bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can Malaysian firms improve organizational/innovation performance via SCM?
Authors: Chong Alain Y.L. , Chan Felix T.S. , Ooi K.B. , Sim J.J. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically test a framework which identifies the relationships between supply chain management (SCM) practices, operational performance and innovation performance of Malaysian manufacturing and service firms.Design/methodology/approachData for the study were collected from a sample of 163 Malaysian manufacturing and service firms. The research model was tested using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that SCM practices in both the upstream and downstream supply chain have a direct and significant impact on organizational and innovation performance of Malaysian firms. Innovation improvement caused by SCM also results in better organizational performance. The findings also reveal that manufacturing and service firms in Malaysia do not have a significant difference in their SCM practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe time sequence of the association between the variables could not be concluded given that cross‐sectional data were used. This study also focuse only on Malaysian firms.Practical implicationsThis paper shows the importance of SCM practices and how they directly influence organizational and innovation performance. This result will be encouraging to firms in other developing countries. This paper has developed and validated a multi‐dimensional construct of SCM practices, and this tool can assist decision makers of Malaysian firms to evaluate the efficiency of their current SCM practices.Originality/valueThe paper presents one of the few studies which empirically validates the relationships between SCM practices and organizational and innovation performances. The study also focuses on a developing country which is in transition from being manufacturing focused to service focused.
Impact of experience on open inter‐organizational systems adoption
Authors: Guang Qu Wen , Wang Zhongming 
Published: March 2011

PurposeLittle research to date has investigated how firm experience and industry experience in related inter‐organizational systems (IOS) affect the adoption of open IOS. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachBased on large‐scale archival data from European countries, logistic regression was used to test the research model.FindingsIt was found that firm experience in EDI and experience in proprietary IOS positively affect the adoption of open IOS; industry experience in EDI and experience in proprietary IOS have a negative effect on the adoption of open IOS; and industry experience in open IOS has a positive effect on the adoption of open IOS.Research limitations/implicationsOne main limitation is that the measures of the variables are based on single‐item and dichotomic scales. Also, this study only focused on the industry level and alternative explanations for the results have not been ruled out. The main implication is that IOS experience at firm and industry levels should be distinguished, as they can have different effects on the adoption of open IOS.Originality/valueThis paper is among the first that examines how the experience in prior generations of IOS affects the adoption of open IOS. Furthermore, the authors expand the literature by distinguishing IOS experience at two levels – firm level and industry level and show that it is necessary to recognize the different roles of different types of experience.
Exploring a differentiated approach to total cost of ownership
Authors: Zachariassen Frederik , Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a differentiated approach to the cost management system of total cost of ownership (TCO), a system based on cost data. Existing TCO‐related literature has investigated the tool from a focal buyer perspective but has consequently neglected to study TCO from an inter‐organisational perspective.Design/methodology/approachAn explorative single case‐study approach is used, involving a large, industrial Danish manufacturing company. Interviews were conducted with relevant representatives from both the purchasing division and a range of the division's suppliers and observations made.FindingsThis paper indicates that a differentiated approach to TCO might be necessary, as suppliers might react negatively to the focal company presenting TCO data in negotiations. A matrix is proposed involving two dimensions: the nature of the relationship and the complexity of cost drivers.Research limitations/implicationsThis study involves a single case study and is therefore not capable of enumerating frequencies. Future research should test the applicability of the findings in other spatial contexts.Practical implicationsIndustrial managers should be aware that a differentiated approach to TCO is capable of solving problems pertaining to the current TCO “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach.Originality/valueThis is the first paper, known to the authors, to investigate the TCO concept from an inter‐organisational perspective.
Exploring the public sector adoption of HRIS
Authors: Troshani Indrit , Jerram Cate , Rao Hill Sally 
Published: March 2011

PurposeHuman resources information systems (HRIS) are becoming increasingly important in helping modern organizations manage their human assets effectively. Yet, HRIS adoption remains an under‐researched phenomenon. The purpose of this paper to isolate the factors that influence the organizational adoption of HRIS in public sector organizations.Design/methodology/approachAdopting the technology‐organization‐environment model as an analytical framework, the paper draws on qualitative evidence from 16 interviews across 11 Australian public sector organizations.FindingsThe authors find that champions in public sector organizations should demonstrate HRIS benefits before their adoption can succeed. With standardization trends adopted by HRIS vendors, complete organizational fit between adopted HRIS and business processes may be elusive for adopters suggesting that post‐adoption vendor support must be negotiated if costly customizations are to be minimized. In addition to various organizational factors, including management commitment and human capability, the authors also find that broader environmental factors including regulatory compliance can have a deep impact on the success of HRIS adoption by creating urgency in adoption intentions.Originality/valueThere is paucity of research concerning HRIS adoption in the public sector which presents unique challenges due to its idiosyncrasies. This paper contributes to the existing body knowledge by investigating the role of technological, organizational, and environmental factors and their interactions. It provides an improved understanding of the challenges related to HRIS adoption in public sector organizations.
Canadian academic libraries and the mobile web
Authors: Canuel Robin , Crichton Chad 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess how Canadian academic libraries have responded to the rapidly evolving mobile environment and to identify gaps in the services provided, while suggesting areas for future development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper conducted an examination of the mobile content and services provided by the libraries of the member institutions of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Based on this examination, the paper describes the current state of mobile librarianship in Canadian academic libraries. A review of the literature places the investigation in its broader context.FindingsOnly 14 percent of AUCC libraries currently advertise some type of mobile web presence, with mobile web sites being prevalent over downloadable apps. Examples of content and services are highlighted to illustrate current trends and to provide insight into future directions for developing mobile services.Practical implicationsThis study raises awareness of the importance of mobile technology for academic libraries and the need to address the lack of mobile content and services provided by most Canadian post‐secondary institutions. The paper also identifies best practices exhibited by the surveyed libraries.Originality/valueThis is the first exploration of this type into how academic libraries in Canada have responded to the mobile environment. The value of this research is in helping libraries identify and address shortcomings in the mobile content and services they provide, and in highlighting efforts by libraries to address their users' needs in this area.
Facebook as a classroom management solution
Authors: Loving Matthew , Ochoa Marilyn 
Published: March 2011

PurposeA recent for‐credit, library research class at the University of Florida experimented with the use of the social networking site Facebook as an online course management software solution for their research methodology class. This paper seeks to examine this issue.Design/methodology/approachUsing Facebook Groups to set up a class page, instructors made a case study of the flexibility, functionality and utility of using Facebook as an academic communication channel with students.FindingsThe resulting paper reviews the literature of Facebook's academic uses to date.Originality/valueThis lies in the innovation of pushing forward with incorporating portions of social networking sites into the classroom and the University of Florida librarians' experiences during the semester.
Righting the academic paper
Authors: Estela Palomino Norma , Ferreira Gouveia Paula 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to report on the successful collaboration in an academic learning commons environment, established collaboratively between the University of Guelph and Humber College, where library reference and writing center support services are integrated and therefore model student behaviour when writing academic papers.Design/methodology/approachAfter examining previous collaborative efforts between libraries and writing centres, this paper focuses on the relationship between thinking and the writing process itself as the theoretical framework on which a successful collaboration between the University of Guelph‐Humber Library Reference Services and Humber College's Writing Center exists. Statistical data relating to the increased usage levels of reference services, when made available in a writing centre environment, as well as library services satisfaction data are reported.FindingsResearching and writing anxiety is diminished when students are able to access both reference (researching) services and writing support services in the same location. The increased exchange and interface between reference service providers and writing tutors, while assisting students to write better academic papers, reflects the fact that thinking, researching and writing are interwoven and recursive processes that are further enhanced when supported by their physical collocation. Academic institutions should model and further facilitate the collocation and integration of the research and writing processes by reorganizing services and service delivery units to better reflect student behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsWhen this paper was written, service level usage data that had been gathered fully supported the continued collaboration of the reference and writing centre services. However, further research needs to be conducted regarding the impact of this cross‐functional, student support service on student success.Originality/valueThis paper is of interest to academic leaders and service providers who are interested in furthering collaborations between students' service providers, primarily library reference staff and writing centre tutors, whose partnership naturally reflects the integrated and recursive research and writing processes.
Community users in North American academic libraries
Authors: Dole Wanda V. , Hill J.B. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the results of a two‐year experiment at one North American academic library with extending free borrowing privileges to community users.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews previous research on services to unaffiliated community users by academic libraries and employs quantitative measures to examine the costs and benefits of providing such services at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), Arkansas, USA.FindingsThe data indicate that services can be provided to unaffiliated community users with minimal effort and cost. However, the benefits to the organization, such as increase in good will and social capital, are difficult to measure.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper reports on one North American academic library's experience providing service to unaffiliated community users and may provide guidance for other libraries in allocating resources for community outreach. The results of this study may or may not be generalizable to all academic libraries.Originality/valueThere has been little research that attempts to assess the economic impact of unaffiliated community users on academic libraries.
User failure to find known library items
Authors: Kress Nancy , Del Bosque Darcy , Ipri Tom 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand why users at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) are unable to locate locally held items from the university libraries' electronic and physical collections using the library web site and catalog.Design/methodology/approachA combination of usability testing methods and quality control methods were used. Items for the study were selected from cancelled interlibrary loan requests. A cognitive walkthrough was performed for citations representative of the top categories of cancellation because the item is owned or available electronically. Quality control methods were used to determine likely user failure points to completing this path. Data from the cognitive walkthrough were compared with actual user behavior, as observed through usability testing.FindingsParticipants in the study failed to locate known items for multiple reasons, but from the usability testing and analysis three major areas emerged: finding the correct starting‐point for the search, information not indexed for a selected search, and clicking on the call number link. The complexity of library resources was the main contributor to these failures. Participants expected library searching to behave like their other search experiences.Research limitations/implicationsThe failure points identified in the study are in some cases specific to features of the UNLV Libraries' integrated library system.Originality/valueThis paper could be useful to libraries examining the ease with which users can locate items using the library web site and catalog. The research team used a quality control method to analyze usability testing, which provides valuable quantitative data concerning the relationship between user and system failure.
A year in the life of one Emerging Leader
Authors: Jones Darcel 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to report on the American Library Association's Emerging Leaders program and its effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the Emerging Leaders experience and provides a general overview of the program through first‐hand experience, personal research, interviews, and general observations.FindingsCurrently very little has been published about the Emerging Leaders program. Library professionals do not have access to reliable unbiased information, if they would like to research the program before applying. The Emerging Leaders experience, renowned for its networking and learning opportunities, effectively prepares library professionals to become leaders.Originality/valueThe paper provides a personal insight into the Emerging Leaders program.
American Library Association Conference 2010
Authors: Ashcroft Linda 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the American Library Association Annual Conference held in Washington DC in June 2010.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is an outline description of the issues, content, networking, speakers and participants at this conference.FindingsThis major conference covered many topical issues and themes, latest trends and research and leading edge technology applicable to librarians and information professionals internationally. It facilitated many networking opportunities.Originality/valueThis represents a conference report of value to librarians and information professionals, as the variety of themes applies to the various aspects of library and information work.
Reflections on assessing academic quality in marketing, and the UK REF
Authors: Lee Nick 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this editorial is to comment on the paper by Saunders and Wong in this issue. In doing so, the paper reflects on the notion of academic quality within marketing research, along with the systems in place to evaluate and reward it.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes a reflective, discursive approach.FindingsThe author finds that, while Saunders and Wong make a number of pertinent observations, and come up with interesting solutions, the notion of academic quality espoused in their paper is based on a logically flawed set of arguments.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is primarily a personal view, and thus does not rely on any empirical research.Practical implicationsThere are key implications for many parties involved in the creation and assessment of marketing knowledge. In particular, scholars would be well advised to consider notions of quality in relation to their own work, rather than rely unquestioningly on existing definitions. Policy makers and research managers (e.g. business school deans) also need to consider what quality in academic research really is, and how to appropriately direct and reward it.Originality/valueThe paper provides another perspective on the well‐established debate regarding quality, and thus it is hoped will stimulate further thinking.
Manoeuvring towards research decline
Authors: Saunders John , Wong Veronica 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis research paper aims to examine the global trends in publishing in the leading marketing journals between 1964 and 2008, focusing on how public policy intervention in the assessment and funding of academic research has influenced Britain's relative productivity in the world's leading marketing journals.Design/methodology/approachThe method was an audit of contributions to the leading journals based on the authors' affiliation, country of origin and country in which they obtained their doctoral training.FindingsThe results show that the proportion of leading marketing publications by authors affiliated to British universities have held steady at about 2 per cent, while the productivity of several other countries has accelerated past Britain. However, to retain that share, Britain has increasingly depended upon importing people whose PhD is not British. This contrasts with some other European countries that are now more productive than Britain, but mainly recruit locals with local PhDs. The pattern of decline in the UK is related to the impact of Britain's research assessment exercise and the continuation of relatively weak social science research training.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis is limited by only looking at one academic discipline and only the top few academic journals in the field.Practical implicationsThe findings have implications at several levels. At a national policy level it questions the value of the research assessment exercises that appear to have presided over a decline in research productivity. For institutions, it questions the value in investing in developing local talent when success has come to those who buy talent internationally. Perhaps, the major implication arises from Britain's academic productivity declining while neighbouring countries have grown in international excellence.Originality/valueAt a time when the continuation of expensive university research assessments is being questioned the research findings add value to the current debate in showing how that very process has accompanied academic decline.
Marketing strategy and customer involvement in product development
Authors: Freng Svendsen Mons , Haugland Sven A. , Grønhaug Kjell , Hammervoll Trond 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the impact of a firm's marketing strategy on involving customers in new product development. Special attention is to be paid to three facets of a marketing strategy: product differentiation, competitor orientation and brand profiling emphasis.Design/methodology/approachA survey with quantitative questionnaires was used in the context of relationships between Norwegian suppliers and international buyers.FindingsTwo facets of marketing strategy, product differentiation and competitor orientation, positively impact customer involvement. Furthermore, specific investments dedicated to the relationship are also positively related to customer involvement, and customer involvement increases customer profitability.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relies on data from the suppliers, and future studies should also include customer data to explore possible effects of the customer's marketing strategy on joint involvement in new product development.Practical implicationsThe study shows that managers seeking to involve customers in product development should carefully develop their marketing strategy and build commitment through specific investments.Originality/valuePrevious studies show that firms can benefit from involving customers in new product development. This paper extends knowledge in the field by exploring how different facets of the firm's marketing strategy can increase or decrease the possibilities for involving customers.
Linking sports sponsorship with purchase intentions
Authors: Ngan Heidi M.K. , Prendergast Gerard P. , Tsang Alex S.L. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeIt is common for companies to sponsor sports teams. The aim of this paper is to examine experimentally the impact of two team attributes (team performance and the presence of a star in the team) on consumers' intention to purchase the sponsor's product. The moderating role of team identification on the relationship between these two team attributes and intention to purchase is also to be studied.Design/methodology/approachAn experiment was conducted in Hong Kong. A series of hypotheses relating to team performance, presence of stars in the team, and team identification were tested.FindingsTeam performance significantly influenced consumers' intention to purchase the sponsor's product, and this influence was more pronounced for casual than for avid fans and more pronounced when the team contained a star. A winning team with a star generated the strongest purchase intention. A losing team with a star produced the lowest purchase intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe trade‐off between internal and external validity when using experimental research methods constitutes the main limitation of this study. This limitation aside, the study suggested that sponsors should try to sponsor a winning team, especially if it contains a star player. A sponsor of a losing team might encourage the team management to take actions that increase the level of team identification among consumers. If the losing team also contains a star, the sponsor ought to promote other strengths of the team instead of focusing on team performance.Originality/valueThe paper extends previous work in the area by examining how team performance and the presence of a star in a team impact intentions to purchase the sponsor's product, and how team identification moderates the influence of these two attributes.