bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting experiential values of shopping: consumers' self and identity
Authors: Woodruffe‐Burton Helen , Wakenshaw Susan 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe research presented in this article aims to extend our understanding of the symbolic and experiential values of shopping through the investigation of consumers' grocery shopping and consumption experiences.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach was based on the existential phenomenological interview; ten women living in the UK who were in paid employment outside the home at the time of the study, who were married (or living with their partner) and who had at least one child living at home participated in the study which explored their lived experiences of grocery shopping and consumption.FindingsThe findings reveal that consumers can construct various dimensions and levels of self/identity through their food shopping and consumption practices through their shopping experiences and in conjunction with various resources and support provided by retailers. Four key themes are identified and explored: “I am in control”; “I am me”; “I share and I love”; and “I belong”.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study is exploratory in nature; it identifies four key themes which appear significant and provides a starting point for further research.Originality/valueThis paper explores the ways in which shopping confirms consumers' personal identity, social position and social identity and contributes to the literature in two ways: the research extends our understanding of the experiential values of shopping by extending the domain of enquiry from consumers' experiences in‐store to the actual consumption phase and consumers' self identity is investigated through the exploration of individual consumers' lived shopping and consumption experiences from an holistic perspective.
Trust‐based segmentation
Authors: Dimitriadis Sergios , Kouremenos Athanasios , Kyrezis Nikolaos 
Published: January 2011

PurposeTrust has proven to be a key variable in understanding and predicting consumer behavior in the self‐service technology and e‐commerce contexts. However, it has never been examined as a segmentation variable. This study seeks to investigate the possibility of using trust in two self‐service bank channels: internet, and phone banking, to segment potential users of these channels.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from a survey of 762 real bank customers discriminant analysis is used to test variables differentiating two groups of customers having, respectively, “high” and “low” trust in internet and phone banking.FindingsResults show that the groups of “high” and “low” channel‐trustors are different in a number of attitudinal, behavioral and psychographic criteria. In addition, the two groups react differently in terms of intention to use internet, and phone banking.Research limitations/implicationsThis work contributes to existing literature on trust by opening an additional use of and a new research perspective on trust. Its findings are limited to the sector, technology and cultural context of the study.Practical implicationsIn this paper several suggestions for bank managers to better target the adopters of self‐service technology‐based channels are discussed.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to examine trust as a segmentation variable and to bring evidence for its relevance for marketing decisions.
The harmful consequences of failed recoveries in the banking industry
Authors: Casado Ana B. , Nicolau Juan L. , Mas Francisco J. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine which behaviour or set of behaviours customers are prone to follow in double deviation scenarios (i.e. consumption experiences in which customers face both the initial service failure and a failed service recovery), as well as how customers' perceptions of the problem and the firm's recovery efforts may influence these behaviours.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses multinomial logit models with random coefficients to test the proposed model.FindingsMagnitude of service failure, explanations, apologies, perceived justice, anger and frustration felt by the customer, and satisfaction with the service recovery have significant and different effects on customers' choice of a type of response.Research limitations/implicationsAdditional research should try to determine the effects of different variables and their potential interactions. Further work incorporating different subjects, service settings or additional combinations of complaining behaviours is needed to validate the results of this investigation.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the importance of effective management of consumer responses to double deviations. Even when it is not possible to respond to customer complaints the first time, firms can learn from double deviations. Furthermore, new market entrants and competitors who want to capture consumer switchers should recognise what happened and try to avoid making the same mistakes.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine the consequences of double deviations by considering the multi‐dimensional nature of complaint behaviour and the existence of simultaneous responses. This study is based on analyses of real service failures and recovery strategies and actual customer behaviour.
Developing a readiness self‐assessment model (RSM) for Six Sigma for China enterprises
Authors: Lee T.Y. , Wong W.K. , Yeung K.W. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeSix Sigma, as a concept, gains more and more attention and importance because of its comprehensive approach for company development and performance improvement of both products and processes. Nevertheless, Six Sigma is recognized for its complicated statistical and non‐statistical tool‐sets for reducing operational deviation. The main challenge for a successful implementation of Six Sigma is the readiness for it. In particular, as China has been developing into the world factory, the quality improvement journey has also been affected by this world‐wide trend and China enterprises have to find ways to adapt to this. This research paper aims at developing a self‐assessment model for determining the readiness of China enterprises to implement the Six Sigma approach, so that organizations can understand their wellbeing and the potential deficiencies in Six Sigma implementation.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review has been conducted to provide sufficient background information on the Six Sigma development, critical success factors and its challenges for implementing organizations, especially for China enterprises. The developed readiness self‐assessment model is validated by survey method and the collected data are analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the model.FindingsThe survey outcomes prove that the developed self‐assessment model is effective in determining the readiness of the organization for adopting a Six Sigma approach. Among the three surveyed companies, only the one with experience in quality improvement projects and Six Sigma implementation passes the assessment test. The model is able to illustrate the potential deficiencies of an organization if it intends to implement Six Sigma.Originality/valueThis paper presents the first research study to develop a Six Sigma readiness self‐assessment model targeting China enterprises. The developed model is of interest to academic researchers, business practitioners, quality improvement consultants and Six Sigma experts. The paper will provide a valuable foundation and also implications for future research studies on readiness self‐assessment models for all kinds of management system programs.
The impact of market orientation dimensions on client cooperation in the development of new service innovations
Authors: Jiménez‐Zarco Ana Isabel , Pilar Martínez‐Ruiz María , Izquierdo‐Yusta Alicia 
Published: January 2011

PurposeCulture makes firms unique and, depending on the implemented pattern of social and managerial culture, technology, and innovation, it can have an important influence on the personality and behaviour of the firm. Although a cultural model of market orientation encourages product innovation and fosters cooperative relationships with clients, few studies analyse this important relationship from a service perspective. This research seeks to investigate the relevance of market orientation for the firm's client cooperation relationships in developing radical innovations in the service sector.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive investigation uses 433 Spanish service firms that introduced radical innovations in their product fields in the past two years. The paper conducted four discriminant analyses: one for the total sample of firms and three for the sub‐samples defined by the extent to which firms use information and communication technologies (ICTs) in their activities.FindingsThe four models reveal that customer orientation, competitor orientation, and inter‐functional coordination provide means to differentiate between firms that cooperate with their clients to innovate and firms that do not. In each model, the significance and weight of the three variables change, depending on the degree to which the firms use ICT. Therefore, the distinction between firms that cooperate and those that do not is possible mainly for the total sample of firms. For the sub‐samples, not all MO dimensions can discriminate this way.Practical implicationsThis study offers important contributions for both researchers and managers in the field of service innovation. It identifies explicitly the relationship between market orientation and cooperation, which makes it possible to extend the study and enhance comprehension of this concept to the relationship that the firm has with other agents in the value chain. Market orientation, as an inter‐firm phenomenon, may favour the design of market orientation strategies that offer superior value to the market. On the other hand, the empirical analysis shows which factors (philosophical principles, strategic implications of proactive market orientation) have the highest discriminatory power for innovative firms, according to their sector of activity. This work also identifies market orientation as an element that fosters a cooperation strategy.Originality/valueDespite the importance of market orientation for developing cooperative relationships with clients, few studies analyse the relevance of these relationships in the firm's service innovation process. The findings thus offer a valuable contribution by showing the relevance of this relationship in developing new service innovations. Furthermore, the application of Spanish ICT contributes to existing research in Spain.
The impact of deceitful tendencies, relativism and opportunism on negotiation tactics: a comparative study of US and Belgian managers
Authors: Al‐Khatib Jamal A. , Malshe Avinash , Sailors John J. , Clark Irvin 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the antecedents of opportunism and its effect on unethical negotiation tactics among US and Belgian managers.Design/methodology/approachSamples of managers in both countries are surveyed and cross‐country analysis using multi‐group structural equation modeling is conducted.FindingsAcross both countries, deceitful tendencies and relativism are found to be significant predictors of opportunism, which in turn predicts receptiveness to unethical negotiating tactics; however, Belgian managers were found to have higher levels of these constructs, possibly indicating a greater propensity to engage in unethical behaviors than US managers.Research limitations/implicationsThe current research is limited by the relatively small size of the Belgian sample, differences in data collection method, and the lack of additional contextual measures, which may influence the managers' responses.Practical implicationsThe finding that the same structural relationships hold across the US and Belgium samples provides insights for both groups of managers engaged in negotiations.Originality/valueThe paper offers a comparative perspective on US and Belgian managers and establishes the validity and applicability of frequently used ethics scales in Belgium, a country infrequently studied in this context.
External validity of market segmentation methods
Authors: Kim Taehyun , Lee Hoon‐Young 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare and validate the results of two clustering methods for the segmentation of the market for prestige cosmetics in Korea, and to draw conclusions about their general practical usability.Design/methodology/approachSegmentation schemes based on scaled data collected by questionnaire from 480 female shoppers, selected by the mall intercept procedure, were analysed for validity, model fit, definability of profiles, and usability of results.FindingsSegmentation by traditional K‐means clustering was not judged useful, whereas segments generated by the innovative alternative of mixture regression modelling had clear marketing strategy potential.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the single‐country and single‐market context of the study, its outcomes and implications must be generalised cautiously.Practical implicationsMixture regression can make a significant contribution to the implementation of segmentation strategies based on deliverable consumer benefits, by helping academics and practitioners to better understand, explain and predict patterns of consumer behaviour.Originality/valueA segmentation model with proven validity offers a sound basis for such marketing strategies as, for example, positioning.
On the sizing of fractional slot PM machines oriented towards the improvement of their torque production capability
Authors: Masmoudi Ahmed 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an approach to improve the torque production capability of fractional slot permanent magnet machines.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an analytical formulation of the electromagnetic torque, two optimization criteria are selected: the maximization of the average torque and the minimization of the torque ripple. For the sake of a simple analysis, the proposed approach assumes that the effects of the machine circumferential and radial parameters, on the torque production capability, are almost decoupled, so that their sizing optimization could be carried out separately.FindingsThe torque production capability of the optimized machine has been confirmed by finite element analysis, which confirms the appropriateness of the proposed sizing approach.Practical implicationsThe obtained results should be validated by experiments carried out on a prototype.Originality/valueThe proposed approach has been carried out thanks to the introduction of the torque average value and ripple amplitude iso‐2D curves for circumferential parameters and iso‐3D surfaces for radial ones.
Design guidelines and models for PMSMs with non‐overlapping concentrated windings
Authors: Soulard Juliette , Meier Florence 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a general review of design guidelines and analytical models for permanent‐magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) with non‐overlapping concentrated windings, including the authors' own experience.Design/methodology/approachThe design features specific to three‐phase PMSMs with non‐overlapping concentrated windings are presented following the proposed chronology for the different choices to be made by motor designers.FindingsIt is shown that the selections of the stator core manufacturing method, the number of winding layers, the combination of pole and slot numbers, and the geometry of the tooth tips are crucial during the design stage of the machine. Comprehensive lists of references introducing useful analytical models and prototypes presented in literature are provided.Practical implicationsBy following the guidelines provided in the paper, motor designers are able to avoid the known drawbacks of PMSMs with non‐overlapping concentrated windings, and have a ready list of sources describing useful analytical models.Originality/valuePMSMs with non‐overlapping concentrated windings have recently been widely investigated. This paper provides an overview of the main results, pinpointing the choices encountered by the motor designers.
In‐wheel PM motor: compromise between high power density and extended speed capability
Authors: Lomonova Elena A. , Kazmin Evgeny , Tang Yang , Paulides Johannes J.H. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeToday's brushless permanent magnet (PM) drive systems usually adopt motors including the advancements in magnet technology, e.g. better thermal characteristics and higher magnetic strength. By this means, they become capable in the roughest applications yet maintain a high accuracy at competitive prices. These drive systems are not only appreciated for their high performance, but they are also advantageous for the applications requiring tough, dependable, and continuous‐duty operations, e.g. hybrid or complete electrical vehicles, extruders, wire drawers, winders, cranes, conveyors, and roll formers. The purpose of this paper is to provide an extended comparative study of the different motor configurations for the hybrid electric drive application, aiming at a compromise between high power density and extended speed capability.Design/methodology/approachTo suit strict design requirements, such as the very limited volumetric envelope, high‐output power, wide constant power speed range, and pre‐selected in‐direct cooling system, the constraint variants of possible motor types are researched.FindingsConsiderably, high torque density and an extended speed range limit the options of PM rotor configurations for this motor design. The considered rotor configurations are the surface PM (SPM) and interior PM (IPM) types. The advantage of the (non‐salient) SPM configuration is its applicability with higher levels of magnetic flux densities without causing significant saturation in the rotor. On the other hand, an IPM rotor, which places the magnets in special rotor slots, open or closed (by saturation bridges), can operate on both the reluctance torque and the magnet alignment torque. This generally leads to a better performance in a wide speed range. However, this advantage can be eliminated by severe iron saturation resulting from the required high‐specific power.Originality/valueThe most appropriate rotor configuration will finally be selected between the two considered types, depending on detailed electromagnetic and thermal analysis. This paper usefully studies the correlation between the motor parameters required for high power density and field‐weakening performance.
Evaluation of magnetic forces in an induction machine with dual stator winding taking into account hysteresis model
Authors: Sedira Dounia , Rachid Mékidèche Mohamed , Kedous‐Lebouc Afef , Laissaoui Siham 
Published: January 2011

PurposeDesigners of electrical machines need a clear understanding of the mechanism of noise generation, in order to be able to reduce the noises which are produced under the influence of forces due to the magnetic field. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new approach to give a best estimation of these forces.Design/methodology/approachA model is developed to calculate the distribution of local forces using the virtual work principle in finite element context including ferromagnetic hysteresis. The forces are calculated using a formulation based on the energy derivation. The nonlinear behaviour of ferromagnetic material is considered by combining a Jiles‐Atherton model and finite element method through the fixed‐point iterative technique.FindingsThe effects of accurate behaviour of magnetic material are not always taken into account when calculating the local forces in electromagnetic devices. The introduction of hysteresis phenomenon in the analysed device gives a good prediction of magnetic induction. The expression used to compute the force includes an integral which is estimated numerically and not a constant term.Originality/valueThe developed approach is more accurate than the classical methods using constant magnetic permeability or a first magnetization curve.
Stochastic dynamic optimization for wind energy converters
Authors: Ni Bingchang , Sourkounis Constantinos 
Published: January 2011

PurposeWind energy plays a very important role in the future electrical power supply. With growing shares, the focus of the plant control will have to shift from maximum power yield to grid friendly aspects, like stable power output despite fluctuating wind power. The purpose of this paper is to design a new operation management for wind energy converters that combines high‐energy yield, grid friendly power output characteristics and the ability to adapt to changing wind conditions.Design/methodology/approachAn operation control based on stochastic dynamic optimization was developed for the special demands of variable speed wind energy converters. The task of the operation control is to set the appliance to the optimal operation point, following the above‐mentioned goals by adapting the control pattern to changing wind conditions.FindingsIt is shown that the novel control concept, the iterative self‐adapting system management with stochastic dynamic optimization, is able to control wind energy converters in such a way that the effect of the stochastic fluctuating wind energy supply on the output power fluctuation is smoothed while maintaining a high‐energy yield.Originality/valueThis non‐linear stochastic dynamic optimization structure has two special characteristics, first is the iterative self‐adaptation, and second is the optimization for an infinite process, while the optimization criteria are high‐power yield and low‐power output fluctuations. This will be of great value for further increase of wind energy converters in the electrical power supply.
An improved high‐voltage IGBT‐based half‐bridge DC/DC converter for railway applications
Authors: Vinnikov Dmitri , Laugis Juhan 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe paper presents the findings of an R&D project connected to the development of 50 kW auxiliary power supply for the high‐voltage DC‐fed commuter trains. The aim was to introduce a new generation power converter utilizing high‐voltage insulated gate bibolar transistor (IGBT) modules, which can outpace the predecessors in terms of efficiency and power density, i.e. to provide more power for smaller volumetric space.Design/methodology/approachFor development of the proposed converter, mathematical analysis and computer simulations were used. The software intended for simulations isAnsoft Simplorer, which is a mixed‐technology simulator for electrical, electromechanical, power electronic systems and drive applications. For the verification of theoretical results the full‐scale laboratory prototype of the proposed converter was developed and tested.FindingsThanks to increased switching frequency and current‐doubler rectifier (CDR) implemented in the proposed converter, the power dissipation of the isolation transformer was reduced by 30 percent as compared to earlier designs. Moreover, the 27 and 24 percent reductions in rectifier and inductor losses, respectively, led to approximately 1 percent efficiency rise of the proposed converter in comparison with its predecessors. Also, the proposed three‐level topology outpaces the two‐level one by more than 20 percent in terms of power density.Practical implicationsThe proposed converter topology is aimed for the high‐voltage DC trains. With small modifications it also can be used in trams, trolleybuses as well as in some industrial applications.Originality/valueThe paper presents the novel DC/DC converter topology with 3.3 kV IGBT‐based three‐level neutral point clamped inverter, high‐frequency isolation transformer and the CDR.