bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disaster mitigation framework for India using quality circle approach
Authors: Metri Bhimaraya A. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeGiven the widespread lack of proper mechanism for disaster management, this paper aims to develop a disaster mitigation framework using quality circle (QC) – a bottom‐up approach.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers QC and discussing the utility of the concept with respect to disaster management. Discusses the process of systematically building a disaster mitigation framework.FindingsBy having the proposed framework, the disasters that occur can be tackled speedily. Owing to the direct involvement of public (key stakeholders), the proposed framework strengthens the knowledge and awareness on disaster management, which in turn helps towards disaster preparedness and disaster mitigation effectively.Practical implicationsThe current efforts at disaster mitigation are not successful. The proposed framework provides proactive collaboration among all players including central, state governments and local people to examine risks and vulnerability to all hazards and to implement measures to reduce the damage to a minimum. The application of a framework will help to make plans more functional and relevant and will ensure successful disaster mitigation.Originality/valueAs no systematic frameworks exist in disaster management and planning, this paper offers to provide a comprehensive framework, which involves all the stakeholders. The value of the paper is largely in the area of bringing new possibilities to the attention of the government, public and research and practitioner communities dealing with disaster management.
A call to action on two fronts: better objectives and better strategies
Authors: de Meyrick Julian 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how health education is a strategy used to achieve the objective of maintenance and improvement in the community's welfare.Design/methodology/approachThe paper addresses two issues: are health educators attacking the right targets, and are the strategies being developed to attack those targets the right strategies?FindingsHealth education will make the most efficient contribution to long‐term improvement in communities' welfare when it attacks the right targets.Originality/valueShows how the strategies used to attack the right targets will be based on the best research available and will involve broader consultation with other disciplines.
Patient‐driven computers in primary care: their use and feasibility
Authors: Shakeshaft Anthony , Fawcett Julia , Mattick Richard P. , Richmond Robyn , Wodak Alex , Harris Mark F. , Doran Christopher M. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the feasibility of using patient‐driven, hand‐held computers in primary care settings, in order to address the apparent failure to implement prevention initiatives into the routine delivery of health care services.Design/methodology/approachDuring an eight‐day period, patients of an English primary care practice who were at least 16 years of age were asked to complete a health‐related survey using a hand‐held computer. They received tailored, on‐screen feedback.FindingsA total of 143 patients (approximately 55 per cent of all patients) began using a hand‐held computer, of whom 115 (80 per cent) answered all questions. Of these, 24 per cent reported being smokers, 7 per cent and 19 per cent were at‐risk of alcohol harm in the long and short term respectively and 14 per cent rated their overall health as poor or very poor. Most patients rated their level of satisfaction with the hand‐helds as excellent (36 per cent), very good (29 per cent) or good (24 per cent), while 89 per cent agreed to their primary care physician seeing a summary of their feedback.Originality/valueThis is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of using hand‐held computers to conduct patient screening and feedback in primary care settings.
Practical application of spiritual intelligence in the workplace
Authors: George Mike 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo explain why spiritual intelligence can make a difference to the way in which people manage work and lead others in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachContends that, while many people think there is nothing spiritual about work and the workplace, there are many areas of working life in which spiritual intelligence can be applied.FindingsHighlights the importance of spiritual intelligence in: personal security and how that affects personal effectiveness; building relationships and inter‐personal understanding; and managing change and removing the roadblocks.Practical implicationsProvides plenty to interest specialists in human resource management.Originality/valueDemonstrates that, while rational intelligence manages facts and information, using logic and analysis to make decisions, emotional intelligence is needed to understand and control one's emotions and feelings, while being sensitive to the feelings of others.
Collaboration, innovation, and value creation in a global telecom
Authors: Allee Verna , Taug Jan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review a systemic organizational change initiative for improving collaboration, innovation and value creation at a global telecom.Design/methodology/approachBased on a comprehensive internal assessment Telenor identified core issues and challenges in supporting collaboration after several years of dramatic global expansion. From the assessment the change leaders built a business case for launching a systemic change initiative. They chose a collaboration and partnering approach with multiple management groups, with an emphasis on networks and innovation. A two‐year roadmap was developed to build three meta capabilities in collaborative technologies, social innovation and network behaviors and new business thinking.FindingsThe case study is a mid‐point assessment of how the implementation is working. A small and smart approach for introducing new ideas and learning innovations into receptive and influential groups within Telenor, new ways of working are taking hold quickly. The equal emphasis on bringing in social innovation such as communities of practice and introducing a next generation of management tools is effectively changing behaviors that are supported by new collaborative technologies.Originality/valueCollaboration and knowledge sharing at Telenor is seen equally as a technology issue, a social innovation and behavior issue and a business issue. Many change efforts around knowledge sharing and collaboration emphasize technology or behaviors, but rarely address both effectively. This approach is more systemic than most because it not only addresses these two arenas, but also puts an unusually high emphasis on educating people into new business fundamentals such as the importance of intangible value and the power of networks.
Factors influencing the construction time of civil engineering projects in Malaysia
Authors: Anuar Othman Ahmad , Victor Torrance Johan , Hamid Munshi Ab. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe objectives of this paper are to determine the current level of construction time performance of public sector projects; and to identify variables related to project characteristics and variables associated with excusable delay that have significant effects on the construction time performance of public sector civil engineering projects in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a quantitative approach. Original contract duration and actual contract duration of 244 projects were collected from project files to assess current level of CTP. Variables related to project characteristics and excusable delays were then regressed against time performance index using multiple regression analysis to identify variables that had significant relationships with construction time performance.FindingsThe construction time performance of the public projects in Malaysia was found to be affected more by variables related to excusable delays than project characteristic variables.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is focused on public sector civil engineering projects limited to irrigation and drainage, road and sewerage projects where building was not included.Practical implicationsExcusable delays were found to be common causes of delay in significant numbers of public projects.Originality/valueThe variables that were found to be significant should be given attention by planners and designers in order to minimize the occurrence of delay in public projects.
Residential construction quality and production levels in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Hui‐Yuan , Forster John 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe aim of this article is to present a new, simple applicable method of inferring and assessing residential construction quality at an industry‐wide level.Design/methodology/approachConstruction quality is measured using ratios of structural materials to production levels. Cement and reinforcing bar per 1,000m2 of residential floor space are the metrics, especially appropriate in Taiwan as new dwelling units (virtually all apartments and row houses) and all of reinforced concrete. Complementary measurements of quality for labour and non‐structural construction material inputs were also made.FindingsThe structural input and complementary measures indicate that the quality of Taiwanese residential construction declines dramatically and consistently at higher production levels. The implication is that dwelling units from the 1990s construction boom are especially at risk.Research limitations/implicationsThe methods cannot be used to identify specific buildings at risk. The methods are difficult to apply in situations where construction methods and residential types are heterogeneous.Practical implicationsConstruction quality can be monitored on a regular basis so industry‐wide steps can be taken if quality declines appear. The evidence is consistent with Taiwan's sub‐contractor network enabling rapid expansions and contractions at the expense of hidden quality failure.Originality/valueThis paper provides information that could lead to much firmer regulatory systems, hence has the potential to help save lives and property.
The perceptions of the BMW Mini brand: the importance of historical associations and the development of a model
Authors: Simms C.D. , Trott P. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate the main aspects of perceptions of the Mini brand in the UK. Given that consumers' perceptions of a brand are represented by brand awareness and brand image, this research undertakes an in‐depth investigation of the image of the BMW Mini brand in its most established market.Design/methodology/approachThe study consisted of 55 in‐depth interviews with a cross‐section of important stakeholders with high brand awareness and knowledge.FindingsThe research identifies the importance of the symbolic elements of the brand's image, in particular its fun, sporty, fashionable and stylish image. The study reveals that the brand's appeal is largely at an emotional level based on the brand's symbolic image and key associations. A model is developed to reflect these findings. The study concludes that associations are key to stakeholders' perceptions of the brand. In particular associations related to the brand's heritage and product‐related associations such as the car's aesthetics and handling.Practical implicationsThe research identifies the importance of maintaining the brand's heritage, including its British origins, and the product's core appeal. In light of the importance of the brand's British origins, the research identifies possible challenges created through the brand's new German BMW ownership, and the launch of the new Mini.Originality/valueThe study develops a unique insight of this historic and valuable brand, as perceived by key stakeholders with high brand awareness and knowledge. In the light of these findings a model is developed that offers an improved understanding of how brand perceptions are developed.
The impact of the euro on the consumer decision process: theoretical explanation and empirical evidence
Authors: Gaston‐Breton Charlotte 
Published: September 2006

PurposeBecause its actual impact is still rather blurred, the euro brings up many questions among managers as well as gives rise to much marketing research. This paper aims specifically to assess and measure the impact of the euro on the consumer decision process.Design/methodology/approachThis paper first expounds the theory that the currency changeover creates a cognitive and visual bias. Then it moves on to give experimental evidence with a sample of 800 real buyers that, in the French context, the euro currency creates a bias on the different stages of the decision process.FindingsAnalysis of covariance (ANCOVA) reveals that euro prices influence the treatment of price information, price perception and, to a more marginal extent, the perception of product value. Individual factors, such as increased experience with the euro, moderate judgmental bias strength.Practical implicationsThe results bring out the face value effect of prices, which shows that when unsure of actual price value the consumers turn to nominal value as an anchor for evaluating prices. This paper identifies implications for retailers who have to watch both the overall price range of the items they offer and the price positioning of their own brands in euros and implications for public authorities who have to force consumers to replace price references in the old currency with references in euros.Originality/valueThis research brings out the “magical” or “illusory” effects of prices, while there is only very scant academic evidence available.
Product positioning based on search, experience and credence attributes using conjoint analysis
Authors: Arora Raj 
Published: September 2006

PurposeUsing the framework of search attributes, experience attributes, credence attributes and conjoint analysis methodology, the purpose of this paper is to estimate the utilities of various attributes that may be used in positioning teeth‐whitening products. In addition, this research also investigates the role of “penny‐a‐day” (pricing in cents) versus full pricing. Third, disclosure of side‐effects that may result from using these products (an important health care issue) and its impact on consumer choice are also investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses conjoint analysis to estimate the utilities of key attributes of teeth‐whitening products.FindingsThe results reveal that consumers prefer a product that provides benefits lasting for several months after use, a product that does not result in any side‐effects and a slight preference for penny‐a‐day pricing approach.Research limitations/implicationsCaution is advised in extrapolating the results beyond the range investigated in the study.Practical implicationsThe findings help marketers in designing new products and positioning teeth‐whitening products based on desirable attributes.Originality/valueUse of conjoint analysis in investigating the above issues (penny‐a‐day pricing, disclosure of side‐effects) has received limited attention in teeth‐whitening products.
An assessment of professional training for product managers in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Prevel Katsanis Lea 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe primary purpose of this study is to identify how and where product managers in the pharmaceutical industry receive the training required to undertake their job tasks, and whether or not there is a relationship between the tasks they perform and the training they receive.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology for this study was exploratory and descriptive in nature, and utilized a cross‐sectional survey design. Both descriptive and relational statistics are used to analyze the data.FindingsThe key findings reveal that product managers receive the majority of their training on the job, with the rest supported by company‐sponsored training and outside seminars. Product managers do not appear to receive company training in proportion to the frequency with which particular tasks are performed.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations to the study are that the findings are limited to one industry and that training needs are self‐reported.Originality/valueManagers should not assume that on the job training adequately prepares product managers to do their jobs properly, and training should be an essential part of the product manager's experience. The paper identifies specific areas for future training.
Identifying patterns of customer response to price endings
Authors: Wagner Ralf , Beinke Kai‐Stefan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a new approach for the identification of price thresholds, which enables learning true thresholds from previous buying decisions recorded in POS scanner data.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology presented herein combines spline regression with generalized cross‐validation. Classical Chi‐square testing confirms the separation of regimes of the price response function by this methodology. Five propositions concerning the consumers' response to odd pricing in a Western‐type market are evaluated.FindingsDespite the widespread retail practice odd prices are unlikely to flag the actual threshold in consumer response. The term odd price refers to prices with a non‐zero ending in the cent digit, e.g. .95, .98 or .99, which are commonly used in Western‐type markets. Moreover, the simple odd price effects are distinguished from odd‐ending prices with the first number left of the decimal point set to an odd number. The results show that even these prices not always flag a threshold in consumer response.Research limitations/implicationsThe discussion of the odd‐price effect is confused by conflicting empirical results and related interpretations of the underlying mechanisms. In contrast to many previous investigations – which are restricted to the consideration of very few price endings – this study covers all reasonable prices. Statistically significant odd‐price effects are found for some brands, but not for all within the same category.Practical implicationsOne must argue for checking the thresholds for each brand individually rather than generalizing by applying misleading rules of thumb.Originality/valueThe paper provides researchers as well as practitioners with a methodology to evaluate price thresholds and outlines the shortcoming of contemporary retailers pricing practices in a detailed manner.
Looks matter in developing consumer‐brand relationships
Authors: Bryan Hayes J. , Alford Bruce L. , Silver Lawrence , York Rice P. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe research which introduces attractiveness as a moderator of the relationship between the perceived brand personality and evaluations of the brand as a relationship partner in a product marketing context.Design/methodology/approachThis research tests hypotheses concerning the relationship between the perceived personality of a test brand and perceptions regarding the quality of the test brand as a relationship partner, and the moderating effects of the test brand's perceived attractiveness. The research is based upon a survey of 142 graduate and undergraduate students attending four universities in the southeastern USA. Reliability and validity of the measures were tested using structural equation modeling and the hypotheses tested using multiple linear regression.FindingsThis research provides empirical evidence, in a product‐marketing context, that perceived attractiveness significantly influences the consumer‐brand relationship development process in meaningful and predictable ways. Results indicate that consumer perceptions regarding a product brand's possession of certain personality traits can influence their opinion of the desirability of the brand as a relationship partner, and that the brand personality‐partner quality connection depends, to a degree, on the brand's perceived attractiveness. The specific role attractiveness plays in the relationship appears to vary across individual brand personality dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of this study include use of a student sample, use of a single test brand selected from a single product category, and reliance upon a subset of ten items from the original 42‐item Brand Personality Scale to represent the brand personality construct.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that, for relevant product categories, understanding how perceived attractiveness interacts with other brand perceptions can enhance brand managers' understanding of, and thus their ability to foster, consumer relationships with their brands.Originality/valueThis research reveals that it is appropriate to include perceived attractiveness in the discussion of the impact of psychological brand perceptions on consumer‐brand relationship development.
A study on network performance metrics and their composition
Authors: Hanemann Andreas , Liakopoulos Athanassios , Molina Maurizio , Swany D. Martin 
Published: September 2006

PurposeResearch backbone networks like GÉANT2 and the national research and education networks are used by a variety of scientists and research projects. These users and the network engineers operating the networks would like to get access to network performance metrics to optimise their use of the network and to troubleshoot performance degradations when they happen. A variety of tools for performing network measurements already exist, and the perfSONAR architecture developed in the Joint Research Activity 1 (JRA1) of GÉANT2 aims at integrating them into a coherent framework. However, a harmonised definition of the most interesting metrics and how measurements must be carried out is still lacking.Design/methodology/approachThis paper suggests some of the elementary metrics which are relevant for assessing network performance, along with an indication about how to post‐process (or “transform”, or “compose”) them in order to obtain derived summary values that can quickly and intuitively give an indication of network performance. Methods to perform the composition are presented, together with constraints which have to be taken into account to get accurate results. In particular, delay measurements are the most delicate ones to compose.FindingsThe authors carried out a series of experiments for proofing the validity of the composition of delay metrics, and briefly present some preliminary results, that confirm the applicability of the proposed methodology.Research limitations/implicationsFuture work needs to confirm the paper's findings on other data sets, possibly collected in different network locations.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of the findings is that it is possible for a network operator to accurately predict high percentiles of delays on an end‐to‐end path starting from independent delay measurements on subsequent path sections.Originality/valueThe main original contribution of this paper is the application to a real data set of a post‐processing procedure that is derived from simple statistics theory.