bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The customer consequences of returns in online retailing: An empirical analysis
Authors: Griffis Stanley E. , Rao Shashank , Goldsby Thomas J. , Niranjan Tarikere T. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPressure continues to build on the operations management function to facilitate system and firm level benefits. In the online marketplace, one area of growing interest is that of product returns. Though commonly viewed as a cost center from an operations perspective, operations’ actions have the potential to strongly influence future customer buying behavior in several ways. Using an archival database of actual purchase and returns history provided by a moderately sized online retailer, this study examines the relationship between a customer's experience of product returns, and subsequent shopping behavior. Employing transaction cost, consumer risk, and procedural justice theories, we demonstrate that the returns management process, rather than being regarded as an afterthought to the production and deployment of goods, can significantly and positively influence repurchase behavior. Additionally, we provide evidence that certain customers should be considered for prioritization in the returns process. We suggest ways through which operations managers can take care in discharging their responsibilities in this area – to make returns processing more than simply a “necessary cost of doing business” rather, using it to their advantage in engendering repeat and increased purchase behavior.
Development and application of a delayed-release anthelmintic intra-ruminal bolus system for experimental manipulation of nematode worm burdens
Authors: CARLSSON ANJA M. , WILSON KENNETH , IRVINE R. JUSTIN 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYIn order to quantify the impact of parasites on host population dynamics, experimental manipulations that perturb the parasite-host relationship are needed but, logistically, this is difficult for wild hosts. Here, we describe the use of a delayed-release anthelmintic delivery system that can be administered when the hosts can be captured and its activity delayed until a more appropriate period in the host-parasite cycle. Our model system is Svalbard reindeer infected with a nematode parasite,Marshallagia marshalli, which appears to accumulate during the Arctic winter. To determine the extent to which this occurs and the effect on host fitness, reindeer need to be treated with anthelmintics in late autumn but they can only be caught and handled in April. To solve this problem, we devised an intra-ruminal capsule that releases the anthelmintic from up to 6 months after being administered. The capsule was trialed in cannulated sheep and red deer to determine optimum capsule orifice size and release rates. Capsules were estimated to release placebo for 100–153 days followed by abamectin for 22–34 days. To test the efficacy of treatment in reindeer, capsules were administered in April and retrieved in October. All capsules had fully released the anthelmintic and treated reindeer had significantly lower worm burdens than controls. Thus, success of this system allows repeated treatment over several years to test the effect of winter parasitism on host fitness.
Effect of Xenon on Excitatory and Inhibitory Transmission in Rat Spinal Ventral Horn Neurons
Authors: Yamamoto Tomohiro , Honda Hiroyuki , Baba Hiroshi , Kohno Tatsuro 
Published: March 2012

Background
The minimum alveolar concentration is determined in the spinal cord rather than in the brain. Xenon inhibits glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn neurons. However, its actions in the ventral horn neurons have not been investigated.

Methods
The effects of 50 or 75% xenon on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission were examined in the spinal lamina IX neurons of neonatal rats by using a whole cell patch clamp technique.

Results
Fifty percent xenon inhibited the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-4-propionic acid-induced currents (amplitudes = 72 ± 9% and integrated area = 73 ± 13% of the control values), and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor-mediated electrically evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (amplitudes = 69 ± 13% of the control values). Seventy-five percent xenon similarly inhibited α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-4-propionic acid-induced currents. However, xenon had no effect on the N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced currents or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated electrically evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents. Xenon decreased the amplitude, but not the frequency, of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents. There were no discernible effects on the currents induced by γ-aminobutyric acid or glycine or on miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents.

Conclusions
Xenon inhibits α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor-mediated glutamatergic excitatory transmission in the spinal lamina IX neurons via a postsynaptic mechanism. In contrast, there are no substantial effects on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated or inhibitory synaptic transmission. The suppressive effects on excitatory synaptic transmission in the ventral horn neurons partly account for the mechanism behind xenon's ability to produce immobility in response to noxious stimuli and to determine the minimum alveolar concentration.
Information behaviour meta‐models
Authors: Shenton Andrew K. , Hay‐Gibson Naomi V. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore meta‐models that pertain to information behaviour. It seeks to highlight the possibilities they offer to researchers wishing to develop their own and to readers more generally interested in information behaviour literature.Design/methodology/approachVarious frameworks that may be regarded as information behaviour meta‐models were examined and three separate types were identified. These are discussed in turn, with particular characteristics of individual meta‐models used to illustrate the types.FindingsA meta‐model is considered here to be a model that has been derived from one or more existing models. Information behaviour meta‐models fall into three categories: those that unify, within one framework, disparate models/theories from a number of areas; those that integrate the fundamentals of several models which share common strands; and those that recast an established model for a particular purpose.Research limitations/implicationsThe extent of the typology presented in the paper is bound by the limits of the authors' endeavours in uncovering relevant meta‐models. Should further meta‐models be traced, it is possible that other types would also come to light.Originality/valueThe work will aid the reader's understanding of how theoretical frameworks in information behaviour are developed. It will help those who study the field's literature to grasp variations in the origin of the individual models they see, by demonstrating that models may be derived from others in different ways. It will also enable readers intent on constructing their own models to understand some of the courses of action open to them.
User perception on library services and information resources in Kenyan Public Libraries
Authors: Nzivo Charles N. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide information on how public libraries and information services in Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) are perceived, by examining adult users, with a view of improving service delivery and enhancing the effective management of public library services.Design/methodology/approachSurvey methodology using questionnaires was adopted to solicit required information from 112 respondent adult users and data were analyzed using SPSS version 14.FindingsThe paper shows that KNLS library services and information resources are very positively perceived by most respondents. KNLS libraries are: comparatively better off than universities and other public libraries; are predominantly focused on print documents (books) as preferred sources; readers' mostly begin their search for information on a particular topic; general reading and research purposes and information resources equip users with appropriate knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on adult users in internet‐serviced libraries within the KNLS and thus may not be used to generalize about users of all public libraries in Kenya.Practical implicationsThis paper attempts to provide KNLS public libraries with fundamental information about adult users' perspectives of services and information resources. Though the services and information resources are positively perceived, the library management has room to improve and maintain current levels of perception.Originality/valueThe paper is of value because understanding of users' perceptions is vital for services and information resource improvement.
The role of social networking sites (SNSs) in the January 25th Revolution in Egypt
Authors: Mansour Essam 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to asses the role of social networking sites (SNSs) in the 25 January 2011 Egyptian Revolution, also known as the “Arab Spring”.Design/methodology/approachThe research methods used were an adaptive form of snowball sampling of a heterogeneous demographic group of participants in the Revolution, used to select focus groups to explore a range of relevant issues.FindingsSNSs are shown to have played a central and pivotal role in the events known collectively as the Arab Spring. Their importance as a source of non‐governmental information and as a means of informing the external and internal community of internal events is highlighted by all participants.Originality/valueThe paper outlines research into contemporary events of global significance.
The business model in the practice of strategic decision making: insights from a case study
Authors: Hacklin Fredrik , Wallnöfer Maria 
Published: March 2012

PurposeTraditionally, management scholars have conceptualized the business model as alocusof innovation, planning tool, heuristic logic, or market device. However, so far, little is known about how the model is being applied in practice. To address this gap, this study aims to introduce a strategy‐as‐practice perspective and to explore the implications and limitations of applying the business model as a strategizing device.Design/methodology/approachA single‐case study design was selected to explore the implications and limitations of using the business model as a strategizing device in a high‐tech firm.FindingsThe business model provides a valuable structural template for mapping the current business model of a firm. However, in developing and discussing strategic options, it acts more as a symbolic artifact stimulating a creative decision‐making process than as an analytic tool with a clear sequence of steps.Practical implicationsWhen working with the business model concept in practice, its technical and linguistic legitimacy is initially highly limited. In the process of gaining legitimacy, however, a collective lock‐in to the current strategic identity may arise. Managers have to be aware of these limitations and need to achieve an appropriate balance within the organization.Originality/valueThe study introduces a social practice perspective into the business model debate, with a special emphasis on the implications and limitations of applying the business model concept as a strategizing device in a real‐life setting.
Stakeholder pressure and environmental proactivity
Authors: Garcés‐Ayerbe Concepción , Rivera‐Torres Pilar , Murillo‐Luna Josefina L. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis study aims to learn more about the relationship between managers' perception of stakeholder pressure related to environmental matters and the degree of proactivity of firms' environmental strategies. It seeks to analyse the moderating effect that managers' perception of environmental issues as competitive advantage opportunities can have on this relationship.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to verify the research framework.FindingsThe results indicate that, only in the least polluting firms, managers' competitive advantage expectations derived from environmental management moderate the relationship between the degree of environmental proactivity and stakeholder pressure. However, it is not effective in high polluting firms, perhaps as a consequence of the high degree of stakeholders' environmental pressure perceived by managers.Practical implicationsThe results highlight the relevance of managers' subjective perceptions of the potential of environmental protection measures to generate competitive advantages. They suggest that the consideration of this variable is fundamental in order to better understand the degree of proactivity of firms' environmental strategies, as well as the influence of stakeholder pressure on environmental proactivity. The main limitation is the low response rate of the survey.Originality/valueThis is an original contribution because, although there are studies analysing how stakeholder pressure and managers' perceptions and values affect choice of environmental strategy, none of them analyse the combined impact of both issues.
Foreign board membership and firm value in Korea
Authors: Mi Choi Hyang , Sul Wonsik , Kee Min Sang 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore such questions as: “What are the impacts of foreign investors and what are the channels through which foreign investors contribute to or detracts from firm value in Korea?” It aims to discuss how foreign investors and foreign outside directors interact to enhance firm value.Design/methodology/approachUsing longitudinal data from the KOSPI200 index in Korea during 2004‐2007, the study examined the direct and interaction effect of foreign blockholders and foreign board members. To address the representativeness of foreign investors, the authors verified the mandates of foreign board members though telephone interviews.FindingsForeign block shareholders and foreign outside directors respectively provide expertise and independent monitoring over management. Foreign blockholders' management control via board membership is likely to mitigate leverage of value enhancement when foreign outside directors represent private interests of foreign blockholders. The moderating effect is also supported since foreign ownership concentration has an inverted U‐shaped relationship with value enhancement. The paper confirms that board independence reinforces the positive impact of foreign outside directors on firm value.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers a key to understanding corporate governance in that mutual monitoring and a balance among various types of stakeholders are crucial to value enhancement.Originality/valueThe paper provides clues to the extant diverse findings concerning the impact of foreign investors on firm value. It applies an integrated perspective to the empirical analyses of the impact of foreign investors by giving consideration to the agency – foreign outside directors – to implement management control on behalf of foreign blockholders.
Leading virtual teams: how do social, cognitive, and behavioral capabilities matter?
Authors: Mukherjee Debmalya , Lahiri Somnath , Mukherjee Deepraj , Billing Tejinder K. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a research framework that identifies crucial leadership capabilities pertaining to the different lifecycle stages of a virtual team (VT). More specifically, the framework seeks to identify and explain the role of social, cognitive, and behavioral capabilities as important determinants of effective VT leadership and success.Design/methodology/approachThis article provides an overview of literature on VT leadership, categorizes leadership capabilities, and relates the capabilities to various stages of VT life‐cycle. A research analysis is undertaken to depict the proposed relationships.FindingsThe propositions demonstrate that for effective VT leadership to happen it is important to understand the specific set of capabilities that contributes to successful management of a particular VT stage.Social implicationsVT leaders' application of appropriate capabilities may result in the development of greater levels of tolerance toward cultural, temporal and geographic diversity that exists among VT members and leaders. Such tolerance may actually help improve worker satisfaction, cohesiveness among team members, and promote better work‐life balance – outcomes that are beneficial to society. In addition, more effective and successful VT leadership will lead to better VT performance and organizational success – suggesting positive social impact.Originality/valueResearch relating to VT leadership has been limited. With the usage of VTs predicted to gain more importance in the future there is a greater need to understand how specific leadership capabilities contribute to the successful management and development of VTs. This study fills the void in the extant literature by exploring the specific leadership capabilities and by analyzing their relative influence and relationships with VT lifecycle stages.
Dynamic effects of business cycles on business relationships
Authors: Alajoutsijärvi Kimmo , Mainela Tuija , Ulkuniemi Pauliina , Montell Emma 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to identify the effects of business cycles on industrial business‐to‐business relationships within extremely volatile industries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is an in‐depth case study on Outotec plc, a leading provider of technologies for the mining and metal industries.FindingsThe study identifies the changes in a business relationship during a business cycle as the dominance between the parties and the cooperative and the competitive nature of the relationship alternate.Practical implicationsThe study identifies ways to smooth the effects of business cycles in extremely volatile industries from the viewpoint of a project‐based technology provider.Originality/valueWhile a significant amount of macroeconomic research on cycles and a few studies on industry‐specific business cycles can be found, this study is a rare example of company‐specific research on surviving business cycles.
Towards a new paradigm in experiential learning: lessons learned from kindergarten
Authors: Fourcade François , Go Nicolas 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare two radically different approaches of experiential learning, enabling four usually missing dimensions in experiential learning to be revealed.Design/methodology/approachThe data in this paper are drawn from a five‐year action research involving more than 70 students and another action research run in kindergartens for more than ten years.FindingsTo reveal the power of experiential learning – the authors name it complex experiential learning – one needs to be compliant with four principles: the conditions for the experience to emerge comes from the participants themselves; the multiplicity principle; the dual epistemological authenticity principle; and the complexity principle.Research limitations/implicationsIt would be valuable to gather longitudinal data to explore how the perspective of participants on the impact of these four principles varies over time.Practical implicationsAny experiential workshop, run under the rules of the four discovered principles, reveals a higher learning outcome.Originality/valueLimited research on experiential learning research properly addresses the question of how which type of experience will be the most likely to produce expected learning effects.
Are theatre and business links relevant? A conceptual paper and a case study
Authors: Lesavre Laurent 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine why theatre‐business links are relevant to management. The focus is on two types of links: using theatre techniques as a training method for managers, and using corporate theatre as a change management tool. The paper seeks to share an experience and tries to explicate the processes involved in order to explain the success of these two kinds of courses, both training theatre and corporate theatre (specifically, action theatre in this case).Design/methodology/approachThis is a case study. Theatre has been taught for ten years at the Grenoble Graduate School of Business under the author's responsibility, and also the corporate theatre method is taught to initial students and to continuing training managers. This paper is based on those teaching experiences. To explain the relevance of both of theatre as a training tool and corporate theatre as a management tool, the author relates to both theories of body memory from neuroscientists and to the catharsis phenomenon.FindingsThe goal was to make hypotheses from the above theories which explain the process that takes place inside the manager undergoing training and to open further research.Research limitations/implicationsMain limitations come from the lack of established empirical and relevant measures of the effects of such theatre processes on participants’ management abilities and from the lack of tools to measure the long‐term effects of theatre.Practical implicationsThe most important implication is that practitioners could make more relevant use of such techniques when designing training sessions or utilizing corporate theatre interventions.Social implicationsSocial implications come from how the “human” face of theatre can help the personal development of managers, improving or changing their views on the world and other people.Originality/valueAlthough theatre and business links are more than 20 years old, nobody has previously tried to understand the inner processes involved.
Emotional learning: managerial development by corporate volunteering
Authors: Bartsch Gabriele 
Published: March 2012

PurposeUsing the program Blickwechsel (“Perspective Change”) as an example, the purpose of this paper is to describe how businesses can combine societal engagement with internal managerial development, and outline what potential for skill development exists.Design/methodology/approachThe experiences and transfer ideas of two Blickwechsel® participants, drawn from follow‐up coachings and semi‐structured interviews, are used for the evaluation of the programme and are elaborated in two case studies.FindingsThe case studies show that the combination of experience and professionally‐guided reflection are most effective for gaining new insights and being motivated to try new approaches within one's own leadership role.Originality/valueThe two case studies are originally elaborated for this paper in order to outline the benefits of Blickwechsel as an experiential learning approach.
Use of Balanced Experiential Inquiry to build ethical strength in the workplace
Authors: Sekerka Leslie E. , Godwin Lindsey N. , Charnigo Richard 
Published: March 2012

PurposeManagers’ willingness to proceed with right action can be diminished by the need for approval and feeling the negative emotions that often accompany ethical challenges. This paper seeks to describe Balanced Experiential Inquiry (BEI), a learning activity designed to help managers develop sustained moral performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing their past experiences for reflective learning, managers engage in BEI to understand what promotes and curtails their ability to respond to ethical issues.FindingsA field study showed that managers engaging in BEI perceived less need for praise from others and experienced a reduction in negative emotions.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research evaluating BEI should use a control group, diverse sample, and a longitudinal design that tracks outcomes over time.Practical implicationsApplication of BEI is a promising mechanism to help organizations bolster managers’ internal desires to stay on an ethical decision‐making path.Originality/valueThe paper shows that shared reflection and dialogue are needed to help foster responsibility and build ethical strength in organizational settings.