bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategic alliances as a competitive strategy
Authors: Rajasekar James , Fouts Paul 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how domestic airlines benefit when they have code sharing arrangements with international carriers.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this research study have been collected primarily from three sources. The first database, the digest of statistics no. 400 is from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) based in Montreal, Canada. The second source of data comes from the Airline Business database. The third source of data for this research study is from Official Airline Guide (OAG). Ten years of data from 1994 to 2004 are collected from the databases of ICAO, Airline Business and also from individual airlines. Data such as the revenue passenger miles (RPMs) and load factor are obtained from the ICAO database and data such as alliance pattern are culled from the Airline Business database.FindingsThis research study reveals that code sharing agreements between a domestic and international airline will benefit the former by way of increased RPMs, passenger load factor (PLF), and market share. However, the coefficients of the hypothesized variables suggest that the initial gains achieved by the domestic airlines by way of increased RPMs start to erode in the long run. Thus, a domestic airline must form a code sharing agreement with an international airline at the earliest, so as to get the initial increase in RPMs. The effect of code sharing on the market share of domestic airlines is explicit and consistent throughout this research study. The second dimension in the code sharing is the multiple alliances between domestic and international airlines. Multiple alliances refer to an airline having more than one code sharing agreement with international carriers. The third factor in this sequence of hypotheses is equity investment by international carriers in domestic airlines. The relationship between equity investment and its influence on the performance of the targeted firm is always an interesting topic explored by both the academic researchers and practitioners. However, in this study, the regression results do not support the hypothesis. That means that mere equity investment by international carriers in domestic airlines may not result in increased RPMs, load factor and the market share for domestic airlines. The interesting finding in this particular section is the influence of the large size of the alliance partners on all the three dependent variables; RPMs, PLF, and the market share. Therefore, we can conclude that if both the airlines are large enough and they form code sharing agreements, then this may result in increased RPMs, PLFs, and market share for the domestic airlines. Similarly, the study supports the premise that if the partners are unequal, then the domestic airlines may not be able to increase the RPMs, load factor, and the market share.Originality/valueThis paper reveals that code sharing arrangements reached earlier in the competition is better as the benefits tend to reduce after a certain period of time.
Service quality management applying the balanced scorecard: an exploratory study
Authors: Ratnasingam Pauline 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the balanced scorecard methodology in web services quality. A balanced scorecard framework is developed for web services quality by identifying critical success factors that make up the business objectives, measures, targets, and initiatives.Design/methodology/approachThe framework of web services quality applying the balanced scorecard methodology is developed by integrating the theory of balanced scorecard and web services. Then, case studies with two organizations in the agricultural industry are deployed to test the framework of the balanced scorecard.FindingsThe findings of the exploratory case studies suggest a cyclic process that was created with the use of the balanced scorecard approach to evaluate the quality of web services applications and in order to integrate quality and to provide a strategic map and indicate how information will be disseminated so that the potential use of web services can be attained.Practical implicationsThe study contributes to practitioners as they will have a system which will provide them with timely, cost‐effective, scalable, manageable, and reliable feedback on their strategic performance. Further, the balanced scorecard gives a holistic view of the firms by simultaneously examining its performance from four perspectives; namely learning and growth, internal business processes, customer, and financial perspectives.Originality/valueUnlike previous research that uses the balanced scorecard to measure the economic impact on the firm. This paper discusses the role of the balanced scorecard methodology in improving the service quality of firms using web services. Further, it provides lessons learned, as in measures that firms can be aware of in the quality of the services they provide.
A study of relations among service quality differences, post‐purchase behavior intentions with personality traits, and service recovery strategy as intervening variables
Authors: Lin Wen‐Bao 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the effect of the difference between the consumer's expectation and perception of service quality on post‐purchase behavior intentions, and the effect of the consumer's personality traits and the enterprise's service recovery strategy as intervening variables on post‐purchase behavior intentions of consumers.Design/methodology/approachA sampling survey is carried out among customers of the top ten banking industries in Taiwan. A convenient sampling survey is carried out among customers of the top ten banks. A total of 243 effective samples are returned.FindingsThe result shows that the smaller the difference between expectation and perception of service quality is, the more the consumers will show their loyalty in post‐purchase behavior; the bigger the difference between expectation and perception of service quality is, the more the customers will make complaints and convert to other brands. When the difference is bigger between customer expectation and perception of service quality, the personality trait of external control orientation may prevail over the personality trait of internal control orientation.Research limitations/implicationsIntangible service is the core product of banks, but it is easily copied by competitors. Therefore, creation of brand image and improvement of goodwill are important for the establishment of uniqueness and distinguishability of a bank.Practical implicationsService recovery is one of the major factors that influence the sequential actions of consumers. Service quality does not directly influence the sequential attitude and behavior of consumers; other intervening variables that exert direct influence exist.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified information need and offers practical help to the service industry.
Bootstrapping and the financial condition of small firms
Authors: Ebben Jay J. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate relationships between financial condition and the use of bootstrapping in small firms.Design/methodology/researchA total of 901 manufacturing firms were selected from a comprehensive financial database containing income statement and balance sheet records. Surveys were sent to each of these firms and 186 firms returned usable surveys. Survey responses on bootstrapping techniques were compared with financial data for these 186 firms. Both the initial financial status and the financial status of these firms two years later were analyzed.FindingsThe results indicate that highly levered, illiquid, and underperforming firms were more likely to use certain bootstrapping methods than other firms, and that the methods they used may have been detrimental to future firm performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings support a resource dependence model and raise questions as to why financially constrained firms chose to use particular bootstrapping methods. Generalizability of the study is limited due to the homogeneous sample of manufacturing firms and due to the sample and recall biases associated with surveys.Practical implicationsSmall business owners should understand the options available for bootstrapping as well as the importance of proactive as opposed to reactive financial strategy.Originality/valueThis is one of the first empirical studies that investigates the relationship between financial condition and bootstrapping, and it provides insight into how and when small firms bootstrap as well as some potential implications of bootstrapping on firm outcomes.
The truncated narrative of gender and development
Authors: Tripathy Jyotirmaya 
Published: June 2009

PurposeResearch in gender and development (GAD) remains largely preoccupied with women's issues and ignores the gendered nature of masculine experience. While exposing this inconsistency in gender research, the present paper highlights the gendered nature of men, and sets an agenda for their inclusion in gender research and planning.Design/methodology/approachTo engage with the issue, the paper resists an unproblematic understanding of men as a singular formation, and instead builds on cultural and historical approaches which locate masculinity within modes of production.FindingsInstead of casting men in the problem mode and theorizing masculinity as an ahistorical universal, an attempt is made to delink men from patriarchy. For development to be truly transformative, men's issues should be addressed not just as instruments for women empowerment, but also as subjects in themselves.Practical implicationsThe paper, at a very broad level, pleads for a need to re‐vision and “men” stream development that does not ignore women, but accommodates men as gendered subjects.Originality/valueIn this context, power may be seen as embedded in specific modes of production, and not inherent in patriarchy. The paper argues that development agenda should go beyond categorical thinking, include men in gender planning, and create conditions for social justice.
The role of individual values in the process of economic growth
Authors: DiPietro William 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to investigate whether, and, if so, to what extent, the valuation that nations place on individual personality traits change with economic growth and development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper compares the averages of the cross‐country valuations of eight different personality characteristics for various levels of development, and, in addition, employs cross‐country regression analysis to assess the impact of economic growth on the value placed on these characteristics.FindingsIn general, the findings of both the comparative analysis and the cross‐country regression analysis indicate that the valuation counties place on individual personality characteristics change with economic growth and development, and for certain characteristics, rather dramatically.Research limitations/implicationsA major implication of the findings of the paper is that economic growth may not just act in a neutral fashion by merely providing additional material goods, but may have profound effect on future national identity, on the definition of the type of individual that a nation values.Practical implicationsSince economic growth changes the way personality characteristics are valued by a nation, it is possible that the growth process itself can alter the future growth prospects of a nation, because some personality characterizes are apt to be growth fostering, while others are likely to be growth inhibiting.Originality/valueThe paper should be of interest to anyone interested in the changes brought about by growth and development.
Role of microfinance saving in Cameroon: a neo‐structuralist analysis
Authors: Tche Jacob 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to establish an original database from fieldwork on microfinance institutions in Cameroon.Design/methodology/approachThe main method used for the research involved statistical analysis of an original survey data. The latter fieldwork analysis has enabled us to test the hypothesis of neoclassical and neo‐structuralist economists advocating a significant relationship between microfinance savings and liberalised real bank deposit interest rates.FindingsThe statistical analysis carried out indicated that microfinance savings are associated to variables other than the rate of interest. The failure of a liberalised interest rate policy to cause a significant portfolio shift from microfinance into the banking system does not support the interest responsiveness of savings as advocated by the McKinnon‐Shaw school. This paper supports, therefore, the neo‐structuralist analysis of financial development where microfinance institutions are an important structural feature of financial systems in many developing countries.Research limitations/implicationsIt would be interesting to extend statistical analysis undertaken in this paper to other African countries.Practical implicationsThe main policy issue affecting microfinance from the empirical analysis is the need to mitigate the extremely high interest rates utilised by microfinance. Banks may be encouraged to undertake a series of measures such as guaranteeing of future loans to their customer by linking savings and loans to attract microfinance members.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper, therefore, is to provide a unique opportunity to investigate the association between microfinance institution assets and real interest rates in an African country.
Measuring the ROI of talent management
Authors: Yapp Maria 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to consider how effectively today's organizations assess the return on investment (ROI) of their talent management initiatives. It aims to explore the question: How do they know whether the money they spend on recruitment, development and succession management generates a worthwhile commercial benefit to the organization?Design/methodology/approachBased on research conducted with a number of global organizations – including Fujitsu, British American Tobacco, Premier Foods, PepsiCo and Marks & Spencer – this article looks at the steps organizations take to assess the ROI on their investment.FindingsThe paper presents practical case study material from npower – the UK gas and electricity supplier. The case study shows how the business worked to identify leaders and future leaders from its existing talent pool and how this talent management initiative was measured, creating a clear benchmark from which to measure and review future talent investment.Originality/valueThe paper ascertains the key ROI trends and themes that occupy present‐day HR professionals in the UK and outlines a number of practical approaches HR professionals can adopt to evaluate whether their investment in talent is delivering value for the business.
Challenging times require a different talent focus
Authors: Barker Gordon 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe economic downturn has created new priorities for HR, including a greater focus on organizational performance and less emphasis on recruitment. This paper seeks to outline the results of a new survey, which claims that HR teams are being asked to do more with less, and explains how organizations can increase the “likelihood of engagement”.Design/methodology/approachThe Employee Engagement and Retention Survey 2009 was conducted via a detailed questionnaire, completed online by HR practitioners working in a cross‐section of 336 UK organizations.FindingsThis paper offers insights and practical recommendations for HR practitioners. The full survey report and/or an executive summary can be downloaded free from TalentDrain's web site, www.talentdrain.com Originality/value – The paper is based on original TalentDrain research. It translates the survey findings into practical implications for HR practitioners and organizations facing difficult economic times.
Costs down, talent up
Authors: Hills Paul 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe ever‐changing landscape of the music industry and the rapid take up of the digital delivery of music was something that EMI had not capitalized on quick enough. This meant a fall in profit margins and a private equity firm buy‐out resulting in the need for a global headcount reduction to save costs, but with the simultaneous need to retain core talent to aid the businesses recovery. The process was highly publicized and the business was under immense pressure to deliver a successful change program to stop the business from freefalling. This paper aims to look at the issues involved.Design/methodology/approachPenna was approached to work with EMI to implement the downsizing program and its experienced team took a “Cost Down, Talent Up” approach, which is the result of years of Penna experience in the restructuring field. It incorporates an assessment model that is designed to not only retain existing talent but to introduce new talent to lead the business forward while driving down costs.FindingsPenna identified a series of critical success factors for EMI and other companies undertaking such change programs, broadly grouped under the following umbrella terms: set the right goals for your change process; restructure at pace; and integrate talent management.Originality/valueThe paper hightlights how businesses are facing new challenges and must think carefully about their survival strategies, as cost cutting alone is not enough to survive. Employers and HR teams must work to retain the core values embedded in the employer brand, not just when recruiting but also when streamlining or making redundancies.
The role of variety seeking in short and long run revisit intentions in holiday destinations
Authors: Enrique Bigné J. , Sánchez Isabel , Andreu Luisa 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe main purpose of the present paper is to identify the differences in the antecedents of holiday destinations revisit intentions in the short and long run. Specifically, this work analyzes the influence of specific variety seeking, perceived value, destination image, satisfaction, switching costs and past switching behavior.Design/methodology/approachThis is a quantitative study and the authors collected data personal interviews at households using the random route sampling technique. The sample comprises 400 tourists who have been on holiday at least once in the last two years, excluding lodging in relatives' and friends' houses or their own secondary residence. The data is analyzed through structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that there are relevant differences in the antecedents of holiday destination revisit intentions in the short and long term. The main determinants of the intention to return to the destination for the next holiday are past switching behavior, switching costs and specific variety seeking, whereas the assessment of the destination (image and satisfaction) does not have a significant effect. However, in the long term, satisfaction becomes the most relevant antecedent of intentions to return, specific variety seeking maintains its influence, and past switching behavior and switching costs become irrelevant.Practical implicationsThe findings have relevant implications for destination managers in helping them to understand the temporal pattern of tourist revisit intentions and the main antecedents.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is twofold. Firstly, researchers have rarely considered the temporal dimension when analyzing the antecedents of revisit intention, despite the usefulness of this approach to improve the understanding of tourists' return intentions. Secondly, the research is focused on specific variety seeking – that is, the propensity to seek variety in a concrete product category; rather than general variety seeking that is the usual approach.
China's search for energy and its strategy towards Central Asia
Authors: Janardhanan Nandakumar 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a view on China's energy search towards Central Asia and the strategy the country adopts in order to enhance its political and economic reach in the region.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the strategy of China in outmanoeuvring other major energy competitors in the Central Asian region. The analysis also looks at China's strategic leverage in the region over other extra regional powers which are increasingly finding it difficult to overcome the Chinese influence over the energy rich Central Asian countries.FindingsChina's presence in the Central Asian region would continue to be a major concern for other extra regional powers that seek to enter into the region's energy sector. Though countries such as the USA, India, and Russia have undeniable importance to a great extent in the region, the years to come would evince China playing a leading role vis‐à‐vis its interaction with Central Asia.Research limitations/implicationsThough the bandwidth of the political interactions and involvement of Russia and USA are significantly larger than that of China, the region's energy sector would be strategic determinant in shaping the Central Asian states' relations and interactions with the outside world. As the analysis used in this paper is primarily meant to examine China's energy search in Central Asia, issues related to other purely political and economic arena are not extensively discussed.Originality/valueThe paper is the original work of the author. The analysis provided in the paper is based on the facts and information on China's energy search in the Central Asian region. The paper provides analysis of the Chinese energy strategy in Central Asia.