bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The changing structure of distribution channels in Pakistan
Authors: Aman Asad , Hopkinson Gillian 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the impact of the entry of international wholesalers upon existing fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) channel structures and the relationships between channel members in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on primary and secondary data. Industrial and published sources are used to describe the retail industry and traditional channel structures in Pakistan. Semi‐structured interviews with industry experts and channel participants (manufacturers, distributors, local and organised wholesalers and retailers) over the period illustrate the perspectives of different channel members.FindingsAlthough currently holding small market share, the entry and growth of international, consolidated wholesale has opened alternative channel structures. This poses a threat to some channel members and creates relationships that alter the distribution of power in the channel. In this fluid situation, there is the possibility of substantial change in Pakistan's FMCG retail.Research limitations/implicationsThe nature of the Pakistan retail market creates difficulties in compiling statistics or generalising from observations. The paper uses published statistics, industry reports and interviews to nevertheless be able to comment on this important market.Originality/valueThe paper looks at an under‐researched market and comments upon the first steps in that market towards consolidation and internationalisation. In looking at the reactions of extant market players to this recent development, the paper provides useful insight and guidance to those (manufacturers, retailers and analysts) interested in retail in Pakistan.
Predicting market orientation: Chinese retailers in a transitional economy
Authors: Sternquist Brenda , Huang Ying , Chen Zhengyi 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an investigation of market orientation of retailers in China, an emerging economy. Several predictors of Chinese retailers' market orientation are examined.Design/methodology/approachUsing survey data collected from 99 retailers in China, the paper tests the hypothesized relationships using a multiple regression model.FindingsThe paper finds that perceived supplier market orientation (SMO), firm size, and ownership are predictors of retailer market orientation (RMO). The results of this paper suggest that market orientation is perceived as important and is being adopted by retailers with varying ownerships and structures across China.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has several limitations including sample, sample size, and single‐respondent design. Nevertheless, the paper depicts a contemporary picture of Chinese retailers' adoption of market orientation.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide both retailers and suppliers strategies for improving market orientation and insights for effective channel management.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on retailer perspectives with the goal of determining the value of assessing the SMO; results from this study provide support for a link between the extent of RMO and how market‐oriented behavior coincides with perceived SMO.
Processes and outcomes of distributor brand new product development
Authors: Veflen Olsen Nina , Sallis James E. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeMost new product development (NPD) studies focus on manufacturer brands; few consider distributor brands. The purpose of this paper to investigate whether NPD processes and outcomes differ between manufacturers and distributors.Design/methodology/approachInterviews within the grocery industry in Norway and analysis of sales numbers from an AC Nielsen ScanTrack database illustrate that through different NPD processes manufacturers and distributors reach different outcomes.FindingsDistributors differ from manufacturers in the NPD process in several ways: more in‐store interaction resulting in very market‐driven products. They usually outsource technical development, and launch brands with substantially less market communication through fewer marketing channels. Distributors, who mostly develop copycat products of large volume manufacturer brands, have lower failure rates. More surprisingly, the paper reveals that distributor brands achieve faster growth in market share than manufacturer brands when brand concentration is low, and some low volume distributor brands have a higher average retail price than manufacturer brands, indicating that different private label categories exist.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample has only three product categories (pizza, juice, and jam). Replication with other categories in other industries would help validate the results. The distributor NPD process and outcomes are still not well understood, and as distributors move into more value‐added products it will evolve, requiring further research.Originality/valueThis is one of the first empirical investigations of differences in NPD processes and outcomes between manufacturer and distributor brands. It also shows the effect of brand concentration on distributor brand growth.
Disaster and crisis management in Turkey: a need for a unified crisis management system
Authors: Unlu Ali , Kapucu Naim , Sahin Bahadir 
Published: April 2010

PurposeCrisis management has gained importance in the policy agendas of many countries around the world due to the increases in the number of natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Thus, this paper has two purposes. The first is to illustrate how the Turkish Government's Disaster and Crisis Management System has been developed. The second purpose is to make a qualitative evaluation of the current disaster and crisis management systems.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review shows that the disaster and crisis management system in Turkey has been developed after tragic events. The paper examines what kinds of initiatives were introduced and what is the trend in shift. After analyzing recent cases and exploring some government initiatives, alternative approaches and suggestions were included.FindingsTurkey has developed its disaster and crisis management system since 1930, which mostly depended on experiences. The current disaster and crisis management system is governed by a centralized structure which is the responsibility of different ministries. Nonetheless, the system is very weak at local level. Furthermore, participation of non‐profit organizations is very limited at both national and local levels. Thus, coordination and management of first‐response operations during crises are problematic and ineffective. Particularly, the system is not designed for different types of crises such as terrorist attacks.Practical implicationsCrisis management in Turkey needs a more unified and flexible structure to deal with current problems effectively. Further suggestions for better implication are also providedOriginality/valueThe effectiveness of the disaster and crisis management system is analyzed in natural and man‐made disasters. Findings show that centralized and decentralized systems have different functions in different situations.
Hazard perceptions and preparedness of Taranaki youth
Authors: Finnis Kirsten K. , Johnston David M. , Ronan Kevin R. , White James D. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between participation in hazard education programs and levels of hazard awareness, risk perceptions, knowledge of response‐related protective behaviour and household preparedness.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire examining various measures including participation in hazard education programmes, risk perceptions and household preparedness was delivered under teacher guidance to high school students in three different locations in the Taranaki Region of New Zealand. A total of 282 valid questionnaires were returned. Data were analysed by means of chi‐squared, t‐test and ANOVA.FindingsStudents who have participated in hazard education programmes are more likely to have better knowledge of safety behaviours and higher household preparedness. However, even with hazard education, some aspects of hazard awareness and the uptake of family emergency plans and practices were found to be poor. Overall, hazard education was found to be beneficial and helps to create potentially more‐resilient children and communities.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to the views of the students. The study would benefit from a parallel study of parents or caregivers to give a more accurate report of household preparedness and family emergency plans and practices. The research highlights areas of change for future hazard education programmes and provides support for the continued inclusion of this topic in the curriculum.Originality/valueThe paper offers insight into the effectiveness and benefit of incorporating hazard education into the school curriculum in New Zealand.
Training emergency managers for earthquake response: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Hosseini Mahmood , Izadkhah Yasamin O. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight the crucial role of decision makers and emergency managers in reducing the unpleasant consequences of disasters.Design/methodology/approachAn attempt has been made to clarify the measures for planning and implementation of training issues in earthquake emergency response for the emergency managers as an essential part at various managerial levels.FindingsThe paper reveals that, although the high‐level managers such as ministers are authoritative bodies for managing the routine problems of the country, in situations such as a “major emergency”, specific knowledge and experience of emergency issues are required for the emergency management to be successful. It also explores the ways and opportunities for achieving successful training programmes for the emergency managers.Research limitations/implicationsThe existing challenges, including the lack of adequate background knowledge and experience in emergency management, insufficient time to train, the inadequacy of the required technical supporting tools, and other related issues, emerge, which need to be identified.Practical implicationsThe research can be practically useful for emergency managers who are involved in response activities in disasters by providing suitable and appropriate recommendations for efficient training.Originality/valueThere are only a few works on training of earthquake emergency managers, especially in developing countries such as Iran.
Promoting disaster awareness in multicultural societies: the DAG approach
Authors: Clerveaux Virginia , Spence Balfour , Katada Toshitaka 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe Disaster Awareness Game (DAG) was designed to evaluate and promote disaster awareness among children in multicultural societies. This study seeks to discuss this.Design/methodology/approachThe validation methodology was undertaken in four stages: Pre‐Test Stage – this stage is intended to evaluate the existing levels of disaster awareness among the target population using a questionnaire survey. DAG Exposure 1 – This represents the second stage of the pre‐test through exposure of the target population to the DAG. Provision of disaster information – In this stage, participants are provided with disaster management information on hazards that are pertinent to their environment. Post‐test stage – this stage was intended to evaluate the impact of the DAG and the provision of disaster information on the level of awareness among participants.FindingsPreliminary results suggest that the tool is effective in educating children about hazards, and measuring levels of disaster awareness and is interesting enough to hold children's attention.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study provides a starting‐point for further research in the design and development of tools for measuring levels of disaster awareness and in educating children about disaster preparedness.Originality/valueThe DAG can be used as a benchmarking tool for gauging levels of diaster awareness within various groups in society (children, adults, gender, language groups etc.) or across regions in a country (rural versus urban) and in different countries in the Caribbean region (e.g. High income versus Low income) in order to determine and prioritize interventions for disaster education.
Designation of an interactive oil spill management system
Authors: Assilzadeh Hamid , Gao Yang 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to illustrate designation of a real‐time oil spill monitoring and management system using computer system, GIS models, internet and a variety of other technologies.Design/methodology/approachAppropriate models in GIS, together with monitoring technologies and internet‐based communication infrastructure, facilitate oil spill early warning, situational analysis, risk analysis and damage analysis in addition to management and disaster response in real‐time. The system architect includes command and control module, designed for managing and coordinating oil spill accidents response. The structure also includes an accident data dissemination scheme, through an internet portal which distributes disaster thematic products and facilitates communication between oil spill disaster players and the administration office.FindingsThe functionality of such a system through its components including database, central repository, disaster models, command and control and communication schemes covers all the stages of spill management before, during, and after an accident.Originality/valueThe system acts as a single umbrella of control and administration for efficient and effective oil spill accident management and enhances oil spill accident early warning and alert mechanisms. The system will also enhance decision supports for quick emergency responses and improve real‐time communication and information sharing between responsible agencies.
Business continuity planning methodology
Authors: Lindström John , Samuelsson Sören , Hägerfors Ann 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a multi‐usable business continuity planning methodology. It comprises business continuity planning on the organizational and departmental levels.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology has been developed, tested and confirmed in three comprehensive cases. Senior management, IT managers and employees in the three case organizations have participated in this action research effort during the development, implementation or training on business continuity plans and planning.FindingsThe methodology has been tested and confirmed, and is suitable for explaining business continuity planning to senior managements and employees in both public and private sector organizations.Practical implicationsThe methodology description can be used for explaining the issues to senior managements and forms the foundation for a business continuity plan, which is part of an organization's IT‐ and information security program. It may also be used to explain business continuity planning to other staff in an organization. The methodology can also be used to model business continuity planning, as a basis for training planning, and as support in different training contexts to achieve individual and organizational learning on business continuity plans and activities.Originality/valueThe methodology of using a staircase or capability maturity model is a commonly used concept and can be adapted to any organization.
When rehabilitation and duplication collide
Authors: Newport Jeyanth K. , Sanu Praseeda V. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the way the functioning of a fishing village changed as a result of the tsunami.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the experiences of the village before and after the tsunami.FindingsThe paper lists all that has been learned from rehabilitation following the tsunami.Originality/valueIt is felt that a conceptual change from “teach the poor man to fish rather than provide him with fish” to “provide boat/net, do the fishing, sell them and give the money to the poor man” is the situation after the tsunami in many fisherfolk villages.
Towards a model and methodology for assessing student learning outcomes and satisfaction
Authors: Duque Lola C. , Weeks John R. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to introduce a conceptual model for assessing undergraduate student learning outcomes and satisfaction that involves concepts drawn from the services marketing and assessment literatures; second, to illustrate the utility of the model as implemented in an academic department (geography) within a large American university, and third, to demonstrate the applicability of the model by replicating the study at different scales: an entire undergraduate program (business administration) in a large Spanish university and another program (nursing) involving various universities of a Spanish region.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐method approach is used which comprises quadrant analysis, ANOVA tests and structural equation modeling techniques. A questionnaire was designed for data collection.FindingsThe main finding is the support found for the proposed model at different scales. Results of the multi‐method approach provide specific guidelines to departments using this approach to improve student learning outcomes and satisfaction.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a conceptual model and supporting tools that can be used by other academic departments or higher education institutions to assist in the evaluation of how students perceive their learning outcomes and satisfaction with their undergraduate program.Originality/valueThe value of this multi‐method approach is that it is simple to implement, and at the same time provides a richness of information for diagnosis and decision‐making. The model was tested with data collected in different undergraduate programs and different countries, allowing the authors not only to find support for the model, but also to consider cultural differences among student perceptions.
Performance‐based service quality model: an empirical study on Japanese universities
Authors: Sultan Parves , Wong Ho 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to develop and empirically test the performance‐based higher education service quality model.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops 67‐item instrument for measuring performance‐based service quality with a particular focus on the higher education sector. Scale reliability is confirmed using the Cronbach's alpha. The principle component analysis followed by a Varimax method is used to extract the factor loadings.FindingsThe results are satisfactory in terms of factor analysis, reliability and validity tests. Based on the overall loaded items, the eight dimensions are named. They are dependability, effectiveness, capability, efficiency, competencies, assurance, unusual situation management, and semester and syllabus.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the empirical results are significant, a comparative study can identify relative strengths of this model.Practical implicationsThis study underlines some critical dimensions and related attributes on which the higher institutions should concentrate their efforts to improve quality.Originality/valueThis study is worth doing because it takes samples from international students studying at Japanese universities. This study also attempts to develop a comprehensive approach for scale development in measuring service quality for higher education institutes.
Quality in action: closing the loop
Authors: Sid Nair Chenicheri , Pawley David , Mertova Patricie 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to report on how an Administrative Division at a research‐intensive Australian university utilised feedback data from the Learning and Growth Survey, to initiate changes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper refers to the actions taken by the Administrative Division to the results obtained from the Learning and Growth Survey. The questionnaire items are based on the “Balanced Scorecard” system outlined by Kaplan and Norton in 1996. It consists of a number of items identified as integral to effective growth and learning strategies for staff‐development. The questionnaire seeks staff perceptions of the individual items and how their needs are met in the current University management practices.FindingsThe results of this survey indicate that employees were willing to provide practical feedback on a range of dimensions, which they felt would assist improvement of their development and growth opportunities. Further, this paper demonstrates that in any exercise which involves collecting information on staff perceptions, staff not only expect that the data would be utilized constructively, but also that the institution would also make practical changes based on their feedback and that they would be informed about these changes.Practical implicationsThis survey revealed that some of the feedback obtained from participants had limitations as to what actions could be taken within the Administrative Division because of the ramifications for institutional budgets. However, issues related to improvement of the learning and growth environment were possible to address through practical changes within the bounds of the Division's budget. Further, when conducting similar surveys among university staff, it is essential that anonymity of the participants is ensured. It is also vital that the purposes, outcomes, proposed actions and progress in implementation of these actions are well communicated to all the staff.Originality/valueA growing number of tertiary institutions have recently started conducting surveys among their staff concerning the staff satisfaction with their work in the organisation(s). Despite this growing number of employee surveys, there is a lack of academic literature available describing how such surveys are conducted and the issues that institutions face when designing, implementing and evaluating these surveys. From the available information, it was also unclear what aspects of employee experience these surveys cover and whether they focus on staff learning and development. Therefore, this paper attempts to make a step in that direction by describing an employee survey regularly conducted among staff within administrative units at a large Australian University.