bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why and how service quality perceptions impact consumer responses
Authors: Etgar Michael , Fuchs Galia 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between the perceived quality of services provided by specialist physicians and patients' attitudinal responses along cognitive, emotive and conative levels.Design/methodology/approachThe SERVQUAL model was used to evaluate the quality of the medical services. The data were collected in a survey of medium‐level executives enrolled in professional MBA and executive BA programs in Israel.FindingsThe study shows that patients' evaluations regarding service quality do affect significantly their attitudinal responses. It has also found out that service dimensions relating to anxiety reduction and the desires to reduce perceived risk, namely the Assurance and the Reliability dimensions are the most important for patients in these kinds of service encounters.Practical implicationsThe study should encourage service managers of health care‐providing organizations to use these results to ensure higher patient satisfaction. These results indicate that, in these kinds of medical service encounters, physicians should explicitly recognize the role of service quality perceptions for anxiety reduction and incorporate as many anxiety‐reducing cues as possible in the environment of such interactions.Originality/valueThe research reinforces the importance of patients' perceptions of service quality in medical encounters. The study shows that such perceptions are relevant for patients in medical service encounters of the intermediate type where such patients are treated by specialist physicians. It shows that such perceptions affect the levels of patients' satisfaction from such encounters at both the cognitive and affective levels. They also affect their intentions to act following such encounters in the short, intermediate and long time spans.
Numerical prediction of periodically developed fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in the sinusoid wavy fin‐and‐tube heat exchanger
Authors: Cheng Y.P. , Lee T.S. , Low H.T. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeIn this paper three‐dimensional numerical simulations were conducted for the periodically developed laminar flow in the sinusoid wavy fin‐and‐tube heat exchanger.Design/methodology/approachA novel CLEARER algorithm is adopted to guarantee the fully coupling between the pressure and velocity, and it can not only speed up the convergence rate, but also overcome the severe grid non‐orthogonality in the wavy fin‐and‐tube heat exchanger. The influence of wave amplitude, fin pitch, tube diameter and wave density on fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics is analyzed under different Reynolds numbers.FindingsThe numerical results show that with the increase of wave amplitude, tube diameter or wave density, both the friction factor and Nusselt number will increase, and the increase rate of friction factor is higher than that of Nusselt number. It is interesting to note that, at low Reynolds numbers the Nusselt number increases with the decrease of fin pitch, while at high Reynolds numbers, the Nusselt number increases with the increase of fin pitch.Originality/valueThe numerical results presented in this paper may provide some useful guidance in the design of the wavy fin‐and‐tube heat exchanger with large number of rows of tubes.
Numerical methods applied to global solar radiation modeling – comparison with measured data
Authors: Saffaripour M.H. , Mehrabian M.A. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to predict the global solar radiation intensity in areas where meteorological stations do not exist and information on solar radiation cannot be obtained experimentally.Design/methodology/approachThe approach to achieve the objective of the paper is developing multiple regression relations between the global solar radiation intensity (the dependent variable) and geographical, geometrical, astronomical and meteorological parameters (the independent variables). The independent variables used for this purpose were selected based on their ease of measurability outside the meteorological station and without expensive equipment. The number of independent variables is arbitrarily chosen and directly affects the accuracy of predictions.FindingsLinear regression relations using one, two, three, four, five, six, and seven independent variables were developed to predict the global solar radiation intensity on horizontal surfaces. An advanced computer program based on least square analysis was used to obtain the regression coefficients. The relations having the highest correlation coefficients were selected. The study shows even when only one independent variable (declination angle) is used, the one variable regression relation predicts the global solar radiation with an accuracy that is satisfactory in most engineering applications.Originality/valueThe diversity of regression relations introduced in this paper gives the engineer such a broad freedom of choice, that knowing only an astronomical parameter of the site makes him capable of estimating the global solar radiation intensity within acceptable margins. The predicted values of global solar radiation intensity by this approach can be used for the design and performance estimation in solar applications. The statistical model developed in this research was validated when compared with the measured data in Yazd airport. The measured data used to analyze the model equations were collected in a 13‐year period. No investigation of this type exists having such degree of accuracy in geographical, geometrical, astronomical and meteorological parameters in Iran.
Leadership as meaning‐making
Authors: Varney John 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to explore leadership from a cognitive perspective as a meaning‐making activity. Proposes that a primary role of leadership is to bring meaning to working life, especially in times of change.Design/methodology/approachDraws on experience of, and observation from, working with management and leadership groups from major organizations across all sectors. Starts with the idea that life is a continuous process of making sense of the world by integrating hierarchical cognitive structures. Suggests that the work of leadership is to orchestrate such meaning‐making at the organizational level, especially in times of rapid change. Contends that having a clear purpose makes work intrinsically rewarding and meaningful, and enables people to relate in collaborative structures such as teams; leadership enables people to rise to challenges, releasing energy that otherwise is expended on resistance to change; and leadership can be understood as a meaning‐making activity that ensures organizational survival and longevity.FindingsArgues that the purpose of an enterprise, properly clarified, creates a field of meaning in which its stakeholders join. Within the meaning field, vision and values are formed that enable people to align with the common cause. Meaningful work allows people to self‐organize, releasing energy to achieve the aim – hence leadership is effective.Practical implicationsDemonstrates that the role of leadership is to make work meaningful, and to help people to rise to evident challenges so that they are fulfilled. This reduces the need for supervision, and helps with recruitment, staff retention and business results.Originality/valueSuggests that, as a result of meaning‐making leadership, people's work becomes meaningful to them and they enjoy high levels of satisfaction. Their organizations can more easily recruit and retain staff.
Recruiting a Web 2.0 workforce
Authors: Mistry Virendra 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to shed light on the relationship between the University of Glamorgan vice‐chancellor's vision for e‐learning and actual recruitment practice.Design/methodology/approachA textual analysis of 36 detailed job descriptions for academic teaching posts was carried out in the first phase of e‐benchmarking activity.FindingsReveals that, despite the high‐level commitment to e‐learning, job descriptions developed within the university's five faculties rarely mentioned e‐learning. Shows that there was a disparity between rhetoric and practice.Practical implicationsDescribes a number of changes initiated following the study, including informing prospective teaching staff of the university's vision and strategy regarding e‐learning and encouraging recruiters within faculties to include e‐learning experience as, at least, a desirable competence in the job description.Originality/valueExplains that the study was part of a wider, and national, e‐benchmarking activity that included 73 UK post‐16 education institutions. This was a unique opportunity for institutions to take stock of their existing plans and strategies that supported e‐learning activity. It is of particular interest to recruiters, learning technologists, academic managers and policy makers in the public sector.
Developing quality in e‐learning: a framework in three parts
Authors: Ireland Jennifer , Mary Correia Helen , Griffin Tim Mark 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce and describe the features of a new e‐learning quality framework developed for a large multi‐campus university. The framework is explicitly designed to improve the quality of e‐learning sites and the quality of online student learning, by developing the skills of the academics who design the sites.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper. It examines a range of existing models and literature on evaluative frameworks in e‐learning and positions the new framework within that context. It describes the features that distinguish the new framework from existing models and explains how these differences are tailored to develop the e‐learning design skills of academic staff and to encourage greater engagement with e‐learning quality initiatives across the university.FindingsThe paper identifies several features of the new framework that differ from other models and explains the inclusion of these features in terms of the support they provide for quality improvement at a university where academics are the main designers of e‐learning sites.Originality/valueThe paper makes a contribution to the literature on quality initiatives in e‐learning by introducing a new quality framework that differs in significant respects from other models. The rationale underpinning the inherently developmental design of this framework, as set out in this paper, may be useful to other universities where academics are the main designers of e‐learning sites.
E‐learning quality assurance: a process‐oriented lifecycle model
Authors: Abdous M'hammed 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a process‐oriented lifecycle model for ensuring quality in e‐learning development and delivery. As a dynamic and iterative process, quality assurance (QA) is intertwined with the e‐learning development process.Design/methodology/approachAfter reviewing the existing literature, particularly focusing on QA frameworks, procedures, and methodology, a process‐oriented model structured around three sequential non‐linear phases is presented: before: planning and analysis; during: design, prototype and production; and after: post‐production and delivery. This model is supported by an advanced information system used to organize, track, collect, and generate reports regarding QA changes and needed updates.FindingsFollowing a process‐oriented lifecycle approach, the paper emphasises that QA requires a supportive environment that explicitly recognizes quality as a work value and as an enabler for reaching organizational goals.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes a practical QA model which follows e‐learning development phases. For each development phase, practical steps, including sample checklists, are recommended.Originality/valueThe proposed model has the potential to transform QA from a static, after‐the‐fact state to a more iterative and dynamic state, thus promoting a culture of ongoing self‐improvement, rather than of circumstantial compliance, within the e‐learning community.
The effect of Enron, Andersen, and Sarbanes‐Oxley on the US market for audit services
Authors: Asthana Sharad , Balsam Steven , Kim Sungsoo 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the Enron scandal, Arthur Andersen's demise and the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act on audit fees.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses empirical methodology (univariate and multivariate).FindingsAudit fees and the Big‐4 premium increased in 2002. Increase was larger for bigger and riskier clients. Evidence is also consistent with a competitive market for former Andersen clients.Research limitations/implicationsData requirements might bias the sample towards larger sized firms. Data availability limits the number of observations.Practical implicationsThe research findings on audit fees in post‐Enron and Arthur Andersen period reported in this paper are important for policy makers.Originality/valueIt is found that the premium charged by Big 4 over non‐Big 4 has increased in 2002, and that the ability of an auditor to charge a premium is adversely affected when its reputation is tarnished. It is also reported that the frequency of voluntary switches within the Big 4 is lowest in 19 years. The audit fee model was also refined by adding two ownership variables to control for agency aspect of client firms; inside and institutional ownership.
Can self‐managed superannuation fund trustees earn the equity risk premium?
Authors: Phillips Peter J. , Baczynski Michael , Teale John 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine whether self‐managed superannuation fund (SMSF) trustees earn: the equity risk premium or any premium to the riskless rate of interest.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 100 SMSFs, the average annual returns since inception of the funds in the sample are compared with: the average annual equity risk premium since that time and the average yield of Commonwealth Government Securities since that time.FindingsThe investigation reveals: the SMSFs in the sample do not earn the equity risk premium and the SMSFs in the sample did not earn a premium to riskless rate of interest. This leads to the conclusion that the SMSFs have borne risk without commensurate reward. Research limitations/implications – The trustees' rationale for making particular investment decisions and the consistency of the portfolio structures with the risk profiles of the trustees are two areas that may be fruitfully explored in future research.Practical implicationsFor SMSF trustees, a simple portfolio that divides assets between (unmanaged) index funds and risk‐free securities on the basis of trustees' risk aversion may generate better results than the existing portfolios. For policy makers, the relatively poor performance of SMSFs implies that the superannuation system as currently structured may not be generating returns that will maximize retirement incomes.Originality/valueThe paper provides the first comparison of SMSF returns with the equity risk premium and the riskless rate of interest measured at appropriate horizons.
Global accounting standards: reality and ambitions
Authors: Wagenhofer Alfred 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe enormous success of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in becoming globally accepted accounting standards leads to challenges in the future. The purpose of this paper is to outline challenges that arise from political influences and from the pressure to sustain a successful path in the development of standards. It considers two strategies for future growth which the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) follows: the work on fundamental issues and diversification to private entities.Design/methodology/approachThe development of IFRS is discussed and evaluated against insights gained from accounting theory. In particular, results from information economics illustrate potential difficulties of the development of a new conceptual framework for international accounting standards.FindingsThe main findings are: the growth strategies adopted by the IASB are risky; the conceptual framework does not sufficiently take into account the diverse objectives of financial reporting; stewardship, prudence, and aggregation can be desirable characteristics of accounting information; and standards that are developed for listed companies need not be well suited for private entities.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that skepticism is warranted about the viability of a consistent framework that applies globally, and that there are benefits to constrained competition among different standards.Originality/valueThe paper reviews academic research that has implications for standard setting and identifies key issues in developing global accounting standards.
Function and problems of brand name pharmaceuticals
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the problems faced by US consumers as insurance companies use brand names as a heuristic tool to identify medical profligacy, penalizing consumers with higher co‐payments or even refusing funding support for new and necessary medications.Design/method/approachAnecdotes and descriptive reviews of the literature describe the basis for the problem. The paper looks at the use of brand names in the pharmaceutical industry in comparison with generic versions. It gives a brief history of brand name development.FindingsThe paper finds that, for the pharmaceutical companies, or any company, a brand name allows them to escape from the confines of generic demand with the price and distribution power from brand demand. Furthermore the easier name can speed adoption of a new product. However, the price spread between new brand name drugs and older ones with non‐branded competition gives rise to unfounded presumptions on all brand names.Practical implicationsBrand names can have value for both consumers and physicians, but it might be desirable for the US health care system to put an end to a brand's exclusive use beyond the innovation's patent protection.Originality/valueThe paper provides concluding recommendations of a broad regulatory solution that pharmaceutical companies would probably oppose.
Measuring customer‐based brand equity: empirical evidence from the sportswear market in China
Authors: Tong Xiao , Hawley Jana M. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis study seeks to examine the practicality and applications of a customer‐based brand equity model in the Chinese sportswear market.Design/methodology/approachBased on Aaker's well‐known conceptual framework of brand equity, this study employed structural equation modeling to investigate the causal relationships among the four dimensions of brand equity and overall brand equity in the sportswear industry. The present study used a sample of 304 actual consumers from China's two largest cities, Beijing and Shanghai.FindingsThe findings conclude that brand association and brand loyalty are influential dimensions of brand equity. Weak support was found for the perceived quality and brand awareness dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research needs to be done if the results are to be expanded into other regional Chinese markets in light of the significant gaps between different regions. Further research also could strengthen this analysis by adding performance measurement into the model.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that sportswear brand managers and marketing planners should consider the relative importance of brand equity in their overall brand equity evaluation, and should concentrate their efforts primarily on building brand loyalty and image.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the scant literature testing the applicability of consumer‐based brand equity in the sportswear industry. Since China is the world's fastest‐growing market for sportswear products, this study also provides important insights about the understanding of Chinese consumers' perceptions of overall brand equity and its dimensions.
Issues in a down economy: blue oceans and new product development
Authors: Pitta Dennis 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a conceptual strategy approach that can be applied to product development.Design/methodology/approachThe case describes an approach to avoid dangerous competition and find new uncluttered market space. The methodology is illustrated by a new start up.FindingsThe paper provides an application of the blue ocean strategy approach to developing new products. Using the approach, companies can restructure their product and service offerings to serve new customers and escape from their industry competitors. Their results offer implications for new product development and management teams as well as senior management.Research limitations/implicationsAs in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn in the case may have limited applicability.Practical implicationsThe case depicts the process that firm can use to innovate.Originality/valueThe case describes how a competitive strategy, focusing on customers can transform a company and its products.
Evaluating random walk forecasts of exchange rates
Authors: Baghestani Hamid 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe random walk forecast of exchange rate serves as a standard benchmark for forecast comparison. The purpose of this paper is to assess whether this benchmark is unbiased and directionally accurate under symmetric loss. The focus is on the random walk forecasts of the dollar/euro for 1999‐2007 and the dollar/pound for 1971‐2007.Design/methodology/approachA forecasting framework to generate the one‐ to four‐quarter‐ahead random walk forecasts at varying lead times is designed. This allows to compare forecast accuracy at different lead times and forecast horizons. Using standard evaluation methods, this paper further evaluates these forecasts in terms of unbiasedness and directional accuracy.FindingsThe paper shows that forecast accuracy improves with a reduction in the lead time but deteriorates with an increase in the forecast horizon. More importantly, the random walk forecasts are unbiased and accurately predict directional change under symmetric loss and thus are of value to a user who assigns similar cost to incorrect upward and downward move predictions in the exchange rates.Research limitations/implicationsThe one‐ to four‐quarter‐ahead random walk forecasts evaluated here are for averages of daily figures and not for the (end‐of‐quarter) rates in 3‐, 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐months. Thus, the framework is of value to a market participant who is interested in forecasting quarterly average rates rather than the end‐of‐quarter rates.Originality/valueThe exchange rate forecasting framework presented in this paper allows the evaluation of the random walk forecasts in terms of directional accuracy which (to the best of knowledge) has not been done before.