bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The attitudes of e‐commerce channel members in the textile industry
Authors: Razzouk Nabil Y. , Seitz Victoria , Wu Gloria 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the research was to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of e‐markets as members of their value chain.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was developed and sent electronically to members of a textile industry e‐market.FindingsThe research showed that most of the companies participated in more than one e‐market. As indicated by the research, only 52 percent of respondents indicated that they had a positive experience with e‐markets, suggesting that there was room for improvement. However, 72 percent of respondents agreed that e‐markets increased business opportunities, 52 percent said it increased distribution channels, 60 percent noted it increased exposure of their company and 64 percent of members noted that they provided more transparent competition.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited to a small sample of textile e‐markets which may limit the generalizability of the results. Like all e‐commerce, e‐markets need to generate enough traffic so they can generate profit through revenue streams such as advertisement, memberships, transactions, and specific services.Practical implicationsTo have an effective e‐market site managers and marketers need to provide a critical mass of accurate up‐to‐date knowledgeable information. Moreover, e‐markets need to establish trust with prospective buyers and sellers. “Community message boards” are important because they provide members opportunities to exchange all kinds of information on the e‐market, thus building trust among each other.Originality/valueElectronic commerce has revolutionized the process of creating and distributing products and services. It is now asserted that electronic transactions can take place wherever there is access to the internet, a development that technically erases the geographic borders of traditional markets.
Customer cross‐selling model based on counter propagation network
Authors: Liu Chao‐hua , Cai Shu‐qin 
Published: April 2008

PurposeWith increasing market competition, enterprises have come to realize that it is easier to maximize profit by cross‐selling services to existing customers than to attract new customers. It can often be observed that consumers sequentially purchase multiple products and services from the same provider. Accordingly, this commonly observed situation offers huge opportunities for companies carrying multiple products and services to “cross‐sell” other products and services to their existing customer group. The purpose of this paper is to find out a convenient way to identify the customers with cross‐selling potential.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors investigate the customer demographic data, including age, income, gender and educational level, and study the relation between the variables and the customers' cross‐selling potential based on counter propagation network (CPN).FindingsThe authors set up a cross‐selling model successfully. After inputting age, gender, education level, and income into the input layer of the model, the model will show us which products the potential customers should buy in the output layer. This process can provide useful information for the enterprise to persuade the customers into buying the unpurchased products and provide the products to the right customer.Originality/valueIn this paper, the authors set up the cross‐selling model based on the CPN. The model can predict the customer cross‐selling potential successfully according to the customer demography data – age, income, gender, and educational level.
Applicability of autonomic computing to e‐government problems
Authors: Furlong Shauneen 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of preliminary analysis and research on the potential relevance and applicability of autonomic computing principles and practices to problems unique to e‐government.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines the applicability of autonomic computing principles to four main e‐government problems thought to be potential candidates for autonomic computing practices. These problems include issues related to interoperability, blending technology and processes, and outdated business models and systems development methodologies.FindingsThis paper concludes that based upon current research and autonomic computing practices, solutions to interoperability could become realized through the application of autonomic computing practices within the public sector.Practical implicationsAdditional research is required to determine how other e‐government problems could benefit from future research and innovative solutions potentially available from the examination of autonomic computing practices.Originality/valueProblems associated with the successful implementation of e‐government are significant around the world; if autonomic computing, or some form of enabled technology could advance progress, this would be of value to the democratization of e‐government, and its associated social and economic implications.
Towards an evaluation framework for eParticipation
Authors: Macintosh Ann , Whyte Angus 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to demonstrate the use of a range of perspectives and methods to evaluate eParticipation initiatives. It aims to argue that there is a need for coherent evaluation frameworks employing such perspectives and methods, the better to understand current eParticipation applications and learn from these experiences.Design/methodology/approachA case study of eParticipation evaluation for four local authority led projects from the “top down” stream of the UK Local e‐Democracy National Project is presented.FindingsApplying the eParticipation framework resulted in an assessment that was considered fair by participants. However, the framework needs further development. More consideration needs to be placed on how and when to use tools in which contexts, also, on how to combine tools to enable inclusive engagement. The evaluation timescale meant important aspects of the framework were downplayed.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed in two main areas; first, on the applicability of eParticipation tools to particular contexts, and second, to integrate fieldwork methods to assess social acceptance of eParticipation and represent the diversity of views obtained from citizens, community groups and other stakeholders.Practical implicationsThe paper describes the application of the framework, demonstrates the importance of a multi‐method approach, and outlines some barriers to using it.Originality/valueThe described framework is a basis for further development since eParticipation evaluation is in its infancy despite strong advocacy of evaluation in e‐government research and practice literature.
Addressing coordination problems in information intensive processes for public management innovation
Authors: Celino Adele , Concilio Grazia , Pontrandolfo Pierpaolo , Scozzi Barbara 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a methodological framework for assessing coordination in information intensive processes in a perspective of government innovation needs.Design/methodology/approachIn the literature on e‐government most of the assessment efforts challenge mere technological issues, completeness of supplied services, and number of users “attracted”; we describe a methodological framework for addressing coordination problems in information‐intensive processes, explore the potential effectiveness of the proposed approach within an e‐government system managing authoritative procedures in Natural Parks, and finally discuss strengths and limitations of the methodology.FindingsProvides the framework for testing the proposed methodology in developing land use permissions in natural parks.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed methodology considers that governmental procedure are well monitored and known with respect to information flows, individual tasks and performances. The applicability of the proposed methodology in government processes can present some limitations when dealing with complex and inter‐institutional procedures whose information flows and roles are not clearly identifiable. Moreover, the methodology is dedicated to sequential procedures.Practical implicationsAlthough other and in some cases more complex methodologies are available to assess coordination, the suggested methodology is easy to be applied and needs information that is not difficult to be acquired. It provides support to improve the analyzed process as it estimates the coordination load involved by different ways to implement it.Originality/valueThe paper approaches the e‐government assessment problem focusing on the opportunity for the organization to learn about itself and producing organizational innovation.
E‐government adoption in Europe at regional level
Authors: Williams  
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe aim of this investigation is to examine the level of adoption of e‐government at the regional level in Europe in terms of eight different categories addressing both services provided, internal capacity in terms of training and policies, and perceived barriers to e‐government.Design/methodology/approachA survey approach was employed to achieve the overall aim of the study, based on existing survey instruments and informed by the requirements of policy makers. A survey of 1,021 municipalities across seven European regions was conducted in order to ascertain the development of e‐government.FindingsThe findings suggest that despite e‐government being heavily promoted throughout the Europe, there is relatively little commonality across regions evident to date. The study identifies a number of areas for improvement within the eight categories investigated.Research limitations/implicationsThe desired minimum confidence level and confidence interval was not realised across all regions. It would be appropriate to conduct further investigations which include larger (non‐UK) administrative bodies in order that progress made by comparable organizations may be evaluated. Although the study includes results from municipalities in seven regions, it would be desirable to expand the scope of the investigation.Originality/valueThe primary value of this paper lies in the size of the sample derived at regional rather than national level, the resulting data extending our understanding of the adoption of information and communication technologies within municipalities at regional level in Europe.
Public sector information system critical success factors
Authors: Rosacker Kirsten M. , Olson David L. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeProject management literature contains an evolving body of research addressing critical success factors. The majority of these studies have focused on projects completed within private sector organizations or, in a few cases, a mix of public and private sector organizations. Given the distinct qualitative differences that exist between private and public sector entities, it would be naive to blindly apply the lessons learned from prior studies to public sector information technology (IT) project management. This paper seeks to investigate public sector information system critical success factors.Design/methodology/approachUsing a survey research methodology and the project implementation profile, this study empirically tests the critical success factors proposed and confirmed in the existing management literature as important to information system project implementation success within the context of public sector IT projects.FindingsThis research effort strongly suggests that significant differences exist between private and public sector IT projects with respect to critical success factors. Specifically, the application of critical success factors to project management within the unique public sector environment appears to be a reasonable course of action; however, the order of importance or dominance of each factor differs from that reported in prior research focusing on private sector efforts.Originality/valueThe findings of this study will serve as a useful and practical guide for both experienced and new state government information project managers as they seek to understand the key steps and processes that must be addressed throughout the life cycle of an IT implementation project.
The watch as cultural icon
Authors: Hall Dennis R. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo explore the evolution and function of the wristwatch as a contemporary cultural icon.Design/methodology/approachTo apply the concepts of iconography and of postmodern cultural theory to the general history of watches and to examine the meaning watches in contemporary culture.FindingsBecause the watch oscillates between use and signal values, the watch enjoys a distinct iconic status in contemporary American culture, evoking a host of often conflicting associations: those allied to work, productivity, enterprise and success, on the one hand, and those related to self‐indulgence, status luxury and excess, on the other hand. The development of cheap electronic movements ought to have spelled disaster for the watch both as a business and as a cultural icon, but beginning in the 1980s the watch aggressively fought back within the signal economy to represent a postmodern sense of the concept of time and culture.Research limitations/implicationsWrist watches have a much fuller history, technical and cultural, than reported here and many more metonymic associations than those considered in this paper.Practical implicationsConsidering the wrist watch, a common bit of material culture, as a cultural icon enables one better to consider and to appreciate the iconicity of common objects, as well as the iconicity of places and people.Originality/valueThis paper models a way of considering the meanings of things, applicable to the host of technological things that increasingly fill daily life: cell phones, PDAs, Blackberries, laptop computers, and the like.
Going where the Joneses go: understanding how others influence travel decision‐making
Authors: Currie Russell R. , Wesley Franz , Sutherland Paul 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine if an evoke set exists for pleasure travelers based on the past and future travel destinations of their peer groups.Design/methodology/approachResearchers distributed a questionnaire to university students enrolled in the same program. The literature review suggests four ways in which peers can influence individuals: not to travel influence, direct influence, indirect influence, and shared goal of future destination influence. Results from the respondents provide data for correlation analysis based on these four types of peer influence.FindingsThe findings support previous researchers demonstrating a strong influence of peer reference groups on service purchase decisions, specifically tourism destination choice. Given a relatively small sample population, all four types of peer reference found support in the data.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations are related to sample size and the homogeneity of the sample. Because, the respondents were in the same life stage, their peer groups were similar to all. Consequently, no comparative analysis specifically identifying peers and the degree of proximity at different stages of life was possible.Originality/valueVery few studies focus specifically on the nature of peer group influence on service purchase behavior, related specifically with travel destination decision‐making. By recognizing travel patterns of individuals and understanding the influences causing these patterns, tourism marketers and planners have a greater understanding of the mechanisms of peer influence in pleasure travel destination choice.
Facilitators and constraints in leisure travel participation: the case of the southeast of Portugal
Authors: Silva Oriana , Correia Antónia 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse facilitators and constraints of Portuguese south‐eastern residents face when making decisions for leisure travel participation.Design/methodology/approachThe inquiry anchors on a case study research, supported by a theoretical sampling and data triangulation. The main findings result from an interpretative and comparative analysis of 48 long interviews.FindingsThe research findings suggest that the main determinants of leisure traveling decisions of Portuguese south‐eastern residents are motivations, travel companion, time and money. The study finds 35 other factors, most of which classified as structural factors. It also suggests that the decision to take leisure travels derives from the tourist's causal historical wave, and that most of the factors which influence the decision are aggregate ones rather than individual.Research limitations/implicationsThe study limitations derive from the geographical and sampling scope of analysis, restricted to 48 Portuguese south‐eastern interviewees; but, it raises some interesting ideas which, if applied to a more extensive sample, may contribute to give insights of the usefulness of the ecological systems theory to explain tourist consumer behavior.Originality/valueThe study is the first to explore the decision for travel leisure participation from an ecological perspective in Portugal.
Classifying wine festival customers
Authors: Houghton Meg 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo provide a better understanding of the relationship between wine festivals, winery visitation and wineries in order to determine whether wine festivals are an effective promotional tool.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data identifying the characteristics of festival patrons was gathered from regional wine festivals in Australia, then compared with Hall's stratified, New Zealand wine tourist market segments to ascertain whether the “right type” of consumer is attracted to wine festivals.FindingsThe study concludes that wine festivals are successful promotional strategies that attract a diverse mix of consumers including the preferred consumer type, namely those with a high predilection to purchase wine.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in a wine growing area of south eastern Australia. Case studies of other regions would be of interest to determine the reliability of the findings.Originality/valuePrevious studies of wineries and events approach from a wine tourist's perspective. From a winery's perspective however, successful wine festivals are those that not only attract consumers wishing to trial and buy wine products but ultimately lead to ongoing brand recognition and loyalty. This study specifically considers the juxtaposition of wine festivals and their patrons and therefore the effectiveness of this promotional strategy.
Aesthetic labor, rocky horrors, and the 007 Dynamic
Authors: Quinn Bernie 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo ascertain if the use of attractive staff is common practice within the hospitality industry in Edinburgh.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach by a series of semi‐structured interviews. The researcher took an instinctive humanist approach to this study. A sample of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, bars and restaurants were included. The focus of the research developed from ascertaining if attractive staff were common place into one that, some organisations use more sophisticated techniques to have customers literally buy‐in to the goods and services on offer.FindingsOpen admission from respondents, that they use attractive staff. However, aesthetic labor is strongly supported by the use of emotional labor as the worker needs to have a certain empathy with the customer. Furthermore, the aesthetic worker is supported by the uniform, the environment in which the service encounter takes place and provides a performance in which the customer actively participates. The highly developed manner that the organisation induces the customer to perceive when in this environment lead the researcher to propose a 007 Dynamic that happens, as the customer takes on an almost “James Bond” like persona.Research limitations/implicationsA relatively small sample but is perhaps indicative of contemporary hospitality industry common practices.Practical implicationsHospitality management are using less highly “hard” skilled employees and focusing more on the “soft” skills of new workers.Originality/valueCustomers are susceptible to subliminal messaging from staff appearance, their empathy and environment.
Communities of disentrepreneurship
Authors: Honig Benson , Paul Dana Leo 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo examine communities that temporarily demonstrated successful social and economic success, but regressed, or may have cycled through periods marked by unusual success and unusual failure.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyse events in two communities that have experienced disentrepreneurship.FindingsThe authors attribute three main forces accountable for community disentrepreneurship: a failure in community leadership that allows the continuation of path dependent patron‐client relationships, peripheralisation resulting from both geographical and infrastructure constraints, and failure to adequately diversify the economic environment. It is believed that further study of communities that have experienced such cycles is both warranted, and essential.Practical implicationsA useful source of information for academics as well as for town planners, policy‐makers and economists.Originality/valueThis paper addresses a largely overlooked area of the landscape.
Entrepreneurial and market orientation relationship to performance
Authors: Todorovic Zelimir William , Ma Jun 
Published: April 2008

PurposeFirst, this paper aims to examine the role culture plays on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and market orientation (MO) and its consequent impact on firm organizational performance. Second, the nature of the EO‐MO correlation itself and its effect on organizational performance is considered.Design/methodology/approachReviews of literature in EO and MO serve as a foundation of the development of conceptual arguments. Utilizing Hofstede's data, five countries with the lowest GDP and five countries with the highest GDP were plotted on a two dimensional plot to validate the findings.FindingsEntrepreneurial organizations in collectivist societies face lean resource environments. The effectiveness of strategic orientations (EO or MO) should not be assumed to be uniform.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper does not include empirical validation of the argument. Further empirical research should be done in different cultural contexts.Practical implicationsThere has been relatively little research that examines the relationship between strategic orientations, such as EO and MO, and their antecedents and consequences on organizational performance in different cultural contexts. This paper represents an attempt to do so from multicultural perspectives.Originality/valueThis paper informs entrepreneurs of how their EO, MO, and their firms' performance are influenced by one cultural dimension: individualism/collectivism.