bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the performance appraisal practices of US multinational subsidiaries with parent company and local Taiwanese practices
Authors: Sauers Daniel A. , Lin Steven C.H. , Kennedy Jeff , Schrenkler Jana 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the performance appraisal practices of US subsidiaries in Taiwan to those of their parent firms and to those of large Taiwanese companies in an effort to understand how foreign subsidiaries adjust to the competing demands for global integration and local responsiveness.Design/methodology/approachA stratified random sampling scheme was employed to ensure that performance appraisal practices of manufacturing firms in similar industry sectors were compared. A mail survey was chosen over other ways of gathering data because of the wide geographical dispersion of companies, the required speed of data collection, and the length of the questionnaire.FindingsThe results indicate that performance appraisal is not a uniform function, but consists of practices that differ in their relative resemblance to local practices and to parent practices. This finding suggests that the competing demands for global integration and local adaptation should not be viewed as opposite ends of a continuum, but as two independent dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsSelection bias, the difficulty in numerically quantifying HR practices, and survey bias by respondents are discussed.Originality/valueThis paper introduces the concept of categorizing performance appraisal practices via the use of the Integration and Adaption Matrix.
Cutting edge couples
Authors: Onishenko Dawn , Caragata Lea 
Published: March 2009

PurposeFollowing the landmark 2003 Ontario Court of Appeal decision legalizing same‐sex marriage, some same‐sex couples sought to formalize their unions through legal marriage. The purpose of this paper is to explore the personal and political reflections of recently married same‐sex couples on the meaning of their marriages for themselves, their partners, their community as well as the implications for progressive social change in the broader social world.Design/methodology/approachAn ethnographic approach was employed to semi‐structured in‐depth qualitative interviews with six lesbian and gay couples.FindingsAn emerging thesis is that, while seeking access to a most conventional and conformist institution, same‐sex couples inadvertently become “cutting edge” couples as they make public their declarations of love and commitment and model new and challenging notions of marriage.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides a snapshot of a small number of interviews that took place approximately 11 months after the Ontario Court of Appeal decision.Practical implicationsLaw should take into account the importance of social and legal recognition of marriage for all. The heteronormativity of marriage is thus challenged from within, to make these types of marriages truly cutting edge.Originality/valueThe paper provides evidence of the personal and political reflections of people who had the choice to get married and did, at a time when this was seen as really cutting edge. Few personal accounts exist which provide a picture of the continued importance of marriage to human beings.
Effect of management support, training, and user involvement on system usage and satisfaction in Kuwait
Authors: Rouibah Kamel , Hamdy Hosny I. , Al‐Enezi Majed Z. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the organizational factors and human motivations affecting information systems and information technology (IS/IT) usage and user's satisfaction in an Arabic country.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops a research model that links three organizational factors (top management support – TMS, availability of training, and user's involvement) to IS/IT usage and end‐user's satisfaction via the mediation of TAM beliefs (usefulness and ease‐of‐use) by 382 IS users. The model was examined through the LISREL.FindingsThe results indicate that IS/IT usage and user satisfaction is largely influenced by perceived usefulness. Among the organizational factors, TMS was found to have the strongest effect on IS/IT usage and user's satisfaction, followed by availability of training and user involvement.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on perceptions of respondents from public organizations who have had high experience with IS/IT. These perceptions are based on a one‐time survey. For better validity, a longitudinal study with additional variables is needed.Practical implicationsThis study is useful for practitioners who want to increase and boost system usage and user's atisfaction in the Arab region.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the motives of IS/IT usage and user's satisfaction in the Arab world and to educate researchers about how IS/IT is perceived by end‐users in Kuwait.
What drives Malaysian m‐commerce adoption? An empirical analysis
Authors: Tsu Wei Toh , Marthandan Govindan , Yee‐Loong Chong Alain , Ooi Keng‐Boon , Arumugam Seetharam 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThis study aims to empirically examine the factors that affect the consumer intention to use (IU) mobile commerce (m‐commerce) in Malaysia. The five factors examined in this study are perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease‐of‐use (PEOU), social influence (SI), perceived cost and trust.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample consists of 222 respondents with a response rate of 84.09 per cent. Data were analyzed by employing correlation and multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe findings revealed that PU, SI, perceived financial cost and trust are positively associated with consumer IU m‐commerce in Malaysia. In addition, PEOU and trust were found to have an insignificant effect on consumer IU m‐commerce in Malaysia.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of the findings is limited as the study focuses only on Malaysia.Practical implicationsBased on the findings, companies involved in m‐commerce should focus on improving the usefulness of the system, trust (i.e. security and privacy protection) and reducing the cost of m‐commerce services to improve the adoption of m‐commerce.Originality/valueThe findings made a contribution in terms of allowing us to understand the factors that can contribute to the adoption of mobile commerce. This study successfully extend the TAM model in the context of mobile commerce by incorporating one trust‐based construct (trust), one behavioural control construct (perceived financial cost) and one subjective norm construct (SI). This extended TAM model provides a greater understanding of user acceptance of mobile commerce in Malaysia.
Competitiveness of Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies in global context
Authors: Si Shubin , Takala Josu , Liu Yang 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the operational competitiveness and identify the development route of Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies by comparing with other similar international manufacturing companies of global manufacturing strategies database.Design/methodology/approachThe preliminary analytical models for competitiveness analysis are used to analyze the operational competitiveness strategies in three different types of Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies based on the weights of the multi‐criteria manufacturing strategies, which are calculated using analytic hierarchy process method. Benchmarking between case companies and leading companies of prospector, analyzer and defender groups is applied to evaluate the manufacturing strategies further.FindingsAs a result of the case studies, it is possible to understand operational competitiveness manufacturing strategies for the case companies, to show one development route for Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies to be competitive in their markets.Practical implicationsChinese high‐tech manufacturing companies have their own operational strategies in different development phase. The different weights of important factors such as quality, cost, time and flexibility make the case companies to have some advantages in prospector, analyzer and defender. The preliminary analytical models are effective for Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies to calculate their operational competitiveness under the influence of Chinese culture and macro‐control.Originality/valueBenchmarking of operational competitiveness is presented to evaluate the manufacturing strategies in this paper. One development route of Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies, which is under the influence of Chinese culture and macro‐control, is promoted.
Information intensity, control deficiency risk, and materiality
Authors: Chandra Akhilesh , Calderon Thomas G. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThis paper leverages the concept of business information intensity (BII) with the aim of developing a model to assess control deficiency risk (CDR) in organizations. BII measures the extent of use of IT by an organization in its products and value chain.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a conceptual model that uses BII and CDR to examine alternative approaches to risk management. This model contains four quadrants that provide insight into varying risk management strategies for business processes. CFOs and internal auditors from Fortune 100 companies are surveyed to illustrate how the model may be used to guide management in assessing IT security expenditure.FindingsThe model suggests that spending on IT and information security is higher for companies with high BII‐CDR than those with low BII‐CDR.Research limitations/implicationsAnalysis focused on only two quadrants in a four‐quadrant model. Future research may seek to refine the measurement of BII and CDR, and offer greater insight into the types of business processes that fall into each of the four quadrants as well as those that do not fit neatly into those quadrants.Practical implicationsOrganizations may use the BII‐CDR model to assess risk and to evaluate investments in IT security and other control activities. The model also highlights the need to redefine the concept of materiality and to consider its link to BII and CDR. Auditors should consider the interaction of BII and CDR in planning the audit, conducting field work, and managing overall audit risk.Originality/valueThe paper provides original insights into the relationship between BII and CDR and its implications for treatment of materiality. It was observed that activities which support critical business processes are themselves critical. This is an important departure from traditional approaches to evaluating materiality.
Physicochemical and nutritional study of argan oil (Argania spinosa L.) in south‐western Algeria
Authors: Belarbi‐Benmahdi M. , Khaldi D. , Beghdad C. , Gouzi H. , Bendimerad N. , Hammouti B. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the physicochemical properties, fatty acids, tocopherols, and polyphenols of Algerian argan oil.Design/methodology/approachThe argan oil was extracted from the kernel by an organic solvent, the n‐hexane. Several methods and techniques (spectrophotometric, titrimetric, refractometric, and chomrtographic (CPG/high‐performance liquid chromatographic – HPLC) were used to characterise to argan oil.FindingsThe argan oil was yellow oil with faintly marked smell and flavour. The physicochemical analysis showed that the oil was pure, fresh, not siccative and rich in C18 medium chain unsaturated fatty acids, particularly the oleic acid. A HPLC and gaseous phase chromatography methods were developed for the quali‐quantitative analysis of α‐tocopherol and fatty acids composition, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThis highlight shows that the composition of argan oil is oleic‐linoleic type rich in α‐tocopherol (20 mg/kg). The phenolic fraction known for its antioxidant properties ranges from 30 to 50 mg/kg. The argan oil is mainly rich in antioxidant compounds such as phenolic compounds and α‐tocopherol. Argan oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherol and phenolic compounds.Practical implicationsConsidering its rich composition in antioxidant compounds and essential fatty acid, argan oil has been used for a long time as a food and for body care, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and some cancers diseases. A deep knowledge of the chemical composition of argan oil will certainly show that is has a high‐nutritional potentiality and is claimed to have favourable medicinal and cosmetic properties.Originality/valueNo such research has been carried out on the argan oil extracted from Argania spinosa (L.) of Algeria. The present work was undertaken to study the physicochemical and nutritional properties of the argan oil.
Inhibition of corrosion of mild steel in acidic medium using ethanol extract of Aloe vera
Authors: Eddy N.O. , Odoemelam S.A. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effect of concentration of H2SO4 on the corrosion of mild steel and to investigate the inhibitive properties of Aloe vera for mild steel corrosion. The study also seeks to investigate the possibility of using Aloe vera as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel.Design/methodology/approachGasometric (Hydrogen evolution) and thermometric methods of corrosion monitoring have been adopted for the study. The study was conducted at 303 and 333 K and the concentrations of inhibitor used were 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 g/L. The inhibitor was prepared by using alcohol extract of moisture free samples of Aloe vera. The functional groups present in the extract have been determined using infra red spectrophotometer. Thermodynamic and adsorption theories have been used to interpret the data.FindingsEthanol extract of Aloe vera is a good inhibitor for mild steel corrosion at 303 and 333 K. The inhibitor acts by chemical adsorption isotherm. Functional groups identified in the extract are found to played dominant role in the adsorptive and inhibitive potentials of this extract. Values of inhibition efficiency obtained from gasometric and thermometric analysis were comparable.Research limitations/implicationsFurther study on synergism with the view of enhancing the inhibition efficiency of Aloe vera extract and the used of other analytical methods may reveals a wealth of information on the possibilities of transforming this research for field application.Originality/valueThe paper provides information on the use of Aloe vera as a green corrosion inhibitor. It has not been published elsewhere.
Consumer acceptance and market success: Wal‐Mart in the UK and Germany
Authors: Pioch Elke , Gerhard Ulrike , Fernie John , Arnold Stephen J. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to explore Wal‐Mart's varying performance in Europe and eventual exit from the German market by singling out the role of consumer acceptance of Wal‐Mart's market propositions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the macro‐constructs of institutional theory to interpret and conceptualise micro‐level consumer data. Data were collected via telephone surveys in two regional German and UK markets in 2002/2003. Salient patronage norms in each market were established and Wal‐Mart's as well as its competitors' performance on those norms were assessed.FindingsIn the German context, the institutional theory approach to explaining Wal‐Mart's problems clearly foreshadows market failure and exit. In UK market, no clear pattern between retailers adhering to salient patronage norms, patronage behaviour and market position could be established. The constructs of institutional theory were more likely to predict and explain market failure than success.Research limitations/implicationsResearch in two regional markets limits the applicability of findings. Nevertheless, some key issues seem to indicate overall market performance. The telephone survey approach carries inherent problems, which however have only marginally impacted on the relevance of the findings.Originality/valueThe use of institutional theory constructs adds a further dimension to the discussion of international retailer success/failure and can constitute a valuable tool in the repertoire of the divestment and failure literature.
Spillover effects of foreign hypermarkets on domestic suppliers in Malaysia
Authors: Ranjanee Kaliappan Shivee , Alavi Rokiah , Abdullah Kalthom , Arif Zakaullah Muhammad 
Published: March 2009

PurposeSince the mid‐1990s, there has been a rapid expansion of large‐scale foreign retailers in many countries across Southeast Asia, Central Europe and Latin America. This emerging trend has triggered a number of research interests on the issue of retail globalization. The research aims to consider the entry of foreign hypermarkets in Malaysia and their impact on the development and growth of domestic suppliers and manufacturers.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses both primary and secondary data. Secondary data were drawn from industry sources which included government departments, economic reports, retailing magazines and companies, web sites. Meanwhile, primary data are collected using mail survey questionnaire and face‐to‐face interviews.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that foreign hypermarkets play a very important role in the development and growth of the domestic suppliers via backward linkages. The main forms of linkages are product supply, informational linkages, assistance with inventory management, technical support and quality assurance and procurement systems. A majority of the firms indicated that they benefited substantially from the presence of foreign hypermarkets; however, they also face several challenges brought about by imposition of several unfair terms and procurement policy.Originality/valueThe findings are largely derived from the experience encountered by domestic firms who participated in the survey. Thus, it is believed that their views could definitely help all the parties including the policymakers and researchers to better understand the impact of foreign hypermarkets on local businesses and take appropriate policy measures.
Retail internationalisation in practice: per una in the UK and Taiwan
Authors: Wigley Stephen , Rachel Chiang Chu‐Ling 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the retail marketing strategies of one fashion retailer as they are applied in two national markets, and to identify means by which international retailer success may be assured.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a qualitative case study.FindingsTo be a successful international fashion retailer, the ability to apply and adjust the retail marketing mix elements according to specific target‐market conditions and a wider global strategy is very important.Practical implicationsThe paper indicates how an international fashion retailer may manipulate components of its marketing mix to be successful in diverse national markets.Originality/valueThe paper combines international retailing literature with retail marketing concepts to present findings of interest to commercial practitioners and offer opportunities for further research.
When does it make sense for US retailers to opt for backward integration for global sourcing?
Authors: Erin Cho Jinsook 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine a US retailer's decision to backward‐integrate its supply channel for global sourcing, based on the framework adapted from transaction cost analysis (TCA).Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual framework was developed based on the past literature. A survey method was employed to collect the data from apparel retail firms engaging in global sourcing. Confirmatory factor analysis and ordinal regression analysis were used to diagnose the quality of data and to test hypotheses.FindingsA retail firm avoids backward integration when facing high volume fluctuation and high country risk combined with asset specificity, while it favors the integration when perceiving high asset specificity, socio‐cultural distance, free‐ride potential, and sourcing volume. Great experience also leads to backward integration not only as a main factor, but also as a moderator reinforcing the effects of asset specificity and uncertainty on integration.Originality/valueAlthough transaction costs associated with foreign procurement are highly significant, little attempt has been made so far to apply TCA to understand sourcing governance decisions, in particular those by retailers – important participants in the current landscape of global sourcing. This study fills this gap. This study also examines the role of import volume, experience, and free ride potential to provide a more comprehensive understanding of sourcing governance decisions by retailers.
The effects of negative information transference in the celebrity endorsement relationship
Authors: White Darin W. , Goddard Lucretia , Wilbur Nick 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test empirically the impact of negative information about a celebrity spokesperson on consumers' perceptions of the endorsed brand. In addition, it is the first study to examine the reverse relationship: the impact of negative information about the brand on the celebrity endorser.Design/methodology/approachA two‐group, post‐test‐only, randomized experimental design was utilized to test the hypotheses. Data were collected by a survey of 247 college students.FindingsThe results of an experiment indicate that when respondents are exposed to negative information about a celebrity endorser, a negative transference of affect in the endorsement relationship will occur. However, when the situation is reversed and the respondents are exposed to negative information about the brand, the transference of affect is mitigated.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study provides a starting‐point for further research on negative information transference in the celebrity endorsement relationship.Practical implicationsIt is crucial that retailers be aware of the risks associated with using celebrities to endorse their stores and products. Given that these results provide tentative support for the commonly held belief that a decline in the celebrity's image can impact the image of the brand, it is important that retailers carefully choose an endorser who currently has a good image and will likely be able to uphold this image in the future.Originality/valueThe paper introduces and empirically examines one explanation of how negative information may impact the celebrity advertising process.
Defining brand values through sponsorship
Authors: Alexander Nicholas 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider sponsorship embedded within a brand strategy and how fit between the sponsor's and the sponsored brand provides a platform for the integrated communication of brand values. The importance of a service dimension to the brand in the form of retail outlets is considered.Design/methodology/approachA case study research strategy was adopted. Other methods were used in the building of data and the triangulation of the findings: documentary analysis and participant observation also provided valuable insights. In particular, the environment in which the case study strategy was adopted demanded an understanding of the discourse on which the relationship was built and developed.FindingsExplains how the company integrated the sponsorship relationship within its communications and placed the relationship at the centre of its redefined brand strategy. The close semantic fit between the sponsoring and sponsored organisation helped to facilitate a co‐branding relationship and the service dimension of the brand provided an opportunity for a comparatively rapid redefinition of brand values.Practical implicationsDevelops an understanding of the methods by which sponsoring organisations may successfully meet corporate objectives. The findings show the considerable value of semantic fit if deployed appropriately.Originality/valueThis paper conceptually structured the research outcomes within the context of existing research relating to the two issues of brand strategy and semantic fit.