bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of teamwork on individual learning and perceptions of team performance
Authors: Williams Ethlyn A. , Castro Stephanie L. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeIn light of contradictory research findings, the purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating effects of team setting (face‐to‐face or online) on the relationship that team member affect and interaction processes have on individual team source learning, and at the team level on the relationship between group cohesiveness and perceived team performance.Design/methodology/approachStudents enrolled in graduate level organizational behavior classes at a large university in the southeastern United States responded to the survey. The final sample included 79 students in 21 on‐campus teams and 97 students in 26 online teams. All classes surveyed required a detailed team project. Tests of the moderator hypotheses were conducted using hierarchical linear multiple regression.FindingsTeam setting moderated the relationship that member teamwork orientation and member social interaction had on individual team‐source learning; the relationships were stronger in online teams.Practical implicationsThe results have implications for teams in a variety of settings since the team composition and nature of the work conducted by student teams are similar to that in Western organizational contexts. To avoid possible conflicts that impede learning and performance in online teams, administrators should ensure that team members are chosen carefully and give members a strong reason for being on the team.Originality/valueThis paper extends the model examined by Williams et al. to include member social interaction and consider the context in which teamwork occurs and its effects on personal learning and team performance.
Improving social welfare chain using optimal planning model
Authors: Adivar Burcu , Atan Tarik , Sevil Oflaç Bengü , Örten Tuğba 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to introduce the concept of social welfare chain and address the challenges in decision making through the development of an optimal planning model for a nongovernmental organization (NGO). The distinctive properties of the social welfare chain and its relationship with the humanitarian relief chain in the context of supply chain management are also discussed. The paper presents a real decision problem and analyzes the managerial impacts of the proposed solution.Design/methodology/approachThe study of social welfare policy and the review of the humanitarian literature has necessitated the introduction of the social welfare chain. Based on its definition, an optimal facility location distribution model that consolidates the non‐integrated style of logistics functions with a cost minimizing approach is developed. The General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) is used in order to optimize the coal distribution model of an NGO. Data is obtained from an NGO that aims to help vulnerable people through distributing coal and basic food such as rice and sugar.FindingsBesides laying the foundations of social welfare chain, an analytical tool for decision support systems of the NGOs can be considered as the major finding of the research. Despite the increased number of stages in the proposed network configuration, the optimal solution resulted in significant cost reduction and distribution efficiency due to the availability of temporary distribution center locations at no extra cost. Furthermore, this study brings out the advantages of using intermodal transportation in the distribution process of cost‐sensitive networks.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a detailed analysis that contributes to the efficiency and the effectiveness of social welfare chains. Moreover, it represents a cooperation established between university and NGOs.Originality/valueThe planning efforts of nongovernmental organizations targeting at the periodical aids to improve the social welfare level have received little attention in the literature. This paper is the first to propose the concept of “Social Welfare Chain”, at the same time addressing the distribution planning for the NGO.
A portfolio‐based analysis for green supplier management using the analytical network process
Authors: Zhu Qinghua , Dou Yijie , Sarkis Joseph 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the development of a methodology to evaluate suppliers using portfolio analysis based on the analytical network process (ANP) and environmental factors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop a three‐step process, first by evaluating influence/power and performance scores of suppliers using ANP. They include environmental dimensions in this analysis, then map these suppliers onto a portfolio grid. Recommendations are also made on how to manage suppliers depending on what part of the portfolio they appear based on the scores.FindingsThe technique is useful and versatile. The paper clearly discerns various characteristics of the suppliers and produced recommendations on supplier management for an exemplary case scenario.Research limitations/implicationsThe technique was applied for an illustrative example. Validation and application in a real world setting is required. There are many additional opportunities to further integrate other modeling tools into this process.Practical implicationsManagers can use this technique to help them more effectively deal with suppliers. The portfolio is a good tool for operational and strategic management of suppliers.Originality/valueThis tool is the first to apply ANP to supplier portfolio analysis. It is also the first tool to integrate and apply the portfolio supplier management approach to an environmentally oriented decision environment.
Old dogs, new tricks: training mature‐aged manufacturing workers
Authors: Smith Erica , Smith Andrew , Selby Smith Chris 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the employment and training of mature‐aged workers, so that suggestions for improving training for mature‐aged workers may be offered.Design/methodology/approachSix expert interviews were carried out by telephone, and three case studies involving company site visits were completed. Each company case study involved interviews with managers, trainers and mature‐aged workers. The study was confined to the manufacturing industry.FindingsMature‐aged workers bring many advantages to workplaces and some employers show a definite preference for them over younger workers; but in some cases training needs to take account of lack of confidence and literacy and health issues. However, there is great diversity among mature‐aged workers.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is confined to shop‐floor workers in manufacturing, and does not address training of mature‐aged managers and professionals. The research is small‐scale but provides new insights, and importantly the voices of the workers themselves.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies managerial and training practices that can immediately be implemented.Originality/valueThe paper identifies some issues that can be taken up at a policy level as well as within companies. For example, the preference for qualification‐based training at a national level is not necessarily consistent with what mature‐aged workers prefer.
Evaluating a training using the “four levels model”
Authors: Steensma Herman , Groeneveld Karin 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe aims of this study are: to present a training evaluation based on the “four levels model”; to demonstrate the value of experimental designs in evaluation studies; and to take a first step in the development of an evidence‐based training program.Design/methododology/approachThe Kirkpatrick four levels model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of management training. Hypotheses about the effects of internal/external locus of control and experiential learning styles were tested. Measures gathered at several points of time were compared to measures taken from a control group. “Level four” results were obtained by 360‐degree feedback appraisal.FindingsTrainees' knowledge improved significantly. Trained managers also demonstrated more “good” management behaviors and they scored higher on long‐term results. Trained supervisors with an internal locus of control acquired more knowledge than trained supervisors with an external locus of control. However, internals did not differ significantly from externals on actual behavior measures. The hypothesized relationship between learning style and training effectiveness was not supported. The four levels method gives detailed insights in results. Attention should be paid to trainees' locus of control.Originality/valueThe paper outlines the value of the “four levels model” of training evaluations and contributes to the “theory‐based, evidence‐based” approach to the development of training programs.
Services and economic growth in Pacific Island countries
Authors: Gani Azmat , Clemes Michael D. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an empirical study of the contribution of the services sector to per capita economic growth for Pacific Island countries.Design/methodology/approachWithin the new growth theory framework, the empirical procedure consisted of the regression analysis of data using the panel data fixed effects procedure.FindingsThe results confirm the positive and statistically significant correlation of services growth to per capita gross domestic product growth.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations largely centre on the use of aggregate cross‐country data. Variations may be found in what actually drives the services growth at the country level. Thus, a country‐specific study would be more appropriate in order to get more robust results. Also, the data do not capture the effect of non‐market services. Disaggregate services data that separate market data services with non‐market services would provide a more accurate picture of the influence of non‐market services.Practical implicationsThe practical implication is that that service sectors in the Pacific Island countries ought to be given greater support, for example, investment in physical and institutional infrastructure, market access, financial support, skill development and investment incentives.Social implicationsPacific Islands services sectors contribute to household welfare through paid employment and meet household demands of service sector output.Originality/valueThis paper presents the first study among the Pacific Island countries that has examined the importance of services sector and its contribution to growth. The findings of this study are useful to Pacific policy makers in terms of improving the services sector through instituting appropriate growth enhancing policies.
Why has Viimsi become the wealthiest community in post‐socialist Estonia?
Authors: Ovaska Tomi , Anderson Robert B. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative study of economic development attempts to uncover the critical factors behind the recent economic rise of Viimsi, Estonia, to that of the wealthiest community in the country.Design/methodology/approachThe roles of and interactions among various community stakeholder groups are explored through two sets of resident surveys. From these surveys, and a rich set of secondary material, a narrative emerges as to the factors behind Viimsi's success since 1991, when Estonia regained its independence from the former Soviet Union and its system of economic central planning.FindingsIt was found that among the key components explaining why Viimsi has become the wealthiest community in Estonia are its extraordinary openness in embracing the market system, combined with a consensus‐based plan among community stakeholders on balanced development, a dependable government, and a level of solidarity among fellow residents in facing change.Originality/valueThis paper describes one small community's experience in the global world, and offers observations on successful strategies for a community navigating in it.
Towards full integration: eProcurement implementation stages
Authors: Caniato Federico , Golini Ruggero , Luzzini Davide , Ronchi Stefano 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify different maturity stages of eProcurement adoption. eProcurement (i.e. electronic purchase of indirect goods), is a growing reality and it is spreading among companies. However, even inside a growing trend, no and low adopters can still be found, and those already using eProcurement go through many intermediate levels. According to the literature, there can be many factors influencing eProcurement adoption but clear approaches and maturity stages are still not defined.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a general framework in which eProcurement maturity is measured by three components: level of adoption, technology and organizational objectives. The framework was applied to 13 case studies of information technology purchases of companies in different sectors; thus, indentifying different approaches that have been clustered in three maturity stages.FindingsFirst of all, a quite strong relationship is found between eProcurement adoption and technology in place. As far as organizational objectives are concerned, some interesting linkages are found with both the adoption and technological functionalities. These patterns of adoption are grouped into three clusters, named basic, intermediate and advanced.Practical implicationsThe results of this paper can be useful for practitioners trying to position a company into a maturity model and verify the coherence of the adoption with the technological and organizational choices.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in a new framework of analysis of the eProcurement strategies that allows the identification of different maturity stages.
International mobile roaming in the Caribbean
Authors: Sutherland Ewan 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine international mobile roaming in the Caribbean.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines first, the question of the number of mobile phones and revenues; then secondly, it examines the background to the roaming issue as it emerged in Europe. Thirdly, it looks at regulatory initiatives in the Americas. Fourthly, it looks at issues related to tourists, including those on cruise ships. Fifthly, it examines commercial initiatives to offer roaming without surcharges. Sixthly, it examines possible regulatory measures to achieve policy goals. Finally, conclusions are drawn and future research topics identified.FindingsThe public policy goals are clear – to ensure competition, to achieve affordable prices and universal access. The challenge is to translate these into specific measures for international mobile roaming.Originality/valueThere appear to be two retail markets, one for IMR as part of a post‐paid mobile service and the other a pre‐paid offer.
Communication behaviors and perceptions of mobile internet adopters
Authors: Gerpott Torsten J. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to empirically explore the extent to which actual use intensity of mobile internet (MI) access is influenced by factual use conditions and evaluative perceptions of MI adopters. Furthermore, it analyzes relationships between this usage behavior and mobile voice call as well as SMS activity quantities at the individual customer level.Design/methodology/approachIndicators of actual MI, voice call and SMS use intensity were obtained for a sample of 443 MI customers of a mobile network operator (MNO) in Germany. The objective behavioral measures were integrated with adopter responses collected through a standardized telephone survey.FindingsFactual MI use conditions (MI tariff type and appliance class, fixed broadband internet home access) were significant predictors of MI use intensity, whereas MI‐related evaluative perceptions (e.g. MI value assessment) were not. Distributions of MI, voice telephony, and SMS use intensities were highly skewed. A small group of users disproportionately contributed to the total MI traffic generated by the sample. Most customers use MI only to a limited extent after the initial adoption. MI use intensity was not significantly correlated with mobile voice communication or SMS activity levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe study included data only from early MI subscribers of one MNO in a single country. The system‐captured MI use intensity indicator did not distinguish between different variants of MI services. Measures of factual MI use circumstances were not very fine‐grained. Common potential perceptual antecedents of MI acceptance (e.g. usefulness, ease of use) were excluded due to constraints imposed by the collaborating MNO.Practical implicationsThe research indicates that MNO should consider promoting MI use intensity by offering “packages” that encompass a flat rate and a laptop at special bundle prices. Further, MNO are well‐advised to develop activities which discourage customers who do not already have a fixed broadband access at home from the acquisition of such an installation in the future. Finally, managers are urged to critically reflect the validity of single rater studies on MI acceptance before drawing practical conclusions from this type of work.Originality/valueThe contributions of this paper result from the exploration of actual usage behaviors of MI adopters and the integration of system‐captured use intensity measures with survey responses. This approach is seminal in better understanding limitations of purely questionnaire‐based investigations on use of mobile communication services in general and MI in particular. Additionally, the study demonstrates the importance of considering factual MI use circumstances as factors shaping MI use intensity.
The relative importance of usability and functionality factors for online auction and shopping web sites
Authors: Calisir Fethi , Elvan Bayraktaroğlu A. , Altin Gumussoy Cigdem , İlker Topcu Y. , Mutlu Tezcan 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the relative importance of the usability and functionality factors for online auction and shopping web sites from the perspective of young consumers.Design/methodology/approachThe Analytical Network Process (ANP) was used to analyse the relative importance of the usability and functionality factors.FindingsThe findings show that customers of online auction and shopping web sites give higher priority to usability and usability factors than to functionality, with navigation and interaction being the factors of highest relative importance.Practical implicationsFirst, customers assign higher priority to usability factors. Thus, early in the design phase, designers should attach more importance to navigation‐ and interaction‐related aspects of their web sites. Second, designers of web sites should include basic and advanced search options to increase the number of the web site users.Originality/valueThe study is the first to examine the relative importance of the usability and functionality factors of online auction and shopping web sites. Furthermore, the study fills this gap by identifying the complex interrelationships between various features of usability and functionality, and their impact on each other, by examining two Turkish online‐auction and shopping web sites.
Search strategies on a new health information retrieval system
Authors: Mu Xiangming , Lu Kun , Ryu Hohyon 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe goals of this study are: to evaluate the merits of a newly developed health information retrieval system; to investigate users' search strategies when using the new search system; and to study the relationships between users' search strategies and their prior topic knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThe paper developed a new health information retrieval system called MeshMed. A term browser and a tree browser are included in the new system in addition to the traditional search box. The term browser allows a user to search Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms using natural language. The tree browser presents a hierarchical tree structure of related MeSH terms. A user study with 30 participants was conducted to evaluate the benefits of MeshMed.FindingsThe paper found that MeshMed provides a user with more choices to select an appropriate searching component and form more effective search strategies. Based on the time a participant spent using different MeshMed components, the paper identified three different search styles: the traditional style, the novel style, and the balanced style, which falls in between. MeshMed was particularly helpful for users with low topic knowledge.Originality/valueA new health information retrieval system (MeshMed) was designed and developed (and is currently available at http://129.89.43.129/meshmed). This is the first study to explore users' search strategies on such a system. The study results can inform the design of future clinical‐oriented health information retrieval systems.
The impact of electronic resources on humanities graduate student theses
Authors: Wu Ming‐der , Chen Shih‐chuan 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis study aims to answer the following questions about humanities graduate students: what are the characteristics of the documents cited in their theses? Where and how do they obtain those citations? Do students use and cite electronic resources? Do students favour electronic resources over paper versions?Design/methodology/approachThe study's participants were 20 humanities graduate students. Following an analysis of the citations in their theses, list‐checking and follow‐up interviews were conducted.FindingsThe results showed that these humanities graduate students cited considerably more print materials than electronic resources. Most of the documents cited were supplied by the university library. Only a small proportion of the documents were available in electronic format either from the university library or from the internet. The availability ratio of journals was higher than that of books. Students' acceptance of e‐journals was higher than that of e‐books.Originality/valueThe findings of the study could help researchers and librarians gain a better understanding of how humanities graduate students use electronic resources.
Analysis of online social networks: a cross‐national study
Authors: Shin Dong‐Hee 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate users' underlying motivations for engaging in social networking through online social networking services (SNS) compared with their behaviour. It seeks to examine the differences between USA, and Korean users.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveyed SNS users in the USA and Korea to determine the key differences between the two countries. Survey questions, developed in English and Korean, were presented in each country to explore the influences of various factors from the modified Technology Acceptance Model on SNS user dimensions. The analytic design methods were based on structural equation modelling and applied to the data gathered. The TAM factors of SNS were analysed, focusing on the differences in motives between the two countries.FindingsThe results of the online survey of SNS users validated the proposed theoretical model's ability to explain and predict user acceptance of SNS very well. While the results illustrate the importance of both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, the two countries showed different sets of motivations, providing useful implications for theory and practice.Practical implicationsBased on the results of the study, practical applications for marketing strategies in online SNS markets and theoretical applications for cross‐national studies are recommended.Originality/valueDespite the burgeoning interest in SNS, only a few studies have explored the acceptance of SNS in a cross‐national manner, leading to a paucity of information on how different cultures influence acceptance of online services.