bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positioning and repositioning FM
Authors: Chotipanich Sarich , Nutt Bev 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address a fundamental question that all facility directors and senior managers face. How should facility management support arrangements be positioned and repositioned to meet the needs and expectations of an organisation, its staff and customers, as priorities shift and business circumstances change?Design/methodology/approachCase studies were undertaken to investigate the precise nature and reasons for change to FM support arrangements, across a variety of organisational types and sectors. Data were collected through document searches, semi‐structured interviews, direct observations and supplementary questionnaires and follow‐up discussions. Field trials of this prototype framework were conducted to obtain expert opinions, comments, criticisms and suggestions for improvement, employing a methodology similar to that used in clinical trials for new medical procedures.FindingsThe main findings from the investigations cover the nature and purpose of change in FM and the key factors that were involved. A number of major opportunities for innovative developments in the facility management field were uncovered, together with five key areas for further research, through which to advance the role and remit of facility management generally.Originality/valueThe research here has produced a generic decision framework for positioning and repositioning FM support arrangements. This framework will enable facility managers to adopt a more secure approach for collecting essential information, identifying key issues and options, and should encourage a more rigorous and critical examination of alternative FM arrangements prior to implementation.
Involvement of key design participants in refurbishment design process
Authors: Shah Ali Azlan , Rahmat Ismail , Hassan Hasnanywati 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse the relationship between the degrees of involvement of key design participants in the decision‐making process of refurbishment projects on the design performance.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of a literature review of the published journals and textbooks along with a postal questionnaire with professional architects. In total 234 selected professional architects in Malaysia were involved in a postal questionnaire survey. A total of 82 questionnaires or 36 percent were identified as being fit to be used for the data analysis.FindingsThe degree of involvement of key participants are varied at all stages. Greater involvement of key participants is one of the ways to obtain more information on increased integration in the design process. Highest involvement of key design participants was found in the construction stage, which implies that more tasks need to be carried out in refurbishment projects. The involvement of an M&E engineer outside their normal domain in the design process could improve the design performance of refurbishment projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature review in the refurbishment design process was rather limited. Only limited study was carried out in specific areas owing to time and cost constraints.Practical implicationsThe paper helps the project manager identify skills and professions that are important in the refurbishment design process, which could improve the completeness and accuracy of design product before work is started on site. This would help to reduce unnecessary design changes during the construction stage. The scale of fees for payment of the architect's services in refurbishment projects needs to be amended so that the amount paid up to contract documentation stage would be reduced from 70 percent to a more reasonable figure.Originality/valueThe paper determines the types of designers that are critically required in refurbishment projects, in order to have a more effective design process and thereby improve the accuracy and completeness of refurbishment design before work is started on site.
Users' privacy preferences in open plan offices
Authors: Ding Suining 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore managers' and employees' opinions regarding privacy in open plan offices and also investigate the relationship between the perception of managers and employees on visual and acoustical privacy in order to provide better design solutions in an open plan office setting.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is a structured interview. The categorized data are analyzed with percentage of frequency distributions and Chi square analysis. A total of 42 subjects were interviewed and separated in two groups as managers and employees.FindingsIt was found that lack of privacy still exists as an unsolved negative aspect in open plan offices. Findings indicated that there is a strong desire for employees to change and control their physical working space when both visual and acoustical privacy is needed in an open plan office setting. Another finding is that there is a difference of opinion regarding visual privacy between managers and employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the paper is that the sample is small and all subjects' occupations are computer‐related. Future studies are needed to further investigate diverse subjects in a larger population. Any future research instrument would have to be different from a structured interview.Practical implicationsResearch findings provide valid recommendations to system furniture designers and manufacturers. System furniture design needs to be modular and easily changeable and adjustable for open plan offices.Originality/valueThe significant contribution of this research is that it provided valid data and makes a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge in open plan office design.
Determinants of the implementation of facility management in German communes
Authors: Kanning Uwe Peter , Vogler Sabrina , Bernhold Torben , Gellenbeck Klaus , Schlockermann Bernd 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper sets out to assess the extent of application of two important facets of facility management – building management and the principle of public‐private partnership (PPP).Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of a survey of German communes, the primary interest in this regard being the question of the determinants of this application. The theory of planned behaviour forms the theoretical basis of the investigation. A total of 282 mayors, 217 treasurers and 168 heads of real estate offices ultimately participated in the survey.FindingsProfessional building management, understood to be a package of facility management services during the building use phase, and in particular PPP, have so far only been realised in German communes to a very limited extent, despite consistently positive attitudes on the part of the decision‐makers. The investigation sheds light on the differential reasons: in the case of PPP, normative pressure for co‐operation between communes and business proves to be the most influential determinant, while in the case of building management subjectively perceived control is of greatest importance.Research limitations/implicationsThe results reflect just processes in communes, but they give an example of the usability of the theory of planned behaviour as the explanation of the FM‐implementation process.Practical implicationsThe results give ideas for pushing the FM‐implementation in communes.Originality/valueThere has been no previous research on this topic.
Understanding compulsive buying tendencies among young Australians
Authors: Phau Ian , Woo Charise 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate money attitudes and credit card usage, between compulsive and non‐compulsive buyers, of young Australians. It also serves to validate the money attitude scale (MAS) using an Australian sample.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a mall intercept method in a major shopping complex in Perth, Western Australia. A self‐administered questionnaire was distributed and recorded a response rate of 18 per cent.FindingsCompulsive buyers are more likely to perceive money as a source of power and prestige. They are also more frequent users of credit cards and are more likely to bargain hunt. There are no differences between compulsive and non‐compulsive buyers for the dimensions of time retention, distrust, and anxiety of the MAS.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has only captured young adult Australians and should not be generalized across other demographics and national consumers. Studies on compulsive behaviour of online shopping and a comparison between fashion and non‐fashion related variables could also be explored.Practical implicationsFirms should consider using advertising campaigns that portray images of status and prestige in order to appeal to young adults. They could utilize aggressive in‐store promotion and selling techniques and highlight the discount or best buy slogans. For the credit card companies and banks, word‐of‐mouth through family and friends are better promotional tools to attract users. Marketers and policy makers are recommended to incorporate consumer education programs for young adults to build skills to counter financial problems.Originality/valueThis is the first Australian study that examined money attitudes, credit card usage and compulsive behaviour. Further the MAS scale is validated with the addition of the “bargain hunting” variable.
Anti‐social behaviour: profiling the lives behind road rage
Authors: Woodside Arch 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose that “social demarketing” campaigns need to recognize unique sub segments of individuals engaging in behaviours having substantial negative societal impacts.Design/methodology/approachVolume segmentation and extremely frequent behaviour theory is applied to examining several unique sub segments among survey data (n=6,393) of Americans not engaging and engaging in anti‐social behaviour (“giving‐the‐finger”) to other motorists while driving.FindingsLess than 2 percent of Americans are estimated to enact 40 percent of the total incidences of “giving‐the‐finger” to other motorists; three unique sub segments of the chronic anti‐social actors participate in different lifestyles (including media usage behaviours) and each has unique demographic profiles.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on two years of a national survey taken in one country and self‐reports only. The implications support the propositions of a general theory of extremely frequent consumption behaviour.Practical implicationsGovernment demarcating programs are likely to increase in effectiveness through tailoring a few strategies, rather than one, to influence unique segments of chronic anti‐social actors.Originality/valueThe paper provides individual‐level analysis of chronic anti‐social actors engaging in road‐rage related behaviours and compares them to one another as well as non‐equivalent comparison groups of actors not engaging in such behaviour; the paper describes the merits of experience frequency segmentation.
Consumer sentiment towards marketing in Bangladesh
Authors: Shahriar Ferdous Ahmed , Towfique Batul 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the overall attitudes of consumers in Bangladesh toward marketing. The paper also empirically tests for associations between consumer attitudes toward marketing, satisfaction with marketing mix and perception of government regulation in least developing countries (LDCs) using the structural equations modelling.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐stage cluster sample of 600 consumers was surveyed to measure consumer sentiment toward marketing in Bangladesh and to test the theoretical model. Data were analyzed using analysis of variances and structural equations modelling.FindingsThe study found Bangladeshi consumers are aggregately more unfavourable towards marketing practices in comparison to transitional countries and less unfavourable in comparison to developed ones. The marketing sentiment scale showed evidence of divergent, convergent and predictive validity. The results from the structural equation paths provided evidence that associations do exist between attitudes toward marketing, satisfaction and government regulation variables. The study also revealed that there were no significant differences in attitude towards government regulation with respect to various demographics variables.Research limitations/implicationsThis is the first such research carried out in an LDC, similar studies need to be carried out in other LDCs to validate the findings further.Practical implicationsIt gives an insight into the mind of the Bangladeshi consumers. It can be useful for marketers in designing effective marketing programs and positioning of existing and future products in LDCs.Originality/valueThis is the first measurement of consumer sentiment towards marketing in a LDC. In addition, the study empirically provides evidence for researchers and practitioners that significant associations do exist between consumer attitudes toward marketing, satisfaction and government regulation variables.
How customer requests may lead firms astray: conceptual issues and an empirical illustration
Authors: Sogn‐Grundvåg Geir , Grønhaug Kjell 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how responding positively to requests from customers may lead firms astray, a neglected topic in past research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilizes a single case, describing how a business enterprise responded positively to a request from a customer, leading to a substantial, yet, from an economic point of view, unsuccessful investment in new technology. Based on this case, relevant questions regarding the reasons for the failure are posed and analysed.FindingsFindings indicate that responding to customer requests is inherently difficult which can be explained partly by cognitive bias, misperceptions regarding the nature of adopting new technology, and inappropriate planning practices. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.Originality/valueThis paper aims to improve the understanding of why responding to customer requests may lead to failure. In addition, advice is offered regarding how firms can reduce the probability of the type of failures discussed here.
Contextual intelligence and flexibility: understanding today's marketing environment
Authors: Logman Marc 
Published: August 2008

PurposeMany planning approaches on strategic flexibility often focus on a product and/or market perspective. The purpose of this paper is to argue that today's changes demand a “contextual” marketing intelligence and planning approach. There may be a bigger difference between one person's actions in two different situations than between the actions of two people in the same situation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper's insights are based on a literature review and on insights from successful companies/brands (Google and Apple) dealing with today's changing business context.FindingsStrategic flexibility is decomposing a customer context and then making adjacency moves from some sub‐contexts to a new broader context. It is about “zooming in” and “zooming out” to new directions.Practical implicationsRecently, it is about the choice between operating in tailor made contexts (creating niches as a company) or operating in a more holistic context, in which new contextual moves are partly or fully determined by customers themselves.Originality/valueThis paper gives another perspective on strategic flexibility.
Perceptions of product placement practice across Australian and US practitioners
Authors: Craig‐Lees Margaret , Scott Jane , Wong Remiko 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine the perceptions of Australian product placement decision makers and to compare them to those of their US counterparts, as reported by Karrh, McKee and Pardun.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a differentiated replication of a US‐based study. Data were gathered by an online survey from product placement decision makers.FindingsThe findings reveal that many Australian practitioner attitudes and beliefs are more similar to those held by US practitioners in 1995 than in 2003. Similar to their US counterparts, Australian practitioners are disinclined to implement academic research findings into their decision making.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are limited in terms of the sample size and type (non‐probabilistic), the restrictions imposed through the conditions set by the replicated study, namely the non‐reporting of standard deviations resulting in the need to use pooled standard deviation to enable comparisons.Practical implicationsThis paper should be of interest to academic researchers and practitioners as it reports on practitioners' views and use of academic research and factors they use in making strategic placement decisions.Originality/valueThe Australian context is original. However, the value of the paper lies in the replication approach. A key issue in marketing research is the lack of replications and accurate comparison points; both are necessary if practitioners are to be confident when applying knowledge produced through academic research.
The role of school and university teachers as part‐time marketers
Authors: Cambra‐Fierro Jesús , Cambra‐Berdún Jesús 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse whether teachers can be described as part‐time marketers (PTM) and therefore their influence on the perception of their organisations' image.Design/methodology/approachIn order to identify perceptions of students and their parents, a series of focus groups (ten) were developed. The resultant data were analysed using the NVivo software.FindingsTeachers are identified as PTM within the educational context. Therefore, how students and their parents perceive their activity influences the image of quality of their educational institutions.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations relate to qualitative approaches. This paper considers only the Spanish context.Practical implicationsEducational institutions need to stimulate their teachers to show a positive image. Adequate strategies for selection, training and motivation are necessary.Originality/valueTeachers can be explicitly described as marketers. Implications are discussed at the end of the paper.
Why users (fail to) read computer usage policies
Authors: Bryan Foltz C. , Schwager Paul H. , Anderson John E. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to improve understanding of individuals' awareness and perceptions of computer usage policies (CUPs) and why individuals elect not to read these policies.Design/methodology/approachMBA students were asked to complete an online survey evaluating their behavioral intention to read CUPs, as well as their performance of this behavior. Factors contributing to the intention to read policies were also examined. The resulting data were analyzed with Smart PLS.FindingsResults suggest that three factors influence individual intention to read CUPs. These factors include attitude, apathy, and social trust. The model explained about 70 percent of individual intention to read CUPs and about 44 percent of the variability in actually reading these policies.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is limited to MBA students from a single university.Practical implicationsAlthough written policy statements are often considered the cornerstone of computer security, many individuals elect not to read these policies. Thus, other methods of communication must be used.Originality/valueThis paper examines the reasons individuals elect not to read CUPs. Given the importance of these policies as deterrents to information systems misuse and computer crime, understanding why individuals fail to read policies is a critical first step in enhancing user knowledge of computer security.
RFID‐based traceability in the supply chain
Authors: Lee Dongmyung , Park Jinwoo 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to propose a novel dynamic tracing task model to enhance the traceability range along the supply chain beyond simple distribution channels. It further extends the study by implementing the system architecture with the proposed data model to support the dynamic tracing task.Design/methodology/approachTypical processes of supply chain in manufacturing industries using bill of material data to extract and define information requirements are followed. The data elements are systematically selected and explained in the proposed model step by step.FindingsThis paper found that existing Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) data management scheme has to be modified so as to provide end‐to‐end traceability.Research limitations/implicationsValidation of the proposed model and system architecture should be done through actual implementation in industrial settings.Practical implicationsThe paper gives an insight to many system managers and executors in how full traceability along the supply chain can actually be realized.Originality/valueSeveral studies have discussed the traceability issues but failed to construct a system and methodologies to obtain the full traceability range. However, this paper contributes by presenting the specific methodological steps which can provide powerful solutions to build a system for traceability, exploiting RFID technology.
Effects of product design on assembly lines performances
Authors: Caputo Antonio C. , Pelagagge Pacifico M. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to assess the impact of product related features on the performances of assembly line manufacturing systems, also providing a specific Design for Manufacturing and Assembly rating index to assess the goodness of a product design solution with respect to assembly line performances.Design/methodology/approachA computer simulation‐based parametric analysis was carried out to assess the impact of four major product‐related parameters. 216 different assembly line balance problem instances were evaluated. Findings allowed to develop a DFMA rating index specific for assembly line manufacturing as well as design guidelines.FindingsAssembly sequence degrees of freedom and the ratio of the average task duration to the maximum duration are the most influencing parameters. While the former should be maximized, only a moderate task duration variability was found beneficial. The influence of other factors resulted less marked and changing on a case‐specific basis.Research limitations/implicationsComplex interactions between product design features and line performances prevent generalization. The performed numerical experimentation, although extensive, remains somewhat limited respect all possible practical situations. The proposed rating index should be utilized while maintaining an overall perspective about the mutual influence of all parameters. Some suggested guidelines imply a trade off with traditional DFMA guidelines.Practical implicationsProduct designers are given useful insights, tools and guidelines to develop better producible products. With the proposed ranking index a designer can easily rate his choices when selecting assembly tasks and sequences, as well as rank alternative product designs solutions.Originality/valueThe paper presents an original discussion about the impact of product design choices on assembly line performances. The developed DFMA rating index and guidelines are new.