters and stakeholders that must be integrated into the management of urban World Heritage properties to ensure that they are safeguarded.FindingsThis paper makes proposals on how to implement sustainable integrated World Heritage management, giving practical examples on how to include various stakeholders.Practical limitations/implicationsThis paper is not a comparative case study using a variety of other World Heritage sites for comparison. The individual structures and different heritage values need specific and adapted solutions in each UNESCO World Heritage site. Nevertheless some of the tools, strategies and policies described can be transferred to other historic cities. Depending on size, number of inhabitants, intensity of tourism, as well as ownership, economical environment, governance, etc., the model has to be adapted to the specific local situation.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel integrated World Heritage management approach for urban World Heritage sites, describing new tools and strategies to sustainably integrate cultural heritage in the urban development.
Twenty‐five years of transformations in the historic center of Havana
Authors: Fornet Gil Pablo 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the renovation of one of Havana's most architecturally significant areas – namely, the Plaza Vieja or Old Town Square, whose restoration was the focal point of an international campaign launched by UNESCO in 1982.Design/methodology/approachIt will recount the details of the urban and social rehabilitation project that has taken place in the Old Town Square and the general way in which Havana's historic center has developed over the past 25 years.FindingsThe research will provide facts about those involved in the process, the management model which was implemented and valuable information regarding the neighborhood's housing and demographic evolution.Originality/valueThis paper has value to all those involved in the management process of the city of Havana, as well as, to other facilities managers dealing with similar processes worldwide.
The sustainability of management practices in the Old City of Salamanca
Authors: Pons Angela , Pereira Roders Ana R. , Turner Molly 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to survey the sustainability of management practices followed by local authorities, and their impact on the preservation of World Heritage cities, taking the Old City of Salamanca as a case study.Design/methodology/approachAfter a brief introduction to the difficult role of World Heritage properties in the sustainable development of cities, the main concerns of their management practices are presented. The paper then surveys the Old City of Salamanca: before, during and after nomination, using the Auditorium project as an illustration of the threat of new development to the outstanding universal value and the difficulty in regulating it. Finally, the paper discusses the risks of inefficient management practices of such properties.FindingsThis survey revealed the inexistence of any management practices uniformly followed by local authorities for the preservation of the Old City of Salamanca. As a result, new urban developments risk destroying the property's outstanding universal value.Practical limitations/implicationsThis paper discusses the evidence that can help local authorities of the Old City of Salamanca to understand the impact of poor management practices on their World Heritage property. This should also be informative and helpful to local authorities from other World Heritage sites which are dealing with similar situations.Originality/valueThis survey contributes to the expert area of sustainable development and urban heritage preservation that is demanding attention from both academia and practice.
Brand loyalty in emerging markets
Authors: Nguyen Tho D. , Barrett Nigel J. , Miller Kenneth E. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to compare some key antecedents of brand loyalty between two emerging markets: Thailand and Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 603 female consumers of international shampoo brands, including 304 consumers in Bangkok, Thailand and 299 users in Hanoi, Vietnam, a model was tested that incorporates key determinants of brand loyalty – perceived quality, brand awareness, advertising attitudes, and distribution intensity – by means of structural equation modeling.FindingsThe paper found that there are positive relationships between perceived quality and brand loyalty, between brand awareness and perceived quality, between advertising attitudes and brand awareness, and between distribution intensity and brand awareness in both markets. However, the relationship between brand awareness and brand loyalty was found only in the Vietnamese market, and the relationship between advertising attitudes and perceived quality was only found in the Thai market. Finally, no relationship between distribution intensity and perceived quality was found in either market.Research limitations/implicationsA major limitation of this study is the examination of only one concept that stands for strong brands, i.e. brand loyalty. Several other concepts, such as brand relationship quality and brand impressions, should be investigated in future research in order to compare and contrast with those found in advanced economies.Practical implicationsThe results of this study suggest that managers of international brands in emerging markets should recognize the differences between markets in order to design effective loyalty programs for each market.Originality/valueA major contribution of this study is to empirically compare the impacts of perceived quality, brand awareness, advertising attitudes, and store image on brand loyalty in two emerging markets: Thailand and Vietnam.
Sourcing or selling: the Value Flame at the Base of the Pyramid
Authors: Williams Robert L. , Omar Maktoba , Ensor John 
Published: May 2011

PurposeMuch has been written concerning the value and validity of the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) model, as a strategy for multi‐national corporation (MNC) growth. The model presented in this paper adds to the discussion of strategic possibilities to tap the potential of emerging markets. This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first discusses trends in economic growth in emerging markets, global strategies, and the BOP market, then analyzes the blue ocean strategy (BOS) of value innovation.FindingsThe paper develops the Value Flame at the Base of the Pyramid (VFBOP) model by combining BOP and BOS strategies to potentially offer opportunities for MNC market entry as well as market supply, to drive revenues and expand global market share.Research limitations/implicationsAs a concept, the model must be validated by empirical and case research to ascertain the shape and dynamics of the model. Future research can establish the parameters of the flame.Originality/valueIt is believed that the VFBOP model is the first to address some of the limitations of BOP strategy while profiting from the BOS model, in order to fully benefit from sourcing and selling to emerging markets.
Branding at the base of pyramid: a Zimbabwean perspective
Authors: Chikweche Tendai , Fletcher Richard 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine base of pyramid (BOP) customer perceptions on the importance of branding as a purchase driver and to investigate firms' marketing programs used to manage brands at the BOP.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data collection methods comprising in‐depth one‐to‐one consumer interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observations and case studies were used to conduct the research.FindingsKey findings include the identification of importance of brands to BOP consumers, evolution of brand communities, and impact of social networks on the marketing programs used by firms to build brand equity.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample used for consumer interviews is small and confining the focus to the food and personal hygiene sector may limit generalization of findings to a broader population.Practical implicationsThe study provides managers with insights on the importance of brands in the purchase decision at BOP and on the different nature and focus of marketing programs which can be effective at the BOP, specifically the need to align programs to social networks.Social implicationsThe study provides insights on how firms can improve livelihoods at the BOP by provision of employment and business opportunities through their brand equity building activities.Originality/valueResearch into the BOP is a relatively new area of study in international business. This expands knowledge in the area by employing empirical mixed research methods to study consumers and firms, since the two have a dyadic relationship – thereby providing new insights on branding at the BOP.
A brand for all the nations
Authors: Ryan Jason , Silvanto Sari 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to explain the emergence of the World Heritage Site (WHS) designation as a de facto brand. Branding provides a framework for managing the image of a place and is an important component of destination marketing. The WHS “brand” is of importance to developing nations because it is available without cost. The study examines the evolution of the WHS program with a focus on emerging markets. It seeks to identify economic, political and other factor which dispose emerging countries to seek WHS designations.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a multivariate analysis of data on 48 emerging countries in which their predisposition to seek WHS designations is predicted by indicators measuring: on‐going involvement with tourism, number of existing WHS sites, level of democratization, and the Human Development Index. The dataset is used to test four hypotheses.FindingsThe analysis identified two significant statistical relationships: first, the number of existing WHS is, as hypothesized, positively related to applications for additional sites and second, the countries standing on the Democracy Index is significantly related to applications, but negatively, not positively, as had been hypothesized.Originality/valueThe study applies multivariate analysis to a field dominated by case study methodologies and suggests the potential complementarities between the two approaches. It documents as well the development of the WHS program as a major factor and contributor to heritage tourism and highlights the growing prominence and value of the WHS brand.
The brand‐wagon: emerging art markets and the Venice Biennale
Authors: Rodner Victoria L. , Omar Maktoba , Thomson Elaine 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether and how participating in a branded Biennale (Venice) may legitimate and promote selected artists from the emerging markets of Venezuela and Thailand alongside art market leaders.Design/methodology/approachResearch was conducted at the 53rd International Art Biennale in Venice, Italy, in June 2009. Underpinned by a constructivist approach, qualitative data were collected via participant observation, illustrative photography and semi‐structured interviews (average interview time 55 minutes) with curators and participating artists from two emerging markets: Venezuela and Thailand.FindingsThis research indicates that merely attending the Venice Biennale does not mean automatic branding for success: each artist's signature style must stand out within its cultural context for the branding effect to succeed. The conclusion compares and contrasts the effective relationship between identification and success for the two emerging economies within the world‐leader arts event in Venice.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on arts management and events management, focusing on the until now unexplored area of contemporary arts marketing for the emerging economies of Venezuela and Thailand. The paper may aid emerging market art professionals in their strategy and planning to better benefit from the Venice Biennale's branding opportunity, as well as guiding scholarly research to a better understanding of the area.
IT readiness in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Haug Anders , Graungaard Pedersen Søren , Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan 
Published: May 2011

PurposeSeveral studies have documented that information technology (IT) projects often do not successfully meet defined objectives regarding time, budget, and functionality. There can be multiple causes for this, and an important factor in this context is the extent to which a company is ready for an IT project. To help understand this dynamic, this paper seeks to present a framework for analyzing “IT readiness” in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature review, the paper defines a framework for assessing and changing the IT readiness of a SME. The framework is illustrated and investigated by three case studies.FindingsThe case studies show that the framework of IT readiness in SMEs is useful for assessing company readiness and supporting the management of a project.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework and case studies provide an improved understanding of how to evaluate the readiness of a SME for an IT project.Practical implicationsThe framework for IT readiness provides a solid basis for SMEs who plan to engage in an IT project and help to increase the chances of success.Originality/valueThe framework presented in the paper constitutes an operational model for choosing IT projects and making SMEs ready to engage in IT projects.
A technology‐centric framework for investigating business operations
Authors: Cheng Liang‐Chieh (Victor) , Gibson Michael L. , Carrillo Edward E. , Fitch Grayson 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the necessity to incorporate technology as a key component in studying business operations of industrial entities.Design/methodology/approachReviews of key management theories that shaped organization‐centric and process‐centric views in industrial management research are conducted. The paper then identifies the limitations of these two schools of thinking and develops a technology‐centric framework that integrates technology, organization, and process in general. A series of case studies that apply the framework at multiple levels of observations are presented. The research concludes with theoretical and managerial implications.FindingsThis paper presents a “trinity” framework that includes three core constructs that can simultaneously develop into variants. Technology as a holistic concept must be taken into consideration when researchers or practitioners take a dynamic view to study business entities. A multi‐dimensional, technology‐centric framework acknowledges technology as the transformational resource and helps the practitioners and researchers to examine technology as potential facilitators for organizational operations.Originality/valueA review of the cases found that technology, organizational structures, and business processes impact one another. Firms' actions are indicative that in today's technology‐intensive environment, organizational structures and business processes need to be developed or modified in coordination with technological development. In doing so, organizations will gain the potential to harvest benefits from technology‐organization‐process integration.
Perceived price fairness of dynamic pricing
Authors: Lee Simon , Illia Abdou , Lawson‐Body Assion 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis study aims to adopt illusion of control and lateral consumer relationship in order to investigate their effects on price fairness in online auction and group buying context. These two variables have been known to have strong influences in fairness perception on consumers' decision‐making processes and outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw their conceptual foundations from previous studies, supplement this from the electronic commerce literature, and test the model through laboratory experiments.FindingsThe study demonstrates that consumers' perception on illusion control in price determination and advantageous lateral consumer relationship significantly affect price fairness perception in both the online auction and group buying environments.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are expected to provide researchers with useful insights to conduct future studies on uncovering the nomological networks associated with price fairness perception.Practical implicationsThe findings are expected to help managers develop better pricing strategies and design effective dynamic pricing mechanisms.Originality/valueThe paper provides the first integrated perspective on the human decision processes in the dynamic pricing environment in electronic markets.
A multiple perspectives approach to supplier selection
Authors: Ordoobadi Sharon M. , Wang Shouhong 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to change the traditional supplier selection methods by shifting the emphasis from using a single model to using multiple models in the unstructured decision‐making context and to provide a tool for decision makers to make informed decisions of supplier selection in the multiple perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThere are various supplier selection models available in the literature. However, using the result of a single model as a basis for making the final decision could lead to a biased decision given the fact that any model has its limitations. The qualities of the decision‐making process and the decision itself increase by applying a multiple perspectives approach rather than a single model. The multiple perspectives decision‐making allows collaboration and knowledge sharing among the participants which leads to a less‐biased decision. This study examines commonly applied supplier selection models, formulates general perspectives of these models, and proposes a framework of multiple perspectives decision making for supplier selection. It further provides a structure of supplier selection system based on the proposed approach. Through a prototype of web portal, the study demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed multiple perspective system approach in the decision context of collaboration and knowledge sharing.FindingsThe general finding from this study is that the multiple perspectives approach to supplier selection enables the decision makers to actively participate and fully understand the decision‐making process through knowledge sharing which in turn ensures high quality of the final decisions.Practical implicationsSupplier selection decision makers can make more informed decisions through collaboration among all decision‐making participants in the multiple perspectives. It informs supply chain managers of the potentially positive effect of knowledge sharing on the decision‐making process in supplier selection.Originality/valueMultiple perspectives decision making provides a novel approach that emphasizes on the knowledge sharing and collaboration between the experts, who are familiar with the supplier relations, and the decision makers who are responsible for the final decisions.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 74
Authors: McGrath Mike 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature concerning interlending and document supply and related matters.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based on the reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and websites.FindingsResistance to the Big Deals for journals is still growing – in particular because of the current budget cuts that are hitting libraries badly. A number of articles from around the world indicate that document supply is still alive and kicking.Originality/valueThe paper represents a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document supply and related matters such as resource sharing and open access.