bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpreting the success and failure of regional internet community portals in promoting e‐commerce adoption by SMEs
Authors: Gengatharen Denise E. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of cultural factors on the success or failure of three Western Australian (WA) government‐funded collaboratively‐owned regional internet community portals designed to encourage small to medium‐sized enterprise adoption of e‐commerce. Two portals were rural/country‐based and the third was in metropolitan WA.Design/methodology/approachHofstede's cultural dimensions theory is used to interpret the findings of study which employed the structured case study methodology using a multiple‐case embedded‐design.FindingsAustralia with cultural traits of high individualism, masculinity, low power distance and moderately low uncertainty avoidance, would not be a laggard in adopting technological innovation. In such a culture, the individual's perceived usefulness and personal gain will be the most important factors in technology acceptance. However, this research highlights a need for caution in using national culture to examine IS adoption. In this study, the collectivist culture of the rural communities was instrumental in initially sustaining their portals, as participants placed the community's perceived usefulness and gain from the portal above that of the individual. The individualistic nature of the owners and the communities catered for by the metropolitan portal resulted in its failure.Research limitations/implicationsWhile culture is an important construct in the success of community‐based IS endeavours, it should be examined at the local level instead of a national one. The limitations of this paper are that culture is examined only from the perspective of collectivism or individualism, and that the study is based only in Australia.Practical implicationsCultural contexts underlying regional collaborative IS efforts can in some cases be leveraged to achieve intended outcomes. In others, they can indicate that the initiatives are not suitable and would require significantly greater resources.Originality/valueThis study contributes to knowledge in the area of the role of culture in community‐based IS initiatives by showing that outcomes of similar initiatives can differ based on sub cultural differences within a national culture.
Clinical usefulness of handheld wireless technology in healthcare
Authors: Gururajan Raj , Quaddus Mohammed , Xu Jun 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the drivers and inhibitors of clinical usefulness of handheld wireless technology in healthcare domain in Australia and India. Because of cultural differences in these two countries the paper also attempts to show how a cross‐national study of this nature can be carefully designed and undertaken to produce useful results.Design/methodology/approachA mixed‐method research design was used in this study. First, qualitative approach was used to develop the list of drivers and inhibitors in Australia and India via interviews and a research model was developed. This was then followed by a quantitative approach where questionnaire was developed and distributed to 300 health professionals each in both Australia and India. The collected data were analysed using a combination of optimal scaling and partial least square (PLS) techniques.FindingsThe result of the study was very interesting. The PLS application to the raw data did not support any of the hypotheses. As the study was cross‐national optimal scaling procedure were used to standardize the data and then PLS used again. It was then revealed that for Australia inhibitors significantly influence the clinical usefulness of handheld wireless technology while the drivers do not. However, for India the drivers significantly influence the clinical usefulness but the inhibitors do not. Possible reasons for such contrasting results are highlighted in the paper.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size although appropriate for the tools used was a bit on the low side. The study did not follow up with representative respondents from Australia and India to get a deeper understanding of the results.Originality/valueThis study is original in the way the research model was developed from ground up. Our approach can be used for similar research. The study also makes original contribution in terms of designing an appropriate research approach for cross‐national study and how various data analyses tools can be used effective for meaningful outcomes.
Is massive mobilization a viable government response to the future?
Authors: Abeles Tom P. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis article aims to review the response of the National Academies of Science, in the USA to the question posed by the US Congress as to how the USA can remain competitive in a world with rapid advances in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It posits that the responses via rapid scaling up of research cannot meet the needs as it has in the past as with putting a person on the moon or mastering nuclear energy.Design/methodology/approachThe article reviews alternatives that describe and reframe the problem and provides alternative possibilities for a response by the USA.FindingsThe ability of knowledge to migrate globally via the internet or the migration of humans coupled with the rapid rise in education and research in India and China suggest that the USA needs to reassess its position in a changing world both from an technological and economic perspective.Originality/valueThe analysis provides a future perspective that is counter‐intuitive and offers an alternative from which to develop policy and support of technology development in a global society.
Costing the long‐term demand for water sector infrastructure
Authors: Cashman Adrian , Ashley Richard 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe water sector is set to continue to face severe challenges in meeting the financial requirements for maintaining, extending and upgrading new and ageing water systems in the face of growing water scarcity, stricter regulatory requirements and competition for capital. The gap between the required financing and the projected financing is said to be growing but there are no good estimates available. The purpose of this paper is to present a recent analysis of the investment requirements of the water sector in OECD countries, Brazil, Russia, India and China up to 2030, taking into account the likely impact of socio‐economic trends, internal politics, environmental challenges and technological change.Design/methodology/approachIn order to estimate the required financing, present expenditures as a percentage of GDP were analysed. Estimates of projected annual GDP growth coupled with an evaluation of the impact of country specific socio‐economic, political, environmental and technological trends were used to derive projections for future investment needs.FindingsThe estimated level of infrastructure investment requirements to 2030 as determined by this study is considerably higher than had been expected and higher than for the energy, telecommunications and transport infrastructure sectors.Practical implicationsThe findings have enormous implications in terms of the ability of service providers for their business models and in raising the necessary finances.Originality/valueThis is one of a very few studies to report on the potential scale of the overall future investment requirements of the water sector that has been undertaken. Previous works have focused mainly on sub‐sectoral goals such as meeting the Millennium Development Goals and so have under‐reported the scale of the financing problem.
The American invasion of Grenada: a note on false prophecy
Authors: Bell Wendell 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the reasons, especially the assertions about the future, given by the US administration under President Reagan, to justify the decision to attack and invade the Caribbean island of Grenada.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is analysis of existing records and reports on the assertions, events, and decisions leading to the invasion.FindingsThe Reagan administration gave three main reasons for the invasion. They claimed that Americans on Grenada, particularly the students attending the St George's University Medical School, would be harmed from continuing social disruption on Grenada; that the militarization of Grenada was intended as a means for the future export of terrorism or revolution to its Caribbean neighbors; and that the planned international airport at Point Salines was intended to be a future Soviet‐Cuban military base. Each was false.Research limitations/implicationsDecision making includes assumptions about the future and invites the use of foresight. Such foresight, of course, can be presumptively true and, thus, useful. But also it can be wrong, sometimes deliberately manipulated, leading to wrongheaded actions and devastating consequences.Practical implicationsAn analysis of the 1983 American invasion of Grenada illustrates the power of authority to distort the truth and corrupt morality, processes that re‐occurred 20 years later with much greater consequences in the case of the 2003 American‐led invasion of Iraq.Originality/valueThe case study of the American invasion of Grenada can be used by decision makers and others to improve future decision‐making situations. Before doing violence to other people, we need to ask what violence we are doing to truth.
Industrial innovation, corporate governance and supplier‐customer relationships
Authors: Cantista Isabel , Tylecote Andrew 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the linkage among three factors – shareholder‐manager relationships (or corporate governance), customer supplier relationships, and innovation, for two groups of UK firms in the speciality chemicals and electrical equipment industries.Design/methodology/approachThis research was exploratory. In total, 12 companies were studied in depth. The level of innovation was measured through a questionnaire and interviews were carried out with managers, important customers and suppliers. A comparison of management practices was established between the more and the less innovative companies.FindingsThis research finds a close connection between shareholder‐manager relationships, customer and supplier relationship management and innovation. The firms subject to arms‐length relationships with shareholders (as UK‐based public limited companies) had more distant relationships with suppliers and customers and poorer innovative performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe validity and reliability of the conclusions require the undertaking of quantitative studies. Other aspects apart from those explored could affect the level of innovation of companies.Practical implicationsIn the more innovative companies, strategic and investment plans tend to look to the long‐term (five years plus). And, customers and suppliers are involved from the beginning in the development of new products and production processes. Lack of shareholder engagement strongly inhibits “long‐termist actions”, which include the development of such close relationships with customers and suppliers.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to look at the possible link between corporate governance, customer and supplier relationship management and the level of innovation and has research and practical implications.
The cellular manufacturing paradox: a critical review of simulation studies
Authors: Chtourou Hédi , Jerbi Abdessalem , Maalej Aref Y. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeA number of simulation studies have been conducted previously by several researchers, in order to compare the performance of cellular and functional layouts. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the lack of objectivity of a number of these studies, in order to explain the origin of their conflicting conclusions.Design/methodology/approachA taxonomy of the main experimental factors and performance measure used in the main simulation comparative studies is followed by a critical assessment of ten of these studies. The analysis is focused on the objectivity of the layout comparison methodologies. Then, the determined shortcomings are categorized and some of them are illustrated by way of simulation.FindingsThe revealed shortcomings are most likely responsible for the conflicting conclusions of the studies and may well explain what is called in the literature the “cellular paradox.”Originality/valueThis work sets up the basis for an objective comparison methodology between the two manufacturing system layouts. Such a methodology should in fact be free of all the highlighted objectivity flaws.
An ERP performance measurement framework using a fuzzy integral approach
Authors: Wei Chun‐Chin , Liou Tian‐Shy , Lee Kuo‐Liang 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a comprehensive framework for measuring the performance of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to survey suitable performance indicators (PIs) according to knowledge of the ERP implementation objectives set up at the implementation phase and build consistent measurement standards for facilitating the complex ERP performance evaluation process.Design/methodology/approachA seven‐step ERP performance measurement framework based on the objectives of ERP implementation is proposed. A fuzzy ERP performance index is used to account for the ambiguities involved in evaluating the performance of the ERP system. The fuzzy ERP performance index can be translated first into simple scores and then back to linguistic terms. An actual example in Taiwan demonstrates the feasibility of applying the proposed framework.FindingsThe findings indicate that the PIs of ERP performance measurement should align with the objectives of ERP implementation. The assessment results can represent the achievement of these objectives and the directions for improving the adopted ERP system.Originality/valueThis study may be interesting to some academic researchers and practical managers. The proposed framework can provide a procedure to link the objectives identified in the ERP system implementation phase and the performance considerations in the ERP use phase.
Assessment of e‐business adoption in SMEs
Authors: Marasini Ramesh , Ions Kevin , Ahmad Munir 
Published: June 2008

PurposeInternet technologies are increasingly being adopted by UK businesses to facilitate collaboration, trade, learn, manage company business processes and deliver services. Most manufacturing small to medium enterprises (SMEs), who are low investors in the technology, have not benefited from its application. The purpose of this paper is to identify ways of removing the barriers for SMEs and the change approaches used by SMEs to implement internet and information technologies.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of 32 companies assisted in the internet technology adoption initiative under government funding was carried out. Tailored ICT solutions were recommended and implemented. Information was collected before the start assistance and at the completion of 10 or 25 days of assistance to the companies. Each company case was analysed to generalise the findings. Two change models: classic three step change model and improvisational model were used to analyse the approaches taken by the SMEs in the adoption of ICTs.FindingsThe study suggests that SMEs tend to favour the improvisational model of technology adoption over the classic change model. The reasons might be the alignment of technology, the organisational context and the change model used.Practical implicationsThis study highlights that incremental change model is favoured by SMEs in adopt in ICT technology as a change process.Originality/valueAny initiative aimed at improving performance of SMEs in ICT adoption will benefit from the lessons learned from this study. Also, SMEs adopting change processes will also find the study valuable.
Justification of total productive maintenance initiatives in Indian manufacturing industry for achieving core competitiveness
Authors: Ahuja I.P.S. , Khamba J.S. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of contributions of total productive maintenance (TPM) initiatives towards building core competencies in Indian manufacturing industry. This paper critically examines the implications of TPM implementation initiatives in Indian manufacturing organizations.Design/methodology/approachIn this study a large number of manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed to ascertain contributions made by TPM initiatives in the Indian manufacturing industries towards realizing core competencies. The study involves working out the correlations between various TPM implementation dimensions and core competencies, and employs various statistical tools for extracting significant factors contributing effectively towards realization of core competencies.FindingsThe study reveals that organizational leadership and involvement, traditional maintenance practices, successful adaptation of effective TPM initiatives can significantly contribute towards accruing core competencies in the organization. The study highlights that the holistic TPM initiatives outscore the traditional maintenance practices towards improving the manufacturing performance (MP). The study establishes that focused TPM implementation over a reasonable time period can significantly contribute towards realization of core competencies in MP.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has been conducted to ascertain the contributions of TPM initiatives for achieving core competencies in manufacturing organizations. However, sector‐wise studies can also be conducted to evaluate the contributions of TPM implementation towards performance enhancement under the specific situations.Practical implicationsThe present study identifies the impact of key TPM initiatives dimensions on organizational performance and highlights the need for aligning organizational efforts in establishing maintenance improvement initiatives for realizing improvements in performance of manufacturing organizations.Originality/valueThe paper investigates the status of TPM initiatives in the Indian context and the preparedness of Indian manufacturing industry to meet the challenges posed by the western world by employing proactive TPM strategies.
Systematic profitability analysis of binary network marketing organizations
Authors: Pedrood Nastaran , Ahmadi Hadi , Charafeddine Hussein A. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to introduce a systematic approach to simulating a given binary network marketing (NM) growth topology in a definite society of people.Design/methodology/approachThe study represented a binary plan network by its binary rooted tree, where each node represents a down‐line distributor of the root. The paper sought to find a cost function which would identify which existing node is most eligible to attract the new node. Using a survey strategy, the paper introduced some effective criteria, where cost function and design systematic algorithms were introduced, in order to simulate an NM growth topology. According to the designed algorithms, the paper modified a currently used compensation plan of the Questnet Company.FindingsThe comparison results indicate that the modified plan improves the efficiency by 6 percent, in the sense of profitability for the costumers, and also penetrates the market in 80 percent of trials.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper did not find any currently proposed simulation for binary NM plans. So, in order to introduce the systematic approach, new criteria were obtained based on survey strategy.Practical implicationsNetwork marketing organization designers need such a systematic method to arrange their strategies according to the prediction of the network's growth topology.Originality/valueThe paper presents a novel idea for designing analytical simulation tools for NM plans verification. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first systematic method to propose binary compensation plans.
Internet shopping acceptance
Authors: Mohd Suki Norazah , Ramayah T. , Mohd Suki Norbayah 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between perceived ease of use, cognitive absorption (CA), perceived usefulness (PU) and fashion involvement (FI) with students' buying intentions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on questionnaires distributed to a sample of Master of Business Administration students with a response rate of 84.2 percent. The data were analyzed with statistical tools such as descriptive analysis, factor analysis, reliability analysis and multiple regressions.FindingsThe survey showed that PU, product search, search process, CA, FI, and online experience have a significant impact on online shopping, while the other two variables (i.e. CA and FI) do not have an impact on online shopping.Research limitations/implicationsFuture researchers are encouraged to include new variables and mediating variables in the research model and applying multivariate statistical data analysis such as structural equation modelling technique for interpreting results.Practical implicationsData about consumer acceptance of internet shopping are invaluable to e‐retailers. It was suggested that e‐retailers need to advertise and promote their latest products and update their web site regularly by stressing issues on the ease of use, the usefulness and the reliability of online shopping.Originality/valueThis research provides additional perspectives on internet shopping among Malaysian consumers.
Sustainable telemarketing? A new theory of consumer behavior
Authors: Hurst Clifford G. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose that consumer goodwill can best be understood as a limited, but potentially renewable resource. Like a renewable natural resource, consumer goodwill can be over‐exploited. A review of the rise and rapid fall of the business‐to‐consumer (b‐to‐c) telemarketing industry in the USA provides evidence that over‐exploitation of consumer goodwill is precisely what happened. Using telemarketing as a case study, the paper aims to argue that direct marketing practices ought to be managed in accordance with principles of sustainability. If they are not, the consequences may be sudden and near‐permanent declines in consumer responsiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe paper interprets the rise and rapid fall of b‐to‐c telemarketing in the USA through the theoretical framework of sustainability. The rise of telemarketing began in the early 1990s with the adoption of predictive dialer technology. Its demise can be marked by the passage of the Federal Do Not Call Registry in 2003.FindingsIt was found that the framework of sustainability does, in fact, seem to adequately describe events surrounding the rise, then near‐collapse of b‐to‐c telemarketing in the USA during this timeframe.Research limitations/implicationsBeing a conceptual paper, the principal finding is that there exists a real, but yet‐undefined threshold of consumer goodwill towards consumer telemarketing. How can that threshold be determined? How can industry self‐regulate to remain below its threshold? Can an industry that has over‐exploited its consumer threshold of goodwill ever recover? These questions are raised, not answered.Originality/valueThe paper applies the concept of sustainability to direct marketing. It will be of interest to any researchers or practitioners who seek to comprehend what worked so well then went quickly so wrong with b‐to‐c telemarketing in the USA. The findings may help to prevent similar consumer backlashes in other countries where b‐to‐c telemarketing has only begun to become common practice. These findings may also have value for practitioners who rely on consumer goodwill in other direct marketing channels, such as e‐mail and catalog marketing.