bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wettability and shear strength of active Sn2Ti solder on Al2O3 ceramics
Authors: Koleňák Roman , Chachula Michal , Šebo Pavol , Koleňáková Monika 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the wettability of an active Sn2Ti solder on an Al2O3 ceramic material at temperatures of 700°C and higher. Based on the results of the wettability study, soldered joints of Al2O3 ceramics/Sn2Ti solder/steel type AISI 321 were fabricated and the variation of shear strength with time was determined.Design/methodology/approachFor determining melting points, differential scanning calorimetry analysis was performed. The wetting angle of Sn2Ti solder on Al2O3 ceramics was measured using specially developed equipment with a 10‐3 Pa vacuum at temperatures of 700, 800, 850 and 900°C. The wetting angle on AISI 321 steel at a temperature of 850°C was also determined. The joints of Al2O3 ceramics/Sn2Ti solder/steel type AISI 321 were prepared at 900°C, in a vacuum for times 5, 10, 15 and 20 min.FindingsThe best wettability of Sn2Ti solder was achieved at a temperature of 900°C. The wetting angle at the parameter of 900°C/ for 15 min was 47.5°. The joints of Al2O3 ceramics/Sn2Ti solder/steel type AISI 321 attained a strength of 18.3 MPa. It was found that the microstructure of Sn2Ti solder consists of a tin matrix with the presence of a αTi6Sn5 phase.Originality/valueThe results of the work are of significance for the further development of soldering with active solders in a vacuum, as well as with the application of power ultrasound. The possibility of soldering Al2O3 ceramics with SnTi‐based solders was thus demonstrated.
Engendering learning engagement in a diverse cohort: a reflection
Authors: Oliver Gary R. , Coyte Rodney 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reflect upon and describe the introduction of an articulated engagement learning and teaching approach to a diverse cohort in a postgraduate management accounting unit of study.Design/methodology/approachA case study, based on the authors' experiences teaching diverse cohorts applies Bandura's social learning theory. Observation and modelling (which shaped earlier educational experiences and dominate student behaviour and classroom engagement) were used to overcome passive learning behaviour in diverse cohorts.FindingsBetter preparation for class by students is engendered by showing how study is applied. High engagement during class time is a combination of careful team construction and a task that has work relevance. Diversity need not be a constraint on teaching nor a barrier to learning. Diversity can be harnessed to facilitate learning. Reflection of the experience of students indicates high engagement, more confident, flexible and non‐scripted student responses and awareness of the value of diversity in the team.Originality/valueAn articulated engagement learning and teaching approach is described which caters for diversity, using resourcing problems with alternative recommendation choices, requiring justification, critique and defence.
Service marketing control as practice: a case study
Authors: Skålén Per 
Published: September 2011

PurposeService marketing research has developed practices for managing and controlling the human resources. However, the role of these control practices in organizations has neither been empirically studied in a systematic way nor been analyzed in relation to control theory. This paper seeks to address these gaps in previous research.Design/methodology/approachSingle case study of a Swedish financial service firm referred to as the Financial Institute which has drawn on service marketing practices to manage the organization and control the employees.FindingsThe empirical findings suggest that control practices are associated with service marketing discourse controls for the customer orientation of the human resources.Originality/valueIn order to analyze the empirical findings the paper draws on the control theory of organization studies. More particularly labor process theory and Foucauldian organization theory (FOT) are invoked. The analysis suggests that mainly FOT explains how service marketing practices control the customer orientation of the human resources.
The power of qualitative research in the era of social media
Authors: Branthwaite Alan , Patterson Simon 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe electronic social media such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc. have become a major form of communication, and the expression of attitudes and opinions, for the general public. Recently, they have also become a source of data for market researchers. This paper aims to provide a critical look at the advantages and limitations of such an approach to understanding brand perceptions and attitudes in the market place. Although the social media provide a wealth of data for automated content analyses, this review questions the validity and reliability of this research approach, and concludes that social media monitoring (SMM) is a poor substitute for in‐depth qualitative research which has many advantages and benefits.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a detailed, systematic comparison of various research approaches. These include well‐established methods and recent inventions which are in use to explore and understand consumer behaviour and attitudes. Particular attention is given to the analysis of spontaneous consumer attitudes as expressed through the social media and also in qualitative research interviews.FindingsThis analysis concludes that there are three critical features which differentiate qualitative research (as practised in IDIs and group discussions) from SMM. These are: the direct, interactive dialogue or conversation between consumers and researchers; the facility to “listen” and attend to the (sometimes unspoken) underlying narrative which connects consumers' needs and aspirations, personal goals and driving forces to behaviour and brand choice; and the dynamic, interactive characteristics of the interview that achieve a meeting of minds to produce a shared understanding. Philosophically, it is this “conversation” that gives qualitative research its validity and authenticity which makes it superior to SMM.Originality/valueThis review questions the validity and reliability of the SMM, and concludes that it is a poor substitute for in‐depth qualitative research which has many advantages and benefits.
The influences of electronic word‐of‐mouth message appeal and message source credibility on brand attitude
Authors: Wu Paul C.S. , Wang Yun‐Chen 
Published: September 2011

PurposeBased on message source theory, the purpose of this paper is to use positive electronic word‐of‐mouth (eWOM) settings to examine the influence of message source credibility on brand attitude (brand trust, brand affection, and purchase intention). The current study also uses the elaboration likelihood model to examine the moderating effect of product involvement on the relationships between message appeals (rational vs emotional) and brand attitude, as well as between message source credibility and brand attitude.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via internet questionnaires. Based on the internet investigation and pretest, this study chose the stimuli for research products, virtual brands, eWOM, and message source credibility. Via a 2 (notebooks vs shampoo) *2 (appeal: rational vs emotional) experimental design, 211 effective samples were collected to verify the hypotheses of this study.FindingsThe results, for both notebooks and shampoo, are: the positive eWOM message with higher message source credibility indicates a better brand attitude than the eWOM message with lower message source credibility, and this effect is not moderated by the degree of product involvement, indicating its robustness. Second, with a high degree of product involvement, the rational appeal indicates a better brand attitude than the emotional appeal; no significant difference is found when product involvement drops to a low level.Originality/valuePrevious research investigating the moderating effect of involvement on the effects of message‐appeal types and the message source credibility of eWOM is rare. The main contribution of this study is to fill this gap.
Trust and commitment within franchise systems: an Australian and New Zealand perspective
Authors: Wright Owen , Grace Anthony 
Published: September 2011

PurposeAlthough research in franchising is currently experiencing an advancement in the investigation of behavioural attributes, the motivators and perceptions of participants within this partnership, the key variables of trust and commitment, a key to successful business relations, requires further insight. The purpose of this paper is to extend the idiosyncratic dynamics of the franchisor‐franchisee relationship and the influence of such constructs from a distance perspective. Seminal work on relationship marketing (Morgan and Hunt) forms the foundation in the development of the franchising relational dynamics model posed within this paper.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a qualitative, case‐based approach of four Australian retail franchises with holdings in New Zealand. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 franchisees to derive perceptions on trust and commitment currently experienced within the franchise relationship to inform the resultant findings.FindingsKey findings suggest trust and commitment are limited or non‐existent within franchise systems if the provision of consistent, transparent communication is absent or minimal, increasing the propensity for dysfunctional agent‐based behaviour. Three major antecedents for success of a franchise system exist: goal congruence, organisational culture, and communication. Minimal levels of commitment and trust exist where distance affects the stated antecedents.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is exploratory with the findings providing an imperative for further investigation in the management of human factors within franchise systems as opposed to transactional‐based foci in many current studies. Theoretical development adopting a relationship marketing focus from a distance perspective rather than the transaction‐based approach of a single country adds to existing research. This paper is limited to analysis of franchisees' perceptions. Future research should look at both franchisor and franchisee perspectives.Originality/valueResearch of perceptions of individual franchisees, trust and commitment within the franchise relationship is limited within the Asia‐Pacific region. Findings of possible dynamic differences in the franchisor/franchisee dyad provide initial evidence advancing and informing both academic and managerial practice.
The evolution of the state and taxation: role of agriculture
Authors: Grabowski Richard 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze those conditions which determine whether the state will be developmental or predatory.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model is developed to analyze those factors influencing state policy towards agriculture. Then the historical experiences of China, Japan, and Sub‐Saharan Africa are used to illustrate the workings of the model.FindingsA necessary condition for growth promoting (poverty reducing) policy reforms, with respect to agriculture, is that a technological backlog must exist in agriculture.Practical implicationsInternational organizations can play an important role in helping to create the necessary condition for effective reform. Significant investment in regional agricultural research institutions must be made so as to create a technological backlog in agriculture.Social implicationsInvestment in agricultural research has been declining. Thus, the availability of new technology has lessened. This poses an obstacle to rapid growth and poverty reduction. This paper seeks to refocus the attention of policy makers on agriculture.Originality/valueThis paper develops a theory to explain how and when states in developing countries are likely to become developmental. The ideas are illustrated by the experiences of parts of Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa. These results will be useful to domestic policy makers in developing countries as well as the policy makers in international organizations.
The development ethics approach to international development
Authors: Astroulakis Nikos 
Published: September 2011

PurposeDevelopment ethics is an important topic which is often neglected in development studies. The purpose of the paper is to analyze international development in an ethical‐based context using the approach of development ethics.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is mainly based on the pioneering work of the prominent development ethicists and the founder of development ethics as self‐conscious area – Denis Goulet – along with recent development ethics literature. In this context, international development is approached under a holistic ethical manner.FindingsDevelopment ethicists reduce the gap between a conventional perspective of development and the real needs of humankind. In contrast to mainstream economics view, for development ethics the true indicator of development is not growth in a narrow sense of material expansion of wellbeing, but the qualitative enrichment of human beings in all relevant aspects of human life. International development is preserved as an effort to a better life for individuals and to a good global society for nations.Research limitations/implicationsIf research is reported on in the paper, this section must be completed and should include suggestions for future research and any identified limitations in the research process.Social implicationsThe proposed ethical goals and strategies are normative judgments which provide both the notional and practical framework within which international development should be discussed and policy recommendations could be formulated.Originality/valueThe notion of development is redefined on ethical foundations. A conceptual typology of the development ethics goals and strategies to international development is offered. The paper can be perceived as a point of departure that scholars and students of international development and development economics in broad, from both perspectives (orthodox and heterodox), can be incorporated with ethical matters to international development and benefit from it.
Social exclusion and labour market outcomes: evidence from Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Authors: Bangwayo‐Skeete Prosper F. , Zikhali Precious 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the impact of social exclusion on individuals' propensity to be employed and how, if employed, social exclusion affects individuals' perceived job insecurity and the likelihood of being covered by social insurance in their jobs.Design/methodology/approachUsing the United Nations Development Program/United Nations Children Fund 2009 survey data from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the paper employs comprehensive econometric methods that overcome challenges posed by endogeneity of social exclusion in labour market outcomes, self‐selection into employment, and the interdependency between perceptions of job security and social insurance coverage.FindingsResults suggest that socially excluded individuals face hurdles in securing jobs and exhibit higher risk of job loss. Further, results suggest that a holistic educational policy could help promote social inclusion.Practical implicationsFormulation of policies aimed at promoting social inclusion and improved labour market outcomes should not be done in isolation; rather they should be based on a holistic understanding of the multi‐faceted nature of social exclusion.Originality/valueThe originality of the analysis is that it takes into account the multi‐dimensional nature of social exclusion by treating social exclusion as an outcome of a diverse set of an individual's socio‐economic characteristics that ultimately shape the way they feel about their exclusion or inclusion in their societies. This gives an indication of the types of people that are socially excluded and form the group for which a further investigation of labour market outcomes is conducted.
Getting users involved in aligning their needs with business processes models and systems
Authors: Sousa Kenia , Mendonça Hildeberto , Lievyns Amandine , Vanderdonckt Jean 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to present a case study of the application of a methodology that represents an innovative strategy that integrates researches on interaction design and business process management with practical implications. This methodology is devoted to aligning the needs of enterprise system users with business processes (BPs).Design/methodology/approachThis approach establishes an unbroken network of links between BPs, task models and abstract representations of user interfaces. Once the models are linked, it is possible to identify the impact that any change on these models may produce in other models. The main challenge is to organize the linked models according to the organizational context and manage those links with consistency in order to support improving process efficiency and user productivity. This approach has been applied in a large telecommunications organization during four months with its application in two different projects and validated with a cost‐benefit analysis.FindingsApplying this approach in large organizations has demonstrated that: every involved stakeholder is capable of understanding the whole approach in one working day; creating the models and linking them with the corresponding business process models takes around three men/day per core business process; and applying this approach brings up to 60 per cent of return on investment related to process improvement and user experience.Originality/valueThe main differentials of this methodology include using simple models; considering light actions; preserving the independence of technology; and adopting a human‐oriented approach assuring that every managed information impacts people and not only systems, thus enabling fast adaptation to the business dynamism.
Determining the improvement potentials of employee portals using a performance‐based analysis
Authors: Urbach Nils , Smolnik Stefan , Riempp Gerold 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe overall purpose of this study is to inform practitioners about the levers for improving their employee portals.Design/methodology/approachThe authors introduce a theoretical model that is based on the DeLone and McLean IS success model, which considers the specific requirements of employee portals. They tested the associations between their model's success dimensions by using more than 4,400 employees' responses, which were collected in 12 companies across different industries. They applied structural equation modeling to carry out the causal analysis. In addition, within a performance‐based analysis, they further investigated the success dimensions' improvement potentials.FindingsThe results of the causal analysis indicate that besides the factors contributing to the success of information systems (IS) in general, other success dimensions – like the quality of the collaboration and process support – have to be considered when aiming for a successful employee portal. The performance‐based analysis emphasizes the significance of collaboration quality to improve an employee portal and indentifies the respective fields of action.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper's contribution to theory is the empirical validation of a model for investigating employee portal success. The performance‐based analysis further elaborates on the causal analysi's findings. The results advance theoretical development in the area of employee portals and serve as a basis for future research in this field.Practical implicationsThis model offers a means for organizations to evaluate and predict the success of employee portals. The study's findings make it possible for practitioners to understand the levers with which to improve their employee portals and to prioritize their investments accordingly.Originality/valueThis study is among the first, which empirically validates a comprehensive success model for employee portals and highlights its practical usefulness by means of a performance‐based analysis.
A framework for the impact of IT on organizational performance
Authors: Jacks Tim , Palvia Prashant , Schilhavy Richard , Wang Lei 
Published: September 2011

PurposeDespite the constant stream of research investigating information technology (IT) business value, IT capabilities, and competitive advantage, researchers are calling for a more coherent understanding of the firm‐level impacts of IT, and how those firm‐level impacts can be measured. The purpose of this study is to investigate the multitude of organization‐level studies of the impact of IT.Design/methodology/approachMeta‐analysis of IS literature from 2001‐2009.FindingsThe findings are synthesized into an overarching framework of the impact of IT at the organization level. The framework categorizes measures of the impact of IT into productivity, profitability, and intangible benefits, while the antecedents of IT impact are categorized into IT resources, IT capabilities, IT/business alignment and external factors.Originality/valueThe research framework proposed provides a comprehensive snapshot of IS studies on organizational performance.
Conceptualising and responding to self‐neglect: the challenges for adult safeguarding
Authors: Braye Suzy , Orr David , Preston‐Shoot Michael 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe research reported here aims to scope the concept of self‐neglect as it is explored in the literature and interpreted in practice by professionals involved in adult safeguarding.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken included a systematic search and thematic analysis of English‐language literature on self‐neglect, workshops with UK‐based adult safeguarding leads and practitioners from social services, police and health services, and scrutiny of Safeguarding Adults Boards' documentation.FindingsThe concept of self‐neglect is complex with contrasting definitions and aetiology, accompanied by debates on the principles that guide intervention. Decision‐making capacity is a key pivot upon which professional responses to self‐neglect turn. Intervention in self‐neglect requires careful exploration in the context of principles of personalisation, choice, control, and empowerment that underpin policy in adult social care and safeguarding.Research limitations/implicationsAs a conceptual scoping review, this study seeks to establish broad themes of use to practitioners working with self‐neglect. It thus does not carry out a full quality review of the literature identified and discussed, but serves as a base for this to be done in future.Practical implicationsAssessment in self‐neglect should consider the influence of a number of possible causative factors, and intervention must balance respect for autonomy on the one hand and a perceived duty to preserve health and wellbeing on the other.Originality/valueThis article summarises and critically analyses the emerging key features of evidence‐informed practice in the challenging field of self‐neglect.