bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a customer satisfaction index model
Authors: Türkyılmaz Ali , Özkan Coşkun 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop and test a new customer satisfaction index model for Turkish mobile phone sector (TMPS).Design/methodology/approachBased on relevant literature and theoretical considerations on customer satisfaction, a new measurement model was developed. A survey based on the proposed model was conducted to 700 mobile phone users in Istanbul. Partial least squares method was employed to estimate the proposed structural equation model (SEM).FindingsThe general applicability of a SEM depends on the reliability and validity of the modeling results. The proposed satisfaction model exhibits strong explanatory power with its satisfactory reliability and validity results.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed model was tested for the TMPS. It should ideally be tested periodically for different sectors with more data, and the index results should be compared.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide very important information for the managers in formulating competitive marketing strategies. The results show the critical points where the limited resources of the firms should be allocated to improve satisfaction and loyalty. Independent and uniform measurement characteristics of the studied model provide a useful tool for tracking performance and systematic benchmarking over time. It also provides information about the weaknesses and strengths of the company from the eyes of its customers.Originality/valueThis study is an attempt to develop and implement a satisfaction model for the TMPS. The proposed model consists of well‐established theories and approaches in customer behavior.
Determinants of firm exit in Slovenian manufacturing
Authors: Bojnec Štefan , Xavier Ana 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper sets out to present the determinants of firm exit at the micro firm‐level of Slovenian manufacturing derived from the results of pooled and panel probit models.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical research is conducted on the basis of the Slovenian firm registry data which include virtually all the firms in manufacturing. This data set is complemented with sector level trade data to investigate import competition. A representative panel data set of Slovenian manufacturing firms is used to estimate pooled and panel probit models focusing on the effect of firm specific characteristics, domestic sector and import competition, and financial variables on firm exit. The results of the analysis are compared with research for other countries.FindingsThe econometric results show a consistently positive, highly significant effect of import competition offsetting the impact of domestic competition on firm exit. Firm's export orientation, capital intensity, innovation expenditures, firm profitability and sector's real sales growth reduce exit, while private ownership and lower firm cost efficiency increase it.Originality/valueThe uniqueness of this paper is twofold. It is one of the first empirical studies to conduct an in‐depth analysis of market dynamics and the determinants of firm exit at the firm level for transition countries, and the first one for Slovenia. The study applies a comprehensive research model to virtually all the Slovenian manufacturing firms and provides valuable insights into the relationship between firm exit and firm specific characteristics, competition and finance.
An investigation of hotel property renovation
Authors: Hassanien Ahmed 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an empirically‐based insight into the practice and perception of architects, interior designers and building contractors who make up the external parties involved in the hotel renovation process.Design/methodology/approachIn the paper a survey is used to elicit and represent existing practices as well as external parties' perceptions regarding renovation as a product development tool in the hotel industry.FindingsThe paper reports findings of a survey conducted with external parties' firms in Egypt on the challenges of renovation in the hotel industry.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that, from the interpretation of the data reflecting responses of the external parties' companies in Egypt, the analysis shows that “lack of money” and “limits by owners” are perceived by external companies to be the main obstacles to renovation in all hotel categories. Surprisingly, the training of the external parties did not include marketing and the majority were found to have a limited understanding of marketing concepts, such as new product development and innovation. All the external parties referred most frequently to their design being for “the client”, meaning the hotelier, however, rather than the hotel customer.Originality/valueIn the paper, implications for both external parties and hoteliers are offered.
What location attributes are the most important for market value?
Authors: Kryvobokov Marko 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extract the location attributes, which are the most important for market value of real estate in countries with well‐developed markets.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper meta‐analysis is applied for extraction of location attributes and the weights of their importance. The outcomes of existing regression models created in different countries mainly with a developed real estate market are used. A total of 81 models described in 39 sources are analysed.FindingsThe paper finds that the lists of statistically significant location attributes, which influence market value, are obtained for different real estate types. The weights of attributes' relative influence are compared, where possible.Research limitations/implicationsIn the paper meta‐analysis is also applied for a limited number of empirical studies. However, for land and residential real estate the number of sources is sufficient to make a substantiated conclusion. The application of the outlined location attributes is a subject for future research.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that the lists of important location attributes can be used for practical specification of the valuation models for urban land and other real estate in countries where the market is underdeveloped, to increase the degree of objectivity and market orientation.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the few studies which synthesize the findings of existing regression models with respect to location attributes generally. The method of weights' estimation is original. The result of the paper has practical value for real estate valuation in countries with an underdeveloped market.
Assessing sustainability in the existing commercial property stock
Authors: Ellison Louise , Sayce Sarah 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to set out a series of criteria through which the sustainability of commercial property can be assessed. It is part of a wider research project that addresses sustainability as a set of investment risks and is seeking to specify these risks and incorporate them within commercial property investment appraisals.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on existing literature to establish a series of sustainability criteria and then uses focus groups and interviews with industry operators to establish the relevance and potential significance of each criteria to property investment worth.FindingsThe research is focused on the investment performance of commercial property. The findings in the paper are thus driven by a strong economic imperative and the criteria focus on factors within the control of the investor‐owner. The research also reflects the views of a small group of industry operators. However, it sets out a practical set of sustainability criteria, reviewed by industry experts, against which the performance of any commercial property can be assessed.Originality/valueThe paper provides a set of sustainability criteria that are relevant to the performance of property as an operational asset and an investment asset. This will enable market operators to begin to address sustainability within the commercial property stock from a market‐based perspective reflecting the economic imperative that drives the industry. The focus on the investment sector differentiates the work from studies that look at sustainability more broadly as a qualitative issue.
Digital libraries and development in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Kavulya Joseph M. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to review some of the critical information needs in Sub‐Saharan Africa and the challenges that face libraries in the region in establishing digital libraries as a way of overcoming the great information shortfall in the region.Design/methodology/approachA selective survey of relevant literature is carried out in the study with focus on the role of libraries and information in social development, sectoral information needs and the issues involved in the establishment of digital libraries.FindingsThe paper argues that lack of social development in Africa is exacerbated by lack of adequate information. The paper concludes that, through better information gathering, processing and especially by taking advantage of today's digital transfer of knowledge, countries in the Sub‐Saharan region can experience rapid economic, social and political development.Originality/valueThe paper concludes that digital libraries in the Sub‐Saharan region can be strategic gateways to the global information and a boost to development in the region. The goal of establishing digital libraries in the region can be achieved through measures such as adoption of modern information communication technologies, amassing relevant digital content, investing in digital skills for library staff and users, strategic partnerships between local institutions, and funding agencies and above all government‐backed strategy on digital libraries.
Awareness and use of digital resources in the libraries of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Authors: Asemi Asefeh , Riyahiniya Nosrat 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe survey aims to investigate the relationships between awareness and use of digital resources among students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive method has been used and users of the medical libraries and information centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences have been surveyed in the research. A total of 250 students were selected randomly as a sample. A structured questionnaire was designed for collecting data.FindingsThe results were that 70 percent of students were aware of digital resources, but only 69 percent of them have used them; 62 percent were aware of offline databases, whereas only about 19 percent used them through the Central Library LAN network. About 70 percent were aware of online databases, accessible via the Central Library web site, and about 53 percent of respondents have used them. A total of 64 percent were aware of the “CLBJ Database”, while over half of them made use of it. In total 87 percent of students felt that the available data resources met their information needs. Students had less use of offline databases, attributed to factors such as infrequent periodic orientation and lack of education on use of offline databases and fewer terminals connected to the server in the Central Library. Users are faced with problems like low speed connectivity and shortage of hardware facilities.Originality/valueWhen the user is aware of one resource, it will lead to more use of that resource. Isfahan University of Medical Sciences is aiming to develop new information centers and it needs to increase the extent of discovery of knowledge. On this base the paper has examined awareness, use and information retrieval of available digital resources and thus will be of benefit to others in a similar position.
A bibliometric study of literature on digital libraries
Authors: Singh Gian , Mittal Rekha , Ahmad Moin 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe study has been undertaken with the purpose of finding out the growth and characteristics of digital library literature.Design/methodology/approachOver 1,000 articles for the period 1998‐2004 were collected from LISA Plus and were analyzed to study authorship patterns, authors' productivity and prominent contributors, language‐wise and year‐wise distribution of articles, country‐wise distribution of journals, core journals in the subject area, and indexing term frequency.FindingsSome of the important findings are that most articles (61 percent) are single‐authored; author productivity is not in agreement with Lotka's Law, except in one case where number of articles is three; the maximum number of articles were published in 2003 with English being the most productive language; maximum articles were published in the journal D‐lib Magazine; distribution of articles nearly follows Bradford's Law; and USA ranked first for maximum number of journals.Originality/valueThe paper is relevant to those interested in bibliometrics and provides a comprehensive overview of authorship in the library and information science community.
Availability and accessibility of ICT in the rural communities of Nigeria
Authors: Kari Hudron K. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this work is to ascertain the information needs of the people of rural Nigeria, to identify the type of information channels available to them and to suggest ways of improving the provisions of information services to the inhabitants of rural communities.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted the descriptive survey research method with the questionnaire as the major instrument. Interviews and observation were also employed. The simple percentage method is used to present and analyse data with appropriate tables.FindingsThe empirical findings of the research are as follows: about 80 per cent of Nigerians live in rural areas and are predominantly poor farmers and fishermen, of whom about 90 per cent are illiterate in the Western sense. They lack basic information infrastructures such as internet, libraries and information centres, and electricity. The oral tradition is still prevalent and written communication remains elusive because a majority of the populace is still illiterate. Rural dwellers show positive response to the services of information agents such as agricultural extension workers, rural health workers, etc.Research limitations/implicationsThe study covers Bayelsa State which represents the Niger Delta region. Further study is needed on information policy in Nigeria as a whole.Practical implicationsElectronic media like radio and television are seen as sources of entertainment and often regarded as propaganda materials. Computers, libraries, and information centres are completely absent. The traditional library is not suitable for rural dwellers. Apart from printed materials, which are the stock‐in‐trade of orthodox libraries, rural libraries must include in their stock visual and audio materials.Originality/valueThe majority of rural dwellers in Nigeria do not have access to new information technology and are thus cut off from the global world. This work creates a greater awareness of the vacuum that exists in the rural areas concerning information communication technologies and will stimulate further discussion.
From holdings to access – and back
Authors: Baker David , Evans Wendy 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe aim of this article is to update the 1992 work done by David Baker with regard to the economic and management “balance” between the on‐site holding of journals and the remote delivery, on demand, of specific journal articles.Design/methodology/approachThe research for the article consists of a review of the literature since 1992, together with trends in library serials acquisitions and interviews with key library staff involved in document delivery.FindingsThe article reviews the original work undertaken at the University of East Anglia and its conclusions: charts and reflects on what happened between then and now; summarises and analyses the current position; considers present trends and existing research and development work; suggests future possible scenarios and proposes further studies and projects in the area. The article is concerned primarily with the UK Higher Education (UKHE) sector.Practical implicationsThe article will be useful in terms of planning future work on the economic aspects of library provision, and digital library development in particular.Originality/valueThe article presents a summary of key aspects of document delivery over the last 15 years and suggests major areas for future planning and development.
The rethinking resource‐sharing initiative: a new development in the USA
Authors: Wanner Gail , Beaubien Anne , Jeske Michelle 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to describe innovations in resource sharing in the US library community with an international perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe article provides a descriptive analysis.FindingsIt describes the reforms that need to be made in the form of a manifesto. It discusses interoperability, improving library visibility in internet search results and the GET‐IT button project with illustrated examples.Originality/valueThe authors are all key figures in the developments described. The article provides important insights into current thoughts on resource sharing in the USA.
Competing risks for reliability analysis using Cox's model
Authors: Elfaki F.A.M. , Bin Daud I. , Ibrahim N.A. , Abdullah M.Y. , Usman M. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeCox's model with Weibull distribution and Cox's with exponential distribution are the most important models in reliability analysis. This paper seeks to show that, with a large sample size based on expectation maximization (EM) algorithm, both models give similar results.Design/methodology/approachThe parameters of the models have been estimated by method of maximum likelihood based on EM algorithm. The objective of this analysis is to fit the modification of Cox's model with Weibull distribution and Cox's with exponential distribution, examine its performance and compare their results with Crowder et al.FindingsA simulation study indicates that the parametric Cox's model with Weibull distribution gives similar results to Cox's with exponential distribution, especially for a large sample size. Also, the modification of the two models showed better results compared with Crowder et al., especially for the second causes of failure.Originality/valueA modification of the two competing risk models has mostly been applied in failure time data and simulation data. The results of the simulation study indicate that the Weibull and exponential are suitable for Cox's model as they are easy to use and it can achieve even higher accuracy compared with other distribution models.
An investigation of global versus local online branding
Authors: Murphy Jamie , Scharl Arno 
Published: June 2007

PurposeDraws upon Hofstede's cultural values and Rogers' diffusion of innovations to investigate relationships between search engine popularity and a company's preference for global versus local online branding.Design/methodology/approachInvestigates the global versus local domain name selection strategies and web site popularity of multinational corporations based on their organizational characteristics and Hofstede's cultural values of their host countries.FindingsOrganizational size, industry and two cultural values – individualism and masculinity – relate to how companies adopt innovations, in this case selecting and promoting a global or local online identity. For their web presence, most Fortune Global 500 companies use the global.com domain rather than a local country domain. The results also suggest a virtual divide in online visibility, favoring.com companies over companies using country domains.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of this study include the lack of a longitudinal perspective and a possible Google bias – towards English content – in its proprietary PageRank metric. Future research could validate the results with other third‐party data and enrich the independent variables through automated web content analysis.Practical implicationsIn countries with strong cultural values of masculinity and collectivism, international business managers should consider paying homage to local domain names for web site and employee email addresses.Originality/valueExtending diffusion of innovations and cultural research to domain name selection and search engine popularity, this study underscores the importance of culture in international branding research.
Global brand communities across borders: the Warhammer case
Authors: Cova Bernard , Pace Stefano , Park David J. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe “brand community” concept believes that the meaning of the brand transcends national boundaries. However, such an assumption presents challenges arising out of several reasons including co‐existence of sub‐tribes within a given brand community that allocate different meanings to a particular brand. This plurality of meanings seems exacerbated for global brands where meanings are shaped by tremendously varying cultures. Aims to address the issues.Design/methodology/approachThis text relies on a comparative study of the meanings attributed to one particular global brand, Warhammer, by the members of its brand community in France and the USA.FindingsFindings highlight the elements of homogeneity and heterogeneity that reside in the cross‐border meanings of the brand. The authors also discuss the marketplace relevance arising out of this plurality that should be taken into account by global marketers.Originality/valueThe present text argues that community attached to a global brand constitutes a complex phenomenon, one that both integrates and ignores geographical considerations.
Revitalising suffering multinational brands: an empirical study
Authors: Andrews Melanie , Kim Daekwan 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis study explores factors influencing the revitalisation of a multinational brand that is perceived negatively by local consumers because of various reasons such as past poor quality or negative publicity.Design/methodology/approachThis study conceptualises brand revitalisation as a second order construct, arguing that brand revitalisation is comprised of improved brand image, brand associations, and brand attitudes. Innovative product improvements, warranty programs, third‐party appraisals, and advertising communications are hypothesised to play a role in revitalising multinational brands plagued by negative perceptions. In addition, the moderating effect of the management's local market knowledge is tested on several proposed relationships.FindingsAccording to the results, international brand revitalisation is positively influenced by innovative product improvements, warranty programs, and advertising communications.Practical implicationsWhile overall brand perceptions play an important role in influencing consumer decisions, understanding what improves the consumer's perception of multinational brands is of vital importance to marketers. The empirical results suggest that product innovations, warranty programs, third‐party appraisals, and advertising communications all help revitalise a firm's damaged brand in international markets. These findings offer multiple strategic implications to managers for their multinational brand revitalisation/management.Originality/valueThe value of this research lies in its goal to go beyond the general brand recovery guidelines suggested in the literature and to offer potential marketing strategies that could actually motivate the consumer to change his or her negative opinion about a multinational brand. This is one of the first empirical studies on multinational brand revitalisation.