bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contradictory spaces: negotiating virtual spaces of consumption
Authors: Laing Angus , Newholm Terry , Hogg Gill 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe internet driven information revolution is frequently cited as one of the key drivers (re‐)shaping contemporary consumption. In particular, the internet has been seen as disrupting established conventions in professional services. Popularly, it has been viewed as a liberating medium, a mechanism by which consumers and citizens have been able to challenge the authority of the professional establishment. Yet for consumers, the internet can equally be viewed as generating new uncertainties and challenges in terms of negotiating a new settlement with professionals and reconfiguring the service encounter. The purpose of this paper is to explore experiences of consumers with the use of internet derived information in respect of complex professional services and the impact of such information utilisation on the format of the service encounter.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data is generated through interviews with professionals (n=24) and consumer focus groups (n=10/53).FindingsThe paper argues that the multi‐faceted nature of the internet creates informational “spaces” which present both opportunities and threats to consumers in renegotiating the service encounter. Balancing the paradoxes created by these informational spaces is at the core of the challenge confronting contemporary service consumers. Irrespective of the nature of that space, the effect is to create a driver for change, challenging the established practices of both consumer and professional to reshape the service encounter.Research limitations/implicationsFocus group research does not enable a judgement about the prevalence or distribution of behaviours among consumers. Nevertheless, this paper advances understanding of contemporary consumption practices and provides a new perspective on nature of consumer utilisation of information within the consumption process.Practical implicationsIt is inevitable that professionals and service organisations will be required to respond to a complex and rapidly evolving set of consumer behaviours and rethink approaches to the delivery of professional services.Originality/valueThe paper addresses an emergent phenomenon and provides unique insights into the changing dynamics of consumption practices in the contemporary knowledge economy.
Acceptance of online customization for apparel shopping
Authors: Cho Hira , Fiorito Susan S. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of successful customization of apparel in e‐retailing and to provide managerial suggestions for strategic planning.Design/methodology/approachUsing an online survey, data are collected from 300 female adults in the US secured through a nationwide random sampling method. AMOS 7.0 and SPSS 15.0 are used to analyze the data.FindingsCustomers recognize the benefits of online customization of apparel when they perceive the website to be useful and competent. Additionally, customers perceive customization websites to be more useful when the websites are secure for the information customers provide. Interestingly, the ease of operation of a website is negatively related to the perception of a competent website and does not influence a positive attitude toward the online customization of apparel.Practical implicationsIn order to give the impression of competent and useful websites, marketers need to develop secure websites. Ease of operation on the website may not always be an advantage for apparel customization; therefore, marketers need to find the optimal levels of ease of website operation to imply useful, yet competent, websites.Originality/valueThis study identified the potential factors for successful customization of apparel in e‐retailing and provided strategic implications to marketers.
Investigating linkages between online purchase behaviour variables
Authors: Vazquez Delia , Xu Xingang 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between the online consumer behaviour constructs of attitude, motivations and information search in order to develop an online consumer behaviour framework.Design/methodology/approachAn email survey collected data from 577 UK respondents and canonical correlations are applied to examine the relationships.FindingsThe results provide empirical support that attitude is an antecedent variable, and that motivation variables have a significant causal relationship with information search variables.Research limitations/implicationsTwo limitations are identified. Firstly, the data collected focussed on UK respondents, consequently the generalisability of these results is in question and further research is required. Secondly, the attitude measure could include more items to further aid reliability.Originality/valueThis research advances the development of the Online Consumer Behaviour literature by adding knowledge on the nature of the relationships between online behaviour constructs.
Gift shopping behavior in a multichannel retail environment
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Hwa , Kim Jihyun 
Published: April 2009

PurposeTo date, most research focused on understanding the meanings and mechanism of gift giving behavior and there is little literature on channel usage behavior for gift shopping. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between consumers' retail purchase experiences for their own use and their gift shopping for others in a multichannel retail context.Design/methodology/approachUsing a self‐administered survey method, the paper obtained 171 usable responses from females in a large US Midwestern University. Data are analyzed employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings of this paper showed that for all five retail channels (i.e. internet, mail‐order catalog, TV shopping, local stores, and non‐local stores), there are significant and positive relationships between consumers' product purchase experiences for their own use and their gift purchase experiences. Managerial and theoretical implications are provided.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the present study include sampling, which prevent the generalization of results to all gift shoppers, and gift product categories focus on in the present study.Originality/valueAs little is known about the consumer gift shopping behavior in a multichannel retail environment, the study provides valuable strategy for multichannel retailers.
A transactional approach to customer loyalty in the hotel industry
Authors: Osman Hanaa , Hemmington Nigel , Bowie David 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which a transactional marketing approach can generate customer loyalty in a hotel brand.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a review of the paradigm shift from transactional marketing to relationship marketing, in the services marketing literature. The inductive research used a qualitative approach, with multiple techniques including non‐participant observation in several hotels; in‐depth interviews with hotel managers; and telephone interviews with hotel customers in the UK.FindingsThe findings suggest that a transactional approach to marketing can be an effective strategy for hotels, which target niche segments with highly differentiated offers at competitive prices. It was found that this approach can create significant customer loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study approach and focused sample mean that attempts to generalize the findings should be taken with care. Furthermore, this study does not attempt to measure the effectiveness of transactional marketing on customer loyalty; it reports findings from a qualitative study carried out to explore marketing practices in a small sample of hotels.Practical implicationsFor practitioners, the paper suggests that transactional marketing and relationship marketing can be seen as complementary marketing strategies.Originality/valueThe paper provides novel insights into hotel culture, hotel/customer relationships, hotel service customization and customer loyalty. The paper challenges the received view that transactional marketing is less appropriate than relationship marketing in achieving customer loyalty in hotel branded operations.
Examining organizational climate in Greek hotels from a service quality perspective
Authors: Bellou Victoria , Andronikidis Andreas I. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeOrganizational climate, which includes the setting of values, rules and priorities to be followed by all individuals involved in the organisation, has been receiving increased attention over recent years. The purpose of this paper is to look into the prevalent organizational climate within hotels and to identify variations in employees' perceptions, based on whether they hold managerial or non‐managerial positions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports a study conducted in 24 Greek hotels located in the Thessaly region, providing 217 usable responses. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the relative importance placed on the climate dimensions and then t‐tests were used to check for significant differences between managerial and non‐managerial employees.FindingsThe results show that efficiency, reflexivity, innovation and flexibility, supervisory support and quality were among the most prominent characteristics affected by organisational climate, whereas outward focus and pressure to produce were least affected. Moreover, the only differences revealed between managerial and non‐managerial employees were in the areas of involvement and efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsSince Greece is a very diverse country in terms of tourism, including hotels that operate in other regions of the country would improve the generalizability of these findings. Future research should also try to link organizational climate directly with measures of the actual service quality provided to customers.Originality/valueIdentifying the prevalent organizational climate can help managers to optimize performance by identifying inherent strengths and weaknesses. Managers can then exploit the opportunities offered and evade the threats evident in the globalized hospitality setting. In addition, variations in perceptions between managers and non‐managers may help the organization to identify common priorities among all individuals employed.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting casino hotel chefs' job satisfaction
Authors: Chuang Ning‐Kuang , Yin Dean , Dellmann‐Jenkins Mary 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting the job satisfaction of casino hotel chefs, and whether chefs' background characteristics are associated with their overall and specific facets of job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachA total of 152 surveys were analyzed using a randomly selected sample of 25 major casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. The sample selection represented chefs working in various types of foodservice operations within the hotel segments.FindingsOverall, the casino hotel chefs were satisfied with their jobs (M=3.9). Among intrinsic factors, the chefs were most satisfied with the “work itself” and least satisfied with “growth and recognition” they received. Among extrinsic factors, they were most satisfied with “supervision” and least satisfied with “company policy” pertaining to sick leave and paid vacation. Highest job satisfaction levels were found among chefs who worked in the fine dining kitchens and supervised between 21 and 30 employees.Practical implicationsResults reinforce the value of recognition at work and creation of specialized incentive programs. In order to be most effective, these programs should be tailored to chefs working in different kitchen types and with various levels of management and supervisory responsibilities.Originality/valueJob satisfaction of casino hotel chefs has been minimally studied, yet they have significant roles in successful hotel operations. This study is unique in directing attention to the “back of the house leaders” – hotel chefs, in a top tier gaming and tourism city.
Hotel development in China: a review of the English language literature
Authors: Kong Haiyan , Cheung Catherine 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an overview of the existing English literature concerning the development of China's hotel industry by means of reviewing the topic from three academic online databases.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews published studies found in refereed journals that can be accessed online via Emerald Management Review, ProQuest Basic Search and EBSCO Host Web. A total of 66 refereed journal papers were found over the period 1984‐2007. They were grouped into four major themes: strategy and development; marketing; service quality and human resources management.FindingsResearch on China's hotel development grew rapidly with the rise of China's hotel industry, reflecting the situation, problems, challenges and opportunities affecting hotel development. Strategy and development is a dominant theme, accounting for 43 per cent of all papers.Practical implicationsThe paper summarises research on China's booming hotel industry, offers a general review of its historic development and identifies current important issues. The authors recommend further research opportunities examining career development and job satisfaction in China's hotel industry.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to profile research related to the hotel industry in mainland China. By grouping the published studies into four major themes, this study clearly demonstrates key emerging issues in China.
Improving the rigor of discrete‐event simulation in logistics and supply chain research
Authors: Manuj Ila , Mentzer John T. , Bowers Melissa R. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an eight‐step simulation model development process (SMDP) for the design, implementation, and evaluation of logistics and supply chain simulation models, and to identify rigor criteria for each step.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive review of literature is undertaken to identify logistics and supply chain studies that employ discrete‐event simulation modeling. From this pool, studies that report in detail on the steps taken during the simulation model development and model more than one echelon in logistics, supply chain, or distribution systems are included to illustrate rigor in developing such simulation models.FindingsLiterature review reveals that there are no preset rigor criteria for publication of logistics and supply chain simulation research, which is reflected in the fact that studies published in leading journals do not satisfactorily address and/or report the efforts taken to maintain the rigor of simulation studies. Although there has been a gradual improvement in rigor, more emphasis on the methodology required to ensure quality simulation research is warranted.Research limitations/implicationsThe SMDP may be used by researchers to design and execute rigorous simulation research, and by reviewers for academic journals to establish the level of rigor when reviewing simulation research. It is expected that such prescriptive guidance will stimulate high quality simulation modeling research and ensure that only the highest quality studies are published.Practical implicationsThe SMDP provides a checklist for assessment of the validity of simulation models prior to their use in practical decision making. It assists in making practitioners better informed about rigorous simulation design so that, when answering logistics and supply chain system questions, the practitioner can decide to what extent they should trust the results of published research.Originality/valueThis paper develops a framework based on some of the most rigorous studies published in leading journals, provides rigor evaluation criteria for each step, provides examples for each step from published studies, and illustrates the SMDP using a supply‐chain risk management study.
Role of logistics in enhancing competitive advantage
Authors: Bhatnagar Rohit , Teo Chee‐Chong 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the issues, tradeoffs, and models relating to two important sets of problems that arise in supply chain management – complexities in extended supply chains and network coordination in globally dispersed supply chains. This paper highlights the role of logistics in enhancing the competitiveness of firms that operate a global supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used in this paper encompasses conceptual research and detailed literature review of key issues.FindingsThis review indicates that the key challenges faced by supply chain managers due to extended supply chains are non‐stationary demand, variability propagation, and inventory imbalances. For network coordination managers must determine the role of facilities in a global network, identify the optimal location and capacity of facilities as well as role of consolidation hubs. For the above challenges, the tradeoffs in terms of four key drivers of supply chain performance – transportation, inventory, information, and facilities and relate these to key measures of supply chain performance are described. Important directions for future research are also identified.Research limitations/implicationsTest cases are needed to validate and refine the framework presented. Developing case studies that gather appropriate data to test out the models described would be important.Practical implicationsCompanies with a global supply chain as well as third party logistics companies will find the framework presented in this paper very useful.Originality/valueA new integrated framework that incorporates key decision issues like complexities of extended supply chains and network coordination into the firm's decision making has been presented. This has not been reported in previous research.
Assessing consequences of low‐cost sourcing in China
Authors: Fredriksson Anna , Jonsson Patrik 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to develop a framework for low‐cost sourcing assessment and to explore the consequences of low‐cost sourcing in China for a European manufacturer.Design/methodology/approachThe low‐cost sourcing framework generated from literature and the consequence analysis is based on a case study of a European company that has outsourced part of its casting processes to Chinese suppliers.FindingsCharacteristics of low‐cost sourcing are based on a literature review divided into three categories: country characteristics, supply network structure, and supply network relationships and the case study shows that these three categories of characteristics jointly create negative effects. A two‐directional cause and effect relationship is proposed between the characteristics and the operational supply chain performances. The presented low‐cost sourcing assessment framework should be a good starting point for low‐cost sourcing assessment, including mapping a firm's total characteristics, and for analysing their performance impact.Research limitations/implicationsThe conducted single case study is not enough for identifying, formulating, and validating all existing relationships between the low‐cost sourcing characteristics. The present study has identified the existence of the relationships but has not evaluated their levels of impact.Practical implicationsManagers should be aware of how suppliers in low‐cost countries may affect the structures, relations, and operational supply chain performances of the supply network. This paper presents a sourcing assessment framework enabling describing what dimensions of the sourcing characteristics would be affected by sourcing to a specific area of the world and what consequences and performance effects this would have.Originality/valueFew prior studies have focused on companies with already established relationships with low‐cost‐country suppliers and how these companies should make the best out of these supply chains. This study takes a holistic perspective on low‐cost sourcing and identifies several streams for further research.
Assessing logistics maturation through author concentration
Authors: Maloni Michael J. , Carter Craig R. , Carr Amelia S. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeWhile most researchers would generally agree that the field of logistics has been maturing over recent decades, this maturation has not yet been empirically established. The purpose of this paper is to assess the maturity of research in the field by measuring author concentration in logistics journals over a sixteen‐year period.Design/methodology/approachResearch propositions of logistics author concentration are first developed from the extant literature. The propositions are then tested by assessing author concentration across 1,796 articles from five scholarly, peer‐reviewed logistics journals from 1992‐2007. The results are compared to similar studies of other academic business disciplines, including accounting, finance, management, and marketing. We also apply regression analysis to the time series data to verify changing author concentration trends.FindingsThe results indicate that logistics publications generally have higher author concentration than other business disciplines, suggesting that logistics research is less expansive and still maturing compared to these other disciplines. However, logistics author concentration has continued to decrease since 1992 relative to schools, countries, degree‐granting schools, and individual authors. This suggests that the field has been expanding and will continue to do so at a consistent pace in the near future.Originality/valueThis paper allows logistics researchers to better understand the recent research history of the field as well as its future research prospects. Additionally, The implication for is presented the international expansion of the field as well as the increasing acceptance of logistics journals by other academic disciplines. In addition, concerns about increased author competition and research proliferation are voiced.
Identifying requirements for a disaster‐monitoring system
Authors: Bayrak Tuncay 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to identify and define three sets of factors that might be useful for designing a disaster monitoring and response system.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a literature (meta) analysis is presented using academic research. The method was mainly based on a review of the scientific literature. The paper then identifies three sets of factors that may be employed when designing disaster monitoring and response systems.FindingsThe paper finds that successful operation of an organization that hosts a disaster monitoring system requires that operators and computers work together.Research limitations/implicationsThe model itself in this study is not all‐inclusive. An issue that deserves to be looked into is what role other technical, human, and organizational factors play in system performance.Practical implicationsThe importance of disaster monitoring and response systems increased in recent years because of an increase in the numbers of deaths, the numbers of people affected by disasters and their devastating impacts on human life, economy and environment. These systems have the potential to significantly reduce losses from natural disasters.Originality/valueThis study proposes a model which may be valuable to state and federal agencies, public sector managers and administrators, system analysts, trainers in disaster management, researchers and practitioners involved in disaster and emergency response studies, managers of police, fire, and ambulance systems, and mayors and governors.