bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The healthcare off‐shoring industry in developing economies – institutional and economic foundations
Authors: Kshetri Nir 
Published: July 2011

PurposeIndustrialized world‐based healthcare providers are increasingly off‐shoring low‐end healthcare services such as medical transcription, billing and insurance claims. High‐skill medical jobs such as tele‐imaging and tele‐pathology are also being sub‐contracted to developing countries. Despite its importance, little theory or research exists to explain what factors affect industry growth. The article's goals, therefore, are to examine economic processes associated with developing economies' shift from low‐ to high‐value information technology enabled healthcare services, and to investigate how these differ in terms of legitimacy from regulative, normative and cognitive institutions in the sending country and how healthcare services differ from other services.Design/methodology/approachThis research is conceptual and theory‐building. Broadly, its approach can be described as a positivistic epistemology.FindingsAnti off‐shoring regulative, normative and cognitive pressures in the sending country are likely to be stronger in healthcare than in most business process outsourcing. Moreover, such pressures are likely to be stronger in high‐value rather than in low‐value healthcare off‐shoring. The findings also indicate that off‐shoring low‐value healthcare services and emergent healthcare industries in a developing economy help accumulate implicit and tacit knowledge required for off‐shoring high‐value healthcare services.Research limitations/implicationsThe approach lacks primary data and empirical documentation.Practical implicationsThe article helps in understanding industry drivers and its possible future direction. The findings help in understanding the lens through which various institutional actors in a sending country view healthcare service off‐shoring.Originality/valueThe article's value stems from its analytical context, mechanisms and processes associated with developing economies' shift to high‐value healthcare off‐shoring services.
Modifications of the 85/85 test and the temperature cycling test for tantalum capacitors
Authors: Virkki Johanna , Sydänheimo Lauri , Raumonen Pasi 
Published: July 2011

PurposeAccelerated tests are commonly used to evaluate the reliability of electronic components and to detect failures caused by environmental conditions in field use. Many standard accelerated tests are available for evaluating the reliability in a commonly approved way. These tests form a good basis for reliability testing. However, sometimes standard accelerated tests may not be directly used to test the reliability of a certain component. Rather, such tests should be modified for each component, based on the component's structure and field use. The purpose of this paper was to modify two Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standard accelerated tests: the steady‐state temperature humidity‐bias life test (the 85/85 test) and the temperature cycling test, for use in testing tantalum capacitors more efficiently.Design/methodology/approachThe 85/85 test was first modified by adding a ripple voltage and then by adding a voltage off‐period. The temperature cycling test was modified by using applied voltage during the test and then by shortening the testing time.FindingsStandard accelerated tests form a good basis for reliability testing, but accelerated tests should be carefully planned and tailored for each component type, based on structure and conditions of use. Results show that, with minor modifications, standard tests can be diversified into various types of tests.Research limitations/implicationsConclusions are mostly based on a literature review. More testing needs be undertaken in order to collect statistical data to validate the conclusions.Originality/valueThe objective in this paper was to produce more versatile tests for tantalum capacitors, based on two JEDEC standard accelerated tests. The developed tests can help detect failure mechanisms of tantalum capacitors faster and more accurately than standard accelerated tests.
Minimizing the business impact on the natural environment
Authors: Dos Santos Maria A.O. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the sustainable business practices of Woolworths, a major South African retail chain.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis of Woolworths' comprehensive 2008 and 2009 annual reports and press releases was done in order to identify and describe the different sustainable business practices of Woolworths itself. Contact was established with the Good Business Journey Manager of Woolworths when issues in the publications needed further clarification.FindingsSustainable business practices are often regarded as a statutory expense in order to meet government legalisation requirements. This case study demonstrates that a business can voluntarily decide to be sustainable and it can use this approach to drive innovation, build its brand image and increase efficiencies and cost savings within the business.Research limitations/implicationsBusinesses can be sustainable even in developing countries.Practical implicationsBusiness can implement sustainable business practices, save money and still make a profit.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the sustainable business practices undertaken by a major South African retail chain.
The marketing practices‐performance relationship in professional service firms
Authors: Sweeney Jillian C. , Soutar Geoffrey N. , McColl‐Kennedy Janet R. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate marketing practices in professional service firms (PSFs). PSFs' marketing practices are not well understood, despite their increasing importance to economies worldwide and recognition of their unique characteristics and the marketing challenges they face. The study also examined whether PSF performance outcomes is better modeled through a competency approach suggested by the resource‐based view, or through the extent of use (practices) approach.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data were collected from professional service providers through an online survey of senior professional service providers across a range of services, including law, engineering, accounting and finance and management consultancy.FindingsResults show interaction marketing was the most common PSF practice and the combination of extent of use and competency, rather than extent of use alone, is a better predictor of firm performance. The results also demonstrate the relevance of the plurality of practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe study shows that transaction marketing and database marketing are particularly necessary for financial and market performance, while both interaction marketing and database marketing particularly underpin customer performance. All practices need to be conducted extensively and well for optimum outcomes. The study is cross‐sectional in nature and does not enable a judgment about causal inferences; rather, relationships between constructs are presented.Practical implicationsProfessional service providers should focus on competency of practice, as well as extent of practice. However, not all professional service providers do this. Importantly, having a customer service focus is not sufficient to achieve positive market and financial outcomes.Originality/valueThe results presented in the paper have important implications for researchers when modeling and measuring marketing practices and for professional service managers when undertaking marketing activities.
Identifying the comparative academic performance of secondary schools
Authors: Bendikson Linda , Hattie John , Robinson Viviane 
Published: July 2011

PurposeOne of the features of the New Zealand secondary schools system is that achievement closely reflects the taught curriculum. The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) directly assesses student achievement on the secondary school curriculum through a combination of criterion‐based internal and external assessments. The nature of NCEA means school‐level results not only reflect student achievement but also the ability of leaders to organise, deliver, and monitor a relevant curriculum for students. This paper aims to describe how NCEA data were used to develop a simple but fair system to assess the relative performance of secondary schools.Design/methodology/approachNo standardised measures of performance prior to Year 11 are available in New Zealand. Nor are student‐level data available. In the absence of these, multiple indicators of gross performance, added value and improvement over time were analysed using a schools‐of‐similar‐type methodology.FindingsResults indicated that schools in the low and middle SES communities were more likely to be improving than others, but these improving schools were also more likely to be already high‐ or mid‐performing. Low‐performing schools were least likely to be improving.Originality/valueSome advantages of this methodology are its ability to be utilised with any publicly available standards‐based achievement data, its validity as an indicator of leadership and organisational performance, and its ability to track school performance trends over time.
A comparative investigation of consumers' attitudes toward marketing practices of hypermarket retailers in Thailand
Authors: Watchravesringkan Kittichai (Tu) , Punyapiroje Chompunuch 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of hypermarket retailers' marketing efforts by exploring consumers' attitudes toward marketing practices (CATMPs) of three retailers (Tesco‐Lotus, Big C, and Carrefour) in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA non‐probability convenience sampling procedure was employed. The data were collected from an intercept survey administered face to face. Three versions were tailored to each specific hypermarket retailer using similar questions related to consumers' attitudes toward different areas of marketing practices. The measures were adapted from the Index of Consumer Sentiment toward marketing and consumers' attitudes toward marketing.FindingsThe results showed that although Thai consumers displayed different attitudes toward retail services, positive advertising, and fair price, they expressed similar attitudes toward business provisions and product quality across samples. Main and interaction effects of a limited number of demographic variables were also identified.Research limitations/implicationsMultinational hypermarket retailers need to understand the similarities and differences related to areas of their marketing practices to be able to market effectively to Thai consumers. However, since the data were obtained from one city, the major limitation in the study is the generalizability of the findings.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to attempt to investigate CATMPs of multinational hypermarket retailers operating in Thailand.
Dimensions of hotel experience of people with disabilities: an exploratory study
Authors: Poria Yaniv , Reichel Arie , Brandt Yael 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis exploratory study aims to focus on the challenges arising from the interactions between wheelchair users, individuals using crutches and blind people with the hotel environment as well as on the efforts to overcome these challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was gathered through a snowballing technique. The study utilizes in‐depth semi‐structured interviews of 45 participants: 20 used wheelchairs; ten were dependent on crutches; and 15 were blind. The data were subject to thematic content analysis.FindingsInterpreted by the social model of disability, the results suggest that the challenges participants confront derive from the physical design of the environment as well as staff behaviors. Differences were found between the hotel experiences of people with various types of disabilities.Research limitation/implicationsThe sample was limited to Israeli participants.Practical implicationsThe paper offers recommendations for hotel management with regard to specific physical as well as interpersonal means to alleviate apparent difficulties faced by people with disabilities in their hotel experiences.Originality/valueThis study broadcasts the genuine voice of people with disabilities. The findings are of special relevance to hospitality researchers, educators, executives, and hotel staff.
Complex service recovery processes: how to avoid triple deviation
Authors: Edvardsson Bo , Tronvoll Bård , Höykinpuro Ritva 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis article seeks to develop a new framework to outline factors that influence the resolution of unfavourable service experiences as a result of double deviation. The focus is on understanding and managing complex service recovery processes.Design/methodology/approachAn inductive, explorative and narrative approach was selected. Data were collected in the form of narratives from the field through interviews with actors at various levels in organisations as well as with customers in a high‐touch service industry. The data form the analysis of double and triple deviation situations and complex service recovery processes.FindingsThe study identifies four factors that influence complex service recovery processes and outcomes in double deviation situations: communication, competence, time, and service system. The resulting theoretical conceptualisation of the recovery process from the customer's perspective emphasises customer perceived control, sense of coherence, and meaning. Together, these factors shape customers' perception of complex service recovery experiences.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical study is limited to the context of restaurant services. However, the findings might generalise analytically to other labour‐intensive, high‐touch services that rely on face‐to‐face interactions between customers and the service employees in triple deviation situations.Practical implicationsThe different roles in a complex service recovery process must be managed constantly and in light of actors' resource integration in double deviation situations, as part of value co‐creation. Service organisations should develop a shared understanding of what factors result in favourable complex service recovery processes, to avoid triple deviations.Originality/valueThe paper offers extended understanding of complex service recovery processes through a new, empirically grounded conceptualisation of double service recovery to avoid a triple deviation.
Reputation attributes in retailing services: managerial perspective
Authors: Järvinen Raija , Suomi Kati 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to study the construct of reputation in retail services, its dimensions and attributes from the store management perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe article adapts the conceptual model developed by Vidaver‐Cohen who suggests that reputation predictors are formed by eight quality dimensions. In the first stage of the study 18 interviews were carried out. In the second stage a survey containing 170 statements was conducted.FindingsThe main contribution lies on the identification of the context specific attributes of the quality dimensions of reputation and their content in retailing.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on identifying reputation dimensions and their attributes and contents in the retail context. The empirical data were gathered from stores located in shopping centres.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that reputation management in the service sector might be easier if managers were better able to recognise the industry‐related quality dimensions of reputation. In addition, stores should be more prepared for unforeseen, even disastrous events and publicity that may ruin their reputation in one way or another.Originality/valueNumerous researchers have recognised the critical role of reputation in marketing, but as yet empirical reputation studies are scarce, at least in retailing services.
The role of technology readiness in self‐service technology acceptance
Authors: Lin Jiun‐Sheng Chris , Chang Hsing‐Chi 
Published: July 2011

PurposeNotwithstanding a significant amount of literature on the technology acceptance model (TAM), past research has overlooked the role consumers' technology readiness (TR) plays in adoption of self‐service technologies (SSTs). This study aims to fill this research gap by developing and testing a model that integrates the role of TR into the TAM.Design/methodology/approachThe study proposes a research framework to suggest the direct and moderating roles of TR in the TAM. Extant research from various research streams is reviewed, resulting in 13 hypotheses. Data collected from customers with SST experiences are examined through structural equation modeling (SEM) and hierarchical moderated regression analysis.FindingsResults indicate that customer TR enhances perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward use, and intention to use. Results also show that TR attenuates the positive relationship between perceived ease of use and attitude toward using SSTs.Research limitations/implicationsThis research represents an early attempt to explain the role of TR in the TAM in the context of SSTs. Future research directions are discussed, with emphasis on incorporating customer differences and situational factors to better understand this model in various service settings.Practical implicationsFindings show that TR influences perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward using SSTs, and behavioral intentions. Therefore, to achieve better SST service outcomes firms implementing SSTs should give increased attention to customer TR. Firms should stimulate the use of technological services by strengthening positive TR drivers (the optimism and innovativeness dimensions) to encourage use of technological services and positive attitudes toward technology, while also reducing TR inhibitors (the discomfort and insecurity dimensions) to lower reluctance to use technology.Originality/valueThis study is the first to integrate the role of TR into the TAM in the context of SSTs.
Numerical analysis of convective heat transfer enhancement in swirl tubes
Authors: Rainieri Sara , Bozzoli Fabio , Schiavi Linda , Pagliarini Giorgio 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the convective heat transfer in swirl tubes, which are obtained by roto‐translating a circular section eccentric with respect to the rotation axis. The geometry is numerically investigated with the aim of evaluating the convective heat transfer enhancement effect due to the secondary flow induced by the centrifugal force.Design/methodology/approachThe governing equations, i.e. continuity, momentum and energy equations, are integrated numerically within Comsol Multiphysics® environment, under the assumption of incompressible Newtonian and constant properties fluid and of periodically fully developed laminar flow for what concerns both the hydrodynamic and the thermal problem under the uniform wall heat flux thermal boundary condition.FindingsThe heat transfer performance of the geometry is discussed in relation to the flow pattern. In particular, the numerical results show that two different stable flow regimes may exist, according to the ratio of the Reynolds number to the dimensionless helix pitch. The Nusselt number augmentation becomes significant for high Prandtl number fluids when a critical Re/P* value, corresponding to the onset of the centrifugal forces induced secondary flow, is reached.Originality/valueThe geometry here investigated represents an interesting solution to enhance the convective heat transfer in situations in which the flow, although disturbed, persists in the laminar regime. This type of enhanced tubes shows then interesting heat transfer performances (which becomes particularly significant for high Prandtl number values) by thus suggesting convenient applications also for highly viscous fluids which are often treated under the laminar flow regime.
Pattern study of thermal phase separation for binary fluid mixtures
Authors: Tiribocchi Adriano , Piscitelli Antonio , Gonnella Giuseppe , Lamura Antonio 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present numerical results about phase separation of binary fluid mixtures quenched by contact with cold walls.Design/methodology/approachThe thermal phase separation is simulated by using a hybrid lattice Boltzmann method that solves the continuity and the Navier‐Stokes equations. The equations for energy and concentration are solved by using a finite‐difference scheme. This approach provides a complete description of the thermo‐hydrodynamic effects in the mixture.FindingsA rich variety of domain patterns are found depending on the viscosity and on the heat conductivity of the mixture. Ordered lamellar structures are observed at high viscosity while domains rounded in shape dominate the phase separation at low viscosity, where two scales characterize the growth of domains.Research limitations/implicationsThe present approach provides a numerical method that can be extended to other systems such as liquid‐vapor or lamellar systems. Moreover, a three‐dimensional study can give a complete picture of thermo‐hydrodynamic effects.Originality/valueThis paper provides a consistent thermodynamic theoretical framework for a binary fluid mixture and a numerically stable method to simulate them.
Drug markets during the Katrina disaster
Authors: Dunlap Eloise , Golub Andrew 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the experiences of poor drug users and sellers who remained in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to identify their special needs and the unique challenges they present to disaster management.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured, open‐ended interviews were conducted with 119 poor, predominantly African‐American, drug users and sellers. Their stories in their own words provide a mosaic of drug‐related experiences from the period immediately preceding the storm through evacuation and reveal the motivations behind their behaviors.FindingsMany drug users placed partying, maintaining their habits, and making money ahead of personal safety and evacuation. Drug use and sales led many not to evacuate before the storm, to use drugs in congregate shelters, to avoid shelters, to roam through flooded debris‐strewn streets, to loot stores and homes of drug dealers, and to use violence or the threat of violence to achieve their drug‐related aims.Originality/valueDuring a disaster, many poor drug users place risks on themselves, their families, their communities and ultimately on rescue workers. The conclusion presents pragmatic and humanitarian guidelines for successfully addressing this additional challenge. The recommendations are consistent with other suggestions concerning the special needs of indigent populations.