bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The business schools: 50 years on
Authors: Clarke Thomas 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to offer a critique of the development of university business schools over the last 50 years and provide a perspective on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the journal Education + Training.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is critical and reflexive, reviewing the historical growth of business schools and focusing on questions relating to their changing rationale.FindingsThe main themes of the analysis are that despite the considerable growth of business schools, this is not an unqualified success story, since recurrent doubts have been expressed regarding the central purposes and objectives of advanced business education.Originality/valueThe paper is of value as a critical and succinct summary of the vibrant but heavily contested growth of business schools.
Vocational education and training in SMEs
Authors: Matlay Harry 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a personal perspective, of a contributor and Guest Editor, on the impact of Education + Training on promoting quality research and dissemination in the area of vocational education and training (VET) in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). It has been written specifically to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Education + Training.Design/methodology/approachThe author adopts a reflective approach to evaluate critically the progression of this topic in terms of individual articles and Special Issues published since 1997, and reviews his close involvement with this journal.FindingsThis journal is widely recognised as a leader in its field. In terms of VET in SMEs, Education + Training has made a significant impact upon academic research and dissemination and contributed to emergent policy making in the UK and elsewhere.Originality/valueThis paper provides a succinct point of view on the impact and development of an academic journal. Its originality stems from the unique perspective offered by a contributor who, since 2000, also guest edited an annual double Special Issue on topics related to VET in SMEs.
Nature of virtual teams: a summary of their advantages and disadvantages
Authors: Bergiel Blaise J. , Bergiel Erich B. , Balsmeier Phillip W. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to extend knowledge about virtual teams and their advantages and disadvantages in a global business environment.Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature review and reported findings from interviews with experts and practitioners in the field, the paper has identified and discussed the advantages and problems associated with creating and managing virtual teams.FindingsIn today's competitive global economy, organizations capable of rapidly creating virtual teams of talented people can respond quickly to changing business environments. Capabilities of this type offer organizations a form of competitive advantage.Originality/valueBy identifying the advantages and problems associated with virtual teams, organizations will be better able to successfully establish and manage such teams.
Private label competition: the perspective of Swedish branded goods manufacturers
Authors: Hultman Magnus , Opoku Robert A. , Salehi‐Sangari Esmail , Oghazi Pejvak , Thong Bui Quang 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to gain a better understanding of how Swedish branded goods manufacturers (BGMs) deal with the increased usage of private labels.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of answering the three research questions of this study: how private labels are viewed by BGMs on the Swedish market; how Swedish BGMs strategically respond to the increases in private labels; and how the benefits and drawbacks of these strategic responses are perceived by Swedish BGMs. A contrasting multiple case study of four Swedish companies in the fast‐moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry was used.FindingsThe perceived advantages of private labels are connected to their overall control of the market in which they operate, whereas the advantages of BGMs are seen to be linked to product development and superior brand reputation. BGMs respond to private labels by taking them seriously and striving to increase the perceived distance of their brands from private labels in the eyes of the consumers. The overall benefit of these strategies is perceived to be preparedness for increased private label competition, while the drawbacks vary between companies.Research limitations/implicationsIn addition to empirical testing based on previous research on private label competition in a new setting, the study also presents suggestions for future research and the implications of the findings for managers.Practical implicationsFindings indicate that BGMs should take the emergence of private labels seriously, while at the same time striving to maintain good business relationships with the retailers.Originality/valueThe study provides insights into the competitive situation between private labels and the manufacturer brands in the Swedish FMCG market.
Random walk, capital market efficiency and predicting stock returns for Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited
Authors: Jarrett Jeffrey E. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to study capital market efficiency, because results may infer that there are predictable properties of the time series of prices of traded securities on organized markets in Hong Kong, the third largest exchange in the Pacific‐Basin of Asia.Design/methodology/approachThe weak form of the efficient markets hypothesis is examined to indicate its usefulness in terms of the results of this study. Do the data indicate that the times series of closing prices is a random walk or are their predictable properties?FindingsIt will be noted from the results that the model identifies predictive short‐term properties that exist in the data of returns of Hong Kong Exchanges for the period studied.Research/limitations/implicationsConclusions are limited to those firms studied and the time period covered.Originality/valueFor the securities exchanges in Hong Kong, evidence indicates that the weak form of the efficient markets hypothesis does not characterize the trading market.
Self‐directed social learning: the role of individual differences
Authors: Tams Svenja 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis study aims to examine the influence of individual differences on self‐directed social learning and self‐efficacy. Inter‐dependent self‐construal, agreeableness, and extraversion were expected to predict five ways of self‐directed social learning: relating, benchmarking, modeling, identifying, and distancing.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consisted of 356 responses from professionals to a questionnaire survey. Using step‐wise regression analyses, the effect of individual differences on social learning and self‐efficacy, as well as the mediation of the latter relationship by the five ways of social learning, were examined.FindingsInter‐dependent self‐construal predicted social learning and self‐efficacy. Its negative effect on self‐efficacy was mediated by relating. Agreeableness and extraversion predicted high self‐efficacy. Extraversion predicted modeling, identifying and distancing. Surprisingly, women appeared more likely to engage in social learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross‐sectional design does not permit conclusions about causality and results may be biased by the exclusive use of self‐report measures.Practical implicationsUnderstanding how individual differences influence self‐directed social learning and self‐efficacy assists managers and organizations in providing more personalized coaching. Since the link between an inter‐dependent self‐construal, social learning, and low self‐efficacy is more likely among minorities from collectivist cultures, they may be less inclined to pursue opportunities for professional growth. They may be systematically disadvantaged in organizations that value assertiveness over attention to one's social environment. In contrast, individuals whose self‐efficacy judgments are grounded in extraverted or agreeable dispositions may ignore feedback and social referents that indicate a need for adaptation.Originality/valueThis article indicates that individual differences predict self‐directed social learning and self‐efficacy.
The networked firm: a framework for RBV
Authors: Wills‐Johnson Nick 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine a potential approach to introduce a topology to the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm to address the issue of the formation of intangible assets and predictions of the growth of the firm by RBV, both issues that have been identified in the literature as shortcomings of the RBV approach.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a conceptual paper. It provides a brief review of and introduces concepts from the social networks literature, suggesting ways in which viewing the firm as a connected network of resources might usefully augment RBV theory.FindingsViewing the firm as a network is a potentially powerful tool for analysing the notion of intangible assets in the RBV and for providing a theory of the growth of the firm.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful framework for further work in the RBV field to assist in understanding what makes assets strategic and how firms grow through the accumulation of strategic assets, and highlights possibilities for cross‐fertilisation between the social networks and RBV literature.
Developing and measuring the emotional intelligence of leaders
Authors: Groves Kevin S. , Pat McEnrue Mary , Shen Winny 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to empirically test whether it is possible to deliberately develop emotional intelligence (EI) as conceptualized in the Mayer and Salovey model.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical study utilized a sample of 135 fully‐employed business students in a treatment/control group research design in which treatment group participants underwent an intensive 11‐week EI training program. Additional samples of 270 and 130 fully employed business students were utilized to develop an EI measure appropriate for EI development.FindingsThe results indicate that EI can be deliberately developed; the treatment group demonstrated statistically significant overall EI gains and across each EI dimension, while the control group did not show any significant pre‐/post‐test differences.Practical implicationsIn addition to illustrating EI training best practices, a new EI measure is described that is appropriate for leadership development.Research limitations/implicationsResearch implications are discussed for the role of EI training in leadership development programs and fertile research directions for EI training.Originality/valueEmotional intelligence training has emerged into a popular and lucrative field, but empirical evidence on the deliberate development of EI has been substantially more elusive. This study provides an empirical EI training study that overcomes the conceptual and methodological limitations of extant research on the EI development process.
An empirical study of relationship quality in a service setting: a Chinese case
Authors: Xiong Chen Zhen , Shi Yizheng , Dong Da‐Hai 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to investigate the antecedents and outcomes of the relationship between providers and consumers of a “high‐credence” service, in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachA model of antecedents and outcomes was constructed. Relationship quality was conceptualized as the degree of trust in and satisfaction with the service provider. Data collected in face‐to‐face interviews with over 200 clients of 12 health‐care clinics questionnaire survey were analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling, to test six hypotheses.FindingsThe findings support the hypotheses and show that the service providers' expertise, empathy, likeability, and communication effectiveness significantly influenced relationship quality, leading in turn to the likelihood of re‐patronage and word‐of‐mouth recommendation.Research limitations/implicationsThe study suggests ways in which service providers can improve the quality of the customer relationship. Findings can be generalised only with caution, given the focus on health‐care delivery in a Chinese society. Future research could usefully investigate other high‐credence service sectors.Originality/valueEmpirical data have examined the association between four possible antecedents and relationship quality in a real‐world setting, and suggest practical actions for planners of customer relationship strategy in the high‐credence context.
The moderating effect of brand image on public relations perception and customer loyalty
Authors: Hsieh An‐Tien , Li Chung‐Kai 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to investigate the relationship between customer perceptions of public relations (PR) and customer loyalty; to test for the moderating role of brand image in that relationship.Design/methodology/approachData were collected in a survey of customers of the insurance industry in Taiwan, using a questionnaire designed on the basis of focus‐group discussions with 30 consumers. Hierarchical regression analysis of data from 367 respondents was used to test two hypotheses.FindingsThe results show that consumers' perception of an organisation's PR practice is an antecedent of loyalty. The impact of public relations perception (PRP) on customer loyalty is stronger and more significant when the brand image is favourable. If it is unfavourable, the effect of PRP on customer loyalty is negligible.Research limitations/implicationsThis study extends previous research by examining the moderating role of brand image. Further research is indicated, to identify the key moderators of the driving force of PR in relation to customer relationship marketing.Originality/valueThis paper proposes an original eight‐item scale for the assessment of customer PRP activity, which can be applied in practice to measure its effectiveness under different brand‐image conditions.
Marketing Intelligence & Planning: past, present and future
Authors: Thomas Michael J. , Crosier Keith , Brennan Ross , Harker Michael 
Published: February 2008

PurposeTo reflect on the stewardship of Marketing Intelligence & Planning (MIP) over the past 25 years with special attention to the purpose and mission of the journal.Design/methodology/approachA viewpoint contribution from the past, present and future editors of MIP, with considerations of the journal's focus, scope and rationale.FindingsThe requirement for academic research in marketing to be relevant to the practise of marketing is just as great as it was when the journal was founded.Originality/valueConsidered advice for contributing authors – especially those at or near the beginning of their academic careers.
Lessons learned: usability testing a federated search product
Authors: George Carole A. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeUsability testing using think aloud protocols was conducted on the MetaLib interface, a new federated search product soon to be offered by the university libraries. The object of the testing was to find problems users might experience with the MetaLib interface in order to improve site usability.Design/methodology/approachBased on responses to a demographic questionnaire, a representative sample of eight volunteers, diverse with respect to affiliation, discipline, gender, language, and computer expertise was selected. Using the MetaLib interface and guided by a moderator, participants completed real‐world tasks while verbalizing their thoughts. Participants also completed a questionnaire and answered three open‐ended items. Transcripts provided the data for the study, which were used to determine problems and difficulties with the interface.FindingsThe usability testing revealed one critical issue, that is, problems with the login. Other issues included problems with primary and secondary navigation, confusing terminology, and inconsistency with the site design and user expectations.Research limitations/implicationsThis was a qualitative study and results should not be used to generalize to a larger population, but rather to identify issues with usability.Practical implicationsThe issues identified will provide feedback that will be used to address the usability of the software and the design of training, tutorials, and quick guides.Originality/valueResults of this study will add to the body of information about the usability of a federated search product and can help others to select and/or design a usable product. This study can also be used for the future improvement of the MetaLib product.
User diversity: as demonstrated by deep log analysis
Authors: Nicholas David , Huntington Paul , Jamali Hamid R. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a novel form of deep log analysis by linking questionnaire data with transactional server log data generated by the same users; and to provide a richer understanding of the information‐seeking behaviour of a strategic community of virtual scholars.Design/methodology/approachUsage statistics were obtained from logs for an 18‐month period: 16,865 sessions were covered and 110,029 pages were viewed. Searching behaviour was studied in regard to number of returned hits and number of searches in a session. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to identify ScienceDirect users according to the subject/discipline to which they belonged and attitude towards some scholarly communication issues. The answers of more than 750 ScienceDirect users to the questionnaire were linked to the usage logs of the same users through matching internet protocol (IP) addresses.FindingsThe study reveals large differences between scholars in different subjects in terms of information‐seeking behaviour and their interaction with electronic journal systems.Practical implicationsThe findings can be utilised to improve electronic journal systems such as ScienceDirect in order to provide more suitable service for users in different subjects.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper lies in its methodology that links questionnaire attitudinal data to the web log data of the same users at individual level to gain a better understanding of users' behaviour.
A review of the major projects constituting the China Academic Digital Library
Authors: Shen Xiangxing , Zheng Zhong , Han Shuguang , Shen Chong 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an overview for the main project details of the China Academic Digital Library (CADL) with focused introduction on China Academic Library and Information System (CALIS), China Academic Digital Library and Information System (CADLIS), China‐America Digital Academic Library (CADAL) and China Academic Humanities and Social Sciences Library (CASHL).Design/methodology/approachThe paper first gives a literary review on CADL and then analyzes the existed and existing problems of China digital library construction using graphical presentation and tabular comparison.FindingsAfter reviewing CADL and the major related projects developed in the last decade, it is shown that the digital library (DL) construction effort in China is divided into three phases: concept introduction phase, technical exploration phase, and application deployment phase. The first phase of CADL gave a solid preparation in terms of concept introduction while the DL soon began to be recognized and accepted as a practical proposal among industries. In the second phase, various potential technologies for DL realization were substantially investigated, tested, and implemented. The related projects cover subjects including DL architecture, information retrieval, information description, digitization, e‐Book, Digital Rights Management, etc. During the last phase, standards, protocols and specifications that help DL to interoperate with one another were widely discussed and deployed.Originality/valueThis paper expatiates on the background, development and future trend of the CADL project for the first time in the literature. It is concluded that researchers and the public from China as well as other countries thus may benefit from both positive and improvable DL construction experiences.
Converting PDF files to XML files
Authors: Zhang Wende 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a system that can convert PDF files to XML files.Design/methodology/approachThe system works with XML as an information display model and XSLT as an information extraction rule. The process is illustrated by converting a scientific and technological paper in PDF to a valid XML file.FindingsBecause the PDF file adopts the self‐descriptive definition, its content information and the display information exists in different objects; therefore, it is not easy to directly extract information from the PDF source file. The undirected way to solve this problem in the system design was to convert the PDF source file to a relatively easy processing intermediate format, which can then be automatically converted to the target file in accordance with relevant rules.Originality/valueIt is important to be able to easily and conveniently extract information from PDF files and this paper shows how it can be done. The design ideas contained in the paper can also be applied to information extraction from other types of files.
Women and the web
Authors: Riahinia Nosrat , Azimi Ali 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the use of the internet among the females of Tarbiat Moalem University (TMU) in Tehran. It further aims to consider their favourite sites, issues and their attitude toward using the internet in Iran.Design/methodology/approachThe study was implemented through a descriptive survey methodology. A self‐designed questionnaire was distributed and 80 valid samples were collected. The population were all females affiliated to TMU including 21 academic staff, 40 masters and doctoral students and 19 staff members.FindingsThe study found that there is a significant relation between academic females' use of the internet and their social ranking. As social ranking increases the use of the internet grows. The findings also revealed that as users navigate more through the internet they would find more hidden threats and vague content.Practical implicationsSome suggestions provided by this study include providing suitable web pages for females according to their needs and culture; enhancing internet access especially from their homes; providing good information pertaining to internet security and proper use; and seeking to refine Iranian attitudes to international web pages.Originality/valueThe paper provides insight into a group of Iranian academic females' use of the internet. It will help researchers to achieve a closer view to such women's conditions and it is therefore of use to web developers who might design better content related to female interests especially in Iran.