bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The road to profit
Authors: O'Neill Sharron 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to reflect on the boundaries of corporate responsibility in the outsourcing relationships between chain stores, transport companies and owner‐driver truck operators.Design/methodology/approachFictional prose.FindingsFinds that questions about corporate social responsibility and accountability for driver safety remain unanswered by the 2005 New South Wales Parliament's Stay‐safe Committee's Inquiry into Road Safety Administration in New South Wales.Research limitations/implicationsEncourages further research into the social effects of transport industry accounting practices particularly in terms of exploring links between performance measurement and road safety.Originality/valueA creative reflection on performance measurement and corporate accountability.
Improving patient safety and quality
Authors: Walsh Kerry , Antony Jiju 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the challenges and gaps in using an electronic adverse incident recording and reporting system from a commercial supplier to an acute health care setting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used action diary, documentation and triangulation to obtain an understanding of the challenges and gaps.FindingsThe paper provides health care with further understanding of the complexity, challenges and gaps of using an electronic adverse incident recording system to improve patient safety.Originality/valueThis paper explains the important views of clinicians and managers in relation to improving patient safety by using an electronic adverse incident management system.
Involving service users in defining and evaluating the service quality of a disability service
Authors: O'Reilly Paula 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis study proposes to examine how a particular service quality model, the P‐C‐P attributes model, can be used to develop a measurement tool for a disability organisation, which involves service users in defining and determining service quality.Design/methodology/approachThe evaluation focused on a physical disability service within the voluntary sector in Ireland. To identify the service quality dimensions, which were important, a series of focus groups were completed with service personnel and service users. A questionnaire was then developed from the information identified relating to a number of service quality dimensions.FindingsThe results illustrated an overall high level of satisfaction with the service. There were a number of service dimensions identified in each of the attribute groupings, which could be improved. Respondents also made a number of recommendations for improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe study identified limitations to the model relating to whether the actual experiences of service users are captured.Originality/valueThis paper outlines from a consumer perspective the service attributes that provide satisfaction with service delivery but also highlighted areas where improvement was necessary and that the P‐C‐P model is a suitable framework for use.
Strangers on the train
Authors: Day Jacqueline 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide and develop a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the working relationship between the in‐house IT department and other parts of the business.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, IT professionals and internal customers at five medium‐large UK‐based companies were interviewed about how they work together for the development and operation of IT services. A grounded theory approach was followed to develop the theoretical framework from the empirical evidence.FindingsIn the paper the framework shows how the organisational setting, the attitudes of individuals, social processes and outcomes affect the emergence of collective beliefs that characterise the relationship. The strength of the relationship reflects the degree of congruence between the common beliefs of the parties.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that, within the context of IT services, this study shows the emergence of a larger scale social structure from interactions between individual social actors. Proposals are made for the operationalisation of the theoretical framework and its use for designing an instrument to evaluate working relationships. The work also shows how Grounded Theory Methodology can be used for IS/IT management research.Practical implicationsIn the paper management interventions designed to strengthen the bonds between the workgroups are identified.Originality/valueThis paper may help individuals concerned with the development, support and operation of IT services to look beyond the confines of their day‐to day activities to consider the effect of their actions on enduring work group relationships.
Managing cultural diversity: opportunities and challenges for Northern Ireland hoteliers
Authors: Devine Frances , Baum Tom , Hearns Niamh , Devine Adrian 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the opportunities and challenges faced by hospitality employers in accommodating a culturally diverse workforce in Northern Ireland.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory paper based on interviews with hospitality employers in Northern Ireland. It seeks to answer the question “What opportunities and challenges does a culturally diverse workforce create for hoteliers in Northern Ireland?”.FindingsThis research highlights the potential of international workers as an invaluable new source of labour for the hospitality industry, provided that they are properly looked after and managed.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could analyse the role of multicultural management in assuring business benefits associated with cultural diversity.Practical implicationsThe research suggests the importance of a positive proactive management system and solutions for training that could be incorporated into the workplace that celebrates its employee's cultures, that values and explores differences and that actively seeks to learn from other cultures, demonstrates tolerance, respects differences, identifies similarities and strives for inclusiveness. Training solutions are provided.Originality/valueThis study suggests the removal of barriers to the successful integration of international staff into the workplace and society, while benefiting all staff, their organisations and the Irish tourism product.
Late adolescent peer group formation in an international hotel school
Authors: Newnham Denise 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore group formation and the consequences of exclusion from peer groups amongst international students.Design/methodology/approachThree methods were used to collect relevant data: students' ongoing diaries, in‐depth discussions and observations. Behaviour traits were then quantified using group behavioural criteria of authors Paul and Elder and Allport. Graphs were drawn up to show behavioural, and therefore identity shift, between first‐ and fourth‐year students.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited in that the students' wider environment and its influences on wellbeing have not been considered. In order fully to identify international students' psychosocial needs this aspect needs to be approached.Originality/valueThis paper is of value to those that are interested in the psychosocial wellbeing of late adolescents and young adults when estranged from their natural environment. It is original in that little work has been undertaken on this subject.
What has influenced growth in the UK's boutique hotel sector?
Authors: Aggett Mandy 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the factors that have influenced growth in the UK's boutique hotel sector, through the identification of attributes that attract consumers to these hotels.Design/methodology/approachThe study methods included a review of the literature and a survey of boutique hotel consumers in the UK.FindingsLocation, quality, uniqueness, services provided and the personalised levels of service offered are identified as the top five attributes attracting respondents to these hotels. The growth of the boutique hotel sector in the UK may be attributable to consumers seeking alternatives to the standardised provision of more traditional accommodation.Practical implicationsAlthough this research has its limitations due to the low response rate, many of the findings support those of previous studies and may assist boutique hotel operators in meeting customer needs more effectively. Practical recommendations are made for existing boutique hotel operators and those wishing to enter the market.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to investigate the growth of the UK's boutique hotel sector and the factors that influence the consumers' decision to purchase this type of accommodation.
The selection of instant messaging or e‐mail
Authors: Lancaster Sean , Yen David C. , Huang Albert H. , Hung Shin‐Yuan 
Published: March 2007

PurposeInstant messaging and e‐mail are popular communication methods on college campuses. However, students' perceptions of the two technologies vary greatly. This study seeks to investigate the differences between instant messaging and e‐mail.Design/methodology/approachA survey was given to 545 college students.FindingsInstant messaging is perceived as offering many advantages over e‐mail including conveying emotions, building relationships and ease of use (EU). Users are more likely to use symbols with their instant messages to help communicate. College students find both technologies to be easy to use, but show a preference for the EU of instant messaging. However, despite its perceived functional benefits, instant messaging is only the favored form of communication for personal and social relationships.Originality/valueThis paper builds on existing research by discussing information richness, EU, the use of emotions, multimedia, playfulness, flow, cognitive fit theory, bounded rationality, perceived commitment, and user satisfaction in the course of the study.
Why buy second‐best? The behavioral dynamics of market leadership
Authors: Na Woonbong , Son Youngseok , Marshall Roger 
Published: March 2007

PurposeIn most markets it is possible to identify a brand leader and a number of brand followers. The purpose of this paper is to address the following question: “Why should any consumer purchase a ‘second‐best’ option?”Design/methodology/approachConsideration of the way in which these two groups of consumers (brand leaders and followers) trade off product attributes (utilitarian benefits, hedonistic benefits and price fairness) during the choice process is made in the study by path analysis of the appropriate structural equation models and then a consideration of the level and the differences between the means of the three variables.FindingsThe paper finds that utilitarian attributes are of paramount importance to satisfaction with the brand. This is not in accordance with conventional wisdom, which leads us to believe that price is most important to buyers of second‐tier brands and hedonic considerations most important to buyers of leading brands.Research limitations/implicationsThe model fit attained is only good enough for exploratory work (GFI =0.88/0.90) so replication with a larger sample would be appropriate. In addition, the research is carried out in South Korea – although we know of no reason why this should affect the results it would be of interest to generalize the results to a western economy. Nevertheless, the method of first fitting the model then trading off the attribute levels is unusual and quite interesting.Practical implicationsMarketers of leading brands should not concern themselves about price but merely stress the benefits, whereas marketers of follower brands should make much of the price differential.Originality/valueThe importance of utilitarian benefits have hitherto not often been stressed when marketing premium brands – this research suggests that this is wrong.
Qualitative research in finance – pedigree and renaissance
Authors: Burton Bruce 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper sets out the reasons for putting together a special issue of the Journal on Qualitative Research in Finance, discussing the pedigree of the approach, and outlining the articles contained therein.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted in this paper involves discussing the use of qualitative research in finance in previous years, focussing in particular on the pedigree of such analyses and describing the renaissance experienced by this type of work in recent years. The four empirical articles contained in the issue are then set in the context of this overview.FindingsThe paper makes clear the need for more research of a qualitative nature in finance, and illustrates that the recent renaissance in such work reflects the pedigree of the approach the ability of the methodology to generate novel and important empirical insights.Originality/valueThe paper explains the role of qualitative finance work in complementing – rather than replacing – conventional quantitative research and highlights some of the key areas and ways in which such analyses are likely to prove fruitful.
A new competitive analysis tool: the relative profitability and growth matrix
Authors: Calandro Joseph , Lane Scott 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the relative profitability and growth matrix and to demonstrate its use as a competitive analysis tool.Design/methodology/approachTwo well‐known drivers of value are profitability and growth. After a study of 2 × 2 matrices we applied these drivers on a relative or industry comparative basis to a 2 × 2 matrix, and then we applied that matrix to competitive analyses of two industries to assess its strategic utility.FindingsOur findings suggest that the relative profitability and growth matrix could be a useful competitive analysis screening and communications tool.Practical and research implicationsThe relative profitability and growth matrix assesses a firm's profitability and growth relative to its industry and by so doing helps to identify and classify performance in a succinct format that facilitates further analysis. After such analysis has been completed the matrix can also serve as a convenient tool to communicate the analytical findings.Originality/valueThe relative profitability and growth matrix is a value‐driver based 2 × 2 matrix, the strategic utility of which is demonstrated and explained in two examples.
For top insurance companies, customer focus and merger mastery produce superior results
Authors: Palmer Nick , Tanner Scott , Detrick Christine , Wagner Ingo 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to identify what truly propels property and casualty insurance industry leaders to reach their peak performance.Design/methodology/approachSelection: from an initial list of 706 insurers worldwide, the authors screened for publicly held companies that derived at least 60 percent of their annual revenues from sales of property and casualty products and for which at least five years of detailed financial data were available. The final sample included only companies from advanced economies of North America, Europe and Australia, for a total of 86 insurers. Variables: the regression analysis investigated possible correlations between total shareholder returns and 17 measures of business mix and financial performance, including total revenue growth, total net premium growth and profitability growth. Time period: The authors ran tests on data covering the decade from 1994 through the end of 2004.FindingsConsistent, sustainable revenue growth is the surest path to superior shareholder returns.Practical implicationsWhat sets the top performers in the insurance industry apart is an ability to master two of today's thorniest growth challenges: (1) high‐performance insurers cultivate organic growth by identifying their most valuable customers and investing to increase sales to them; by recruiting new clients through referrals and by lifting retention rates; (2) insurers that rely on mergers and acquisitions to boost revenues make regular, modest‐sized deals to add real value, and they integrate their new acquisitions quickly and seamlessly.Originality/valueProperty and casualty insurers that achieve top‐quartile revenue growth and produce exceptional returns for shareholders weave organic growth and acquisitions into a virtuous cycle of revenue expansion, pursuing deals that reinforce their ability to deliver customer value.
Sustainable “what”? A cognitive approach to understanding sustainable development
Authors: Byrch Christine , Kearins Kate , Milne Markus , Morgan Richard 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the meaning of sustainable development held by New Zealand “thought leaders” and “influencers” promoting sustainability, business, or sustainable business. It seeks to compare inductively derived worldviews with theories associated with sustainability and the humanity‐nature relationship.Design/methodology/approachWorldviews were explored through a cognitive mapping exercise. A total of 21 thought leaders and influencers constructed maps of their understanding of sustainable development. These maps were analysed to reveal commonalities and differences.FindingsParticipant maps illustrated disparate levels of detail and complexity. Those participants promoting business generally emphasized the economic domain, accepting economic growth and development as the key to sustainable development. An emphasis on the environmental domain, the future, limits to the Earth's resources, and achievement through various radical means, was more commonly articulated by those promoting sustainability. Participants promoting sustainable business held elements of both approaches, combining an emphasis on the environmental domain and achievement of sustainable development by various reformist means.Research limitations/implicationsThis study identified the range of worldviews expressed by 21 thought leaders and influencers across three main domains only – promoters of sustainability, business or both. Extending this sample and exploring how these and other views arise and are represented within a wider population could be the subject of further research.Practical implicationsSuch divergence of opinion as to what connotes sustainable development across even a small sample does not bode well for its achievement. The elucidation of the worldview of promoters of sustainable business points to the need to consider more carefully the implications of environmentalism, and other aspects of sustainability, integrated into a business agenda.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to empirical research on environmental worldviews which has barely penetrated discussion of sustainability within the management and business literature. It shows cognitive mapping to be an effective technique for investigating the meaning of a conceptual theme like sustainable development.
Modeling the structure of CV formation and expectations
Authors: Ho Kim Hin (David) 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to form system dynamics modeling in introduced in conjunction with econometric analysis and planned scenario analysis which will uniquely structure the process whereby the ex ante capital values of the prime retail real estate sector.Design/methodology/approachThe integrated system dynamics model investigates the structural factors affecting a unique expectation‐centered capital value (CV) formation of the prime retail real estate sector, through system dynamics modeling, econometric analysis , and the analysis of planned scenarios. This model extends beyond the usual lags and time line aspect of the price discovery process. The retail real estate sector is investigated within the Singapore context, as this sector changes dynamically and non‐linearly in relation to rental, cost and general demand expectations and to exogenous shocks like the Severe Advanced Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. These macroeconomic factors are introduced to investigate their impact on retail space CVs through sensitivity analysis, during the simulation period of 20 quarters from the zero reference quarter (2Q2002).FindingsThe paper finds that simulation runs of the expectations‐centered system dynamics model are based on three scenarios. Sensitivity analysis is conducted for each scenario. Optimistic scenarios' CVs are lower than those of the likely scenario, owing to developers forming excessively high expectations that cannot be met by the actual rental levels. Pessimistic scenarios' CVs are highest. Based on bounded logic and the conditions for all scenarios, there are huge differences in expectations resulting in a large disparity in the endogenous CVs. Low actual rents are primarily due to poor informational efficiency, as the prime retail real estate sector is not transparent enough, and that many transactions are privately closed. Expectations cannot be met as the market information is not disseminated extensively through the agents and players. The scenarios clearly highlight the problem of informational non‐availability in the sector. The main policy implication is a need for a more transparent system of sharing rental and pricing information for the retail real estate sector, which is meaningful for real estate developers, investors and urban planners to sustain the retail real estate sector's viability.Originality/valueThis paper takes system dynamics modeling to the next level of incorporating econometric analysis, to estimate the sensitivity of retail rent to cost and the change in retail rent, for effectively structuring the dynamic process whereby the ex ante CVs of the prime retail sector in Singapore are formed and assessed, through a unique and rigorous expectations‐centered system dynamics model of rents, cost, retail stock, general demand and exogenous factors.
Accounting research in Italy: second half of the 20th century
Authors: Viganò Enrico , Mattessich Richard 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer a concise survey and comparison of Italian accounting research and academic publications during the second half of the 20th century.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the special relation betweeneconomia aziendale(business and public economics) andragioneria(accounting) in Italy. The subsequent discussion on “financial accounting” includes a sub‐section on income‐orientation (vs capital‐orientation), especially important in Italy during this period, and the present crisis ofeconomia aziendaleas affectingragioneria, contributions by major Italian accountants of the period (above all, Onida and Amaduzzi) are discussed. After a section on “cost and managerial accounting” (of less significance in Italy than financial accounting), and a look at “novel accounting trends”, the paper closes with a discussion of some representative historical studies of the period.FindingsThe paper reveals the changing international position of Italian accounting research.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is limited by selecting the most prominent and relevant contributions among a host of pertinent publications.Originality/valueIn contrast to previous research, the paper offers an integrated survey of major Italian accounting publications of the entire second half of the 20th century.