bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The change in corporate environmental strategies: a longitudinal empirical study
Authors: Yol Lee Su , Rhee Seung‐Kyu 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a research framework to explore the change in corporate environmental strategy based on the resource‐based view of the firm and institutionalization theory and to present empirical evidence that illustrates how environmental strategy has changed.Design/methodology/approachThe framework and propositions are examined by using a longitudinal empirical analysis using mail surveys conducted in South Korea in 2001 and 2004.FindingsThis paper shows that there is a trend in the change of environmental strategies, with companies shifting their environmental stance along the nonlinear and evolutive paths. In addition, top management attitude towards the environment and a firm's slack resources are found to be significantly related to environmental strategic change.Research limitations/implicationsThe research well reflects the changing social concern for environmental issues in Korea. This model can be applied to explain the change of corporate environmental strategy in other Asian countries, such as China and India. This paper has limitations, including a survey based on recall of the respondents and a relatively low response rate, which should be taken into consideration for further studies.Practical implicationsThis paper enables corporate managers and practitioners to better understand the trend in environmental strategic change and suggests that managers should first consider top management's commitment and slack resources when the change of environmental strategy is planned.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the knowledge in the research area where research efforts, both theoretical and empirical, dealing with environmental strategic change are beginning to emerge, and also provides the empirical evidences from a longitudinal analysis.
Why do some UK SMEs still find the implementation of a new product development process problematical?
Authors: Owens Jonathan D. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe long‐term survival of a business often hinges on its ability to successfully introduce new products into the marketplace. These new products and their successful development can be the lifeblood of a company. This paper aims to examine why product development delays occur in SMEs, the nature of these delays, and what can be done in order to avoid them.Design/methodology/approachThis research is exploratory in nature and provides empirical support to several propositions found in the innovation management literature on the development of new products.FindingsVarious reasons for delays in new product development are found, including poor definition of product requirements, technological uncertainties, senior management support, lack of resources, and poor project management. Major concerns raised included management and organisational style, lack of attention to detail, limited support for innovation, lack of strategic thinking, and poor manufacturing capabilities.Originality/valueThe consistent development and introduction of new products that customers value can be an important criterion for business growth and prosperity. Suggestions to help accelerate the NPD process in SMEs are presented, including active and visible senior management commitment, early involvement of functional groups, the introduction of new work methods, early market/technical testing, and effective new product organisations.
The role of human resource management in information systems development
Authors: Maguire Stuart , Redman Tom 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the inherent weaknesses in the approaches that most organizations use to develop and implement information systems. It examines the role of human resource management practices in information system development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports a case study of IS implementation in a major public sector organization. It draws on data from multiple sources.FindingsThe research finds that IS failure is often associated with a lack of attention to “softer” management practices such as culture change, organization development and user involvement. The findings of the case study research suggest that HR has a key but neglected potential role to play in successful IS implementation, particularly in relation to the change management process.Originality/valueThere is a research gap in the literature on the role of HR in information systems development.
Broadening participation – the future of resource discovery
Authors: White Grant 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis article seeks to describe the new service offered by Talis.Design/methodology/approachThe approach suggested in this article will not only promote the library and the value that it provides to the community as a whole, but suggests how it will increase the efficiency of library staff.FindingsThe emergence of new and innovative sites such as Google and Amazon do not threaten many responsive and adaptable libraries. Instead, they validate much that libraries have always done, bringing their expertise to the fore to a wider audience.Originality/valueThe article provides a view and explanation of Talis from the company itself illustrated with examples.
Reaction kinetics of toluene diisocynate and propanol by in situ FTIR
Authors: Gao Z.H. , Gu J.Y. , Bai X.D. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of the concentrations of isocyanate group and hydroxyl group and hydroxyl group species on the rate constants of isocyanate‐propanol reaction, and to reveal the kinetics of isocyanate‐hydroxyl reaction.Design/methodology/approachThe in situ FTIR technique was employed to measure the group concentration evolutions, by which the rate constants were determined. Besides, the FTIR was used to detect the OH absorbance shifts during reaction and the OH absorbance at different concentrations. The kinetic mechanism of isocyanate‐propanol reaction was discussed with the combination of rate constants and FTIR spectra.FindingsA new reaction mechanism, alcohol association mechanism, was proposed that could explain many phenomena. It was revealed that the rate constant was independent of the isocyanate concentration, while the concentration and species of hydroxyl groups had apparent effects on the rate constants. It was possible to calculate the number averaged degree of association of propanol with alcohol association mechanism.Research limitations/implicationsThe associated n‐propanol molecules that reacted with isocyanate to form urethane were the associated dimer and trimer predominately, while the iso‐propanol was the dimer.Practical implicationsThe kinetics of isocyanate‐hydroxyl reaction and the alcohol association mechanism will be helpful to understand the preparation and curing of polyurethane, and their controls.Originality/valueA new reaction mechanism, alcohol association mechanism, was proposed that could explain many phenomena that might not be interpreted by other mechanisms. The mechanism could be employed to calculate the number averaged degree of association of alcohols.
Edward Sherwood Mead (1874‐1956): a pioneer in finance education
Authors: McLean Paula A. , Brian Jones D.G. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeMead was one of the first university professors of Finance in North America. The purpose of this article ia to document his career at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania from 1900 to 1944.Design/methodology/approachThis research used traditional historical interpretation of rare archival documents, drew from the autobiography of Mead's more famous daughter, Margaret Mead, and includes an analysis of Mead's published work in Finance.FindingsThe findings are reported as an intellectual biography. The paper reports on Mead's life and career as a pioneer Finance scholar.Originality/valueThere has been almost nothing published about the history of the Finance discipline and nothing published about the contributions of Edward Sherwood Mead.
Theodore N. Beckman (1895‐1973): external manifestations of the man
Authors: Brian Jones D.G. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to describe the life and contributions to the marketing discipline of Theodore N. Beckman whose academic career at the Ohio State University spanned some 50 years.Design/methodology/approachThis research used traditional historical interpretation of rare archival documents, depth interviews of two of Beckman's former students, and analysis of Beckman's published work.FindingsThe findings are reported as an intellectual biography. The paper reports on Beckman's life and career as an eminent marketing scholar.Originality/valueLittle biographical research has been published in the marketing discipline and to date only a brief sketch of Beckman was published in the Journal of Marketing in 1965.
S. Ramani (1939‐present): India's information technology education pioneer
Authors: Subramanian Ramesh 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a biographical sketch of Srinivasan Ramani (1939‐present) whose career as India's pioneer IT researcher and IT educator has spanned over four decades.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and interviews with the subject.FindingsRamani has contributed significantly to the development of India's information technology with seminal work in IT networking, IT software and IT education. During his career Ramani has guided several doctoral graduates in computer science and information technology, many of whom have gone on to pursue distinguished careers in education, governmental policy and industry.Originality/valueThe paper gives an account of the historical circumstances that led to Ramani's gradual rise and traces the important milestones in India's information technology development.
The importance of power and ideology in communities of practice
Authors: Veenswijk Marcel , Chisalita Cristina M. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss some underdeveloped issues in Community of Practice theory and their practical implications for the study of the organization.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows that, in order to achieve this goal, first the blind spots are identified (such as power issues and the relation of the community with its environment) based on a literature review. Then, a case study is presented, carried out in a large Dutch organization (referred to as the Design Company), which designs and produces complex technology. The focus is on one community of practice (The User Interface Design Team) and the process of its development (internal and external) within a particular environment. The consequences of this development on the environment are examined. The methodology employed is mainly ethnographical observation and qualitative interviews.FindingsThe paper finds that the case study demonstrates the relevance of considering such concepts as power, conflict, and ideology in CoP theory. Enriched in this way, CoP theory can account for both the internal and external development of communities (in terms of empowerment), as well as the conditions that constitute a favorable context for such development. It can also explain how the bottom‐up process of change that was induced by the User Interface Design community takes place within the organizational life‐world.Originality/valueThe paper reveals that the insights provided by this research have the potential to enrich the body of knowledge surrounding CoP theory. The results of this research are considered to be useful for organizations that present similar conditions to the one presented in this case study.
Educating international hospitality students and managers: the role of culture
Authors: Charlesworth Zarina 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to present and discuss research findings on the relationship between culture and learning styles, as defined by Honey and Mumford, and the potential implications for both hospitality management education as well as for the training and career development of international hospitality managers.Design/methodology/approachPrimary research was undertaken at an institute of hospitality management in Switzerland to investigate whether a relationship between culture and learning style preference would be found. The research, carried out with a paired sample of hospitality management students (n=55) at a one‐and‐a‐half‐year interval, was quantitative in nature.FindingsThe data support a link between culture and preferred learning style at the outset of the students' higher education programme, which seems to become less marked over time showing a certain convergence amongst all the students in their preferred learning styles.Research limitations/implicationsAt this stage in the research the results are only available for one paired sample. From 2007 onwards, however, it is planned that bi‐annual sets of paired sample results will be available for several years to come.Practical implicationsAs management and career development take on increasing importance, on the job educators need to look not only to industry for guidance but also to educational institutions for advice on how to optimise their courses and the attainment of learning outcomes by their employees.Originality/valueThese findings have relevance for both hospitality educators as well as industry looking at how to best develop international managers at both junior as well as senior levels.
The influence of price fairness on customer satisfaction: an empirical test in the context of automobile purchases
Authors: Herrmann Andreas , Xia Lan , Monroe Kent B. , Huber Frank 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to link conceptually the concepts of price fairness and customer satisfaction and empirically demonstrate the influence of perceived price fairness on satisfaction judgments. Further, it seeks to examine specific factors that influence fairness perceptions including price perception and consumer vulnerability.Design/methodology/approachThe study is conducted in the context of automobile purchases in major German car dealerships. Based on a theoretical conceptualization of the constructs and an empirical pretest, 246 car buyers were surveyed and their fairness perceptions and satisfaction judgments with the car buying process measured.FindingsThe research shows that price perceptions directly influence satisfaction judgments as well as indirectly through perceptions of price fairness. Results also indicated that consumers' vulnerability, which is induced by a perceived demand‐supply relationship and the urgency of need from the consumers' side, had a negative effect on perceived price offer fairness.Research limitations/implicationsThe research demonstrated the influence of perceived price fairness on satisfaction judgments empirically. The study was conducted in the context of car purchases and the generalizability of the model should be further tested.Practical implicationsThe effect of consumer vulnerability implies that sellers should not only avoid exploiting their customers but should also anticipate consumers' potential feelings of being exploited. Being sensitive to the buyers’ psychological state and assuring buyers of fair treatment will enhance perceptions of price fairness without changing the price offer.Originality/valueBoth the direct and indirect effects of price perception on satisfaction judgment were examined in the paper. Specifically, the influences of consumer vulnerability and price procedure fairness on satisfaction judgments are new and contribute to the dual‐entitlement principle and our existing knowledge in price fairness.
Investors' behaviour in the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE)
Authors: Maditinos Dimitrios I. , Šević Željko , Theriou Nikolaos G. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the various methods and techniques used by Greek investors (both professional and individuals) when evaluating potential additions to their investment portfolios.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses both a questionnaire survey and a series of interviews to examine the practice of investment management in terms of stock market forecasting and stock valuation. The respondents consist of six different groups of investors, drawn from across Greece, namely: official members of the Athens Stock Exchange, mutual fund management companies, portfolio investment companies, listed companies, brokers and individual investors (ININ).FindingsThe results indicate that ININ rely more on newspapers/media and noise in the market when making their investment decisions, while professional investors rely more on fundamental and technical analysis and less on portfolio analysis. The investment horizon seems to have a direct association with the relative importance of the techniques that professionals use for stock analysis. Also, the use of specific techniques seems to have a different impact on the performance of professionals.Practical implicationsThe results highlight the practical methods and techniques used by various Greek investors when making their stock investment decisions as well as analysing the consequences of these methods on their performance.Originality/valueThis paper is the first study of the methods used by different classes of investor in the relatively underdeveloped capital market of Greece.
Using a Lean Six Sigma approach to drive innovation
Authors: Byrne George , Lubowe Dave , Blitz Amy 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis article describes the five‐year success of a lean Six Sigma approach to improving operations that is also a way of doing better things – innovating in products, services, markets and even a company's underlying business model.Design/methodology/approachConsultants from IBM's Operations Strategy group and from the Institute for Business Value analyzed the innovation records of several leading companies that have implemented operations strategies based on Lean Six Sigma management techniques.FindingsThey found that lean Six Sigma initiatives also led to product innovations, such as Caterpillar's phenomenally successful low‐emissions diesel engine, and also to redesigned processes, including a streamlined supply chain. After five years, by 2005, revenues at Caterpillar had grown by 80 percent.Research limitations/implicationsA case study of Caterpillar illustrates the points of the lean sigma six approach.Practical implicationsFor more than five years, industry leaders have used company‐wide lean Six Sigma programs to create an organizational climate in which innovation becomes instinctive, and, consequently, they have surfaced major innovation opportunities that have revitalized their businesses.Originality/valueIdentifies several distinguishing characteristics that set successful approaches apart from those with a traditional operational improvement mindset. Successful innovators have: an innovation vision based on factual customer and market insights; leadership committed to perpetual innovation; alignment across the extended enterprise; organizational capabilities that made innovation habitual.
Discovering new business models for knowledge intensive organizations
Authors: Sheehan Norman T. , Stabell Charles B. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeAssists senior managers with generating new business models by mapping the competitive space occupied by knowledge intensive organizations and outlining strategic positioning options.Design/methodology/approachProvides a conceptual paper based on studies of knowledge intensive organizations.FindingsBased on four strategic positioning characteristics, the authors identify three types of knowledge intensive organizations; diagnosis, search, and design shops. All knowledge intensive organizations are either pure types or combinations of these types.Practical implicationsWhile mapping the competitive space lets managers of knowledge intensive organizations pinpoint where they are relative to their rivals, strategy involves finding unique, profitable business models. To help managers detect potential opportunities, the paper outlines a full menu of competitive positioning options. Generating new business models in this manner should allow managers to enter existing, profitable niches or establish new, potentially profitable niches.Originality/valueFew studies delineate the competitive terrain occupied by knowledge intensive organizations and then outline competitive positioning options for knowledge intensive organizations.
Exploring the benefits and use of flexitime: similarities and differences
Authors: Haar Jarrod M. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the benefits of flexitime amongst users and non‐users, and determine what flexitime is used for by employees using a gender perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe study consisted of interviews of 30 employees of a New Zealand local‐government organisation, including 22 users and eight non‐users of flexitime. Social exchange theory was used to test the benefits of flexitime towards job attitudes and work‐family balance, while the socialisation perspective was used to explore flexitime usage divided into use by gender and parental status.FindingsEmployees were highly positive of flexitime, including the eight non‐users. Further, many positive comments were made regarding the important role that flexitime plays in allowing employees to balance their work and family commitments. Analysis showed that while there were no differences between males and females who had no dependants, there were major differences between parents. Mothers, exclusively used their flexitime to support their mothering role like attending school events, while fathers used flexitime for personal activities such as exercise.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this research is the small sample of employees interviewed. Implications are that flexitime is a very positive work‐family practice with universal appeal to all employees including non‐users. However, this may come at the expense of reinforcing gendered roles for working mothers and fathers. Future research is needed to determine whether the flexitime usage by gender is universal, and whether working parents see the reinforcing of gender roles as a negative.Originality/valueThis paper undertakes one of the few examinations of employee usage of flexitime by gender and parental status, and clearly provides insights that can aid the work‐family and gender literature. It also reinforces the value of a work‐family practice to users and non‐users alike.