bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing an organizational learning‐based model for risk management in Chinese construction firms
Authors: Ying Liu Jun , Pheng Low Sui 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe features of construction projects, characterized by their transient nature, multi‐players, and strong dependency on local natural and human environment, highlight the difficulties of risk management in construction firms. This is particularly crucial when a construction firm ventures overseas where the risk exposure is high. However, it is unclear how Chinese construction firms would behave organizationally or if they have adopted appropriate risk management best practices, especially when they operate outside of Mainland China. Moreover, it is also unclear if such firms have formally documented risk management lessons for the purpose of organizational learning to share both success and failure so that similar mistakes can be avoided in the future. This paper primarily aims to establish a conceptual framework linking organizational learning with risk management, focusing on the organizational behavior of Chinese construction firms when they operate in both Mainland China and overseas.Design/methodology/approachThe research agenda proposes the use of questionnaire surveys and in‐depth case studies of Chinese contractors with operations both in Mainland China and Singapore.FindingsAn outcome of the study is the formulation of a research agenda that will eventually lead to the development of a knowledge‐based decision support system (KBDSS) linking organizational behavior with risk management for supporting organizational learning in Chinese construction firms.Practical implicationsThe outcomes of the research agenda can help chinese contractors gain “sustainable competitive advantage” against contractors from other developed countries in the global market.Originality/valueThis is possibly the first ever study to correlate organizational behaviour (OB), technical, organizational, project and external (TOPE) risks, CQ‐SET and mitigate, accept, avoid or transfer (MAAT) within the context of Chinese construction firms operating both in Mainland China and the overseas market of Singapore. As part of the research agenda, theories of organizational behavior and risk management would also be applied to the empirical findings to draw inferences.
Deflating resistance to change: or a quick guide to understanding resistance and moving forwards
Authors: Derwent Cooke Richard 
Published: April 2009

PurposeLooks at some of the common causes for resisting change.Design/methodology/researchA clear and compelling vision has to be painted so that employees are encouraged to move towards it; and for those who are differently motivated, also build a burning platform to compel them forwards. These plans need to be realistic, and expressed in language that means something to them, and not just corporate gobbledygook.FindingsPeople need a reason to change: and it is the job of the managers to give it to them! The default position for most people is I will carry on doing what I know and understand until I am given a good reason to change.Originality/valueThe key to successful change programs is to understand the WIFM factor (What Is in it For Me?) Every change will alter the balance of winners and losers in the corporate game.
Do fights prohibit helping?
Authors: Rispens Sonja 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of group conflict norms and task interdependence on individuals' willingness to help others under conditions of task conflict to better understand how group characteristics influence individual helping behavior.Design/methodology/approachA total of 81 university students participate in a scenario study. The scenario has a 2 (task interdependence: high vs low) ×2 (group conflict norm: open vs avoiding) design.FindingsThe results suggest that in groups characterized with open conflict norms and high‐task interdependence members are less willing to help than members in groups with avoiding conflict norms and high‐task interdependence.Research limitations/implicationsThis research implies that helping behavior in high‐task interdependent workgroups is highest when groups have an avoiding conflict norm. Limitations include amongst others discussing the explicit request for help coming from the group used in this study and the external validity of scenario studies.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that managers or supervisors can help to provide circumstances in which task conflict does not prohibit helping behavior.Originality/valueThe paper offers a first step to experimentally investigate how individuals react to intragroup task conflict and the consequence for constructive behavior.
Niches at the edges: price‐value tradeoff, consumer behavior, and marketing strategy
Authors: Akhter Syed H. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how the perception of price‐value tradeoff is related to overall satisfaction, purchase intention, word‐of‐mouth advertising, and actual repurchase behavior.Design/methodology/approachData on subscribers and single ticket buyers of a major symphony orchestra in the Midwest are used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe ANOVA results show significant differences across the three levels of price‐value tradeoff in each of the response variables. Additional analyses of cross‐tabulated data show that some of the bivariate relations conform to, as well as depart from, the rational consumer behavior model.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the hypotheses are supported, bivariate relations examined in this study can mask or overstate true relations due to the omitted variables bias. Future research can explore reasons for favorable behaviors of consumers whose perception is that the value they receive is overpriced, and also for unfavorable behaviors of consumers whose perception is that the value they received is under‐priced.Practical implicationsThe different niches at the edges provide opportunities for marketers to fine‐tune segmentation and marketing mix strategies. The use of standardized strategies for these niches with different perception and behavior linkages will yield suboptimal results.Originality/valueWhile previous research has mostly focused on price‐quality linkages, this study extends the body of research by examining the perception of price‐value tradeoff and its relation to overall satisfaction, purchase intention, word‐of‐mouth advertising, and actual repurchase behavior. This adds to our understanding of post consumption behavior, showing how consumers respond to the perception of price‐value tradeoff.
The product strategy for seasonal products
Authors: Pitta Dennis A. , Scherr Brandon G. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to exemplify the product management of seasonal products.Design/methodology/approachComment on existing literature.FindingsThe comment synthesizes literature on an uncommon product strategy issue.Research limitations/implicationsAs in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn in the case may have limited applicability.Practical implicationsThe comment depicts the process that one firm uses to link product introductions to seasonal events.Originality/valueThe comment describes an approach to product strategy that maintains customer interest and involvement with a complex product line.
Social enterprises as consumer products: the case of vehicles for change
Authors: Pitta Dennis A. , Howard Kucher J. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to describe how a social enterprise can use product innovation and management to succeed in its mission.Design/methodology/approachThe case describes an approach to new product development and management that is of value to social enterprises. The Vehicles for Change organization exists and operates in the USA.FindingsProvides information and action approaches to non‐profit organizations to increase their sustainability. Often non‐profits do not understand nor value business. Consequently, they elevate their mission to do good but sabotage their ability to succeed. Infusing business into non‐profits can lead to an entirely new organization, the social enterprise. Social enterprises use profit‐generating businesses to fund their charitable elements. This new form can be called a for benefits organization. That focus lends itself to using product development and management techniques to succeed. Their results offer implications for non‐profit organizations.Research limitations/implicationsAs in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn in the case may have limited applicability.Practical implicationsThe case depicts the process that one firm uses to innovate and succeed. It requires breaking existing perceptions, changing managerial attitudes, restructuring and adopting a consumer focus.Originality/valueThe case describes an evolutionary approach to social welfare in part based the benefits of a product. It illustrates the value that a product focused, profit seeking approach can yield in support of an organization that seeks to aid humanity.
Integrating wireless sensor networks and the internet: a security analysis
Authors: Roman Rodrigo , Lopez Javier 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the security issues that arise when integrating wireless sensor networks (WSN) and the internet. Also, it seeks to review whether existing technology mechanisms are suitable and can be applied in this context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers the possible approaches that can be used to connect a WSN with the internet, and analyzes the security of their interactions.FindingsBy providing the services of the network through a front‐end proxy, a sensor network and the internet can interact securely. There are other challenges to be solved if the sensor nodes are integrated into the internet infrastructure, although there exists interesting advances on his matter.Research limitations/implicationsThe complete integration of sensor networks and the internet still remains as an open issue.Practical implicationsWith the current state of the art, it is possible to develop a secure sensor network that can provide its services to internet hosts with certain security properties.Originality/valueThe paper studies the interactions between sensor networks and the internet from the point of view of security. It identifies both solutions and research challenges.
Spatial and temporal specificity and transferability
Authors: Nicholson John , Lindgreen Adam , Kitchen Philip 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply pragmatic and practical perspectives to the transferability of research findings by examining the potential of structuration to serve as the relationship marketing meta‐theory.Design/methodology/approachThe paper revisits the advanced subjectivist critique of functionalism as the dominant research paradigm before challenging the apparent fortification of the interpretivist paradigm and, in so doing, highlights interpretivism's weaknesses when dealing with social structures.FindingsWith the proposed model, relationship marketing researchers, using structuration theory, can recognize the temporal and spatial specificity – and thereby transferability – of interactions and relationships. Structuration is academically rigorous and pragmatic, because it avoids the distraction of the largely academic paradigm wars.Research limitations/implicationsBy addressing the often‐noted spatial and temporal limitations of relationship marketing research, this research responds to calls for longitudinal research. The model offers the potential for examining historical interactions and relationships to gain insight into the constraining and enabling forces of social structures.Practical implicationsThe use of a multi‐paradigm perspective is more pragmatic than a single paradigm investigation. Using structuration as that multi‐paradigm perspective, a relationship marketing researcher can gain greater insight into the spatial and temporal specificity and transferability of research findings. Researchers thus may assess the limitations of implementing marketing practice on the basis of the findings they gain from one space and time context in a different space and time context.Originality/valueA paper discussing structuration is a rarity among marketing literature. This paper is the first to outline the potential use of structuration as the meta‐theory in relationship marketing research.
Strategic integration of human resource management practices
Authors: Ekhsan Abang Othman Abang 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the strategic integration of HRM practices with business/corporate strategy in the context of its applications and processes in two Japanese multinational companies in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe research used mixed‐methodology via case studies and questionnaire surveys. Overall 29 questionnaires, 15 from Company A and 14 from Company B were returned and analyzed for a response rate of 58 per cent. In addition, 15 respondents were interviewed, including Executive Director, Head of HR and line managers.FindingsAnalysis of questionnaire responses and interview findings shows strategic integration of HRM practices has been adopted by both organizations, though their approaches vary slightly. Importantly, the involvement of HR at board level, direct reporting of HR to the CEOs and the organization's supportive culture symbolize the integrative approach to HRM. Additionally, the findings indicate that although company strategies are in place, other factors such as business credibility of the HR manager and the level of commitment and support from CEOs and line management commitment are important determinants of strategic integration of HRM practices.Practical implicationsThe influence of Japanese management practices which has similar characteristics of high performance work system (HPWS) and resource‐based view (RBV) approach that emphasizes participatory decision making and construe employees and HR function not as cost burdens but as sources of competitive advantage are important predictors of higher and effective strategic integration.Originality/valueThe paper provides some insights into approaches to strategic integration of HRM practices in two Japanese multinational companies in Malaysia.
Four alternative models of online purchase behavior in the Asia‐Pacific Region
Authors: Muthaly Siva , Ha Hong‐Youl 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model the development of e‐purchasing behavior by examining the simultaneous effects of information, web interactivity, satisfaction and positive attitude (PA) on purchase intentions (PIs).Design/methodology/approachDevelopment and testing of four competing models from surveys of 402 consumers.FindingsThe results highlight the appropriateness of the multiple mediation model (MMM). The findings also indicate that both the dual mediating role of PA and the simple mediating role of positive emotional bond (PEB) in the model significantly improve the explanation of e‐purchasing model process. Particularly, path coefficients for two groups (male vs female) are significantly different. Female consumers have a tendency to accept valuable information and to participate in interactivity.Originality/valueIn this study, Armstrong et al.'s notion is adopted to show that the role of the scientist is changed from advocating a single hypothesis to evaluating a number of competing models. The current research attempts to empirically test competing mechanisms of the variables and their affects on PI.
An insight into knowledge management practices at Bangkok University
Authors: Aurelie Bechina Arntzen Aurilla , Worasinchai Lugkana , Ribière Vincent M. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to present how Bangkok University (BU) embarked on its knowledge management journey by examining how knowledge management processes could contribute to improve the educational environment by providing new styles of teaching and by increasing the relationships between faculty, students and staff.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the reasons why Bangkok University started its KM initiative. It presents the adopted KM approach, the tools developed as well at the KM action plan.FindingsThe initial overall benefits emerging from the early stage of KM at Bangkok University are encouraging. The educational community has improved not only through the communication and cooperation between students and staff, but also through creating an environment that supports efficiently the cross‐organizational learning and knowledge‐sharing processes.Practical implicationsThe KM experience of Bangkok University could be used by other universities or educational institutions as one approach/strategy/guidelines to launch a KM initiative.Originality/valueFew cases of KM implementations in the university environment have so far been published.
A conceptual framework of service quality in healthcare
Authors: Padma Panchapakesan , Rajendran Chandrasekharan , Sai L. Prakash 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the dimensions of service quality in Indian hospitals, from the perspectives of patients and their family members/friends (referred to as “attendants”).Design/methodology/approachBased on the existing models and the literature on healthcare services, a framework is proposed to conceptualize and measure hospital service quality.FindingsTwo instruments for measuring the dimensions of hospital service quality, one each from the perspective of patients and attendants, are proposed.Practical implicationsThis framework enables hospital managers to understand how patients and their attendants evaluate the quality of healthcare provided in respect of every dimension. A comparison of perceptions between patients and attendants would aid them to allocate resources to various aspects of healthcare, with respect to these two customer groups. Hospital administrators can use the instruments proposed to obtain feedback on their performance on service quality parameters so that they can benchmark themselves with their competitors.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to research on healthcare services by the development of a comprehensive framework for customer (both patient and attendant)‐perceived healthcare quality.
Supply chain information‐sharing: benchmarking a proven path
Authors: Fawcett Stanley E. , Wallin Cynthia , Allred Chad , Magnan Gregory 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the development and competitive influence of a supply chain (SC) information‐sharing capability over time.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected in 1999/2000 and 2005/2006. Case study interviews conducted in the same time periods are used to contextualize the survey results.FindingsThe analysis shows that an overall increase in the level of investment in IT in conjunction with higher levels of willingness to share the information is needed to support SC competitiveness. Both connectivity and willingness are shown to contribute to performance improvements. Further, empirical evidence suggests that the greatest performance improvements occur when companies develop both dimensions of an information sharing capability.Originality/valueThe paper uses a multi‐method, longitudinal methodology to evaluate the evolution of technology and behavioral dimensions of a SC information‐sharing capability and to document their influence on firm operating and competitive performance.
Forecasting the economic impact of new policies
Authors: Savio Nicolas , Nikolopoulos Konstantinos 
Published: April 2009

PurposeOnce a policy proposed by the European Commission is approved by European Parliament or Council, its implementation strategy is the responsibility of the member states. Often, there will be several parallel strategies shaped by a series of incentives financed by the government and naturally, the aim is to choose the most cost effective one. For strategy and planning as well as budgeting purposes, forecasts of the adoption rate of these policy implementation strategies will be an indicator as to their effectiveness. A new hybrid approach combining structured analogies and econometric modelling is proposed for producing such forecasts.Design/methodology/approachWith every different policy, there will be different qualitative and quantitative data available for producing such implementation strategy adoption rate forecasts. Hence, the proposed hybrid approach, which combines the strengths and reduces the weaknesses of each of its constituents, can be adjusted to match the quantity and nature of the available data.FindingsThis paper reveals a lack of emphasis on such a forecasting application in the existing literature, while stressing its importance to governmental decision makers. What is more, the paper reveals a lack of documentation of this forecasting process in large governmental structures.Practical implicationsIf shown to improve the ability to produce such forecasts, the proposed approach could be very beneficial to decision makers when faced with several possible implementation strategies.Originality/valueThe use of expertise is quite common in forecasting policy impact but in an unstructured way. The advanced model proposes structuring the use of analogies in an objective manner. Furthermore, combining with econometric modelling, the incorporation of valuable quantitative information is made possible.
Knowledge‐sharing behaviour of bank employees in Greece
Authors: Chatzoglou Prodromos D. , Vraimaki Eftichia 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to develop an understanding of the factors that influence knowledge‐sharing behaviour within an organisational framework, using widely accepted social psychology theories.Design/methodology/approachKnowledge‐sharing behaviour of bank employees in Greece is examined using an aggregate model, which is based on the theory of planned behaviour. The suggested research model was tested using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results indicate that intention to share knowledge is mainly influenced by employees' attitude toward knowledge sharing, followed by subjective norms.Research limitations/implicationsKnowledge‐sharing behaviour was examined solely focusing on salient beliefs. Findings should be confirmed using a larger sample, as well as through cross‐sectional studies.Practical implicationsThe results highlight the necessity of creating a climate that would help individuals develop a more favourable attitude toward knowledge sharing as well as the important role of the perceived social pressure by organisational members (peers, supervisors, senior management) on the intention of individuals to share knowledge.Originality/valueThe main contributions of this study are the following: examination of the knowledge sharing in the banking sector; testing of a specific well‐known research model in the South‐Eastern European environment; examination of the actual knowledge‐sharing behaviour and not only of the behavioural intention to share knowledge and, finally, examination of the direct effect of the perceived behavioural control on knowledge‐sharing behaviour, which, although suggested by theory, has been neglected by previous studies.