bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploration of process and competitive factors of entrepreneurship in digital space
Authors: Hafezieh Najmeh , Akhavan Peyman , Eshraghian Farjam 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the process and competitive factors of entrepreneurship in digital space in Iran.Design/methodology/approachIn the last decades, the development and advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the business innovations related to them have defined a new economy which is known as “digital economy”. Establishing and running businesses in this digital space means carrying out a kind of electronic commerce by exploiting the internet and other electronic networks. The new digital economy provides exceptional opportunities for many entrepreneurs to create new ventures in different business areas according to electronic commerce models. Given that researchers in Iran have not studied digital entrepreneurship and there is a great interest in digital entrepreneurship, further research is needed on this subject. According to research in Canada by Carrieret al.on cyber entrepreneurship, the authors used the same method and studied five cases that work in digital entrepreneurship in Iran. In this paper, the authors first review the literature of digital entrepreneurship – digital entrepreneurship framework that include a typology of digital ventures and their characteristics, characteristics of digital entrepreneurs, and the distinctions between digital and traditional entrepreneurship. Then five digital entrepreneurs in Iran were surveyed to explore the process of their entrepreneurship and competitive elements applied by them.FindingsThe most notable contribution of this research is the focus on the process of this type of entrepreneurship and the steps which were used by entrepreneurs. Unlike the traditional forms of entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurs in cyber space in Iran did not examine the feasibility of their projects; also, the identification of a business opportunity created business ideas. Another contribution is that the authors found ten factors as the internet‐based entrepreneurs' competitive elements in Iran, and also found interesting results about characteristics of internet‐based entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis paper provides an overview of internet‐based entrepreneurship in Iran. According to collected information, the authors propose the process of internet‐based entrepreneurship and its competitive elements, and establish a basis for future research.
Limitations of e‐commerce in developing countries: Jordan case
Authors: Abbad Muneer , Abbad Rami , Saleh Malik 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the status of e‐commerce in terms of limitations, problems and barriers facing the application and use of e‐commerce in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire approach was employed in this research study to obtain the most appropriate information for identifying the main limitations of e‐commerce in the context of the study. A delivery and collection questionnaire was used as a method for obtaining data from e‐commerce customers contacted through a number of universities.FindingsThere are found to be six main limitations of e‐commerce: security and trust; internet experience; enjoyment; language; legal issues; and technology acceptance (ease of use and usefulness). The results of this research showed that the main limitations of e‐commerce in Jordan appeared to be related to non‐technical limitations. The reason behind this result could be related to the lack of students' awareness of technical issues, in that they might not have known about the technical issues that could face e‐commerce.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides the foundation for additional research in developing countries related to e‐commerce, the results of which would be internationally useful. Comparison between countries could also be significant. Finally, investigation of the limitations of e‐commerce from a company point of view could be useful because companies are the providers of these services.Originality/valueThe paper summarizes the main limitations of e‐commerce from the Jordanian customer's point of view. In addition, the results of this study extend the body of knowledge by providing a set of limitations that may explain customers' perceptions of e‐commerce benefits and limitations. One finding – the difference in attitudes related to age, gender, internet experience, and income – may be of use to the development of company marketing strategies, for example, in regard to what enjoyment factors might motivate customers to do their shopping online. Managers and designers may find such information useful for predicting which systems will be acceptable to customers, diagnosing reasons why the system may not be fully acceptable to customers, and which corrective actions to take in increasing the acceptability of their systems.
Psychometric revision of a Jordanian version of the metamemory in adulthood questionnaire (MIA)
Authors: Alquraan Mahmoud , Alnaser Aljarah Abed 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the psychometric properties of a Jordanian version of the Metamemory in Adulthood (MIA) questionnaire of Dixon, Hultsch and Hertzog.Design/methodology/approachThe sample for this study consisted of 656 students randomly selected from Yarmouk University‐Jordan. Translation‐back‐translation, classical test theory, IRT Rasch model, and confirmatory factor analysis procedures were used to evaluate the psychometric properties of a Jordanian version of the MIA (MIA‐Jo).FindingsThe results of these analyses show that 76 items (out of 108 original MIA items) provide sufficient evidence in support of the reliability and validity of the MIA‐Jo. The results also show that the MIA‐Jo has the same structure or subscales as the original MIA.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample for this study consisted of 656 students randomly selected from Yarmouk University‐Jordan. Therefore, the study recommends the necessity to conduct more research on the MIA‐Jo using samples that have a wider range of age (up to 80 years) and other strata of Jordanian society.Originality/valueThis study is expected to provide researchers and educators in Jordan with a valid and reliable instrument to do more research on metamemory and its relationship with other cognitive variables.
Public international law principles: an Islamic Sufi approach – Part I
Authors: Bidabad Bijan 
Published: November 2011

PurposeMany laws have been derived from the religions' legislations and lots of them have not the capability of uniqueness and publicity, due to variety of reasons, especially at the level of countries. But the spirit of legislations is the same and unique in all religions and it is the Tariqah (Sufi path), Sufism, mysticism and ethical beliefs that have been stable and unchangeable for millennia, and wisdom has accepted and accepts them in all times and locations. Thus, if the international public law to be defined and designed upon the base of the unique religions' spirit, we will reach to a unique law with most publicity. The purpose of this paper is to survey the subjects of Islamic public international law, and extend Islamic jurisprudence decisions from a theosophical point of view over the field of international law.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores the foundation of public international law from the theosophy approach of Islamic Sufism and mysticism.FindingsBy raising 38 principles, the author proposes basic principles of important public international law subjects to prepare a backbone for recompilation of new law in this subject matter.Research limitations/implicationsComparative researches in other religions' gnosticism will be helpful.Social implicationsDelicateness, truthfulness, and righteousness of Islamic Sufism, may turn the attentions of scholars and researchers to this viewpoint, and a new set of laws to be codified.Originality/valuePublic international law scholars have not touched the topic from a Sufi viewpoint. This paper opens new challenging arena.
Police service in the value shop configuration
Authors: Gottschalk Petter 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value shop configuration in police service for a criminal case.Design/methodology/approachAn evaluation of a criminal case is presented.FindingsIt took Norwegian police 32 years to capture the Pocket Man who was responsible for more than 100 sexual abuses of boys over that same time period. Primary activities in the value shop applied to the case are: problem definition; investigation steps; investigation approach decision; investigation implementation; and police performance evaluation.Originality/valueBased on an actual crime case, value configuration analysis demonstrates substantial potential in future policings.
Strengthening national food control systems
Authors: Rostron Katherine 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify global issues relevant to the strengthening of national food control systems with reference to the hospitality and food service sector. It is the second paper in a themed issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes presenting international food safety management challenges and solutions.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and semi‐structured interviews with food control officials and academics involved in the strengthening of national food control systems.FindingsThis paper finds that similar challenges are experienced by interviews in a range of countries. Food control management and information, education, communication and training are identified as key challenges for food control authorities. In addition, smaller and/or less developed businesses and particularly the hospitality sector, are highlighted as important.Practical implicationsThe paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.Originality/valueIn this paper, the experiences of individuals involved in the development and implementation of national food control policy are brought together for the first time.
Evolving methods of HACCP: costs and benefits
Authors: Kane Kevin 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify costs and benefits associated with the implementation of evolving hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) systems. It is the third paper in a themed issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes presenting international food safety management challenges and solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a literature review of food safety research and the stated benefits of food safety management from regulators and other organisations.FindingsThis paper investigates the benefits and costs of implementing evolving methods of HACCP, such as the SFBB system. Statements of benefits from regulators and other organisations are compared to identify the main purported benefits, and these are discussed in relation to practical implications and industry interpretations.Practical implicationsThe paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.Originality/valueThis is a unique comparison of the purported benefits of food safety management, with an in‐depth consideration of these in a real world context.
Strengthening food control in a multi‐cultural society: Abu Dhabi food safety training initiatives
Authors: Mariam Harib Sultan Al Yousuf H.E. , Taylor Eunice 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a number of initiatives currently being taken by the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority to improve food safety across the food chain. It focuses on the piloting of a new photographic food safety examination for food handlers designed to meet the needs of the multi‐cultural workforce. It is the fourth paper in a themed issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes presenting international food safety management challenges and solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe piloting of the photographic examination involved 121 candidates who undertook the examination in January 2011. The results were compared with the cumulative data from the previous three years (n=40,862) with additional analysis of the performance of each question.FindingsThe results of the pilot suggest that replacing the written multiple choice examination paper with a photograph‐based alternative, increased the pass rate by almost 20 per cent, whilst retaining the overall level of difficulty of the examination.Practical implicationsThe paper will be of value to practitioners, trainers, education specialists, policy makers and other stakeholders involved in the food safety training initiatives.Originality/valueThis is a unique study providing a mechanism for food handlers with low levels of literacy to become “qualified” to international standards.
The Sharjah Food Safety Program
Authors: Ahmed Bin Sultan Al‐Qassemi Rasha , Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed , Azzam Basem , Taylor Jerry , Shannon Dave 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the latest food safety initiatives for hospitality businesses in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. It is the fifth paper in a themed issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes presenting international food safety management challenges and solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe Sharjah Food Safety Program is presented, with a detailed description of the phased, multi‐layered management approach, with progress to date.FindingsInitial results indicate recognizable improvements in food safety awareness and performance in the businesses.Practical implicationsThe paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.Originality/valueThis paper presents an innovative strategy of integrating training, HACCP implementation and verification. It offers governments and other stakeholders a practical “template” that can accelerate HACCP implementation.
An exploration of food safety culture in a multi‐cultural environment: next steps?
Authors: Taylor Joanne 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of food safety culture in a multi‐cultural environment. It is the eighth paper in a themed issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes presenting international food safety management challenges and solutions.Design/methodology/approachA literature review brings together theories and practical research in the fields of management, international business, psychology and food safety.FindingsA theoretical framework is developed using a wide range of theories and research findings, with the aim of broadening the current understanding of the concept of food safety culture while also clarifying it.Practical implicationsThe paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.Originality/valueThis paper presents a unique insight into the concept of food safety culture, and presents an in‐depth theoretical framework.
Short‐term study abroad: a transformational approach to global business education
Authors: Hallows Karen , Porter Wolf Paige , Marks Michelle A. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an approach to global business education that offers a transformative experience for students and results in greater confidence and expertise.Design/methodology/approachA model of global business competence is described, as well as an approach to global business education involving a short‐term study abroad experience. Transformational learning practices were embedded in the course design. Surveys were collected at two different times in the short‐term study abroad course to demonstrate changes in students' confidence and expertise. The first survey was conducted after completing reading assignments and classroom‐based instruction (Time 1) and the second was collected upon returning from the study abroad experience (Time 2).FindingsResults indicated a significant change in students' perceptions of their global business competence from Time 1 to Time 2, indicating the benefits of the short‐term study abroad experience beyond classroom instruction and readings.Research limitations/implicationsFurther clarification regarding the specific short‐term study abroad experiences that had the most impact on student outcomes would further our knowledge of how to design and structure these experiences to maximally enhance global business expertise and effectiveness for business students. In addition, future research may explore longer‐term student outcomes as a result of the short‐term study abroad experience.Practical implicationsBusiness school faculty and administrators may identify practices described in this study that they could incorporate to enhance their global business education courses or study abroad experiences.Originality/valueThis paper builds on transformational learning and global business literature to provide a practical approach to graduate business education. A framework for defining global business competence and pedagogical design principles that promote transformational learning is offered and may be of interest to business school faculty and administrators.
Integrative model of students' attitude to educational loan repayment
Authors: Ismail Shafinar , Serguieva Antoaneta , Singh Satwinder 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure the antecedents of students' attitude and the impact of students' attitude on the intention to repay study loans.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data from 428 students in universities in Malaysia are collected and six constructs from theory are identified: perceptions that loan repayment will affect the quality of life after graduation; awareness of loan repayment issues created by media; perceptions towards loan agreement; parental influence; students' attitude towards loan repayment; and intention to repay loan. Structural equation modelling approach is adopted to analyze the data.FindingsConstructs of parental influence and perceptions that loan repayment will affect the quality of life after graduation are found to have a direct relationship with students' attitude towards loan repayment; perceptions towards loan agreement is found to influence belief that loan repayment will affect the quality of life after graduation; and awareness of loan repayment issues created by media is found to affect parental influence. The relationship between students' attitude and intention is found to be statistically positive and significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has been conducted in aggregate form. Future studies could account for ethnic, gender, and regional differences.Practical implicationsThe primary users of the results of this study would be the countries that provide education loans, and keen to cut down on student loan defaults.Originality/valueThe study is first of its kind to approach the issue of student loan defaults in a multi‐method manner and develop a comprehensive theoretical model that can be put to empirical test by future researchers.
Sustainable business model for biofuel industries in Indonesia
Authors: Jupesta Joni , Harayama Yuko , Parayil Govindan 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThis study aims to focus on the design of a sustainable business model on the development of a biofuel industry in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThe changed status from a net oil exporter to net importer in 2004, the highly subsidized price of fossil fuel, the depleting oil resources and a strong dependency on oil for domestic production are the driving forces for introducing biofuel in Indonesia. The Indonesian government enacted an energy policy in 2006 which aims to partially shift fossil fuel consumption to renewable energy sources including biofuel. The mandatory requirement to use biofuel and the given subsidies will help to make biofuel competitive. However, till now, biofuel still has not achieved the aimed target for several reasons, e.g. higher cost of production relative to fossil fuel, distribution barriers due to geographical constraints, reluctance from industry due to uncertain markets and relative low participation from local government. This paper develops strategic analysis based on the diffusion process of biofuel development.FindingsThe tools applied are a SWOT analysis, Porter 5 Force analysis, and Business Portfolio analysis to understand the position of the biofuel industry.Originality/valueThis study provides an innovative business model to accelerate the integration of biofuel into the Indonesian energy markets and create profitable and sustainable business.
Protecting and regaining clarity of mission in the microfinance industry
Authors: Epstein Marc J. , Yuthas Kristi 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe paper's aim is to thoroughly examine solutions to mission diffusion and mission drift in the microfinance industry.Design/methodology/approachExtensive field experience relating to individual microfinance institutions and industry trends provide the grounding for a review of the trade and academic literatures in microfinance and social enterprise management.FindingsMission diffusion arises from pursuing diverse approaches to poverty alleviation and addressing disparate and changing stakeholder interests. Mission drift arises from commercialization and conversion activities aimed toward enhancing ratings and achieving scale. Mission clarity can be regained through clarification of the mission along with more effective corporate governance and performance management systems, and a research function.Practical implicationsThe tension between financial and social performance is not merely ideological – economic realities make it almost impossible to stay on mission. Understanding these realities can help microfinance institutions maintain and regain clarity of mission.Originality/valueThe paper sheds new light on solutions for challenges of mission drift and diffusion in the microfinance industry. Addressing this would enable the industry to deliver on promises of poverty alleviation during a period of heavy demand rapid scaling.
Hearing voices and befriending schemes
Authors: Holttum Sue 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThis Research Watch seeks to summarise two recent research papers. The first examines the case for understanding hearing voices as part of normal experience, while the second looks at befriending schemes.Design/methodology/approachA search was carried out for research papers with a mental health and social inclusion focus published within the previous 12 months.FindingsStudies spanning more than 100 years suggest that hearing voices is more common than usually thought. There is a case for viewing this experience more positively than at present. Interviews involving eight people with mental health conditions and their befrienders suggested that demonstrating empathy and being non‐judgmental helped people with mental health conditions to talk things through with both parties learning from one another. Going out together helped befriendees gain greater confidence to participate in further activities and feel less isolated.Originality/valueThis paper summarises research relating to mental health and social inclusion that has emerged within the previous 12 months.