bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment of operational efficiencies in the UK retail sector
Authors: Yu Wantao , Ramanathan Ramakrishnan 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to assess performance of firms in the UK retail sector.Design/methodology/approachEconomic efficiencies of 41 retail companies working in the UK between 2000 and 2005 are examined in this study using three related methodologies: data envelopment analysis (DEA), Malmquist productivity index (MPI), a bootstrapped Tobit regression model. DEA is used to calculate technical and scale efficiencies of companies. Two outputs (turnover, profit before taxation) and three inputs (total assets, shareholders funds, and number of employees) are employed for the efficiency measurement. MPI is used to analyze the patterns of efficiency change over the six year period 2000‐2005. DEA efficiencies are then used to test important hypotheses on the impact of environmental variables, namely head office location, type of ownership, years of incorporation, legal form and retail characteristic, on the functioning of the UK retail sector using bootstrapped Tobit regression.FindingsDEA analysis has shown that only ten retail companies are considered as efficient under CRS assumption, and 16 firms under VRS assumption in 2005. MPI results have indicated that about 50 percent of retail companies have registered progress in terms of MPI during 2000 and 2005. Twenty out of 41 retail companies have adopted advanced and efficient retailing technologies during this period. Three environmental variables, namely the type of ownership, legal form and retail characteristic, have been found to play significant roles influencing retail efficiency using bootstrapped Tobit regression.Research limitations/implicationsData availability has limited the level of analysis in some parts of this study, especially in the bootstrapped Tobit regression.Originality/valueThis study seems to be the first in applying productivity analysis using DEA for the UK retail sector.
Analysing cost efficiency in Spanish retailers with a random frontier model
Authors: Pestana Barros Carlos , Sellers‐Rubio Ricardo 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to estimate the cost efficiency of supermarket chains in the Spanish retailing industry.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology applied is based on a random stochastic frontier model that enables separation of the covariates in the cost function into homogeneous and heterogeneous variables. The methodology is applied to panel data on a sample of 78 supermarket chains between 2001 and 2004.FindingsThe results reveal high levels of cost inefficiency in the Spanish retail sector. The results also reveal that the random frontier models better describe Spanish retailers than homogeneous frontier models.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalisation of the conclusions of the study to the whole sector should be made with caution, given the fact that only one of the players in the distribution channel has been analysed.Practical implicationsManagers should be aware of the importance that cost efficiency has for their own firms. Further, a common government retailing policy will be unable to reach all retailing companies, since heterogeneity exists.Originality/valueFor the first time, the cost efficiency of the intermediaries in the Spanish retailing sector is studied.
The influence of grey consumers' service quality perception on satisfaction and store loyalty behavior
Authors: Lu Yan , Seock Yoo‐Kyoung 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify grey consumers' perceived service quality at department stores and to examine the relationships between perceived service quality, their satisfaction and loyalty to those stores.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was developed to collect the data. Factor analysis was employed to identify dimensions of grey consumers' perceived service quality. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between grey consumers' perceived service quality at department stores and their satisfaction and loyalty behaviors at those stores.FindingsThree service quality dimensions were identified. The results showed that all three service quality dimensions in the study were significantly and positively related to their satisfaction at their favorite department stores and overall loyalty behavior to those stores. Among three service quality dimensions, personal interaction was the strongest predictor of both grey consumers' satisfaction and overall loyalty behavior. Personal interaction was identified as the most significant factor for promoting positive word of mouth and store image for repeat purchase intention.Practical implicationsWith this study, department stores' managers would be able to better understand grey consumers and thereby take advantage of the potential purchasing opportunities of this powerful consumer market. This study also may contribute to the department stores' management in allocating their resources to improve service in a more effective way to satisfy grey consumers.Originality/valueDespite the increasing purchasing potential this powerful market has created, grey consumers' shopping behavior is under‐researched and their needs are still unmet in the market place.
An empirical study of online shopping customer satisfaction in China: a holistic perspective
Authors: Liu Xia , He Mengqiao , Gao Fang , Xie Peihong 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify factors that may influence Chinese customers' online shopping satisfaction, including those which are ignored by prior studies, from the perspective of total online shopping experience.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors propose a model of the satisfaction process in the e‐commerce environment, identifying key constructs proposed by prior studies and developing hypotheses about which dimensions of online retailer constructs are significant predictors of online shopper satisfaction. The authors test the hypotheses through multiple regression analysis based on a survey of 1,001 online customers.FindingsThe analysis suggests that eight constructs – information quality, web site design, merchandise attributes, transaction capability, security/privacy, payment, delivery, and customer service – are strongly predictive of online shopping customer satisfaction, while the effect of response time is not significant.Research limitations/implicationsThis study does not control the differences across product categories; the use of self‐reported scales to measure both independent and dependent variables may imply the possibility of a common method bias for the results.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the study of online shopping customer satisfaction by: developing a model of the satisfaction process in the e‐commerce environment, and identifying factors that may influence Chinese customers' online shopping satisfaction including those which are ignored by prior studies.
The role of corporate branding in a market driving strategy
Authors: Tarnovskaya Veronika , Elg Ulf , Burt Steve 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between corporate branding and market driving. This is achieved by focusing on key dimensions of brand identity such as brand values and staff behaviours, while acknowledging the role of vision and organisational culture. The links between these brand constituents and the actual activities of the firm in a market are explored through interactions with stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThis research is based on an in‐depth case study of IKEA at a corporate level and its local market activities in Russia. The single‐case approach is used to generate insights into how corporate branding is related to market driving practices and to identify the mechanisms of market driving in the Russian market.FindingsThe corporate brand provides a further source of the “leap” in customer value recognised as a requirement for a market driving approach. Through a case study of IKEA in Russia it is shown that the core values of the brand guide both the behaviour and activities of internal stakeholders and the relationships with external stakeholders, and the interactions between the corporate “global” brand values and local market level activities are explored.Originality/valueThe paper provides insights on the role of a corporate brand as a driving force of market driving from a broad stakeholder perspective.
Implications of hospitality and tourism labour markets for talent management strategies
Authors: Baum Tom 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the managerial and developmental concept of talent management in the context of the specific characteristics of the weak labour market attributes of the hospitality and tourism sector in developed countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores these characteristics and analyses talent management scenarios within which businesses can operate, concluding that an inclusive and developmental approach, focusing on talent identification and acknowledgement, is probably the most effective within this sector.FindingsThis paper proposes a new interpretation of the concept of talent management in the context of hospitality and tourism that is both inclusive and developmental.Practical implicationsIt will be of value to practitioners in helping them to evaluate their recruitment, retention and development practices. It will also be of value to researchers in providing the basis for further study and reflection in this area.Originality/valueThis is the first paper of its kind to apply the concept of talent management to the specific labour market conditions which pertain in hospitality and tourism.
Education and talent management: implications for the hospitality industry
Authors: Barron Paul 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore one of the biggest issues and challenges now faced by hospitality education and the hospitality industry: that of how to attract and retain a critical group of talented people.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature highlights the key studies that have investigated the nature of hospitality employment amongst new recruits in the hospitality industry and reports on thoughts of soon to graduate hospitality students. The paper reviews the current state of employment issues in the hospitality industry. It discusses contemporary attitudes toward the generation undertaking hospitality education and making career decisions. This paper also considers the current generation's specific attitudes toward education and careers and the potential consequences this will have for the hospitality industry in the future.FindingsThe paper argues that educators require to be more fully aware of the consequences of reducing the practical and vocational nature of programmes and that adjustments to the management and administration of programmes are essential to allow students to complete programmes.Originality/valueThe paper creates the basis for a discussion on how best to handle these issues so that organizations within the hospitality industry can successfully recruit, select, train, retain and motivate future talent.
Where are we now? A review of management development issues in the hospitality and tourism sector
Authors: Watson Sandra 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the range of research that has been published in the field of hospitality management development and discuss the implications of findings for the field of talent management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a literature review into factors influencing and components of management development. It encompasses literature that addresses management learning, management development and career progression as these are seen to impact on talent management. Secondary research into articles published under the broad heading of “management development in the hospitality industry” in management, hospitality and tourism journals from 2000‐2007 was conducted. After this initial trawl the author themed these into categories to aid presentation and discussion of findings.FindingsThere are four key areas which emerge from this review. First, there is research which focuses on factors which influence management development; second, there is a focus on hospitality management skills and competencies; third, there is work on hospitality careers; and finally, there is work on hospitality management development practices.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the relationship between characteristics and approaches traditionally associated with management development to those that can now be seen to fall within the rubric of talent management. The paper concludes with the presentation of a framework to articulate key characteristics and influences on management development and talent management in the hospitality industry.
Talent management in hospitality: graduate career success and strategies
Authors: Scott Bernadette , Revis Sheetal 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a selective bibliographic review of developments in career management and in particular, notions of talent from both an organizational and hospitality graduate perspective. It also aims to embrace the recruitment, retention and progression of talent across an industry, where success is ultimately dependent on the capabilities of employees to deliver at the point of service.Design/methodology/approachA thematic analysis has been undertaken of selected bibliographies as they contribute to current thinking in the area of graduate careers and talent management in the hospitality industry.FindingsEmergent themes have provided a framework to aid a deeper understanding of implications and practical applications. It concludes the need for committed, professional, motivated and developed graduates in the attainment of immediate and long‐term objectives, so crucial for hospitality organizations, to combat retention issues.Practical implicationsInforms the potential of talent management as a driver of competitive advantage, within an industry where investment in people is a priority to ensure quality of service provision.Originality/valueThe paper provides an applied perspective on the management of talent within hospitality, highlighting the need for increased industry‐wide recognition and adoption.
Talent management, work‐life balance and retention strategies
Authors: Deery Margaret 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the literature relating to retention of good employees and the role that work‐life balance (WLB) issues have in an employee's decision to stay or leave an organisation. The paper begins with a brief overview of the seminal material in the more generic management literature and then tailors the discussion to the hospitality and tourism industry using literature from the hospitality and tourism journals.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an overview of the key employee turnover literature within the hospitality and tourism industry for those academics researching in this area, with specific attention given to the role of WLB issues in the turnover decision‐making process. The paper also provides a theoretical and practical framework for industry to develop strategies for reduced employee turnover, with a focus on the role that balancing work and family plays in these strategies.FindingsThe key findings emerging from this literature review focus on job attitudes such as job satisfaction and organisational commitment, personal attributes such as positive and negative affectivity, the role of WLB in employee turnover and, finally, the strategies provided to alleviate high turnover rates.Originality/valueRecommendations to management are presented for both government and organisational consideration. These recommendations include the need for legislation on maximum, as well as minimum working hours, good role models at the workplace, flexible working hours and arrangements, sound recruitment and training opportunities and company family friendly work policies.
Managing the talent management pipeline
Authors: D'Annunzio‐Green Norma 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore managers' views on the challenges and opportunities around the talent management (TM) pipeline in a range of hospitality and tourism organisations. The paper seeks to focus on drawing out key issues and suggesting practical actions arising from these.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws primarily on a number of in‐depth interviews with senior managers representing a wide range of sectors in the industry. Managers’ views are summarised and quotes used to illustrate key themes.FindingsEach stage of the TM pipeline is explored and the findings reveal a number of contextual, strategic and operational concerns around the implementation of TM policy and processes. Findings indicated clear commitment towards the value of TM, but revealed that some policy areas were felt to be underdeveloped. Approaches to TM were organisation specific, and driven by internal expertise and available resources. Organisations would fit and tailor their TM approach to their own context.Practical implicationsA number of practical implications emerge from this paper specifically relating to defining, attracting, retaining developing and transitioning talent.Originality/valueThe paper provides a senior management perspective on TM and allows the reader a unique insight into the complexities of managing talent in the hospitality and tourism sector, highlighting the issues that organisations are facing.
Talent management in hospitality and tourism in Scotland
Authors: Maxwell Gillian A. , MacLean Samantha 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the operational implications and strategic actions involved in talent management (TM) in Scotland.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a literature review and focus groups comprising members of the Board of the Scottish Tourism Forum.FindingsThis paper finds that, in an industry with generally high labour turnover and rather negative public image as an employer, TM – in attracting, developing and retaining people – has significant potential to contribute to changing approaches to managing people and to improving opinions on careers in this sector.Practical implicationsPractical implications are that: individual businesses adopt TM approaches that best suit their business, employees and customers; industry bodies and leaders present exemplary practice in TM; business strategies including TM initiatives are actively supported by senior and operational managers in organisations; and educators develop, in liaison with the industry, toolkits for the implementation and evaluation of TM initiatives.Originality/valueAny practitioner or academic interested in gaining insight into the practice and potential of TM, especially in the Scottish context, will find the paper valuable.
Talent management
Authors: Christensen Hughes Julia , Rog Evelina 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to clarify what is meant by talent management and why it is important (particularly with respect to its affect on employee recruitment, retention and engagement), as well as to identify factors that are critical to its effective implementation.Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on a review of the academic and popular talent management literatures.FindingsTalent management is an espoused and enacted commitment to implementing an integrated, strategic and technology enabled approach to human resource management (HRM). This commitment stems in part from the widely shared belief that human resources are the organization's primary source of competitive advantage; an essential asset that is becoming in increasingly short supply. The benefits of an effectively implemented talent management strategy include improved employee recruitment and retention rates, and enhanced employee engagement. These outcomes in turn have been associated with improved operational and financial performance. The external and internal drivers and restraints for talent management are many. Of particular importance is senior management understanding and commitment.Practical implicationsHospitality organizations interested in implementing a talent management strategy would be well advised to: define what is meant by talent management; ensure CEO commitment; align talent management with the strategic goals of the organization; establish talent assessment, data management and analysis systems; ensure clear line management accountability; and conduct an audit of all HRM practices in relation to evidence‐based best practices.Originality/valueThis article will be of value to anyone seeking to better understand talent management or to improve employee recruitment, retention and engagement.
Awareness and habit: important factors in physical activity in children
Authors: Kremers Stef P.J. , Dijkman Marieke A.M. , de Meij Judith S.B. , Jurg Merlin E. , Brug Johannes 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the extent to which Dutch children are aware of their own physical activity level, and to what extent children's physical activity is habitual. Special attention was paid to the potential moderating effect of “awareness” and “habit strength” on the association between psychosocial factors and exercise behaviour.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered on 419 Dutch children, aged eight to 13 years, with self‐administered questionnaires in which demographic variables, reported physical activity levels, psychosocial factors and levels of awareness and habit strength were assessed.FindingsChildren with high awareness of personal behaviour and high habit strength were reported to be more physically active. Furthermore, psychosocial factors were less associated with physical activity in children with low awareness of their personal physical activity levels and in children for whom physical activity was strongly habitual than in children with high awareness or with low habit strength concerning physical activity.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper uses self‐reports to measure physical activity, which gives less accurate information on physical activity behaviour than objective measures. Furthermore, the cross‐sectional nature of this study design precludes the authors from inferring causal relationships between psychosocial factors and physical activity behaviour.Practical implicationsFor promoting physical activity in children to be successful, it is important that education is first aimed at raising awareness levels. Besides, strengthening the habitual nature of physical activity in children might help to establish higher levels of physical activity.Originality/valueThe study indicates the importance of the concepts “awareness” and “habit strength” in physical activity behaviour. It offers useful information for designers of interventions to improve physical activity in children.