bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and analysis of a health care clinic for homeless people using simulations
Authors: Reynolds Jared , Zeng Zhen , Li Jingshan , Chiang Shu‐Yin 
Published: July 2010

PurposeImproving quality of care is important in health care management. For health care clinics, reducing patient waiting time and improving throughput with efficient utilization of the workforce are important issues to achieve better quality of care. This paper seeks to introduce a simulation study on design and analysis of a health clinic for homeless patients in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.Design/methodology/approachUsing the simulation model, the patient flow of the clinic and analyze quality of care for different staffing levels is simulated. In addition, the dependence of distributions on service times is investigated. Moreover, the impact of service time variability on quality of care (e.g. patient waiting time) is analyzed.FindingsThe necessary staffing level and utilizations to reduce patient waiting times and improve throughput to achieve better quality of care are obtained. In addition, it is shown that the system performance is primarily dependent on the mean and coefficients of variation, rather than a complete distribution, of service times. In addition, a piece‐wise linear approximation formula is proposed so that patient waiting time in the clinic can be estimated for any variability with only two simulations.Research limitations/implicationsThe simulation method may need long model development time and long simulation executing time for complex systems.Practical implicationsThe quality of care delivery in a health care clinic can be evaluated using simulations. The results presented in the paper provide an easier approach for medical practitioners to evaluate different scenarios, examine needed resources, and carry out what‐if analysis to predict the impact of any changes in the system, to determine an optimal system configuration.Originality/valueThe paper shows that such models provide a quantitative tool for clinic operations and management to achieve better care quality. Moreover, it can be easily adapted to model other health care facilities, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, operating rooms, supply chain in health care industry.
Localisation as a marketing strategy for small retailers
Authors: Andres Coca‐Stefaniak J. , Parker Cathy , Rees Patricia 
Published: July 2010

PurposeGlobalisation as a competitive marketing strategy can only offer a limited explanation for the behaviour of organisations. This is particularly applicable in the case of business and marketing strategies for small and medium‐sized organisations in the retail sector. Terms such as “localisation” have been coined by researchers but the concept is yet to receive a valid interpretation as a marketing strategy from the perspective of the small retailer. This paper seeks first, to understand how “localisation” impacts on the business practices and marketing strategy of small retailers in Spain and Scotland. Second, the results should help lessen the gap between the concepts of globalisation and the localisation.Design/methodology/approachThis explorative, comparative qualitative paper explores business practices and marketing strategies by small retail business owners in Seville (Spain) and Perth (UK) and the role of localisation, using three key themes – place, people and promotion.FindingsThis paper suggests that place attractiveness, word‐of‐mouth customer‐to‐customer marketing, customer service beyond simple product advice, community embeddedness and informal but meaningful interpersonal relations between shop owner and customers are some of the key pillars of the “localisation” strategic marketing approach pursued by small retailers in Perth and Seville. This indicates a counterbalance to globalisation.Originality/valueThe pursuit of a deliberate localisation approach by small retailers may be key to their sustainable competitiveness in the knowledge that these elements would not be easily replicated by larger or global retailers.
Acceptance of detergent‐retail brands: the role of consumer confidence and trust
Authors: Lymperopoulos Constantine , Chaniotakis Ioannis E. , Rigopoulou Irini D. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyse the role of “trust” and “confidence/pessimism” in influencing consumer attitudes and buying intentions with respect to retail brands and products.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a review of the relevant literature, the paper presents a conceptual model of buying intentions regarding retail brands. The model is then tested quantitatively by structural equation modelling analysis using a sample of 581 adult consumers that are decision makers in their households regarding purchases of detergent brands.FindingsThe results show that the consumers' degree of confidence/pessimism regarding their general economic situation and their trust in retail brands are directly influencing the perceived benefits and indirectly their attitudes; the later having a direct impact on their purchase intentions.Research limitations/implicationsCaution should be exercised in extrapolating the results from the present research context to other product categories and research settings.Practical implicationsThe variables of “trust” and “confidence/pessimism” facilitate a more effective utilisation of the marketing mix with regard to retail brands.Originality/valueThe paper provides novel insights into consumer behaviour with regard to detergent retail brands. In particular, the variable of “confidence/pessimism” is especially relevant in the context of the prevailing adverse economic conditions.
The split equity reform and corporate financial transparency in China
Authors: Green Wendy , Morris Richard D. , Tang Haiping 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the impact of the Chinese capital market split equity (SE) reform in 2005 on the corporate financial transparency of Chinese listed companies.Design/methodology/approachUsing an International Financial Reporting Standards‐based checklist, the paper investigates whether the post‐reform 2005 annual reports of reformed companies improved transparency compared to pre‐reform 2004 reports. The transparency of the reformed companies was also compared to a control group of companies unreformed on December 31, 2005.FindingsResults indicate that the SE reform increased corporate disclosures. Reformed companies had higher mandatory and voluntary disclosures in their post‐reform 2005 annual reports compared to their pre‐reform 2004 annual reports. In addition, the improvement in mandatory and voluntary disclosures for reformed companies is greater than that of the unreformed control group.Research limitations/implicationsThe SE reform provides a unique natural experimental setting in which to examine the impact of the SE reform, with its associated change in ownership structure and corporate governance, on corporate disclosure.Practical implicationsThe results of this paper suggest that the SE reform has had a positive effect on corporate financial transparency in China, thereby indicating the positive response to regulation in this emerging market. Further, the results suggest that as the proportion of government ownership falls, management has increased incentive to voluntarily supply additional information to the market.Originality/valueThe SE reform is unique to China and this paper is the first to report on financial reporting disclosure implications of this reform.
Temperature distribution in powder beds during 3D printing
Authors: Dressler M. , Röllig M. , Schmidt M. , Maturilli A. , Helbert J. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to report about the temperature distribution in metal and ceramic powder beds during 3D printing. The differing powders are thoroughly characterized in terms of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, emissivity spectra and density.Design/methodology/approachThe temperature distribution was measured in a 3D printing appliance (Prometal R1) with the help of thin thermocouples (0.25 mm diameter) and thermographic imaging. Temperatures at the powder bed surface as well as at differing powder bed depths were determined. The thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and emissivity spectra of the powders were measured as well. Numerical simulation was used to verify the measured temperatures.FindingsThe ceramic powder heated up and cooled down more quickly. This finding corresponds well with numerical simulations based on measured values for thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity as well as emissivity spectra. An observed color change at the metal powder has only little effect on emissivity in the relevant wavelength region.Research limitations/implicationsIt was found that thermocouple‐based temperature measurements at the powder bed surface are difficult and these results should be considered with caution.Practical implicationsThe results give practitioners valuable information about the transient temperature evolution for two widely used but differing powder systems (metal, ceramic). The paramount importance of powder bed porosity for thermal conductivity was verified. Already small differences in thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and hence volumetric heat capacity lead to marked differences in the transient temperature evolution.Originality/valueThe paper combines several techniques such as temperature measurements, spectral emissivity measurements, measurements of thermal conductivity and diffusivity and density measurements. The obtained results are put into a numerical model to check the obtained temperature data and the other measured values for consistency. This approach illustrates that determinations of surface temperatures of the powder beds are difficult.
Value brands: cheap or trendy?
Authors: Ross Jill , Harradine Rod 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis study seeks to investigate value branding in the fashion context and young consumer perceptions of, and attitudes towards, supermarket value branded clothing with a view to identifying potential barriers to adoption.Design/methodology/approachA mixture of methodologies was employed using jeans as a product type during wearer trials and focus group discussions. Theoretical concepts underpinning the paper include value branding, consumer perceptions and attitudes and their effects on purchasing behaviour in the youth market.FindingsThe research indicated that value brands are likely to play an increasingly important role in the fashion market. The growth of the supermarkets' clothing sales indicates growing acceptance of value fashion amongst a variety of customer segments and not just the price‐conscious sector. When students had specific experience of value jeans, their attitudes were more positive about supermarket clothing, but there remain significant barriers to adoption amongst current non‐purchasers.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory research was carried out with a non‐probability sample and it is intended that this will be developed using an alternative methodology and a broader sample to provide statistical validity.Practical implicationsThe outcomes indicate that, as perceptions related to fashion brands are well established by the age of the sample group, it will require that value fashion retailers develop an enhanced retail brand image to overcome selective distortion related to value brands.Originality/valueThe relationship between young consumers and value brands is an emerging and relevant area of research, given the current economic environment. The lack of contemporary literature and its potential value to fashion retailers warrant its investigation.
Indian consumers' brand equity toward a US and local apparel brand
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Joo , Kumar Archana , Kim Youn‐Kyung 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine effects of gender, need for uniqueness, and attitudes toward American products on dimensions of brand equity for a US and local apparel brand in the Indian market.Design/methodology/approachThree dimensions of brand equity are evaluated based on the respondents' shopping experience related to the selected US and local apparel brands. Data are collected from a convenience sample of college students in India.FindingsThe empirical tests show that, for a US apparel brand, there are direct and indirect effects of Indian consumers' gender, need for uniqueness (NFU), and attitudes toward American products on three dimensions of brand equity: perceived quality, brand loyalty, and brand associations with brand awareness. For local apparel brands, these effects are found for only one brand equity dimension: perceived quality.Research limitations/implicationsThe study uses only one US apparel brand, which may limit the generalization of the findings to all product categories and countries.Practical implicationsUS marketers need to improve Indian consumers' attitudes toward American products through marketing and promotional campaigns. On the other hand, Indian marketers should overcome the negative relationship between Indian consumers' attitudes toward American products and their quality perception toward a local apparel brand.Originality/valueLittle attention has been given to individual differences in evaluating the three dimensions of brand equity. By assessing brand equity based on the individual characteristics of gender, need for uniqueness, and attitudes toward American products, results of the study can help marketers to obtain more specific knowledge of brand equity about a target consumer group and thus enable them to plan and implement well‐suited strategies for improving their brand equity.
An empirical investigation of the determinants and shifting patterns of US apparel imports using a gravity model framework
Authors: Chi Ting , Kilduff Peter P.D. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis study aims to quantitatively identify the impact of major economic and political factors on the US apparel imports from its 15 major trading partners between 1995 and 2006.Design/methodology/approachOrdinary‐least‐square (OLS) regression under a gravity model framework was utilized to construct the analysis. The determinants of US apparel imports were determined and their significance and direction of change over the period were quantified.FindingsFirst, the growths of GDP and population both in the USA and within its trading partners have been drivers of US apparel import growth, while greater geographic distance between a trading partner and the USA significantly impedes its exports to the USA. Second, the positive impact on the US apparel imports from the supplying country's infrastructure development, literacy rate and its language commonality with the USA shows that these factors are pivotal to being a competitive US apparel supplier. Finally, preferential market access is proven to be crucial for suppliers to increase apparel exports to the USA.Research limitations/implicationsIn future work, the impact of these factors on disaggregated apparel categories could be investigated. Some emerging issues such as non‐tariff barriers could be exploited.Practical implicationsThe findings reveal that the US apparel sourcing decisions are made on the basis of many different costs, not only labour cost, but also economic condition, government policy, infrastructure, transport time and cost, language/culture commonality etc.Originality/valueThe study provides a springboard for empirically analyzing the US apparel imports under a gravity model framework. The conclusions are drawn based on solid quantitative evidence.
How to turn crisis into opportunity: perception and reaction to high level of uncertainty in banking industry
Authors: Carbonara Gabriele , Caiazza Rosa 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify banks' strategies in turning uncertainty into opportunities.Design/methodology/approachLongitudinal analysis from 1990 until 2009 has been conducted to evidence factors affecting environmental uncertainty in the European banking industry and how banks have perceived and reacted to it.FindingsThe paper evidences banks' strategies in situations of low and medium levels of uncertainty and suggests some behavior to face a high level of crisis.Practical implicationsThe paper defines a general framework, based on banks' perception and reaction to uncertainty, that can help banks to become champions in facing the current level of uncertainty.Originality/valueThe paper presents a critical analysis of how to face the enormous increase of uncertainty that the financial sector is experiencing.
Management directed kaizen: Toyota's Jishuken process for management development
Authors: Marksberry Phillip , Badurdeen Fazleena , Gregory Bob , Kreafle Ken 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze Toyota's management directed kaizen activities named Jishuken. Currently, there are many variations in understanding how Toyota develops its managers to support daily kaizen, especially when Toyota managers have different levels of understanding of Toyota production system (TPS) and skills essential in applying TPS.Design/methodology/approachThis paper will study Toyota's Jishuken process in the context of strengthening TPS and analyze both the technical and management aspects of Toyota's Jishuken process.FindingsWhen integrated into plant‐wide long‐term continuous improvement, Jishukens can be extremely effective at developing management's ability to conduct and to teach others to conduct daily kaizen and problem solving. This paper shows how Jishukens function within the TPS system to continuously improve managers' understanding of TPS both for their own concrete problem solving and to support manager's roles in communicating, coaching and teaching problem solving to production workers.Originality/valueMost attempts to imitate Toyota fail because techniques are adopted piecemeal with little understanding of why they exist or what kind of organizational culture is needed to keep them alive. Jishuken serves as an example of a technique which is successful only when embedded within the right organizational culture.
Impression‐oriented music courseware and its application in elementary schools
Authors: Sasaki Shiori , Watagoshi Kiku , Takano Kosuke , Hirashima Kazuo , Kiyoki Yasushi 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the design and implementation of music courseware that features a music search system that uses impression keywords. The paper applies the courseware toKansei(sensibility) development for elementary and junior high school students. The objectives of this courseware are to cultivate children's sensitivity to the mood of a music selection; an understanding of the effects of tonality on the mood of the music; and) an ability to appreciate and express music through activities such as searching, selecting, and listening while also utilizing information about musical impression. The courseware is also designed to support teachers who do not specialize in music education.Design/methodology/approachMusic courseware is designed containing the following three components: a semantic associative search engine that enables the retrieval of media data related to impression keywords selected by users; interfaces and tools for music retrieval and learning, which support users as they study the mood of the music in an easy‐to‐understand format using basic music teaching scenarios; and basic music teaching scenarios that are designed and created by elementary school teachers to encourage student understandings of the tonality and mood of the music in a practical manner.FindingsThe results of several qualitative and quantitative experiments show that this courseware assists children in independently learning musical elements by feeling, understanding, and expressing music impressions using words from the courseware that are extracted automatically from musical elements, such as key, rhythm, tempo, pitch, melody, and harmony.Research limitations/implicationsAdditional applications in various elementary and junior high school settings are needed to address a variety of practical, real‐life teaching scenarios.Social implicationsThis courseware have the potential to support enrichment programs not only in ordinary schools but also in a wide range of non‐educational settings, such as welfare care, disability care, and cross‐cultural communication.Originality/valueThe main feature of this courseware is its multimedia database technology, which appliesKanseito music education, thereby enabling students to understand the mood and structure of music based on their own subjective impressions using an objective framework.
Gentle supervisory system based on integration of environmental information and social knowledge
Authors: Takahashi Hideyuki , Yamanaka Kazuhiro , Izumi Satoru , Tokairin Yoshikazu , Suganuma Takuo , Shiratori Norio 
Published: July 2010

PurposeReal‐time multimedia supervisory systems generally include a distributed system that delivers live video input captured with cameras at the watched person's site, using a PC or hand‐held device at the distant supervisor's site. The system comprises many entities such as cameras for image capture, transmission software, network connections, receiver software, a display device, multimedia processing software and hardware, control software, etc. The purpose of this paper is to realize a safe and convenient supervisory system that autonomously provides users with services that fulfill users' requirements related to quality and privacy in a ubiquitous information environment.Design/methodology/approachA system is designed by integrating environmental information acquired from the real world and knowledge related to human social activities. A real space understanding mechanism is proposed to infer the situations and relationships of users by combining sensing information and social knowledge. Social knowledge related to human relationships, the life style of the watched person, home structure, etc. is used with ontology to infer the situations of users.FindingsAn early prototype was implemented for supervising elderly people and some experiments were performed based on several scenarios. Results obtained from some experiments confirmed that this supervisory system can provide real‐time multimedia supervisory services for elderly people, with reasonable quality‐of‐service and privacy that meet the users' requirements.Originality/valueThe system described in this paper assesses the situation of users and surrounding environmental information to provide appropriate supervisory services. This paper provides insight into the design and development of ubiquitous application systems to realize comfortable and safe services using a combination of environmental information and social knowledge.