bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benefits of mentoring to Australian early career women managers and professionals
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Burgess Zena , Fallon Barry 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis study aims to examine potential benefits from a mentor relationship to women managers and professionals in early career.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 98 women business school graduates using an anonymously completed questionnaire. Respondents identified a more senior individual who had a positive influence in the development of their career, provided descriptive characteristics of this relationship and described its character. Three mentor functions were considered: role model, career development and psychosocial.FindingsThere were few differences as a function of the gender of the mentor though respondents having female mentors indicated more role modeling and tended to report more psychosocial functions. Respondents reporting more mentor functions also indicated higher levels of job and career satisfaction, more optimistic future career prospects and fewer psychosomatic symptoms.Originality/valueAdds to the understanding of mentoring by including psychological well‐being variables as potential mentoring outcomes.
An analytic knowledge network process for construction entrepreneurship education
Authors: Chen Zhen , Li Heng , Kong Stephen C.W. , Xu Qian 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative multicriteria decision‐making approach to knowledge management in construction entrepreneurship education by means of an analytic knowledge network process (KANP).Design/methodology/approachThe KANP approach in the study integrates a standard industrial classification with the analytic network process (ANP). For the construction entrepreneurship education, a decision‐making model named KANP.CEEM is built to apply the KANP method in the evaluation of teaching cases to facilitate the case method, which is widely adopted in entrepreneurship education at business schools.FindingsThe study finds that there are eight clusters and 178 nodes in the KANP.CEEM model, and experimental research on the evaluation of teaching cases discloses that the KANP method is effective in conducting knowledge management to the entrepreneurship education.Research limitations/implicationsAs an experimental research, this paper ignores the concordance between a selected standard classification and others, which perhaps limits the usefulness of KANP.CEEM model elsewhere.Practical implicationsAs the KANP.CEEM model is built based on the standard classification codes and the embedded ANP, it is thus expected that the model has a wide potential in evaluating knowledge‐based teaching materials for any education purpose with a background from the construction industry, and can be used by both faculty and students.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils a knowledge management need and offers a practical tool for an academic starting out on the development of knowledge‐based teaching cases and other teaching materials or for a student going through the case studies and other learning materials.
Managers and strategic decisions: does the cognitive style matter?
Authors: Gallén Tiina 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find out wheter the cognitive style of the manager affect as his view of the viable strategy for a firm.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses data from 70 managers in the spa industry.FindingsConcludes that managers' cognitive style and particularly their way of taking in information (sensing or intuition) have effect on strategies they tend to prefer. Intuitive managers tend to view the prospector or the analyzer strategy as the most viable future alternative for a firm. The analyzer or the defender strategy is preferred by the sensing managers.Originality/valueFor managers, the results of this study emphasize the importance of knowing oneself and especially one's way of perception and understanding its suggested effect on strategic decision making. This paper also attempts to inspire researchers to include the cognitive style in studying the effects of the managers and top management team on firms' strategy.
Chairman and chief executive officer (CEO): that sacred and secret relationship
Authors: Kakabadse Andrew , Kakabadse Nada K. , Barratt Ruth 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo examine an under‐researched area, namely the dynamics of chairman‐CEO interrelationship and its effect on the enterprise.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative methodology has been adopted through in‐depth interviews with chairmen, CEOs and non‐executive directors on the nature of chairman‐CEO interactions and their effects.FindingsFour critical themes form the basis of this paper, chairman's role and contribution, nature of chairman‐CEO relationship, impact of the chairman‐CEO relationship on board effectiveness and the attributes of an effective chairman.Practical implicationsEnhances understanding of the determining influence of the chairman‐CEO dyad on board and organisational performance and also on the influence of formative context on this dyadic interaction.Originality/valueOne of the few studies that has explored through in‐depth interviews the chairman‐CEO relationship.
The effect of country‐of‐origin on foreign brand names in the Indian market
Authors: Kinra Neelam 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo investigate consumer attitudes in India towards local and foreign brand names, against a background of increasing prevalence of foreign brand names and stereotypes of countries of origin covering the range from positive to negative.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire administered face‐to‐face to 112 consumers in the city of Lucknow. Attitudes to brands categorized as “foreign” or “Indian” were measured by seven‐point semantic differential scales, and consumer ethnocentrism by CETSCALE. Factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify factors contributing to the observed degree of ethnocentrism in brand choices.FindingsIt was found that the quality of foreign brands was perceived to be generally higher and superior to local brands. Most consumers also associated greater accessibility of foreign brands in the Indian market with better quality at lower prices. Despite high levels of nationalism and preference for indigenous manufacture, as evidenced in high factor ratings on an ethnocentrism scale, which might indicate a positive bias towards local brands, Indian consumers were not prejudiced against foreign brand names. In fact, they evaluated them higher on technology, quality, status and esteem than Indian brands, and attributed higher credibility to those countries‐of‐origin.Research limitations/implicationsThis study adds to the body of knowledge about country‐of‐origin effect, in a massive and fast developing market.Practical implicationsThe strategy of marketers of foreign brands in the Indian market should be to position their products on attributes of technology and quality, rather than economy and value for money.Originality/valueShows that ethnocentricity does not necessarily result in hostility to foreign brands.
Internet marketing: web site navigational design issues
Authors: Taylor M.J. , England D. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeA fundamental internet marketing challenge is that consumers can quickly move from seeks to one web site to another if they cannot easily find what they want on a given web site. This paper address the web site navigational design issues associated with internet marketing.Design/methodology/approachA two‐year participant observation study in a UK tourism marketing organisation is provided in order to demonstrate a web site design approach in action.FindingsExisting web site design approaches such as hierarchy charts and storyboards can assist in structuring web site content but do not necessarily cater well for making web sites straightforward to use by consumers. Human computer interface web site design approaches typically relate more to style, appearance and functionality than to structuring web site content. Web site content ranking and grouping can allow straightforward access to web site content, by making frequently required content the most accessible and by grouping related content for ease of identification. From a web site marketing perspective, the more accessible web site content relating to products and services offered, the more likely that such products and services will be purchased by the consumer.Practical implicationsIf consumers are to use a web site and use it again in the future they need to be able to find what they require in a straightforward manner. Ranking web site content to present frequently required content earlier in the web site, and grouping web site content so that similar content appears on the same web page or on closely linked web pages can make a web site more straightforward to navigate. In a marketing context, the more accessible a web site, the more likelihood there is of repeat business from the consumer.Originality/valueThe originality of the research reported in this paper concerns the use of web site content ranking and grouping to design web sites that can enable straightforward access to information and transactions by consumers, and thus potentially increase both current sales and future repeat business.
Understanding management data systems for enterprise performance management
Authors: Bose Ranjit 
Published: June 2006

PurposeManaging enterprise performance is an important, yet a difficult process due to its complexity. The process involves monitoring the strategic focus of an enterprise, whose performance is measured from the analysis of data generated from a wide range of interrelated business activities performed at different levels within the enterprise. This study aims to investigate management data systems technologies in terms of how they are used and the issues that are related to their effective management within the broader context of enterprise performance management (EPM).Design/methodology/approachA range of recently published research literature on data warehousing, online analytic processing and EPM is reviewed to explore their current state, issues and challenges learned from their practice.FindingsThe findings of the study are reported in two parts. The first part discusses the current business practices of these technologies, and the second part identifies and discusses the issues and challenges the business managers dealing with these technologies face for gaining competitive advantage for their businesses.Originality/valueThe study findings are intended to assist the business managers to effectively understand the issues and technologies behind EPM implementation.
Multi‐device, multi‐player gaming: issues and application
Authors: Cheng Danny C. , Chu Allan Christopher S. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to present the different issues that must be tackled when creating a viable multi‐user, multi‐device game. The issues tackled range from user interaction issues to graphics quality to bandwidth constraints. The paper also aims to present different configurations depending on the type of game to be created and a strategy for network gaming using heterogeneous devices focusing on the development of a game that allows users of mobile devices and desktop computers to interact and compete on a single domain.Design/methodology/approachA tank battle game was developed that plays the same game across both a mobile device such as a phone/PDA and a desktop counterpart.FindingsAlthough there is a sacrifice in the richness of the game environment on mobile devices, it is possible to develop games that play across platforms and devices, and safeguards can be put in place in order not to overly handicap players using mobile devices.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focused on a single type of game. It would be ideal to attempt such work on other game genres or platforms. The implications of such work would be that the ubiquity of game play could be extended and the overall gaming experience improved.Originality/valueThis paper allows game developers to rethink the possibilities as they develop new games.
Bridging the digital divide through e‐governance
Authors: Mutula Stephen M. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to present the status of the digital divide in Africa and the implications for libraries, and to demonstrate that, contrary to recent published findings, the digital divide is not narrowing.Design/methodology/approachA general literature review is undertaken, along with a case study of the digital divide in an academic setting.FindingsAfrica still suffers from rampant poverty, and consequently resources that could be utilised to bridge the digital divide are directed at meeting peoples basic survival needs, including food, shelter, health care, housing, etc. Additionally, governments are increasingly adopting e‐government initiatives that libraries could explore for automation.Research limitations/implicationsMore research is needed to show why – given that the gap between rich and poor countries is increasing, and that economic development is a good predictor of ICT uptake – that the digital divide between developed and developing countries is claimed to be narrowing.Practical implicationsLibraries have the potential to use e‐government initiatives for automation, but they need to exert influence on their governments through advocacy and other measures.Originality/valueFew studies, especially in Africa, have explored the potential of e‐governance for library automation. Similarly, issues of the digital divide have in the past been looked at largely from international and national perspectives, with little attention being paid to the existence of the phenomenon within libraries. Finally, existing studies on the digital divide largely use ICT metrics without paying much attention to the totality of other variables that influence the digital divide. This paper provides a proposal on how e‐governance could be used to narrow the digital divide within libraries in Africa.
Ethical dilemmas in libraries: an international perspective
Authors: Miltenoff Plamen , Hauptman Robert 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe authors have the purpose of surveying international librarians in order to discover whether ethical considerations are of real import in various countries.Design/methodology/approachThe webmasters of 20 sites were contacted for permission to disseminate a brief survey to their members.FindingsThe results from the 17 sites surveyed were encouraging: many participants indicated an interest in ethics.Research limitations/implicationsA larger, more diverse survey could be implemented in the future.Originality/valueThis is perhaps the first survey of its kind. It shows that people in various countries do care about ethical issues.
Providing more or providing less?
Authors: Herrmann Andreas , Heitmann Mark 
Published: June 2006

PurposeResearch on cross cultural differences in preference for variety is scarce. Such research is important because it addresses a marketing instrument for which substantial cultural variations are to be expected. This paper attempts to highlight relevant literature of the domains of cultural psychology as well as marketing psychology with a review to stimulate research. Furthermore, the objective of this paper is to point out specific research directions.Design/methodology/approachFirst, theories on variety perception and variety seeking are discussed in order to highlight consumers' benefits of variety. Second, theories of behavioral decision making are reflected and consumers' costs of variety are illuminated. Third, theories and results of cultural psychology are reviewed with regard to underlying psychological processes about consumers' reactions to variety.FindingsThis paper stresses several aspects. Initially, consumers' perceptions of variety differ from the actual variety provided by a manufacturer or retailer. Literature indicates that consumers' benefits and costs of perceived variety differ systematically across cultures. Independent consumers in individualistic cultures place a premium on choice, on variety seeking and on personal freedom. While they are attracted by large variety, current cultural theory suggests that they also encounter greater cognitive and emotional costs than individuals in collectivistic cultures when ultimately choosing.Originality/valueThis paper introduces a new and promising area of research and highlights relevant psychological as well as cultural psychological theories. Several research directions regarding customer reactions to variety are detailed.
Analysis by paralysis: the pension purchase decision process
Authors: Harrison Tina , Waite Kathryn , White Phil 
Published: June 2006

PurposeAttempts to understand the consumer behaviour in the context of the pension purchase process, including the decision process and factors affecting the decision.Design/methodology/approachFocus groups were conducted among manual and clerical grades of employees within a public sector organization who were members of an occupational pension scheme.FindingsDespite the relative importance of pensions and the degree of risk associated with the purchase, the findings clearly indicate that purchasing decisions in this context are neither completely informed nor rational. The process described by focus group participants suggests “analysis by paralysis”, characterized by complexity, confusion and apathy.Research limitations/implicationsSmall number of focus groups and a focus on manual and clerical grades of employment only. A larger sample and representation of other grades of employment might yield differences in decision making between different segments of the population.Practical implicationsProvides useful insights for providers of pensions in understanding the role of information, reference groups and professional advice in the marketing of pensions.Originality/valueAddresses a key concern of government – insufficient pension provision – and helps to understand some of the barriers and challenges facing individuals in making pension decisions.
SME banking loyalty (and disloyalty): a qualitative study in Hong Kong
Authors: Lam Regan , Burton Suzan 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo investigate the extent of loyalty, and the reasons underlying banking behaviour by business customers from the small to medium enterprise (SME) sector in Hong Kong, and to thereby contribute to a better understanding of the drivers of customer loyalty.Design/methodology/approachA total of 32 in‐depth qualitative interviews were carried out with decision makers from SMEs in Hong Kong. Content analysis was employed to analyze the interview data.FindingsIn contrast with earlier studies on banks' share of wallet in the SME segment in the USA and Australia, a lack of loyalty or “disloyalty” appears to be the norm within this sector in Hong Kong. Perceived service quality and the length of business relationship appear to have strong associations with loyalty behaviour, in terms of customers' willingness to continue to use a bank and/or to recommend the bank to others.Research limitations/implicationsSince the study is qualitative, a larger empirical study would be useful to attempt to replicate our results in this and other geographic markets.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that the Hong Kong SME market is characterized by high level of disloyalty, and that attaining 100 per cent loyalty from this group of customers will be very difficult. Instead, a banking strategy that focuses on service and on developing a sustained relationship with the customer may have the greatest chance of maximising the share‐of‐wallet of SME customers. The study offers important marketing implications for banks which are operating, or are planning to operate, business banking in Hong Kong and comparable Asian markets.Originality/valueIt is the first paper to study the incidence of, and reasons underlying, SME banking loyalty in an Asian market. It shows that disloyalty appears to be the norm in this sector, presenting a reminder to managers and researchers that customer loyalty may be the exception, rather than the norm.
Employee involvement: a hierarchical conceptualisation of its effect on quality
Authors: Sumukadas Narendar 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to study the effect of employee involvement (EI) practices on quality comprehensively.Design/methodology/approachThis paper views the EI domain as sets of related practices interacting within a hierarchy. Using survey data, the paper tests a model of higher order practices building on a foundation of lower order practices to affect quality.FindingsThe results support a hierarchical conceptualisation of EI practices. Some practices are found to be more effective than others, yet even the less effective EI practices serve a supportive purpose.Research limitations/implicationsThe model was analyzed from a predictive perspective, using a relatively small sample. Rather than simply identifying some EI practices as more effective than others, it is important to view the practices as being interrelated.Practical implicationsCherry‐picking only the most effective EI practices may not work. Managers must first install a foundation of less effective practices.Originality/valueEI is recognised as an important enabler of quality management initiatives. Yet, much of this support is based on normative and untested prescriptions. This paper provides such a test. The paper models the entire EI domain, as sets of related practices rather than a hodgepodge of sporadic individual practices. Further, the paper presents a unique conceptualisation of an EI hierarchy.
Quality for the individual and for the company in the business‐to‐business market
Authors: Ojasalo Jukka 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe aim of this article is to increase knowledge of the nature of quality in the business‐to‐business market by focusing on the individual and company level aspects of quality. This is relevant because the distinction between individual and company levels in the context of quality has received very little attention in the literature. Also, there is little knowledge of the processes that can lead to quality trade‐off situations between organizational and individual goals.Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on empirical qualitative study on quality in business‐to‐business professional services.FindingsThis article introduces the concepts of quality for the individual and for the company in the business‐to‐business market. It also contributes by explaining and analyzing processes increasing the likelihood of trade‐off between quality for the individual and quality for the company.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study is characterized by the general limitations: lack of statistical reliability and validity; can be used to generate hypotheses but not to test them; and generalizations cannot be made. The following avenues for further research can be suggested. The role of rational and emotional elements should be examined in more detail. The overtime development of quality for the individual and for the company during a long‐term relationship would be an interesting topic for an in‐depth research. Dimensions of quality for the individual and for the company and their priorities may vary in different cultures; a cross‐cultural survey would be required to shed light on this issue.Practical implicationsThe managerial implications of the present study are also discussed including several practical examples of aspects and challenges related to quality for the individual and for the company.Originality/valueThe findings and concepts introduced in this article contribute to the literature because the distinction between individual and company levels in the context of quality has received very little attention in the earlier research. Also, there is little empirical knowledge of the processes that can lead to quality trade‐off situations between organizational and individual goals.