bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the financial performance of green buildings in the UK commercial property market
Authors: Fuerst Franz , McAllister Patrick , van de Wetering Jorn , Wyatt Peter 
Published: August 2011

PurposeGiven the centrality of data and information to the evaluation and operation of policies to reduce carbon emissions, the purpose of this paper is to investigate potential sources of data within in the UK on the commercial building stock in terms of its physical characteristics, financial performance, energy consumption and environmental performance. The research aimed to increase understanding of the potential sources of data on property attributes, financial performance and energy use or environmental performance, with a particular emphasis on evaluating their strengths and weaknesses in terms of scope, quality, availability and practicability.Design/methodology/approachThis is an explorative, qualitative study that uses semi‐structured interviews conducted with 11 different data holding organisations.FindingsWhilst public sector organisations have the potential to provide the data required for large samples, there are major barriers to obtaining and linking the different databases. Data on the three key data elements (prices, attributes and environmental performance) tend to be split between different governmental agencies. There are likely to be substantial problems (and costs) of linking the databases due, in particular, to definitional differences. There is a conflict between government's public good objective of increasing knowledge of the environmental performance of buildings and its objective of maximising revenues from the commercial exploitation of data. Since the private sector organisations that hold data are commercially motivated, the samples that they have gathered are largely client driven and, consequently, tend to be partial, particular, proprietary, private and product‐related.Originality/valueSince pricing studies are central to evaluating the effectiveness of eco‐labelling in property markets, this paper improves one's understanding of the role of information and data barriers to improving the allocative efficiency of commercial property markets.
Validation of the RSQS in apparel specialty stores
Authors: Yeap Ai Leen Jasmine , Ramayah T. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to validate the Retail Service Quality Scale (RSQS) developed by Dabholkar et al. in the Malaysian business setting, specifically in the context of apparel specialty stores.Design/methodology/approachTwo well‐known retail clothing store chains were selected for this study. Purposive sampling method was used, with a total of 211 responses collected from customers of all X and Y's chain stores in the northern region of Malaysia.FindingsThe paper finds that all the five dimensions: physical aspects, reliability, personal interaction, problem solving, and policy, are highly suited for measuring retail service quality in clothing stores, also proving that the instrument is applicable in the Malaysian setting. Retail service quality is furthermore associated with future consumption behaviour in terms of the customers' intention to visit, purchase and recommend the stores to others.Research limitations/implicationsThe instrument is proven to be valid, reliable and appropriate for studying retail businesses that offer a mix of services and merchandise. The instrument is also applicable in another culture other than the USA, namely Malaysia.Practical implicationsRetailers can utilize the instrument for benchmarking current levels of retail service quality, carrying out periodic inspections to measure service performance and improvement, as well as to detect problematic areas of service quality within the stores that are in need of attention.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the somewhat limited studies carried out on instrument validation in Malaysia. Furthermore, the RSQS is tested in Malaysia – a country with a vibrant, dynamic retail environment and heightened consumer awareness for fashion and retail.
Online consumer communities, collaborative learning and innovation
Authors: Rossi Carla 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to outline the managerial challenges faced by the organizations interested in leveraging knowledge and creative talent embedded in online customers' communities to sustain innovation in b‐2‐c industries.Design/methodology/approachThrough a detailed case study analysis of a leading food producer who launched an online open collaborative platform to gather users' idea for new products the paper aims to highlight the transformational effort that firms have to make in order to leverage knowledge absorption from customers in the context of innovation.FindingsThe paper suggests potential strategies for conventional companies to engage consumers in knowledge (co‐creation) and collaborative innovation processes, formulating some hypothesis that could support an interpretative model of the capabilities needed to develop, maintain and increase customers' engagement in the exchange.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents the first results of an ongoing research that needs to be deepened and widened to cover other kinds of business sectors.Practical implicationsOn the basis of the case analyzed, the paper suggests some managerial actions that could be adopted to facilitate customers' engagement in processes of collaborative learning and innovation, outlining the potential barriers (in primis managerial reluctance) that could prevent a successful result.Originality/valueThe case contributes to the literature on co‐creation, demonstrating how it can be progressively achieved and improved, through a combination of management and marketing strategies, addressed at accruing not only users' motivation but also managerial commitment.
International new ventures in “low tech” sectors: a dynamic capabilities perspective
Authors: Evers Natasha 
Published: August 2011

PurposeDrawing on the dynamic capabilities perspective and the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm, this paper seeks to further understanding of international new ventures (INVs) operating in a traditional low technology sector – an understudied context in international entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachExploratory research merited qualitative research as the chosen methodology. Multiple case study design and critical incident technique were the main qualitative techniques employed.FindingsThe case entrepreneurs' objective and subjective capabilities emerge as a critical key resource for strategically managing and developing the dynamic capabilities of the firm in areas of research and development (R&D), logistics and production. The firms' capability to adapt and renew themselves through product diversification strategies was also critical for sustainable competitive advantage in a highly turbulent and competitive sector of seafood.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is sector‐specific and, while the sample size is small, findings are consistent. The paper presents a conceptual research framework for exploring further dynamic capabilities theory across diverse empirical high and low‐tech industry contexts.Practical implicationsLow technology sectors are considered a “forgotten sector” of innovation policies in small‐developed economies. Findings from this study identify a number of important implications of relevance to policy‐makers and managers.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the knowledge and understanding of how INVs in traditionally low‐tech sectors develop competitive advantage on international markets. The study presents an entrepreneurial perspective to the dynamic capabilities theory of the firm and presents a conceptual research framework to further understanding on INVs.
Network resources and international performance of high tech SMEs
Authors: Kenny Breda , Fahy John 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis study aims to identify and examine the relationship between network resources and international performance of high tech small to medium‐sized enterprises (HTSME) in the telecommunications industry in Ireland. The network resource construct for this paper comprises three dimensions: network human capital resources, network resource combination, and information sharing.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical research was carried out using a mail survey in which 154 firms completed and returned the questionnaire. Three hypotheses were analysed using structural equations modelling using LISREL.FindingsThe study's main finding suggests a positive relationship between a firm's network human capital resources and international performance. However, no support was found for the relationship between network resources combinations, information sharing and international performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is cross‐sectional, confined to a single industry and focused on the role of networks in the HTSME context only. Results from this study provide policy makers and practitioners with additional insights into specific network resource‐based factors that are associated with international performance for HTSMEs. Such an assessment would help identify specific areas of relationship strengths and weaknesses in terms of the level of human capital available to firms, the combinations of complementary resources across firms and the extent and level of information exchange between firms.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes with a discussion of these findings and the overall implications for policy makers and managers. Specifically, it is necessary to identify and review the types of resources that are critical to the international performance of firms and develop and implement business strategies building on those resources in order to enhance the likelihood of international success.Originality/valueThis study offers a multiple dimensionality to the network resource concept by measuring the direct effect of the type of network resources in terms of human capital, information and network resource combinations on international performance of HTSMEs in the telecommunications industry. These findings advance network research by highlighting the trade‐offs that networks impose on firms that seek to manage and leverage their network resources.
Entrepreneurship and urban growth: dimensions and empirical models
Authors: Rahman Mizan , Fatima Nafeez 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at various dimensions of entrepreneurship and the empirical models that try to explain the relationship between entrepreneurship and growth in cities for both developed (USA and Europe) and developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides an in‐depth and extensive review of the existing literature on entrepreneurship and economic growth in cities. In most empirical studies, the growth rate of employment or unemployment rate is used as the dependent variable to analyze the effect of entrepreneurship on development. The important independent variables other than entrepreneurship (new start‐ups) are localization, urbanization, level of education, age, industry structure (specialization vs competition), monopoly or competition. The economic units considered for cities are labor market areas (LMAs), standard metropolitan areas (SMAs) and consolidated metropolitan statistical areas (CMSAs). The majority of studies have utilized discrete dependent variable models such as Tobit or Probit to calculate the probability of the effect of entrepreneurship on economic growth. Other studies have applied ordinary least squares estimation to find the cross‐sectional variation of employment growth that accounts for entrepreneurial activities. Panel data are employed in a number of models to control for region‐specific and country‐specific fixed effects.FindingsIn this paper, four important dimensions of entrepreneurship are identified. First, for entrepreneurial studies on economic growth, cities are considered to be appropriate economic units rather than states or countries. Second, there are several definitions and measurements of entrepreneurship available in the literature. Hence, empirical models and their results may vary depending on the model specification. Third, the relationship between employment growth (a proxy for economic growth) and innovative activity is dynamic in nature and thus the problem of endogeneity needs to be addressed. And, finally, entrepreneurship has a spatial dimension and that characteristic must be incorporated into the urban and regional models of entrepreneurship. Three different types of urban models are chosen to reflect these four central dimensions of entrepreneurship. All three urban models confirm the hypothesis that there exists a statistically significant and positive relationship between entrepreneurship and growth in cities. However, the causality of the relationship is not well established.Originality/valueA critical and in‐depth summary of existing quantitative work on entrepreneurship and economic growth in different cities is the original contribution of the paper.
International entrepreneurship, born globals and the theory of effectuation
Authors: Andersson Svante 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to enhance the understanding of a born global firm's early internationalization process and the entrepreneur's decisions regarding internationalization by using effectuation theory.Design/methodology/approachAn explorative case study is used to explore whether effectuation theory is a fruitful alternative perspective compared with the dominant paradigm (causation), which is primarily used in earlier studies on born globals.FindingsThe study shows how a born global company could enter many markets in a short time, by co‐operating with local network partners. The founders' prior knowledge and networks were important to understand the rapid international expansion. Effectuation theory focuses on the entrepreneurs' ability to create opportunities together with network partners and is a useful tool to understand the development in the born global firm.Research limitations/implicationsThe study shows that effectuation theory holds promise for developing the international entrepreneurship area. Future research is recommended to focus not only on the entrepreneur's competencies, but also on the entrepreneur's behavior, including during the time before they started the firm.Practical implicationsDecision‐makers in the early development of born global firms are recommended to use his/her own and his/her company's resources and network. Also advantage should be taken of opportunities when they are recognized or created, instead of focusing on traditional planning activities.Originality/valueThere are few studies that have used effectuation theory as a basis for understanding the early development of a born global firm.
The role of the Office of the Public Guardian in investigations of abuse
Authors: Hartley‐Jones Peter 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the investigation process employed by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). This process is used whenever an allegation of abuse is received against either an attorney acting under a registered lasting or enduring power of attorney or against a deputy appointed by the court of protection to make decisions on behalf of someone who lacks the capacity to make those decisions themselves.Design/methodology/approachCase studies are used to demonstrate both how the investigation process works in practice and how one works in partnership with other organisations to help safeguard vulnerable adults.FindingsThe OPG works in partnership with a range of other relevant organisations to protect vulnerable adults from financial abuse. It details the types of activities, the OPG investigating officer may undertake to examine allegations of abuse and the targets set to help ensure any allegations are investigated promptly and effectively.Originality/valueThe duties bestowed upon the public guardian under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, together with a general growing awareness of financial abuse, have had a significant impact upon the work of the investigations team. The case studies included exemplify the kinds of outcomes in cases of abuse and also demonstrate how Attorneys are subject to the same investigative scrutiny as court appointed deputies.
Food and drink – the basic requirements of life
Authors: Dennis Monica , Allen Judith 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe the experiences of people visiting elderly relatives in hospital, detailing the lack of care and negligent attitudes of nursing staff with regards to providing appropriate food and drink to the elderly patients.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses responses from 94 concerned readers, who empathised with an article published in the Daily Mail detailing negligent, unprofessional and uncaring practice in an elderly relative's hospital care. They each wrote to A Dignified Revolution (ADR) and provided their own examples of either being a patient in hospital or witnessing their loved one's distress. This paper addresses one of the most common areas of concern: the management of hydration and nutrition.FindingsThe vast majority of the criticisms in the e‐mail correspondence that was received by ADR was directed towards severe deficits in nursing practice. The experiences that were shared demonstrated not only a contravention of the nurse's code of practice (Nursing and Midwifery Council), but also an abuse of older people's human rights. They also demonstrated not only the severe harm that could be caused to vulnerable older people and the trauma caused to relatives but also carers. Many respondents were dismayed at the complete lack of nursing assessments and the inconsistencies in the documentation about their relatives' care, including food and fluid charts, which was so fundamental to their care needs.Originality/valueOlder vulnerable people in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals are being deprived of the fundamental right to eat and drink, a right whereby the lack of nutrition and hydration causes not only untold suffering, but can cause death. To deprive a person of food and fluid is tantamount to abuse, and to be able to eat and drink is a basic human right. However, perhaps the challenge is greater than this with regard to older people. Perhaps, a significant cultural change in attitudes and behaviour towards older people by the NHS, if not the wider society, is required in the first instance.
In pursuit of a sustainable global market economy
Authors: Appleton Arthur E. , Lehmann Jean‐Pierre 
Published: August 2011

PurposePresented on behalf of the Evian Group @ IMD, this paper aims to expand upon points made in the keynote speech at the 9th Annual EABIS Colloquium on Corporate Responsibility and Emerging Markets held in St Petersburg, Russia on 20‐21 September 2010.Design/methodology/approachThree themes are explored within the context of the BRICs: geopolitics and global governance in the twenty‐first century; the balance between public good and private enterprise; and frameworks for equitable trade and inclusive growth.FindingsThe global situation is precarious, characterized by multi‐polarity, asymmetrical power threats, and a vacuum in global governance. The trade‐based economic development of the BRICs is a positive economic sign but raises implications for sustainability. There is a need for balance between the ability of the public sector to provide public goods, including global public goods, and the need for government to create incentives for the private sector and unleash its creativity and energy. With the proper incentives and legal structure, including respect for the rule of law, the energy and creativity of the private sector can be harnessed to develop a framework for equitable trade and inclusive growth, and to further the development of a sustainable global market economy.Originality/valueThe paper provides a catalyst for discussion that bridges the gap between business school education, legal education, political science and economics.
Stewardship: a new vision for the purpose of business
Authors: Karns Gary L. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeA new vision for the purpose of business is vitally and urgently needed for emerging and developed markets to replace the shareholder wealth maximization paradigm that has contributed to contemporary ethics scandals, creating a credibility and trust crisis for business. In response, this paper seeks to present the stewardship model, a new, humane, and sustainable vision for the role of business as a contributor to human flourishing.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper builds on the thinking of those who have championed various reformulated paradigms in pursuit of responsible business behavior.FindingsThe center of economic gravity is shifting towards emerging markets. During this time of transition there is both a window of opportunity and an urgent need to change the social contract with business to achieve human flourishing, a more desirable goal than mere economic growth. Efforts to promote virtuous personal and corporate behavior need the mutually reinforcing element of a new business paradigm. The stewardship model casts business in the role of being a responsible steward contributing to the wellbeing of customers, employees and the community; acting with positive ethics; and partnering with other social institutions for the common good.Practical implicationsBusiness people and business educators should give the Stewardship Model serious consideration.Originality/valueThe paper offers a new paradigm for business that aligns with human flourishing and fits the emerging market context. Adopting this new vision will help to re‐write the social contract under which business operates and to rebuild business credibility and trust in emerging and in developed markets.