bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Market development using TQM through system integration and customer service in Asia
Authors: Taddese Fasil , Osada Hiroshi 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the issue of market development using TQM and identify critical factors that link the two fields to enhance business success of companies in a globalized market.Design/methodology/approachSeven Deming Prize winner companies from Thailand and India are objectively and empirically studied through unstructured interview and through award winner documents. Specific cases are studied from each company to support the interview responses.FindingsThe result reveals that: first, TQM facilitates market development by strategically synchronizing product, process/technology, and marketing dimensions of an organization. Second, TQM characteristically and objectively defines customers to strategically manage different and customer‐specific markets. Third, TQM ensures market success in businesses by enhancing market success of customers.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation to this research is that along with the Deming Award, there are other quality oriented awards such as MBNQA and EFQM. Hence, additional studies from such awards may be helpful to support the authors’ cause. Moreover, the limit in the number of companies studied is also considerable.Originality/valueThis is an original work of the authors and it is not submitted to any other journal or publisher for publication.
Modified (MCp) in the presence of measurement errors
Authors: Zeinal Hamadani Ali , Ebadi Rouhangiz 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a modified MCp by considering the effect of gauge measurement error on the multivariate process capability index.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the effect of measurement system on the quality characteristics appears as coefficient matrix A which changes the variance‐covariance matrix of quality characteristics ∑, into A ∑. In this case, the authors investigate the properties of multivariate index and present adjusted confidence intervals and critical values for capability testing purpose of this index.FindingsThe results show that the simplicity of the obtained index, calculating the true process capability by using empirical process capability and also computing the critical value and power of the process capability testing is simpler in this modified approach.Originality/valueThe results presented in this paper would help practitioners to determine their actual process capability and see if their processes meet the preset capability requirement, and then make reliable decisions.
Towards a comprehensive human resources module for tourism satellite accounts in Egypt
Authors: Eraqi Mohammed I. , Kasem Ayman M. , Hassan Suzan B. , Ragab Ahmad M. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThis research paper aims to develop a comprehensive tourism satellite account‐human resource module (TSA‐HRM) which can complement and enhance the analytical capacity provided by the TSA, allowing for a broader insight into tourism's role in the economy, especially that of Egypt.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives have been achieved through reviewing the literature in the fields of tourism satellite account (TSA) and its handling of tourism employment. To answer the research questions, one strategy and one method associated with the qualitative approach are used. The strategy refers to the case study, while the method refers to participant observation. An in‐depth analysis of the TSA project in Egypt was performed using the Data Quality Assessment Framework (DQAF) introduced by the International Monetary Fund.FindingsThe results indicate that statistics on tourism‐related employment in Egypt are usually fragmented, difficult to compare and often lack quality, credibility and reliability. Thus Egypt is in need of a way to improve tourism labor market statistics. However, the process of assessment of the TSA project in Egypt shows that Egypt has good experience in implementing the TSA system. The application of the TSA in Egypt at this high level will create a new horizon for improving the quality of tourism employment statistics.Research limitations/implicationsAt the time of the research Egypt was in the process of constructing its first TSA, and this of course is considered one of the limitations. Since the introduction of TSA to the Egyptian tourism industry in 2009, the statistical system of tourism has made a considerable contribution to improve the quality of data, based on evaluating some of the DQAF criteria, but there are no results so far. The present situation caused the study to fall within the theoretical framework, without producing any statistics on tourism employment in Egypt according to the proposed TSA‐HRM.Practical implicationsThe model proposed will provide detailed data about employment, labor or human resource issues related to tourism in the Egyptian economy, which provides a useful resource for planning policy and decision making.Originality/valueConsidering the research findings, the study developed a comprehensive quantitative (monetary and non‐monetary) and qualitative tourism human resources module of tourism satellite account to extend the analytical capacity of the TSA as well as trace most issues relevant to the tourism labor market in Egypt.
Enhancing tourism destinations through promoting the variety and uniqueness of attractions offered by minority populations: an exploratory study towards a new research field
Authors: Pechlaner Harald , Lange Sandra , Raich Frieda 
Published: November 2011

PurposeMinority areas, with their cultural distinctiveness and a strong tendency to cultivate and preserve cultural identities, can offer guests special added value as tourist destinations. This study seeks to address whether and to what extent locals and guests of tourist areas populated by minority populations perceive and are aware of the uniqueness, variety and potential of the minority in a region.Design/methodology/approachResearch has already been developed that analyses the inter‐relations between the local population and tourism, but is scarce regarding national minorities and tourism. This paper pursues a new research field focusing on the potential of tourist destinations that offer specialised characteristics due to their cultural, ethnic or minority populations. The authors carried out an empirical study using quantitative, standardised questionnaires in 2008 in two minority areas: South Tyrol, Italy (which has a Ladin minority population) as well as Transylvania, Romania (which has a German and Hungarian minority population). The South Tyrol situation is doubly unusual, because the Ladin minority population is a minority within the German minority region in Italy.FindingsThe study shows that ethnic minority populations can definitely offer added value for holidaymakers in tourist destinations. The special interest and attraction of these types of holiday stay for guests is explained, above all, by the varied cuisine and the locals' proficiency in languages (South Tyrol) as well as the specific architecture and the more extensive cultural offerings (Transylvania). In Transylvania no significant differences and in South Tyrol significant differences in the perception of the special cultural situation by locals and guests have been observed.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was confined to 250 interviewees per group and study region, due to budget restrictions. Compared to the volume of research on native population and tourism, research on minorities and tourist activities is quite new. Therefore this research paper provides only an exploratory study and could be developed further.Originality/valueThe paper shows that ethnic minorities, with their customs and traditions, languages and architectural styles, can definitely offer added value for holidaymakers.
Factors affecting ERP system implementation effectiveness
Authors: Maditinos Dimitrios , Chatzoudes Dimitrios , Tsairidis Charalampos 
Published: November 2011

PurposeEnterprise resource planning (ERP) systems enhance productivity and working quality by offering integration, standardization and simplification of multiple business transactions. The present study seeks to introduce a conceptual framework that investigates the way that human inputs (top management, users, external consultants) are linked to communication effectiveness, conflict resolution and knowledge transfer in the ERP consulting process, as well as the effects of these factors on ERP system effective implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe examination of the proposed conceptual framework was made with the use of a newly developed questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to a group of 361 Greek companies that have implemented an ERP system. Information technology (IT) managers were selected as the key respondents of the questionnaire. After the completion of the four month research period (September to December 2008), 108 usable questionnaires were returned (response rate=31 percent approximately). The empirical data were analyzed using the structural equation modelling technique (Lisrel 8.74).FindingsThe main findings of the empirical study can be summarized in the following categories: the assistance provided by external consultants during the ERP implementation process is essential; knowledge transfer is an extremely significant factor for ERP system success; knowledge transfer concerning technical aspects of ERP systems is more important than effective handling of communication, as well as conflict resolution among organizational members; the role of top management support seems to be of less importance that the one provided by users.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study is limited by the poor definition of its population (due to lack of available data) and the relatively small size of the sample.Practical implicationsThe paper points out areas that adopting companies should emphasize in order to successfully implement an ERP system and, therefore, harvest its potential benefits.Originality/valueThe paper proposes an enhanced conceptual framework that examines vital issues concerning ERP system effective implementation, thus, providing valuable outcomes for decision makers and academics. The originality of the paper lies in its three dimensional approach.
3‐D pose presentation for training applications
Authors: Fox Kaitlyn , Whitehead Anthony 
Published: November 2011

PurposeIn the authors' experience, the biggest issue with pose‐based exergames is the difficulty in effectively communicating a three‐dimensional pose to a user to facilitate a thorough understanding for accurate pose replication. The purpose of this paper is to examine options for pose presentation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine three methods of presentation and feedback to determine which provides the user with the greatest improvement in performance. An on‐body sensor network system was used to measure success rates, and address the challenges and issues that arise throughout the process.FindingsA three‐dimensional interface allows for full control of the camera, and after conducting all of the experiments, the importance of this feature became exceedingly apparent. Though other elements of feedback were able to illustrate specific problem areas, the camera rotation improved some success rates by more than double.Research limitations/implicationsRefinements of visual feedback methods during training could include determining the ideal position for the camera to view the avatar after the rotation to maximize pose comprehension. Future research could also include working towards providing the participant with more specific instructions, verbally or symbolically.Originality/valueIn a traditional setting, such as a yoga class, a physically present moderator would provide coaching to participants who struggled with pose reproduction. However, for obvious reasons, this cannot be implemented in a computer‐based training setting. This research begins to examine what is the necessary user interface for activities that are traditionally very closely monitored.
m:Ciudad: enabling end‐user mobile service creation
Authors: Davies Marcin , Carrez François , Heinilä Juhani , Fensel Anna , Narganes Maribel , Carlos dos Santos Danado José 
Published: November 2011

PurposeMobile computing enables end‐users to create small services on their mobiles and share valuable and context‐aware information with others. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a platform for end‐user generated mobile services – so‐called microservices.Design/methodology/approachAs a key component the authors present a microservice description language for user‐driven mobile service creation and platform‐independent service execution and rendering. The paper also gives insight into the authors' visual authoring tool. The chosen design approach is evaluated in two phases: an intermediate evaluation with a small hands‐on trial and an online survey; and a final laboratory test with 24 test users in total.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights about the methods and motivations of end‐users creating small mobile services. The main purposes of service creation would be mostly to exchange information, stay in contact, and just for fun (on the basis of non‐commercial use). The evaluations also indicate the visual drag and drop approach of putting service blocks together as being the most favored in terms of user satisfaction.Originality/valueThe concepts and findings introduced in this paper will help in designing mobile service authoring environments, which is appealing to software communities/vendors and mobile network operators. The presented platform is, to the authors' knowledge, the first designed and implemented infrastructure enabling end‐user mobile service creation.
Phone bullying: impact on self‐esteem and well‐being
Authors: Drennan Judy , Brown Mark R. , Sullivan Mort Gillian 
Published: November 2011

PurposeMost current research emphasises the benefits of mobile communications for consumers. The purpose of this paper, however, is to investigate the neglected negative effect of “m‐bullying” on young consumers, to expand the understanding of the pervasive impact of enhanced mobile communication.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a cross‐sectional mall intercept method. The survey instrument comprised of sets of statements about the self and the experience of using mobile phones, followed by a set of demographic questions.FindingsFindings indicate both genders experience m‐bullying and that levels of self‐esteem were found to have a direct effect on overall well being.Originality/valueWhile prior research emphasised the positive aspects of enhanced connectivity, this paper advances understanding of the negative aspects of mobile communications and identified the risk of bullying inherent in continuous communication.
Segmenting young adults through their consumption styles: a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Akturan Ulun , Tezcan Nuray , Vignolles Alexandra 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to validate the CSI scale and segment young adults from a developed and a developing country on the basis of their consumption styles as consumers.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted in France and Turkey. To determine the consumption styles, the CSI scale was used. The data were collected from college students aged 18‐24 by a self‐administered questionnaire. To define the segments, cluster analysis was used. The segments are profiled by young adults' demographic characteristics, attitudes towards shopping influence, and reliance on media.FindingsIn both of the countries, four segments were distinguished and defined as “fashion‐brand conscious consumers”, indifferent consumers”, “recreation seekers” and “quality seekers”.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was executed in just one city (Istanbul) in Turkey and one city (Toulouse) in France. The study focused on a single product class, apparel products, since young adults act more as decision makers for that product class.Practical implicationsThe expectations and attitudes of the identified segments should be taken into consideration while developing marketing programs by firms.Originality/valueThis study examines a cross‐cultural validation of CSI scale for new country settings and segments young adults. Moreover, this study put forwards a cross‐cultural comparison of young adults' consumption segments.
What change, what stay: the mix picture of value system of Chinese business managers
Authors: Xueli Wang , Lin Ma 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the changes of Chinese business managers' values for the last three decades since the open door policy. Moreover, the paper discusses the mix picture, which combines Western and Eastern values, and its influence on management practice.Design/methodology/approachVia the seven “value dilemmas” regarding the value dimension proposed by Hampden‐Turner and Trompenaars, the authors surveyed Chinese enterprise managers in 2000 and 2009, then analyzed and compared the data from the questionnaire and the other findings in order to explore the changes of Chinese managers' value system.FindingsFirst, the value system of Chinese enterprise managers is subjected to dual influence from Western management philosophy and Eastern traditional philosophy. The value system shows significant consistency. The Chinese managers remain amazingly consistent in their value systems, except one changed dimension – “outer direction” in 2009, and “inner direction” in 2000. Second, the mix picture of Chinese business managers' value system has traditional Eastern philosophy characteristics, such as “particularism”, “diffusion”, “communitarianism”, “synchronous time”, besides, this picture also has “achieved status” and “equality” features which is the result of the influence of open‐door reform. Third, this mix picture of value system forms a great part of Chinese companies' management practice: the “Eastern part” plays a great role in decision making regarding strategy and people issues; meanwhile, the “Western part” works well at operation level and application of specific management tools.Originality/valueThis is the first study to discover the invisible driver behind Chinese management, namely the value system of the business managers, since their value system deeply influences the managerial decision making, as well as the daily operations. The paper's findings provide a new perspective to interpret Chinese management style and explain the management reality in this fast‐growing economy. The paper also adds evidence in the study of the relationship between managerial values and management practice.
Gaining competitive advantage through a low carbon economy: China vs Europe
Authors: Xodo Alberto 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the possible developments of the energy sector in 2050. Special consideration is given to the evolution of the relationship between Europe and China.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the analysis of current trends and news to develop a hypothetical scenario for the energy sector in 2050. A new hypothetical scenario is proposed in which China's role is dramatically shifted from world's largest polluter to that of leader of the green revolution.FindingsThe paper suggests that the countries with the highest standards could gain a competitive advantage by imposing their standards on the other countries. In the specific scenario analyzed in the paper, China is the country that will gain such an advantage by 2050.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper's main limitation is the lack of estimations on the likelihood of such a hypothetical scenario.Practical implicationsPractical implications of the paper are the recommendations to European Governments and agencies to take their energy policies one step forward towards low carbon solutions.Originality/valueThe new perspective taken by the paper puts China under a new light and uncovers long‐term strategic implications of recent trends in the energy sector.
A stochastic optimisation framework for analysing economic returns and risk distribution in the LNG business
Authors: Furlonge Haydn I. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe liquefied natural gas (LNG) business comprises a number of economic activities with inherent risks. The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated modelling approach, as part of the investment decision‐making process, for optimising economic returns from LNG whilst taking into account uncertainty in various key input parameters.Design/methodology/approachInter‐linked cash flow and pricing models of the LNG chain were constructed. Net present value was maximised based on selection of netback pricing variables and level of investment shareholding. Constraints were placed on the minimum acceptable returns. The risk affinity of the decision maker was captured in the form of a chance‐constrained optimisation problem. A genetic algorithm was applied for numerical optimisation, in combination with Monte Carlo simulations to account for the stochastic nature of the problem.FindingsBased on the results of a case study, the deterministic solution, having no consideration to uncertainty, was found to be both sub‐optimal and provided an unsatisfactory risk outcome. The stochastic approach yielded an optimal solution with due consideration to risk. Various scenarios show that the choice of the decision variables significantly impacts the trade‐off between risk and returns along the LNG chain to government and investor.Research limitations/implicationsThe suitability of the methodology to the operational phase of the LNG business which incorporates different elements of risk, such as market dynamics and logistics, is as yet untested.Originality/valueThis framework may be useful in the formulation of optimal commercial structure of firms, investment portfolio and gas/LNG pricing arrangements for host governments involved in the LNG business.
Kosova's household energy efficiency and fuel supplies
Authors: Bowen Brian H. , Myers James A. , Nixha Agon 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe Kosova Government is promoting energy efficiency and the purpose of this paper is to make a contribution to the efforts being made, in the form of a household survey which visited 2,370 homes in the capital city Prishtina.Design/methodology/approachStudent teams from the American University in Kosovo (AUK) conducted the survey under faculty guidance and their collected data provide valuable information.FindingsThe survey indicates that Kosova's progress on energy efficiency is not far behind the EU requirements.Research limitations/implicationsThe AUK survey results are from the most densely populated area of Prishtina and so these results will be of special interest to the city planners.Practical implicationsThe survey indicates that an average of 7.58 m3 of wood is consumed per home annually. From the data for all homes, 78 per cent heat one to three rooms and for the medium‐size category it was 83 per cent. For all homes in the phase 1 survey, 62 per cent spend between 10‐30 per cent of family income on electricity. The weighted average of the electricity costs in a medium‐size home is €63 each Winter month. The government therefore needs to effectively implement appropriate incentives or subsidies to promote a wide household energy efficiency program. Using an average wood cost of €35 to €40/m3 and the 1.525 million m3/year total consumption, the total wood revenue is €60.6 million.Social implicationsThere also needs to be thousands of smaller personal investments for household high efficiency wood stoves. Both types of investments will reduce Kosova's environmental problem of particulates from ash.Originality/valueThe combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 surveys are expected to provide the most comprehensive household energy survey ever conducted in the Balkans.