bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consumer behaviour in the Greek floral market
Authors: Tzavaras Marinos , Tzimitra‐Kalogianni Irini , Bourlakis Michael 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse consumer behavior during the purchase of floral products in the Greek region and to reveal the socio‐economic characteristics that affect consumers' considerations concerning the selection of both cut flowers and pot plants.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on cross‐sectional data collected through a questionnaire survey with personal interviews. Respondents' reasons for purchasing floral products are examined. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation was applied in order to provide a more manageable set of variables relating to purchasing. The socio‐economic factors of these reasons were used for estimating the significant relation that exists between them.FindingsPeople purchase cut flowers and pot plants as part of quality of life, as a convenient gift to other people, for religious and social occasions. Significant differences were revealed only in terms of gender and education level of the respondents with a proportion of females and educated people being higher during purchasing floral products.Practical implicationsThe findings can improve the marketing mix strategy for floral products. Such information is important for the market bodies involved in the floral market and the results of this study are unique and can assist researchers and marketers with an understanding of significant reasons for purchasing floral products. Comparative insights are also provided in terms of the similarities being present between the purchasing of both floral and food products.Originality/valueThis paper provides consumer reasoning for buying floral products and illustrates the subsequent socio‐economic characteristics.
Food safety culture: the evolution of an emerging risk factor?
Authors: Griffith C.J. , Livesey K.M. , Clayton D.A. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeOutbreaks of foodborne disease are often investigated to determine the causes although traditional approaches to identifying risk factors may not determine the real or underlying causes. The aim of this paper is to identify a food safety culture that can be used in addition to more traditional risk factors.Design/methodology/approachA parallel is drawn between the use of the term “emerging pathogen” and the emergence of food safety culture as a risk factor in food poisoning outbreaks. The evolution of the term starting with organizational culture is developed via the literature on health and safety culture. The concept of food safety culture and reservations over the use of the term are examined along with possible distinctions between food safety culture and climate.FindingsThe concept of food safety culture has direct parallels with “safety culture” and in the prevention of healthcare associated infections. The use of food safety culture is useful as part of outbreak investigation. It is likely that more than one food safety culture exists within large organizations or those with multiple sub units. A definition of food safety culture is proposed.Originality/valueIncreasing interest is being shown in the use of food safety culture to understand and, in turn prevent, food poisoning outbreaks and this is the first time a definition has been proposed. This paper will be of great interest to industry, academics and public health officials and can be used to answer questions on the topic, which are increasingly being asked by hygiene examining bodies.
The importance of training needs analysis
Authors: Denby Steve 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how carefully targeted training can improve productivity of UK insurance company, Moorhouse Group Ltd's sales team and increased the number of calls it handled by 56 percent.Design/methodology/approachAn explanation on the use of external consultants and how it helped Moorhouse Group Ltd to identify, design and deliver the training it needed.FindingsDetails of sales training, and the workshops hosted for employees outside the sales area, helped to improve the company's capability to generate leads and convert sales.Practical implicationsThe paper shows how training can help to expand the range of skills available in the workforce as well as improve existing expertise.Originality/valueIndividual action plans were created for people who attended the training and these action plans were handed back to managers to embed the learning into business.
Where have the long‐term leaders gone?
Authors: Bridle Paul 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an unbiased view of leadership methods/approaches (good and bad) that have created the world we live in, whilst commenting on what makes a great leader.Design/methodology/approachResearch has included in‐depth interviews and first hand work with companies around the world during the last 20 years. The viewpoint includes a host of those findings portrayed in a way that focuses on people and the leader's role in understanding and working with people.FindingsForcing someone to work or think in a specific way may achieve successful short‐term goals. However, short‐termism is rarely the answer and leaders will achieve far more by considering the long term.Originality/valueThe paper is a comment/viewpoint providing insight and advice to anyone wishing to know more about leadership and how it affects individuals.
Building a global management pipeline
Authors: Prager Howard , Such Bruce 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share best practices of a global, frontline leadership development program.Design/methodology/approachLake Forest Graduate School of Management worked with Hollister Incorporated to develop and deliver a program that provided consistent leadership growth for global frontline leaders of the organization. The program was supported by senior management in a number of ways to ensure success and commitment. Both live classroom and online elements ensured a program that maximized participants' time and transfer of learning. The Success Case Method was used to measure results and the value of the program for Hollister Incorporated. Best practices are identified to help others who want to embark on similar training for their frontline leaders.FindingsThe paper finds that: live, classroom‐based leadership development brings added value to organizations through informal learning and networking and strengthens culture; partnerships with colleges can ensure curriculum stays current and relevant as well as providing outside expert voice; virtual reinforcement ensures application of skills on the job; and measurement using the success case methodology provides quantitative and qualitative results, including 94 percent report behavioral change and improved cross‐functional and cross‐departmental awareness.Originality/valueThe reader of this paper is able to learn best practices established over five years of delivering frontline leadership development to a global audience.
E‐learning flowers in the UK
Authors: Little Bob 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define the annual size of the UK e‐learning sector – and identify trends in this sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a series of interviews with organisations engaged in the e‐learning market, from micro‐businesses developing innovative technologies to established major service and product suppliers in the UK. Thus the report is based on anecdotal evidence, combined with financial information.FindingsThe annual size of the UK e‐learning industry is currently between £300 million and £450 million; with growth rates forecast of between 6.7 per cent and 8 per cent.Research limitations/implicationsWhile it impossible to produce a definitive definition of “e‐learning” which is universally accepted, it is possible to apply a realistic definition consistently – to identify trends at the very least. Thus, Learning Light's research needs to be carried out on a regular basis.Originality/valueNo organisation, apart from Learning Light, has attempted to assess the size of the UK e‐learning industry. It has now done so twice – in 2007 and 2009. These data provide valuable comparisons and help identify trends. It will be interest to suppliers and buyers of e‐learning in the UK, as well as worldwide. It will also be of interest to market analysts and commentators on this sector.
A structural model of supply chain management on firm performance
Authors: Ou Chin S. , Liu Fang C. , Hung Yu C. , Yen David C. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among supply chain management (SCM) practices and their impacts on firm financial and non‐financial performance. This paper contributes to SCM literature by exploring a structural model connecting the relationships among external customer‐firm‐supplier integration, internal SCM contextual factors, and various dimensions of firm performance.Design/methodology/approachIn order to understand the interactions between SCM practices and firm performance, this paper considers four internal contextual factors, namely: human resource management, quality data and reporting, design management, and process management. Three levels of firm performance are also examined in this paper, including internal operational performance, external customer satisfaction, and firm financial performance. A structural model was further constructed by integrating external SCM, internal SCM contextual factors, and firm performance. The sample data were collected from Taiwan information‐related industries, where firms are facing increased global competitive pressure and heavily utilize SCM to retain their competitive advantages.FindingsThe results presented in this paper show that external customer‐firm‐supplier relation management positively impacts firm internal contextual factors, which in turn have positive effects on firm performance. This finding suggests that a successful implementation of SCM not only directly improves operational performance, but also indirectly enhances customer satisfaction and financial performance. In addition, higher financial performance is also attributable to better customer value resulting from the achievement of better customer satisfaction.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical evidence on the relationships among SCM practices and how they affect various levels of firm performance, which in turn, provides strategic insights on the relationship between SCM practices and firm performance.
Country image and consumer preference for emerging economy products: the moderating role of consumer materialism
Authors: Demirbag Mehmet , Sahadev Sunil , Mellahi Kamel 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the moderating role of materialism in the relationship between country image and product preference with particular reference to emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachYoung consumers from a UK university were surveyed on their intention to buy three categories of products from six countries.FindingsThe findings show that the moderating role of materialism in the relationship between country image and product preference is contingent upon the type of product. Specifically, the results show that the effect of materialism as a negative moderator is very pronounced for high value products from emerging economies and less pronounced for low value products from emerging economies.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings highlight the role of materialism in purchasing behaviour and buyers' perceptions towards goods from emerging economies.Practical implicationsThe findings show that materialism among consumers could be a major stumbling block for multinationals from emerging economies to enter markets in developed countries. The results suggest that multinationals from emerging economies should under‐emphasize the country of origin when marketing to young consumers high in materialism.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that examines the moderating effects of materialism in the relationship between country image and product preference on products from emerging economies.
Market orientation of Korean MNC subsidiaries and their performance in the Chinese and Indian markets
Authors: Kwon Yung‐Chul 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe study of the market orientation of MNC subsidiaries in foreign markets has been generally limited. This paper, therefore, aims to assess the effects of market orientation on performance and the factors affecting the utilization of market orientation by foreign subsidiaries.Design/methodology/approachMarket orientation is operationalized within the context of the foreign market. Research hypotheses are tested using a sample of 168 Korean MNC subsidiaries operating in China and India, the two most giant emerging countries in the world.FindingsThe results show that market orientation performs an important function in foreign subsidiary performance. In addition, foreign subsidiaries, which possess superior technology advantages and maintain active network relationships with local key entities such as suppliers, distributors, customers, and governmental authorities, are shown to actively devote themselves to market orientation.Originality/valueAs this study is to address the influence of MNC subsidiaries' market orientation on their business performance in the emerging markets, the results are expected to make a contribution to the literature in the field of market orientation.
Relationship learning and performance enhancement via advanced information technology
Authors: “Bryan” Jean Ruey‐Jer , Sinkovics Rudolf R. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThere has been growing interest on how emerging country firms can improve collaborative relationships with their international supply chain partners and improve performance outcomes. This paper aims to develop and test a model which emphasizes how advanced information technology and relationship learning can help Taiwanese electronics firms to improve their working relationship with international buyers.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 246 Taiwanese electronics firms which nurture relationships with international buyers. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the interrelationships between key concepts in the proposed conceptual model.FindingsThe findings suggest that applied technological innovation, a key IT resource, can enhance relationship learning for suppliers in their dealings with international buyers. This in turn contributes to higher supplier innovativeness and relationship performance. Moreover, applied technological innovation can improve supplier innovativeness directly. Interestingly however, applied technological innovation does not directly contribute to relationship performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides empirical evidence on the contribution of applied technological innovation on enhancing relationship learning and innovation in interfirm relationships for Asia‐Pacific dragon electronic firms.Practical implicationsManagers should focus on building relationship learning and adopting advanced IT to support joint learning activities in international channel relationships in order to improve relationship outcomes.Originality/valueThe paper develops hypotheses and tests a conceptual model which explains the contribution of applied technological innovation and relationship learning on supplier innovativeness and relationship performance.
Internationalizing by learning: the case of Chinese high‐tech new ventures
Authors: Zou Huan , Ghauri Pervez N. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand how high‐tech firms from China internationalize and to determine whether they follow the gradual internationalization model suggested by the Uppsala school and/or the rapid internationalization model as suggested by the “born global” stream of researchers.Design/methodology/approachThis is an inductive and exploratory study that tries to understand questions of how and why. A multiple case study method is used to find empirical evidence for the a priori assumptions derived from the literature.FindingsIt was found that the gradual internationalization model is still valid although high‐tech firms from China internationalize much faster than suggested by earlier studies and they do not follow the process suggested by born global studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors develop a number of propositions that can be empirically tested in pursuit of theory building for the internationalization of smaller firms from emerging markets.Originality/valueThe paper compares and contrasts the models suggested by Uppsala studies and by researchers in the field of born global studies and provides concrete propositions that can be tested to develop a theory for emerging market firms.
The internationalization of emerging market business groups: an integrated literature review
Authors: Yaprak Attila , Karademir Bahattin 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the extant literature on the institutional, market‐centered, and the resource‐based perspectives on the internationalization of BGs in emerging markets; to suggest that business group affiliation is an important ingredient in the internationalization of emerging market MNCs; and to offer examples of internationalization from one emerging market, Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThis is a critical literature review integrating two strands of literature, the institutional, market‐centered and resource‐based theories of internationalization and the OLI and the LLL models of emerging market multinationals' international expansion.FindingsThe theorizing indicates that an integrated theoretical approach should lead to a better understanding of emerging market business group affiliates' internationalization.Research limitations/implicationsAs a literature integration paper, the paper is limited in its practical implications.Originality/valueThe paper is a critical literature review and is likely to lead to testable hypotheses about the internationalization of business group affiliates from emerging markets.
Perceived service quality in fast‐food restaurants: empirical evidence from China
Authors: Qin Hong , Prybutok Victor R. , Zhao Qilan 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe objective of this study is to modify the SERVPERF scale by incorporating the additional dimension of recoverability, and to empirically test and refine the modified SERVPERF instrument using survey data from China. The study aims to assess the potential antecedents of customer satisfaction in the fast food industry in China. The antecedents include service quality, food quality, and perceived value. Finally, it seeks to examine the relationship between behavioral intentions and customer satisfaction in the fast food industry in mainland China.Design/methodology/approachA survey was used to evaluate customer perceptions of the service quality in fast‐food restaurants (FFRs). Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess the reliability and validity of the modified Chinese FFR SERVPERF instrument. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the hypothesized relationships.FindingsReliability, recoverability, tangibles, and responsiveness were all significant dimensions of perceived service quality. Food quality, perceived value and service quality all had a direct and positive relationship with satisfaction, which in turn influenced behavioral intentions.Originality/valueWestern‐style fast food franchises are increasingly crossing national boundaries and looking for growth among customers in China. China is becoming a major player in the global market because of its size and growth potential, particularly after its accession to the World Trade Organization. The transference of a western business model is not appropriate in the context of China without testing because of dietary and cultural differences. The study modified the SERVPERF instrument and empirically validated the instrument using data from China. The results contribute to the understanding of service quality in China's fast food industry and provide insight about service management and improvement opportunities in Chinese service operations.
Impact of ISO 9000 implementation on the organisation
Authors: Srivastav Avinash Kumar 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to study the impact of ISO 9000 implementation on organisational culture, organisational climate, role stress and coping strategy.Design/methodology/approachISO 9000 was implemented in different production units of an Indian public sector manufacturing industry by harnessing organisational knowledge through the creative involvement of organisational members. Comprehensive work redesign for enhanced organisational effectiveness was realised while attaining ISO 9000 certification. Pre‐ and post‐ISO 9000 measurements were made for organisational culture in the first unit, organisational climate in the second unit, role stress in the third unit and coping strategy in the fourth unit. Statistical analysis of pre‐ and post‐measurements was carried out to identify significant changes attributable to ISO 9000 implementation.FindingsISO 9000 implementation enhances the culture of collaboration; transforms the climate from dysfunctional to functional (by strengthening achievement and extension, and weakening control); levels the role stress, reducing it when it is high, increasing it when it is low; strengthens confrontation and problem solving through teamwork; and weakens problem‐avoidance.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that ISO 9000 implementation complements organisational development by enhancing the functionality of culture, climate, and coping strategy; and promoting human wellbeing in the organisation.