bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of manufacturing productivity: lesson learnt from labor intensive industries
Authors: Shahidul M.I. , Syed Shazali S.T. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis study is designed to examine the impact of favorable working environment (FWE) and R&D on manufacturing productivity of labor intensive industries. More specifically, the purpose of this study is to generate quantitative evidence of the effect of FWE and R&D‐based manufacturing process on outputs and productivity.Design/methodology/approachConvenience sampling method has been used to conduct this study. This method provides the opportunity for selecting those manufacturing industries that are convenient to get access for collecting relevant information. Three categories of labor intensive manufacturing industries such as category A, B and C have been chosen to perform this research. Industrial category A represents the manufacturing operations which are based on skill of labor. Category B is a group of industries which provides the FWE the ability to utilize the potential of skill in the manufacturing process. However, category C is a specialized group of industries and its manufacturing process is dependent on R&D. The operating data of inputs cost and the revenue of corresponding outputs have been gathered from audited documents of the relevant sample industries and the data have been analyzed by using standard statistical techniques in order to establish the relationship between dependent and independent variables.FindingsIt is found that the industrial category B has spent about 1 percent of revenue on FWE and gained 9.5 percent higher productivity compare to industrial category A. However, the result has shown that the expenditure on FWE is positively associated with productivity (r<0.5). Whereas, the study has revealed that industrial category C has spent about 1.5 percent of revenue on R&D activities for improving manufacturing process and gained 20 higher productivity compare to industrial category A. Nevertheless, the expenditure on R&D is strongly correlated with productivity (r>0.7). The study concludes that FWE as proxy of job satisfaction of workforce and R&D on manufacturing process are value‐added inputs for labor intensive industries and it is positively associated with manufacturing productivity.Originality/valueThis paper presents three original case studies on labor intensive manufacturing industries. This study has addressed an important issue of labor intensive manufacturing industries and generated quantitative evidence of the impact of FWE and R&D activities on productivity. These issues have been well researched in developed and many developing countries in capital‐intensive industries, but no dedicated study is available that has addressed this issue from the perspective of the highly labor intensive industries such as the garment industry. The findings of this research would enrich the present knowledge stock of manufacturing systems. Eventually, the findings would be the basis for further research on manufacturing process for enhancing performance. Based on this concept, this study would be valuable to policy makers, academics and government agencies.
Tablet PCs and reconceptualizing learning with technology: a case study in higher education
Authors: van Oostveen R. , Muirhead William , Goodman William M. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis study aims to examine the experience of 31 university students who were issued tablet PCs for their use during an academic year. The primary research problem which drove this project revolved around the student perceptions of the benefits of technology to provide opportunities to restructure their learning experiences.Design/methodology/approachThe students were surveyed twice during the year and they were invited to participate in either individual interviews or a series of focus groups. A number of lectures were also visited and observed. The survey results provided quantitative data regarding student usage of the technology. The interviews, focus groups and observed classes provided data around the reasons why the students used the technology in the ways they did.FindingsLittle evidence was found to support a contention that meaningful learning with technology had occurred and, in spite of their comfort and familiarity with the technology, there is no evidence of changing attitudes with respect to meaningful learning on the part of the students surveyed in this study.Research limitations/implicationsA major application of this should be directed towards similar studies focused on combining the redefinition usage potential of new touch interface‐driven devices, such as the iPad, with a new pedagogical approaches to support learners to use the technology as cognitive tools.Originality/valueIt is important to note that the introduction of a new technology, even if it makes a wide variety of affordances available for use, cannot by itself, instigate redefinition of learning tasks to allow for meaningful learning to occur.
Multi‐perspective analysis of the Chinese pharmaceutical sector
Authors: Chan Leong , Daim Tugrul U. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the Chinese pharmaceutical sector through three levels: policy level, enterprise level, and technology level.Design/methodology/approachThe authors explore the environmental impacts, which include political, social, and economic factors, study enterprise‐level strategies on international technology transfer and carry out a trend analysis on the technology development in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry.FindingsThe results indicate that China is emerging in the biopharmaceutical industry. While there are several steps to be taken at different levels, including policy, enterprise, and technology, the country is presenting a potential for the future. The paper outlines the gaps in each area.Originality/valueThe paper provides a very good outline against which any emerging economy could review its potential in the pharmaceutical industry.
Feeding children's desires? Child and parental perceptions of food promotion to the “under 8s”
Authors: Powell Shaun , Langlands Stephanie , Dodd Chris 
Published: June 2011

PurposeExtant research downplays the influence of children under the age of eight on food‐related decision making and consumption within families. This paper seeks to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachUtilising novel techniques to elicit responses, the research employed focus group and interviews of a sample of children aged between three and eight years and a sample of their parents.FindingsThe exploratory findings of this study suggest that younger children apply effective if less sophisticated pestering techniques than older children, and play a significant role in determining family food consumption. They demonstrate a purposeful and directed pursuit of food brands and products, along with an awareness of the purpose of promotion and a desire to use a number of persuasive techniques in their dealings with parents. This contradicts some of the existing thinking that younger children in the 3‐8 year age group have little/less influence on purchasing food.Originality/valueThis research offers a number of contributions in that it presents the views of both children and parents, and uses novel techniques through visual representations of feelings and emotions to elicit findings.
E‐learning in India: the role of national culture and strategic implications
Authors: Rao Pramila 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe primary purpose of this research paper is to understand the role of national cultural dimensions on e‐learning practices in India. India is considered a major player in the world economy today. US multinationals are significantly increasing their presence in India and understanding cultural preferences will help global companies transition better.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper uses the national cultural dimensions of the global leadership and organizational behavior effectiveness project, which is identified as the most topical theoretical framework on culture. The national cultural scores are used to develop hypotheses for specific cultural dimensions. Examples from the literature are also used to strengthen the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThis research proposes that national cultural dimensions of power distance, uncertainty avoidance, in‐group collectivism, and future‐orientation influence e‐learning practices. This study distinguishes between synchronous and asynchronous methods of e‐learning and the role of culture on the same. Future research can definitely empirically test the hypotheses proposed.Practical implicationsThis study provides strategic implications for multinationals with a guide sheet identifying the role of the various cultural dimensions on e‐learning. The suggested strategies can be implemented by multinationals in other countries with similar national cultural dimensions also.Originality/valueThis research also proposes a theoretical e‐learning model identifying the impact of national cultural dimensions on e‐learning practices. This research also provides practitioners a strategic implications model that could be implemented for e‐learning initiatives in multinationals.
Ambidextrous organization in harmony
Authors: Cao Xuanwei , Zhang Xiaojun , Xi Youmin 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis paper is a follow‐up to the authors' first introductive article on the emerging He‐Xie management theory (HXMT), aiming to help readers better understand the concept of He‐Xie as well as the value of HXMT through several selected cases. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the value of HXMT in helping achieve the objectives of an ambidextrous organization in harmony.Design/methodology/approachThe potential value and explaining power of HXMT in helping achieve effective management in organizations is explored through three diversified cases in Chinese contexts. The research is implemented through analyzing the three core constructs of HXMT, i.e. HeXie theme (HT), He principle (HP) and Xie principle (XP) and HeXie coupling (HC), as well as the consistence and alignment of them in the three cases.FindingsIn all cases, the authors found the existence of HC throughout various organizational development stages. In various organizational contexts, HT could be observed in guiding managerial activities. Through identifying periodically emerging important HT and taking related activities by following the principles of XP (reflecting optimization‐oriented activities for efficiency in practice) and HP (reflecting uncertainty‐reducing activities for efficacy in practice) accordingly, organizations could reorient themselves to avoid rigidity and organizational sclerosis on the one hand and accommodate changing environmental conditions on the other. The value of HXMT is embodied in its ambidexterity capability on applying HP and XP interactively across various organizational contexts.Originality/valueThe acceptance of the emerging HXMT in a wider scope must be grounded on an appropriate understanding of its value. This paper analyses retrospectively the management practices of some very different kinds of organizations towards the objective of harmony in organization. The authors' analysis could inspire managers to consider applying HXMT in their management practice towards an ambidextrous organization in harmony.
How strong and generalisable is the Generation Y effect? A cross‐cultural study for wine
Authors: Mueller Simone , Remaud Hervé , Chabin Yann 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how strongly Generation Y consumers differ in their values, attitudes and wine and alcoholic beverage consumption behaviour from older generations. The comparison spans seven culturally different markets.Design/methodology/approachLarge representative samples totalling 11,622 wine consumers responded to a standardised survey. A factorial analysis of variance was used to determine the main and interaction effects of markets and generations.FindingsAlthough significant differences were found between generations, their explained variance is very low. There were significant trans‐cultural similarities in generational differences for values and wine consumption behaviour: Gen‐Y is more oriented towards hedonic success and status and less towards social values; Gen‐Y is more likely to consume white and rosé than red wine and is most promiscuous in its alcoholic beverage consumption. A number of noticeable differences appeared between countries: wine involvement and consumption increases with age in traditional European wine markets, while they decrease in North America; environmental concerns and purchase channel usage hardly differ between generations but vary strongly between markets.Originality/valueThis is the first study to quantify the effect size of generational differences using large representative samples across countries with different cultural backgrounds, including traditional and established wine consumption nations.
Generation Y's perception of wine and consumption situations in a traditional wine‐producing region
Authors: Agnoli Lara , Begalli Diego , Capitello Roberta 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to offer an in‐depth analysis of Generation Y's choices concerning the consumption of wine and other alcoholic drinks by examining the consumption situations in a traditional wine‐producing country.Design/methodology/approachThe study applied the multinomial logit model involving a sample of Generation Y alcohol consumers in a city in Northern Italy. Choice sets were constructed using the Bayesian efficient design, and each choice set included four consumption situations: at bars or pubs, at discos, at home and at restaurants or pizzerias.FindingsGeneration Y is aware of the different functions of alcoholic beverages in different consumption situations. Further, the type of company they keep influences their choice of beverage. Wine is the preferred drink in situations or occasions of conviviality or hospitality. However, this result only partly follows the traditional model of wine consumption. Segmentation elements are highlighted by considering gender and age.Practical implicationsThe research identifies some advantages of wine over other types of alcoholic beverages and some weaknesses in the strategies of wine companies. Consequently, six marketing topics emerge in order to develop a constructive relationship with Generation Y in Italy.Originality/valueThis paper applies discrete choice models to consumption situations in order to analyse the variety of contexts, components and products compared with Generation Y's preferences. It analyses the role of consumption situations in driving behaviour choices towards alcoholic beverages.
Functional strategies and practices of small and medium‐sized family businesses
Authors: Erdem Ferda , Erdem Sukru 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe aim of this study is to determine the context of short‐ , medium‐ and long‐term functional strategies of small‐ and middle‐sized family businesses carrying on activities in different sectors, as well as to discuss the findings from the point of view of the strategic orientations required by global competition.Design/methodology/approachThe data of this research, having explorative characteristics, were gathered from the 36 owners‐managers (from 111 people) who were leaders in constituting the strategies of their businesses. The survey used in the study consists of 32 items regarding management/human resource management, marketing, production, and finance functions. The data were evaluated with the descriptive and variance analyses.FindingsThe paper finds that the enterprises participating in this study apply or plan to apply, in the short term, institutionalism and customer‐focused strategies. However, financial problems limit the attempts for developing and growing, which creates a risk for the life cycle of the businesses which cannot grow up to the right scale in the right time. Another major concern pointed out in this study is that the enterprises whose owners/managers are the members of any commercial and social organization respond to innovations and change more rapidly.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the main limitations of the study is that the owner/manager perceptions were the only source of data. The lack of a measure of the efficiency level of functional strategies and practices or performance of enterprises is the second limitation. On the other hand, the small sample size does not allow generalizations to be made.Originality/valueThis study evaluates the potential of strategic management of small and medium‐sized family businesses
Customers' attitude toward Islamic banking in Pakistan
Authors: Lee Kun‐ho , Ullah Shakir 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the different motivational factors that lead to customers' Islamic bank selection decision in Pakistan. In particular, it aims to look into the importance of Shari'a compliance for Islamic banks' customers and thereby the potential risk of deposits withdrawal in case of violations of Shari'a principles.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents descriptive statistics and cross‐tabulation analysis based on data collected from 357 customers.FindingsThe findings reveal that Islamic banks' customers highly value Shari'a compliance in their banks and that non‐compliance with Shari'a principles leads to disgruntled customers. An interesting pronouncement is that if an Islamic bank is involved in repeated violations of Shari'a, the customers are inclined to switch their banks. Nonetheless, the findings reveal that Shari'a compliance is not the only satisfaction yardstick for Islamic banks' customers; they also expect their banks to be convenient, technologically advanced and provide security of their capital.Practical implicationsThe paper has profound implications for Islamic financial institutions operating in Pakistan. Although Shari'a compliance is the most important factor that Islamic banks need to observe, they also need to be competitive with conventional banks.Originality/valueThe paper is a unique contribution to Islamic banks' selection criteria where the importance of Shari'a compliance and conventional bank patronage factors has been explored. The paper's has practical implications for Islamic banks' owners and regulators.
Lives of female expatriates: work‐life balance concerns
Authors: Mäkelä Liisa , Suutari Vesa , Mayerhofer Helene 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze female expatriates' work‐life conflicts and enrichments which take place during the international assignment.Design/methodology/approachA total of 20 interviews were carried out with female expatriates. The interview data were content analyzed.FindingsThe findings indicate that females have experiences of conflicts but also enrichment during international assignments. Both aspects – the effect of the personal life on the working life and vice versa – are shown to be important for females. Life and career stages appear to be integral to these experiences. This study utilizes four metaphors – airport, seesaw, stage, and harbor – as main headings to represent female expatriates' experiences in balancing work and their personal lives.Originality/valueThis study expands our understanding of the experiences of female expatriates from the work‐life balance perspective and contributes by analyzing both the work‐life conflicts as well as the enrichment which takes place, broadening the view of private life to include aspects other than the family.
Will sustainability change the business model of the event industry?
Authors: Pelham Fiona 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to present answers to the strategic question “will sustainability change the business model of the event industry”.Design/methodology/approachThe paper seeks the opinions of seven experts working in various roles within the event industry and all contributing to the development of ISO 20121 and representing a cross‐geographical mix.FindingsThe paper discusses the current demand for sustainability within the event industry. The entire group agreed that within a short‐time period, demand for sustainability will grow, making this an attractive business model.Originality/valueThe paper presents a viewpoint from leaders in the event industry in which they recognize the value of an international standard for sustainability. The participants all agreed to work to raise the profile of sustainability in the event sector in their own countries.
Tourism ecology: towards the responsible, sustainable tourism future
Authors: Dávid Lóránt 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the purpose and development of responsible and sustainable tourism. Moreover, to present a critique of existing approach taken and to provide industry solutions towards key aspects, such as nature area tourism, eco‐tourism, and rural development/tourism.Design/methodology/approachIn doing so, the paper will reconcile elements of responsible tourism and ecology within destination management. Whilst within a context of the tourism industry, the article will present a best practice approach for industry.FindingsSustainable and responsible rural tourism development is unachievable without the application of ecological thinking. Consequently, tourism ecology naturally helps develop the tourism of rural areas based on local natural, social and cultural resources. Nevertheless, it is also an expectation that actors of the system, i.e. tourists must continue an active and responsibly sustainable practice.Practical implicationsSustenance of tourism is a double task: industry has to provide long‐term reservation and guarantee that entrepreneurs' input of capital will return and at the same time, improve their economic prospects. Sustainable tourism has to be endurable and economically executable on the long term, but at the same time, it has to be socially and ethically fair in relation to the host community.Originality/valueThis viewpoint presents an insight into tourism ecology from a variety of disciplines to form a rational approach to contemporary sustainable tourism.
Sustainable facilities management within event venues
Authors: Koukiasa Myrsini 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe article aims to provide an insight into concepts, frameworks and processes related to sustainable facility management (FM) within event venues. A further objective is to determine whether, to the degree that this is possible, in which degree there is consensus in relation to the above aspects amongst the literature findings and what is followed in practice.Design/methodology/approachA review of current literature was conducted in order to determine current trends in the sustainable FM sector that concern venues from a design, facility manager, organisation and stakeholder perspective. It is equally addressed to academics, students, practitioners, suppliers and investors.FindingsIt was found that although in literature, there is an abundance of good practices to follow, in many cases this is not possible due to costs or lack of focus of the organisation.Practical implicationsEven if guidelines are followed, there should be a greater standardisation of prerequisites and publication of detailed results so best practice within the industry can be looked up to. Managers, owners, etc. should have more of these and publish them as well.Originality/valueThe article contributes to an understanding of the elements of sustainable FM as well as their interconnectivity and importance. It also offers examples in order to investigate the applicability of current literature.