bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovering complex interdependencies in organizational settings
Authors: Bertolotti Fabiola , Tagliaventi Maria Rita 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper's aim is twofold: to display how the application of social network analysis techniques to observational data provides researchers with a unique set of data to make sense of the dynamics of organizational settings; to contribute to knowledge on group design, self‐managing teams, and processes of technology diffusion.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on the findings of qualitative research, recently published, that were conducted in a major Italian clothing company producing garments for the top‐end market. Observation, ethnographic interviews and analysis of documents for data collection were employed. Coding procedures and social network analysis techniques were used to analyse data.FindingsThe long presence in the field allowed for the building of two grounded theories. One deals with the process of Computer Aided Design technology diffusion into a small group and it connects a number of variables usually studied separately in the literature. The second accounts for the enactment of spontaneous self‐managing practices in a group formally designed as a manager‐led team.Research limitation/implicationsThe grounded theories are formulated for specific social settings and future research could benefit from replications in different contexts to capture other phenomena leading to different categories to be integrated into the theories or to corroborate them.Originality/valueThe paper derived enacted network data from the direct and prolonged observation of actors as opposed to self‐reported network data. This allowed clarification of the actual content and the quality of the interactions among actors, and to move beyond their quantification, thus enhancing the comprehension of the impact of network relationships upon organizational behaviour.
Benchmarking China firm competitiveness: a strategic framework
Authors: Li‐Hua Richard 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis editorial aims to review various theoretical frameworks in measuring firm competences, including marketing competences, strategic flexibility, innovation capacity building of organizations and attempts to propose a conceptual framework to benchmark and rank the Chinese firms in terms of competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachAn overview and conceptual paper based on observations and research experience. Drawing on the prevalent theoretical models of building up competitiveness and reports from well established research centres, government and international associations worldwide, this paper presents a strategic framework for evaluating and measuring firm competitiveness in China.FindingsThe paper stresses the importance of keeping‐up with the fast pace of technological change and the emerging new global paradigms of the business environment. It addresses the development trajectory and the way through which firms can contribute to capacity building and the creation of competitive advantage in facing the pressing challenges of globalization. It aims to establish the potential indicators of competitiveness by analysing the theoretic elements and the microeconomic business environment.Originality/valueThis paper presents the crucial tenets of the strategic framework of developing firm competitiveness, which include: creation of core competence, establishment of competitiveness index and competitiveness rankings. These are closely linked with the development of corporate strategy, marketing strategy and technology and innovation strategy within firms. These core features will have strong implication to Chinese and foreign enterprises and provide an invaluable instrument for firms to enhance their performance through benchmarking and evaluating their current competitive position and determine new strategies to create competitiveness.
Knowledge transfer through effective university‐industry interactions
Authors: Wang Yi , Lu Lucy 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a strategic framework of successful knowledge transfer through the development of university‐industry interactions in China.Design/methodology/approachThe research is designed based on a single case study with qualitative analysis. Data were collected through documentary analysis, semi‐structured interviews and participated observations of the commercialization project within Tsinghua University (China), which is one of the world leading research universities in science and technological innovation.FindingsFour modes of university‐industry interactions during the process of knowledge transfer have been identified, which contribute to the success of knowledge transfer at different stages of university‐industry relations. They are: university‐dependent low sticky interaction; university‐dependent high sticky interaction; mutual‐dependent high sticky interaction; mutual‐dependent low sticky interaction. In addition, the development of entrepreneurial spirit within the university and the implementation of Professors of Practice have also been recognized as vital for building and maintaining effective university‐industry interactions.Originality/valueThe distinctiveness of this paper lies in contributing to the existing theories of knowledge transfer between university and industry by identifying the specific modes of interactions that contribute to the success of knowledge transfer between university and industry. The findings also have important implications for government policy makers, university academics and business practitioners for designing and implementing knowledge‐base innovation strategies and creating sustainable competitive advantages through successful knowledge transfer between university and industry. This may enable policy‐makers to understand the complexity and dynamics involved in the process of technology commercialization and take into account the importance of the institutional arrangement and appropriate incentive system in supporting effective knowledge transfer and commercialization.
Inter‐organizational knowledge management in complex products and systems
Authors: Chen Jin , Tong Liang , Ngai Eric W.T. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe vast majority of evidence about knowledge management (KM) is based on studies within a mass‐producing context and at intra‐organizational level. Little has been reported in the complex products and systems (CoPS) literature about KM processes across firm boundaries. To contribute to this gap, this paper reviews the literature of CoPS, inter‐organizational collaboration and KM, discusses some challenges of inter‐organization KM faced by CoPS manufacturers, and explores a research framework which is helpful to provide a preliminary understanding of inter‐organizational KM within a CoPS context.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and research experience are presented.FindingsThe study has identified some challenges faced by CoPS manufacturers when they try to manage knowledge from an innovative network, and developed a framework extending KM processes into an inter‐firm collaborative network for CoPS development. Both, project level collaboration and firm level linkages need to be taken into consideration when attempting to implement KM at inter‐organizational level. Knowledge acquisition from network, knowledge integration, and knowledge sharing in the network are the main inter‐organizational KM activities in a CoPS context.Originality/valueAs KM based on inter‐organizational collaboration has received little attention in prior studies, especially in CoPS conditions, this study is an exploratory discussion of KM issues within a CoPS context, combining the cross‐school theories of inter‐organizational linkages, KM and CoPS innovation. This paper tries to account for knowledge‐related activities involved in CoPS development, identifying some challenges in CoPS innovation.
Corporate entrepreneurship and market performance: an empirical study in China
Authors: Yang Zhong , Li‐Hua Richard , Zhang Xiao , Wang Yonggui 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper reviews literature of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and explores the relationship between CE and market performance in China by taking a disaggregated approach after developing a reliable and valid scale of CE.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical paper is based on questionnaire survey and statistical analysis.FindingsThis paper identifies the key dimensions of CE and finds that each dimension exerts differentiated impacts on market performance of firms in China.Originality/valueNowadays, more and more studies have been conducted on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial orientation, intrapreneurship or CE. However, no agreement has been reached about the key dimensions of CE and much less is know about the generalizability of related research findings in emerging economies. This paper is intended to bridge these gaps.
The innovation strategy of firms: empirical evidence from the Chinese high‐tech industry
Authors: Chen Yanying , Yuan Yijun 
Published: June 2007

PurposeA firm will seek an optimal balance between internal R&D and technology outsourcing when formulating its innovation strategy. This paper aims to provide a review of the determinants of firm's innovation strategy, and performs an empirical study on a sample from Chinese high‐tech industry, with the purpose of identifying two aspects of the issue: the choice patterns of Chinese firms over innovation strategy, and the innovation effect elasticity of different strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe development of a multiple regression model supported by data from industry level and a statistic analysis.FindingsOutsourcing is the major innovation strategy adopted by most Chinese high‐tech firms, especially technology import, which implies the imperfection of Chinese innovation service system. The empirical analysis also indicates the insufficiency of internal R&D expenditure and the weakness of absorptive capacity in Chinese high‐tech firms. Although, Chinese high‐tech firms prefer the outsourcing strategy in their innovation, the contribution of outsourcing is much smaller than that of internal R&D. When expenditures are increased by the same rate, the innovation output form internal R&D is twice the output of outsourcing. For improving Chinese firms' innovation efficiency, the reform of innovation service system is needed on the macro‐level, while on the micro‐level, it calls for firms to readjust their innovation strategy portfolio.Originality/valueThis paper will make up for the deficiency in current researches on innovation, which often apply firm samples in developed countries, and lack evidences from firm samples in developing countries. In addition, it will provide the decision‐making basis for Chinese Government's current actions in constructing and improving China's innovation service system.
Nutritional intake and physical performance capacity in Flemish schoolchildren (seven to12 years): issues for responsible marketing
Authors: Deriemaeker P. , Taeymans J. , Aerenhouts D. , Hebbelinck M. , Clarys P. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeIt is the aim of the present paper to describe the nutritional intake, the physical performance capacity and certain anthropometric variables of a group of schoolchildren (n=297) aged seven to 12 years. The findings on this population may be used to give advice in specific marketing situations.Design/methodology/approachThe subjects were asked to complete a three‐day food diary. During a school visit body weight, stature and skinfold thicknesses were measured. Physical fitness was assessed using items of the Eurofit test battery. Data analysis was carried out as a function of sex and age groups.FindingsThe study finds that 77 per cent of all subjects had a caloric intake below the recommended daily allowance (RDA), while 23 per cent had an intake above the RDA. Macronutrient analysis showed for all groups a low carbohydrate intake, a high fat intake, whilst protein intake was just near the upper limit of the RDA. Flexibility, explosive leg strength, abdominal dynamic muscular endurance and cardiovascular endurance were significantly lower when comparing these data with data of the 1990s. Significant correlations were found between the BMI values and the sum of skinfolds.Research limitations/implicationsThe relations between behavioural characteristics of this age group and adaptations of dysfunctional behaviour, as well as consequences for later life, need to be further established.Practical implicationsCombining the promotion of healthy nutritional and physical activity habits is an appropriate and ethical way to improve the health and fitness status of young consumers. Products may only be linked with health if there is sufficient evidence that the normal use will lead to the pretended health advantages. The interaction with behavioural changes may result in a marketing advantage if the health implications are properly stated.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrated that, at a very young age, nutritional and physical activity habits in the self‐selected population were rather poor.
Toy stories, horror stories and fairy tales: the role of the media in highlighting issues of corporate responsibility
Authors: Hogan Stephen P. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the role of the media in encouraging corporate responsibility in the toy industry and question whether it acts responsibly itself in reporting in a balanced and fair way (telling toy stories) or whether it overindulges in scaremongering (telling horror stories) or in exaggerating or making false accusations (telling fairy stories).Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on qualitative data gathered through in‐depth interviews with 15 senior toy company managers, toy retailers, representatives of the toy industry body, and with a sample of parent toy consumers.FindingsIt was found that consumers generally have little knowledge about toys or the toy industry but that any negative media coverage about toys might influence or change their purchase decisions. Many managers felt that there was only limited media coverage of the toy industry and most stories were overly negative, failing to reflect the many responsible activities they pursue. A range of stories is provided that point to an important role for the media in bringing ethical issues to public attention but also indicate that greater prominence could perhaps be given to the industry's worthier practice.Practical implicationsToy companies need to continue to work closely with the media to keep them informed, particularly concerning their benevolence. They should, however, also look for other ways of communicating such care to consumers both directly and via retailers.Originality/valueThe paper objectively considers the influence of the media in an important children's market and points to lessons about social responsibility for both the media and the toy industry.
An experimental study of female Tweeners' evaluative beliefs regarding ads, attitude toward the ad, and purchase intent for fashion apparel
Authors: Wiley James B. , Krisjanous Jayne , Cavana Elisabeth 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThere is a lack of literature analysing the characteristics and purchasing behaviour of “Tweeners”. This paper aims to focus on components of visual content targeting Tweeners in order to better understand their characteristics and, importantly, so that marketers may better design and deliver effective and appealing communications.Design/methodology/approachThree components of visual content are studied: outfit, backdrop, and model size. A controlled experiment is used. A Fishbein formulation is adopted with evaluative beliefs being toward visual components and attitude is toward the advertisement, Aad. The key research questions concern the relationships between evaluative beliefs regarding visual components, Aad, and intentions to purchase fashion apparel.FindingsThe paper reveals that purchase intentions for most categories of outfits are unaffected by the backdrop of the advertisement. However, a pronounced interaction between outfit and backdrop is found for one category of outfit. In contrast with research using older girls and women, no effect for body size is found.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to control model characteristics, a single model image was manipulated to produce the model size treatment. Only four outfits and two backdrop conditions were used. Replications with more models, outfits, and backdrops are needed. This is especially true of backgrounds and outfits, given the strong backdrop by outfit interaction.Originality/valueThe lack of a model size effect and the strong outfit by backdrop interaction suggest generalising research conducted with older groups to the younger cohort may be inappropriate.
Living in a celebrity‐mediated social world: the Chinese experience
Authors: Chan Kara , Zhang Cong 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of peers and media celebrities on young people's endorsement of materialistic values in China. As the Chinese culture is said to be collective, it is expected that social relations, both personal and celebrity‐mediated, play an important role in the establishment of consumption values.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 299 university students in Beijing aged 18 to 24 was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Constructs were measured using established scales.FindingsThe paper finds that peer communication and susceptibility to peer influence were positively related to social comparison. Motivation for viewing advertisements was positively related to imitation of celebrity models. In turn, both social comparison and imitation of celebrity models were positive predictors of materialism.Research limitations/implicationsThe city selected for this study is highly advanced in terms of economical and advertising development when compared with most other Chinese cities.Practical implicationsAs the paper argues that materialism is a negative value orientation, the current study sheds light on de‐marketing to young consumers. Media educators should help young consumers to reflect on how their purchase decisions are influenced by the social relations, including both personal interaction and celebrity‐media communications. Discouraging upward social comparison and imitation of idols is expected to discourage the endorsement of materialistic values.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights about the complex patterns of youth attitudes in a former socialist society migrating to a capitalist society. It is a pioneer work on the study of influence of celebrities on materialistic value orientations.
Teaching diversity by using instructional technology
Authors: Othelia Lee E. , Bertera Elizabeth 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis study examines the use of an instructional technology of utilizing the online forum as a tool for improving self‐efficacy related to cultural competency among social work graduate students. As a supplement to face‐to‐face classes, students (n=103) were encouraged to participate in an Online Diversity Forum (ODF).Design/methodology/approachForum participants assessed their perceived level of self‐efficacy related to cultural competency knowledge, attitudes, and values by an end of semester survey.FindingsOverall, students rated their improvements in self‐efficacy as high for most criteria studied; the largest perceived improvement was on items measuring interaction with fellow students. Two class sections (n=34) had online postings reflecting a climate of disrespect for other students and for the instructor, while the other four sections (n=69) had positive climates that had no disrespectful or inappropriate postings. Participants in the positive forums increased self‐efficacy significantly more than those in the negative climate forums.Practical implicationsOur findings suggest that ODF can be a useful adjunct to multicultural education when a positive climate for dialogue is created. Future research should explore ways to design and manage online forums to enhance positive learning climates while reducing negative uses that may serve as a barrier to constructive dialogue and learning.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates an innovative educational strategy of using ODF and evaluation research.
Learning styles inequity for small to micro firms (SMFs)
Authors: Hardaker Glenn , Dockery Richard , Sabki Aishah 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe elearn2work study of learning styles in the context of small to micro firms' (SMFs) and their perceived satisfaction has identified some important finding specific to e‐learning content design, delivery and international standards development.Design/methodology/approachThe method of research adopts a deductive rather than an inductive approach via descriptive profiling and multivariate statistical analysis.FindingsFrom the elearn2work study we have identified tentative findings that indicate e‐learning inequity for many SMF learners including employees and managers. From our research there is a clear gap between the profile of SMF learners, in the context of their learning style, and the typical content that is currently being designed for e‐learning provision. The sector is driven by analytic type educators/trainers who are frequently not a reflection of SMF learners.Originality/valueIt could be argued that many SMF workers are currently being socially excluded from e‐learning provision through pedagogy inequity when considering the lack of learning styles support in work‐based learning practice.
Social entrepreneurship and direct marketing
Authors: Mallin Michael L. , Finkle Todd A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo assist the social entrepreneur with direct marketing decision, the authors examine the relationship between the risks and costs associated with direct marketing for non‐profit organizations. This is done by developing and presenting a framework centered on two uncertainty factors – the cost to implement a direct marketing solution and control over (e.g. ability to manage) resources. A transaction cost analysis (economic) argument is used to rationalize the importance for entrepreneurs to effectively manage these two uncertainty factors when implementing a direct marketing program. This is illustrated using a perceptual mapping of each direct marketing channel relative to the two uncertainty dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is organized by first presenting a brief description of each direct marketing strategy relative to its use by entrepreneurs in a non‐profit business environment. These strategies include: online, direct mail, catalogue, direct response, telephone marketing, and personal selling. Each strategy is then compared via their placement on a perceptual map using the two uncertainty dimensions: cost of implementation and control over direct marketing resources.FindingsWith the increasing prevalence of social entrepreneurship where the goal is to maximize returns given limited resources, this framework can become a critical tool to help nonprofit business owners first assess and then reduce the risks and uncertainties of their direct marketing strategies.Originality/valueThe conceptual framework presented is the one of few that addresses the issue of risk management among direct marketing strategies in social entrepreneurship. This can provide the basis for further research in this area to empirically validate and operationalized this framework.