bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Realistic recruitment
Authors: Raub Steffen , Streit Eva Maria 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo report on the results of an empirical study on recruitment practices in the cruise industry and interpret these results from the perspective of theory on “realistic recruitment”.Design/methodology/approachResearch was carried out in a two‐step approach. In the first step, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with recruitment specialists at seven cruise lines and recruitment agencies. Based on these qualitative results, a survey questionnaire was sent to recently hired employees of a European cruise line. A total of 60 completed questionnaires were used for the analysis.FindingsThe study provides support for the existence and importance of a “realistic” recruitment approach in the particular context of the cruise industry. Recruiters possess extensive knowledge about the companies and jobs for which they recruit and systematically communicate negative information about difficult living conditions and work contexts on board through a variety of media. Candidates ranked the importance and usefulness of different media in the recruitment process and assessed their satisfaction with information received during recruitment.Research limitations/implicationsBoth samples – for the qualitative and the quantitative part of the study – are relatively small. The fact that we focused on employees of a European cruise line may limit the generalizability of results.Practical implicationsRealistic recruitment can have a positive impact on turnover and job satisfaction. We provide recommendations for implementing a realistic recruitment approach in the cruise industry.Originality/valueThe realistic recruitment approach is uniquely suited for the particular context of the cruise industry. To our knowledge this is the first empirical study on this topic in the context of the hospitality industry.
Hotels' environmental management systems (ISO 14001): creative financing strategy
Authors: Chan Wilco W. , Ho Kenny 
Published: July 2006

PurposeEnvironmental concerns have been increasing in the travel industry. However, most hotels are unwilling to develop an international environmental management system (EMS) probably due to a lack of resources and knowledge. In order to encourage more organizations to take part in the EMS, three cases adopting international EMS are investigated to ascertain the ways to support the formation of EMS. Based on their experience, hoteliers are encouraged to team up with green members to apply for research funding for the investigation and implementation of EMS. Also, “energy performance contracting” methods to finance environmental improvement projects in hotels were also discussed.Design/methodology/approachA single case study approach was adopted to illustrate the differences in the resources mobilization for setting EMS in these three hotels. A search of documentary evidence and interviews with hotel staff was the main instrument for data collection.FindingsThe Shangri‐la Hotel used its own resources to set up its EMS and strategically used its developed template for other hotels in the group to follow. The other two hotels, Nikko and Grandstanford, adopted a creative and “non‐balance sheet” approach to mobilize resources for the formation of EMS. Both hotels have recourse to external resources including a university's engineering department, hotel management school, green bodies, government funds and trade associations to develop and implement the EMS. The study further identified energy performance contracting as another promising financing tool for the implementation of the energy‐related part of the EMS.Research limitations/implicationsThe representative and general nature of the findings are limited to large hotels in metropolitan areas, as the three case hotels are located in the metropolis of Hong Kong.Practical implicationsThe findings provide informative details on how to secure external resources to set up internationally recognized environmental management systems and the safe way for hotel operators to trial use energy‐saving facilities.Originality/valueThis study provides indications and details on some creative financing techniques for setting up EMS in hotels. These financial strategies are the first of their kind in print and can serve as a useful reference for hotels to develop international EMS.
The effects of technology and TQM on the performance of logistics companies
Authors: Brah Shaukat A. , Ying Lim Hua 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTotal quality management (TQM) and technology are fast becoming essential features of business strategy for the success of many leading organizations in the world. More and more companies are using technology and adapting TQM for sustaining competitiveness in the marketplace. TQM works well for internal integration of logistics companies and they can benefit from the use of technology, including information technology (IT), to gain further internal and external integration. Seeks to examine this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis research examines the relationship between quality management practices, technology and performances of the logistics companies. The study seeks to gain insights from organizational variables and their effect on operational, quality, technology and overall business performance.FindingsTQM and technology play important and complementing roles in improving the performance. The analysis shows that both high technology firms and high technology TQM firms perform significantly better than their low technology peers.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of IT is crucial in improving operational, quality and overall business performance. The information and management technologies strongly correlate to TQM and serve as an enabler to quality performance.Practical implicationsThe use of technology assists logistics operations in many ways, such as cutting down information and processing lead‐time, improve efficiency and minimize errors to the minimum. Perhaps, the logistics companies should look at the long‐term benefits of technology and gradually engage its use to streamline their operations.Originality/valueThe results in this research provide recognition for the importance of technology in quality management in the logistics industry.
Logistics integration processes in the food industry
Authors: Gimenez Cristina 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper sets out to empirically analyse the integration process that firms follow to implement supply chain management (SCM). This study has been inspired by the integration model proposed by Stevens.Design/methodology/approachUses the survey method.FindingsThe results show that there are companies in three different integration stages. In stage I, companies are not integrated. In stage II, companies have a medium‐high level of internal integration in the logistics‐production interface, a low level of internal integration in the logistics‐marketing interface, and a medium level of external integration. And, in stage III, companies have high levels of integration in both internal interfaces and in some of their supply chain relationships.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, only one side of the manufacturer‐retailer relationship was considered, and, second, there was a reduced number of cases in each cluster.Practical implicationsAs firms' survival lies on integration, a good understanding of the integration process is a key aspect. In this subject, this study has a main implication for managers: in the integration process, firms must achieve a relatively high level of collaboration among internal functions before initiating any external integration.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study is to describe the integration process, comparing two levels of internal integration (logistics‐marketing and logistics‐production) and analysing the relationship between these internal integration levels and the level of external integration. Many studies consider internal or external integration from the logistics point of view, but very few consider both levels of integration simultaneously. This study differs from the existing literature in the fact that it explores the sequence of integration stages in an integration process.
Call center satisfaction and customer retention in a co‐branded service context
Authors: Keiningham Timothy L. , Aksoy Lerzan , Wallin Andreassen Tor , Cooil Bruce , Wahren Barry J. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to examine call center satisfaction in an escalated call center context where callers are organization members of the primary/leveraged brand and have purchased additional co‐branded services as part of their membership. It also aims to examine the relationship between call center satisfaction and actual retention of both the co‐branded service offered and the primary brand (call center operated by the membership organization).Design/methodology/approachThe survey data used in the analyses involve a sample size of 88 respondents, all members of a large, national nonprofit organization in the USA. Factor analysis and logistic regression were used to test the propositions.FindingsThe results indicate that caller satisfaction has four dimensions similar to those found in SERVQUAL. Although call center satisfaction dimensions are not significant for co‐branded service retention, the empathy dimension is most important to primary/leveraged brand retention.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of this research is that it tests the propositions within a single firm regarding calls concerning a single category (insurance). Future research should attempt to replicate these findings in other call center contexts.Practical implicationsCaller perceptions of service quality (specifically empathy) in the wake of a perceived service failure, while not very helpful to co‐branded service retention, actually mitigate primary/leveraged brand membership loss.Originality/valueThis study addresses the lack of research tying escalated call center satisfaction and both retention of the co‐branded service in addition to retention of the primary leveraged brand using actual retention data.
Tangibility as a quality factor in electronic commerce b2c
Authors: Melián‐Alzola Lucía , Padrón‐Robaina Víctor 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the role and importance of the tangible elements of purchase processes in business to customer (b2c) electronic commerce, as well as the impact on overall perceived quality and the customers' attitudes.Design/methodology/approachThe database for this study was obtained from a sample of 191 individuals who had purchased on the internet. The techniques used in the statistical analysis of the data were the following: principal component, analysis structural equations and regression analyses.FindingsThe paper finds that four attributes – navigation, signposting, tools and explanation – explain the tangible dimension in electronic commerce. In the data resulting from the analyses, design is seen as an important factor of overall perceived quality and the willingness to recommend the purchase experience to others.Research limitations/implicationsIf the company acts positively in the design, this will favorably affect overall perceived quality, but this is not enough to make a customer repeat. In future research, other dimensions which could retain the customers must be investigated.Practical implicationsThe proposed scale to measure the dimension design could help firms to set an optimum design of their web sites, because a muddled and complex design represents a significant obstacle and may constitute a valid reason for a potential customer to decide not to return to the site.Originality/valueCompanies operating on the internet will find some suggestions in this paper on how to achieve competitive advantage through the optimum design of their web sites.
Jet entrainment minimization in an air curtain of open refrigerated display case
Authors: Navaz Homayun K. , Amin Mazyar , Rasipuram Srinivasan C. , Faramarzi Ramin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo address the effects of velocity profile at the discharge air grille (DAG) on the amount of entrained air into an open refrigerated display case (ORDC).Design/methodology/approachThe performance of an ORDC was studied by CFD, DPIV and LDV. The actual measured velocity profile at the DAG and total flow rate of the display case at its nominal operating conditions are used as guidelines throughout the CFD modeling.FindingsIt was found that a skewed parabolic profile with the peak shifted towards the inner section of the case generates the minimum entrainment and demonstrates that with simple changes to the geometry of the DAG, a significant reduction in the entrainment rate could be achieved.Research limitations/implicationsThis study finds the optimum infiltration rate of a manufactured ORDC. A fundamental study is currently being done to address all the effective parameters that can affect the infiltration rate of any ORDCs.Originality/valueThis paper presents this fact that the velocity profile at the DAG has a significant impact on the infiltration rate and electricity consumption of ORDCs. In turn, the velocity profile is dependent on the geometry and shape of the air passage before DAG. Thus, the analysis of the effect of the geometry on the velocity should seriously be taken into consideration by the case manufacturers.
The self‐employed woman owner and her business
Authors: Still Leonie V. , Walker Elizabeth A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo conduct the first national study in Australia of women in small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises, and to develop a profile of the self‐employed woman and her business to serve as a benchmark for follow‐up research.Design/methodology/approachComprised a self‐administered questionnaire which dealt with a broad range of issues concerning the start‐up and operational aspects of a small to medium‐sized business. The women participants were self‐selected and were obtained through mail‐outs to business and professional networks, and a nation‐wide advertising campaign. Three focus groups were also held to provide more background on some of the findings from the survey.FindingsThe study found a consistency in the characteristics of the women and their businesses, similar to those found at the localised level. A benchmark profile of both the Australian small business woman operator and her business was established.Originality/valueIs the first national Australian study, and provides a benchmark for later studies in the same area.
Landslide problems in Uttaranchal, India: issues and challenges
Authors: Pande Ravindra K. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how landslide and mass movements are recurring phenomena in the Himalayan region. The consequences in recent times have become more severe in terms of casualties and extensive damage to the roads, buildings, forests, plantation and agriculture fields.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on field work and secondary source on information about various landslides in the Uttaranchal, India.FindingsIn recent years, the intensive construction activity and destabilizing forces of nature have combined to generate huge and complex problems, never encountered before. Implementation of number of hydro‐electric schemes, large‐scale construction of dams, roads, tunnels, buildings, towers, ropeways, tanks and other public utility works as well as indiscriminate mining and quarrying have brought most of instability problems such as never witnessed before.Research limitations/implicationsMitigation of an active landslide is a difficult option. It has been observed that despite of best technological options available the mitigation of an active landslide costs a lot which is, some times not economically viable.Practical implicationsPrevention is the best practice for landslide management which can be introduced through proper landuse planning.Originality/valueThe proper and scientific management of landslide will certainly reduce the miseries of the community living in this region. However, for that we must be addressed certain issues.
Disaster types in Malaysia: an overview
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim , Ahmadun Fakhru'l‐Razi 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide graduate students, researchers, and responsible personnel with an overview on the disaster types worldwide in general and disaster types in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe types of disasters by region for the period 1988‐1997 were obtained from recent published sources. The disasters which occurred in Malaysia have been collected from several sources such as the technical, general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. The disasters which occurred during the period of 1968‐2004 have been reviewed. The disasters have been classified into natural disasters, man‐made disasters, and subsequent disasters. The man‐made disasters have been classified into technological disasters, transportation accidents, public places failure, and production failure.FindingsDisasters have been classified into natural, man‐made disasters. The regions worldwide have experienced all kinds of natural disasters in last decade. It was pointed out that the occurrence of disasters from almost all kinds of hazards is among the highest in Asia and the Pacific. Malaysia experienced natural, man‐made and subsequent disasters. Malaysia has experienced 39 disasters during the period of 1968‐2004. The natural disasters were 49 percent of total disasters. Most of the natural disasters were resulted from the heavy rains. Malaysia has experienced 18 man‐made disasters. The man‐made disasters resulted in 282 fatalities, and 1,892 injuries.Originality/valueThis paper presents an overview on the disaster types by region worldwide. The paper also presents an overview on the disaster types in Malaysia. This paper combined the scattered disasters into one record. Therefore, there is a need for an authorized body to be responsible for the collecting, arranging, classifying, and storing of all type of the accidents in Malaysia. This experience can be benefited from/at any country.
Participation in practice and disaster management: experience of Uttaranchal (India)
Authors: Pande Ravindra K. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeDisaster management is not merely a subject to be taught in class rooms but a habit to be practiced not only by the individual but by the community as a whole. Participation of each and every component of society in practicing disaster management is the key to success. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachUttaranchal is a newly created state of India having 80 percent of its geographical area under mountainous terrain. The State is prone to various natural disasters such as earthquake, landslide, flash flood, etc. People and the government have learnt a lot from the past experiences and thus a strategy of community based disaster management is being developed to manage the disasters. The analysis is based on the data/information collected for the last seven years (1999‐2005).FindingsDemocracy, by definition, means participation in governance. However, while we have practiced representative democracy for over half a century now we are still far away from a participatory democratic‐mode.Research limitations/implicationsThe period under study is short for developing any hypothesis but sufficient care has been taken to consider vital factors.Practical implicationsCommunity participation in disaster is a common phenomenon in the countries like India. Considering the vast potential of community and putting its participation into practice in different stages of disaster management (prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and rehabilitation) will certainly help the disaster managers to make a safer society.Originality/valueParticipation in practice is far more complex than in theory. Every sound theory in turn is invariably based on good practice. Practice, good practice, entails intensive and extensive attention to details; the nuts and bolts of it.
Non‐monsoonal landslides in Uttaranchal Himalaya (India)
Authors: Rautela Piyoosh , Pande R.K. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeClimatic conditions as also the agrarian economy of the Indian subcontinent is greatly affected by the monsoonal winds that are characterized by heavy rains between June and September. The paper is an attempt to break the myth that landslides are only confined to monsoonal months that normally have concentrated rains and can be expected in other seasons as well and, therefore, disaster alert levels cannot be relaxed during non‐monsoonal season. The communication also attempts to identify slowly ongoing weathering processes that might cause to slope failure without rains and, therefore, paves way for identifying similar landslide prone areas.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses two landslides of the recent past; Uttarkashi landslide of 23 September 2003 and Ramolsari landslide of 30 March 2005 that took place after the seizure of the monsoonal rains and is based upon the first hand field observations of the authors. The paper discusses the likely causes of the slides along with the implications of this new trend of landslides taking place in the non‐monsoonal season upon the disaster management strategy of the state.FindingsThe investigations reveal that precipitation could be considered the trigger in case of Uttarkashi landslide but there exist no evidences to suggest that the Ramolsari landslide could have been triggered by increased pore water pressure. Slow ongoing and hard to observe processes of weathering seem to have initiated this slide.Research limitations/implicationsFor the purpose of metrological parameters, the study relies upon the data of the state run rain gauges that do not have an appreciably good spatial distribution. Rainfall data of the nearest observation points is, therefore, taken as representative of the rainfall in the area under present focus. For Ramolsari, the rainfall data of Tehri is used while Uttarkashi has a rainfall recording observatory.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the importance of keeping the preparedness levels high for prompt post‐disaster operations all through the year. This paper advocates redefining high alert period for landslide hazard and for following high alert all through the year particularly in areas prone to landslides.
Promoting the health and wellbeing of young Black men using community‐based drama
Authors: Kemp Martin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the role of drama and theatre in promoting the emotional and social wellbeing of a group of young Black men living in south London.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative methodology was used in a process and outcome evaluation of a drama‐based initiative that aimed to promote young Black men's sexual and emotional health.FindingsThe research found that this community‐based initiative was able to promote young people's self‐esteem and a positive sense of agency. This was achieved by creating opportunities for self‐expression, reflection and self‐understanding, and through the development of relationships between participants characterised by trust and reciprocity.Originality/valueThe evaluation points to the strengths of youth and community work and arts‐based approaches in engaging young people around health issues and in promoting emotional wellbeing and a positive sense of identity among young people. The evaluation also highlights the usefulness of process‐oriented qualitative evaluation as an appropriate way of evaluating and contributing to the ongoing development of initiatives that aim to use the arts in healthcare settings.