bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organising methods and member recruitment in Irish trade unions
Authors: Turner Thomas , O'Sullivan Michelle , D'Art Daryl 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the recruiting and organising methods used by Irish full‐time union officials to recruit new members in the private sector of the economy.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on a survey of full‐time union officials in eight Irish trade unions.FindingsResults indicate that the use of organising techniques by officials had no significant impact on changes in membership numbers but did have a significant and positive impact on reported changes in new members. However, the variance explained was extremely modest.Research limitations/implicationsA potential limitation is that the organising model is assessed solely from the perspective of full‐time union officials. An area for future research would be to capture the attitudes and experiences of local activists involved in organising.Practical implicationsThe demands of the organising approach require great commitment in terms of time and financial resources for unions. Yet the returns from this investment may be slight as only a relatively weak relationship was found between the number of organising methods used and changes in membership numbers and the recruitment of new members.Originality/valueTo date there has been little systematic study of either the recruitment methods used by Irish trade unions or the relative success of different approaches. Based on a survey of Irish full‐time union officials, this paper attempts to address this lacuna.
Differential effects of employment status on work‐related outcomes
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Chandrasekara Rasika 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether permanent workers with standard employment that is protected, and casual workers with long‐term employment that is not protected but performing the same core jobs, along with permanent workers side‐by‐side in the same work setting, exhibit different work‐related outcomes.Design/methodology/approachPermanent workers and casual workers holding core jobs with long‐term employment responded to the survey questionnaire. Logistic regression was used for the data analysis.FindingsJob satisfaction, procedural justice and work performance were found to be important work‐related outcomes that discriminate between permanent and casual workers.Originality/valueAlthough consequences of different employment arrangements would be of interest to many organisations world wide, on the one hand, little empirical research has compared work‐related outcomes of permanent workers with casuals (holding the same core functions with long‐term employment) or permanent workers with workers in any form of nonstandard employment arrangement. On the other hand, the literature on the use of labour flexibility strategies is mainly concentrated on developed market economies. If organisations use casual workers alongside permanent workers in core jobs, there is a need for examining implications of such practices. The findings of this study establish baseline data that would be a source of general guidance in stimulating future research in this area.
Quality management, strategic priorities and performance: the role of quality leadership
Authors: Albacete‐Sáez Carlos A. , Mar Fuentes‐Fuentes Maria , María Bojica Ana 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify whether there are differences in the implementation of quality management (QM) and the results achieved, based on the position of the person responsible for QM and his/her strategic priorities.Design/methodology/approachData from 256 firms that have implemented QM are collected. A multigroup analysis with LISREL is employed to contrast the hypotheses using a sample of general managers on the one hand and of quality managers on the other.FindingsThis study shows that QM is stronger implemented when it is headed by the general manager than by the quality manager. The authors also find that in both samples of general managers and quality managers, only one of the three strategic priorities analyzed, cost orientation, shows a positive effect on financial results. When the influence of QM on financial results is considered, the relationship is significant just in the case of the sample of quality directors.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the analysis performed suggest lines of research that can substantially enrich the analysis of the role of management in the implementation of QM systems. A first step would be to expand the study sample, since the subsample for general managers was not very large. Gathering more recent data could contribute to strengthening the results obtained and to identifying additional explanatory variables. For example, information on functional experience or training could clarify the strategic focus adopted by managers.Practical implicationsThis study highlights that the general manager's commitment to quality confers greater credibility in the rest of the organization. Although the general managers impose greater implementation of QM, they do not perceive that this influences the financial results achieved directly. The incorporation of strategic priorities in this study also shows that the perception of differentiation in marketing in firms that have implemented QM is similar both for quality managers and for general managers. However, the former (quality managers) also show that differentiation in innovation has a positive effect on QM.Originality/valueLiterature has shown an indisputable consensus on the relevance of leadership and the commitment of top management to the success of QM, but few studies provide more in‐depth specific knowledge of the characteristics and actions developed by the person who leads the commitment to quality. This study tackles the role of the manager responsible for QM in the firm, based on his or her functional position, whether general manager or quality manager. It contributes by investigating how a manager's strategic priorities condition the level of QM implementation, as well as the financial performance achieved.
Customer's loyalty and perception of ISO 9001 in online banking
Authors: Honore Petnji Yaya Luc , Marimon Frederic , Casadesus Marti 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether ISO 9001 certification by banks affects customers' perceptions of e‐service quality (and hence customer satisfaction and loyalty) in online banking services. In pursuit of this objective, the study also investigates: the validity of a modified scale for measuring e‐service quality in online banking services; and the factors that might influence customer satisfaction and loyalty in the context of online banking services (and the possible mediating/moderating effects of customer satisfaction on the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty).Design/methodology/approachAn online survey is conducted among 428 customers of online banking services in Spain. Exploratory factor analyses, multi‐regression analyses, and Mann‐Whithney U‐tests are utilised to assess the proposed modification of the E‐S‐QUAL scale; the relationships among the constructs of service quality, satisfaction, and loyalty; and whether ISO 9001 certification affects customers' perceptions of e‐service quality (and hence satisfaction and loyalty).FindingsThree of the four dimensions of the modified E‐S‐QUAL scale are confirmed, and all have a positive impact on customer satisfaction, which, in turn, significantly influences e‐loyalty. The mediating/moderating role of satisfaction on the relationship between service quality and loyalty is confirmed. Contrary to the research hypothesis, ISO 9001 certification does not seem to influence customers' perceptions of e‐service quality.Practical implicationsManagers should consider ISO 9001 certification, even if only for the internal benefits that it promises to provide. Managers must ensure superior e‐service quality (especially with regard to “efficiency”) if they wish to promote customer satisfaction and loyalty.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to investigate the impact of ISO 9001 certification on customers' perceptions of e‐service quality. However, the study is limited to a particular sector in a particular country.
Internalization of ISO 9000: an exploratory study
Authors: Heras‐Saizarbitoria Iñaki 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop the operational definition of the concept of internalization of ISO 9001, a theoretical construct which until recently had not received the attention it deserves in research on quality management.Design/methodology/approachExtensive exploratory fieldwork based on both in‐depth interviews of general managers, middle managers and employees – 65 in total – as well as on intensive participant observation – e.g. 139 direct field‐consults and 240 documents analyzed – was carried out in eight Spanish organizations that adopted the standard a long time ago.FindingsA set of specific factors and subfactors aimed at operationalizing the ISO 9001 internalization construct are proposed. Moreover, it has been ascertained that the concept of internalization is a clearly relevant one, as in previous works found in the literature in other countries, the conclusion is drawn that organizations do not adopt ISO 9001 homogeneously.Practical implicationsThe conclusions may be of interest both for academic and professional spheres of activity. For managers, the key aspects of a substantive adoption of ISO 9001 are highlighted. For academics, certain specific categorization elements are proposed for a relevant construct so that these may be used in subsequent works.Originality/valueThis is a new exploratory work for its field of research. On the one hand, most works to date have tended to assume the principle of homogeneous adoption of ISO 9001. On the other, they tend to be based solely on managers' opinions without giving voice to employees or using participative observation.
Information systems development: a normalisation process theory perspective
Authors: Sooklal Rohan , Papadopoulos Thanos , Ojiako Udechukwu 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper utilises a case study to discuss the applicability of normalisation process theory (NPT) as an alternative lens in understanding how social processes impact on the information systems development (ISD) process.Design/methodology/approachThe research was undertaken at an educational setting utilising a qualitative case approach.FindingsThe research suggests a framework based on NPT. This framework aims to provide better insights of the normalisation process, based on the views of the development team. The research results strongly support the utilisation of NPT in a non‐healthcare setting. NPT serves as a means to explain the factors and actions that promote the work of routine embedding of new technologies in the practice.Practical implicationsThe theory has its foundations in the relative paucity of the extant ISD literature. It also provides a holistic approach for explaining the dynamics entailed in IS project endeavours. This is undertaken by considering the multiplicity and heterogeneity of stakeholders. The usefulness of NPT as a theory for exploring the challenges in embedding a new practice in current ISD endeavours is shown.Originality/valueThe paper discusses how NPT can assist in exploring the social production and organisation of new practices.
Transaction costs detailed: single‐industry studies and operationalization
Authors: Müller Martin , Aust Huguette 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to present an in‐depth review on the latest state of empirical research in transaction cost economics (TCE), focusing on single‐industry studies. The intensely discussed subject of operationalization of transaction costs is critically assessed, and a concept of how to increase the quality of findings in empirical studies is presented.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was obtained by a literature research and review in high‐class media and submitted to in‐depth quantitative and qualitative analysis such as content analysis.FindingsThe findings are in part unexpected and substantially contribute to research: applicability of TCE to a broad range of industries is found, the majority being large industries with important markets. Most studies support TCE statements, some suggesting theory extension by complementary aspects. Operationalization of transaction costs remains a field requiring further research.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, this article is condensed and therefore limited to single‐industry studies within TCE, understanding “industry” as a specialized field of activity. The question of industry boundaries may be a base for future research. Second, the subject of operationalization of transaction costs still requires further research.Practical implicationsDecision makers can continue to use TCE for various applications such as strategic alliance, vertical integration, governance choice, make‐or‐buy or contract choice questions. A shortcoming in most articles reviewed is the presentation of the industry's characteristics. Authors need to consider them in order to increase the qualitative level of single‐industry studies.Originality/valueThis paper provides significant insight into the field of single‐industry TCE studies. As a result of penetrating research in high‐class media and in‐depth analysis, the paper provides highly structured and intensely examined statements on existing literature and related findings, which support TCE statements and will lead current disputes in the literature to a further stage.
Modeling supply chain performance and stability
Authors: Ip W.H. , Chan S.L. , Lam C.Y. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated approach to modeling and measuring supply chain performance and stability using system dynamics (SD) and the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA).Design/methodology/approachSD and ARIMA models were developed, respectively, for modeling and measuring supply chain performance and for further analyzing and projecting supply chain stability for long‐term management. A case study from a typical semiconductor equipment manufacturing company is used to illustrate and validate the proposed method.FindingsEffectiveness and efficiency, with six corresponding indicators (product reliability, employee fulfillment, customer fulfillment, on‐time delivery, profit growth, and working efficiency), were found to be the most significant factors in the performance of the supply chain. The results of the combined model provide evidence that supply chain performance of the case company is up to standard (average OPIN=0.64) and is considered stable, but still far from outstanding. Continuous improvement, especially in supply chain efficiency, is suggested in order to maximize performance.Originality/valueThis integrated approach is innovative and creates a new way for other disciplines. This study provides a practical and easy‐to‐use model that enables senior and top management decision makers and operation managers involved in the supply chain to assess, forecast, and take anticipatory action so that the supply chain can experience improvement in a timesaving and effective manner and achieve excellence in performance.
The situation facing UK public libraries and the need to change the status and approach of interlending
Authors: Taylor Ben 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of his paper is to describe the situation facing public libraries in the UK and specifically in London, in particular the role of interlending and the potential for its development.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses his own research work into the work of London libraries.FindingsThe paper finds that in a period of deep cuts there nonetheless exist real opportunities for developing services, and concrete suggestions and proposals are made.Originality/valueThis is one of the very few articles to address the issue of interlending in one of the world's largest cities.
“What? I thought Samsung was Japanese”: accurate or not, perceived country of origin matters
Authors: Magnusson Peter , Westjohn Stanford A. , Zdravkovic Srdan 
Published: August 2011

PurposeExtensive research has shown that country‐of‐origin (COO) information significantly affects product evaluations and buying behavior. Yet recently, a competing perspective has emerged suggesting that COO effects have been inflated in prior research and even that the COO concept has become irrelevant. The purpose of this paper is to reconcile these two competing perspectives by examining the effects of individual brand origin perceptions.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual framework is grounded in consumers’ learning. Empirically, the authors’ hypotheses are tested using hierarchical linear modeling on a sample of 4,047 brand evaluations by 544 consumers.FindingsThe results provide strong evidence that product country image of the consumer's perceived brand origin strongly affects brand attitudes, and this happens regardless of the perceptions’ objective accuracy. The authors also find evidence that educating consumers about brands’ true COO can contribute to changes in brand attitudes.Practical implicationsIt is concluded that suggestions that COO has become an irrelevant construct in international marketing may be premature. The study offers meaningful insights for managers in understanding how brands’ country associations affect brand attitudes.Originality/valueThis study aims to reconcile tensions in the current COO literature and does so by demonstrating that although consumer knowledge of brand origin is often mis‐calibrated, consumers’ perceptions of brand origin still matter.
Resolving the impasse regarding research on the origins of products and brands
Authors: Samiee Saeed 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the apparent controversy surrounding the relevance of country of origin (CO) and brand origin (BO) lines of research, with particular reference to an article authored by Magnusson, Westjohn, and Zdravkovic (MWZ) whose research findings assert that CO matters, irrespective of whether customers can actually recall origins of brands.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the extant literature from academic and business publications, the paper offers evidence regarding the relative unimportance of origin‐related attributes in most purchasing situations. In this context, the paper examines the atheoretic nature of CO research combined with a general lack of realistic managerial relevance, consumers’ impoverished CO and BO knowledge base, and the challenges of using CO as a positioning tool in marketing strategy. Finally, the paper examines some critical research issues regarding MWZ's contribution.FindingsCountry of origin research is not as relevant in customer choice process as some scholars believe and is generally void of meaningful managerial guidelines.Originality/valueThis is a commentary about an International Marketing Review article.
The shift from manufacturing to brand origin: suggestions for improving COO relevance
Authors: Usunier Jean‐Claude 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to comment on Magnusson et al.'s paper. Rather than entering into the COO (country of origin) relevance debate, the author observes the shift from manufacturing to brand origin and outline consequences for future COO research by taking into account linguistic aspects of brand names.Design/methodology/approachThis paper documents the issue of brand origin recognition accuracy (BORA, a central theme in Magnusson et al.'s paper) and the progressive replacement of COO and COM (country of manufacture) by COB (country of brand). Linguistic cues lead to both incorrect and correct classification of brands in terms of their national origin, which the author subsumes in four ideal‐typical situations, by taking into account company intention to manipulate origin information or not. The author then outlines factors which cause and moderate incorrect versus correct classification, especially brand size, corporate vs product names, and linguistic devices.FindingsA framework is developed crossing causes of incorrect versus correct classification with company strategic branding intents. Suggestions are provided for future research combining linguistic and non‐linguistic aspects of BORA.Practical implicationsCompanies willing to build on the origin and favorability of their brand names should deploy a deliberate naming strategy that is expressed in the textual part, as well as in the visual part (i.e. brand name fonts, logo, packaging) and the accompanying marketing communications, especially advertising copy.Originality/valueThis paper takes distance from the raging debate on the relevance of COO research, and suggests to deepen the understanding of BORA. This is done by looking at causes and moderating variables of BORA, and taking into account linguistic aspects of strategic branding in the global market.
Further clarification on how perceived brand origin affects brand attitude
Authors: Magnusson Peter , Westjohn Stanford A. , Zdravkovic Srdan 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a rejoinder. The rejoinder is written in response to the commentaries provided by Saeed Samiee and Jean‐Claude Usunier on the authors’ original research piece: “‘What? I thought Samsung was Japanese’: accurate or not, perceived country of origin matters”.Design/methodology/approachThe rejoinder is organized into three separate sections. The first section identifies areas of agreement between the authors, and Samiee and Usunier. The second section responds directly to the empirical and conceptual criticisms levied by Samiee and Usunier and clarifies the authors’ contribution. The rejoinder concludes by identifying areas of future research that may help further advance the field.FindingsIn addition to responding directly to the criticism of the original study, perhaps more importantly, the authors note several areas of common ground. First, there is agreement that future country‐of‐origin (COO) research designs must be careful to not artificially expose subjects to country cues that the consumer otherwise may not have considered. Second, in a globalizing world, brand origin perception appears to be more important than “made in” labels.Originality/valueThe authors do not consider the COO field outdated or irrelevant, but rather that it is a vibrant field of considerable interest to both practitioners and researchers. There is much still to be learned, and the authors hope the original research study and the ensuing debate have sparked fresh ideas and will lead to a continued effort in this interesting research field.