bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
iTunes U: an opportunity for students
Authors: Germany Lisa 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to demonstrate that, with a bit of creative thinking, elements of certain university‐wide projects (in this case study, establishing an iTunes U site) can be incorporated into student studies and assessment as real‐world learning opportunities.Design/methodology/approachDescribes three different approaches adopted by Swinburne University of Technology to provide real‐world learning opportunities for its students through its project to establish an iTunes U presence. Highlights the problems encountered with these approaches and what Swinburne would do differently to overcome these issues.FindingsiTunes U provides a real opportunity for showcasing student work and talent beyond the university. The key to success lies in embedding what you want the students to do deeply within assessment processes to ensure the work provides a relevant and valid learning experience. Part of this is establishing a realistic client‐service‐provider relationship with the students.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is based on the observations and anecdotal feedback given to the content coordinator for iTunes U at Swinburne. Future research should seek ethics clearance so that students and staff can be interviewed about their experiences in more depth.Practical implicationsThis paper offers advice to other institutions looking to engage students in broader university projects, through integration with coursework.Originality/valueHundreds of universities have iTunes U sites, or are exploring the use of iTunes U and/or YouTube. Ideas for how to successfully involve students in these broader university initiatives will be of interest to all these institutes.
Recommendations from a virtual community as a catalytic agent of travel decisions
Authors: Ku Edward C.S. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe research goal of this study was to determine how flow experience and perceived behavioral control (PBC) affect participation behavior in the backpackers' forum.Design/methodology/approachSubjects were self‐selected by placing messages on over five recommendations members in the backpackers' forum. In total, 2,000 invitation messages were mailed to members of the Taiwanese backpackers' forum, of which 435 were returned completed (a return rate of 21.75 percent).FindingsAs our analysis, flow experience in a virtual community is positively associated with the behavioral intentions to use the virtual community. Perceived enjoyment in a virtual community is positively associated with the behavioral intentions to use the virtual community, and behavioral intentions to visit a virtual community are positively associated with the member's actual participation in a virtual community.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study has produced meaningful data for the development of multidimensional measures of factors that influence participation behavior in the Taiwanese backpackers' forum, the validity of an instrument cannot be firmly established on the basis of a single study. All of the data used for tests were collected only from a single backpackers' forum.Practical implicationsOur study shows that travel agencies must become technologically astute to keep up with its customers, should be viewing the internet as a vital distribution channel for marketing, and should be linked to other well‐known reservation web sites.Social implicationsThe backpacker community served as a reference group that could significantly influence travelers' beliefs, attitudes, and choices.Originality/valueIn the present study we found that a basic understanding of the essence of the backpacker community is a prerequisite for any organization operating a travel‐oriented community if they are to be clear about their mission, purpose, and the right direction to take to achieve their goal. That goal will increase the commitment of the members to a virtual community by increasing their helping behavior and active participation.
Virtual store layout effects on consumer behaviour
Authors: Manganari Emmanouela E. , Siomkos George J. , Rigopoulou Irini D. , Vrechopoulos Adam P. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the virtual store layout's perceived ease of use effects on consumer behaviour and the perceived differences of two layout patterns most commonly used in air travel web sites (i.e. grid and freeform layout).Design/methodology/approachData were collected through a laboratory experiment from a total of 241 students at a business school. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the research model and test the researchFindingsResults confirm and extend available knowledge regarding virtual store layout effects on shopper responses. However, findings imply that layout pattern affects perceived pleasure and not ease of use in the investigated sector. Additionally, the study confirms the moderating role of atmospheric responsiveness.Practical implicationsManagers should consider and apply the optimal level of ease of use at their web stores' virtual layout to facilitate and yet engage consumers during their online trip.Originality/valueIn the context of e‐tailing, past research examined store layout effects on consumer behaviour mostly through a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) approach. Elaborating on these research insights, the present research attempt employs an environmental psychology approach measuring the effects of perceived layout on consumer behaviour in the online travel industry through the S‐O‐R paradigm perspective.
Impact of national culture on e‐government development: a global study
Authors: Zhao Fang 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to examine empirically whether national culture has an impact on e‐government development in 84 countries around the world.Design/methodology/approachWe used statistic methods of correlation and multiple regression to analyze the two sets of indexes – E‐government Development Index from the United Nations E‐government Survey 2010 and Hofstede's culture dimension index scores of 84 countries.FindingsWe found that there is a correlation to a differing degree between e‐government development and the five culture dimensions defined by Hofstede, although only individualism, power distance and long‐term orientation are significantly correlated with e‐government development.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study and most importantly, the strategies proposed based on the findings by this paper would help government policy and decision makers design and implement policies and strategies to improve e‐government services and their overall development.Originality/valueThe study not only provides empirical support and validates the findings of previous research but also extends the scope and updates the results of similar studies in the study field.
The Kuznets curve: determinants of its shape and the role of finance
Authors: Rötheli Tobias F. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to study the importance of initial resource endowments, the savings rate, and financing opportunities for growth and the distribution of income.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on a theoretical model of accumulation and applies simulations. The frame of presentation is the so‐called Kuznets curve.FindingsThe paper shows under what circumstances the inverted U‐shaped curve hypothesized by Kuznets emerges and clarifies the role of a functioning capital market for economic growth and the distribution of income. It turns out that when initial income disparities are high and the savings rate is low it cannot be taken for granted that economic growth leads to a more equal income distribution. The paper further shows that with an efficient capital market total income rises faster and further and inequality is always lower than without a functioning capital market.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should help to identify the institutional and regulatory frameworks that promote a stable basic financial infrastructure.Originality/valueBy drawing on the concept of a hydraulic society the interplay of key factors that drive economic growth and income inequality can be clarified.
Reinventing management purpose: the radical and virtuous alternatives
Authors: Allio Robert J. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeOne of the lessons of the Great Recession is that managing for shareholder value can result in damage to other stakeholders. This paper seeks to articulate a new purpose for the firm that is more legitimate than maximizing financial returns for shareholders.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the various management alternatives: modify the shareholder value strategy; become socially responsible; and adopt radical management practices.FindingsA central question is whether the alternative management models will contribute to corporate longevity. The paper suggests an alternative approach: the virtuous corporate.Originality/valueThe paper looks at the virtuous corporation which would balance the need to reward external stakeholders with relentless attention to internal excellence and virtue.
The content analysis of advergames in Hungary
Authors: Hofmeister‐Tóth Ágnes , Nagy Peter 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the content of food industry web sites targeting children by advergames with the purpose of granting brand loyalty and trust toward the products of certain companies in Hungary.Design/methodology/approachScientific investigation conducted by two independent researchers included the content analysis of a total of 50 advergames integrated in 11 food company affiliated web sites.FindingsAdvergames are successful promotion strategies that reinforce brand recognition and positive associations toward food products.Practical implicationsBy influencing and encouraging children's cognitive processes, advergames affect their natural development.Originality/valueA content analysis of advergames has not yet been conducted in Hungary. By introducing psychological factors, the present paper can contribute to finding additional approaches to understand the effects of advergames on children.
Technique of collage for store design atmospherics
Authors: Dakoumi Hamrouni Amel , Touzi Maha 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the holistic perception of the customer vis‐a‐vis the creation of an ideal store by using the projective technique of collage. In particular, it discusses the role of the factor of atmosphere which a distributor must privilege to satisfy the expectations of current customer.Design/methodology/approachTo this end, a qualitative exploratory survey based on the technique of collage has been carried out with a sample of 30 individuals. The information were collected through the drawings and the technique of “complete the following sentence”. The collages were analyzed using a holistic approach.FindingsThe results show that the new customer refers to all the stimuli of the environment of purchase in order to satisfy his utility, hedonic and even social needs. The companies, and in particular the distributors, must direct the atmosphere of their store towards the vectors of attraction, gratification and distraction.Research limitations/implicationsThe projective technique of collage made it possible to go further than a declaratory matter collected by questions about the concept of the environmental factors. Indeed, in spite of the limited number of the individuals relied upon for the study, the images that were stuck on paper were enriching and made it possible to explain what evokes for the consumer the concept of “ideal store”; his feelings or his hidden emotions.Practical implicationsFrom a managerial point of view, the noted results can give way to a significant number of actions for the distributors. Indeed, in order to ensure the perennial aspect of their business, the persons in charge should follow this practice by considering the atmosphere as a sum of factors which should be managed in a coherent and harmonious way and not in an intuitive way; thus constituting sources of creation of value for the consumer. In other words, the distributors must implement the factors necessary to generate the comfort of purchase as well as the pleasure of consumption.Originality/valueThis paper is distinguished compared to the majority of the researches undertaken on this subject. It proposes an indirect qualitative study (projective study) making it possible to certify the passage of the consumer from an atomized vision towards a holistic vision including informing the distributors on the atmospheric components most adapted to the new requirements of the current consumer.
Nano‐TiO2‐modified photosensitive resin for RP
Authors: Yugang Duan , Yuan Zhou , Yiping Tang , Dichen Li 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of photosensitive resin for rapid prototyping (RP) by modifying with nano‐TiO2.Design/methodology/approachThe silane coupling agent was selected to treat the surface of anatase nano‐TiO2 particles. The IR spectrum showed that the hydroxyl (−OH) group on the surface of nano‐TiO2 reacted with the coupling agent effectively. The effects of TiO2 content on the curing depth and viscosity of the photosensitive resin were studied by experiments. The mechanical properties including tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and hardness were tested according to ASTM standards. The thermal stability of modified photosensitive resin was tested by differential scanning calorimetry.FindingsThe comprehensive performance of the modified photosensitive resin was good when TiO2 content was at 0.25 per cent, the tensile strength was increased by 89 per cent from 25.26  to 47.82 MPa, the tensile modulus increased by 18 per cent from 2,001  to 2,362 MPa, the flexural strength and the hardness increased by 6 and 5 per cent, respectively. In addition, the plasticity and heat stability of modified photosensitive resin were also improved obviously.Originality/valueThe paper provides a low‐cost method to greatly improve the performance of photosensitive resin for RP. The modified photosensitive resin prepared according to the formulas in this paper has been successfully employed in RP equipment of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China.
The sleeping watch dog: aka the Securities and Exchange Commission
Authors: Perri Frank S. , Brody Richard G. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to expose inefficient regulatory policies and organizational weaknesses at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that have contributed to a series of regulatory oversights that have produced some of the largest fraud schemes perpetrated on investors.Design/methodology/approachSources of information consisted of scholarly articles and articles retrieved from the web.FindingsFindings suggest that although weaknesses that have been exposed at the SEC may not account for any one securities fraud oversight, cumulatively, the weaknesses create negative synergy that increases the probability that a regulatory oversight will occur.Originality/valueThis paper serves as a useful guide to alert and educate securities regulators and enforcement, regardless of the country they may operate in, to examine their own regulatory policies and organizational structures for weakness that may be similar to the SEC.
The effectiveness of corporate governance policy in Greece
Authors: Mertzanis Harilaos 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe effectiveness of corporate governance enforcement is a complex issue requiring the understanding of the role of institutional factors. The latter may or may not converge towards best practices, depending upon the extent to which history and politics matter more than purely economic or efficiency‐related considerations for convergence. The appropriateness and effectiveness of corporate governance enforcement mechanisms differ among market economies and cannot be attributed to one single factor nor does any such factor have the same significance in all countries as it depends on the relative state of development of financial intermediation. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachA critique is launched on the hypothesis of legal conformity used to explain the deviation of corporate governance practices and enforcement efficiency from is considered as best practice. The critique follows an historical development approach and is substantiated with some new empirical evidence of ownership structures and market views.FindingsEmpirical evidence on ownership structures and on the market views regarding the effectiveness of corporate governance legislation shows that for an understanding of the relationship between financial intermediation and corporate governance broader institutional influences must be taken into consideration.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis of empirical evidence needs detailed expansion and proper association with institutional elements to provide a more comprehensive understanding of corporate governance enforcement efficiency.Practical implicationsThe exercise of corporate governance enforcement is an interactive process that goes beyond the role of legal rules and must combine an optimal set of private and public mechanisms properly tailored to each corporate governance regime.Originality/valueNew empirical evidence is provided on ownership structures and on the market view regarding the effectiveness of corporate governance legislation and a broader account is provided on institutional setting for understanding corporate governance policy.
Corporate governance legal and regulatory framework's effectiveness in Greece
Authors: Lazarides Themistokles 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to address the issues raised by the author of the paper “The effectiveness of corporate governance in Greece”.Design/methodology/approachThe issues are addressed point by point using additional data, references and analysis.FindingsThe paper pinpoints the sources of ineffectiveness of the Law 3016/2002 and states that there is a need for a new set of principles and laws that focus on the real issues of corporate governance in countries like Greece.Research limitations/implicationsTo fully comprehend the nature and dynamics of corporate governance issues a survey and analysis broader in scope, more holistic and without any prepossessions must be contacted.Practical implicationsThe study provides evidence to policy makers that the previous initiatives were ineffective and a new initiative is imperative in order to establish balance and create the conditions for capital market development.Originality/valueThe paper questions the argument that convergence may be accomplished by the enactment of laws alone and contributes to the growing body of literature that supports the notion that convergence may be accomplished only by the convergence of more fundamental characteristics of a country.
A social network‐based organizational model for improving knowledge management in supply chains
Authors: Capó‐Vicedo Josep , Mula Josefa , Capó Jordi 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a social network‐based model for improving knowledge management in multi‐level supply chains formed by small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThis approach uses social network analysis techniques to propose and represent a knowledge network for supply chains. Empirical experience from an exploratory case study in the construction sector is also presented.FindingsThis proposal improves the establishment of inter‐organizational relationships into networks to exchange knowledge among the companies along the supply chain and to create specific knowledge by promoting confidence and motivation.Originality/valueThis proposed model is useful for academics and practitioners in supply chain management to gain a better understanding of knowledge management processes, particularly for supply chains formed by SMEs.
Pre‐purchase alternative evaluation: prestige and imitation fashion products
Authors: Robinson Tammy , Doss Farrell 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand the pre‐purchase alternative evaluation for prestige and imitation fashion products. The Engel et al. pre‐purchase alternative evaluation process served as the basis for the model.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sample of 158 undergraduate female students completed surveys. The final questionnaire consisted of four scales that measured shopping motivation, reference group influence, perceived product risk, and perceived transaction risk.FindingsWhen compared with the imitation product, consumers' pre‐purchase evaluation of the prestige fashion product was characterized by higher shopping motivation, higher reference group influence, and lower perceived product and transaction risks. When compared with the prestige product, consumers' pre‐purchase evaluation of the imitation fashion product was characterized by lower shopping motivation, lower reference group influence, and higher perceived product and transaction risks. However, not all variables were significant predictors for both the prestige and imitation fashion product.Research limitations/implicationsSince college students were used, results cannot be generalized to the entire population. Further, respondents' answers were self‐reported, and may not represent actual behaviour. Suggestions for future research include additional studies to determine the validity of the model, and replication of the study using different populations.Originality/valueNo studies have examined the pre‐purchase alternative evaluation process for prestige and imitation products. Most research has focused on counterfeit fashion products. Findings from this study can be used by educators, manufacturers, and retailers to help understand, and explain consumer preferences, and pre‐purchase alternative evaluations of fashion products.
Fashion value brands: the relationship between identity and image
Authors: Ross Jill , Harradine Rod 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study seeks to develop previous research into value branding by investigating potential misalignments between brand identity as intended by the brand owner, and the way in which the brand image is perceived by young consumers.Design/methodology/approachKapferer's model was used to create a detailed brand identity for a value fashion brand. A survey of 150 business students provided a map to identify any gaps between the intended and perceived brand image. Theoretical concepts underpinning the paper include value branding and the relationship between brand identity and brand image.FindingsA marked difference was observed in the way in which value brands are intended and how they are perceived; these misalignments may have significant implications. In particular, young consumers' perceptions of value brands' fashion content could create barriers during decision making. However, the relationship facet indicates potential for developing lifelong loyalty from the sample.Research limitations/implicationsThe research provided a visual map of perceived brand image to allow comparison between identity and image. A longitudinal study could identify how attitudes might change throughout the purchasing life of the sample group.Practical implicationsIt was found that the brand owner needed to develop and effectively communicate the reflection element of brand identity to improve the perception of how the typical customer is viewed by others.Originality/valueThe relationship between brand identity and brand image is particularly important in the value fashion sector. Although some research has been undertaken in this field, it mainly relates to how corporate brands are perceived, while this study focuses on the product level.