bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competitive priorities for service providers: perspectives from Thailand
Authors: Phusavat Kongkiti , Kanchana Rapee 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine and describe competitive priorities for service providers in Thailand. This research responds to the need expressed by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) for understanding these priorities. This study is part of a planning session on future enhancement of its members' competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe survey, developed by Takala, was modified to gather feedback and opinions from top executives of ten service providers. These companies mainly provided technical services to customers. This survey consisted of six criteria or competitive priorities with a total of 31 dimensions. The analysis and computations were on both relative and global weights of the responses, derived from the analytical hierarchy process.FindingsQuality represented the most important competitive priority. Quality was given the highest weight of 36.4 percent, while service provision, customer‐focus, and know‐how were at 20.4, 12.9 and 12.5 percent, respectively. The remaining weights were 9.8 percent for costs, and 8.0 percent for flexibility.Practical implicationsThe awareness on competitive priorities was beneficial to the future organizational development of service providers in Thailand. These findings also helped reassure the FTI's current efforts on promoting quality among its members.Originality/valueThe knowledge on competitive priorities potentially helps companies formulate future strategies and action plans. It serves as feedback and a milestone for the FTI's effectiveness on promoting quality among the members in its service‐related clusters.
Information needs in the outsourcing lifecycle
Authors: Weimer Gero , Seuring Stefan 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify information needs in the outsourcing lifecycle, and to prioritize them according to their importance for governing and controlling the external provider.Design/methodology/approachA three‐round Delphi study was conducted, where 17 and 16 outsourcing experts answered, respectively.FindingsThe evaluation ranked “service reporting” as the number one information need for governing the external provider.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper aims to shed light on a so far little‐considered research field and to create the basis for deeper analysis. Future research activities should examine in further detail how to effectively design “service reporting” in theory and practice.Practical implicationsThis involves documentation of information needs in the outsourcing lifecycle which are the major prerequisite for making decisions to govern an outsourcing project.Originality/valueWhile there is a rapidly growing body of literature on outsourcing, there is hardly any account regarding what information needs have to be fulfilled in outsourcing projects along their lifecycle. This is the major contribution of the paper.
Hybrid analytical hierarchy process model for supplier selection
Authors: Sevkli Mehmet , Lenny Koh S.C. , Zaim Selim , Demirbag Mehmet , Tatoglu Ekrem 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a new approach called “analytical hierarchy process weighted fuzzy linear programming model (AHP‐FLP)” for supplier selection.Design/methodology/approachA hybrid method of supplier selection, AHP‐FLP is applied to a real industry case. The weights of the various criteria, taken as local weights from a given judgment matrix, are calculated using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) that are also considered as the weights of the fuzzy linear programming model. This new model is compared with the classical AHP method.FindingsThis study concluded that the AHP‐FLP method outperforms the AHP method for supplier selection with respect to restricted supplier selection criteria. Drawing on a real case, Supplier 1 was identified to be the best supplier through the AHP model under no restrictions, which contradicts the finding that Supplier 2 was selected as the best supplier by the AHP‐FLP model subject to constraints.Research limitations/implicationsMore research is definitely called for within the context of studying a more complex supply chain with multiple supply network and nodes. There is also a crucial need for investigating other hybrid methods to find the optimum supplier.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study indicate that the weights of supplier selection criteria calculated by the AHP‐FLP model are in line with the actual supplier selection decision of purchasing managers. Since the AHP‐FLP model is relatively more difficult to implement compared with the crisp AHP, its application will be more appropriate for high‐value components where stringent purchasing criteria are required. In contrast, AHP remains an appropriate approach for relatively lower value components (C class).Originality/valueThe novelty of this study lies in the application of a hybrid approach to a real industry case. This study has dealt with one of the most important subjects in supply chain management, providing a better decision for supplier selection using appropriate quantitative techniques.
Managing “keep” factors of office tenants to raise satisfaction and loyalty
Authors: Appel‐Meulenbroek Rianne 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to add to behavioural property literature and improve the landlord‐tenant relationship, through exploring the effect of office (location and building) “keep”, push and pull factors on satisfaction and loyalty of tenants.Design/methodology/approachStructured face‐to‐face interviews with 38 office tenants are used to identify the important push, pull and “keep” factors and their effects. The results are placed within marketing theories on competition and customer intimacy, and translated into management implications.FindingsThe analyses indicate that retaining a tenant requires more relationship efforts than competing through offering a good price/quality ratio. A lot of subjectivity is involved in the tenant's valuation process of “keep” factors, which are mostly functional. Push and pull factors are mostly technical, but can only raise satisfaction up to a certain level.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was confined to two multi‐tenant buildings with small tenants in one region. In the future, the approach should be extended to other regions and tenant types and repeated in time to get longitudinal results.Practical implicationsThe empirical results can assist landlords in managing their office buildings better. Landlords can also use the structured interviews as a customer‐relationship management instrument.Originality/valueThis paper gives more insight in “keep” factors and how they can help benefit the relationship between landlord and tenant(s). Also it places studies on tenants' choices and building factors within existing marketing theories on competition.
Collaboration to improve local business services
Authors: Rader Olsson Amy 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the effectiveness of collaborative dialogue to support small business development in small communities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a case study involving collaboration using both an interpersonal network structure and an inter‐organizational project structure.Findingsthe paper finds that collaboration mobilizes local resources to fill structural and relational gaps in the local institutional environment for SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThe research agenda for collaborative planning should include studying institutional factors that can hinder some actors such as small businesses from participating.Originality/valueThe paper provides practical experience of banks as community development actors, and identifies a potential conflict in normative collaboration theory between inclusiveness/diversity and a “higher level” institutional focus.
The affective underpinnings of psychological contract fulfilment
Authors: Guerrero Sylvie , Herrbach Olivier 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an empirical study of the link between psychological contract fulfilment and affective states at work. The paper argues that perceived organizational support is the key attitudinal intervening variable that arises from the cognitive assessment of the exchange relationship between employer and employee and is in turn related to the generation of affective states at work.Design/methodology/approachThe paper tests this assumption using a manager sample of 249 participants and a longitudinal design.FindingsPerceived organizational support mediates the relationship between psychological contract fulfilment and workplace affect.Research limitations/implicationsAffect was not measured in real time, but through self‐reports. Future research could study how and under what conditions psychological contract fulfilment generates perceived organizational support.Originality/valueOne of the few studies that have sought to research the affective dimension of the psychological contract.
Job‐demand for learning and job‐related learning
Authors: Loon Mark , Casimir Gian 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the research is to examine whether need for achievement moderates the relationship between job‐demand for learning and job‐related learning.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from 153 participants full‐time. The scales for job‐demand for learning and job‐related learning were developed for this research, whilst the scale for need for achievement was obtained from an external source. Hierarchical regression analysis was used in testing the hypothesized moderating effects.FindingsIt was found that need for achievement moderates the relationship between job‐demand for learning and job‐related learning. Specifically, although job‐demand for learning is correlated positively to job‐related learning for both the high and the low need for achievement groups, this correlation is stronger amongst the high group.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a cross‐sectional design in this study prohibits inferences being drawn regarding the causal relationships between job‐demand for learning, need for achievement and job‐related learning.Practical implicationsJob‐related learning can be facilitated through increasing the need for achievement by allowing employees to establish their own learning and performance goals rather than by imposing such goals on them. The redesign of jobs to create challenges for employees is an equally important practical consideration.Originality/valueThis research provides a succinct view of the relationship between an external factor, job‐demand for learning, and an internal motivator, need for achievement. It emphasizes the degree to which organizations can facilitate learning through design of challenging jobs, to the extent of the individuals' motivation.
Nano‐ and micro‐filled conducting adhesives for z‐axis interconnections: new direction for high‐speed, high‐density, organic microelectronics packaging
Authors: Das Rabindra N. , Egitto Frank D. , Markovich Voya R. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of epoxy‐based conducting adhesives in z‐axis interconnections.Design/methodology/approachA variety of conductive adhesives with particle sizes ranging from 80 nm to 15 μm were laminated into printed wiring board substrates. SEM and optical microscopy were used to investigate the micro‐structures, conducting mechanism and path. The mechanical strength of the various adhesives was characterized by 90° peel test and measurement of tensile strength. Reliability of the adhesives was ascertained by IR‐reflow, thermal cycling, pressure cooker test (PCT), and solder shock. Change in tensile strength of adhesives was within 10 percent after 1,000 cycles of deep thermal cycling (DTC) between −55 and 125°C.FindingsThe volume resistivity of copper, silver and low‐melting point (LMP) alloy based paste were 5 × 10−4, 5 × 10−5 and 2 × 10−5 Ω cm, respectively. Volume resistivity decreased with increasing curing temperature. Adhesives exhibited peel strength with Gould's JTC‐treated Cu as high as 2.75 lbs/in. for silver, and as low as 1.00 lb/in. for LMP alloy. Similarly, tensile strength for silver, copper and LMP alloy were 3,370, 2,056 and 600 ψ, respectively. There was no delamination for silver, copper and LMP alloy samples after 3X IR‐reflow, PCT, and solder shock. Among all, silver‐based adhesives showed the lowest volume resistivity and highest mechanical strength. It was found that with increasing curing temperature, the volume resistivity of the silver‐filled paste decreased due to sintering of metal particles.Research limitations/applicationsAs a case study, an example of silver‐filled conductive adhesives as a z‐axis interconnect construction for a flip‐chip plastic ball grid array package with a 150 μm die pad pitch is given.Originality/valueA high‐performance Z‐interconnect package can be provided which meets or exceeds JEDEC level requirements if specific materials, design, and manufacturing process requirements are met, resulting in an excellent package that can be used in single and multi‐chip applications. The processes and materials used to achieve smaller feature dimensions, satisfy stringent registration requirements, and achieve robust electrical interconnections are discussed.
The process and pastes for the via hole plugging of HDI PCBs
Authors: Suppa Manfred 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the materials and process considerations and solutions that enable the safe use of plugging pastes in high density interconnection (HDI) printed circuit boards (PCBs) designed to operate at higher temperatures.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces the concept of microvia plugging and the issues that are important in influencing HDI PCB reliability. Plugging pastes and their properties are discussed along with the various plugging processes that can be used. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of process are compared and contrasted.FindingsThe creation of via holes and the filling of these interconnection holes or buried vias and their subsequent copper plating is one of the key processes in HDI technology. In future, the importance of plugging will increase, particularly on account of the growing demand for copper plating and dimensional stability.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper highlights the importance of making the correct selection of materials and processing methodologies and details the implications of these choices.Originality/valueThe paper describes the different approaches that can be used for filling microvias and details the issues, advantages and disadvantages of the various approaches. The paper particularly focuses on the special demands on plugging pastes used in higher temperature range applications.
A review of liquid crystal display technologies, electronic interconnection and failure analysis
Authors: Smith C.A. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the chemistry of organic compounds with a liquid crystal phase and their application in flat panel electronic displays.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a review of liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. It provides an introduction to liquid crystals and LCDs, with an emphasis on their historical development, various LCD technologies employed, their electronic interconnection to driver circuitry and failure analysis.FindingsThe current world market for LCDs is being driven by flat panel television sales. As well as their use in television sets, they are to be found in aircraft cockpit instrumentation, computer monitors, mobile phones and digital cameras, all of which would not exist in their present form without liquid crystals.Originality/valueThe paper provides an introduction to LCDs for electronic engineers working in this area, who may be unfamiliar with the chemistry of liquid crystals, LCD technology, electronic interconnection and failure analysis.
Micro‐level determinants of poverty reduction in Sri Lanka: a multivariate approach
Authors: De Silva Indunil 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to construct a poverty profile for Sri Lanka, and examine the micro‐level determinants and correlates of poverty.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on the latest Sri Lanka Integrated Survey commissioned by the World Bank. The unconditional poverty profile was constructed using three different poverty measures (poverty headcount, average poverty gap and squared poverty gap), nested in the Foster‐Greer‐Thorbecke index. The conditional poverty profile was constructed on the basis of a multivariate analysis of poverty correlates. Partial correlates of poverty are computed using two comparable methodologies. First, a logistic regression was estimated, with the probability of a household being in poverty as the dependent variable and a set of economic and demographic variables as correlates. Second, the quantile regression approach was utilized to examine the correlates of per capita consumption at different points on the distribution.FindingsThe empirical findings are broadly encouraging. The estimation results show that the education of the household head, being salary employed and being engaged in business have a significant positive effect on the standard of living. The probability of being poor increases with the household size, household head being female, living in a rural area, and being a casual wage earner. These findings indicate the importance of a set of policies which are super pro‐poor, namely increasing school enrolment and achievement, effective family planning programs to reduce the birth rate and dependency load within households, and granting priorities for specific cohorts (children‐, elderly‐, rural‐ and female‐headed households) in targeted interventions.Originality/valueThis is the first study that examines the probable determinants and correlates of Sri Lankan poverty in a multivariate framework employing both logit and quantile regressions.
The effect of abortion costs on adoption in the USA
Authors: Medoff Marshall H. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically estimate the effect the costs of an abortion have on the supply of infants relinquished for adoption in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThis paper, using pooled time‐series cross‐section state data, over the years 1982, 1992, and 2000, empirically estimates an adoption supply equation based on the rational choice economic model of fertility.FindingsThe empirical results find that increases in the price of an abortion and the enforcement of a Parental Involvement Law decrease the number of infants available for adoption in a state. States that do not fund Medicaid abortions do not have higher rates of infant relinquishment.Research limitations/implicationsOne implication of the results in this paper is that to have an abortion or relinquish an infant for adoption are not considered to be substitutes by women with unwanted pregnancies and that for poor women with unwanted pregnancies either an abortion or raising an infant is preferable to relinquishing an infant for adoption. It would be of interest to see whether comparable results occur in other countries which have changed their abortion policies.Originality/valueIf the goal of society is to increase the number of adoptable infants, the conclusions reached in this paper suggest ways to accomplish this goal.
An empirical investigation of relationships between official development assistance (ODA) and human and educational development
Authors: Lin Moe Tun 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationship between official development assistance (ODA) and human and educational development in countries in Southeast Asia.Design/methodology/approachIn the study described here, empirical evidence was used to investigate the relationship between ODA provided between 1990 and 2004 and its impact on the human and educational development of countries in Southeast Asia.FindingsA review of efforts made over the past 15 years in providing developmental aid reveals that there still remain gaps in the human development dimensions – income, education, and health – within and between countries. Second, real gross domestic product and foreign direct investment have significant associations with human and educational development, while, at the aggregate level, ODA has a significant positive association only with human development. Third, ODA that is targeted to support socio‐economic development has a significant relationship with human development. Fourth, ODA allocated to unspecified levels of education, or post‐secondary education, shows a significant association with human development, while ODA provided for basic education, secondary education and post‐secondary education has a significant relationship with educational development.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on countries that have a medium level of human development, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Philippines, Laos and Vietnam.Practical implicationsThe findings and results are useful guidelines for major stakeholders, including donors and the governments of recipient countries, for designing aid systems and effectiveness.Originality/valueThis paper draws the attention of donors and the governments of recipients to the effectiveness of aid and its targets.
The determinants of banks' profits in Greece during the period of EU financial integration
Authors: Kosmidou Kyriaki 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the determinants of performance of Greek banks during the period of EU financial integration (1990‐2002).Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to use an unbalanced pooled time series dataset of 23 banks.FindingsHigh return on average assets (ROAA) was found to be associated with well‐capitalized banks and lower cost to income ratios. Size was positive in all cases but statistically significant only when the macroeconomic and financial structure variables entered the models. Turning to macroeconomics and financial structure, the growth of gross domestic product (GDP) has a significant and positive impact on ROAA, while inflation has a significant negative impact.Originality/valueThe paper's value lies in showing that money supply growth has no significant impact on profits, whereas the ratios banks' assets to GDP, stock market capitalization to banks assets and concentration are all statistical significant and negatively related to ROAA.