bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age and expatriate job performance in Greater China
Authors: Selmer Jan , Lauring Jakob , Feng Yunxia 
Published: April 2009

PurposeAs opposed to the predominant belief in the West, in Chinese dominated societies there may be a positive relationship between age and perceived possession of high quality personal resources. That attitude towards old age may carry over to expatriates in Chinese societies. This may have a positive impact on expatriates’ job performance. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the association between the age of business expatriates and their work performance in a Chinese cultural setting.Design/methodology/approachControlling for the potential bias of a number of background variables, data collected from business expatriates in Greater China were analyzed by means of hierarchical regression.FindingsResults indicate that contextual/managerial performance, including general managerial functions applied to the subsidiary in Greater China, had a positive association with the age of the expatriates. This finding provides partial affirmative support to the presumption that the age of business expatriates matters in a Chinese cultural context.Practical implicationsCompanies sending expatriates to Greater China could introduce age among other selection criteria. At least, companies should not discriminate against older candidates in expatriate selection for Greater China. Furthermore, older expatriates destined for a Chinese cultural context could be trained how to exploit their age advantage.Originality/valueIn contrast to previous studies, this investigation attempts to match a certain personal characteristic of expatriates with a specific host culture. The results have implications for and contribute to the literature on expatriate selection as well as to the body of research on cross‐cultural training.
International survey research
Authors: Rao Pramila 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand national cultural dimensions and identify their relationship to survey‐response strategies.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical paper will highlight the importance of understanding national cultural dimensions for adopting normative equivalence strategies in international survey research. The survey was sent to 104 Human Resource Directors located in Mexico via email and efax. The paper will identify survey strategies that contributed to a response rate of 49 per cent, which is considered high in cross‐cultural research.FindingsThe importance of normative equivalence strategies in international survey research is highlighted. While semantic and conceptual equivalence are aimed at survey coherence, normative equivalence strategies highlight the significance of the relationship‐building with the respondents. Normative equivalence strategies include identifying people that the respondents will trust and respond to, building an excellent rapport with the respondents, and identifying strategies to be perceived as part of the respondents’ group.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper identifies strategies that potential researchers can adopt to increase response rate. Further, it integrates national cultural dimensions and strategies and provides a model that potential researchers can adopt.Originality/valueThis paper associates the latest national cultural dimensions (global leadership and organizational behavior effectiveness study) and survey research strategies – an aspect that has not been addressed in the literature before.
Person/organization job‐fitting and affective commitment to the organization
Authors: Behery Mohamed H. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine the mediation effect of the psychological contract (PC) on the relationship between person–organization (P‐O) fit, person–job (P‐J) fit and affective commitment to the organization (organizational affective commitment or OAC).Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data for the study were collected using self‐administered questionnaires with 960 participants from 16 large companies in the UAE. Respondents were asked to provide their perceptions of the main concepts used in the study.FindingsThe results indicate that P‐O fit and P‐J fit were positively related to the OAC. In addition, the PC was found to be a partial mediator between P‐O fit, P‐J fit and OAC.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings imply that managers should take into consideration the P‐O fit when selecting new employees.Originality/valueSince little is known about the process by which UAE organizations promote the P‐J fit, P‐O fit or OAC, this article contribute to the literature by examining HRM practices in a non‐western, cross‐cultural context.
An empirical test of Peruvian subcultural values
Authors: Robertson Christopher J. , Nico Suárez Guerrero Cristóbal 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a value measurement tool based on an indigenous theory of cultural values. Moreover, this instrument was tested in a multi‐cultural sample from Peru.Design/methodology/approachA cultural values framework that traces its origins to Peru is employed as the conceptual foundation for a new instrument designed to measure values that are inherently linked to economic and social development. The survey is tested across diverse subcultures within Peru through 288 respondents.FindingsThe empirical results lend significant support to three hypotheses and a number of differences related to how certain values may be perceived in varying subcultural communities were identified. Perhaps the most striking finding is that Peruvians from different subcultural groups vary in their perceptions of which values are key to successful assimilation into the local indigenous communities as well as the values necessary for achieving success in international business.Research limitations/implicationsBy developing and testing a developmental values instrument that was based on developing nation constructs we have created an opportunity for replication in other developing nations as well as industrialized economies.Practical implicationsA number of implications related to managing in Andean America are plausible. These results can assist multi‐national firms that elect to operate in the Andes to evaluate their marketing and sales approaches, as well as human resource management policies. In addition firms that seek new growth opportunities within Andean America may need to incorporate predetermined values that are germane to their potential strategic maneuvers in the region.Originality/valueThis paper is exploratory in nature and facilitates a deeper level of analysis related to subcultural values in developing nations.
Overall railway infrastructure effectiveness (ORIE)
Authors: Åhrén Thomas , Parida Aditya 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to analyzing the factors influencing the performance of railway infrastructure, to propose an approach to measuring the overall railway infrastructure effectiveness (ORIE), and to test these approaches in a case study to verify their effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology adopted here was to develop a concept for measurement of the overall effectiveness of a railway infrastructure similar to that for measurement of the OEE. The concept thus developed was applied on Swedish railway track sections for collecting data and for their ORIE validation, as a case study.FindingsThe findings of the ORIE case study show that the model can be used for other sections of the Swedish railways. It can also be applied to other railways with some modifications.Practical implicationsORIE can measure the extent to which the railway infrastructure system manages to deliver its agreed performance to the traffic operators. Infrastructure managers can also use the ORIE as a key performance indicator, which can provide important input for effective decision making.Originality/valueThe paper presents a structured way of developing a conceptual ORIE model applied to the railway‐sector. This model can be used by other railways with suitable modifications.
Justification of world‐class maintenance systems using analytic hierarchy constant sum method
Authors: Kodali Rambabu , Prasad Mishra Rajesh , Anand G. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeIn recent times, many organizations implementing total productive maintenance (TPM) have been failing in their attempts. Researchers attribute these failures to the shortcomings of TPM and of the implementing organizations. This paper aims to conduct a detailed study in order to understand these shortcomings and seeks to propose various solutions in the form of “best practices”, which leads to the development of world‐class maintenance systems (WMS). However, development of such alterative maintenance systems raises the following question: if an organization is planning to implement and improve their existing maintenance system then how can the manager make a decision between choosing alternative systems such as traditional maintenance systems, TPM and WMS? In the case of TPM or WMS, top management should be involved from the beginning to implement and follow up, as these decisions are complex and involve huge investment in the long term. Before starting implementation, top management should be convinced of the necessary justification, which requires analysis of various qualitative and quantitative factors apart from analyzing various tangible and intangible benefits. In such a situation, the conventional, financial justification techniques alone cannot be used.Design/methodology/approachThe paper attempts to demonstrate the use of a multi‐attribute decision‐making (MADM) model, namely, the analytic hierarchy constant sum method (AHCSM) for justification of WMS by analyzing the performance measures of an organization.FindingsThe model showed that WMS is the best among the alternatives considered for the given circumstances. From the extensive analysis of the results from the model, implementing WMS would result in overall improvement in the performance of an organization.Practical implicationsThe paper attempts to provide an understanding about the TPM shortcomings, WMS and its characteristics, apart from describing the proposed framework in detail. In addition to this, the AHCSM model has been developed for the justification of WMS and the algorithm for the same has been described in a step‐by‐step manner. It is believed that this MADM model will be useful for managers to supplement their strategic decisions.Originality/valueAccording to the authors' knowledge, there has been so far no paper in the literature which has demonstrated the application of AHCSM in the field of maintenance management.
When hot and noisy is good
Authors: Warden Clyde A. , Chen Judy F. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend research on metaphors of consumption to a Chinese cultural setting, specifically examining consumer thoughts related the Chinese concept of renao (hot and noisy).Design/methodology/approachThe Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET) was used – a photo elicitation approach and semi‐structured interviews that surfaced metaphors. Field observation and participative techniques were combined with the 14 interviews, in Taiwan, through a grounded theory approach that classified results in categories using the software XSight.FindingsFive main categories of related concepts consistently arose: food, inexpensive, crowd, marketing communication and servicescape. Respondents closely tied renao with consumption behavior. All five categories resulted in rich descriptions that these consumers, and possibly a wider group, associate with successful retail locations.Research limitations/implicationsThis in‐depth approach was limited to 14 respondents and two researchers living in Taiwan. Thus, both the sample and the sample frame are restricted. Although the concept of renao is common in all Chinese cultural settings, its exact interpretation differs in different locations, sub‐cultures and marketing segments.Originality/valueConsumers expressing their values though consumption is a marketing topic both studied and used in the West. The convergence of consumers' perception of self and consumption is no less important, but certainly different, for consumers in a Chinese cultural setting. Local values heavily influence Chinese consumption in Taiwan, such as the central concept of renao. These local values are rarely discussed in Western literature. Retailers can benefit by incorporating at least some of these metaphors, while marketing researchers can gain an expanded definition of consumer self‐image and values.
The correlates of cognitive ageing and adoption of defensive‐ageing strategies among older adults
Authors: Sim Ong Fon , Lu Yap‐Ying , Abessi Masoud , Phillips David R. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between cognitive age and the adoption of defensive ageing consumption activities and its effect on life satisfaction in an Asian context. The relationship between the antecedent variables of chronological age, biological age and transitional life events and cognitive age is examined.Design/methodology/approachSurvey method. The study was conducted in Malaysia, an Asian country that is characterized as collectivistic. Data collection method used is convenience sampling method, using a sample of adults aged 40 years or older based on previous research. Measures used include cognitive age developed by Barak and Schiffman and validated by Wilkes. Life stage transitional events include a list of ten major life events that respondents experienced in the past 12 months. Biological changes are summated index of the number of biological changes (e.g. lengthy hospitalization or rehabilitation, hearing impairment) adopted from Mathur and Moschis. Defensive ageing consumption activities include skin care products, health supplements, beauty treatment and exercising, that are commonly adopted to fight ageing.FindingsThe paper finds that in the context of an Asian country, consumers view themselves to be several younger than their chronological age, consistent with past research. Biological changes, transitional life events and chronological age had a significant positive relationship with cognitive age, consistent with the findings of past research. To the extent that cognitive age was found to be positively related to transitional life events, regression analysis showed that life event was not a predictor of cognitive age, further contributing to the inconclusive evidence regarding the effect of life events on cognitive age. Research results supported the negative relationship between cognitive age and anti‐ageing consumption behaviour.Practical implicationsStudy of this nature will help to shape marketers' approach to attract older consumers. Marketers should shift their focus away from regarding older consumers as old since older consumers tend to view themselves as younger than their chronological age. An understanding of how consumers perceive themselves in terms of their cognitive age is useful for segmentation. Knowing how older adults view “age” is useful for communication strategies.Originality/valueThis paper examines the effect of cognitive age on defensive ageing consumption activities in an Asian country, a collectivist society. The defensive consumption strategies included in this study were a range of products were commonly known but not tested. It extends the research by looking at the effect of defensive ageing consumption activities on life satisfaction.
Enhancing value for money in public private partnership projects
Authors: Cheung Esther , Chan Albert P.C. , Kajewski Stephen 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the measures that enhance value for money (VFM) in public private partnership (PPP) projects from the findings achieved in a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire survey was conducted in Hong Kong (also known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) and Australia, and is compared to the results conducted by other researchers in the UK.Design/methodology/approachRespondents to the questionnaire were asked to rate 18 VFM measures in PPP projects.FindingsThe results found that the top five VFM measures ranked by the respondents from Hong Kong included: efficient risk allocation (allocating the risk to the party best able to manage it); output‐based specification; competitive tender; private management skill; and private sector technical innovation. The first and second of these VFM measures were also found to be ranked high by the respondents from Australia and the UK, indicating that these were true for these jurisdictions.Practical implicationsWhen the risks are handled well, less pitfalls are experienced and as a result VFM is more achievable. Hence, an efficient risk allocation is vital in determining whether VFM can be achieved in PPP projects. A clear output‐based specification can enable a more obvious project design and concept hence minimizing the possibility of delivering the wrong product for the user. Therefore, this measure is also important in determining whether VFM has been achieved for a PPP venture. Despite the interest in PPP, there is need for more systematic and in‐depth research to examine the measures that enhance VFM in PPP projects in Hong Kong.Originality/valueIn addition, this project also forms a comparative study for the use of PPP in Hong Kong, Australia and the UK.
Determinants of contractors' capital investment finance strategy in Ghana
Authors: Owusu  , Badu E. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the results of a survey conducted in Ghana and advances knowledge on determinants of contractors' capital investment financing strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical investigation was conducted using survey questionnaire. The dataset was obtained from 54 large construction firms operating in Ghana. The consideration of overlapping aspects of the study largely motivated the use of factor analysis to analyse the data which made it possible to make scientific deductions, descriptions and built explanations from the results.FindingsThe study provides fresh contribution to knowledge and fills the empirical research gap by deriving six new brands of uncorrelated variables that better explain contractors' investment financing decisions. These variables were manifested in the financial condition, macro‐economic indicators, bankruptcy cost, financial risk, transaction cost and financial policy. The paper recommends future research to explore the relationship between these explanatory variables and dependent variables, thus, equity and debt using regression models.Originality/valueThe original contribution and value of the paper is the orientation of the paper between conceptual and empirical traditions and the contextual provision of realities contained in the financial underpinnings examined and presentation of operations directions about the ways construction executives can create action plans to improve their financial decisions through a deeper understanding and application of the financial variables.
Criteria influencing debt financing of Indian PPP road projects: a case study
Authors: Boeing Singh Laishram , Kalidindi Satyanarayana N. 
Published: April 2009

PurposePublic private partnerships (PPP) projects are characterised by highly leveraged capital structure. Lenders who provide the major portion of financing in the form of debt are more concerned with the downside risks and the measures to mitigate the risks. Lenders, thus, look into the risk factors and mitigating measures that could influence the projects debt servicing capability while making the credit decisions. The purpose of this paper is to identify the various aspects of PPP road projects that lenders look into while making the decisions to extend project finance loans to PPP road projects.Design/methodology/approachCase study research with four Indian lending institutions provides primary evidences from the interviews on the aspects considered during credit decision making. The primary evidences are collaborated with secondary evidences such as loan proposal and information memoranda of the PPP road projects undertaken by the case study organisations.FindingsThe study identifies the various aspects of PPP road projects, categorised into six major dimensions. The aspects and dimensions provide a theoretical framework to measure the risk profile of PPP road projects from debt‐financing perspective.Research limitations/implicationsAdditional cases can be undertaken to validate the findings and increase the usefulness of the framework to practitioners and enhance their general application.Practical implicationsThe framework can be useful while making debt financing decisions in assessing how desirable the project is from a debt‐financing perspective.Originality/valueThe work is novel providing insights into debt financing of PPP road projects in India and will be of interest to sponsors while structuring the financial package.
A strategic view of ICT supported cost management for green buildings in the quantity surveying practice
Authors: Matipa Wilfred M. , Kelliher Denis , Keane Marcus 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight the availability and use of software systems in the Irish construction professional cost consultancy process. Also to gather the views from practising quantity surveying professionals as to how available systems could assist total cost management of green buildings throughout their lifespan.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was given to a number of senior quantity surveyors throughout Ireland to ascertain the extent to which IT systems were being used as part of a total life cycle cost analysis and control procedure. Particular focus of questions related to the extent to which use of IT systems encouraged information sharing. Statistical analyses of results of same are given.FindingsQuantity surveying practice must adapt and integrate cost management systems within the life cycle cost plan of a building. Use of well‐designed IT systems should complement the existing knowledge base of traditional cost models.Originality/valueThe extent to which life cycle costs become an accepted and integral part of the total cost management package may be determined more by government legislation than client desire for the cost management system. Nevertheless, the quantity surveying profession with its well‐established cost control and planning techniques should consider the use of well‐designed IT systems as part of the future development of the profession.