bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Educational visualizations in 3D collaborative virtual environments: a methodology
Authors: Fominykh Mikhail , Prasolova‐Førland Ekaterina 
Published: April 2012

PurposeCollaborative virtual environments (CVEs) have become increasingly popular in educational settings and the role of 3D content is becoming more and more important. Still, there are many challenges in this area, such as lack of empirical studies that provide design for educational activities in 3D CVEs and lack of norms of how to support and assess learning in with such technology. The purpose of this paper is to address these challenges by discussing the use of a 3D CVE in a university course for three years and suggesting practical guidelines based on the data from observations.Design/methodology/approachThe main research question of the discussion in this paper is: How to facilitate learning by means of educational visualizations in 3D CVEs? The authors discuss data from several explorative case studies conducted within the Cooperation Technology course at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. In these case studies, the authors focused on a particular type of collaborative work with 3D content – educational visualizations. Groups of students were asked to build creative visualizations of a certain topic (e.g. a research project or a curriculum topic) and present the construction to the public. The data were collected from the direct observation of students' activities online, virtual artefacts, such as chat log and 3D constructions, and users' feedback in a form of group essays or blogs.FindingsFollowing the analysis of these data, the authors introduce an original methodology for facilitating collaborative work with 3D content in an educational context and provide a characterization framework – Typology of 3D Content and Visualization Means, which can be used together with the methodology for analysing constructions in 3D CVEs. Constructionism and social constructivism were used as a theoretical grounding.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the research method applied has certain limitations related to the settings of the conducted studies, such as observing the same course each year and impossibility of having a control group, this research still provides important insights, as it identifies overall tendencies in conducting educational activities in 3D CVEs.Practical implicationsThe suggested methodology was developed for teachers, instructors, and technicians. It can be used as a guideline for organizing educational activities using collaborative work with 3D content.Originality/valueResults of the authors' research indicate that the methodology suggested in the paper benefits structuring and planning of educational visualizations in 3D CVEs. It can be considered as a contribution to the field, as it helps to fill the gap in practical guidelines for the advanced use of 3D CVEs in educational settings.
Entrepreneurial orientations of business students and entrepreneurs
Authors: Elenurm Tiit 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the implications of different entrepreneurial orientations on business start‐up and development challenges.Design/methodology/approachThis research reflects surveys of 1,075 experienced entrepreneurs and business and entrepreneurship students in Estonia during the years 2005‐2010. An additional method is action learning and reflections of training focused on recognising new business opportunities during the economic crises.FindingsCombinations of co‐creative and innovative entrepreneurial orientations are more popular than the imitative entrepreneurial orientation. There is, however, an essential contradiction between stressing the principles of co‐creative orientation at the first stages of business opportunity identification and taking a more individualistic approach to innovation at later stages of the business development process and implementing the related changes. Potential entrepreneurs developing radically new innovative ideas in emerging economies should assess more realistically their existing core competences and search for opportunities to improve their competence base through cross‐border networking.Research limitations/implicationsSurveys that apply the self‐assessment tool do not comprise a representative sample of all Estonian entrepreneurs. These surveys have been conducted in training settings and support self‐development of trainees. Research results can be used for differentiating entrepreneurship training and education. An important opportunity for entrepreneurship education in the context of organisational change is to support the cross‐border exchange of entrepreneurial ideas between “blue ocean dreamers”, who sometimes lack entrepreneurship experience, and more experienced entrepreneurs, who may be trapped in some regionally‐limited business in a highly competitive domestic market.Originality/valueThe results of the research explain why entrepreneurship training has to take into consideration differences between imitative, individually innovative and co‐creative entrepreneurs.
Literature review of stock market integration: a global perspective
Authors: Sharma Anil , Seth Neha 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to organize and take stock of the present situation of research on stock market integration by reviewing the available literature, to provide quick and easy access for future researchers. Another objective of the present study is to classify the literature and to provide the comprehensive bibliography on stock market integration and to analyse the findings and results of the studies taken into consideration for review.Design/methodology/approachA range of sources were searched to review the past literature on stock market integration and out of thousands of papers, 100 research papers form the sample for the present study. These 100 research papers are classified on the basis of various variables to know the status of research on the same topic.FindingsThis paper classifies the past literature on stock markets integration and finds that the research work on the same area has been increased during the recent time period, especially from 2005 to 2010 and coverage of stock market integration across emerging economies has increased in recent years. The study revealed many other findings also.Originality/valueThe present paper provides the collection, classification and comprehensive bibliography on stock market integration, which may be helpful for academicians, practitioners and future researchers when studying the existing research work, as well as for considering future researches on the same subject area.
Challenges faced by the hospitality industry in India: an introduction
Authors: Jauhari Vinnie , Rishi Meghna 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce the theme issue and the reasons for focusing on the strategic question: “What are the challenges faced by the hospitality industry in India?”Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an introduction to the scope of the global hospitality industry and the key issues and challenges, especially as they relate to the industry's development in India.FindingsThe paper profiles the approach adopted by theme issue contributors and their respective contributions to addressing the strategic question.Practical implicationsThe theme issue draws extensively on roundtable discussions with senior level practitioners so as to balance the analysis drawn from published sources.Originality/valueIndia's hospitality industry is developing rapidly and yet there is limited data relating to these developments. This theme issue draws extensively on practitioner inputs and published sources to provide an authoritative contribution that addresses the Indian context and additionally explores the implications for other developing economies.
Issues and concerns in technology decisions: the hotel operator's perspective
Authors: Singh Anjana , Munjal Sandeep 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the challenges in adopting and executing technology within the hospitality industry in India. The paper recognizes the upcoming trends and their impact on the expansion of the industry. Technology plays an integral role in strategic decision making, yet the service industry has only been able to utilize the technology superficially but has not been able to integrate its functions with other business operations. This paper seeks to explore the issues in taking on and implementing new technologies in the hotel organization globally and in India.Design/methodology/approachPersonal interviews were conducted with general managers of global chains of hotel organizations in India to gain an insight into the challenges faced by the hotels globally and at the unit level in adopting and applying the technologies in their business operations. The research also provides information on future trends in technology that might lead towards the enhancement of the service delivery process.FindingsThis research helps in identifying the key internal and external challenges that the hospitality industry faces in adopting new innovative strategic IT solutions, hence leading to reluctance towards investment in IT. This research further amalgamates the key findings and presents a framework titled “Strategic importance of technology and challenges for hospitality industry”.Practical implicationsThe paper recommends practical solutions for policy makers and practitioners that can be applied globally.Originality/valueThe research addresses the real life problems impacting the hospitality industry across the globe and has collected inputs from hotel experts or executives of international chains in India.
Improving environmental performance through innovative commercial leasing
Authors: Roussac A. Craig , Bright Susan 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate, by reference to practical examples, how leases of commercial buildings can be more responsive to environmental issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains how difficult it is within the structure and content of conventional leases to reduce the environmental impact of the tenanted commercial built environment. It explores the interplay between the content and structure of commercial leases and the behaviour of building owners, managers, tenants and occupants, illustrated through the experiences of a large Australian‐based commercial office building owner/operator.FindingsWith reference to practical examples it shows how conventional leases stifle innovation and illustrates the difficulties in drafting leases that enable a responsive approach to building management to be adopted. It shows how more fundamental changes that align and reward owners and tenants for working together for mutual benefit are required.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a number of “model clauses” for encouraging best environmental practices and concludes with a suite of recommendations.Originality/valueAlthough there have been conversations about green leases in recent years, there is little detailed evidence of their use in the marketplace. This paper remedies that deficiency by taking a case study approach that: illustrates the opportunities and difficulties in negotiating green leases; and shows how attempts to provide innovative building management can be hindered or supported by lease terms.
The challenge of self‐regulation in commercial property leasing: a study of lease codes in the UK
Authors: Hughes Cathy , Crosby Neil 
Published: April 2012

PurposeUK Government policy to address perceived market failure in commercial property leasing has largely been pursued through industry self‐regulation. Yet, it is proving difficult to assess whether self‐regulation on leasing has been a “success”, or even to determine how to evaluate this. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for this and a clearer understanding of self‐regulation in commercial leasing.Design/methodology/approachA literature review suggests key criteria to explain the (in)effectiveness of self‐regulation. UK lease codes are analysed in the light of this literature, drawing on previous research carried out by the authors on the operation of these codes.FindingsLease codes appear to be failing as an effective system of self‐regulation. While there are influential market actors championing them, the fragmentation of the leasing process lessens this influence. The structures are not there to ensure implementation, monitor compliance and record views of affected stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsThis work adds to the literature on self‐regulation in general, and provides an insight into its operation in a previously unexplored industry. Research is needed into the experience of other countries in regulating the property industry by voluntary means.Social implicationsThere are institutional limitations to self‐regulation within the property industry. This has implications for policy makers in considering the advantages and limitation of using a voluntary solution to achieve policy aims within the commercial leasing market.Originality/valueThis paper provides a first step in considering the lease codes in the wider context of industry self‐regulation and is relevant to policy makers and industry bodies.
The internationalisation of Malaysian‐based multinational banks
Authors: Zamberi Ahmad Syed 
Published: April 2012

PurposeGiven the importance of understanding the dynamics of the internationalisation and expansion process, it is surprising that – in reviewing the extensive literature – that little attention has been paid to service organisations. This paper attempts to shed light on business strategies and the international entry modes of the services sector in general, and the area of banking which form a significant and substantive proportion of global trade. Therefore, this paper aims to address this omission by exploring the behaviour of Malaysian multinational financial and banking service industries in their international expansion in terms of their motivation, mode of entry strategies, selection of target markets, and their strategic thrusts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows an exploratory approach utilising qualitative multiple case studies. Empirical data are presented from case study of four large Malaysian‐based multinational commercial banks through interviews with managers from the banks' headquarters as well as managers responsible for and/or engaged in the development and implementation of international marketing strategies.FindingsIt is inferred that Malaysian multinational commercial banks are entering foreign markets, employing a foreign direct investment entry mode, by creating branches and representative offices, and in some cases by acquiring part of the share or the whole capital of existing local financial institutions. These expansions have been motivated by several factors related to both their domestic markets (push factors: government initiatives, small size, low and limited growth) and the attractiveness of their target markets (pull factors/location advantages: high market growth, low to moderate levels of competition).Research limitations/implicationsThe case study has inherently limited the capacity to offer generalisations concerning other service companies.Practical implicationsThis paper is rich in its practical implications. As this study was concerned with the practical experience and behaviour of Malaysian‐based multinational banks on their choice of entry modes and organisational forms when internationalising, Malaysian banking and marketing practitioners can use the analysis and results as a means of comparing their current tactical and strategy foreign entry behaviour with that of other internationalising banks.Originality/valueThe paper offers new insights into the emergence and international expansion of Malaysian‐based multinational commercial banks, and sheds light on the internationalisation process associated with services per se.
The effectiveness of the ASBO – a practitioner perspective
Authors: Kirby Stuart , Edmondson Ann 
Published: April 2012

PurposeAcademics, politicians and the media have debated the merits of the Anti‐Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for over a decade. Much of this discussion has been associated with negative connotations and there are currently government proposals to abolish the order in favour of a Crime Prevention Injunction (CPI). This study seeks to provide a practitioner perspective to further inform this debate.Design/methodology/approachUsing qualitative analysis, the research examines 36 ASBOs administered within a policing division in the North West of England. It supplements these findings with qualitative data that harvest the views of practitioners involved in the application and enforcement of these orders.FindingsThe study shows that practitioners view the ASBO as an effective tool in managing and reducing antisocial behaviour. In doing so it questions the interpretation of other research findings and provides timely and relevant information that should be considered prior to the implementation of any change to current practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe data relate to one Police Division in the North West of England and caution must be acknowledged when considering how representative they are across the rest of the UK.Originality/valueA practitioner perspective has been lacking from the debate concerning the ASBO. These data provide a fresh perception on its use and benefits.
Financial institutions' social responsibility in developing countries
Authors: Onyango Ogola Fredrick 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for analyzing the social responsibility (SR) of financial institutions (FIs) in developing countries (DCs), especially in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), with regard to their contribution to development.Design/methodology/approachThe connection between finance and economic development can be studied at the macro or general level of “financial systems” or at the micro or institutional (organizational) level of “financial institutions”. This paper will focus on the micro level of FIs. The author used the work of Sen as a reference to approach the concept of development, and Sherraden's “Asset‐building policies” combined with Cabraalet al.'s “microfinance ideals” as a strategy to implement the broad developmental agenda proposed by Sen in the field of SR of FI.FindingsThe study identified seven indicators for the social responsibility of financial institutions: low interest on loans; small loans; micro‐savings; income equality; marketing equality; geographical equality; and unbiased financial education. These groups of indicators reflect the different areas that are relevant for assessing the SR of FIs.Research limitations/implicationsSince this is a conceptual article, it lacks the empirical data to support theoretical conclusions. Through further research, operationalizing this model and testing it through surveys and in‐depth interviews can overcome these limitations.Practical implicationsWith this framework, SR strategies of FIs operating in DCs and specifically in SSA may require a broader vision in their contribution to development. This is by viewing SR in development not only as a tool for economic growth but also as a tool for promoting equality and freedom through economic inclusion and consequently social inclusion.Originality/valueThe paper suggests how Sen's theory of development, Sherraden's theory of asset building and Cabraalet al.'s microfinance ideals can be merged in a framework to analyze the SR of FIs in DCs.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization for the differential diagnosis between Spitz naevus and spitzoid melanoma
Authors: Requena Celia , Rubio Luis , Traves Victor , Sanmartín Onofre , Nagore Eduardo , Llombart Beatriz , Serra Carlos , Fernández‐Serra Antonio , Botella Rafael , Guillén Carlos 
Published: April 2012

Requena C, Rubio L, Traves V, Sanmartín O, Nagore E, Llombart B, Serra C, Fernández‐Serra A, Botella R & Guillén C  (2012) Histopathology 61, 899–909Fluorescence in situ hybridization for the differential diagnosis between Spitz naevus and spitzoid melanomaAims:  The differential diagnosis between Spitz naevus and spitzoid melanoma can be extremely difficult, or even impossible. In recent years, many attempts have been made to find specific histopathological or immunohistochemical markers, although none has proved successful. Because the prognosis and treatment of each are very different, it is important to distinguish between these entities. We evaluated the ability of the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay–designed to detect the copy number of the RREB1 (6p25), MYB (6q23) and CCND1 (11q13) genes and of centromere 6 (Cep 6)–in order to distinguish between Spitz naevus and spitzoid melanoma.Methods and results:  We evaluated 12 spitzoid melanomas and six Spitz naevi from our records. The diagnosis of both conditions was based on previously described histopathological criteria. We obtained valuable results for FISH in eight spitzoid melanomas and five Spitz naevi. Chromosomal aberrations were detected in seven of the eight spitzoid melanomas (FISH‐positive) and in none of the five Spitz naevi. The FISH‐negative spitzoid melanoma was the least typical in its group.Conclusions:  FISH was able to distinguish between Spitz naevus and spitzoid melanoma, with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 100%. Our findings suggest that FISH could prove a useful tool in the differential diagnosis between these entities.
Drug‐Induced Blood Consumption: The Impact of Adverse Drug Reactions on Demand for Blood Components in German Departments of Internal Medicine
Authors: Rottenkolber Dominik , Schmiedl Sven , Rottenkolber Marietta , Thuermann Petra A. , Hasford Joerg 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTherapy for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) often results in the application of blood components. This study aims to assess the demand for blood components and the resulting economic burden (hospital perspective) in German hospitals induced by ADRs leading to admissions to departments of internal medicine. In this prospective study, ADRs leading to hospitalization were surveyed in four regional pharmacovigilance centres in Germany during the years 2000–2007. ADRs assessed as ‘possible’, ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ were included. Market prices for blood components and hospitalization data were determined by desktop research. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed. A total of 6099 patients were admitted to internal medicine departments because of an outpatient ADR of whom 1165 patients (19.1%; mean age, 73.0 ± 13.0 years) required treatment with blood components owing to major bleeding events. Overall consumption was 4185 erythrocyte concentrates (EC), 426 fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and 48 thrombocyte (TC) units. On the basis of statistical hospital data, we estimated a nationwide demand of approximately 132,020 EC, 13,440 FFP and 1515 TC units, resulting in total costs of €12.66 million per year for all German hospitals. Some 19.2% of all ADR cases were assessed as preventable. Theoretically, a nationwide decreased demand for blood components and a savings potential of €2.43 million per year could be achieved by preventing ADRs in Germany. Blood components are used in one‐fifth (mainly gastrointestinal bleeding) of all ADRs, leading to hospitalizations in internal medicine departments. Both blood demand and hospital procurement costs can be significantly lowered by preventing ADRs.