bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
E‐assessment and software testing
Authors: Usener Claus A. , Majchrzak Tim A. , Kuchen Herbert 
Published: April 2012

PurposeTo overcome the high manual effort of assessments for teaching personnel, e‐assessment systems are used to assess students using information systems (IS). The purpose of this paper is to propose an extension of EASy, a system for e‐assessment of exercises that require higher‐order cognitive skills. The latest module allows assessing programming exercises in conjunction with particular test‐driven‐development and back‐to‐back testing.Design/methodology/approachEASy was developed following a design science research approach. To prove the effectiveness of the approach, the authors discuss findings from a survey that was conducted with almost 200 students from a programming lecture and present quantitative and qualitative findings.FindingsMost students reflected positively on using EASy. EASy proves to be a versatile tool and the extension meets the authors' aims. Several details require further investigation, most notably usability and the support of tutors.Research limitations/implicationsE‐assessment is a field that requires much future research to enable commercial‐scale systems for assessment of higher‐order cognitive skills. The authors' research is currently limited in the number of exercise types the system supports.Practical implicationsEASy is a research tool despite being used in actual lectures. It is not yet a general e‐assessment solution.Originality/valueWhile EASy is a research prototype, its usage in lectures demonstrates the practicability of using e‐assessment. EASy currently is one of the few systems with advanced capabilities. The paper strongly contributes to the knowledge base on building e‐assessment systems; thus, it is relevant both for practitioners seeking to establish e‐assessment and to researchers trying to understand the future needs towards comparable systems.
Antecedents of knowledge transfer in acquisitions
Authors: Martinkenaite Ieva 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of knowledge‐specific, organizational and inter‐organizational antecedents of transfer in business acquisitions. A study gives special attention to the intrinsic nature of knowledge, absorptive capacity of the acquirer and acquiree, and inter‐firm relationships as key antecedents of transfer.Design/methodology/approachA study provides a comprehensive literature review on the antecedents of knowledge transfer in acquisitions. The paper consolidates, annotates and critiques the existing research on knowledge‐related, organizational and inter‐organizational antecedents of transfer in a specific, yet under‐researched context of acquisitions.FindingsThe paper reveals four major limitations of the current body of literature: underestimated role of ambiguous and dynamic nature of knowledge in conceptual frameworks of knowledge transfer; implicit simplifying assumptions about the role of dynamic capabilities of the two combining organizations to absorb knowledge; lack of systemic analysis of antecedents, learning processes and performance outcomes of knowledge transfer; and lack of comparative analysis of acquisitions of different types which may reveal diverse patterns of knowledge transfer. The author calls for future research to use more direct observations, longitudinal data and multiple case study methods, so that dynamics and complexity of the knowledge transfer process in acquisitions is better revealed.Originality/valueAlthough our understanding of the complexities of knowledge transfer in acquisitions has increased dramatically over the past years, there remain sufficient gaps and openings for further research to be addressed. As a major contribution to the field, this paper points to the high explanatory power of knowledge ambiguity, lack of absorptive capacity on behalf of the acquirer and acquiree, and the arduous relationship between the two firms as barriers to knowledge transfer in acquisitions.
Is there a coherence between organizational culture and changes in corporate social responsibility in an economic downturn?
Authors: Jaakson Krista , Reino Anne , Mõtsmees Pille 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how different types of organizational culture (OC) manifest in certain corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and to uncover how the presence of certain OC types induces changes in CSR caused by drastic shifts in the economic environment.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis relies on a case study and uses qualitative and quantitative data obtained via interviews, employee survey and analysis of documents. The paper focuses on Ecoprint Ltd, a small printing house in Estonia, and analyzes its reactions to the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009 in terms of CSR. The authors then analyze the concurrence of these changes with its OC, based on a survey that relies on the Competing Values Framework.FindingsThe dominant type of OC in the organization did not predict all its CSR practices, but described rather well how adaptation in the sphere of CSR took place as a result of economic downturn. The case demonstrated that CSR activities that relate to dominant OC types are less likely to be reduced in a recession; moreover, some were even intensified. On the other hand, there were certain CSR activities that reflected less prevalent types of OC, nevertheless these were not withdrawn either.Research limitations/implicationsThe method used, single case study, serves as an exploratory study. The relationship between unchanged CSR activities related to less dominant OC types is not easy to interpret and needs further investigation.Originality/valueThere is abundant literature referring to a connection between OC and CSR, but related empirical research is hard to find. The current paper empirically explores the relationship between these concepts under the extraordinary economic situation that existed in Estonia in 2008‐2009.
Individual investor biases: a segmentation analysis
Authors: Kalra Sahi Shalini , Pratap Arora Ashok 
Published: April 2012

PurposeIndian investors have been exposed to a plethora of investment opportunities in the past decade and a half, after the liberalization process which commenced in 1991. Over the years, the increased competition has brought a wind of change, not just in the economic environment within the country, but also a radical change in the choices and preferences of the financial consumers. In the endeavor to provide more personalized advice to the financial consumers, financial service providers need more insights into the minds of the consumers. However, little work has been done to understand the Indian individual investor. The purpose of this paper is to study the Individual investor in India: to segment the investor into distinct behavioural groups based on their biases; to understand the investment preferences and profile of the identified segments; and to understand the implications for financial services providers.Design/methodology/approachExploratory research, using In‐depth interviews, was undertaken to explore the manifestations of the biases among the individual investors. The initial inventory of 97 items pertaining to biases was assessed for content and face validity and subject to pilot test and subsequent rounds of modification. The final data were collected on a sample of 377 respondents, using a questionnaire that captured eight biases: Reliance on experts; Overconfidence bias; Self‐control bias; Categorisation tendency; Budgeting tendency; Adaptive tendency; Socially responsible investing bias; and Spouse effect. The segments of investor biases were identified using cluster analysis.FindingsA cluster analysis of data, collected from individual investors was conducted in India (n=377), yielded four main segments of individual investors biases, which have been termed as the Novice Learner, the Competent Confirmer, the Cautious Anticipator and the Efficient Planner. This typology has predictive validity with regard to financial satisfaction and perceived financial market knowledge.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a very important practical tool which can help financial service providers define their target audience more sharply and understand how people in these segments differ, behaviorally. Better understanding of investor's perceptions would help in designing more attractive financial products and development of marketing strategies that would impact the customer's financial satisfaction levels and create trust and customer loyalty.Originality/valueThis paper is a first of its kind to empirically identify the segments of biased behavior among investors and contributes to furthering the understanding on investor behavior.
Assessment of cross‐border implications of economic and financial information for central European emerging stock market of Poland in times of the current financial crisis
Authors: Prorokowski Lukasz 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe current paper aims to expand an empirical assessment of correlations of the stock exchange in Poland with other stock markets and foreign economies. The paper attempts to explore international spillover effects during the current financial crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe study builds upon questionnaires and interviews with practitioners associated with the Polish stock market. The interviewees represent both the advanced and emerging European economies. At this point, analyzing the notions of a cross‐section of experts from different geographical regions increases the value of the findings. The interviewees were asked to comment on a wide range of examples mirroring the reaction of the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) to economic and financial information derived from foreign markets in times of the current financial crisis. An empirical model evaluating the cross‐border implications for the Polish stock market was specified. The model encompassed a wide range of variables and events influencing the performance of the Polish stock market and investors' uncertainty during the nascent financial crisis. Semi‐structured interviews complemented the quantitatively obtained findings and allowed for a gap between theory and practice to be bridged. The qualitative approach injected a dose of realism into the empirical model utilized in the paper and contributed to the value of general findings.FindingsThe current paper reports initial responses of the WIG20 indexed equity prices to 41 economic and financial information sets, originating from systemically significant markets. The influence of these sets is ranked in accordance with their influential powers. The ranking indicates which information events are more likely to be prioritized by investors associated with the WSE and which news are ignored in times of the current financial crisis. Henceforth, the findings outline the crisis‐induced changes in the uncertainty of equity investors and the implications for investment decision making processes. Comparing the responses to economic and financial information sets among different stock markets and industries delivers insight into the profitability of the international portfolio diversification based on either the country or industry specific factors.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on the Polish stock market, which is relatively under‐researched by the existing body of literate. However, Poland's stock market became a leading central European bourse during the current financial crisis. Reporting a number of useful and important implications for the practitioners associated with the WSE constitutes the core value of the paper.
High technology in emerging markets
Authors: Ahn Mark J. , Hajela Ashish , Akbar Mohammad 
Published: April 2012

PurposeBuilding a bioeconomy requires efficient technology transfer and global linkages to exploit finite intellectual property exclusivity periods. Using a resource‐based view lens, this paper aims to assess the priorities, capabilities, and competitiveness of the emerging bioeconomy in India.Design/methodology/approachA triangulated design was used that involved interviews, case studies and a survey of 61 India biotechnology industry participants.FindingsTwo high priority capabilities were identified as being critical to fostering a competitive bioeconomy – access to talent and access to funding. Participants also identified the critical role of government in building and coordinating infrastructure, enabling critical capabilities, and accelerating bi‐directional technology and capital flows. This study reinforces the resource‐based view strategy framework regarding the importance of local context for biotechnology research.Practical implicationsImplications include the need for public‐private sector collaboration to strengthen industry infrastructure and enable biotechnology start‐ups, partnering between academia and government to accelerate technology transfer, and importance of seeking international investment and alliances early in a company's lifecycle to ensure sustainability.Originality/valueThese India‐centric lessons may be valuable in advancing knowledge for building successful biotechnology clusters, particularly for emerging market countries.
I predict a riot – quantifying the characteristics of areas that led to rioting in England in August 2011
Authors: Simpkin Stephen , Sapsed Ellie 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to quantify characteristics of areas that experienced rioting across the UK in August 2011. Through exploring the areas where riots occurred, and those that did not have any problems, variables and factors that may have contributed to a geographical area experiencing rioting can begin to be identified. Through doing so, it is hoped that local authorities can be better prepared to deal with potential similar situations in the future.Design/methodology/approachNational indicator data were collated for all local authority areas across England. After a literature review, and preliminary analysis, a set of indicators that the authors thought could be potential factors were identified. Using these indicators as input variables logistic regression was completed, with the target variable defined as whether or not the local authority had experienced any rioting (target variable was binary categorical – Yes/No).FindingsA logistic regression equation was produced that gave a risk score to each local authority area. Using an ROC Curve an optimum cut off point was created. Anything over this cut off point was deemed to be vulnerable to rioting. The overall accuracy of the model was 88.4 per cent. The positive predictive value was 97.2 per cent and the negative predictive value was 42.9 per cent. Predictor variables included in the model were: existing acquisitive crime rates; unemployment deprivation; and education/level 4 attainment.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the short turnaround time of producing this insight, only limited data are available to build a model on. The paper focuses on characteristics of the geographical areas where rioting occurred, rather than the traits of the culprits themselves. Since completing the paper, more information has become available.Practical implicationsWith key predictor variables identified, it is possible to look at areas that are a potential risk. The false positives and false negatives (local authority areas that did not behave as the model suggested) also pose interesting questions. Why did rioting not occur in certain areas that showed the same characteristics as those that experienced rioting?Social implicationsWhere a riot risk is noted as high, local public services may consider any actions that could be taken to tackle the risk and can use this information to justify continued resources in that area.Originality/valueMany discussions were had in the months that followed the August riots. These discussions tended to focus on the perpetrators and not the areas that are analysed in this paper.
Community resilience in the wake of horrific social events
Authors: Quinney Lee 
Published: April 2012

PurposeUsing a recent television series as a start point, this paper aims to explore risk management and the impact of serious offending on individuals and communities.Design/methodology/approachConcepts like mad, bad, good, or evil are examined in the context of horrific social events and links to recent developments in government strategy aiming to strengthen and protect community resilience.FindingsIt is shown how the nature of society and modern lifestyles can influence the resilience levels and the likelihood of individuals from all walks of life contributing towards community resilience.Social implicationsCommunity resilience is positioned with the idea that society should not only support direct victims of horrific events, but also those indirectly affected in the same local community.Originality/valueThe paper argues that the notion of community resilience provides a useful framework for thinking about how, in a risk‐averse society, community participation to promote wellbeing within particular neighbourhoods might be facilitated.
The importance of corporate social performance in place branding of retail banks in Egypt
Authors: Tantawi Passent , Youssef Amr 
Published: April 2012

PurposeBranding issues and corporate social performance (CSP) are growing in importance for both companies and customers. In place marketing, places could be branded as each place should define and communicate its competitive advantages effectively and adapt to fit the needs of place customers. On the other hand, in Egypt, a major challenge for marketers is retail banking which is experiencing significant changes and entails the marketing of intangible services rather than tangible products. The purpose of this paper is to provide a useful starting point to consider retail banks as place brands, and advise place brand managers about how to integrate their values with CSP and branding issues.Design/methodology/approachThe study is quantitative in nature, focusing on the relationship between CSP measures and place branding through enhancing brand equity. A total of 220 self‐administered surveys were distributed among bankers and investors of two Egyptian‐based retail banks listed in the CASE (Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange).FindingsResults indicated that there is a lack of association between CSP measures and brand equity measures of retail banks in Egypt. Findings yield useful insights for both academics, and corporate and brand practitioners about the importance of synthesizing brand equity of a place with CSP in the banking sector.Research limitations/implicationsA longitudinal and qualitative research is required to investigate how customers perceive retail banks' brands in Egypt and whether or not they value banks applying CSP. A quantitative study should be conducted on a larger sample to generalize findings within the banking sector.Practical implicationsCSP is mainly driven by external pressures such as pressure of international financial institutions. This will only encourage passive compliance without any effective change on the ground in terms of greater corporate accountability and transparency. Banks should emphasize their CSP to develop or enhance their brand equity.Social implicationsResults depicted that if the individuals themselves can conduct their businesses in an ethical and sustainable manner, then companies will inevitably conform to any external CSP standard that will be utilized in the development of place brands image and the welfare of the society.Originality/valueLimited research has addressed the relationship between CSP and place branding. This study draws a model that investigates the relationship between applying corporate social responsibility (CSR) and place branding through improving brand equity of retail banks in a developing country, namely Egypt. Results of this research might be of interest to companies, practitioners, and society concerning the role of CSR in developing a place brand.
Promoting self‐directed support for people living with dementia: overcoming the challenges
Authors: Moore David , Jones Kirsty 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the use of self‐directed supported as a way of empowering people living with dementia to have greater control over the support they need.Design/methodology/approachThe authors interviewed social care staff and people living with dementia about their use of self‐directed support.FindingsThere have been a number of challenges with making self‐directed support a reality for people with dementia, including the paperwork that can be involved and the time spent setting up a service. However, West Sussex County Council is working on solutions to make sure that self‐directed support becomes a reality for people living with dementia.Originality/valueThe paper highlights some of the positives and obstacles that staff and people living with dementia have faced regarding the use of self‐directed support within West Sussex and the ways that these issues are being overcome.
Ecological impacts of a widespread frost event following early spring leaf‐out
Authors: Hufkens Koen , Friedl Mark A. , Keenan Trevor F. , Sonnentag Oliver , Bailey Amey , O'Keefe John , Richardson Andrew D. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn the spring of 2010, temperatures averaged ~3 °C above the long‐term mean (March–May) across the northeastern United States. However, in mid‐to‐late spring, much of this region experienced a severe frost event. The spring of 2010 therefore provides a case study on how future spring temperature extremes may affect northeastern forest ecosystems. We assessed the response of three northern hardwood tree species (sugar maple, American beech, yellow birch) to these anomalous temperature patterns using several different data sources and addressed four main questions: (1) Along an elevational gradient, how was each species affected by the late spring frost? (2) How did differences in phenological growth strategy influence their response? (3) How did the late spring frost affect ecosystem productivity within the study domain? (4) What are the potential long‐term impacts of spring frost events on forest community ecology? Our results show that all species exhibited early leaf development triggered by the warm spring. However, yellow birch and American beech have more conservative growth strategies and were largely unaffected by the late spring frost. In contrast, sugar maples responded strongly to warmer temperatures and experienced widespread frost damage that resulted in leaf loss and delayed canopy development. Late spring frost events may therefore provide a competitive advantage for yellow birch and American beech at the expense of sugar maple. Results from satellite remote sensing confirm that frost damage was widespread throughout the region at higher elevations (>500 m). The frost event is estimated to have reduced gross ecosystem productivity by 70–153 g C m−2, or 7–14% of the annual gross productivity (1061 ± 82 g C m−2) across 8753 km2 of high‐elevation forest. We conclude that frost events following leaf out, which are expected to become more common with climate change, may influence both forest composition and ecosystem productivity.