bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Who needs cyberspace? Examining drivers of needs in Second Life
Authors: Barnes Stuart J. , Pressey Andrew D. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeHuman needs and motivation are a central tenet of marketing discourse. In this exploratory study we attempt to understand the factors that drive individuals' higher‐order human needs in a relatively new electronic marketing context, that of virtual worlds.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs the higher‐order needs from Abraham Maslow's hierarchy (i.e. belonging, esteem and self‐actualization) and a series of drivers related to the characteristics of the virtual world medium, personality characteristics, channel interaction, and demographic criteria. Data is collected via a survey delivered in Second Life (n=404) and analyzed using PLS path modeling.FindingsArousal, pleasure, and individualism act as particularly potent drivers of higher‐order needs in virtual world channels, while channel intensity, affinity for technology and gender act as lesser drivers.Practical implicationsAn understanding of personal motivations affords us an insight into consumers' needs and wants and is a useful precursor to targeting them and in effectively fulfilling these needs. This has implications not only in a single channel but across multiple channels.Originality/valueThis study represents one of the first attempts to better understand consumer behavior in virtual world channels, and, by so doing, better inform our understanding of personal needs in the modern multi‐channel environment.
Do emerging market firms follow different dividend policies?
Authors: Mollah Sabur 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the behaviour of pay‐out policy of Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) listed firms preceding and following financial crisis to see whether dividend policy appears as significant measure to protect the general shareholders' interest following the crisis in 1997‐1998.Design/methodology/approachOrdinary least square models are tested on DSE data preceding (1988‐1997) and following the financial crisis (1999‐2003), on which no other study has been conducted yet.FindingsThe empirical results fail to trace noticeable improvements in pay‐out policy following the market crisis.Research limitations/implicationsDividend policy does not appear as a significant measure to protect the shareholders' interest in the emerging market of Bangladesh and regulatory reforms following the financial crisis in 1997‐1998 appears as ineffective in Bangladesh.Originality/valueThe unique features of this study are that it is the first study of this kind in the stock market of Bangladesh and the data are captured preceding and following the financial crisis in 1997‐1998.
Disruption theory as a predictor of innovation success/failure
Authors: Raynor Michael E. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeExecutives and managers are in need of research that will elevate the pursuit of successful innovations from a gut‐level, intuition‐driven art to something more closely resembling a science based on repeatable processes with predictable results. this paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachUsing Intel Corporation's proprietary data the author conducted a number of experiments designed to test disruption theory's impact on predictive accuracy.FindingsAfter training in the rules of disruptive theory MBA students were up to 50 percent more accurate in correctly identifying the survivors and failures, constructing, collectively, a portfolio with a survival rate of up to 15 percent.Research limitations/implicationsIntel's New Business Initiatives (NBI) division provided data on a portfolio of 48 new business ventures that were granted seed financing, a sum that ranged between $250,000 and $2 million, between approximately 1995 and 2005.Practical implicationsDisruption theory can deliver statistically significant and practically material improvement in the ability to innovate successfully. Disruption theory can be used to shape existing innovation ideas in ways consistent with the theory's prescriptions.Originality/valueAs of now the disruption theory of innovation is the only one with evidence to support the assertion that it can improve predictive accuracy.
Strategic M&A: insights from Buffett's MidAmerican acquisition
Authors: Calandro Joseph 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose a definition of strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that is illustrated by way of case study. It also aims to introduce the strategic concept of “nascent franchise.”Design/methodology/approachThe proposed definition is based on existing strategic theory, which was extended to the field of M&A. The supporting case analysis is based on the Berkshire Hathaway‐led acquisition of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (“MidAmerican”) in 1999, and was prepared from publicly available financial information.FindingsDefining strategic M&A in the manner proposed in this paper proved useful in explaining the dynamics of, and post‐acquisition performance of, the MidAmerican acquisition. It also helped to frame the analysis leading to the concept of nascent franchise.Practical and research implicationsThe paper's definition of strategic M&A could help reframe deal deliberations for practitioners, and spur research by strategy scholars. Additionally, the concept of “nascent franchise” could be developed in future research conducted by either practitioners or academicians.Originality/valueStrategic M&A is defined in a manner consistent with the literature, but extended and illustrated in a unique manner. The valuation presented in this paper, and the concept of nascent franchise derived from the valuation, are based solely on the author's work.
Use of photography and video in observational research
Authors: Basil Michael 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis review aims to examine how photography and video have been used in a variety of fields.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines how these visual methods have and can be used in marketing.FindingsPhotography and video have important strengths. They help us overcome the typically fleeting nature of observation. They also allow us to record behavior in its situational context, allow for reflection, informants, coding, and use of the behavior or situation for illustration. In addition to their analysis of behavior, visual methods can also be used for the purpose of analysis of environments. Photographs and videos can also reveal insights into the interpretive side of the equation – examining people's focus and interpretation of their behaviors and rituals. This visual information can be qualitative – aiming for naturalistic, descriptive, and “rich” data; they can also be used to quantitatively measure circumstances and events.Originality/valueUnderstanding the potential uses of photography and video in observational research as well as their strengths and weaknesses will allow us to gain the most value from their application.
A cultural content analysis of multinational companies' web sites
Authors: Nacar Ramazan , Burnaz Sebnem 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study aims to analyse the appropriateness of the information content and organization of multinational companies' (MNCs) web sites for Turkish local cultural values with the aim of supporting global brand management decisions.Design/methodology/approachIn order to gather data for the study, 108 MNCs' web sites are analysed by content analysis which is an objective, systematic and quantitative way of conducting information about communication content.FindingsIt is seen from the analyses that foreign multinationals could adapt their web sites' information content to local markets appropriately and sufficiently. However, the face (language) and the way (menu) that these data are presented were not adapted as compared to information content on their web sites.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has mainly considered the company side of web sites and neglects the consumer side. Future researchers interested in this area could also investigate how consumers perceive adaptation activities of foreign multinationals through web sites in their countries.Originality/valueOne of the major decisions MNCs face in using web sites regards how to organize and present the web site content to fit local needs and values. Although adaptation becomes a major concern, there is no standard for the multicultural content of web sites. There are several cross‐cultural studies in the literature which compare countries by correlating the analysed variables with Hofstede's scores. Rather than comparing home and host countries of foreign multinationals based on certain dimensions, it is found to be more appropriate to assess on what terms and to what degree these companies could adapt or standardize their global communication channels, namely their web sites, in Turkey.
Modeling and production of fully ferrous components by indirect selective laser sintering
Authors: Vallabhajosyula Phani , Bourell David L. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology to achieve successful infiltration of indirect selective laser sintered steel components with ferrous alloys and thereby to produce fully ferrous components with desirable properties while preserving part geometry.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to generate a “green” part by selective laser sintering (SLS) of ferrous powder mixed with a transient binder in a commercial polymer machine. This part is post‐processed to burn off the transient binder (brown part) and to infiltrate the porous structure with a lower melting point ferrous metal. A critical consideration is loss of part structural integrity by over‐melting after infiltration as a result of chemical diffusion of alloying elements, principally carbon. A predictive model defining the degree of success of infiltration based on chemical equilibrium may be used to select the temperature for infiltration.FindingsThe infiltration temperature should be set such that the equilibrium solid fraction of the final infiltrated part is at least equal to or greater than the brown part solid fraction.Research limitations/implicationsInfiltration temperature must be carefully controlled to prevent melting of the brown part. Effect of alloying elements other than carbon on equilibrium solid fraction is not considered while constructing the predictive model.Originality/valueThis approach can be used to obtain fully ferrous parts with complex geometry and desirable properties using a low‐cost polymer SLS machine.
Design and fabrication of stereolithography‐based aeroelastic wing models
Authors: Zhu Weijun , Li Dichen , Zhang Zhengyu , Ren Ke , Zhao Xinglei , Yang Dangguo , Zhang Wei , Sun Yan , Tang Yiping 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel method to design and fabricate aeroelastic wing models for wind tunnel tests based on stereolithography (SL). This method can ensure the structural similarity of both external and internal structures between models and prototypes.Design/methodology/approachAn aluminum wing‐box was selected as the prototype, and its natural modes were studied by FEA and scaled down to obtain the desired dynamic behavior data. According to similarity laws, the structurally similar model was designed through a sequential design procedure of dimensional scaling, stiffness optimization and mass optimization. An SL model was then fabricated, and its actual natural modes was tested and compared with the desired data of the prototype.FindingsThe first two natural frequencies of the model presented strong correlation with the desired data of the prototype. Both the external and internal structures of the model matched the prototype closely. The SL‐based method can significantly reduce the total mass and simplify the locating operations of balance‐weights. The cost and time for the fabrication were reduced significantly.Research limitations/implicationsFurther investigation into the material properties of SL resins including stiffness and damping behaviors due to layered process is recommended toward higher prediction accuracy. Wind tunnel tests are needed to study the in situ performance and durability of SL models.Originality/valueAlthough the paper takes a wing‐box as the study object, structurally similar SL models of entire wings can be obtained conveniently, benefiting from the low‐stiffness material properties of SL resins and the fabrication capacity to build complex structures of SL process. This paper enhances the versatility of using SL and other rapid prototyping processes to fabricate models to predict aeroelastic characteristics of aircraft.
Role of switching costs in the service quality, perceived value, customer satisfaction and customer retention linkage
Authors: Edward Manoj , Sahadev Sunil 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe study attempts to chart out the role of switching costs in the interrelationships between perceived value, perceived service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer retention. The mediating role of switching costs as well as its direct impact is explored among customers of mobile telephone service providers in India.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model is developed based on the existing literature and then the model is validated through the analysis of data collected from customers of mobile services in India.FindingsThe mediating role of switching costs is found to have adequate statistical support and the other direct linkages are also found to be valid. The findings suggest that service firms may benefit from pursuing a combined strategy of increasing customer satisfaction and switching costs both independently and in tandem, depending upon the product‐market characteristics.Originality/valueThe study extends the knowledge about customer retention by bringing in switching costs as a part of the network of relationship involving perceived value, perceived service quality, and customer satisfaction.
Vietnam's state‐owned enterprise reform
Authors: Nguyen Phuc , Crase Lin 
Published: July 2011

PurposeUnder the pressure of competition from non‐state‐owned enterprises (non‐SOEs) since the Renovation in 1986, the Government of Vietnam has sought to reform state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) in order to improve their productivity and efficiency. Whilst the theoretical efficiency benefits from the SOE reform have interested many, this study seeks to add empirical insights to this debate using Williamson's transaction cost economics (TCE).Design/methodology/approachOrganizational integration and transaction costs – two dimensions of firm efficiency – were compared between SOEs and non‐SOEs using multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA). The analysis was conducted in the context of the within‐firm logistics processes of international multimodal transport (IMT) in Vietnam.FindingsSOEs were as efficient as non‐SOEs along organizational integration and transaction costs dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsResults of the study contribute to the ongoing research on SOEs reform in Vietnam. They add tentative support to the reform process, although the study also highlights the need for further research incorporating the wider motivation for the SOE reform and/or the broader influence of competition and private ownership.Originality/valueThis study assesses the efficiency of the SOE reform in Vietnam from a perspective that has never been done before, Williamson's TCE.
Voluntary risk reporting to enhance institutional and organizational legitimacy
Authors: Oliveira Jonas , Lima Rodrigues Lúcia , Craig Russell 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the factors that affected the voluntary risk‐related disclosures (RRD) in the individual annual reports for 2006 of Portuguese banks. It also explores the extent to which those reports conformed to Basel II requirements in terms of the voluntary disclosure of operational risk and capital structure and adequacy matters.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct a content analysis of the annual reports of a sample of 111 banks. Voluntary operational risk and capital structure and adequacy disclosures were assessed using a list of disclosure categories that were developed from the Third Pillar disclosure requirements of the Basel II Accord.FindingsStakeholder monitoring and corporation reputation are crucial factors that explain the risk reporting practices observed. Voluntary risk reporting appears to enhance legitimacy for two major reasons: first, by fulfilling institutional pressures to assure the effectiveness of market discipline; and second, by managing stakeholder perception of a corporation's reputation.Originality/valueThe voluntary RRD observed are shown to be explained by legitimacy theory and resources‐based perspectives. This theoretical framework has not been tested hitherto in explaining the motives for banks to make voluntary RRD.
Legal commentary
Authors: Gray Joanna 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the High Court's rejection of claims made against a UK bank by a US‐based customer in relation to foreign exchange dealing it carried out as agent for its US affiliate based on common law and breaches of COBS Rules (BankLeumi (UK) plc v. Wachner, Queens Bench Division, Commercial Court; Mr Justice Faux).Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses this action and counterclaim by the defendant.FindingsThe Judge did not find any of the three causes of action underlying the counterclaim to have any foundation, and he found the defendant liable for the full amount of the claim.Originality/valueThis paper draws attention to investors' attempts to shift trading losses onto the counterparties with or through whom they dealt through the use of common law, fiduciary principles or statutory tort claims. Such claims have no chance of succeeding unless the claimants can establish that they were incorrectly classified as an expert customer. Another point of interest to draw from this decision is to recall that product design and pre‐emptive restrictions on product innovation are once again a prominent feature of current debates on regulatory reform.
Risk‐based approach for designing enterprise‐wide AML information system solution
Authors: Ai Lishan , Tang Jun 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper attempts to explain the key elements and associated definitions of the financial institutions' enterprise‐wide anti‐money laundering (AML) information system, and to discuss the technical theory for implementing the information system.Design/methodology/approachThe paper defines the problems of defensive filing in the suspicious transaction reports, proposes AML practice from objective standard principle to subjective assessment principle, and provides detailed description of enterprise‐wide AML solution.FindingsAs rule‐based AML approach and objective‐standard monitoring principle have led to numbers of practical problems, a significant tendency of regulatory reform is to replace the objective‐standard principle by comprehensive risk‐assessment process with considerations of the enterprise's reality.Originality/valueThe paper presents the latest development in enterprise‐wide AML information system construction, including customer risk evaluation, transaction risk measurement, behavior monitoring technology, link analysis, risk ranking and workflow tools, etc. and major fundamentals and functions of these modules are also discussed.
Supply chain resilience in the global financial crisis: an empirical study
Authors: Jüttner Uta , Maklan Stan 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to conceptualise supply chain resilience (SCRES) and to identify and explore empirically its relationship with the related concepts of supply chain vulnerability (SCV) and supply chain risk management (SCRM).Design/methodology/approachFrom a review of the literature the conceptual domain of SCRES is defined and the proposed relationships with SCRM and SCV are derived. Data from a longitudinal case study with three supply chains are presented to explore the relationship between the concepts in the context of the global financial crisis.FindingsThe empirical data provide support for a positive impact of supply chain risk (SCR) effect and knowledge management on SCRES and from SCRES on SCV. SCR effect and knowledge management seem to enhance the SCRES by improving the flexibility, visibility, velocity and collaboration capabilities of the supply chain. Thereby, they decrease the SCV in a disruptive risk event. The positive effects manifest themselves in upstream supplier networks of supply chains as well as in distribution channels to the customers.Research limitations/implicationsThe recession caused by the financial crisis has illustrated the importance of SCRES in today's interdependent global economy vividly. However, the concept is still in its infancy and has not received the same attention as its counterparts SCRM and SCV. The study confirms the benefit of resilient supply chains and outlines future research needs.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies which supply chain capabilities can support the containment of disruptions and how these capabilities can be supported by effective SCRM.Originality/valueTo date, there has been no empirical study which has investigated supply chain resilience in a disruptive global event.
Supply chain flexibility in an uncertain environment: exploratory findings from five case studies
Authors: Yi Candace Y. , Ngai E.W.T. , Moon K‐L. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to illustrate and examine the different flexibility strategies adopted by supply chain participants as a result of different environmental uncertainties.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory multi‐case study, involving five Chinese companies in the textile and apparel industry, was conducted.FindingsThe analysis, based on the supply chain literature, reveals that the unpredictable dynamics of the supply chain can arise from a variety of internal and external sources, including suppliers, operating systems, customers, and competitors. In response to the various environmental uncertainties and risks in the supply chain, four types of flexibility strategy are identified in our case analysis: laggard, conservative, agile, and aggressive. The results also suggest that the adoption of flexibility strategies should match a firm's business environment and that better supply chain responsiveness can be achieved in two ways: by reducing uncertainties and by improving supply chain flexibility.Research limitations/implicationsThe key limitation of the study is that it focuses solely on the textiles and clothing industry, which makes it difficult to generalize the results to other industries. Another difficulty arises from the subjective criteria employed in some constructs, such as the perceived aggressiveness of competition, the predictability of customer demand, and the designations of companies in the proposed strategy categories.Practical implicationsThe proposed theoretical framework can assist managers in properly diagnosing and deploying supply chain flexibility strategies. The actions identified for promoting supply chain flexibility can also be used to assess the various options for exploiting or acquiring flexibility strategies.Originality/valueExpanding on the previous research approach of examining flexibility strategies from the perspective of a single firm, this study draws on the multi‐case approach to posit a series of propositions that link the adoption of specific supply chain flexibility strategies to various environmental conditions in a supply chain context and proposes a conceptual framework to illustrate how supply chain responsiveness can be improved in today's volatile market environment.