bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of ethnic affiliation in consumer ethnocentrism
Authors: Vida Irena , Dmitrović Tanja , Obadia Claude 
Published: April 2008

PurposeIn view of the increasingly dynamic ethnic composition of nation states in Europe and elsewhere, this paper aims to examine the effects of ethnic affiliation on ethnocentrism and domestic purchase bias, and to test a model of consumer ethnocentrism antecedents and outcomes in a multi‐ethnic transitional economy.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data were collected via personal interviews from 580 urban consumers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was, in the aftermath of violent ethnic conflicts in the Balkans, divided into two major sub‐regions inhabited by three clearly identifiable ethnic groups. A structural model with five first‐order reflective constructs was evaluated to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe findings confirm that both national identity and nationalism are significant predictors of consumer ethnocentrism, and that ethnic affiliation has a direct effect on both consumer ethnocentrism and on domestic purchase bias. However, the antecedent nature of cultural openness in relation to consumer ethnocentrism was not confirmed.Practical implicationsWhile it has been suggested previously that, when consumers have dual allegiances, the construct of national identity may be of a lesser explanatory power, the results attest to the value of both nation‐state level constructs in the model as reliable predictors of consumer ethnocentrism. The findings also suggest that a differentiated marketing strategy may be warranted on entering multi‐ethnic markets.Originality/valueUnlike most prior studies that tested ethnocentrism models across different countries with citizens of each country being addressed as a culturally/ethnically uniform group, this study does not limit in‐groups to a nation state, but examines groups based on ethnic affiliation.
Experiences as gifts: from process to model
Authors: Clarke Jackie 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the giving and receiving of gifts that are experiences rather than physical goods, and to illuminate how the behavioural processes in the selection, exchange and consumption of such intangible gifts might differ from the generic understanding of gift giving.Design/methodology/approachA trio of qualitative research methods – depth interviews, self‐completion written instrument, and semi‐structured telephone interviews – captured donor, recipient and industry expert perspectives, yielding a total of 189 real life incidents of experience gift exchange.FindingsThe model of experience gift‐giving behaviour encapsulates the behaviour of donors and recipients with sufficient flexibility to incorporate purchased, modified and donor‐created experiences, differing donor decision‐making styles, and immediate or delayed consumption. It is structured around the process stages of decision making, exchange, and post‐exchange/consumption/post‐consumption.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical evidence is drawn from the UK, and is biased towards close personal relationships and experience gifts of higher monetary value.Practical implicationsConsumers in Western societies are actively giving gifts that are experiences. Greater understanding of their behaviour in this marketplace – as evidenced in the paper – will enhance marketing practice for those service organisations recognising the gift potential of their products.Originality/valueThis research is believed to be the first to examine the phenomenon of experiences as gifts – a theoretical contribution that starts to close the gap between real world consumer behaviour and corresponding academic knowledge.
Online marketing communication potential
Authors: Bach Jensen Morten 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to indicate where resources should be directed to utilize online marketing communication (OMC) further, including the identification of the diversity of OMC adoption, prioritization and future potential.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model of prioritization and potential of OMC, specified as a structural equation model is developed. Research data are collected from both Danish advertising agencies and major companies, and based on these data the model is estimated by using partial least squares (PLS).FindingsThe adoption of OMC by companies, as opposed to advertising agencies, is rather diverse. Companies should take responsibility for the holistic utilization of OMC, as well as the development of holistic prioritization methods. Special attention should be given to online relationship communication, as this discipline is the primary driver of confidence in future potential, and online interactive communication, which has the largest potential for improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on a single geographic market (Denmark), and its transferability to other markets can be questioned. The geographical constraint also means that the sample is limited.Originality/valueThe paper presents original findings for online marketing communication planning and prioritization, and thereby adds to a green field that lacks both theory and practical recommendations.
Can performance‐related learning outcomes have standards?
Authors: Brockmann Michaela , Clarke Linda , Winch Christopher 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explain the distinction between educational standards and learning outcomes and to indicate the problems that potentially arise when a learning outcomes approach is applied to a qualification meta‐framework like the European Qualification Framework, or indeed to national qualification frameworks.Design/methodology/approachThe methods used are documentary, political and conceptual analysis, with some reference to empirical work carried out in relation to other projects.FindingsIt is found that there are substantial differences between learning outcomes and standards with large educational and political implications. Furthermore, the “pure” form of learning outcomes approach contains a design flaw, which makes its coherent implementation problematic.Research limitations/implicationsThe stimulation of further research on learning outcomes based approaches to qualifications and the problems that arise in their implementation.Practical implicationsThe EU needs to think carefully about the fitness for purpose of the current descriptors for EQF and whether or not it is desirable to move away from a pure outcome‐based approach to qualification frameworks and meta‐frameworks.Originality/valueAs far as the authors are aware, this is the first paper to draw attention to this distinction.
European qualifications framework
Authors: Bouder Annie 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to question the appropriateness of a proposal for a new European Qualifications Framework. The framework has three perspectives: historical; analytical; and national.Design/methodology/approachThe approaches are diverse since the first insists on the institutional and decision‐making processes at European level questioning the impact that could have on the recently formalised Open Method of Coordination. The second goes into more detailed analyses of the instrument itself and of its shortcomings both in conceptual terms and on its pragmatic ones. The last approach is a comparative one by which the French system is “benchmarked” against EQF guidelines.FindingsThe main conclusion is that there is obviously a political will to question the role and the structure of qualifications in view of an economy and a society of knowledge and that research has much to contribute – on very different levels – like the three chosen for this article.Research limitations/implicationsChoosing to mix three quite different approaches in one short text is an attempt to be valued since it shows the different aspects under which a so‐called “neutral” instrument needs to be regarded.Practical implicationsPractically, this speaks for the further involvement of research in the present, very institutional and organisational discussions on European qualifications.Originality/valueIn terms of research, it is seldom that these various levels are considered together. The article proves that there is a case to do so.
Professional competence as a benchmark for a European space of vocational education and training
Authors: Grollmann Philipp 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to present a critical review of the current European process of co‐operation in VET with a special view to the European Qualification Framework and its competence orientation.Design/methodology/approachThe approach reviews the official documentation and the consultation process and a contrastive analysis of the state of the art of research and developments in VET.FindingsIn order to make European VET a direct contribution to the revised Lisbon agenda, a more concise shared vision with regard to the processes and structures of vocational education might be needed.Research limitations/implicationsIt does not seem possible logically and pragmatically to fully abstract from the processes in which competence is acquired and in which it is going to be used.Practical implicationsResearch and development activities in the European Union should be integrated towards an agenda that covers structures, conditions and processes of learning for the world of work.Originality/valueApart from a few other contributions, critical accounts of current policies and its implications for research and practice are scarce.
Putting Dreyfus into action: the European credit transfer system
Authors: Markowitsch Jörg , Luomi‐Messerer Karin , Becker Matthias , Spöttl Georg 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to look closely at the development of a European Credit Transfer System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET). The European Commission, together with the member States, are working on it and several pilot projects have been initiated within the Leonardo da Vinci Programme of the European Commission. The problem of the transfer as well as a convincing transparency of vocational competences has yet been developed. The aim is to discuss this in the article.Design/methodology/approachThis contribution illustrates a model using the Dreyfus/Dreyfus approach of acquisition of profiles in such a way that the levels of competence development are not applied to overall professional actions (as shown for pilots, nurses, teachers and others), but to smaller entities of professional profiles.FindingsWhile strongly taking into account work related tasks and contexts (objects, tools, work organisation) the authors define “groups of competencies” and apply Dreyfus' ladder to these new entities. That means the authors adopt Dreyfus' model in two ways: by applying the model to groups of competencies (corresponding to specific core work profiles) instead of using it for overall competency profiles (corresponding to professionals/ experts); and they make the model flexible and dynamic by not restricting it to a certain number of levels, but only defining the differences between levels.Research/limitations/implicationsThe background of the paper is the so‐called work process analysis to identify the work related tasks and related groups of competencies.Practical implicationsThe article offers a new concept for the European discussion of the Qualification Framework as well as the Credit Transfer System.Originality/valueThis article provides an alternative to existing European policy.
Evaluating progress of European vocational education and training systems: indicators in education
Authors: Lauterbach Uwe 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe quality of an education system or a comparative international assessment refers more and more to quantitative parameters, i.e. “educational indicators”. The paper aims to analyse the structure of several educational indicators and indicator systems and answer the question “What can educational indicators achieve?”Design/methodology/approachStarting with a general consideration of the term “indicator” the findings are applied to the educational area and the development of educational indicators is analysed critically.FindingsIndicators allow for the illustration of outcomes and of system processes. Beginning in the 1950s, following the empirical turn in research methods, and the growing significance of approaches from economics of education, indicators are now applied in national and international settings. The findings show that the combination of the quantitative and qualitative approach is more successful as the isolated research.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on secondary analysis. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methodology should be undertaken in following the progress of educational systems.Originality/valueThe findings of quantitative research based on educational indicators determine the general public and political discussion and often the discourse in the scientific community. The analysis shows that a critical distance especially when preparing political decisions is a necessary attitude.
Effective virtual new product development teams: an integrated framework
Authors: Badrinarayanan Vishag , Arnett Dennis B. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeResearch on virtual teams is still in its nascent stages. The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretically grounded integrative framework of key factors influencing the effectiveness of virtual new product development teams.Design/methodology/approachThe framework is developed by integrating perspectives from several research streams, including relationship marketing, new product development, knowledge management, the resource‐based view, virtual teams, innovation, and communication.FindingsFactors impacting effective virtual interactions (i.e. improved decision quality and decision speed) and new product development (i.e. increased levels of creativity, innovativeness, and product development speed) are proposed.Research limitations/implicationsGuidance is provided for managing virtual new product development teams. The paper offers testable propositions that can serve as a foundation for further research in this promising area.Originality/valueBy synthesizing relevant perspectives from diverse literature streams, the paper offers a new framework for understanding and improving the functioning of virtual new product development teams.
Successful B2B customer database management
Authors: Zahay Debra 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to present a study of the question of customer information management in business‐to‐business (B2B) firms, what distinguishes firms that manage customer information well, and what internal processes are necessary for success.Design/methodology/approachThis paper summarizes the themes from several research studies using both qualitative and quantitative methods.FindingsThe study finds that companies that distinguish themselves from others in the area of customer information management practices pay attention first to their company's overall strategy, establish and/or enforce data quality standards, involve functional departments in the development of customer databases and their applications, and use both relational and transactional data in their data applications.Practical implicationsManagers in this area would do well to follow the precepts suggested in this work, especially in terms of developing quality databases before embarking on a customer marketing strategy.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is the consistent themes throughout research studies in various B2B contexts.
Costs and funding of New Zealand local authorities: the role of democratic discourse
Authors: Barrett Jonathan , Scott Colin 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate how two New Zealand local authorities have engaged with their duty under the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act) to foster community participation in decision making, specifically with regard to costs and funding of local authority activities.Design/methodology/approachA “middle‐range” methodological approach was used which sought to flesh out a skeleton of theory with empirical data to demonstrate the richness of particular contexts. The basic premise was that Habermasian theory provides both a guide to engagement with local, democratic participation and also idealised goals for local authorities under the Act.FindingsThe local authorities investigated have taken significant steps to engage with community participation in local authority costs and funding decisions. However, lack of speech competence in the “language of accounting” precludes many community members from participating in informed dialogue on relevant issues. One authority sought to overcome this barrier by way of public meetings; the other by encouraging representative interest groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings are not generalisable but are relevant to other organizations similar to those observed.Practical implicationsBroad community participation in local authority cost and funding decision‐making is hampered by the language of accounting. Accountants could do more to accommodate different constituencies for accounting information.Originality/valueThe article highlights two appropriate and practicable approaches the local authorities observed have adopted to foster democratic participation in local decision making. These efforts, but also the remaining problems, are relevant to a broad range of organisations seeking to include different community interest groups in decision making.
The formation of public‐public partnerships
Authors: Greasley Kay , Watson Paul J. , Patel Shilpa 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis article aims to explore public‐public partnership issues arising when public sector organisations work together in order to deliver a new government sponsored initiative.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was adopted for this study, employing in‐depth interviews across four UK case study sites. The rich qualitative data gathered from these interviews is analysed utilising a thematic framework.FindingsThe findings indicate that most of the participants did not feel that they were involved in a partnership and had little or no contact with their partner. The key role of inter‐personal relationships amongst individual members is emphasised.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings presented represent the pilot sites utilised in a government sponsored initiative. As future public‐public partnerships develop, further research should be undertaken to explore this phenomenon and establish the generalisability of these findings.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that while there are clear benefits of partnership working, achieving successful collaboration is not straightforward. Improvements need to be made to develop partnerships using both formal and informal communication methods.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates the importance of the relationships between, and perceptions of, personnel at an individual level in the success of public‐public partnerships.
Agents of change in the disability field: bridge‐builders who make a difference
Authors: Hamner Doris , Cohen Hall Allison , Ciulla Timmons Jaimie , Boeltzig Heike , Fesko Sheila 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to highlight the systemic conditions that facilitate the emergence, longevity, and effectiveness of bridge‐builders across organizations.Design/methodology/approachResearchers conducted longitudinal case studies in six One‐Stop Career Centers across the USA over four years. Interviews were conducted with approximately 20 people in various positions at each of the sites visited. The data analyzed spanned the four years of the study.FindingsResearchers uncovered particular characteristics present in individual bridge‐builders that enabled them to accomplish their goals. This research indicates that, when the right conditions intersected with the right type of person, champions emerged who helped move the organization in new and innovative directions.Originality/valueThis paper provides an outline of the organizational change that can happen in the disability field. By delineating bridge‐builders and the context in which they operate, others can identify the conditions within organizations to help them move forward.
An organization called Harry
Authors: Aarum Andersen Jon 
Published: April 2008

PurposeAnthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics to gods, plants, animals or inanimate objects (the wind, rocks, etc.). This paper sets out to disprove the association of anthropomorphic characteristics with individual organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses anthropomorphism in organization theory because many scholars argue that organizations are human or like human beings. Some examples of “An organization called Harry” in organization literature are presented.FindingsThree causes of anthropomorphism can be traced. The negative, rather than any positive, consequences of anthropomorphism in organization literature are discussed.Originality/valueA new agenda for organizational studies is suggested where anthropomorphism is avoided together with the fallacy of the human metaphor. Anthropomorphism creates confusion rather than advancing the field of organization theory.
Reliability test and failure analysis of high‐density packages assembled with a low‐temperature lead‐free solder (SnBiAg)
Authors: Lau John , Gleason Jerry , Schroeder Valeska , Henshall Gregory , Dauksher Walter , Sullivan Bob 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe High Density Packaging Users Group Consortium has conducted a study of process development and solder‐joint reliability of high‐density packages on printed circuit boards (PCB) using a low‐melting temperature lead‐free solder. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reliability tests (e.g. temperature cycling and shock and vibration) and failure analysis (FA) of high‐density packages on PCB with the low‐melting temperature lead‐free solder (Sn‐57 wt%Bi‐1 wt%Ag).Design/methodology/approachThe design for reliability, materials, and assembly process aspects of the project have been discussed in “Design, materials, and assembly process of high‐density packages with a low‐temperature lead‐free solder (SnBiAg)” also published in this journal issue. In this study, reliability tests (e.g. temperature cycling and shock and vibration) and FA of high‐density packages on PCB with the low‐melting temperature lead‐free solder (Sn‐57 wt%Bi‐1 wt%Ag) are investigated.FindingsLead‐free solder‐joint reliability of high‐density packages, such as the PBGA388, PBGA256, PBGA208, PBGA196, PBGA172, PQFP80, and TSSOP56 were determined by temperature cycling, shock, and vibration tests. Temperature cycling test data for over 8,100 cycles between 0 and 100°C in a 44 min. cycle were statistically analyzed. Shock and vibration test data based on the HP Standard Class Bi‐II Products SPEC have also been reported.Originality/valueCurrently there is a lack of experimental and simulation data and field experience in respect of one of the critical issues for industry – that of solder joint reliability in lead‐free soldering. The paper contains some important research results and recommendations.