bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employee as symbol: stereotypical age effects on corporate brand associations
Authors: Davies Gary , Chun Rosa 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to test one of the symbolic influences of the employee on brand associations and by doing so demonstrate why the stereotyping of employees should be added to the research agenda for corporate branding.Design/methodology/approachThe research is a quantitative study of the employees (n=424) and customers (n=964) in 28 branches of four fashion retailers providing data to model the influence of employee age on the associations customers make with such corporate brands.FindingsTheory suggests two competing employee age‐related stereotypes influence the associations customers hold of a corporate brand. Using a measure of brand personality, the authors confirm that the older the average age of employees the more competent the corporate brand appears but the less enterprising. The overall effect on customer satisfaction is negative. The average age of employees and customers in the branches studied also correlate positively. The symbolism of the employee to the customer, in this instance due to their age, can be important in creating associations with the corporate brand.Practical implicationsDiscrimination in employment due to an employee's characteristics is illegal in most circumstances. However the authors' findings show employers need to recognize the potential influence on their corporate brand imagery (and consequently customer satisfaction) due to employee stereotyping by customers and the symbolic as well as the functional role that employees can have in marketing a corporate brand.Originality/valueWhile prior research argues that employees influence a corporate brand by how they behave, less is known about any symbolic effects due to their stereotyping by customers. The symbolism to customers of brand elements such as packaging has been researched but, thus far, the symbolism of employees, the employee stereotype effect, has been largely but wrongly ignored.
Informing a new business‐to‐business relationship:
Authors: Simões Cláudia , Mason Katy J. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeFirms face the challenge of working with other firms in their business network so as to increase the value of products and services offered to end customers and consumers. This often requires managers to invest in developing strong and effective business‐to‐business relationships. While an extensive literature examines the different dimensions of successful business‐to‐business relationships, little research examines how perceived corporate identity is likely to influence market relationships. This paper aims to explore how a buyer and supplier draw on their own identities and the identities of each other in ways that enable them to develop a basis on which to conceptualise and operationalise a strategic sourcing relationship. Specifically, the paper seeks to investigate the emergent relationship identity that results from buyer‐seller interactions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an in‐depth, longitudinal case study of a buyer‐supplier relationship which involves an engineering buyer and design services supplier.FindingsThe study suggests that the corporate identity of companies involved in a relationship has a prominent role in informing and moulding the relationship. Further, the strategic scope of the analysed business relationship adds to the significance of corporate identity in informing the relationship and, ultimately, the business policy. Finally, a key contribution is the notion of “relationship identity”. Relationship identity conveys the idea that when companies develop a continuous relationship, the relationship itself has a unique identity.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings are based on a single case study. Additional research across multiple case studies is needed in order to verify the findings reported.Originality/valueThis paper addresses a gap in the literature concerning the areas of the role of corporate identity in business relationship development. The findings are important to research and practice with regard to how companies develop successful business‐to‐business relationships.
Improvements for multi‐objective optimizations using output space mapping technique
Authors: Vivier Stéphane , Lemoine Didier , Friedrich Guy 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the implementation and management of multi‐objective optimizations, with the help of heuristic algorithms such as space mapping methods.Design/methodology/approachThe authors consider the design of electromechanical actuators by the use of mathematical and computer means. Experiments are then virtual, because they correspond to numerical simulations. Dimensioning is then ensured by an optimization procedure of the space mapping type, whose main characteristic consists in using two models of the same size actuator (instead of a single one for classical optimization methods). Moreover, one considers here that multiple outputs are defined: this defines a multi‐objective optimization. This paper proposes several techniques making it possible to include the definition of multiple objectives to be fulfilled as part of an output space mapping optimization process.FindingsThe proposed approaches make it possible to stabilize and accelerate the convergence of multi‐objective optimizations performed by space mapping. This is illustrated by the example of the dimensioning of a resonant linear electromagnetic actuator.Originality/valueThe approach presented in the paper is original because it allows finding of a solution to the multi‐objective problem, without building any Pareto front, and most effectively by improving the convergent behavior of the optimization algorithm.
Robust design of a passive wind turbine system
Authors: Hoan Tran Duc , Sareni Bruno , Roboam Xavier , Bru Eric , De Andrade André 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe effectiveness of full passive wind turbine (WT) systems has been recently demonstrated. Such low cost and reliable structures without active control and with a minimum number of sensors can be efficient only if the system design parameters are mutually adapted through an integrated optimal design approach. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of a passive WT with regard to the variations of PMSG electrical parameters.Design/methodology/approachThis work is more specifically devoted to the sensitivity analysis of a passive WT system according to the electrical variable variations of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG). It also investigates the interest of a robust design approach for reducing the sensitivity of the WT efficiency to the most influencing variables.FindingsIt is shown that efficiency of the passive WT system is rather sensitive to the variation of the stator flux and DC voltage at the system output.Originality/valueA robust design approach is investigated in order to reduce the passive WT sensitivity to the stator flux and DC voltage variations.
Multi‐objective optimization of a linear induction motor using 3D FEM
Authors: Gong Jinlin , Claudiu Berbecea Alexandru , Gillon Frédéric , Brochet Pascal 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a low evaluation budget optimization strategy for expensive simulation models, such as 3D finite element models.Design/methodology/approachA 3D finite element electromagnetic model and a thermal model are developed and coupled in order to simulate the linear induction motor (LIM) to be conceived. Using the 3D finite element coupling model as a simulation model, a multi‐objective optimization with a progressive improvement of a surrogate model is proposed. The proposed surrogate model is progressively improved using an infill set selection strategy which is well‐suited for the parallel evaluation of the 3D finite element coupling model on an eight‐core machine, with a maximum of four models running in parallel.FindingsThe proposed strategy allows for a significant gain of optimization time. The 3D Pareto front composed of the finite element model evaluation results is obtained, which provides the designer with a set of optimal trade‐off solutions for him/her to make the final decision for the engineering design.Originality/valueAn infill set selection strategy is proposed, which allows the parallel evaluation of the finite element model, and at the same time guides the progressive construction of an improved surrogate model during the multi‐objective optimization run. The paper may stand as a good reference for researchers/engineering designers who have to deal with optimal design problems implying costly simulation models.
A priori experimental design for inverse identification of magnetic material properties of an electromagnetic device using uncertainty analysis
Authors: Abou‐Elyazied Abdallh Ahmed , Crevecoeur Guillaume , Dupré Luc 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine a priori the optimal needle placement so to achieve an as accurate as possible magnetic property identification of an electromagnetic device. Moreover, the effect of the uncertainties in the geometrical parameter values onto the optimal sensor position is studied.Design/methodology/approachThe optimal needle placement is determined using the stochastic Cramér‐Rao lower bound method. The results obtained using the stochastic method are compared with a first order sensitivity analysis. The inverse problem is solved starting from real local magnetic induction measurements coupled with a 3D finite element model of an electromagnetic device (EI core inductor).FindingsThe optimal experimental design for the identification of the magnetic properties of an electromagnetic device is achieved. The uncertainties in the geometrical model parameters have a high effect on the inverse problem recovered solution.Originality/valueThe solution of the inverse problem is more accurate because the measurements are carried out at the optimal positions, in which the effects of the uncertainties in the geometrical model parameters are limited.
Approximation of a double‐peaked lightning channel‐base current
Authors: Javor Vesna 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new function for approximating lightning channel‐base currents which is useful in return stroke modelling and for calculating lightning electromagnetic fields and induced effects in conductive structures, installations and systems.Design/methodology/approachThe derivative and integral of the function are obtained analytically. Function parameters are calculated to approximate theoretically assumed or experimentally measured first stroke channel‐base currents using least‐squares method. The proposed expressions are useful for calculating lightning electromagnetic field using thin wire antenna approximation and lightning stroke models. Analytically obtained Fourier transform of the function is needed in the case of a lossy ground.FindingsThe function can approximate both double and one‐rise front waveshapes, so as faster and slower decaying tails. Some important function characteristics can be chosen prior to the approximation procedure, such as the current peak and rise‐time to peak, which is an advantage in comparison to other functions from literature. Parameters can be calculated so to obtain the desired decreasing‐time to half of the peak value; maximum current steepness due to analytically obtained derivative; charge transfer corresponding to the function integral; the specific energy corresponding to integral of the square of the function, etc.Research limitations/implicationsThis function can be used also for approximation of other impulse quantities of interest.Originality/valueThe new proposed function for lightning current modelling is suitable for generalization of the procedure for computing electromagnetic fields and induced effects.
“Discovering” what's changed: a revisit of the OPACs of 260 academic libraries
Authors: Hofmann Melissa A. , Yang Sharon Q. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to determine the current usage of next generation online public access catalogs (OPACs) and discovery tools in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.Design/methodology/approachUsing the same random sample of 260 colleges and universities in the USA and Canada from their original study, the authors revisited each institution's library web page to ascertain whether the OPAC interface(s) offered were the same or different than in their initial data collection. Data was collected and analyzed in October and November 2011.FindingsDiscovery tool use has practically doubled in the last two years, from 16 percent to 29 percent. A total of 96 percent of academic libraries using discovery tools still provide access to their legacy catalog. The percentage of institutions using ILS OPACs with faceted navigation has increased from 2 percent to 4 percent. Combining the use of discovery tools and faceted OPACs, at least 33 percent of academic libraries are now using a faceted interface. Discovery tools that aim to be the “single point of entry for all library resources” are the most recently popular.Research limitations/implicationsAbout 16 percent of the institutions (n=43) in the sample either did not have web sites or did not provide access to their online catalogs. Thus, some data might be underreported.Practical implicationsThe findings identify trends that may inform academic libraries in the quest to providing next generation interfaces to their varied resources.Originality/valueThis study gives a timely update of next generation catalog (NGC) and discovery tool usage in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.
Towards an understanding of the participatory library
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Linh , Partridge Helen , Edwards Sylvia L. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to debate the evolving relationship between libraries and users, and to justify the idea of participatory library and the use of the “participatory library” term. The paper also discusses the development trend of the participatory library and calls for empirical research on this area.Design/methodology/approachVarious sources of literature are collected and examined. Together with the inclusion of personal ideas and experience, a wide range of opinions on the contemporary library is compared and synthesised.FindingsThe paper presents changes in the relationship between libraries and users in various periods of library development. It indicates an excessive attention on Library 2.0 while neglecting the participatory nature of the contemporary library. It also suggests that the term “participatory library” should be used as this term reflects the true nature of the contemporary library, and calls for empirical work on participatory library.Originality/valueThis discussion is moving forward and challenging our thinking about the participatory library. It provides librarians, library managers, scholars, and the library community with a fresh perspective on the contemporary library.
Does faceted display in a library catalog increase use of subject headings?
Authors: Bauer Kathleen , Peterson‐Hart Alice 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis research aimed to explore whether subject facets would increase patron use of subject headings in a faceted (Yufind) versus a non‐faceted (Orbis) catalog interface at Yale University.Design/methodology/approachTwo rounds of think aloud protocol testing were done with students to measure the acceptance and use of subject heading facets. After a faceted and non‐faceted interface were implemented, side‐by‐side, log file analysis was employed to measure and compare use of subject headings in both interfaces.FindingsInitial usability testing showed that patrons would try facets, but had some problems effectively using them. In production from January to May 2011, at least one facet was used in 25.4 percent of Yufind searches, and subject facets were used in 5.1 percent of searches, while in Orbis subject headings were used in 6.4 percent of searches. Facets were used less than subject heading links in records in either interface.Practical implicationsThe findings are important as libraries spend significant staff time adding subject headings to records, and their use by patrons is declining. As measured in two production systems running on exactly the same catalog records, subject heading facets did not successfully increase use of subject headings. Without further refinements, faceted display may not be a successful strategy to increase patron use of subject headings.Originality/valueA comparison of patron generated subject heading use in two concurrently running interfaces, one faceted and one not, has not been done before.
Archiving in the digital world: the scholarly literature
Authors: Seadle Michael 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is an ethnographic description of a particular slice of the digital archiving scholarship. The point is to get a sense of where the library and information science profession is today in dealing with the issues of long‐term digital archiving.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology comes from cultural anthropology. It looks at a particular virtual place (ProQuest's Library and Information Science Abstracts database), a particular time period (2000‐2012) and a particular set of authors writing about digital archiving.FindingsThe topics of migration, emulation, integrity, authenticity, LOCKSS and Portico have limited resonance among the authors in LISA in the last dozen years. Articles about repositories and metadata are more common. Technical topics in digital archiving may be better suited to a computer science database, though this is surprising considering how information science borders on computer science. LISA remains, at least as far as digital archiving is concerned, strongly library oriented.Practical implicationsThe digital archiving community that LISA reflects and represents is a community with a concern about the long‐term future, but one that has not come to terms with the core technical issues necessary to enable content to survive in a useful form over long periods.Originality/valueThis paper investigates the issues of long‐term digital archiving from the perspective of the library and information science profession by examining a particular database, time period and set of authors on the topic.
Modeling customer satisfaction and loyalty: survey data versus data mining
Authors: Baumann Chris , Elliott Greg , Burton Suzan 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe loyalty literature has investigated the association between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty and revealed mixed results. Some studies have indicated that the relationship is linear, whereas others have found it to be non‐linear. This study examines the nature of this association in retail banking, an issue that has not been tested empirically.Design/methodology/approachA survey study examined bank customers' attitudes, perceptions, and behavior. Bivariate and multivariate testing was applied to develop two loyalty models: one based only on variables typically known to a bank, such as demographics and recent consumer behavior, and the other based on additional survey data.FindingsA non‐linear relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty was found, and a model explaining 56.9 percent of the variation in customer loyalty was developed. Predictors of loyalty beyond the attitudinal dimensions traditionally tested for their association with loyalty were found to be associated with customers' intentions to remain with their bank. In particular, market conditions such as switching costs and benefits as well as recent consumer behavior were found to add explanatory power. Further, this study contrasted a full model explaining 56.9 percent of the variation in loyalty with a model based only on variables known to banks, which explained only 8.4 percent. Profiling customers based on survey data can thus provide additional explanatory power compared to data mining modelsOriginality/valueThe models can be used by bankers to profile customers who are likely to remain loyal, allowing practitioners to implement proactive marketing action to reward such loyalty. Customers least likely to defect have high satisfaction levels, perceive switching as an unattractive option, and typically have a long‐established banking relationship.
The effects of dining atmospherics on behavioral intentions through quality perception
Authors: Ha Jooyeon , Jang SooCheong (Shawn) 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis study aims to identify how the perception of atmospherics in an ethnic restaurant setting influences customers' perceptions of service quality and food quality, as well as the extent to which perceptions of quality mediate the relationship between perception of atmospherics and customer behavioral intentions.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the mediating effects of quality perception, and also performed multiple regression analyses to identify the influences of specific environmental factors on quality perception and behavioral intentions.FindingsPerceived quality regarding services and foods had a partially mediating effect. Further, the indirect effect of perceived atmospherics on behavioral intentions through perceived quality was greater than the direct effect.Research limitations/implicationsThis study emphasized the important role of atmospherics on quality perception to induce favorable behavioral intentions, suggesting that atmospherics could enhance or attenuate customers' perceived quality.Practical implicationsThe environment may encourage customers to perceive service and food quality correctly, or even more positively, regardless of the actual quality level. In this respect, restaurateurs should increase their efforts to provide a better environment, which will encourage customers to evaluate the quality of services or foods more highly.Originality/valueThis study extended the existing literature by postulating the direct impact of perceived atmospherics on customers' behaviors by proposing that quality perceptions act as a link between atmospherics and behavioral intentions.
Dynamic capability, knowledge, learning, and firm performance
Authors: Chien Shih‐Yi , Tsai Ching‐Han 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to apply the dynamic capability framework to explore why store managers within the same chain of restaurants perform differently. Specifically, this paper argues that knowledge resources and learning mechanisms are critical to the development of dynamic capabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of an empirical data analysis. Hypotheses are tested on 132 store managers in a leading fast‐food restaurant chain in Taiwan.FindingsThe findings indicate that dynamic capabilities increase store performance, and that both knowledge resources and learning mechanisms have a positive effect on dynamic capabilities. In addition, the effect of knowledge resources on dynamic capabilities is partially mediated by the type of learning mechanism.Practical implicationsStore managers must be able to develop dynamic capabilities if they are to deal with the rapidly changing environment they are facing. Knowledge resources and learning mechanisms both improve the development of dynamic capabilities.Originality/valueThis paper conceptualizes and empirically tests the relationships between knowledge resources, learning mechanisms, dynamic capabilities, and performance in the restaurants of a fast‐food chain. In addition, this paper investigates how dynamic capabilities work from a process perceptive by examining the mediation effect of the learning mechanisms.