bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do student evaluations match alumni expectations?
Authors: Guevara Carla , Stewart Scott 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis research study seeks to identify what graduating students and alumni perceive to be of most value in courses, and in turn the relationship of those perceptions with the information in evaluations conducted by students at the conclusion of courses.Design/methodology/approachThe project involves empirical research utilizing standard student course evaluation data, and rigorous matching alumni survey data. A focus group, as well as prior academic research, informs the design.FindingsThere are several key conclusions from this study comparing student and alumni perceptions of course satisfaction. Consistent with end‐of‐program survey and focus group observations, career relevance clearly grows with time in importance for determining course satisfaction. Career relevance is not a statistically significant factor for course satisfaction using end‐of‐course student survey responses, but grows to a statistically significant determinant utilizing alumni survey data, larger than both the extent of learning and instructor performance; moreover, instructor performance appears to become less important.Research limitations/implicationsWhile survey responses for individuals as both students and alumni cannot be linked in this study, the high response rate of alumni and the pooling of data suggest results are robust.Practical implicationsIf instructors want students, once they become alumni, to be satisfied with their course experience, they need to teach material which will be truly useful in their careers, even if students do not fully appreciate it during class. And if university presidents want satisfied alumni, they need to ensure their school's curriculum includes material that may be applied in the real world, and that the measures of teaching effectiveness utilized for compensation purposes do not stress too highly traditional measures of student satisfaction.Social implicationsEducators can provide students with a more long‐term satisfying educational experience by ensuring curriculum includes practical material that is truly relevant for careers.Originality/valueStudent evaluations have been commonly used in determining the success of a course, and the effectiveness of their instructors. However, there has only been limited analysis of student evaluations as a measure of what matters most – the benefit to the student once they graduate and move into the working world. Empirical results based on student and alumni survey data identify differences in perceptions between students and alumni, and suggest key recommendations for both instructors and university administrators.
A new quantitative approach for the management of a student‐managed investment fund
Authors: Ammermann Peter A. , Runyon L.R. , Conceicao Reuben 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop an investment strategy designed both to enable student‐managed investment fund (SMIF) students to more quickly build out their portfolio at the beginning of the academic year and to give them some exposure to quantitative approaches to investment management.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses data and software that would be readily available to typical SMIF students to develop both an asset‐allocation model and a security‐selection model that can be described as a long‐flat (or synthetic protective put) equity strategy with a momentum‐based style‐rotation overlay.FindingsOver the time period since the requisite style‐based ETFs began trading, the composite strategy would have outperformed the S&P 500 index during both market downturns and market upturns, providing better than market returns at lower than market levels of risk.Originality/valueThe key innovation of this paper is the development of a quantitative investment strategy tailored specifically to meet both the educational and the portfolio management needs of SMIF students; a secondary innovation is the demonstration of the efficacy of a style‐rotation strategy, in contrast to the more typical sector/industry‐rotation type of strategy.
The Smith Company: a case on capital budgeting and real options
Authors: Shastri Karen A. , Shastri Kuldeep , Stout David E. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to provide upper‐level accounting and/or finance students with a review of the intricacies of option pricing, discounted cash flow (DCF) capital budgeting decision models, various types of real options, how risk analysis of long‐term capital investments can be facilitated by explicit consideration of real options, and the role of sensitivity analysis in the analysis of capital investment projects with real options.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes a fictional company facing a risky capital investment proposal. Students evaluate the investment proposal using traditional DCF analysis (i.e. the net present value method), and then re‐run the analysis by incorporating the existence of real options into the analysis of the proposed investment. Finally, students see the value of using Crystal Ball software for conducting sensitivity analysis as part of the decision‐making process.FindingsThere are two primary conceptual lessons that students realize by completing this educational case: real‐options analysis is a conceptually correct and robust way to explicitly deal with project uncertainty, and failure to explicitly consider real options in the analysis of capital investment projects may result in suboptimal decision making.Originality/valueThis case covers all major real‐option topics required for the certified management accountant exam. Further, the case fills a void in the literature of accounting education as this literature pertains to the availability of case material regarding the use of real options as an extension to conventional capital budgeting techniques.
Critical success factors in crafting strategic architecture for e‐learning at HP University
Authors: Sharma Kunal , Pandit Pallvi , Pandit Parul 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the critical success factors for crafting a strategic architecture for e‐learning at HP University.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive survey type of research design was used. An empirical study was conducted on students enrolled with the International Centre for Distance and Open Learning who were attending personal contact programs (PCPs) in professional courses so as to elicit the importance of e‐learning in distance education programs.FindingsFrom the research questions for implementing e‐learning it was found that the current practices of instruction are satisfactory, the centers where PCPs are not sufficiently equipped for the training of learners and resource persons at PCPs do not have interest in the ICT program although the learners are ICT savvy, but there is no regular electricity supply, sufficient facilities and consumables for the usage.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough an empirical study was conducted, the respondents, the students, sometimes disclose the information and do not reply to the questions in good faith.Practical implicationsThe article addresses the critical success factors in crafting a strategic architecture for e‐learning at HP University so as to implement e‐learning for the benefit of the staff and the students.Originality/valueThe article addresses the critical success factors for implementing e‐learning in a traditional university environment.
A dynamic system to manage changes in course material
Authors: Zaneldin Essam K. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeDespite the popularity of existing course management systems, they do not consider the management of course material changes, particularly courses that require more than one instructor. The main purpose of this study is to instantly communicate course material changes to all instructors teaching the same course and to communicate approved changes to students registered on the course.Design/methodology/approachThe fundamental hypothesis tested was whether the developed system effectively communicates changes in a timely manner. The level of students' acceptance to this new system was also tested. A dynamic course material change‐management system was developed using visual basic programming language and an Access database. The system was applied to a hypothetical case study and to a currently running undergraduate civil engineering course.FindingsResults indicated that changes made to a course material were instantly communicated to all instructors teaching the same course. It also indicated that approved changes were instantly communicated to affected students. As a result, students were satisfied with the instant notifications they receive whenever a change takes place.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed system does not include a methodology for online tests, course grades, and course assessment. The system needs to be integrated with these important features. Developments pertaining to integrating the system with these features will be considered for future investigation.Originality/valueThe novel aspect of the developed system is the effective management of challenges made to course material and communicating these changes to instructors and students in a timely manner. The system can benefit any institution at different educational levels.
Healthcare professionals' experiences of the implementation of integrated care pathways
Authors: Hogan Catherine , Barry Maria , Burke Mary , Joyce Pauline 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a study that explores healthcare professionals' experiences of the implementation of integrated care pathways (ICPs).Design/methodology/approachThis study used a phenomenological research approach with a purposive sample of ten multi‐disciplinary healthcare professionals across two acute hospitals in Ireland. Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews and analysed using Colazzi's framework.FindingsThe findings of the study are presented under four themes: buy‐in from all disciplines, multidisciplinary communication, service‐user involvement, and audit of ICPs. These themes emanated from the questions asked at interview.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the study include the small sample size and the use of two different interviewers across the sites. The inexperience of the interviewers is acknowledged as a limitation as the probing of some questions could have been improved. In addition the themes of the findings were predetermined by the use of the interview guide.Practical implicationsChanges in existing institutional structures and cultures are required when introducing ICPs. It is necessary for senior management in organisations to lead by example. They also need to identify where support can be offered, such as in the provision of an ICP facilitator, education sessions in relation to ICPs and the development of strategies to improve multi‐disciplinary buy‐in and participation.Originality/valueThe findings of this study respond to a gap in the literature in Ireland on the experiences of healthcare professionals who have implemented ICPs. Key findings of the study are the perception that the doctor is pivotal in driving the implementation of ICPs, yet the doctor was not always interested in this responsibility.
The effect of changes in servicescape and service quality perceptions in a maternity unit
Authors: Holder Magriet , Berndt Adele 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe aim of this research is to determine the effect of changes in servicescape on the service quality perceptions of maternity ward patients in a private hospital.Design/methodology/approachA quasi‐experimental design was used. An experimental and control group (of patients) was surveyed before the changes in servicescape took place, and a further experimental and control group of patients was surveyed after changes in the servicescape. Each group was surveyed using a SERVPERF instrument to determine perceptions of service quality.FindingsThe changes in servicescape which took place in the experimental context resulted in a significant change in service quality perceptions among the experimental group. This change was not seen in all service quality dimensions, however, with statistical significance seen only in the tangible, reliability and responsiveness dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsFour different groups of respondents took part in the quasi‐experiment (two experimental groups and two control groups) specifically in a medical setting, and the ability to generalise these findings needs to be investigated.Practical implicationsManagement needs to take greater notice of the effect of servicescape, as well as any changes in the servicescape on the perceptions of service quality.Originality/valueThere is agreement that the servicescape affects perceptions of service quality and this study bears out this conclusion.
Guest editorial
Authors: Groleau Carole , Demers Christiane , Engeström Yrjö 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce this special themed section which explores the relationship between contradiction and organizational change.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyzes the four papers included in this special themed section, drawing links between the different texts.FindingsA review of the papers shows that they contribute to our understanding of the dynamics of organizational change by focusing on how contradictions manifest themselves and how they are managed in various change contexts.Originality/valueThis introduction provides readers of the themed section with an overview of the four papers.
Discursive manifestations of contradictions in organizational change efforts
Authors: Engeström Yrjö , Sannino Annalisa 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a new methodological framework for the identification and analysis of different types of discursive manifestations of contradictions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the dialectical tradition of cultural‐historical activity theory. The methodological framework is developed by means of analyzing the entire transcribed corpus of the discourse conducted in a change laboratory intervention consisting of eight sessions and altogether 189,398 words.FindingsFour types of discursive manifestations, namely dilemmas, conflicts, critical conflicts, and double binds, could be effectively identified in the data. Specific linguistic cues were a useful first level of approaching the different types of manifestations. Critical conflicts and double binds were found to be particularly effective lenses on systemic contradictions.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper points to the need for theoretical and conceptual rigor in studies using the notion of contradiction.Further empirical testing of the framework is needed and may lead to more refined or alternative categories.Practical implicationsDynamics of different organizational change interventions may be effectively analyzed and compared with the help of the framework.Originality/valueThe paper presents an original, empirically‐tested methodological framework that may be a valuable resource for analyzes of contradictions driving organizational change.
Assessing the maximum level of customer satisfaction in grocery stores
Authors: Pilar Martínez‐Ruiz María , Jiménez‐Zarco Ana Isabel , Cascio Robert 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to establish the main factors that underlie store attributes, to examine which exert the greatest influences on the achievement of a maximum level of customer satisfaction. This study seeks to determine if there are significant differences not only in the factor compositions but also in their influence on customer satisfaction, depending on the country of residence of focal customers.Design/methodology/approachThe test of the proposed framework consists of analyses of two samples of customers that purchased in grocery stores in Spain and the USA. Following a factor analysis of the principal components, a binary logistic regression analysis tests the influence of the identified factors on customer satisfaction.FindingsThis work contributes to extant literature by assessing differences in the main factors that contribute to satisfaction with food stores, depending on the location of the customer.Practical implicationsThis work is especially useful to grocery retailers that operate, or plan to operate, in different countries; it outlines key factors to consider to achieve upper‐bounded customer satisfaction scores.Originality/valueThe proposed classification of attributes and factors, according to their importance for customers' evaluations in different countries, includes three main factors. The first‐order factor includes the most valued attributes by all customers, independent of the country of residence. The second‐order factors include attributes with lesser importance though still valued by customers; the importance depends on the country of residence. Finally, the third‐order factor attributes are valued relatively less.
ICT for logistics and freight transportation: a literature review and research agenda
Authors: Perego Alessandro , Perotti Sara , Mangiaracina Riccardo 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to classify research on information and communication technology (ICT) for logistics and freight transportation on the basis of the main themes and methods and proposes directions for future research.Design/methodology/approachThe review is based on 44 papers published from 1994 to 2009 in international peer‐reviewed journals. The academic papers are analysed and classified according to the research methodology adopted and the themes addressed.FindingsWhile there are many contributions taking the “public transportation” perspective (i.e. the viewpoint of public stakeholders), papers focussing on the “private transportation” perspective (i.e. the viewpoint of the private companies offering logistics and transportation services) are fewer and relatively more recent. Additionally, even though in recent years researchers have also started to examine the decision‐making process of ICT adoption, many themes are under‐represented in literature, such as the subject of integration among different application types, empirical research on ICT adoption and the role of technology providers in the adoption process. As far as the methodology is concerned, the review revealed that many of the papers examined are either conceptual papers or empirical studies (i.e. mostly based on surveys, or else on case studies or interviews), while simulation and modelling are rarely present.Research limitations/implicationsWhile efforts were made to be all‐inclusive, significant research efforts may have been inadvertently omitted. However, the authors believe that this review is an accurate representation of the body of research on ICT for logistics and transportation companies published during the specified timeframe, and feel that confidence may be placed on the resulting assessments.Originality/valueThe paper offers a guide for the review of previous research on this topic and identifies the most important issues that need to be addressed in future research.
A model of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity
Authors: Manuj Ila , Sahin Funda 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity that provides an understanding of the drivers of supply chain complexity and strategies to manage supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity and outcomes.Design/methodology/approachGrounded theory methodology is employed to build a theory of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity and develop propositions related to antecedents, moderators, and outcomes of supply chain complexity. In addition, extensive literature review and informal interactions with a number of supply chain professionals have been used to validate the theory.FindingsIn addition to identifying the antecedents of supply chain complexity, the authors explore strategic, human cognitive ability, and tactical moderators for managing supply chain complexity.Research limitations/implicationsThe comprehensive framework presented in the paper builds a theory of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity that is grounded in empirical data. The research also incorporates disparate findings, constructs from multi‐disciplinary research on supply chain complexity and provides future research directions.Practical implicationsThe research helps practitioners better understand the sources and outcomes of supply chain complexity and how to manage it. Various strategies to moderate the impact of supply chain complexity are presented.Originality/valueAn integrated, comprehensive theory of supply chain complexity is proposed along with definitions of supply chain complexity and supply chain decision‐making complexity. The proposed model is rooted in actual practice and supported by the existing literature.
Development of a repair inventory model for effective maintenance of modular electronic equipment
Authors: Garg Amik , Deshmukh S.G. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare various features of modular repair inventory flow in large maintenance organizations such as the Indian army with those of basic multi‐echelon repair inventory model METRIC.Design/methodology/approachTwo models are selected and validated with user trials for a period of six months. A few performance measures for multi‐echelon repair inventory systems (MERIS) have also been identified using questionnaires. These two models are compared with the base model using developed performance measures and finally the most preferred model is identified which may replace the existing model. Finally, some recommendations are made for future researchers working in the area of multi‐echelon repair inventory systems.FindingsThe action research (AR)‐based approach has been used to solve a problem which is interactive and aims at developing a holistic understanding. A crisp codification scheme has also been suggested for a multi‐echelon repair inventory environment.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates identification of inadequacies in the existing model of certain organizations and develops a number of alternate models with the prime objective of reducing the total number of echelons, using an AR‐based approach.