bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The disabled student experience: does the SERVQUAL scale measure up?
Authors: Vaughan Elizabeth , Woodruffe‐Burton Helen 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically test a new disabled service user‐specific service quality model ARCHSECRET against a modified SERVQUAL model in the context of disabled students within higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe application of SERVQUAL in the voluntary sector had raised serious issues on its portability into this sector in general and its ability to measure the experience of the disabled service user in particular. In consequence, a disabled service user‐specific service quality model – ARCHSECRET – was developed which led to this research being designed to compare ARCHSECRET and a modified SERVQUAL model in terms of their ability to predict and explain the variation in the service quality experience of disabled students in higher education.FindingsARCHSECRET was superior to the modified SERVQUAL in terms of its overall predictive power; ARCHSECRET key drivers were different and better in predictive power than those of the modified SERVQUAL; and ARCHSECRET was found to be reliable and valid for the measurement of the disabled student experience in higher education, while acting as a diagnostic tool for the identification of service quality shortfalls.Research limitations/implicationsThe reported research should be regarded as a pilot study whose results are worthy of further investigation among larger samples of disabled service users.Originality/valueIt is held that the disabled service user‐specific ARCHSECRET model has made a positive contribution to the measurement of service quality within the context of disabled students in higher education while demonstrating its superiority over the SERVQUAL scale which did not quite “measure up”.
What's a comment worth? How to better understand student evaluations of teaching
Authors: Wongsurawat Winai 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically analyze the value of the written comments section on student evaluations of teaching and develop a framework to improve the interpretability of such data.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews past investigations into the reliability and interpretability of student evaluations of teaching, and then constructs a framework that can potentially improve the value of data gathered from written comments.FindingsIt is shown that including information about the congruence of the comment writer's empirical ratings with those of the average class participant may help instructors separate thoughtful comments that represent the majority sentiment from attitudes of a vocal minority or those with personal biases.Practical implicationsThe proposed scheme can be implemented electronically while preserving the confidentiality of the evaluators.Originality/valueThe paper offers constructive suggestions on improving the written comments section, a component of student evaluations of teaching that has so far received little systematic appraisal.
The perceived benefits of six‐degree‐separation social networks
Authors: Shu Wesley , Chuang Yu‐Hao 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis research seeks to focus on the benefits of social networking service (SNS) based on the principle of six degrees of separation. Since the inception of web 2.0, the popularity of social networks (SNS) has continued to increase. Some SNS are based on six degrees of separation (6SNS), and these have emerged as the most frequently visited WWW sites.Design/methodology/approachUsing a randomized control group pre‐test‐post‐test experimental design, responses to a questionnaire to test the differences among 6SNS users and non‐users on 12 issues of benefit were analyzed.FindingsThe tests show, first, that, compared with traditional virtual communities, SNS evoke higher ratings for “trust in website,” “trust in other members,” and “quality of friends.” Second, SNS can provide users with entertainment and greater social involvement. People who use these sites express positive attitudes about them. Third, no significant differences were found between SNS and traditional internet media on “meeting new friends,” “maintaining relationships,” “searching for friends,” “searching for information,” and “understanding and learning.” These results can be attributed to language differences.Originality/valueThe value of 6SNS is recognized by the business world. In October 2007, Microsoft invested $240 million to buy 1.6 percent shares of Facebook. Today Facebook alone has more than 300 million users. In addition to the perspective from the business world, how the users themselves view 6SNS and what benefits they can get are crucial to its sustainability.
The evolution of Hofstede's doctrine
Authors: Minkov Michael , Hofstede Geert 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to provide a mature reflection upon the work of Hofstede by tracking various subtleties in the evolution of his thought and dispelling prevalent misconceptions.Design/methodology/approachThe goal of the paper is achieved by analyzing Hofstede's output from 1970 to the present day in parallel with contemporary research and criticism.FindingsThe paper arrives at the conclusion that the recent expansion and update of Hofstede's doctrine is indebted to the original groundbreaking work of the 1970s yet a key strength of Hofstede's work has been its ability to adapt and remain progressive.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into the evolution of Hofstede's doctrines.
Knowledge sharing in new organizational entities
Authors: Friesl Martin , Sackmann Sonja A. , Kremser Sebastian 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamics involved in knowledge sharing in knowledge intensive heterogeneous teams of the German Federal Armed Forces with a specific focus on new organizational entities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on qualitative research. The data were gathered through interviews with members of so‐called concept development and experimentation (CD&E) projects. These projects constitute a novelty for the whole organization and a cultural challenge for effective knowledge sharing, through its cross‐disciplinary, cross‐functional and cross‐hierarchical design. Hence, these projects are a good venue to study cultural dynamics in new organizational entities.FindingsThe analysis reveals that despite the structural separation of the new organizational entity, cultural imprint and cultural re‐import from the existing organization affected knowledge sharing. More specifically, four major influencing factors are identified in regard to knowledge sharing within the CD&E project team and between the team and the line organization; hierarchy, organizational context, micro‐politics and suspicion. The data suggest that these factors are precipitated by cultural imprint of the line organization.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative research design is one limitation rendering only descriptions and propositions that need further testing in other settings. Another one is the research venue which allows only limited access for data collection.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that the dynamics in CD&E projects require culturally sensitive project management, starting in the planning phase of the project.Originality/valueThe study investigates knowledge sharing in new organizational entities in knowledge intensive teams of a military organization. Both aspects, new organizational entities and non‐private organizations, have been neglected in research on knowledge sharing.
Effective supply chain research via the quick scan audit methodology
Authors: Childerhouse P. , Towill D.R. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an answer to the important question of how can accurate assessment of supply chain practice and performance be conducted? By conducting audits across a sample of value streams it is thereby possible to identify the components of “good practice” via evidence‐based procedures.Design/methodology/approachQuick scan audit methodology (QSAM) is a site‐based, team‐oriented action research‐led investigative technique for establishing meaningful “snapshots” of value stream behaviour. The participants cover both academic researchers and host organisation staff.FindingsQSAM is found to output repeatable results enabling the transfer of technique between companies, between businesses, between market sectors, and between countries.Research limitations/implicationsCare must be taken when training new auditors and QSAM teams to ensure the required degree of consistency. There is no substitute for operating a “watch one, share one, do one” regimen.Practical implicationsThe research purpose is to establish the performance vectors to enable effective value stream health comparisons to be made. Additionally “quick hits” (not “quick fixes”) may well be identified specific to an individual host organisation.Originality/valueQSAM has already made an important contribution in enabling the gap between case‐based and survey‐based logistics research to be properly bridged.
Comparative carbon auditing of conventional and online retail supply chains: a review of methodological issues
Authors: Edwards Julia , McKinnon Alan , Cullinane Sharon 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the various stages in online and conventional retail supply chains in order to assess their relative environmental impacts. With reference to boundary issues, utilisation factors and carbon allocation, it seeks to highlight some of the difficulties in establishing a robust carbon auditing methodology.Design/methodology/approachAuditing issues are considered from the point of divergence in the respective supply chains (downstream of this point a product is destined either for conventional or online retailing channels, and will receive different treatment accordingly).FindingsThe paper explores methodological issues associated with carbon auditing conventional and online retail channels. Having highlighted the problems, it suggests resolutions to these issues.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is mostly conceptual in nature.Practical implicationsThe approach outlined in this paper, once applied, allows the identification of inefficiencies in the respective retail supply chains.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to discuss carbon auditing in relation to upstream supply chain analysis for both conventional and online retail channels. Previous work has tended to focus on the last mile delivery.
Value‐enhanced collaborative working: case study of a small management advisory firm
Authors: Gohil Udityasinh , Carrillo Patricia , Ruikar Kirti , Anumba Chimay 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose a conceptual framework to promote value‐enhanced collaborative working (VECW) for a small management advisory firm.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology was qualitative. It involved a comprehensive review of literature leading to a better understanding of collaborative working requirements in a small firm context and the barriers to derive value from collaborative working. Initially, exploratory observations helped to identify issues of collaborative working in the case study organisation. Following the exploratory observations, a detailed case study was undertaken. The emphasis was on semi‐structured interviews under a guiding questionnaire along with field observations to produce a conceptual framework for VECW.FindingsThe research enables an understanding of the apparent failure of a particular small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) management advisory firm (case study organisation) to derive value from its collaborative working model. The study identifies major issues that affect the long‐term relationships of the organisation with their collaborating stakeholders and recognises the common understanding required by the stakeholders working in collaboration. Further, in order to solve these issues, the research develops a conceptual VECW framework within the current context. The major components of the conceptual VECW framework consist of process, people and tools factors to give a structured approach to agree common goals, share risks and rewards, provide faster and clearer communications and information transparency between collaborating stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the nature of the study (case study), current paper is based on the findings of a single SME management advisory firm. Hence, further research for organisations of similar size and providing similar services would be required to investigate the robustness of the approach.Originality/valueMost studies on collaboration are concentrated on either larger organisations or product organisations. Here, the attempt is to understand the collaboration among small firms providing professional services. The research paper is an important milestone on an ongoing research to produce a detailed framework eventually to be presented to the industry for evaluation to ensure its contribution to the industry as well as increasing the knowledge on the subject.
Government roles in implementing building information modelling systems
Authors: Wong Andy K.D. , Wong Francis K.W. , Nadeem Abid 
Published: January 2011

PurposeBuilding information modelling (BIM) is a paradigm shift in the architectural, engineering and construction industries which transforms processes to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the implementation of BIM in Hong Kong and the USA and recommend strategies for BIM implementation in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of BIM initiatives taken in Hong Kong and the USA was conducted including the government policy, guidelines, standards and implementation status. Findings from the literature review were complemented with insights obtained through focused interviews of experts in the field for arriving at recommendations based on the research. The principal investigator of this research also participated in the establishment of a BIM professional institute as one of the founding board members.FindingsAs a result of studies performed for this paper, guidelines are proposed for BIM implementation in Hong Kong. The role of government in implementing BIM in different phases of a project lifecycle is also highlighted.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited mainly to the initiatives of BIM taken by the public sector (government). The roles of other stakeholders are not specifically studied. Results from this study should be considered in the context of a qualitative research methodology adopted and the limited number of responses obtained for arriving at the findings of this paper.Practical implicationsResults from this study can be used as guidelines for the implementation of BIM elsewhere and this implementation can be compared with other countries.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the best practices of BIM implementation, which is useful for the effective and efficient implementation of BIM in Hong Kong.
Defining a commercialisation model for residential construction innovation: industry case studies
Authors: McCoy Andrew , Thabet Walid , Badinelli Ralph 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis work provides validation of a model for successful commercialisation of innovative products for residential construction. The development of the model is motivated by the persistence of failed commercialisations due to inadequate business plans. This paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe current paper validates the model with data from case studies of 15 manufacturers of recently commercialised innovative residential‐construction products. The research team interpreted the interview data and correlated this data with the model. The correlations illuminate critical steps within the commercialisation process; perceptions of the less important steps; decisions and resulting actions that support commercialisation, accelerators and barriers of commercialisation; and prototypical commercialisation processes.FindingsA total of 15 case studies of successfully commercialised products provide empirical support for the commercialisation model that was developed from literature review and previous surveys.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on content analysis of in‐depth interviews from 15 case studies, a methodology that yields a small number of general conclusions from a large data set. More case studies are needed to expand the implications presented in this work. Conclusions drawn from the data have important implications for establishing a normative description of the process of transforming an invention into a commercialised innovation in residential construction.Practical implicationsThe commercialisation findings presented here could benefit innovators and adopters of construction products. The research indicates best practices, key accelerators and key barriers to the commercialisation of products in the residential‐construction industry.Originality/valueThis work presents the second phase of development of a domain‐specific commercialisation model for innovative residential‐construction products. This commercialisation model serves as a roadmap to entrepreneurs, which avoids the most common pitfalls along the path of commercialisation.
Governance and social capital formation in buyer‐supplier relationships
Authors: Carey Sinéad , Lawson Benn 
Published: January 2011

PurposeBuilding social capital within buyer‐supplier relationships is often associated with high performing supply chains. However, little research has examined the mechanisms by which social capital is formed. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of relational and contractual governance mechanisms on the formation of social capital under varying levels of demand and supply uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is developed, grounded in the literature on supply chain management and social capital theory (SCT).FindingsA series of propositions showed that relational governance leads to the formation of social capital under conditions of supply uncertainty, but is subject to opportunism when customer product demand is uncertain. By contrast, in conditions of high demand uncertainty, contractual governance is associated with social capital formation.Practical implicationsThe paper illustrates the need for managers to consider both the way in which their choice of governance mechanisms (contractual and relational) contributes to social capital, as well as highlighting the contingent nature of these mechanisms depending on the environmental context.Originality/valueThis paper is a novel contribution, applying SCT to the literature on supply chain management.
Using system dynamics in warehouse management: a fast‐fashion case study
Authors: Corinna Cagliano Anna , DeMarco Alberto , Rafele Carlo , Volpe Sergio 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of how different sourcing policies and resource usage affect the operational performance dynamics of warehouse processes.Design/methodology/approachThe system dynamics (SD) methodology is used to model warehouse operations at the distribution centre of a leading fast‐fashion vertical retailer. This case study includes a detailed analysis of the relationships between the flow of items through the warehouse, the assignment of staff, the inventory management policy, and the order processing tasks.FindingsCase scenario simulations are provided to define warehouse policies enabling increased efficiency, cost savings, reduced inventory, and shorter lead‐times.Practical implicationsThe case study reaffirms that a flexible usage of human resources, outsourcing of selected warehouse operations, and sourcing from reliable manufacturers may result in important performance improvements for centralised warehousing.Originality/valueIt is proved that SD is a valuable tool in the field of operations management, not only to support strategic evaluations but also to execute a detailed analysis of logistical processes and make scenario‐based dynamic decisions at the operational level.
Reconciling the resource‐based and competitive positioning perspectives on manufacturing flexibility
Authors: Lucas Marilyn T. , Kirillova Olga M. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reconcile two different perspectives on manufacturing flexibility found in the operations management literature.Design/methodology/approachConceptual in nature, the paper examines manufacturing flexibility from the perspective of the resource‐based view of the firm as a complement to the competitive positioning view of strategic management. It draws upon both these views to better understand the role of manufacturing flexibility in firms.FindingsThe paper emphasizes the proactive use of manufacturing flexibility, as a means to create opportunities, in addition to its reactive use in response to environmental uncertainties. The integration of the resource‐based and competitive positioning views has implications for researchers in explaining inter‐firm performance differences and for practitioners in incorporating the role of manufacturing flexibility in their strategic thinking.Research limitations/implicationsThe integration of these two theories should be empirically tested to provide a better understanding of the conditions under which alternative use is more critical in explaining a firm's success.Practical implicationsManufacturing has been traditionally viewed as a reactive tool to adjust to environmental uncertainties. The paper argues that this approach is too narrow and emphasizes the proactive role of manufacturing flexibility as a competitive weapon in strategy formulation.Originality/valueThe paper suggests that the integration of the resource‐based and competitive positioning allows for a more complete picture of the role of manufacturing flexibility in creating a competitive advantage.
The dimensionality of trade show performance in an emerging market
Authors: Tafesse Wondwesen , Korneliussen Tor 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the underlying dimensions of trade show performance in an emerging market context. Firms in industrial and emerging markets typically differ in terms of access to firm level resource endowments. Such differences make attempts to generalize the trade show performance dimensions proposed for industrialized country exhibitors to emerging market exhibitors problematic. This motivates the need for understanding the dimensionality of trade show performance in an emerging market context.Design/methodology/approachData obtained from firms that partake in an emerging market trade show that takes place in an emerging market are used to investigate the dimensionality of trade show performance. By subjecting several trade show performance items into principal component analysis, a multidimensional performance construct, applicable to emerging market exhibitors, is introduced.FindingsThe empirical findings show that trade show performance, in an emerging market context, is multidimensional. The findings suggest that emerging market exhibitors tend to utilize trade shows somewhat differently from their industrialized market counterparts.Practical implicationsThe findings imply the need for exhibit managers in emerging markets to set multiple objectives for trade show participations. The findings also suggest that exhibit managers need to staff the trade show booth with individuals possessing different sets of expertise.Originality/valueThe paper clarifies the dimensionality of trade show performance in the context of emerging markets and sheds light on the tactical and the strategic roles that trade show participations play in emerging markets.