bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender similarities in work and well‐being outcomes among managers and professionals in Egypt
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , El‐Kot Ghada 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate gender similarities and differences among managers and professionals working in a variety of organizations and industries in Egypt. It seeks to replicate and extend previous work by employing a different sample working in a large Muslim country.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 242 respondents, 146 males and 96 females, using anonymously completed questionnaires, a 48 percent response rate. Measures included personal demographic and work situation characteristics, stable individual difference personality factors, job behaviors, work outcomes, after‐work recovery experiences, indicators of quality of life (e.g. work‐family conflict and life satisfaction) and psychological well being.FindingsThere were considerable differences in personal demographic and work situation characteristics, consistent with previous findings. Females were younger, less likely to be married, worked at lower organizational levels, were less likely to supervise others, worked in smaller organizations, and earned less income. Males and females were generally similar on stable individual difference personality factors and job behaviors. Females, however, were less satisfied with their careers, less work engaged, and reported higher levels of both exhaustion and psychosomatic symptoms; findings different from those observed in other countries female managers did make greater use of the four recovery experiences examined.Research limitations/implicationsConsistent with previous research, considerable demographic and work situation differences were observed. But different from previous research, female and male managers in Egypt reported some similar and some different work and well‐being outcomes. The observed differences indicated that women managers are somewhat disadvantaged on both work and well being.Practical implicationsThese results suggest that Egyptian organizations need to devote more resources to supporting the career development of managerial and professional women. In addition, Egyptian society needs to challenge the existing stereotypes of women's roles. Entrepreneurship appears to be a realistic prospect for some women managers and professionals dissatisfied with their current careers.Originality/valueThis study provides insights on similarities and differences on personal demographic characteristics and outcome measures among female and male managers in Egypt.
Supporting the emergence of women's entrepreneurship
Authors: Griffy‐Brown Charla 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThere are a number of reasons why entrepreneurship has struggled in the Japanese context. Since the historical period from post‐war Japan until the 1990s, a large‐firm “institutional logic” prevailed. For example, in post‐war Japan, large dominant firms emerged that were supported by government policies and heavily structured around sub‐contracting. Such firms strongly influenced Japanese human and financial capital and, because they offered life‐time employment along with better pay and benefits, they quickly became the employment of choice for talented individuals. As a result, few talented people chose to become entrepreneurs, which in turn led to a cycle of sluggish venture capital investment and the perception of high risk. This short perspective‐style article aims to focus on the recent institutional changes in Japan which appear to have led to more women engaging in entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachThis is a practitioner‐oriented piece reporting on work being done to support the emergence of women entrepreneurs in Japan. The author considers whether the recent changes are sufficient to allow women to reach their full potential in the Japanese business landscape.FindingsThe fortress of traditional Japanese business, which largely excludes women, appears to be surrounded by the “cloud” of a growing and necessary group of women who are a vital resource amidst Japan's otherwise shrinking labor market. Women consumers played a critical role in the emergence of the digital economy of Japan and are now playing a key role politically.Research limitations/implicationsThis is only a practitioner‐perspective article.Practical implicationsA greater understanding of changes in institutional and regulative logic as well as the role of technology could potentially impact policy and practice.Originality/valueThis is an original study focussing on the world's second‐largest economy and an area of significance for stimulating innovation in the context of Japan. There is also potential for extending theory.
Seven years of the ICSB‐IJGE‐NWBC Best Paper Award for women's entrepreneurship research
Authors: Weeks Julie R. , Duffy Susan G. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to offer a brief history of the International Council for Small Business‐International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship‐National Women's Business Council (ICSB‐IJGE‐NWBC) Best Paper Award for Women's Enterprise Development. The award has a unique requirement for papers to focus, in an integral way, on practical outcomes and implications for policy and practice.Design/methodology/approachSeven years on, the authors consider what has been learned from this award process and from the insights uncovered in the winning papers.FindingsThe collaboration to focus on women's enterprise development research is a success. Interest in the award is growing and the share of women's enterprise‐focused papers that contain a focus on policy and/or practice is on the rise. Subject matter and geographic focus of the papers is wide‐ranging. However, more work needs to be done to increase communication about the award itself and about the lessons learned from the research receiving the award recognition. Practitioners are urged to join academics in sharing their work in women's enterprise development and policy. Such collaborations build the essential bridges needed to maximize the power of research and education to inform and shape policy and practice.Originality/valueThe ICSB‐IJGE‐NWBC Best Paper Award is the only one of its kind in the world.
A conceptual investigation into the effects of cultural animosity on Middle Eastern consumers' purchase intentions
Authors: Darrat Mahmoud 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline a conceptual model for the investigation of cultural animosity and its effects on purchasing intentions in the Middle East.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed methodology consists of three well‐known Western (preferably American) franchises being evaluated based on survey research of local Middle Eastern consumers. Data are collected and compared for the three franchises with emphasis implied within the survey on the invasion of Iraq (2003). Respondents are compared based on their individual levels of animosity and how that animosity translates into purchasing intentions.FindingsThe paper proposes a direct link between brand perceptions/brand equity and Middle Eastern consumers' purchasing intentions with a moderating influence of cultural animosity and individualism/risk propensity.Practical implicationsIn response to an increasingly hostile geopolitical environment, it is important for marketers to assess political animosities in consumer‐brand perceptions and purchase intentions. Deeper investigation of this phenomenon may provide helpful tips for managers to assess the impact of animosity on brand image abroad.Originality/valueThe conceptual framework integrates extant literature on brand perceptions into an emerging market context (i.e. the Middle East). The Middle Eastern consumer market has received surprisingly limited attention by marketing researchers as a whole, and branding researchers in particular. This paper attempts to bridge the gap for future research in the area.
The challenges of Islamic branding: navigating emotions and halal
Authors: Wilson Jonathan A.J. , Liu Jonathan 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the challenges which the concept of halal presents – when attempting to understand how halal‐conscious consumers behave and what it takes to maintain an emotive, credible and authentic brand proposition.Design/methodology/approachInterpretive phenomenological analysis and syllogisms, as a basis for conceptual metaphor theory and critical discourse analysis, were employed. Evidence supported by discussions and participant observation method, whilst attending Oxford Global Islamic Branding and Marketing Forum, 26‐27 July 2010, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford – in addition to the empirical data presented by keynote speakers.FindingsThe author asserts that halal‐conscious consumers are risk averse, which drives discerning and high‐involvement behavioural traits. Furthermore, in the face of this, brand managers are still unclear how far they can push more emotionally led brand messages. Finally, the paper presents a halal decision‐making paradigm – as a basis for constructing salient and engaging brands. The halal paradigm is a nub where the perceived importance of halal is brought into the Muslim consciousness. This is a dynamic and cyclical process, whose final verdict is finite and perishable – due to hyper‐sensitivity and environmental factors influencing Muslim perceptions of what is halal.Research limitations/implicationsThe models presented synthesise conceptual thinking with primary and secondary data. Further, tests related to specific brands are suggested.Originality/valueWhilst the author concurs with the general Islamic principle of halal being the norm and haram as the exception, within the halal paradigm of consumption attached to consumerism, an argument is put forward asserting that this is increasingly being reversed. Furthermore, it is proposed that brand theory could view brands as Muslims.
Practice on generic medicine recommendation and dispensing among Jordanian pharmacists
Authors: Riquelme Hernan E. , Elthani Mohamed , Rios Rosa E. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the percentage of generic inventory pharmacists have in stock, to comprehend why pharmacists in Jordan recommend and dispense generic products.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 104 pharmacists were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire contained statements about perception of generic products, inclination to recommend generic products, importance of promotions, factors influencing a recommendation, stock of generics, and among others. Correlational and discriminant analyses were used to establish associations between variables to distinguish characteristics between groups.FindingsMore than half of the Jordanian pharmacists sampled carry between 20 and 39 per cent stock of generic drugs and 46 per cent carry more than 40 per cent stock. One‐third (33 per cent) substitutes branded products by generic ones and slightly more (36 per cent) recommend more generic than branded products as opposed to those who recommend more branded products (24 per cent). Male pharmacists (49 per cent) tend to recommend more generic products than do females (24.6 per cent) and those who recommend more branded products are more influenced by sales visits rather than manufacturer's name or bonuses.Originality/valueThe paper provides valuable information about the pharmaceutical industry in Jordan and the empirical study adds insights from pharmacists about generic medicine.
Environmental segmentation alternatives: buyers' profiles and implications
Authors: Awad Tamer A. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the green marketing consumer in the Kingdom of Bahrain through using the ecologically conscious consumer behavior (ECCB) model and profiling green consumers in the kingdom.Design/methodology/approachUsing questionnaire survey, the influence of demographic characteristics (gender, age, education, and household monthly income) and ECCB on green marketing consumers has been tested through factor analysis, regression analysis, ANOVA, and K‐means clustering. The sample consisted of 241 consumers.FindingsThe findings of this study provide some understanding to the service providers and the government on the effect of demographic profile on online shopping. Of consequence, such understanding would help them in finding and implementing suitable strategies to enhance online shopping. Four types of green consumers were identified.Originality/valueThe study described in the paper is the first analysis of the Kingdom of Bahrain green consumers' characteristics through providing a comprehensive understanding by combining the demographic characteristics and the ECCB model and their effect on green shopping. Furthermore, the study offers a profile of green market consumers.
Brand preference in Islamic banking
Authors: Ahmad Khaliq , Rustam Ghulam Ali , Dent Michael M. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeUniversity students have a clear need for bank accounts as they have fees, expenses and cash needs. The usefulness of a current account is therefore pre‐evident and Islamic banks need to focus on their brand image and the services they offer. Indeed, understanding bank selection from Muslim customer's perspective can provide useful information to banks' senior management to help them allocate resources and design products that promise to attract and better satisfy customers. Literature collected so far suggests a strong Islamic brand reputation as well as better financial and banking services are the main factors which influence the selection of a brand. The purpose of this paper is to test this within a positivistic empirical framework and amongst the younger generation in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was based on 300 students at the International Islamic University of Malaysia. The study utilised five selection criteria based on previous research, personal experience and interview with bank officials and university students. The study also provides some insight into the younger generation's awareness of Islamic banking and the processes involved in the selection of their preferred brand.FindingsIt would seem that whilst the importance of religion is a major driver in the choice of Islamic banking the fundamental differences between Islamic and conventional banking are poorly understood. What is important is brand, ease of use and the quality of the customer interaction.Originality/valueThe paper investigates the factors which determine a customer's choice of a particular bank and provides insights into cementing relationships with existing customers as well as how to gain new ones.
Is religiosity an important determinant on Muslim consumer behaviour in Malaysia?
Authors: Shah Alam Syed , Mohd Rohani , Hisham Badrul 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of religiosity on Muslim consumer behaviour and on purchasing decision.Design/methodology/approachSurvey comprised a sample of 232 Muslims from the middle‐ and upper‐income groups who work in Shah Alam and Bangi in the Selangor state of Malaysia.FindingsThe findings indicate that religious Muslims in Shah Alam and Bangi area consider Islam as their source of reference and they spend moderately, as commanded by Allah in the Quran. This study confirms that religiosity acts as a full mediating role in the relationship between relative and contextual variables, and purchase behaviour of Muslim consumers.Originality/valueThe paper's interesting findings serve to remind entrepreneurs that they cannot neglect the element of religion in their marketing activities, particularly in the development of products.
A comparative analysis of integrating lean concepts into supply chain management in manufacturing and service industries
Authors: Cudney Elizabeth , Elrod Cassandra 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to present an analysis of the effectiveness of lean techniques and their applications in the supply chain using a survey administered across multiple industries. The objective of this research is to assess the performance of lean based on the specific techniques and implementation methods used, analyze strategies for implementing lean into the supply chain, and to analyze the reasons for both their success or failure.Design/methodology/approachThrough a survey administered across multiple industries to individuals familiar with lean concepts and techniques, lean performance is assessed both within the organization and their supply chain based on the specific techniques and strategies for implementation.FindingsOrganizations indicated that training their suppliers in lean methodologies provided significant time and financial benefits.Research limitations/implicationsSome implications for deploying lean in the supply chain in a variety of industries are discussed. A more extensive survey with a larger respondent pool will provide greater insight and a more statistically significant quantitative analysis.Originality/valuePrior research has focused mainly on the effect of continuous improvement practices on performance. In contrast, this research collected data through a survey administered across multiple industries and analyzed the effectiveness of specific lean techniques and their application in the supply chain.
Organisational learning and Six Sigma deployment readiness evaluation: a case study
Authors: Lagrosen Yvonne , Chebl Rana , Rios Tuesta Max 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a greater understanding of organisational learning in connection with assessment of Six Sigma readiness. Different forms that a possible deployment can take in the organisation's context based on the degree of readiness are explored.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data are derived from 12 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews of selected employees having different functions in the studied organisation, a global distribution system and information technology (IT) solutions provider to the travel and tourism industry. In addition, they include participant observation and documentation. The interview questions were built based on a modified version of Kettinger and Grover readiness assessment framework.FindingsThe study shows that organisational learning can provide a useful framework for assessing Six Sigma readiness in an IT organisation. A synthesized model is proposed combining the frameworks of an adapted Kettinger and Grover model and the core disciplines of the learning organisation. Further, the results suggest that having Six Sigma as a company‐wide strategy may not prove useful or suitable in the current context. However, the analysis shows that having Six Sigma as an improvement programme provides a structure for the improvement work and the define, measure, analyze, improve and control methodology is needed to address some current inefficiencies and problems.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a single case study and the possibility of generalising this finding to other contexts remains uncertain. Therefore, more research is needed. The procedure of using organisational learning as an assessment framework for Six Sigma readiness has been shown to be useful.Practical implicationsImplementing Six Sigma means a large investment and therefore it is important to make the right deployment approach. Having one integrated readiness assessment model should be useful for companies when assessing their readiness.Originality/valueKnowledge of a Six Sigma readiness evaluation in an organisational learning context should be valuable for many organisations. In addition, research regarding Six Sigma in software companies is limited.
Using the Quick Scan Audit Methodology (QSAM) as a precursor towards successful Lean Six Sigma implementation
Authors: Thomas Andrew , Barton Richard 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose the use of and analyses the effectiveness of a supply chain auditing methodology called Quick Scan (QS) as a precursor to the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) projects in small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to identify how effective the use of such an approach will be on an organization aiming to implement LSS. The effectiveness of QS Audit Methodology (QSAM) is measured in qualitative terms through its ability to assist LSS project teams in providing the required focus to develop correctly strategically aligned projects which ensure maximum benefits are obtained from LSS projects.Design/methodology/approachThrough the development of a case study approach, the paper initially and briefly describes the results of the implementation of LSS projects into ten manufacturing SMEs. The paper then, through a case study, describes the implementation of the QSAM into the design, development and early stage implementation of an LSS project with an SME and analyses its effectiveness in being able to develop a more robust approach to planning, measuring and defining the early stages of LSS project implementation in companies.FindingsThe paper initially identifies that most LSS project champions identified the project definition stage as being particularly problematic since it was at this stage that future LSS success hinged. The paper then goes on to show how the effective development and implementation of QSAM into the front end of LSS project implementation brought benefit to a subject company and how the approach has led to improvements in project performance for that company.Practical implicationsThe design, development and implementation of an effective QSAM/LSS approach provide a simple yet effective method to achieving improvements in systems performance. Whilst the authors accept that QSAM does not provide a panacea for project definition, the paper offers practicing process managers and engineers as well as industry‐focussed academics a strategic framework for increasing the likelihood of identifying strategically focussed projects for future LSS implementation.Originality/valueThe proposed QSAM/LSS strategy contributes to the existing knowledge based on supply chain and quality systems and subsequently disseminates this information in order to provide impetus, guidance and support towards increasing the development of companies in an attempt to move the UK manufacturing sector towards improved manufacturing performance.
Measuring the Leanness of an organisation
Authors: Bhasin Sanjay 
Published: March 2011

PurposeExisting audits fail to fully encapsulate the complexities of an organisation's value chain and the significance of culture and change to the success of Lean. The purpose of this paper is to identify precisely what is meant by the term, “a genuine Lean organisation” through the application of a comprehensive Lean audit focused at manufacturing firms in the UK.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive audit was developed able to establish the juncture of an organisation's Lean journey. This was piloted within 20 manufacturing organisations in the UK. A total of 104 separate indices are used, which are grouped within 12 distinctive categories.FindingsThe audit provides an organisation with a Lean vision. Lean requires a considerable commitment and whilst successful implementations facilitate the improvement of numerous indices, the audit acquaints an organisation of the multifaceted requirements for Lean. Its real value is in identifying the juncture of Lean an organisation has accomplished.Research limitations/implicationsThe audit has been tested in 20 manufacturing organisations; a natural extension would be to replicate the exercise within the service sector.Practical implicationsThe audit results demonstrate how it is possible to split an organisation's Lean journey into seven evident phases. The feedback would improve the implementation records within the UK.Originality/valueThis paper tackles a void within the literature of a comprehensive Lean audit specifically examining: whether an organisation had adopted Lean as a philosophy, and to distinctively deduce the phase of a Lean journey the organisation had reached.