bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An empirical analysis of the financial impact of quick response
Authors: Brown Terence , Buttross Thomas E. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis research aims to measure the financial and operating impact for US retailers that adopted quick response (QR). It specifically looks at the impact of QR on profitability, cost efficiency, and inventory management.Design/methodology/approachThe research analyzed data from the CRSP/Compustat data base of US publicly held corporations to compare adopters of QR with non‐adopters before and after adoption.FindingsThe results indicated that adopters of QR did not benefit as expected. Adopters, on average, did not improve their performance to a statistically significant degree with respect to profitability, cost efficiency, or inventory levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations of the research include the fairly small number of firms studied (11 adopters and 16 non‐adopters) and the lack of evidence identifying the reasons for the adopters poor performance. Another limitation is the fact that only the manufacturers perceptions have been considered. It would be beneficial in future research to consider the opinion of retailers about their own management of these brands.Originality/valueThe research uses objective actual financial results before and after adoption of QR and avoids the practice of using subjective management opinions of success. The research design includes before and after analysis with a control group – the strongest design possible given the inability to randomly assign firms to the adopter and non‐adopter categories.
Multidimensional investigation of apparel retailing in India
Authors: Halepete Jaya , Seshadri Iyer K.V. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe main purposes of this paper are to perform a micro‐ and macro‐dimensional analysis, and to apply the theory of eclectic firm to understand the investment dimension in the apparel retail environment in India.Design/methodology/approachA micro and micro analysis of the retail industry in India was conducted. Eclectic firm theory was then applied to the analysis to understand the apparel retail environment in India.FindingsThe key findings of the study are that foreign retailers looking to successfully capitalize on India's impressive growth need to understand several driving attributes such as strong and distinct culture, population distribution, and local conditions, and risks that are indeed unique to India.Originality/valueThis report makes a contribution towards a comprehensive understanding of the Indian apparel retail market. It is desirable for foreign retailers to acquire such knowledge in order to devise suitable strategies to enter and compete in the Indian marketplace. In addition, this study provides researchers to undertake more in‐depth analysis of the market to explore the different facets of the attractive yet complex Indian environment.
HACCP for the hospitality industry: history in the making
Authors: Taylor Eunice 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the current status of HACCP across the food chain with particular reference to the hospitality industry. It is the first article in the second Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes issue of the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management presenting a new method of HACCP for the hospitality industry and proof of its utility.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive review of HACCP literature is presented with an in‐depth analysis of both established and innovative methodologies. It is set in the context of both international efforts to meet the needs of small and less developed businesses (SLDBs) and recent UK Government initiatives.FindingsResearch confirms anecdotal evidence that whilst HACCP development is widespread in large food manufacturers its use is limited within smaller businesses, with particularly slow progress in the hospitality sector. Recent in‐depth psychological methods have led to the identification of 11 implementation barriers that need to be addressed if businesses are to meet the ever‐demanding legal requirements. It is suggested that the method of applying HACCP principles, developed for large manufacturing businesses, is inappropriate for the hospitality industry and that a new method is required.Practical implicationsThe paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.Originality/valueThis paper is the most comprehensive review, to date, of HACCP uptake across the food industry and the barriers that businesses are experiencing as they attempt to manage food safety and comply with legal requirements.
Impact of global sourcing and exports on US manufacturing inventories
Authors: Han Chaodong , Dresner Martin , Windle Robert J. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of global sourcing and exports on US domestic manufacturing inventories and quantify the additional inventory costs associated with global operations.Design/methodology/approachA panel data set of 19 US manufacturing sectors is constructed over the period 2002‐2005. Data are collected from the US economic census and other government statistics. Fixed and random effects models in both linear and LOG terms are estimated and the estimated coefficients used to calculate the cost to US manufacturing industries of additional inventories attributed to global operations.FindingsImports and exports have a positive, significant impact on raw materials inventory and finished goods inventory, respectively, in terms of days of supply. Based on estimations using 2005 data, a 10 percentage point increase in the import and export ratios for all US manufacturers is estimated to be accompanied by $3.03 billion additional costs for raw materials inventory and $5.33 billion for finished goods inventory, respectively.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to quantify the impact of global sourcing and exports on US domestic inventories using secondary data. To macroeconomic policy makers and industry managers, the results may serve as a benchmark to how domestic inventories are affected by global outsourcing and exports, and as a reminder that the benefits of global activities may be overestimated if inventory costs are not explicitly taken into consideration.
Web site satisfaction and purchase intentions
Authors: Ranaweera Chatura , Bansal Harvir , McDougall Gordon 
Published: August 2008

PurposeA main focus in recent online consumer research has been on context specific trust, risk, and online buying experience. Despite the importance, their individual level “equivalents” – trust disposition, risk aversion, and technology readiness – have received limited attention. This research attempts to fill that gap by focussing on these crucial personality traits.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a survey‐based method to test a theoretically grounded set of hypotheses. The measurement model is tested using SEM and the hypotheses are tested using regression techniques.FindingsThe personality characteristics are found to have significant moderating effects on online purchase intentions. Interestingly, provided the consumers are satisfied, risk aversion is found to increase the likelihood of purchase. Moreover, while technology readiness increases the likelihood of online purchase, dispositional trust is found not to have a similar effect.Research limitations/implicationsSignificant full and quasi moderator effects of three hitherto untested personality traits on online purchase behaviour are found. Results show that risk aversion, trust disposition, and technology readiness are fundamental to online consumer behaviour literature.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that to be successful, relatively unknown web‐based service providers need to go beyond matching their large competitor and need to offer unique web sites to browsers. Results also indicate that personality traits pose both significant challenges as well as unexpected opportunities to online service providers in identifying inherently more loyal customers.Originality/valueThe paper identifies a set of hither to untested personality traits that have fundamental relevance to online consumer behaviour. It also offers practical recommendations to relatively unknown online service providers on how to compete with their better known competitors. Results are generalisable to online service providers in a number of industries.
Customer satisfaction and service quality measurement in Indian call centres
Authors: Jaiswal Anand Kumar 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine customer satisfaction and service quality measurement practices followed in call centres.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses qualitative methodology involving in‐depth interviews. The respondents were senior managers belonging to quality or operation divisions in four large call centres in India.FindingsIt is found that service quality management in call centres disregards customers. The study suggests that call centre managers overly depend on operational measures. Customer orientation in assessing service performance is either low or absent in most call centres.Research limitations/implicationsSince the study has used qualitative methodology, observations and findings need to be validated with empirical data.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that call centres need to develop systematic and comprehensive measurement of perceived service quality in order to provide superior call centre experience to their customers.Originality/valueThe paper is the first systematic study that examines customer satisfaction and service quality measurement practices in call centres in India, a country which has emerged as a leading player in the global business process outsourcing industry.
Conjugate forced convection flow past a circular cylinder with internal heat generation in a porous medium
Authors: Abd Kadir Nur F. , Rees D.A.S. , Pop Ioan 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe aim is to determine the effect of different conductivity ratios on forced convection past a circular cylinder embedded in a porous medium, where the solid cylinder forms a uniform heat source.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ an unsteady finite difference method to obtain the resulting steady‐state solutions. Interface conditions are applied using the fictitious point method.FindingsIt is found that, the thermal field within the cylinder and in the external porous region depend strongly on the ratio of the respective conductivities. In the extreme cases the cylinder acts either as one with a uniform temperature (high‐cylinder conductivity) or with a uniform heat flux (low‐cylinder conductivity).Research limitations/implicationsConductivity ratios in the range 0.1≤γ≤100 and Péclet numbers in the range, 1≤Pe≤1,000 were taken.Originality/valueForced convection studies usually focus on cases where the solid phase has a prescribed temperature or heat flux. The present paper employs a uniform heat generation within the cylinder to determine how the therrmal field depends on the Péclet number and the conductivity ratio.
Optimally efficient multigrid algorithms for incompressible Euler equations
Authors: Mohamed S.A. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to achieve textbook multigrid efficiency for some flow problems.Design/methodology/approachThe steady incompressible Euler equations are decoupled into elliptic and hyperbolic subsystems. Numerous classical FAS‐MG algorithms are implemented and tested for convergence. A full multigrid algorithm that costs less than 10 work units (WUs) is sufficient to reduce the algebraic error below the discretization error. A new algorithm “NUVMGP” is introduced. A two‐step iterative procedure is adopted. First, given the pressure gradient, the convection equations are solved on the computational grid for the velocity components by performing one Gauss‐Seidel iteration ordered in the flow direction. second, a linear multigrid (MG) cycle for Poisson's equation is performed to update pressure values.FindingsIt is found that algorithm “NUVMGP‐FMG” requires less than 6 WU to attain the target solution. The convergence rates are independent on both the mesh size and the approximation order.Research limitations/implicationsLexicographic Gauss‐Seidel using downstream ordering is a good solver for the advection terms and provides excellent smoothing rates for relaxation. But it is complicated to maintain downstream ordering in case the flow directions change with location.Originality/valueAlthough the scope of this work is limited to rectangular domains, finite difference schemes, and incompressible Euler equation, the same approaches can be extended for other flow problems. However, such relatively simple problems may provide deep understanding of the ideal convergence behavior of MG and accumulate experience to detect unacceptable performance and regain the optimal one.
On quality in education
Authors: Doherty Geoffrey D. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss some key aspects of quality in education in the light of over 30 years practical experience of doing quality assurance (QA).Design/methodology/approachReflection on three concepts, which are still the subject of debate, namely: “quality”; “total quality management (TQM)”; and “autonomy”.FindingsAs this is not a research paper, it presents no findings. There are some research implications, if only to deter researchers from digging up old ground. More research into the diversity of and interactions between cultures in academia might prove useful.Practical implicationsThere are lessons to be learnt from the past. Doing quality improves quality. Talking about it or trying to impose it does not. Managers and leaders need to reflect more carefully than is their wont on the purposes and procedures of QA in education.Originality/valueThis paper makes a contribution to the debate about quality in education in universities and schools and suggests that a clearer understanding across the education system of the scope and purpose of QA, the nature of TQM and the limitations of autonomy might lead to better embedded and more effective continuous improvement.
Accreditation outcomes, quality of and access to university education in Nigeria
Authors: Alani R.A. , Ilusanya Gboyega 
Published: August 2008

PurposeIn response to the challenges of enhancing quality, the agency of government which is responsible for coordinating university education in Nigeria, the National Universities Commission, evolved a system of academic programme accreditation in 1991 to ensure conformity with minimum standards and to promote quality. The purpose of this paper is to examine the outcomes of some of those accreditation exercises and how they have influenced the quality of and access to university education.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses secondary source data from accreditation reports of 1999, mop up exercises and accreditation re‐visitation of 2000‐2005 and that of November 2005.FindingsThe mean percentage of programmes with full accreditation status was found to have increased from 12.6 in 1999 to 48.5 in 2005, that of programmes which got interim accreditation decreased from 72.66 in 1999 to 48.30 in 2005, while the one for programmes which were denied accreditation decreased from 17.9 in 1999 to 9.5 in 2005. Federal universities had more programmes with full accreditation and less programmes with denied accreditation status. State universities had less number of programmes with full accreditation and higher number with denied accreditation status. Generally, the results showed that accreditation status of most academic programmes improved in subsequent accreditation exercises, meaning that the deficiencies noticed were remedied. The programmes that were denied accreditation caused a reduction in the number of vacancies for student admission.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses on federal and state universities only. Private universities are excluded.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that the universities in Nigeria should be closely monitored for their academic programmes to scale the accreditation hurdle.Originality/valueThe paper shows that accreditation of academic programmes helps to improve the quality of university education.
Australian fine art as an alternative investment
Authors: Worthington Andrew C. , Higgs Helen 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the investment characteristics of works by leading Australian artists.Design/methodology/approachAbout 35,805 paintings by 45 leading Australian artists sold at auction are used to construct individual hedonic price indices. The attributes included in each artist's hedonic regression model include the size and medium of the painting and the auction house and year sold.FindingsThe indexes show that average annual returns across all artists range between 4 and 15 per cent with a mean of 8 per cent, with the highest returns for works by Brett Whiteley, Jeffrey Smart, Cecil Brack and Margaret Olley. Risk‐adjusted returns are generally lower, with reward‐to‐volatility and reward‐to‐variability ratios averaging 1.5 and 5.8 per cent, respectively. The portfolio βs for individual artistic works average 0.41. The willingness‐to‐pay for perceived attributes in the artwork show that works executed in oils and gouache, and those auctioned by Deutscher‐Menzies, Sotheby's and Christies are generally associated with higher prices.Research limitations/implicationsThe returns on a buy‐and‐hold strategy in the Australian art market are at least comparable to the Australian stock market. While total risk is greater, the very low market risk found in almost all artistic portfolios is suggestive of the possible benefits of portfolio diversification through art investment. Moreover, a number of artist's works offer very superior market and non‐market risk‐adjusted performance.Originality/valueThis is the first Australian study to construct measures of risk, return, β and Sharpe and Treynor ratios for individual Australian artists.
Examining conflict‐handling approaches by Chinese top management teams in IT firms
Authors: Ping Fu Ping , Huang Yan Xue , Li Yongjuan , Wang Erping , Peng Siqing 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore answers to two research questions: what types of conflicts do top management team (TMT) members in Chinese firms deal with; and what approaches do they take to handle them?Design/methodology/approachInterview data were collected from 52 TMT members in 16 Chinese entrepreneurial high tech firms, and were transcribed, coded and analyzed according to Thomas's typology of conflict handling approaches.FindingsResults show that conflicts in those TMTs were mostly task‐related and integration/ collaboration was the most frequently used approach to handle conflicts, in contrast to the findings of previous studies with Chinese managers that reported avoidance to be most preferred. It was found that the most preferred approach used in the team also relates to the leadership style of the team leader.Research limitations/implicationsMethodologically, the paper did not apply any quantitative approach to triangulate the findings for greater reliability nor did it propose predictors of any type of conflict‐handling approach. Also, analyses were done at the individual level. However, the results add to the conflict‐resolution literature, and provide insights on conflict resolution processes in Chinese TMTs, which, in turn, will help to understand better Chinese TMT processes.Practical implicationsThe results provide very practical guidance to TMTs and help generalize the theories that have been developed based on Western practices.Originality/valueThe study is first of its kind to examine conflict type and conflict handling approaches; and in Chinese high tech firms. It offers some interesting insights to the topic.
The role of ideology in mediated disputes at work: a justice perspective
Authors: Goldman Barry M. , Cropanzano Russell , Stein Jordan H. , Shapiro Debra L. , Thatcher Sherry , Ko Jaewon 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the causes, impact, and resolution of ideological conflicts in the workplace. By integrating research on organizational justice, the paper aims to argue that ideological discord is engendered though the interaction of distributive, procedural, and interactional (un)fairness.Design/methodology/approachUsing a longitudinal field study, the ideas were tested with a sample of 77 claimants, undergoing mediation through the USA. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).FindingsThe results were generally supportive of all predictions, suggesting that, though injustice may cause troublesome ideological conflicts, fair dispute resolution interventions can provide a remedy.Originality/valueThe research documented in this paper is particularly important because it suggests that justice can be restored through the intervention of a neutral mediator.
Export behavior in MNC suppliers networks: the Spanish automotive industry case
Authors: María Cubillo‐Pinilla José 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the transference of managerial skills from the multinational corporation (MNC) to local companies related to the exporting process. In particular, small‐ and medium‐sized companies.Design/methodology/approachA local productive system was selected, involved in the manufacturing of lighting systems for automobiles (main and auxiliary headlamps and rear lighting), and made up of small‐ and medium‐sized companies led by a single MNC which contracts out to the local industry. The analysis includes both suppliers to the multinational as well as non‐suppliers.FindingsThis paper shows that the existence of knowledge transfer of intangible resources and the existence of organizational learning are associated with the nature of the vertical network in a system of suppliers, and a horizontal network with an industrial agglomeration. The volume of knowledge transferred depends on the quality of the channels of communication which exist within the network, the geographical proximity, the frequency of exchange of ideas in the network, and the spatial proximity, among others.Originality/valueThis paper identifies the key factors that influence the performance of the knowledge transfer into MNC supplier's networks.