bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using e‐procurement applications to achieve integration: what role does firm size play?
Authors: Pearcy Dawn H. , Giunipero Larry C. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to empirically investigate the role of firm size in the use of e‐procurement applications that vary in their ability to facilitate supply chain integration.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was drawn from members of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Purchasing professionals employed in 33 different industries completed a self‐administered questionnaire.FindingsA total of 128 useable surveys were received. The data revealed a significant relationship between firm size and e‐procurement application. Specifically, larger firms were more likely to use integrative types of e‐procurement.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited in that it excluded purchasing professionals employed in the service sector. In addition, it only focused on the relationship between a single variable and e‐procurement application.Practical implicationsThis research provides support for studies that suggest that firm size is related to IT use. In addition, it tests the framework developed in a previous research study conducted on supply chain IT. Finally, previous research has linked supply chain process integration with operational agility, lower costs, superior product/service design, and enhanced profitability. The findings of this research might prompt decision‐makers to ask themselves if their firms forgo such potential benefits when integrative forms of e‐procurement are not used.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the understanding of an emerging phenomenon by investigating firm size as an explanatory variable in the e‐procurement application decision. In addition, evidence is still lacking with regard to the prevalence of actual implementation of e‐procurement in firms. This study examines actual usage of 13 different e‐procurement applications across various industries. Finally, this research focuses on the use of e‐procurement in achieving integration. This is important to practitioners, as effective supply chain integration has been linked to enhanced business performance.
The impact of collaborative store ordering on shelf availability
Authors: Pramatari Katerina , Miliotis Panagiotis 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the store ordering and replenishment practices which appear to be the major cause behind the problem of out‐of‐stock situations. A collaborative store replenishment practice, enabled by an internet‐based platform is examined. By enabling information and knowledge sharing between retail store managers and suppliers' salesmen, this practice leads to increased order accuracy and, as a result, to fewer out‐of‐stock situations.Design/methodology/approachThe research presented in this paper has been empirical in nature, involving a field experiment with a major retailer and several suppliers in Greece. Pre‐ and post‐experiment measurements were conducted and the quantitative results were statistically analyzed in order to assess the impact of collaborative store ordering on shelf availability. The quantitative measurements were repeated over several years, offering a longitudinal view on the experiment. Qualitative findings from the field experiment are also discussed.FindingsThe empirical results from the field experiment show a reduction in out‐of‐stock situations by more than 50 percent combined with no significant statistical variation in total observed inventory levels. Qualitative findings regarding the practical aspects of the process as well as organizational issues are also acquired.Originality/valueLow shelf availability and the respective sales loss is one of the major issues retailers and suppliers face today. This paper examines a new replenishment process, involving supplier‐retailer collaboration supported by daily information sharing of POS data and other information over an internet platform, which leads to increased shelf availability by addressing one of its major causes. Thus, the empirical results presented in the paper have important implications for practitioners. In addition, the paper contributes from a methodological perspective to the academic community, by describing the way the field experiment was conducted and the quantitative results were analyzed as a means to evaluate a new business practice and Internet‐based collaboration platform.
Into the drivers of innovation adoption
Authors: Brand Maryse J. , Huizingh Eelko K.R.E. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe two main objectives of this study are to systematically and formally test for differences in the impact of various determinants of e‐commerce adoption depending on the current level of e‐commerce, and to investigate the possible direct impact of the current level of adoption on the intention to further adopt.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is developed from the literature. The model is tested using survey data from 98 small and medium‐sized enterprises in The Netherlands.FindingsThe results indicate significantly smaller effects of both knowledge and satisfaction for companies at the advanced level of e‐commerce compared with companies at the basic level. The current adoption level has a highly significant positive direct effect on adoption intention. These findings imply that at the higher levels of adoption the classical adoption determinants have less effect and other less explored factors are more important.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first empirical studies to deal with multiple levels of innovation adoption. It is concluded that, when innovations can be adopted at various levels, the determinants of innovation adoption vary between different levels of adoption. This finding deserves further attention from researchers, consultants and policy makers.
Language mining
Authors: Dell'Era Claudio , Marchesi Alessio , Verganti Roberto , Zurlo Francesco 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe main objective of this article is to propose an interpretive model that attempts to decipher a product's values in terms of functionality, usability and meaning. This model can support companies in better integrating these values in their product offering and in defining the most adequate innovation strategies that they can adopt.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted an empirical analysis on more than 450 products from the Italian furniture industry. Moreover, using an interpretative model 50 product signs were mapped (materials, surfaces, colours, etc.) for each product. The obtained database was analyzed via the principal component analysis (PCA) statistical technique with the intent to identify dominant product languages. In fact, interpreting a product language as a set of product signs, the article describes an objective process able to identify dominant product languages as combinations of different product signs.FindingsThe interpretive model described in this article represents a first result in itself. In addition, by mapping the dynamics of dominant product languages, it has been demonstrated that they evolve differently in relation to several product typologies. In turn, the possibility of “brokering” dominant product languages from one product typology to another and from one industry to another has been verified.Practical implicationsFirst of all, this model can support companies in the identification of emerging trends and, consequently, allows them to develop product semantic forecasts. In addition, the analysis of dominant product languages over time can also allow a company to propose combinations of product signs typical of past periods. Finally, the identification of dominant product languages can also allow companies to analyze the state‐of‐the‐art of the industry and, consequently, identify different ways to propose innovation to the market.Originality/valueMost of conducted researches related to product languages have shown primarily a qualitative‐based approach, in which the observations are made by a restricted set of design experts on a subset of representative products. In contrast with the current literature in this research field, this article describes an objective process that is able to identify dominant product languages.
Management of innovation networks: a case study of different approaches
Authors: Ojasalo Jukka 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe literature includes a vast amount of research on both innovation and business networks; however, the empirical knowledge of their intersection – innovation networks and their management – is still scarce. This empirical study aims at increasing the knowledge of management of innovation networks by mapping characteristics of management approaches of two case companies. These companies operate in the software business and develop their products in inter‐organizational networks. Special attention is paid to differences in the management approaches between the case companies.Design/methodology/approachThe present empirical article is based on analysis of two case companies representing very different and contrasting approaches to management of innovation networks. The empirical study is conducted among SMEs in the software business.FindingsAs a result of the analysis, several aspects of management of innovation networks are identified and their nature explained. These aspects are: duration of the network; rewards from the network; fundamental meaning of the network; the nature of the networked organization; planning, control, and trust; and hierarchies, authority, and coordination. These aspects are powerful in mapping and explaining the characteristics of innovation network management.Originality/valueVarious management practices are suggested and discussed in the context of each of the identified aspects of innovation network management.
Images of new product success: a case study in search of local validity
Authors: Jan Kiewiet Derk , Achterkamp Marjolein C. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to measure new product success within a Dutch mailing company and to hypothesize that there exists no definition of new product success which is generally applicable, or valid in all circumstances. It seeks to opine that the best that can be achieved is a “local” definition: a definition valid only in a specific local context. In this article, a method is described on how to develop such a local measure.Design/methodology/approachTo prevent this framing bias, a multidimensional scaling approach is used, in which data collection and analysis have relevant new product success features as output instead of input.FindingsThe method was applied to a Dutch mailing company, and it was found that in this case only two dimensions of new product success were prevalent. These were ROI and customer acceptance. From this, it was inferred that local valid measures in this particular situation were only a subset of all measures of new product success mentioned in the literature. Originality/value – In summary, the method used could shed light on the difficulties that sometimes do arise when different parties are working together. As a consequence, not only researchers but also practitioners should become aware of the indefiniteness of the concept of new product success.
Online innovation: the case of open source software development
Authors: Vujovic Sladjana , Parm Ulhøi John 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the role of online networking during the innovation process, including its role(s) in communication, cooperation and coordination. The paper neither implicitly assumes that online computer‐based networking is a prerequisite for the innovation process nor denies the possibility that innovation can emerge and successfully survive without it. It merely presupposes that, in cases of innovation where information and communication technologies play a substantial role, non‐proprietarity may offer an interesting alternative to innovations based on proprietary knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThe paper borrows from the theory of communities‐of‐practice, which takes into account social relations, contacts, and the transfer and incorporation of knowledge. Open source innovation is not the exclusive preserve of computer nerds, but also has implications for existing software manufacturers. The paper therefore includes the case of IBM, a company which has successfully integrated this new and more open way of collaboration into its business model.FindingsThe paper concludes that online computer‐based innovation fundamentally challenges current ways of communicating, cooperating and coordinating during the innovation and product development process. Moreover, it challenges the traditional business model in that it forces the actors involved to shift the focus from the innovation itself to the identification of new supporting services higher up the value chain. Last, but not least, it blurs the boundary between development and use, since the developer remains the key user.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper addresses the implications for future research in the area.Practical implicationsThe paper addresses implications for practitioners directly involved in innovation and product development.Originality/valueThis paper develops a conceptual framework for understanding product development based on non‐proprietary knowledge, which cannot be adequately accounted for by traditional corporate innovation theory alone.
Mobile television: technological and regulatory issues
Authors: Curwen Peter , Whalley Jason 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse technological and regulatory issues arising from the introduction of TV services on mobile handsets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at the various technological solutions to the provision of mobile TV and records the progress to date of trials of these technologies. It also examines the regulatory framework in the EU and certain individual countries and analyses the effects of spectrum shortages.FindingsThe paper finds that the existence of competing, incompatible technologies, the constraints on the availability of suitable spectrum, the issue of what content to broadcast and the difficulties of persuading customers to pay for it are holding back the widespread dissemination of mobile TV, but only on a temporary basis.Originality/valueThis paper is the first detailed attempt to investigate this topic.
Fostering competition in Thailand's telecommunications sector
Authors: Xavier Patrick 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use “best practice” regulatory principles to derive proposals for fostering competition in Thailand's telecommunications market.Design/methodology/approachOn‐site research in Thailand was conducted, including interviews with a range of policy and regulatory agencies and telecommunications market participants.FindingsThe paper finds that Thailand's relatively late start in applying pro‐competitive regulation in the telecommunications sector presents an opportunity for installation of “regulatory leap‐frogging” measures proposed by the paper. The concession regime that prevails in Thailand is a major obstacle resulting in “gridlock” of Thailand's efforts to develop competition in the telecommunications sector. The Thai Constitution prohibits the regulator from directly regulating telecommunications companies operating on the basis of concessions that were in place prior to the adoption of the new telecommunications law. The paper examines this problem and points to a solution. Another major problem is the protracted absence of the National Broadcasting Commission that has been given joint responsibility (along with the National Telecommunications Commission) for spectrum management. Accordingly, pressing decisions regarding spectrum management cannot be made. The paper concludes that the two Commissions be merged (especially in the face of convergence). The paper finds that Thailand needs to develop and implement a national strategy for the development of communications infrastructure, including a collaborative approach to infrastructure development.Originality/valueThere are very few (if any) independent studies of policy and regulation of Thailand's telecommunications sector. More broadly, the paper indicates – by way of a case study – how “best practice” regulatory guidelines might be applied to enhance competition in developing countries.
Urban quality development and management
Authors: Lehmann Martin , Fryd Ole 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss the development and the structure of a new international master on the subject of urban quality development and management (UQDM), and explore the potential of the process and the outcome in serving as models adoptable by faculty at other universities.Design/methodology/approachThe study has been carried out as action research. Using innovation and user‐producer interaction as the framework, the authors present the development process; the structure, contents and methodology of the programme; and report on their research findings.FindingsUQDM is dependent on human resource development, institutionalised networks and confident exchange of knowledge, and must identify and incorporate multiple environmental, social, economic and cultural aspects. The authors find that at the core of innovative societies, an interlinkage exists between practice (business, civil society, governance) and theory (research, education). The case illustrates how a new curriculum takes time to develop and implement and how it relies on confidence and trust between partners, in this case cities and universities, before being able to plant the seed for a sustainable response to the needs of city administrations. University consortia may be particularly useful as providers of a broad framework and an enabling setting in which diffusion of innovation can occur.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a successful approach to developing new curricula. Basing itself on user‐producer interaction within the framework of innovation and innovation theory, the programme addresses urban quality through a multi‐disciplinary and inter‐institutional collaboration between city administrations and universities. Per se, the approach is easily replicable but will require time, effort and dedication by all involved, both during development and in later execution.Originality/valueThe paper reports on a new, unique programme and further places the development of the curriculum and the curriculum itself explicitly in the context of user‐producer interaction and with innovation as the framework. While this framework is widely used both descriptively and prescriptively in product development, it has seemingly yet to be applied extensively for other types of developments, including university educations.
Environmental worldview and concern of college students in the Philippines
Authors: Sia Su Glenn L. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeMost people profess to care for the environment, but there is considerable diversity on what people generally care for and the reasons for their concern. This study aims to understand college students' worldviews, attitudes, and perceptions and determine the factors affecting their environmental concern. The study aims to focus on college students, as they will be tomorrow's leaders and stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachCopies of a self‐administered questionnaire were distributed to selected public and private universities in the Philippines. The binomial logistic regression analysis determined the factors predicting the probability of the students' environmental concern.FindingsGender and environmental attitudes affect students' environmental concern (p<0.05). Most of the students' expressed strong environmentally supportive views and beliefs.Originality/valueThe derived model confirmed that gender and environmental attitudes are significant factors to students' environmental concern.
Sustainability in higher education in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Beringer Almut , Wright Tarah , Malone Leslie 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose is to ascertain the state of sustainability in higher education (SHE) in Atlantic Canada (sustainability education/curriculum; research and scholarship; operations; faculty/staff development and rewards; community outreach and service; student opportunities; and institutional mission, structure and planning).Design/methodology/approachAll Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) member institutions in Atlantic Canada were sampled in 2005/2006 to examine sustainability performance. Data were collected using the sustainability assessment questionnaire (SAQ) and were triangulated with document, webpage, and additional survey research.FindingsThe majority of higher education institutions in Atlantic Canada are engaged in sustainable development work, most notably in the area of curriculum. Sustainability research and scholarship is spread amongst faculty and students; many institutions have inter‐ or multi‐disciplinary research structures to address sustainability questions across campus and in collaboration with community partners. Much unrealized potential remains within physical operations, faculty/staff development and rewards, and student opportunities. No single university emerges as the Atlantic Canadian SHE leader; Acadia University (Wolfville, Nova Scotia), St Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, Nova Scotia) and Mt Allison University (Sackville, New Brunswick) excel in a regional peers comparison.Research limitations/implicationsThe Atlantic Canada study commences a series of five regional SHE assessments in Canada.Practical implicationsThe study strengthens ongoing efforts for creative institutional solutions to reduce the ecological footprint of higher education institutions. It contributes to SHE knowledge transfer and capacity‐building.Originality/valueThe study is the first regional SHE performance assessment in Canada. It serves as a pilot study and strategic planning tool.
Novel Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Vector pUvBBAC for Use in Studies of the Functional Genomics of
Listeria
spp
Authors: Hain Torsten , Otten Sonja , von Both Ulrich , Chatterjee Som S. , Technow Ulrike , Billion André , Ghai Rohit , Mohamed Walid , Domann Eugen , Chakraborty Trinad 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT

Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vectors are important tools for microbial genome research. We constructed a novel BAC vector, pUvBBAC, for replication in both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial hosts. The pUvBBAC vector was used to generate a BAC library for the facultative intracellular pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
EGD-e. The library had insert sizes ranging from 68 to 178 kb. We identified two recombinant BACs from the
L. monocytogenes
pUvBBAC library that each contained the entire virulence gene cluster (vgc) of
L. monocytogenes
and transferred them to a nonpathogenic
Listeria innocua
strain. Recombinant
L. innocua
strains harboring pUvBBAC+vgc1 and pUvBBAC+vgc2 produced the vgc-specific listeriolysin (LLO) and actin assembly protein ActA and represent the first reported cloning of the vgc locus in its entirety. The use of the novel broad-host-range BAC vector pUvBBAC extends the versatility of this technology and provides a powerful platform for detailed functional genomics of gram-positive bacteria as well as its use in explorative functional metagenomics.