bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A decision tree approach to modeling the private label apparel consumer
Authors: Moore Marguerite , Carpenter Jason M. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to profile the private label apparel consumer using demographic and behavioral predictors. The paper also aims to examine cross‐shopping behaviors among purchasers of private label apparel across the five top US private label apparel retailers.Design/methodology/approachDecision tree analysis is used to model the impacts of demographics and behaviors on private label purchasing. A secondary database (n=1,289) of US private label purchasers provides data for the analysis.FindingsFindings indicate demographic predictors as important drivers of private label apparel purchase among retailers positioned as providers of value, while behavioral drivers are more common among patrons of retailers that are differentiated on service or brand. Cross‐shopping is more common among the retailers positioned on value.Research limitations/implicationsThe research design provides a profile of the private label consumer but does not explain why this consumer chooses private labels over national brands. The data‐mining approach provides an innovative tool for identifying the drivers of private label consumption. Future research should investigate these drivers more deeply, to establish a fuller understanding of this consumer. The sample is limited to US consumers.Practical implicationsFindings suggest that retailers positioned on value/low price need to differentiate private labels to deter cross‐shopping. Likewise, comparatively upscale retailers need to continue to be sensitive to the behavioral demands of their respective target market.Originality/valueResults provide a profile of the private label consumer and offer insight into private label cross‐shopping using an innovative modeling approach that facilitates examination of actual purchase data.
Factors contributing to rural consumers' inshopping behavior
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Stoel Leslie 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how shopping behavior of rural consumers is affected by perceptions of local retailers' social norm‐based activities and task‐oriented actions, and social capital within the community.Design/methodology/approachA mail survey is distributed using a modification of Dillman's method; 524 usable surveys are collected. Multi‐group analysis in structural equation modeling is employed for the data analysis.FindingsThe findings of the paper reveal significant relationships between institutional action and legitimacy, legitimacy and support, and value and support. The moderating effect of social capital on the relationships between institutional action and legitimacy, legitimacy and support, and value and support are significant.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper extends previous research by including both social environmental factors (social capital), and retailers' social actions in explaining consumer support. Limitations of the research design are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.Practical implicationsThis research provides rural retailers with ideas for marketing solutions that use socio‐norm related (i.e. institutional action) and task‐oriented (i.e. performative action) factors to attract local shoppers.Originality/valueThis research adds to the current stream of rural research by integrating institutional theory and social capital theory to propose a conceptual framework. This research is significant as the study results provide implications to rural retailers and further to the community, as the sustainability of the rural sector is closely related to the well‐being of the entire community.
Beliefs of small, independently owned rural retailers about internet use: a typology
Authors: Stoel Leslie , Jeong SoWon , Ernst Stan 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a typology of small, rural retailers based on personal beliefs about business use of the internet and to identify similarities and differences between the retailer subgroups in attitude, perceptual performance, and behavioral intention to use the internet.Design/methodology/approachA mail survey is completed by owners of small, independently owned retailers in rural communities across the USA.FindingsCluster analysis reveals three types of retailers: optimists, efficiency minded, and skeptics. Differences in attitudes towards use of the internet and intention to use the internet for purposes of strategic positioning are found across the groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample frame consists of small, independently owned retailers in rural communities, the response rate is low, and results will not generalize to small retailers in urban areas.Practical implicationsThe stories of optimist retailers can show efficiency‐minded retailers how to gain greater benefit from use of the internet. The skeptical retailers are not likely to adopt the internet even when important others, such as their customers, want them to. These retailers may need to be sold on what the internet can do for retail performance of their specific business. An individualistic approach would likely be the only salient appeal to these retailers, since they are not socially compliant or socially embedded.Originality/valueThis paper produces a typology of small, rural retailers and provides information on internet use of such retailers, both of which are new to the literature.
Economics of a Nordic paper mill: case study
Authors: Hämäläinen Esa , Tapaninen Ulla 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal how the prices, costs, and logistics develop in the case mill and how these variables correlate with profits, and finally to give suggestions for improvements.Design/methodology/approachA typical Finnish paper mill is selected for the basis of the case study. The complete data for the mill for the years 2001 to 2007 at a monthly level are used. The data are obtained from the mill's financial management system and transferred to Excel. Statistica 4.1 software is used to run the statistical correlation analyses. The results can be generalized with certain limitations to paper manufacturing located at a long distance from its customers.FindingsThis paper gives an important insight into the economics of the Finnish paper industry. From theory‐building point of view, the empirical process data show that the variation in production lines is minimal, but there are important variations in paper deliveries. A lot can be gained in the logistics processes. Larger volumes delivered in tons also tend to increase profits. From the mill to the consignees, fluctuations in the process and paper sales grow substantially, which indicates longer storage times.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the case study are based on the data of a single large integrated paper mill in Finland covering the years 2001‐2007, so the results cannot be directly generalized to concern all Nordic paper mills. In May 2005, there was an industrial blackout, which considerably affected the production and deliveries of all Finnish paper mills in that year.Practical implicationsThe competitive advantages of the Finnish paper industry are undermined by low paper prices and costly logistics. The mill managers should increasingly focus on overcapacity and cost issues and also deliver volumes, which all could contribute to higher profits.Originality/valueIn this paper, the Finnish paper industry is studied through a time series, economic geography, and statistical tools. This approach is a novel method and gives new insights into this research object. The mill's economic variables, such as paper prices, profits, and logistics and manufacturing costs, and the characteristics of these issues in a spatial context are studied.
Employee empowerment in a technology advanced work environment
Authors: Kuo Tsung‐Hsien , Ho Li‐An , Lin Chinho , Lai Kuei‐Kuei 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to elicit the determinants of information technology (IT) professional work change and investigates the impact of such changes on IT professionals. Specifically, this paper investigates the effect of work redesign on two personal outcomes: self‐perceived psychological empowerment and organizational commitment.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study is conducted in the field of high‐tech industrial organizations in Taiwan. Data collected from 40 technological companies, located in the Taipei and Hsinchu Science Parks (n=428), are analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results confirm that both work redesign and empowerment generate positive and direct influence on employees' commitment. Specially, the effect of work redesign is amplified on employee commitment through the implementation of employee empowerment.Practical implicationsThe conceptual structural equation model provides useful information for managers to improve employees' commitment towards their work and the organizations through the proper employee empowerment policies.Originality/valueAs technology continues to change at a rapid pace, IT professionals are required to adapt to new tasks and enhanced roles. The paper demonstrates how work redesign indirectly but positively influences employees' work commitment and illustrates the mediate effect of employee empowerment on employee commitment.
Analyzing supplier development criteria for an automobile industry
Authors: Govindan Kannan , Kannan Devika , Noorul Haq A. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an approach to identify and rank the criteria used for the supplier development using interpretative structural modeling (ISM).Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a framework to analyze the interactions among the criteria such as competitive pressure, evaluation and certification system, incentives, supplier development programs, inter‐organizational communication, buyer‐supplier relationship, supplier commitment, supplier performance, asset specificity, joint action, trust, long‐term strategic goals, top management support, purchasing performance, and supplier strategic objective for the supplier development using ISM. The developed framework is illustrated using a case study taken in an automobile firm.FindingsThe paper contributes to research in supply chain management (SCM) and particularly in supplier development. Research in the area of SCM has intensified in recent years for a number of reasons. Managers have now realized that actions taken by one member of the chain can influence the responsiveness, efficiency and profitability of the complete supply chain. Firms are increasingly thinking in terms of competing as part of a supply chain against other supply chains, rather than as a single firm against other individual firms.Research limitations/implicationsSince the proposed framework is applied for only a single company, further studies can be done using the same framework for several companies in India. This will provide a better understanding of how the variables that influence supplier development are affected in different types of industry.Practical implicationsManagers can use the proposed framework to develop better relationships with suppliers and to create management responses that influence and improve their relationships with them.Originality/valueThis paper uses 15 criteria to propose a framework for the supplier development and also finds the interactions between the criteria which influence the most and the least to improve the relationship with the suppliers.
Critical factors for an effective business value chain
Authors: Kess Pekka , Law Kris M.Y. , Kanchana Rapee , Phusavat Kongkiti 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify critical factors for effective business value chains in the electrical and electronic industries. This knowledge can benefit private firms as well as their supplier management and customer fulfillment, and public agencies for relevant policy initiatives.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology includes the survey development and the statistical analyses, especially the use of the Pearson correlation. Altogether, a total of 129 firms participated in this study, 97 companies from Hong Kong and 32 firms from Thailand. Included in this methodology are a pre‐test of a survey and follow‐up discussions with participating executives.FindingsAn effective business value chain essentially depends on good operational systems and management, and information and communication technology (ICT) linkages with both suppliers and customers. There are a total of five critical factors for effective business value chains. For example, an effective business value chain is influenced by how well production and delivery systems are managed. In addition, how well a manufacturer can manage its operation is influenced by customers with effective information and communication infrastructures.Practical implicationsThe five identified factors can be used as a checklist for planning and/or monitoring the effectiveness of a business value chain. The findings also helps develop a new initiative to be undertaken by Thailand's Department of Industrial Work when attempting to strengthen business value chains within various industrial clusters.Originality/valueThe findings underline the need to focus on data harmonization and to adapt ICT standards, such as Control Objectives for Information and related Technology COBIT and Projects in Controlled Environments PRINCE for data sharing and software development, to promote supplier audits when sustaining a business value chain.
ERP implementation in Omantel: a case study
Authors: Maguire Stuart , Ojiako Udechukwu , Said Al 
Published: January 2010

PurposeEnterprise resource planning (ERP) systems if successfully implemented bring about competitive advantages. On the other hand, project failure could, in an extreme case, cause an organisation to go out of business. Mapped against existing literature on ERP critical success factors, this paper examines environmental factors that impacted on the adoption of ERP by The Oman Telecommunication Company (Omantel).Design/methodology/approachA case study methodology is used to study perceptions of the ERP system implementation project in Omantel.FindingsThis paper highlights the particular problems of large organisations that operate disparate legacy systems.Research limitations/implicationsA single case study is conducted. This provides opportunities for further research in a number of varied settings.Originality/valueIt is very important that experiences of ERP projects are shared across countries and sectors. This is because many ERP implementations are rolled out by multi‐national corporations in several countries, often simultaneously. This is one of the few ERP studies that have been conducted by an internal member of staff. In these situations, it is not just a case of access, but that the respondents feel able to give practical answers.
Success rate and resource consumption from project interdependencies
Authors: Rungi Mait 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how interdependencies are used to make the project selection and review more effective in project portfolio management. Managers need to make appropriate pre‐evaluation of disciplines before taking them into use, therefore it is useful to know how much interdependencies can increase the success rate of projects and how big is the resource reduction from the use of interdependencies. This paper is an excerpt of a larger interdependency survey.Design/methodology/approachA large‐scale survey is carried out in two countries – Estonia and Finland. A total of 288 responses were received.FindingsPeople see only positive aspects in interdependencies, but this paper proves that it is not always so. It is found that companies which take the phenomenon into account are more successful. Contrary to the respondents' perception and prior literature, a higher need for resources is noticed among the users of interdependency. The results indicate homogeneity between managerial issues of interdependencies in small‐to‐large companies.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation comes from the sample, as findings from the sample countries and industries may limit generalizability.Practical implicationsPractitioners can expect a higher success rate and resource consumption from interdependencies. Managers from small‐to‐large companies can find size‐related peculiarities and practices for their daily managerial actions.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical evidence for a less investigated, but emerging field of interdependencies. So far, mostly components of interdependency have been investigated in isolation. The paper highlights the behavior of success rate and resource consumption among the users/non‐users of interdependency, which to the author's knowledge has not been provided so far.
Customer relationship management and innovation capability: an empirical study
Authors: Lin Ru‐Jen , Chen Rong‐Huei , Kuan‐Shun Chiu Kevin 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of various dimensions of customer relationship management (CRM) on innovation capabilities. Five dimensions of CRM (information sharing, customer involvement, long‐term partnership, joint problem‐solving, and technology‐based CRM) and five aspects of innovation capability (product, process, administrative, marketing, and service innovations) are identified. The one‐to‐one associations between the two constructs are developed and verified.Design/methodology/approachData from 107 Taiwanese computer manufacturers are collected. Multiple regression analysis is employed to examine the effects of CRM on innovation capabilities.FindingsThe following results are offered: computer manufacturers in Taiwan perform various levels of CRM and, consequently, display different levels of effects on each of the five innovation capabilities. Generally, firms are able to increase their innovation capability by ad hoc CRM; the relationship between customer involvement and process innovation; customer involvement and administrative innovation; and long‐term partnership and marketing innovation are not significant; and technology‐based CRM has positive effects on all five types of innovation.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that not all CRM activities contribute to innovation programs, which clearly indicates the need for applying other mechanisms, such as supplier integration, to form a complete innovation program. Managers should align the development of their supplier management and CRM practices with the desired innovation capability.Originality/valueThe one‐to‐one relationships between CRM practices and innovation capabilities have not been properly examined. The findings suggest the need for more research in this area, and the statistical results provide managers with useful guidelines for implementing appropriate CRM practices to develop specific innovation capabilities to respond to enhanced competitiveness.
Influencing knowledge workers: the power of top management
Authors: Jayasingam Sharmila , Ansari Mahfooz A. , Jantan Muhamad 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key leadership characteristics (in the form of social power) needed in a knowledge‐based firm that can influence knowledge workers (KWs) to participate actively in creating, sharing, and using knowledge.Design/methodology/approachData measuring top leaders social power and knowledge management (KM) practices is gathered from 402 KWs representing 180 Multimedia Super Corridor status firms in Malaysia.FindingsThe analysis indicates that expert power has a positive influence on the extent of knowledge acquisition and dissemination practices. Legitimate power is found to impede knowledge acquisition practices. Furthermore, reliance on referent power no longer works in a knowledge‐based context. Finally, the paper found the impact of coercive, legitimate, and reward power to be contingent on the organizational size.Research limitations/implicationsBesides leaders potential to influence, there may be other factors that could influence the extent of KM practices in organization. Further, this paper explores the power of top management, which could not be generalized to leaders from middle or lower level management. Future research should address these limitations.Practical implicationsThe paper implies that knowledge leaders need to enhance certain bases of power that have the potential to improve the extent of KM practices in organizations.Originality/valueThis paper provides useful insights about the significance of leaders' power bases with emphasis on new approaches needed in knowledge‐based organizations.
Application of fuzzy models for the monitoring of ecologically sensitive ecosystems in a dynamic semi‐arid landscape from satellite imagery
Authors: Lin Meng‐Lung , Chen Cheng‐Wu 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better understand landscape dynamics in arid and semi‐arid environments. Land degradation has recently become an important issue for land management in western China. The oasis ecosystem is especially sensitive to environmental disturbances, such as abnormal/extreme precipitation events, variations in the water supply from the upper watersheds, fluctuations in temperature, etc. Satellite remote sensing of terrestrial ecosystems can provide us with the temporal dynamics and spatial distributions of green cover over large areas of landscape. Seasonal green cover data are especially important in assessing landscape health (e.g. desertification, rate of urban sprawl, natural disturbances) in arid and semi‐arid regions. In this study, green cover data are derived from vegetation indices retrieved from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors onboard the satellite Terra.Design/methodology/approachSatellite images recorded during the period from April 2000 to December 2005 are analyzed and the spatial distribution and temporal changes of the Ejin Oasis quantified.FindingsThis study shows that it is possible to derive important parameters linked to landscape sensitivity from MODIS and the derived imagery, such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time‐series data. Such a MODIS‐based time‐series monitoring system is particularly useful in arid and semi‐arid environments. The results of landscape sensitivity analysis prove the effectiveness of the method in assessing landscape sensitivity from the years 2001‐2005.Practical implicationsThe novel strategy used in this investigation is based on the T‐S fuzzy model, which is in turn based on fuzzy theory and fuzzy operations.Originality/valueSimulation results based on fuzzy models will help to improve the monitoring techniques used to evaluate land degradation and to estimate the newest tendency in landscape green cover dynamics in the Ejin Oasis.