bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antecedents to consumer reference price orientation: an exploratory investigation
Authors: Yin Tong , Paswan Audhesh K. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis research paper aims to examine the relationships among the factors associated with changing shopping environment, consumer knowledge and reference price.Design/methodology/ approachA self administered online survey was used to collect data (final sample size was 265). After checking for non‐response bias, data was factor analyzed and checked for reliability and validity. Hypotheses were tested using structural Equation Modeling procedure.FindingsProduct search opportunity is associated with product and price knowledge. Price volatility is negatively associated with internal reference price. Further, consumers' price comparison propensity and price knowledge positively influence external reference price. Finally, price volatility has a significant negative influence on consumer knowledge and IRP orientation.Research limitations/implicationsThe sampling frame is a major limitation, in addition to not including variables such as product type and other measures of price volatility. Future research should expand the sampling frame and include other variables as well as other aspects of price volatility.Practical implicationsThese findings provide insights into advertised price claims in the information rich internet age. Managers also benefit from the finding that the internet, particularly price comparison, influences external reference price. Consequently, managers must be cautious with their advertised price claims and not exaggerate the value of offerings or cost savings too much.Originality/valueThis topic is important because retailers extensively use reference price or price comparison to increase consumers' perception of the product value. However, not much research attention has been given to this topic.
Industry classification and the capital structure of Ghanaian SMEs
Authors: Abor Joshua 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to examine the effect of industry classification on the capital structure of SMEs in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe analytical technique employed is regression framework with various capital structure measures as dependent variables, and with industry as the independent variable. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and other non‐parametric tests were also used to examine the differences in the capital structure of the SMEs across industries.FindingsThe results of this study indicate that SMEs in the agricultural sector exhibit the highest capital structure and asset structure or collateral value, while the wholesale and retail trade industry have the lowest debt ratio and asset structure. The regression results indicate that agriculture and pharmaceutical and medical industries depend more on long‐term and short‐term debt than does the manufacturing sector. Information and communication, and wholesale and retail trade sectors are more likely to use short‐term credit than the manufacturing sector. The results also show that the construction and mining industry is less likely to depend on short‐term debt, while hotel and hospitality depend more on long‐term debt and less on short‐term finance. The results clearly indicate that industry effect is important in explaining the capital structure of SMEs and that there are variations in capital structure across the various industries.Originality/valueThe main value of this paper is the analysis of the effect of industry classification on SMEs' capital structure from the Ghanaian perspective. The study provides insights on the financing behaviour of SMEs across various industries in Ghana.
Mean reversion in stock prices: new evidence from panel unit root tests
Authors: Narayan Paresh Kumar , Narayan Seema 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThere are several studies that investigate evidence for mean reversion in stock prices. However, there is no consensus as to whether stock prices are mean reverting or random walk (unit root) processes. The goal of this paper is to re‐examine mean reversion in stock prices.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use five different panel unit root tests, namely the Im, Pesaran and Shin t‐bar test statistic, the Levin and Lin test, the Im, Lee, and Tieslau Lagrangian multiplier test statistic, the seemingly unrelated regression test, and the multivariate augmented Dickey Fuller test advocated by Taylor and Sarno.FindingsThe main finding is that there is no mean reversion of stock prices, consistent with the efficient market hypothesis.Research limitations/implicationsOne issue not considered by this study is the role of structural breaks. It may be the case that the efficient market hypothesis is contingent on structural breaks in stock prices. Future studies should model structural breaks.Practical implicationsThe findings have implications for econometric modelling, in particular forecasting.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the scarce literature on the mean reverting property of stock prices based on panel data; thus, it should be useful for researchers.
Selective laser melting of biocompatible metals for rapid manufacturing of medical parts
Authors: Vandenbroucke Ben , Kruth Jean‐Pierre 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate the possibility of producing medical or dental parts by selective laser melting (SLM). Rapid Manufacturing could be very suitable for these applications due to their complex geometry, low volume and strong individualization.Design/methodology/approachThe SLM‐process has been optimized and fully characterized for two biocompatible metal alloys: Ti‐6Al‐4V and Co‐Cr‐Mo. Mechanical and chemical properties were tested and geometrical feasibility, including process accuracy and surface roughness, was discussed by benchmark studies. By developing a procedure to fabricate frameworks for complex dental prostheses, the potential of SLM as a medical manufacturing technique has been proved.FindingsOptimized SLM parameters lead to part densities up to 99.98 percent for titanium. Strength and stiffness, corrosion behavior, and process accuracy fulfil requirements for medical or dental parts. Surface roughness analyses show some limitations of the SLM process. Dental frameworks can be produced efficiently and with high precision.Originality/valueThis study presents the state‐of‐the‐art in SLM of biocompatible metals by thoroughly testing material and part properties. It shows opportunities for using SLM for medical or dental applications.
Use of ultrasonic consolidation for fabrication of multi‐material structures
Authors: Janaki Ram G.D. , Robinson C. , Yang Y. , Stucker B.E. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeUltrasonic consolidation (UC) is a novel additive manufacturing process developed for fabrication of metallic parts from foils. While the process has been well demonstrated for part fabrication in Al alloy 3003, some of the potential strengths of the process have not been fully explored. One of them is its suitability for fabrication of parts in multi‐materials. This work aims to examine this aspect.Design/methodology/approachMulti‐material UC experiments were conducted using Al alloy 3003 foils as the bulk part material together with a number of engineering materials (foils of Al‐Cu alloy 2024, Ni‐base alloy Inconel 600® AISI 347 stainless steel, and others). Deposit microstructures were studied to evaluate bonding between various materials.FindingsIt was found that most of the materials investigated can be successfully bonded to alloy Al 3003 and vice versa. SiC fibers and stainless wire meshes were successfully embedded in an Al 3003 matrix. The results suggest that the UC process is quite suitable for fabrication of multi‐material structures, including fiber‐reinforced metal matrix composites.Originality/valueThis work systematically examines the multi‐material capability of the UC process. The findings of this work lay a strong foundation for a wider and more efficient commercial utilization of the process.
Hedonic shopping motivations, supermarket attributes, and shopper loyalty in transitional markets
Authors: Nguyen Trang T.M. , Nguyen Tho D. , Barrett Nigel J. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of hedonic shopping motivations (HSM) and supermarket attributes (SMA) on shopper loyalty (SLO).Design/methodology/approachA sample of 608 supermarket shoppers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam was surveyed to test the model. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.FindingsIt was found that SMA and HSM had positive effects on SLO. It was also found that the impact of hedonic motivations on SLO was different between the younger and older, as well as lower and higher income groups of customers. However, no such difference was found between female and male shoppers.Research limitations/implicationsA major limitation of this study was the use of a sample drawn from one transitional market. Cross‐national samples will be a direction for further research. Also, the study focuses on attitudinal loyalty. Behavioral loyalty should be taken into account in future research.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that the supermarket managers showed concentrate their positioning strategies not only on the utilitarian dimension but also on the hedonic motivations to stimulate SLO, especially for older and higher income segments of customers.Originality/valueThe major contribution of the study is to empirically examine the role of hedonic motivations in SLO in Vietnam, a transitional market.
Moderating effects of parent control on international joint ventures’ strategic objectives and performance
Authors: Whitelock Jeryl , Yang Hui 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe aim of this study is, first, to explore the moderating effects of parent control on the strategic objectives of foreign firms entering international joint ventures (IJVs) and, second, to assess performance in relation to these objectives.Design/methodology/approachThe study integrates three major theoretical streams in the IJV field to investigate the rationale for the formation of IJVs. The primary data collection method was a web‐based survey. The ability to collect large amounts of data without interviewers, stationery or postage, makes the cost of doing web surveys very attractive. Sino‐European manufacturing IJVs (in industries such as machinery, textiles, and electronics) were investigated.FindingsThe strong empirical evidence in this study confirms the significant moderating effects of parent control on attainment of strategic objectives, suggesting that different strategic objectives of foreign partners have different performance outcomes based on the degree of control exercised by the partner and the focus on different IJV activities. The findings also indicate that market‐developing and knowledge‐acquiring objectives outperform efficiency‐seeking objectives.Research limitations/implicationsThe purpose of this study was to examine satisfaction with performance from the point of view of the foreign IJV partner. Hence, data were collected from foreign senior management who represent foreign partners. Second, the single IJV host country context (China) inevitably raises the question as to whether the findings from this study can be generalised to IJVs in other emerging markets. Third, the relatively small sample size (61 IJVs), although comparable with previous studies, limits the use of more powerful statistical tools.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study suggest that parent companies should formulate different control structures according to different strategic objectives. Second, and rather interestingly, different categories of objectives perform differently in joint ventures. It seems, for example, that, in joint ventures with Chinese partners, European multinational enterprises achieve better results in relation to market development and knowledge acquisition than when seeking organisational efficiency.Originality/valuePrior research has tended to examine the IJV phenomenon from a single theoretical perspective. This study attempts to integrate three major theoretical streams in the IJV field to investigate the rationale for the formation of IJVs. As such, it potentially offers more comprehensive explanatory power. A further innovation is related to the use of a web‐based survey rather than the traditional mail survey.
Effect of line resistance and driver width on crosstalk in coupled VLSI interconnects
Authors: Kaushik Brajesh Kumar , Sarkar Sankar , Agarwal R.P. , Joshi R.C. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper proposes to study the effect of line resistance and driver width on crosstalk noise for a CMOS gate driven inductively and capacitively coupled VLSI interconnects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers a distributed RLC interconnect topology. The interconnect length is 4 mm and far‐end capacitive loading is 30 fF. The SPICE simulation set‐up uses an IBM 0.13 μm, 1.2 V technology model. The input falling ramp has a transition time of 50 ps. The victim line is grounded through a driver resistance of 50 Ω at near end of interconnect. While observing the effect of line resistance, the aggressor driver has PMOS and NMOS widths of 70 and 30 μm, respectively, and the line resistance is varied from 0 to 500 Ω. For capturing the effect of driver width, SPICE waveforms are generated at far end of victim line for three different line resistances (R=0, 30, and 60 Ω respectively). In each case, the aggressor PMOS driver width is swept from 20 to 100 μm. The corresponding NMOS width is half of PMOS width.FindingsIt is observed that, as line resistance increases, the noise peak reduces. This is due to the fact that with increasing resistance the incident and reflected waves traveling along the line experience increasing attenuation. Hence, the waves arriving at the far‐end of the line are of smaller magnitude and larger time durations. This causes noise pulses in the lossy lines to be smaller and wider compared with those in a lossless line. The effect of driver width on noise waveforms is further observed. It is observed that, as the PMOS (and corresponding NMOS) driver width is increased, the victim line gets more prone to crosstalk noise. The crosstalk magnitude level increases alarmingly as driver width is increased, because the driver resistance decreases, which in turn increases the current driving capability of driver.Originality/valueWhile designing coupled interconnects, driver width and line resistance play an important role in deciding the crosstalk level. An interconnect designer often increases driver width and reduces line resistance for achieving lower propagation delays. This effort may result in higher crosstalk noise in coupled interconnect. Therefore, a designer should be concerned simultaneously for crosstalk noise while reducing delays.
University‐industry collaboration
Authors: Dooley Lawrence , Kirk David 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to identify the requisite attributes and organisation to be displayed by a research university in order to engage successfully in collaborative research with industry partners.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual framework contrasts the traditional public funding model against the requirements of the “triple helix” model of government‐university‐industry research funding. The framework supports the exploration of a case study of a long‐standing and successful joint research partnership, the Dundee‐Kinases Consortium, which links a world‐class life sciences research centre and a group of global pharmaceutical companies.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study provides a starting point, and additional case examinations will confirm the role of resource competences and organisational capabilities in facilitating performance by way of knowledge generation and transfer between partners.FindingsThe design and leadership of the consortium achieves vital performance outcomes, namely: accelerating the production of new knowledge about cell signalling processes relating to serious diseases; and faster transfer of new knowledge into drug development processes of pharmaceutical companies. The development of key enabling capabilities by the university, allied with routines for academic‐industry researcher interface, are essential elements of the partnering design.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that university‐industry partnerships build on government‐university funding, that university‐industry relationships foster new university capabilities, and moreover, that academic publication is not displaced by the requirements of industry partners.
Creating communities of practices to manage technological knowledge
Authors: Meeuwesen Bas , Berends Hans 
Published: July 2007

PurposeIn large companies, technological knowledge lies dispersed over individual specialists, business units and locations. Communities of practice (CoPs) are a structure for sharing this dispersed knowledge. However, CoPs are usually seen as being emergent, evolving and elusive. This study aims to investigate if and how it is possible to purposefully create CoPs.Design/methodology/approachThis study describes and evaluates the launch of four CoPs within Rolls‐Royce. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is used to determine and explain the activities and outcomes of the CoPs.FindingsEach of the CoPs provided benefits to its members, but performance differences were found between the CoPs. Longer existing CoPs were more active as the structural elements and dimensions of CoPs take time to evolve and become balanced. But more active CoPs were not necessarily more beneficial to their members. This is partially explained by the degree to which a CoP focuses on local issues.Practical implicationsIt is worthwhile to actively pursue the development of CoPs to manage technological knowledge. However, it takes time for CoPs to mature and become effective, and they are never fully under managerial control. Focusing on local issues increases the direct benefits for community members and therewith their commitment to the CoP.Originality/valueThis is one of the few evaluation studies of CoPs. While literature often assumes that CoPs have to emerge, this paper finds that it is also possible to purposefully create CoPs.
Science parks as knowledge organizations – the “ba” in action?
Authors: Hansson Finn 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the failure of science parks to become a central actor in the knowledge economy and, with the help of new organizational theory, to propose new solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews a number of recent studies of science parks and their effect on innovation and economic growth, measured by revenue or survival rate of new firms, but demonstrating no positive result of the parks. The paper then introduces modern organization theory, specializing in analyzing the processes of creating, managing, organizing, and transferring knowledge distributed through a number of networks and other volatile organizations in order to investigate the set‐up of science parks in the knowledge economy.FindingsUsing Nonaka's concept ofbaas a metaphor for the new tradition in organizational theory, the paper finds very few – if any – signs of these new ways of organizing in traditional science parks. The paper argues that principles from modern knowledge organizations has to be installed in science parks if the parks are to regain the initiative and become an important actor in the new regime of knowledge production. Otherwise, science parks must be viewed as an outdated institution, left over from the industrial society.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes a system of certification and quality assessment that might speed up the change in science parks from organizations formed by the industrial society to organizations serving the needs of the knowledge society.Originality/valueThe paper is an original contribution to the theory of science parks and innovation policy. The use of new organizational theory on knowledge management, illustrated by Nonaka's concept ofba, presents a new solution to overcome the traditional thinking on how to organize science parks.
Theories of international production: a critical perspective
Authors: Ietto‐Gillies Grazia 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the role that the nation‐state plays in influencing the behaviour of the transnational companies (TNCs) and how it affects one's view of TNCs as efficiency‐ versus strategy‐driven institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper starts with a brief historical analysis of the main theories of international production and the TNCs, to which it then relates the role of the nation‐state and of strategic approaches.FindingsThe characteristics of the nation‐states that affect the behaviour of TNCs are linked to their regulatory regimes regarding fiscal, currency and social security regulations. These create opportunities for advantages of operating across frontiers and thus for specific strategic behaviour towards labour and governments.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical approach presented will need to be supported by empirical findings.Practical implicationsThere are policy implications specifically related to the fact that multinationalityper segives advantages and that actors other than the TNCs may have to move towards achieving a multinational organization.Originality/valueThe paper questions the international character of most current theories of the TNC, arguing about the necessity to put the nation‐states with their different characteristics at the heart of the explanations of TNCs' activities and suggests a strategic rather than efficiency approach to theories of the TNC.
Political economy of communication: a critique
Authors: Graham Phil 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis article aims to provide a critical understanding of contextual issues surrounding international business from a political economy of communication perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based in classical dialectics and proceeds from a Marxian perspective. It includes a literature review of major theorists in political economy of communication and an analysis of present institutional relationships that frame international business in the context of corporatism.FindingsThe main argument is that current practices that dominate international business can no longer be considered as any kind of capitalism and that political economy of communication is necessary for comprehending this system. Current business practices are a form of corporatism in which ownership is separated from control, business is separated from industry, and the idea of a “going concern” is subject to “overriding concerns”. To understand the implications of these factors, political economy of communication needs new theories of value, labour, mediation, and meaning.Research limitations/implicationsThe work is limited by the current pace of change, by alternative, non‐Marxist definitions of capitalism which are not taken into account here, and by the variegated nature of global business practices. The work is limited to dominant practices and definitive relationships.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a useful perspective for understanding the future direction of international business, specifically in terms of communication, culture, and understandings of value.Originality/valueThis paper offers an alternative, non‐capitalistic view of “globalisation” within a Marxist framework and proposes a new theoretical and analytical synthesis for political economy of communication.