bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of alternative mechanisms in safeguarding specific investments from opportunism
Authors: Vázquez Rodolfo , Iglesias Víctor , Rodríguez‐del‐Bosque Ignacio 
Published: October 2007

PurposeTransaction‐specific investments are often required in marketing channels in order to improve channel efficiency. However, such investments often increase the risk of opportunistic behaviors being sparked off. This paper aims to analyze the role of partners' investments in specific assets and the development of relational norms as safeguarding mechanisms against opportunism.Design/methodology/approachThree hypotheses are developed in line with transaction cost economics and relational exchange theories. The hypotheses are tested on a sample of 479 manufacturer‐distributor relationships in the food sector in Spain.FindingsThe paper finds that partner‐specific investments and relational norms are effective mechanisms against opportunism. However their efficacy differs depending on which opportunism (supplier's or distributor's) is to be avoided.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses on two mechanisms, yet there are other safeguards that firms can employ.Practical implicationsThe partner's investments in specific assets are an effective safeguard for suppliers as well as for distributors. Companies should aim for balanced investment in this field, as it is the optimum way in which to avoid opportunistic behavior. Relational norms have shown to be effective only for distributors.Originality/valueThe study adopts a bilateral approach analyzing the effects of the governance mechanisms on both supplier and distributor opportunism. The paper provides new evidence on the role of the partner's specific investments as a safeguard against opportunism. They do not directly act against opportunism, but they act as variables that moderate the causal relationship between the specific investments of the firm and the partner's opportunism.
An exploratory study of cause‐related retailing
Authors: Peters Cara , Thomas Jane , Tolson Holly 
Published: October 2007

PurposeIn recent years, cause‐related marketing (CRM) has made a significant impact on businesses and charitable organizations. However, the study of CRM as a unique retailing format has received limited academic exploration. Central to this study's investigation is not just shopping® (NJS), an organization that uses CRM as a basis for its retailing model. This study seeks to examine cause‐related retailing (CRR) and the perceptions of three vested parties: consumers who have purchased from NJS events; vendors who sell at NJS events; and the NJS business owner.Design/methodology/approachThe primary factors that potentially impact CRR efforts were explored through an extensive literature search and qualitative data collection. Data were collected via in‐depth interviews with 13 shoppers, 15 vendors and the NJS business owner. The data were analyzed and interpreted according to the protocol for case study research as outlined by Yin.FindingsThis study of the three vested parties from NJS found that the CRR model differs slightly from that of CRM. Findings from this study suggest that consumers are motivated primarily by the location, vast array of unique products, and social benefits as opposed to the support of the charitable cause.Research limitations/implicationsThis study makes an important contribution to the CRM and CRR literature. Results also provide support for trends in retailing that show how consumers are actively searching for unique, non‐commoditized items. The findings illustrate that a combination of diverse retailing and socialization benefits, not price, drives this particular retailing venue. Additional research is needed to investigate the issues surrounding why the charitable cause is not a significant motivating factor in retail purchase decisions.Originality/valueThis research is original to the retailing and CRM literatures. One of the benefits of this exploratory study is that it provided the authors with an opportunity to examine a unique retailing venue, NJS, and to explore the impact of CRR on purchases.
Shopping malls attractiveness: a segmentation approach
Authors: Ismail El‐Adly Mohammed 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to determine the attractiveness factors of UAE shopping malls from the shoppers' perspective and then to segment shoppers according to these attractiveness factors.Design/methodology/approachA survey of university staff and principal component factor analysis were used to identify shopping mall attractiveness factors. Segmentation approach using K‐means cluster analysis was also used to segment mall shoppers due to the identified factors.FindingsThis study revealed six mall attractiveness factors from the shoppers' perspective: comfort, entertainment, diversity, mall essence, convenience, and luxury. It also arrived at three mall shopper segments, specifically, relaxed shoppers, demanding shoppers, and pragmatic shoppers. Each segment was profiled in terms of mall attractiveness attributes, demographics and shopping behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited in that it surveyed UAE University staff as shoppers. Thus, findings may not be representative of UAE shoppers in general.Practical implicationsIdentifying mall attractiveness factors for a segmented market gives a better understanding about patronage motives than when it is applied to the market as a whole. This enables mall managers to develop the appropriate retailing strategies to satisfy each segment.Originality/valueThis is the first study to provide an insight of mall attractiveness factors as identified by different shopper segments in an Arabian environment without ignoring the special cultural differences in the UAE.
A flow solver for the Euler and Navier‐Stokes equations for multi‐phase flows with a stiffened gas equation of state
Authors: Taha Janan M. , El Marjani A. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to develop an efficient numerical method for simulating multicomponent flows by solving the system of conservative equations closed by a general two parameters equation of state.Design/methodology/approachA finite difference method for solving the two‐dimensional Euler or Navier‐Stokes equations for multicomponent flows in a general curvilinear coordinate system is developed. The system of conservative equations (mass, momentum and energy) is closed with a general two parameters equation of state (ρe=(p+γp∞)/(γ−1)), which, associated to a γ‐formulation, allows easy computation of multicomponent flows. In order to enforce the stability of the numerical scheme, the Roe's flux‐difference splitting is adopted for the numerical treatment of the inviscid fluxes. The method is adapted to treat also unsteady flows by implementing an explicit Euler scheme.FindingsThe method was applied to compute various configurations of flows, ranging from incompressible to compressible fluid, including cases of single component flows or multicomponent ones. Computations show that the use of primitive variables instead of conservative ones, especially at low Mach numbers, improves the iteration process when the resolution is performed with a relaxation procedure such as Gauss‐Seidel method. Simulations of compressible flows with a strong shock show the ability of the present method to capture shocks correctly even with the use of primitive variables. To complete numerical tests, flows involving two fluids with the presence of interactions between a shock and a discontinuity surface have been treated successfully. Also, a case of cavitating flow has been considered in this work.Originality/valueThe present method permits the simulation of a large variety of multicomponent complexes flows with an efficient numerical taking advantage of Roe's flux‐difference splitting in curvilinear coordinate system.
Thermal stability of a reactive viscous flow through a porous‐saturated pipe
Authors: Makinde O.D. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the steady‐state solutions of a strongly exothermic reaction of a viscous combustible fluid in a cylindrical pipe filled with a saturated porous medium under Arrhenius kinetics, neglecting reactant consumption.Design/methodology/approachThe problem is formulated in terms of a non‐linear differential equation. Approximate solution of this problem is obtained using a regular perturbation technique. A bifurcation study is performed using a special type of Hermite‐Padé approximation method in order to determine the thermal criticality conditions.FindingsThe steady‐state thermal ignition criticality conditions as well as the solution branches was obtained accurately. It was found that a reduction in porous medium permeability will facilitate the early appearance of thermal ignition, hence, improving the effectiveness of engineering equipments like the catalytic converter used in an automobile's exhaust system.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information for researchers on the subject of thermal combustion in porous media.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates the effect of permeability parameter on steady‐state thermal ignition criticality conditions in a porous medium.
Foreign banks: executive jobs for Turkish women?
Authors: Culpan Oya , Marzotto Toni , Demir Nazmi 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the employment policies and practices of Turkish banks and how these practices affect the hiring and promotion of women. Turkey's banking sector consists of state‐owned, private, and foreign banks. The overall restructuring of this sector along with the increase of foreign banks is an opportunity to enquire whether human resource (HR) policies of foreign banks have a differential effect on women's employment.Design/methodology/approachData were collected in three phases. Phase 1: employment data for all three bank types were analyzed with particular reference to women's employment. About 12 of the largest banks were selected for in‐depth study representing each of the three bank categories. Phase 2: bank‐specific data were collected from the HR directors including: bank structure, personnel and recruitment policies, management levels, women in each level and professional employment application. Phase 3: structured personal interviews were conducted with the HR directors in the 12 selected banks.FindingsThe HR departments of foreign banks use different assessment and selection criteria compared with Turkish private and state‐owned banks. These criteria emphasize rank‐in‐person, which enhances the upward mobility of employees. Because of their flexibility, they may advantage female employment.Research limitations/implicationsSurvey data from female employees by type of bank would demonstrate a close relationship between organizational structure and women's career advancement. However, this study only interviewed HR managers. The methodology does not indicate whether and to what extent women in three banking types perceive the effect of structure on their career advancement.Practical implicationsHR practices of the three categories evidences that foreign banks in Turkey add a variety of competencies of their prospective employees in their application forms. These additional dimensions may improve the recruitment and promotion of women into management positions. It is argued that employment applications that include individual or rank‐in‐person characteristics rather than job‐based criteria advantage women.Originality/valueThis is the only study that examines women's employment stratified by Turkey's three banking categories. The effect of culture and structure on employment practices and how this influences the mobility of women are explored.
The relationship between mentee‐mentor gender combination and the provision of distinct mentoring functions
Authors: Fowler Jane L. , Gudmundsson Amanda J. , O'Gorman John G. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between specific gender combinations of mentor‐mentee and distinct mentoring functions.Design/methodology/approachOf the 500 participants, 272 were mentees and 228 were mentors from public‐ and private‐sector organisations, representing all four gender combinations of mentor‐mentee. Participants completed a 36‐item measure of mentoring functions.FindingsHierarchical regression analyses revealed few significant relationships between gender and mentoring functions. As far as mentees were concerned, female mentors provided personal and emotional guidance to a greater extent than male mentors; female mentors provided career development facilitation to a greater extent than male mentors and female mentees were provided with career development facilitation to a greater extent than male mentees; also female mentees were provided with role modelling to a greater extent than male mentees. As far as mentors were concerned, there were no significant differences in the functions provided to female and male mentees.Research limitations/implicationsThe study emphasized the need to use measurement tools that examine distinct, rather than categories of, mentoring functions. The findings also suggest that gender may not be as influential, with regard to mentoring functions, as has previously been proffered. Knowledge about the relationships between gender and particular mentoring functions may be beneficial for potential and actual mentees and mentors as they make decisions about becoming involved in mentoring relationships, engage in contracting processes, and monitor and review their relationships.Originality/valueThe study was the first to explore the perceptions of both mentees and mentors on gender differences in mentoring functions provided, using an adequate sample and a mentoring instrument designed on a gender representative sample.
Entrepreneurial network composition
Authors: Klyver Kim , Terjesen Siri 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore gender differences in the composition of entrepreneurs' networks at four new venture stages: discovery, emergence, young, and established.Design/methodology/approachThe study used ANOVA and linear regression on a sample of 134 female and 266 male entrepreneurs.FindingsFemale entrepreneurs have significantly lower proportions of males in their social networks in early venture development stages, but similar levels at later stages.Research limitations/implicationsTaken together, the findings suggest that, just as women in traditional organizations adapt social networks similar to men in order to succeed, their entrepreneurial counterparts build more “male‐oriented” networks as they proceed through venture phases.Originality/valueThis study uses a representative sample of male and female entrepreneurs to explore network composition at four distinct stages. The findings suggest that female entrepreneurs who are able to persist in the new venture process develop networks similar to their male counterparts.
Discrimination in interviews
Authors: Marshall David 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine what questions the potential employer may and may not ask in an interview.Design/methodology/approachContrasts the behavior of Sir Alan Sugar, on the television program The Apprentice, with how interviewers should behave in more “normal” circumstances. Highlights the value of training to help to ensure that this happens.FindingsReveals that online training can help to keep employees up to date with the latest changes in the law. People can access just‐in‐time learning in their own way, and concentrate on the topics of most interest or value to them. They can find out answers discreetly, without losing face in front of their peers in a classroom.Practical implicationsUnderlines that legal provisions often reinforce what organizations should be doing anyway, in the interests of good HR practice.Originality/valueProvides clarity on an often‐misunderstood area of the law.
Maersk in China builds talent pipeline to meet challenge of rapid growth
Authors: Neal Andy 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development and delivery of a talent‐development program that cuts across cultural expectations and challenges the learning styles of the participants.Design/methodology/approachDraws on the global experience of ChangeMaker International and successfully adapts a western experiential learning style for an Asian market. Brings the 70‐20‐10 principle of effective development to a new population.FindingsDescribes the obstacles and challenges and celebrates the successes achieved now the first batch has graduated, the second batch is mid‐program and the third batch has just entered.Practical implicationsPoints out some of the lessons ChangeMaker has learned working with the Chinese over the last two and a half years.Originality/valueDemonstrates how a partnership can be developed with a client on the other side of the globe and how persistence with the learning method has shown benefits for the participants and their business.
BT brings management of HR records into twenty‐first century
Authors: Lavelle Ronan 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how telecommunication company BT transferred its paper‐based personnel records on to an electronic system.Design/methodology/approachDetails how the project was managed and the results that have been obtained.FindingsShows that BT is seeing improved retrieval times and reduced costs. Some 3.5 million sheets of paper have been scanned, 280,000 kg of paper has been shredded, and 22 rooms previously required for paper‐record storage have been released and reallocated for training.Practical implicationsDemonstrates that BT is also seeing additional benefits, including the ability to monitor access to archive materials and understand retrieval volumes.Originality/valueReveals that BT's HR department is now fully compliant with Data Protection Act regulations in the UK, alleviating the threat of prosecution or personal liability for failure to comply with regulations related to employee record‐keeping.
Putting yourself in the client's shoes
Authors: Hills Jan 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to advance the view that being able fully to understand the perspective of a client is one of the key skills of successful HR people.Design/methodology/approachReveals that the most successful HR people are able to look at situations from the client's perspective at all times, although this valuable insight is rarely discussed or included in training programs. Describes how these skills can be imparted.FindingsEmphasizes the importance of putting oneself in the client's environment, doing what the client does and adopting his or her beliefs. Shows that, by seeing the situation from the client's perspective, it also becomes easier to present an idea or an argument in an assured, convincing way.Practical implicationsHighlights a set of skills that will not come overnight, but which will eventually bring about a surprising change in the way clients relate to their HR partners.Originality/valueContends that, as an HR person, being able clearly to understand the client's perspective is a hugely underrated and useful tool. It will help to tailor work processes, coaching and training sessions.
Digital curation
Authors: Yakel Elizabeth 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an overview of development and recent focus on digital curation and ties it to larger cyberinfrastructure initiatives.Design/methodology/approachProvides a useful viewpoint on the development and recent focus on digital curation.FindingsDigital curation is the active involvement of information professionals in the management, including the preservation, of digital data for future use. While there have been people doing different aspects of data curation and digital preservation for decades, recent events have brought a number of ideas, organizations, and individuals together to focus more intently on digital curation. Reports in the US by the National Science Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies and in the UK by Dr Liz Lyon of UKOLN have pointed out the aspects of digital curation which need to be in place to ensure that digital objects can be maintained, preserved, and remain available for future use. These reports along with increased research focus at conferences and the emergence of new educational programs have led to the emergence of digital curation and made digital curators a new entry into the information professions. Increasingly, digital curation is becoming an umbrella concept that includes digital preservation, data curation, electronic records management, and digital asset management.Practical implicationsThis article discusses and defines digital curation and notes how this theme has permeated in recent reports, conferences, and educational offerings.Originality/valueThe article synthesizes current digital curation efforts and helps to define this new concept for information professionals.
The system development life cycle and digital library development
Authors: Cervone H. Frank 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to develop an understanding of the system development lifecycle and its role in managing the development of digital library systems.Design/methodology/approachThe article provides a conceptual analysis of the system development lifecycle within the context of digital library system development.FindingsThe system development lifecycle concept has been broadly applied to system development projects for many years. Project teams developing digital library systems can be more effective if they understand the expectations and outcomes of each phase of the system development lifecycle.Originality/valueFor librarians that do not have a formal system development background, this article provides a concise and to‐the‐point overview of the various stages of the system development lifecycle and the relationship of each phase to the development of a digital library system.
Outsourcing open access
Authors: Organ Michael , Mandl Helen 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to outline the experiences of an Australian university in selecting a proprietary solution for its open access digital repository requirements.Design/methodology/approachAn overview is presented of the environment leading up to the decision to select Digital Commons over an open source software solution. The paper also outlines subsequent experiences during a one‐year period in operating the outsourced solution.FindingsOutsourcing is an appropriate digital repository option for higher education institutions when costs are considered and compared with open source solutions, and especially when on‐site IT support is limited. Outsourcing allows local staff to concentrate on liaison with faculty in promoting and populating the repository.Practical implicationsA useful resource for those considering the use of proprietary or open source software for their institutional repository.Originality/valueThis papers deals with a little discussed area of the relatively new subject of open access institutional repositories.