bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Funding gap, what funding gap? Financial bootstrapping
Authors: Lam Wing 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to make sense of the “funding gap” by exploring how and why informal entrepreneurial finance is made available to entrepreneurs. By challenging the epistemological and ontological assumptions of the “funding gap”, an enactment perspective of entrepreneurial finance, supported by a social constructionist stance, is proposed in this paper.Design/methodology/approachThe study on which this paper reports was conducted through a longitudinal fieldwork process. Networks in two Chinese cities, Shanghai and Hong Kong, were chosen because of their differences in institutional context yet exceptionally high level of entrepreneurial activities.FindingsThis paper highlights the active role entrepreneurs play in managing their financial needs in the process of new venture creation. The results show that entrepreneurs are actively managing the demand as well as supply of entrepreneurial finance to narrow the “funding gap”. Furthermore, individuals work to fill the funding gap by creating required start‐up capital. In other words, the “funding gap” is not static or concrete; rather it is dynamic, manageable and in many cases is within individuals' power and ability to overcome.Practical implicationsThe findings of this paper are particularly important to all stakeholders, including policy makers, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs and nascent entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the conceptual, methodological and practical knowledge in advancing understanding of the “funding gap”. First, it provides insight into the relationship between entrepreneurs and their environment that shapes the “funding gap”. Second, the findings suggested that a positive, supportive enterprise culture can be particularly useful in driving individuals towards entrepreneurship. Third, in terms of methodology, the author argues that an “inside‐looking‐lout”, interpretive, multi‐stage fieldwork and network as unit of analysis is particularly distinctive in revealing the complex process of managing entrepreneurial finance in the process of new venture creation.
Entrepreneurship education in sub‐Saharan African universities
Authors: Kabongo Jean D. , Okpara John O. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate entrepreneurship course offerings in business administration/management curricula in sub‐Saharan higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a survey of online course catalogs to analyze entrepreneurship course offerings.FindingsThe results of the study demonstrate that most higher education institutions in the sample offer courses in entrepreneurship and/or small business management but few offer specialization in the area. Newly created institutions are more likely to offer entrepreneurship courses and specializations than traditional ones while a few operate university‐based entrepreneurship centers. The study findings are consistent with the environmental school of entrepreneurial thought.Research limitations/implicationsThe study depended exclusively on online data. Several institutions were excluded from the sample because their web sites were unavailable. Future research should use a larger sample.Practical implicationsThe paper will assist researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders in higher education in strengthening the discussion about enterprise and entrepreneurship education in sub‐Saharan business programmes.Originality/valueThis is the first study on the content of entrepreneurship courses in sub‐Saharan African Universities.
Reducing GHG mitigation costs in the shipping industry using the clean development mechanism
Authors: Wang Haifeng 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe Greehouse Gas (GHG) in the shipping industry has attracted increasing attention. One potential method to reduce the GHG mitigation cost is the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that may increase or hinder the CDM in the shipping industry and provide policy implications.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is an extension and application of the methodology first published by Wang and Firestone in Energy for Sustainable Development. The gravity model in international trade theory is used. The econometric model is employed for the analysis.FindingsLarger project endowment, higher government efficiency, high‐quality expertise and infrastructure may play roles in increasing CDM in the shipping industry. The promotion of small‐scale projects, upgrade of the infrastructure, assistance of technologies and knowledge overseas can help the shipping industry and small countries to attract more CDM.Originality/valueThe paper is among the first work to describe and analyze potential barriers for the international shipping industry to use the CDM. It also suggests a set of measures to address the policy options to promote CDM in the shipping industry and small developing countries.
Good environmental practices for hospitality and tourism
Authors: Ruiz‐Molina Maria‐Eugenia , Gil‐Saura Irene , Moliner‐Velázquez Beatriz 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThere is a consensus about the negative effects of transportation and some activities related to hospitality on the environment. In this sense, several proposals have been pointed out to pursue environmental sustainability of tourism activities and minimize their impact on climate change. In particular, some applications of information and communication technologies (ICT) have a direct contribution to the reduction of the demand of supplies and energy by the hospitality industry. The present paper has a double aim: first, to focus on evaluating the potential of several ICT applications to reduce the environmental impact of hospitality and tourism activities. Second, considering the Spanish tourism industry, the paper aims to analyze the level of development of the environmentally sustainable technologies and the difficulties experienced in their implementation as well as the future challenges.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis was conducted based on the literature in hospitality.FindingsThe use of online promotion and booking, information analysis and report management systems, ERP systems, ICT systems connected to providers, GPS and ambient intelligence, among others, may help hospitality companies to minimize the environmental impact of their activities.Originality/valueTaking into consideration the evidence obtained from Spain, the second tourism destination in the world, the paper provides a set of implications for practitioners and policy makers that may orientate their decisions on ICT for the tourism and hospitality industry.
Agricultural influence on the hydrogeochemistry of the sub‐basins of the Verde, Entre Ribeiros and Escuro Rivers of Paracatu Hydrographic Basin (MG) – Brazil
Authors: Augusta Gonçalves Fujaco Maria , Garcia Praça Leite Mariangela 
Published: June 2010

PurposeOf the numerous hydrogeochemical river‐water transformations provoked by intense and irrational soil practices, heavy metal contamination by agrochemical usage is the most worrisome. Long‐term metal accumulation can be transported by rainwater, during storms, contaminating rivers. Data on this type of contamination are still scarce, principally in developing countries, such as Brazil. This paper aims to evaluate the influence of agricultural activities on the hydrogeochemistry of the Paracatu River's sub‐basins.Design/methodology/approachFrom a total of 77 points along three sub‐basins, water samples were taken for heavy metal and trace element analyses using spectrometry of atomic emission through plasma (ICP‐OES, Spectro Ciros CCD). The principal water‐quality parameters, such as pH, turbidity, conductivity, oxi‐reduction potential, total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ.FindingsBy incorporating a small drainage area at the monitoring points, it was possible to perceive agriculture's influence (in the form of heavy metal contamination from fertilizers and pesticides) on the water courses.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the research was carried out at a total of 77 points for water collection, data are from just one wet season, and need to be repeated.Practical implicationsThe results demonstrate a need for monitoring the areas involved with agricultural activities, not only along the main river, but also along small streams that compose the Paracatu Basin.Originality/valueThere is no published literature on this subject regarding the three studied basins.
Corporate social responsibility and consumers' perception of price
Authors: Abrantes Ferreira Daniela , Gonçalves Avila Marcos , Dias de Faria Marina 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis study intends to investigate whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) would positively influence the benefit and the value perceived by the consumer in the company's offer, the judgment of fairness in the price differential charged for it, and his/her buying intention, in a context where the socially responsible firm practises a price higher than the competition. It also investigates whether a social action, supported by the firm, with direct impact on the consumer's life, would provoke a higher effect in his/her reactions than a social action with indirect impact.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives were achieved through experimental methodology, using scenarios. Prior studies contributions to CSR and consumer behavior domains and the theoretical framework supporting the model of perceived value generated the study's proposition, which was translated in a set of hypotheses.FindingsThe results obtained indicated that consumers perceived greater benefit and value in the offer of the socially responsible firm, and were showed to be willing to pay 10 percent more for its product, judging this price differential as being fair. Moreover, the social action with direct impact on the consumer's life influenced more positively his/her reactions than the social action with indirect impact.Research limitations/implicationsThe research instrument opens up the possibility for people to try to give answers that are in accordance with socially established rules and conventions. Also, a non‐probabilistic convenience sample was adopted. Issues for future studies are: price sensitivity in the context of CSR; the importance of CSR as a factor of influence in buying decision compared with other factors; variables that could exert influence on the impact of CSR on consumers' reactions; the influence of information sources about CSR in the consumer's buying decision.Practical implicationsThe results of the study indicate that companies have the opportunity to respond to their consumers' desires of feeling good about a purchase (incentivating CSR), while achieving their business goals and, simultaneously, giving their own contribution to society. Also, when deciding on the social project to invest, firms should try to know which social actions are more valued by their consumers, which are those they judge to benefit them more directly.Originality/valueThe results achieved the integration of CSR in the field of perception of price fairness, as one motive that contributes to a price differential be judged as fair. As a part of the study, a measurement scale was elaborated and tested for the variable perceived benefit.
Hotel employees' beliefs on unethical behavior
Authors: Gonenc Guler Emel , Yukselen Cemal 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the beliefs of employees who work in different positions in the hotels in Edirne, Turkey regarding unethical applications.Design/methodology/approachThe survey method was used to determine the hotel personnel's unethical behaviors in the process of the service operation in hotels. The questionnaire was mainly developed from a Varinli study which was applied to the employees' job‐related ethics.FindingsThe findings have been evaluated and analyzed using the SPSS 11.5. The mean value and the t‐test were applied for the analysis. It was aimed to determine the beliefs of the hotel personnel's about unethical behaviors according to the 20 statements related to the topic. It was understood that the respondents significantly did not accept unethical behaviors that were scaled with 20 statements.Research limitations/implicationsSome statements in the questionnaire were either changed or extended, considering all the hotels in Edirne. The questionnaire was applied in 15 hotels from 9‐13 March in 2009 and excluded employees who were not on the premises during the process. After a week 160 valid questionnaires were either collected from or posted by those concerned.Practical implicationsThe research aims to investigate the job‐related unethical beliefs of hotel employees. The housekeeping, food and beverage, and front‐office departments are mainly studied from the perspecive of the unethical applications. Nevertheless, the answers represented only the personnel's ethical beliefs. Whether they would “actually perform in such a way” in real life is difficult to verify. It is not possible to verify the employees' actual behavior compared with their answers in the questionnaire.Originality/valueThe paper is based on a Varinli study which was applied to the employees' job‐related ethics. In 2004 Varinli studied the hotel employees' beliefs regarding unethical applications in 3‐ and 4‐star hotels in Capadocia.
Global literacy: comparing Chinese and US high school students
Authors: Zhang Rong , Hsu Hui‐Yin , Wang Shiang‐Kwei 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare high school students' global literacy level in metropolitan areas of China and the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopted a global literacy instrument to surveyed 2,157 New York City (NYC) high school students and 2,220 Chinese high school students. This paper adopted an independent sample t‐test and an ANOVA to identify significant differences regarding demographic features on the Likert‐scale items, and used the Pearson correlation coefficient to explore the degree of association between factors.FindingsFrom this global literacy scale, compared with NYC high school students, Chinese students have greater awareness of comprehending and appreciating cross‐cultural perspectives, becoming global citizens, and exhibited greater approval of the performance of their own country's interconnectedness and interdependence with other countries. Students in the two countries exhibited similar confidence in using new literacies.Practical implicationsStudents would pay close attention to global issues if they were aware of how these issues affect their daily life and future. With critical‐thinking abilities, students would be in a better position to make decisions that contribute to the common good. With awareness of diverse cultures, students could learn the values, strengths, and weaknesses of people. With fluency in new literacies, students could research and analyze information from multiple resources, and collaborate with others through the use of technology.Originality/valueThis paper profiles the global literacy of US and Chinese high school students, describes factors correlated with both US and Chinese students' global literacy, and suggests students' preferences regarding “global education”‐related activities.
Culturally responsive teaching awareness through online fiction
Authors: Cain Fehr Mary 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine preservice teachers' understanding of culturally responsive teaching and the use of technology to deliver pedagogical information and facilitate inquiry.Design/methodology/approachThe study in this paper blended qualitative methods, specifically grounded theory within a framework of narrative inquiry. The study is situated within a theoretical framework related to the use of storytelling for teaching and research and of the use of web‐based technologies to deliver instruction and conduct research. An online fictional story was used to initiate dialogue about culturally responsive teaching, provide a framework for organizing ideas and reflecting, and encourage participants to tell their own stories.FindingsFindings indicate that the use of online fiction effectively facilitated participants' reflection and communication of their thoughts and levels of awareness and understanding, thereby facilitating data collection.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include possible researcher bias, participant honesty, short duration of the study, and the scope of the study.Practical implicationsThis paper demonstrates the practical value of combining technology and fictional storytelling to promote and examine awareness of culturally responsive teaching in pre‐service teachers.Social implicationsThe findings of this paper are significant in their relevance to preparing future teachers for diverse classrooms, a critical factor in eliminating inequities, cultural misunderstanding, and prejudice in society.Originality/valueThe unique use of technology and narrative in this paper is significant to teacher educators who seek ways to engage preservice teachers in sensitive topics and to facilitate research on their understanding. The use of narrative is unique in this paper because it is initiated with a fictional story which is then revised to include participants as characters in the final chapter.
Exploring attitudes towards computer use among pre‐service teachers from Singapore and the UK
Authors: Teo Timothy , Noyes Jan 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to compare the pre‐service teachers from Singapore and the UK on their self‐reported attitude towards computer use (ATCU) by employing the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the research framework.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 395 pre‐service teachers completed a survey questionnaire measuring their responses to three constructs: perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU) and ATCU. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used as the technique for data analysis.FindingsThe results of this paper show that there are full configural and metric invariance, and partial scalar invariance and factor variance. In addition, it is found that pre‐service teachers' attitudes towards computer use in the UK are less affected by PU compared to their counterparts in Singapore.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the growing interest among technology acceptance researchers in expanding and extending the TAM to explain users' ATCU. Although much research has been conducted using the TAM, comparisons across different cultural users are few. This paper shows the similarities and differences of two culturally diverse technology users: Singapore and the UK. The use of multi‐group invariance analysis as part of the SEM framework allow more complex analysis to be conducted, relative to the t‐test that is commonly used to compare mean differences between two groups.
Malay, Chinese, and internet banking
Authors: Khalil  , Sutanonpaiboon Janejira , Hamimah Mastor Nor 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the impact of cultural traits on the intention to use internet banking. Drawing from the technology acceptance model and trust literature, the paper examines the influence of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and trust on the intention to use internet banking among Malay and Chinese ethnic groups.Design/methodology/approachThe questionnaire was distributed to final year business students and Master of Business Administration students at four public universities in Malaysia. A separate multiple regression was employed to analyze the data for each ethnic group.FindingsFor both ethnic groups, the results showed that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and trust, all have significant effect on the intention to use internet banking. Further examination of the regression coefficients revealed the cultural traits that may explain the extent to which they influence factors that affect the intention to use.Research limitations/implicationsRespondents of this study were students. This factor may decrease generalizability of the study because students' interest on the use of internet banking may be different from those of the general public. One research implication of this study is that there is a need to consider the role of culture in examining factors that affect behavioral intention.Practical implicationsBanks need to highlight the benefits of internet banking, make internet banking easy to use, and enhance internet banking's security to improve consumers' trust. Given the fact that culture affects one's behavior, each customer group needs to be evaluated differently and the “one‐size‐fit‐all” approach to encourage internet banking usage should be avoided.Originality/valueThis paper attempts to link cultural traits that may explain the extent to which it influences factors that affect the intention to use internet banking.
The X model – a tool for describing and assessing individual projects
Authors: Andersen Erling S. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the X model, which is an inputs – processes – outputs (IPO) model well suited to describing and assessing individual projects. It argues and illustrates that this kind of model is appropriate for project control. It shows that X models can be used on the macro level by presenting the typical Norwegian project of 2008 based on several X models.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical justifications (systems and socio‐technical theories) for IPO models, and the X model in particular, are presented. Empirical data in the form of X models from 54 Norwegian projects are used to illustrate the application of X models.FindingsThe findings are on two levels. For the single project, the paper demonstrates that the X model provides an insight into the situation of a project and causal relationships usually not available with other forms of project control. On the macro level based on the sample of X models, the paper presents the situation for the typical Norwegian project of 2008, which appears to be sufficiently robust to adopt. It shows that further improvements in project management and leadership, good information and feedback to the team members, and good cooperation with the base organisation will give even better results.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies are needed to verify the usefulness of X models.Practical implicationsThis paper provides practitioners with an insight into how an IPO model like the X model can be applied to project management. The technique is particularly useful for project owners, and even for project managers, in their control of a project.Originality/valueThe paper presents new ways of looking at project control and describing and assessing both a single project and a community of projects.