bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiential learning and management education
Authors: Bevan David , Kipka Claudia 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe main purpose of the article is to contextualise the potential contribution that experiential learning may offer to those engaged in academic and professional management development, pedagogy and education. It has consequences for a range of applications in this field from curriculum design and teaching to individual/personal development and the recruitment and retention of talent in professional and commercial organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe article suggests an original, conceptual framework for experiential learning that draws on both scholarly and experimental management.FindingsWhile under‐represented in the scholarly pedagogy of management this article precedes a demonstration of an evidently powerful if methodologically challenging articles on a powerful approach to management development.Research limitations/implicationsThis article limits and delimits experiential learning theory and practice. It offers a framework for an empirical mapping of this important area of management practice which is currently under‐represented in academic writing and practice.Practical implicationsThis article suggests an array of interdisciplinary applications for the principles of experiential learning.Originality/valueThis paper suggests an original context for our initial EABIS Experiential Learning symposium and the articles that came from it.
CSFs along ERP life‐cycle in SMEs: a field study
Authors: Shaul Levi , Tauber Doron 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to construct a consensus from previous research and develop a comprehensive success model for enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation in small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that incorporates additional empirical observation.Design/methodology/approachThis study clusters 94 critical success factors (CSFs), already identified by other researchers, into 15 categories using validity, reliability, principal component and multicollinearity analyses. This study applies a stakeholder perspective, taking into consideration both users, developers, managers, suppliers and consultants.FindingsIt seems that different categories and different sub‐factors affect an ERP project according to its phase in the life cycle and that each category and each phase of an ERP project focuses on different success factors. Executive attention should be focused on the relevant categories and sub‐factors accordingly.Research limitations/implicationsRespondents' experience relates to small and medium‐sized enterprises operating in the local market. Differences in the scope of implementation, organizational, technological and environmental characteristics were not taken into consideration. Finally, this study did not distinguish between different levels of ERP system usage.Practical implicationsThe paper provides practical guidelines as to which categories and sub‐factors need to be considered and how one should manage them along the ERP life‐cycle. The paper elaborates, strengthens and illustrates insights, delivered within the research, for readers in a summarized and informative manner. The authors describe several major potential failures and these potential failures are discussed for the planning phase, widely cited as a very important phase that is often unacknowledged, along with preventive and corrective measures executed by organizations. In addition, it compares and contrasts the results with larger enterprise implementation reported by literature.Originality/valueThe paper presents an empirical study that delivers an additional empirical observation through the construction of consensus from previous research.
Security risks in service offshoring and outsourcing
Authors: Nassimbeni Guido , Sartor Marco , Dus Daiana 
Published: March 2012

PurposeService outsourcing/offshoring represents an increasing phenomenon. Several factors (e.g. cost reduction, flexibility, access to new technologies and skills, access to new markets, focus on core activities) motivate the location of (IT or business) processes abroad and/or out of the companies' boundaries. This choice determines also relevant risks. Knowledge and data protection constitutes one of the most relevant issues in service outsourcing/offshoring because it can strongly affect the success of these projects. The purpose of this paper is to propose an assessment framework that highlights the main risks of offshoring and outsourcing projects.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on the model developed by Monczka et al. (2005), this work proposes a FMEA assessment framework that highlights the main risks of offshoring and outsourcing projects, their causes, effects and some possible (preventing/correcting) actions. The proposed framework has been implemented and tested in a multinational company for a long time involved in service offshoring/outsourcing projects.FindingsAdopting a failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) approach, the study describes the main possible failures, their causes, effects and possible (preventive and corrective) actions, along all of the phases of typical outsourcing/offshoring projects.Originality/valueThe paper develops an assessment framework able to identify the security risk profile of companies engaged in outsourcing/offshoring projects by considering the technical, legal and managerial aspects jointly; and detecting the causes of possible security failures and the related preventive and corrective actions.
The pivotal roles of corporate environment responsibility
Authors: Tien‐Shang Lee Les 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically test competing models of the different causal relationships regarding the motivations for corporate environmental responsibility, the adoption of environmental product policies and the related enhancement of environmental performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a mail survey and employs structural equation modeling to test the different relationships among the constructs examined. By testing the fitness of the competing model models, the appropriate relationships are identified.FindingsThe environmental performance is directly influenced by instrumental motives and political motives, which have indirect effects on environmental performance through corporate environmental responsibility. These also reveal that instrumental motives have marginal effects on both corporate environmental responsibility and environmental performance, and the marginal effects of political motives on environmental performance are also clearly shown. Notably, the results reveal that the corporate environmental responsibly is a pivot in these cause‐effect relationships.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study provides researchers and policy makers with a framework to study environmental responsibility in different business environments, it did not undertake a deeper analysis to better understand business and organizational cultures and business environments regarding the implementation of an environmentally oriented policy. Furthermore, the model was only tested with survey data from Taiwan, although some of samples operate internationally.Practical implicationsFrom the perspective of a practical business context, practitioners should implement corporate responsibility policies that are specifically related to their political environments. For example, when doing businesses in Taiwan, the political motives involved in environmental protection will be the key to success when undertaking policies related to corporate environmental responsibility.Originality/valueThe results of this research indicate that there is an indirect heavy loading of corporate environmental responsibility on environmental performance. Therefore, corporate environmental responsibility is the pivotal factor in firms' adoption of environmentally oriented policies.
Strategy, strategic management accounting and performance: a configurational analysis
Authors: Cadez Simon , Guilding Chris 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of different configurational archetypes of strategy and strategic management accounting and to appraise how management accounting's horizontal and vertical alignment with strategy can facilitate performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study deploys a holistic configurational approach to examine the relationship between strategy, strategic management accounting, and performance. Configurations are derived empirically, using an inductive approach, from a sample of 109 manufacturing companies.FindingsThe observed configurations (i.e. “analytics”, “blue‐chips”, “first movers”, “domestic protectors”, “laggards and socialism relics”) constitute varying levels of performance and varying degrees of fit. Support is provided for the equifinality proposition that different strategic and structural alternatives are associated with similar performance levels. Equivocal support is provided for the configurational proposition that internally consistent configurations are associated with higher performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe variables examined do not fully capture the complexity of pertinent configurations. Limitations revolve around application of the cluster analytical technique and its reliance on researcher judgement.Practical implicationsThe study's most important message concerns the manner in which it highlights the fallibility of assuming a singular relationship between strategic choices and management accounting system design. While prior research has tended to offer fragmented and unidirectional management accounting prescriptions, the authors raise the notion of how key variables can interact to create an effective organization.Originality/valueThe paper breaks new ground by showing that multiple designs of strategy and strategic management accounting may be equally effective in a particular context. This finding challenges much traditional contingency‐based modelling in management accounting.
Information technology‐enabled quality performance: an exploratory study
Authors: Perez‐Arostegui María N. , Benitez‐Amado Jose , Tamayo‐Torres Javier 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of information technology (IT) competence – composed of IT infrastructure, IT technical and managerial knowledge and the integration of IT strategy with firm strategy – on quality performance. Since, according to the resource‐based view, IT alone is not able to sustain a competitive advantage, the moderating effect of leadership practice on this relationship must be analyzed.Design/methodology/approachA proposed research model is tested using survey data from a sample of 230 leading Spanish firms. Multiple regression analysis was performed with SPSS package.FindingsThe main findings show that: the existence of an IT competence will have a partial impact on improvement in quality performance; IT technical knowledge in itself does not influence the determination of improvement in quality performance – rather, one needs complementarity with leadership; and the impact of IT dimensions on quality performance will be greater in the presence of leadership practice.Practical implicationsManagers must be aware that the impact of IT on competitive advantage need not be direct; it can have influence through complementarity with other organizational capabilities.Originality/valueThe paper reinforces the need to explore in greater depth the relationship between IT and quality management. This appears to be one of the first papers to simultaneously explore relationships between IT, leadership and quality performance. The paper provides insights on the processes by which IT resources interact with other organizational resources, a topic that has received little attention to date.
Longitudinal study of digital marketing strategies targeting Millennials
Authors: Taken Smith Katherine 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine which digital marketing strategies are preferred by Millennials and are effective in influencing their behavior. There is potential growth and value in using digital marketing aimed at Millennials, but the marketing strategies must be perceived positively by this online generation.Design/methodology/approachData were collected over a three‐year period (2009 to 2011) by surveying Millennials at a prominent southwest US university.FindingsResults indicate that Millennials have a definite preference for certain forms of online advertising. There are digital marketing strategies that are considerably more effective in grabbing the attention of Millennials, motivating repeat visits to a web site, and encouraging Millennials to write online reviews.Practical implicationsBy taking into consideration the preferences of Millennials, the effectiveness of online communications and digital marketing aimed at this market segment can be increased. Recommendations are made regarding types of online advertising to use, how companies should design their web sites, how to motivate repeat visits to web sites, and how to encourage Millennials to write online reviews. Millennials are reading and being influenced by online reviews.Originality/valueEven though online advertising is the fastest growing advertising medium, only a small percentage of total advertising expenditures are currently being devoted to the internet. There is potential growth and value in using digital marketing aimed at Millennials, but the marketing strategies must be perceived positively by this generation.
The emergence of marketing in Millennial new ventures
Authors: Lingelbach David , Patino Anthony , Pitta Dennis A. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework, based in entrepreneurship theory, which explains how marketing emerges in startups founded by members of the Millennial generation.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a literature review, from which propositions are derived, an earlier process model of organizational speciation is adapted to marketing by Millennial entrepreneurs.FindingsA four‐stage cycle model of entrepreneurial marketing by Millennials is developed, consisting of enabling through resource scarcity, bonding through social media, new product introduction through incremental stealth, and replicating through variation, selection, and retention.Research limitations/implicationsModel development would be enhanced through empirical data.Practical implicationsMarketers in entrepreneurial firms founded by Millennials can follow a few simple rules to enhance market penetration. Resource scarcity is something to be sought, not avoided. A thoughtful social media strategy can accelerate new product introduction: stealthiness and its close relation small size should be embraced; avoid getting too big too quickly; use furtiveness to drive social media‐based bonding.Originality/valuePrevious theoretical models at the marketing/entrepreneurship interface have not focused on the unique characteristics of Millennial‐led new ventures. This study develops the most comprehensive model of entrepreneurial marketing by Millennials to date.
Identifying Millennials' key influencers from early childhood: insights into current consumer preferences
Authors: Young Amy M. , Hinesly Mary D. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a methodological approach to understanding key influencers of Millennials and other generational cohorts. The approach identifies adults' implicit consumer preferences based on their early childhood cultural experiences.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws from research in the area of generational studies, implicit psychological processing, and consumer preferences to propose a method of identifying and confirming key influencers of generational cohorts' implicit preferences.FindingsA more complete understanding of Millennials and other generational cohorts can be gleaned by complementing current methodological approaches with the one proposed in this paper.Research limitations/implicationsAs preliminary research has just begun using this model, additional research is needed to confirm the theoretical work and association between early childhood influencers and actual purchasing behaviors.Practical implicationsThe identification of early childhood influencers can be used by businesses for their current marketing strategies with Millennials and other generational cohorts or for product development/updates in anticipation of cohorts “aging into” target markets.Originality/valueThe approach proposed in this paper is innovative in its integration of generational cohort analysis with empirical approaches to measuring implicit consumer preferences.
How do they do it? Understanding back office efficiency savings made by English councils
Authors: Chester Buxton Rosamund , Radnor Zoe 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the back office efficiency savings made by English councils during the 2004 Spending Review (SR04) period in order to consider the relationship between service delivery, audit and inspection and, efficiency programmes in local government. It considers three research questions: the use of secondary data, the relationship between efficiency savings and contextual factors, and the influence of audit and inspection in delivering efficient public services.Design/methodology/approachThrough statistical analysis the paper discusses the secondary analysis of publicly available sets of administrative data about local councils in England. These datasets are the annual efficiency statements (AES) taken from records made by each council. The paper discusses through the analysis of the AES the degree of efficiency savings and service improvements in English councils and whether efficiency savings are influenced by internal or external contextual factors.FindingsThe paper illustrates that secondary data is a useful source of data, but finds that although councils have achieved the efficiency savings set there is no relationship with the contextual factors. The paper considers the influence of audit and inspection, suggesting that the focus has been on meeting the target rather than local needs.Originality/valueThis paper aims to contribute to the debate regarding the use of performance indicators, audit and inspection and efficiency achievement within local government. The paper starts to explore the implication in the UK where, after a decade of use, the influence of these is reducing dramatically.
Assessment of quality of prenatal care in Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University Centers
Authors: Simbar Masoumeh , Nahidi Fatemeh , Dolatian Mahrokh , Akbarzadeh Alireza 
Published: March 2012

PurposeImproving hospital service access and mothers' care are said to be the best approaches for decreasing maternal mortality. This study aims to evaluate prenatal care (PNC) and suggest ways to improve hospital and health center maternity services.Design/methodology/approachThis was a cross‐sectional descriptive study to evaluate prenatal care services in three domains: service structure; care process; and outcomes. Using non‐randomized quota sampling, 600 PNC clients were assessed in 12 pre‐natal clinics. Two checklists were used to assess facilities and care process and a questionnaire to assess client satisfaction. Validity and reliability were assessed and confirmed.FindingsSix hundred subjects, averaging 29.3 (±9.4) weeks pregnancy, were included. Assessing different care processes demonstrated the following compliance to standards: counseling process 55.5 per cent (±21.2); history‐taking 48.71 per cent (±11.4); vital signs assessment 53.4 per cent (±10.6); general examination 30.2 per cent (±13.3); obstetrical examination 91.8 per cent (±27); blood tests 93.8 per cent (±21.9); urinary tests 86.9 per cent (±26.3); clients' education about peri‐natal‐risk 39.7 per cent (±27.1). Results showed that 0.54 per cent (±13.1) of clients were satisfied with care processes.Research limitations/implicationsClients and providers were informed about the study's evaluation processes, which may have affected the results.Practical implicationsStudy method and results can be used to improve PNC services.Originality/valueThis is the first time a study has focused on Iranian PNC structures, processes and outcomes.
Quality from the patient's perspective: a one‐year trial
Authors: Jakobsson Liselotte , Holmberg Leif 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis article aims to shows how changing information routines might influence service quality perceptions. A secondary aim was to test an instrument's everyday feasibility for healthcare quality assessment.Design/methodology/approachPatients often show high‐grade satisfaction with general care although they display dissatisfaction with some information they receive. A questionnaire survey was used to establish patient satisfaction after introducing standardised guidelines for nursing performance and information provision. Patient satisfaction was assessed using “quality from the patient's perspective” (QPP) questionnaire. Patients from gynaecological and haematological wards (n=71) (the study group) and a comparison group (n=67) were surveyed. Patients were given the questionnaire when their diagnosis was confirmed, after six months and 12 months. Data were collected over 36 months.FindingsThe study group showed an increased satisfaction with information from nurses (p=0.001) but not physicians. However, patients tended to put greater emphasis on socio‐cultural issues than information and cooperation seemed to represent high quality from the patient's perspective.Research limitations/implicationsSuccessively lower response rate, mainly owing to cancer patients' deteriorating medical conditions. The study verifies the concordance model's relative merits.Practical implicationsThe study verifies that care's softer side appears to be more important to patients than information improvements.Originality/valueResults confirm that patients' satisfaction with information had implications for overall quality; but social issues seemed more important and enhancing quality is best achieved through participation and cooperation.
Healthcare provision in rural India: does micro health insurance help or hinder?
Authors: Forbes David J. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeChanging healthcare provision need not be sudden or damaging. If changes are made then many valuable services may be lost. This article aims to consider dramatic change and its negative effects on Indian rural healthcare provision.Design/methodology/approachA case study is used to evaluate rural India's developing private health insurance, combined with evidence from other micro health insurance effectiveness studies.FindingsRural health insurance schemes are financially and culturally precarious. Enthusiastically importing these ventures into rural scenarios fragments vulnerable healthcare systems that have served and survived many other threats. The new services may fail if not subsidised and the experiment might undermine what was already in place. Is it improvement or just change?Research limitations/implicationsMissing rural health providers from the dataset means that data are not regularly available.Practical implicationsAs more Western healthcare concepts are parachuted into developing areas, understanding and appreciating what already exists is necessary. New healthcare schemes must be critically evaluated, including the damage they could do to other healthcare provision.Originality/valueUnlike other published research on private health insurance introduced in India and Africa, this study critically reviews the effect in rural areas from vital hospital services' perspective.