bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Team management for fast projects: an empirical study of process industries
Authors: Scott‐Young Christina , Samson Danny 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to set out to identify key team factors associated with the fast implementation of capital projects. Although scholars theorise that project success depends as much on the effective management of project personnel as on technical management, the project literature is virtually silent on which team practices are pivotal.Design/methodology/approachUsing a model‐based quantitative research design, the impact of team management variables on the speed of two different phases of capital project implementation were examined: project execution and project construction. Multi‐method data collection included 252 individual surveys, archival documents, and whole team interviews conducted at the closeout of 56 capital projects implemented in four continents by 15Fortune500 companies in the process industries.FindingsEmpirical analysis revealed that only some of the variables predicted from other literatures (project manager – PM continuity, cross‐functional team integration, and PM incentives) were significantly linked to fast schedule outcomes. Some key drivers differed according to temporal phase.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of this study included its cross‐sectional design, modest sample size and sampling frame, but the findings clearly demonstrate the value of further research into key team factors for project success.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that strategic management of project personnel can drive project speed. Phase‐linked key team practices are identified for improving time performance in capital projects.Originality/valueThis study breaks new ground by exploring whether key team practices are generic and phase‐specific, and by identifying specific team drivers of speed for two capital project phases using objective outcome measures.
Economic volatility and remittances: evidence from SIDS
Authors: Jackman Mahalia , Craigwell Roland , Moore Winston 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential link between remittances and economic volatility in small island developing states.Design/methodology/approachThe paper estimates a panel data model using a database containing 20 small island developing states (SIDS) observed over annual intervals between 1986 and 2005.FindingsThe results suggest that, in general, remittance flows have a stabilising influence on output and investment volatility. However, given the importance of these flows to SIDS, the volatility of remittances also has a significant and positive impact on both investment and consumption volatility.Practical implicationsThe policy implications of the study's findings is that SIDS (similar to how oil‐producing nations take oil price fluctuations into account when considering policy changes) may have to monitor and forecast future remittance flows and take these projections into account when making changes to either their monetary or fiscal policy stance.Originality/valueWorkers' remittances have grown dramatically worldwide, particularly in SIDS, where they constitute one of the main sources of foreign exchange. Given the importance of these flows to economic growth and development in these countries, this study examines the potential link between remittances and economic volatility.
Comparative analysis on a redundant repairable system with different configurations
Authors: Huang Hsin‐I , Ke Jau‐Chuan 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the cost/benefit (C/B) analysis of four configurations for a repairable system with two primary components/units and one standby.Design/methodology/approachThe four configurations are set to the status of the detection and switching failure of standby, as well as the possible reboot of failed units. The time to failure for each of the primary and standby is assumed to follow an exponential distribution. The time to repair and the time to reboot is assumed to have a k‐stage Erlang distribution. The paper develops the explicit expressions of the mean time to failure (or MTTF) and the steady‐state availability (or A) for four various configurations and performed some comparative analysis. Based on the C/B criterion, comparisons are made for specific values of distribution parameters and of the costs of the units. The four various configurations for a repairable system are ranked by using MTTF, A and C/B, where B is either MTTF or A.FindingsAlthough it is uncertain which configuration is the optimal one among the four ones, the paper provides much comparative information to manager and manufacturers. Managers can use these results to choose the best configuration according to the used data of parameters and selections of the weight of MTTF or Cost/MTTF.Originality/valueThis paper shows a comparative analysis for a two‐unit online repairable system with one standby under four different configurations. It is the first discussion of comparable work on reliability and availability models for redundant repairable systems in which the units are characterized by detection, switching failure and reboot.
A control chart based on robust estimators for monitoring the process mean of a quality characteristic
Authors: Omar Ahmed Abu‐Shawiesh Moustafa 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose a univariate robust control chart for location and the necessary table of factors for computing the control limits and the central line as an alternative to the Shewhart X¯ control chart.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed method is based on two robust estimators, namely, the sample median, MD, to estimate the process mean, μ, and the median absolute deviation from the sample median, MAD, to estimate the process standard deviation, σ. A numerical example was given and a simulation study was conducted in order to illustrate the performance of the proposed method and compare it with that of the traditional Shewhart X¯ control chart.FindingsThe proposed robust X¯MDMAD control chart gives better performance than the traditional Shewhart X¯ control chart if the underlying distribution of chance causes is non‐normal. It has good properties for heavy‐tailed distribution functions and moderate sample sizes and it compares favorably with the traditional Shewhart X¯ control chart.Originality/valueThe most common statistical process control (SPC) tool is the traditional Shewhart X¯ control chart. The chart is used to monitor the process mean based on the assumption that the underlying distribution of the quality characteristic is normal and there is no major contamination due to outliers. The sample mean, X¯, and the sample standard deviation, S, are the most efficient location and scale estimators for the normal distribution often used to construct the X¯ control chart, but the sample mean, X¯, and the sample standard deviation, S, might not be the best choices when one or both assumptions are not met. Therefore, the need for alternatives to the X¯ control chart comes into play. The literature shows that the sample median, MD, and the median absolute deviation from the sample median, MAD, are indeed more resistant to departures from normality and the presence of outliers.
Information content of whispers relative to firm size
Authors: Harjoto Maretno , Zaima Janis , Zhang Jian 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the size effect of market reaction to unexpected earnings based on whispers or unofficial individual earnings forecasts.Design/methodology/approachUsing both univariate and multiple regression analysis, this paper attempts to demonstrate that there is a size effect in the market reaction to unexpected earnings based on whispers. The empirical results are based on 13,795 quarterly earnings whispers over 1997‐2006.FindingsThe results show that for both abnormal returns (ARs) and trading volume, the market reaction for big firms is less compared to that of small firms.Originality/valueGiven that information for small firms is less available and transparent than for big firms, this paper provides useful evidence that whispers play a larger role in equity pricing for small firms.
Relationship quality: a critical literature review and research agenda
Authors: Athanasopoulou Pinelopi 
Published: May 2009

PurposeIn today's highly competitive environment losing customers is very costly. Customer retention and loyalty have become possible through the development of long‐term, mutually beneficial relationships with customers. This paper seeks to critically review the literature on relationship quality (RQ) and to suggest avenues for further research.Design/methodology/approachData were collected with impartial cross‐referencing of papers published in all major journals in the marketing area. Papers are presented in tabulated form based on six rigorously cross‐checked categories of information.FindingsMost RQ research centres on business‐to‐business (b‐to‐b) markets and products use survey data, look at relationships from the customer perspective and analyse either the US or European markets. Also, results differ in various contexts and there is no universally accepted framework for RQ. By analysing the different variables used in previous studies, a general conceptual framework is provided for the study of RQ.Research limitations/implicationsThe characteristics of RQ research that were identified from the review indicate that future research should focus on service and retail settings; validate existing conceptual frameworks across countries and contexts; do more seller and dyad studies; use more qualitative approaches to capture the subtle differences between contexts; analyse RQ in different relationship development stages, and look at new types of relationships between parties that may not be individuals or businesses or may not assume the traditional roles of buyer and seller.Practical implicationsThe framework developed here provides firms with a guide to the factors that may affect the quality of their relationships with customers and helps them in developing effective relationship marketing strategies.Originality/valueThe paper provides a comprehensive review of the RQ literature that has not been done before and develops a general framework that can be applied in all contexts and will guide future studies in the area. Overall, the study helps researchers identify the critical issues and concepts related to RQ and shapes future research in the field.
Strategic branding of destinations: a framework
Authors: Stephens Balakrishnan Melodena 
Published: May 2009

PurposeTravel and tourism is the second largest global industry with daily international revenues of approximately US$2 billion, and investments of 12 percent of world GDP. Though this is a highly competitive industry, there is a paucity of academic research on destination branding. This paper aims to present a branding framework for designing successful destination strategies. This exploratory study seeks to determine key factors that affect the strategic branding of destinations.Design/methodology/approachSimilar fields like place marketing, destination marketing, services, product and corporate branding were reviewed along with destination case studies. Based on this review and its extrapolation to the “destination context”, a framework for strategic branding of destinations was formulated.FindingsSuccessful strategic branding of destinations is dependent on several inter‐related components, which are discussed. The paper highlights key issues in destination branding and provides a platform for future research.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is high as it provides a practical framework for governing bodies to consider when investing time, money and effort when creating a global destination.
Value creation in supply chain relationships: a critique of governance value analysis
Authors: Hammervoll Trond 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a critique of the use of governance value analysis (GVA) for assessment of value creation in supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe study presents a conceptual analysis of the assumptions, factors, and range of GVA as it applies to assessment of value creation in supply chains.FindingsGVA lacks comprehensiveness in assessing value creation in supply chains in that it ignores: certain important factors that affect value creation in supply‐chain relationships; governance issues beyond transaction‐specific investments; and cooperative value‐creating activities among supply‐chain members.Research limitations/implicationsThe critique calls into question the applicability of GVA in governing value creation, especially in the context of dynamic contemporary conceptions of supply‐chain relationships. It is not recommendable to analytically treat cooperation in supply‐chain relationships as transactional exchange.Originality/valueThis is an original and timely critique of the presumption that GVA is an appropriate model for assessment of value creation in supply chains.
Technical efficiency in the retail food industry
Authors: Sellers‐Rubio Ricardo , Más‐Ruiz Francisco J. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to estimate the influence of inventory investment, wage levels, and age of the firm on retailer technical efficiency.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is based on the estimation of a stochastic parametric function. To estimate technical efficiency the output supermarket chain sales volume is used, calculated by isolating the retailer price effect on sales revenue.FindingsThe empirical analyses applied to panel data show that inventory investment and wage level have a positive impact on technical efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the study include the generalisation of the conclusions to the entire sector, which must be done with due care, since only one of the players in the distribution channel (supermarket chains) has been analysed.Practical implicationsFirst, the estimation of the efficiency of the different supermarket chains helps the management of producers, since they can identify efficient supermarket chains, which is important for vertical relationships in the distribution channel. Second, the analysis of the determinant factors of efficiency for different chains may be used as external benchmarking.Originality/valueThe focus of the paper is on developing a useful methodology for managers, determining some of the sources of retail efficiency gains. The paper develops and tests a composite set of hypotheses, analysing the influence of some managerially controlled factors on technical efficiency.
Structure of marketing decision making and international marketing standardisation strategies
Authors: Chung Henry F.L. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeResearch concerning marketing standardisation is still developing. A new research theme has recently emerged, wherein it is suggested that the structure of marketing decision making is likely to be a factor of marketing standardisation strategy. This study aims to add insights to this new research field. Based on the outcome of previous studies, it aims to propose and test a research framework concerning the relationships among environmental factors, the structure of decision making and marketing standardisation/performance. This study seeks to focus on the two most important programme elements: promotion and product.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the experience of 78 firms operating in the European Union (EU) region to achieve its research objectives. The data used were collected through a postal survey. This analysis used both partial least square (PLS) and hierarchical regression analysis methods to examine its research framework.FindingsThe study has generated a framework for future research. It is suggested that, with the absence of direct influence, the structure of decision making is still likely to have an indirect effect on marketing standardisation strategy. Although a path relationship is unlikely to exist between environmental factors, the structure of decision making and performance, the joint effect between environmental factors and the decision‐making structure on performance is confirmed. The outcomes of the study suggest that, through careful selection, firms adopting a high and low degree centralisation structure can benefit from operating in a similar high/low environment, as well as in a country with high/low market size and potential.Originality/valueThe study's findings have enhanced those uncovered by other researchers. A number of implications can be drawn for these findings.
The challenges of sharing: brands as club goods
Authors: Tregear Angela , Gorton Matthew 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the managerial challenges of shared brands, defined as arrangements whereby a single brand name acts as the sole or principal identity for the products of two or more firms, and where brand management is governed by an entity independent from a single firm.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory, theory‐building approach is adopted. The paper draws from the brand equity and institutional economics literatures to develop a conceptualisation of club brands, of which shared brands represent one type. The managerial challenges for the latter are explored with reference to secondary evidence and two cases based in the food sector.FindingsThe analysis proposes that the exclusive and non‐rivalrous characteristics of club brands pose specific managerial challenges in the key decision‐making phases of brand identity creation, reputation building and reputation protection. Case exploration of shared brands illustrates these challenges, although some are attributed to the distinct governance structure of shared brands rather than their club characteristics.Originality/valueThrough a focus on shared brands, the paper offers an original exploration of a type of branding arrangement which has been overlooked in the literature, but whose use is growing amongst practitioners. It also offers a novel conceptualisation of brands that highlights the bias towards individualism in mainstream branding theory and its preoccupation with customer‐facing managerial tasks.
The viscosity properties of zinc‐rich coatings from sodium silicate solution modified with aluminium chloride
Authors: Yang Qiao , Yang Xiao H. , Wang Pan , Zhu Wei L. , Chen Xiao Y. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure the apparent and complex viscosities of the zinc‐rich coatings derived from sodium silicate solution modified with aluminium chloride (AlCl3), and then theoretically analyse the relation between viscosity behaviour and physiochemical mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachAccording to the different dosages of AlCl3, five coatings were prepared. The apparent viscosities as functions of shear rate, time and temperature, complex viscosity with variations of temperature and heating rate of these coatings were measured using an AR500 rheometer.FindingsResults showed that the zinc‐rich coatings possessed the typical shear thinning behaviour and the apparent viscosity increased with time until solidification. Complex results showed that the complex viscosity depended strongly on heating rate. Both apparent and complex viscosities initially decreased to minimum and then started to increase, while temperature was ramped from 0 to 70°C.Originality/valueIt is believed that there is no published literature about the apparent and complex viscosities of the zinc‐rich coatings from sodium silicate solution modified with AlCl3. This paper presents the first attempt to obtain the rheological data of these zinc‐rich coatings.
Preparation and characterisation of wheat straw/polystyrene (PS) composite
Authors: Xu M. , Li J. , Cao J. , Wang Q. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a manufacturing process for wheat straw/polystyrene (PS) composite that can be expected to be a significant contribution to making effective use of agricultural residues, protecting the environment and water resources, resolving conflicts among the needs of humans, the resource base, and the environment, and establishing a society based on sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachWheat straw and recycled PS were mixed at an ambient temperature and then hot‐pressed to prepare wheat straw/recycled PS composite, and the optimal processing factors for preparing the composite were investigated.FindingsIt was found that adding PS can reduce the quantity of diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI) needed and the manufacturing cost of the wheat straw/PS composite. The optimal process parameters are as follows: hot‐pressing cycle time – 7 min; temperature – 190°C, PS percentage – 35 per cent; coupling‐agent content – 3.5 per cent; and density – 0.60 or 0.65 g/cm3.Research limitations/implicationsPS is a nonpolar material and wheat straw is a polar material, which makes them difficult to bond together. MDI had been found to be an effective coupling agent to improve bond strength, but was expensive.Practical implicationsThe wheat straw/PS composite can be used for interior decoration and furniture manufacture. In the future, it could also be used in construction if its performance is improved.Originality/valueWheat straw particleboard can be made with wheat straw and recycled PS, and the mechanical properties of the board meet the Chinese National Standard.
B2B services: linking service loyalty and brand equity
Authors: Rauyruen Papassapa , Miller Kenneth E. , Groth Markus 
Published: May 2009

PurposeA significant way of achieving high profitability is to retain existing customers who contribute to the service provider's revenue by continuously purchasing and paying more for products and services and building brand equity to the provider. The main objective of this study is to empirically examine and extend the knowledge underlying the linkage between service loyalty and brand equity performance outcomes in the context of business‐to‐business markets. It aims to develop and empirically test a theoretical model examining the antecedents and the outcomes of service loyalty in a business‐to‐business context. The model also aims to examine the relationship between service loyalty and customer share of wallet and price premium, as well as the links between the proposed antecedents (habitual buying, trust in the service provider, and perceived service quality) and service loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical model was empirically tested with a sample of 294 Australian small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), using online and paper‐and‐pencil surveys. Respondents were owners of SMEs, financial controllers, and managers who are decision‐makers in the selection and use of courier service providers for their businesses.FindingsFindings provide support for the theoretical model in linking drivers of service loyalty with two types of loyalty, purchase intentions (i.e. behavioural loyalty) and attitudinal loyalty. Furthermore, the two types of loyalty are differential predictors of brand equity outcomes in that customer share of wallet is mainly driven by purchase intentions, whereas willingness to pay a price premium is mainly driven by attitudinal loyalty.Originality/valueThe paper examines the relationship between service loyalty and willingness to pay a price premium as one key indicator of brand equity.
Resource management: people
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to discuss the part that gaining buy‐in plays in practicing the leadership performance standard of managing people effectively.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to show how people are stakeholders and how to appeal to that connection with the organization to gain buy‐in for projects and programs.FindingsThe findings are that the effective leader can secure buy‐in for projects and programs by appealing to the connection of organizational stakeholders.Originality/valueThe value is in learning how to advance organizational goals through projects and programs by securing cooperation from all of the people involved.