bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Word of mouth and viral marketing: taking the temperature of the hottest trends in marketing
Authors: Ferguson Rick 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study examples of emerging marketing trends like word‐of‐mouth and viral marketing, and attempt to determine their measurability in terms of return on investment (ROI).Design/methodology/approachThe study examines real life campaigns from well‐known companies and attempt to measure consumer response beyond merely viewing or participating in the campaign. How much of an actionable response can be evoked and measured from viral and word‐of‐mouth campaigns? Testimonials and commentary from marketers practicing these methods and the pundits that attempt to gauge the effectiveness.FindingsThe paper finds that word‐of‐mouth or viral marketing efforts are not always a sure bet. But a well‐placed, calculated and provocative campaign can spark a firestorm of buzz that sometimes can be effective for years in non‐terminal new mediums like the internet. While the jury is still out on finding hard quantitative ROI measurements for these campaigns, they can produce hefty returns for brand awareness.Research limitations/implicationsTracking ROI for viral marketing and word‐of‐mouth marketing campaigns remains an inexact and difficult science.Practical implicationsThe paper suggest following the included Viral Commandments when creating a word‐of‐mouth campaign to ensure marketing resources are put to highest and best use. It also suggests focusing on identification of the consumer as a vital step to build advocacy. Viral marketing should not anchor marketing strategy, but when used effectively can be an important ace‐up‐the‐sleeve.Originality/valueThe paper explores some recognizable viral marketing campaigns and studies the effects they had on product sales, consumer advocacy and brand awareness. It teaches important factors to consider when developing word‐of‐mouth marketing: who is doing it well, who is not, what lasting effects can a campaign deliver, and are there any effective ways to measure return on investment?
Electronic Resources and Libraries, 2nd Annual Conference 2007 – a Final Perspective
Authors: Hogarth Margaret 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the “Electronic resources and libraries” 2nd annual conference.Design/methodology/approachTopics discussed include license management through the ERMS, vendor usage data, and reorganization at UCLA.FindingsThe paper describes how Florida Gulf Coast University Libraries uses Serials solutions” ERMS to manage their electronic resources and their licences. It also describes the MaxData project, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and how UCLA reorganized their print and electronic groups.Originality/valueThe paper offers valuable insights into topics presented at the conference.
A cross‐cultural examination of relationship strength in B2B services
Authors: Barry James M. , Dion Paul , Johnson William 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to specify and test factors surrounding relationship strength between buyers and suppliers in a global, business‐to‐business (B2B) services context. In so doing, the paper helps extend relationship marketing theories to this under‐researched domain.Design/methodology/approachA literature review, along with results of field interviews and surveys, provide a conceptual framework for the relationship strength formation process in the context of multi‐cultures. The research then tests a model of hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe paper confirms the influence of perceived value, switching costs and relationship quality (satisfaction, trust and affective commitment) on relationship strength. As predicted, relationship quality mediates the influence that perceived value has on relationship strength. Switching costs further mediate the influence that relationship quality has on relationship strength which, in turn, influences substitution scarcity. No support, however, was offered for the proposed moderating influence that national culture (as measured by a buyer's country masculinity and individualism) has on quality/strength linkages and value/strength linkages.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of buyers in 42 countries includes a higher share of buyers from individualist than collective countries. Consequently, a more balanced cultural sample may have supported the otherwise rejected proposition that culture has a moderating impact on relationship building.Practical implicationsThe study provides managerially relevant (“actionable”) results which may help buyers execute customer retention strategies that lead to higher customer profitability.Originality/valueThis study adds to the limited literature on building B2B service relationships in a global context. The paper seeks to provide a balanced account of the social and economic aspects of relationship strength formation.
Seamless healthcare delivery systems
Authors: Parnaby John , Towill Denis R. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeTaking the physician sourced observation that “wasting time is always more expensive than saving it” leads naturally to the conclusion that effective and efficient patient‐centred healthcare delivery systems are highly desirable targets for the National Health Service (NHS) and similar providers. But has “joined up healthcare” even been achieved, and if so, how? What procedures must be in place to maximise the chances of its occurrence? This paper aims to investigate these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper answers these questions experientially via “Insider Action Research” projects plus careful critique of published case studies.FindingsRecurring themes for effective improvement of healthcare delivery organisations emerge in the paper, as do identification of the inevitable barriers to change.Originality/valueThe paper takes stock of NHS service developments in a broader theoretical light.
Sustainable tourism development in Niagara
Authors: Jayawardena Chandana , Patterson Daniel J. , Choi Chris , Brain Ryan 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights to the relevant past discussions, theories and projects; and sustainable tourism development in the Niagara region.Design/methodology/approachEach of the key four sections of this paper zooms in to specific areas. Outcomes from elite discussions involving 47 experts are followed by a concise literature review on sustainable tourism. The paper then analyses the concept of economic sustainability and reviews the outcomes from a blueprint for sustainable tourism development.FindingsThis paper discusses the economic pillar of sustainable tourism by outlining the negative and positive economic effects of the worldwide travel and tourism industry. In addition to reviewing the relative competitiveness of the world's travel destinations; with a focus on Canada's performance, it outlines strategies for Niagara region to enhance its competitiveness to support sustainable tourism.Originality/valueIn the recent years not much research has been carried out on the topic of sustainable tourism specific to the Niagara region. Therefore, this paper should be useful to a range of tourism stakeholders in Niagara region as well as readers involved in regional tourism development in other parts of the world. The versatility of the four authors – an administrator who chaired the Niagara Gateway Project, an academic researcher who has focused on sustainable tourism for a long period, a partner of a leading consulting firm and an applied researcher with significant international experience, makes the paper interesting.
Benefiting from customer and competitor knowledge
Authors: Loon Hoe Siu 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the organizational learning, market orientation and learning orientation concepts, highlight the importance of market knowledge to organizational learning and recommend ways in adopting a market‐based approach to organizational learning.Design/methodology/approachThe extant organizational learning and market orientation literature was reviewed, and the salient points on how adopting a market‐based approach to organizational learning promotes competitive advantage are discussed.FindingsOrganizational behavior scholars have devoted a lot attention on the factors and conditions affecting organizational learning. The end outcome, of course, is to improve organizational performance. Marketing scholars, on the other, focused on the effect of market orientation on organizational performance. Regardless of the different perspectives, both disciplines agree that an organization's long‐term survival depends on its ability to generate new knowledge and continuously learn from the external environment.Practical implicationsThe paper offers recommendations to practicing managers ways to combine market and learning orientation for organizational learning which can lead to sustained competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe paper provides a fresh perspective on how organizational learning is enhanced by acquiring, disseminating and utilizing market knowledge that is externally focused on customers and competitors.
Transferring codified knowledge: socio‐technical versus top‐down approaches
Authors: Guzman Gustavo , Trivelato Luiz F. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse and evaluate the transfer process of codified knowledge (CK) performed under two different approaches: the “socio‐technical” and the “top‐down”. It is argued that the socio‐technical approach supports the transfer of CK better than the top‐down approach.Design/methodology/approachCase study methodology was used, in the explanatory and qualitative study. The empirical evidence focused on the development of work standards following ISO 9000 norms at a Steelworks plant. This process was examined as a process of CK transfer.FindingsFirst, the socio‐technical approach supports the process of CK transfer better than the top‐down view. Second, CK is a dynamic concept that may need different varying amounts of tacit knowledge in order to enable knowledge codification and assimilation. Three, the examination of the degree of context and task similarity between sender and receiving units needs to be detailed, since small variations in organizational processes might imply significant alterations on informal work practices, a key issue that affects the CK transfer process.Research limitations/implicationsThis study, on the one hand, might assist to further develop theories of knowledge transfer, such as Argote'set al.integrative knowledge management framework. On the other hand, it complements Szulanski's research since he did not explore the approach used during the implementation process.Practical implicationsResearch finding contain practical advice that can the taken up by practitioners.Originality/valueBy focusing on different approaches to transfer CK, this study has filled a research gap in the CK transfer literature.
Cross‐cultural social intelligence
Authors: Evelina Ascalon Ma. , Schleicher Deidra J. , Born Marise Ph. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to discuss the concept of cross‐cultural social intelligence (CCSI), its relevance for both selecting and developing expatriates and other employees working in cross‐cultural contexts, the development of a situational judgment test to assess CCSI, and practical “lessons learned” in each of these areas.Design/methodology/approachThe four phases of the development and validation of the CCSI measure (using a total of 184 cross‐cultural SMEs) were developing the scenarios and the response alternatives, the content analysis, and establishing construct validity.FindingsThe results from the content analysis and construct validation provide support for the use of the CCSI in cross‐cultural situations.Research limitations/implicationsThe CCSI has not yet been validated in a criterion‐related way (i.e. based on relations to job performance). This should be done before using for selection.Practical implicationsPossible uses for the CCSI in organisations include selection and/or promotion of expatriates and other employees in cross‐cultural contexts and several types of training and development initiatives. This instrument is offered (free of charge) to any interested managers or HR practitioners.Originality/valueDespite the expressed need for instruments of this sort, nothing similar currently exists (especially not a theoretically grounded and empirically sound instrument). In addition, the “lessons learned” provide practical advice to others engaged in similar undertakings.
A proposed model of expatriates in multinational corporations
Authors: Liu Ching‐Hsiang , Lee Hung‐Wen 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between job satisfaction, family support, learning orientation, organizational socialization and cross‐cultural training and cross‐cultural adjustment in the proposed model.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research method was used, and correction and regression were employed. The study undertook a multidimensional approach in its assessment of the adjustment of Taiwanese financial institution expatriates.FindingsThis study found that job satisfaction played an important role in the proposed model of expatriate adjustment in an international assignment. Also found to be of importance was the role of organization socialization.Research limitations/implicationsThe conclusions of this study pertain only to Taiwanese financial institution expatriates in the USA, and cannot be generalized for cross‐cultural adjustment in other countries.Practical implicationsGiven the associations between job satisfaction and cross‐cultural adjustment, multinationals should ensure that they have human resource policies and practice to support the job satisfaction of expatriates. Modifying socialization policies and practices can have a positive influence on expatriates' adjustment.Originality/valueThis study both replicates and extends previous research on cross‐cultural adjustment. It provides objective information for expatriate selection, management and socialization.
Howard Roark and the ghost of Admiral Rickover
Authors: Langbert Mitchell , Stanchina Michael , Grunewald Donal 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis case study aims to illustrate the interaction of organizational culture, human resource (HR) policy and firm performance. It contrasts the cultures of two science‐driven organizations – the Navy's nuclear submarine force and Merck, the large pharmaceutical firm – and traces the reaction of one individual to two organizations – the United States nuclear navy and Merck & Co., a large pharmaceutical firm.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a case study based on field interviews and secondary sources.FindingsThe task‐oriented culture of the submarine fleet is compared to Merck's relations and team‐oriented corporate environment. Management skills such as flexibility, power and influence, interpersonal communication, self‐awareness and goal setting can influence career outcomes. Managerial skills are important in all settings, but a given style's efficacy is contingent upon organizational context. Adaptability is important, as is personal mission. Thus, the case examines how organizational culture, HR policies and leadership interact with an individual's career outcomes and organizational performance as well.Research limitations/implicationsBecause this is a case study it is not generalizable. However, the issues depicted in the case have been recognized in the managerial skills literature. The case study serves to illustrate and deepen managerial skills concepts.Practical implicationsThis case study has illustrative value as well as hypothesis and theory‐building value, but is not generalizable.Originality/valueThere is relatively little research on the specifics of how to apply managerial skills in a corporate setting. Hence, the case covers important, sensitive material of practical and theoretical value.
Exploring Buddhist influence on the entrepreneurial decision
Authors: Valliere Dave 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role that socio‐religious context plays in the decision of whether to become and entrepreneur, and what type of new business venture to create.Design/methodology/approachInterpretivist development from qualitative data obtained by interviews of entrepreneurs in Nepal and Canada.FindingsConceptions of Right Livelihood play an important role in the evaluation and exploitation of entrepreneurial opportunities and in the day‐to‐day operations of the resultant new businesses.Originality/valueLinks the literatures of social economics and entrepreneurship to explore how entrepreneurs must balance economic, social, and religious objectives when launching and operating new businesses.
Experimental and numerical analyses of thick‐film piezoceramic structures for miniaturised sensors and actuators
Authors: Santo Zarnik Marina , Belavic Darko , Macek Srecko 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe successful use of piezoceramic thick films in sensors and actuators requires a thorough understanding of their electrical and electromechanical characteristics. Since these characteristics depend not only on the material's composition but also on its compatibility with various substrates and a number of processing parameters, accurate measurements of the material's parameters are essential. Here, the aim of this paper is to present a procedure for characterising lead‐zirconate‐titanate (PZT) thick films on pre‐fired low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates performed in order to determine the material parameters for numerical modelling.Design/methodology/approachOwing to the lack of standard procedures for measuring the elastic and piezoelectric properties of the films, the compliance parameters were evaluated from the results of nano‐indentation tests, and a substrate‐flexure method was used to evaluate the transverse piezoelectric coefficients.FindingsThe validation of the material model and the finite‐element (FE) analysis of the demonstrator sensor/actuator structures are shown to be in agreement with the FE model, even if not an exact fit.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on a characterisation of PZT thick films screen‐printed on pre‐fired LTCC substrates.
The role of trust in organisational innovativeness
Authors: Ellonen Riikka , Blomqvist Kirsimarja , Puumalainen Kaisu 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of the dimensions of organisational trust on organisational innovativeness in a relatively large survey sample of the information and communication technology (ICT) and paper and pulp industries in Finland.Design/methodology/approachOrganisational trust is deemed to consist of both interpersonal and impersonal types of trust. The empirical part of the study shows the relationship between various types of trust and dimensions of organisational innovativeness. Quantitative empirical analysis is based on a survey of 40 organisational units and 214 respondents within the ICT and paper and pulp industries.FindingsThe impact of different types of organisational trust on dimensions of organisational innovativeness was analyzed. The results imply that the impersonal form in particular, namely institutional trust, has an important role in determining organisational innovativeness.Research implicationsThis study contributes both to the literature on organisational innovativeness, as well as to the emerging theory on trust, in its approach to trust as not only an interpersonal issue, but also as something with impersonal aspects.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that managers should pay special attention to impersonal forms of trust, i.e. to the institutional dimension of organisational trust. Above all, institutional trust and its development could be seen as a strategic question for companies.Originality/valueThis study makes a significant theoretical contribution by examining the linkages between various dimensions of organisational trust and organisational innovativeness, which have previously been studied only to a very minor extent. It thus provides a richer understanding of the relationship between organisational trust and innovativeness.
Distractions in the workplace revisited
Authors: Roper Kathy O. , Juneja Parminder 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a holistic and systematic understanding of a fundamental issue within open plan office designs: the sustainability of two extremely contrasting requirements, concentration and collaboration, in the same workspace and work environment at a given time. A literature review is presented, along with initial suggestions for potential improvements in knowledge work organizations.Design/methodology/approachA thorough range of fields, including those outside the built environment, are investigated for their contribution to findings on distractions, especially auditory distractions and their impacts.FindingsThis research underpins the need for cost analysis of the impact that distractions have on knowledge workers. Provisions for appropriate and adaptable workspaces are needed to meet the dual needs of collaboration and concentration on complex tasks in order to maximize worker contribution and value.Research limitations/implicationsAdditional field research on improved workspace is needed to confirm the hypothesis of savings from reduced or adaptation from auditory distractions.Practical implicationsAs knowledge work grows, the evaluation of workplace architecture and design must include analysis of the needs of knowledge workers. The sole consideration of cost savings in real estate and facilities ignores the tremendous cost of human capital. This reduces overall value and profitability of the organizations choosing to ignore the workspace needs of their workers.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new and original review of multi‐disciplinary research on the impact of distractions, especially auditory distractions, providing the groundwork for analysis of total costs of auditory distractions in the workplace.
Comparing the performance of national public sectors: conceptual problems
Authors: Van de Walle Steven 
Published: May 2008

PurposeA number of studies and indicators have ranked European countries in terms of the performance of their public sectors. This paper aims to demonstrate that there are important conceptual problems with such rankings and comparisons.Design/methodology/approachUsing the existing indicators, the paper first shows how European countries' public sectors are ranked. It then goes on to show how conceptual problems with these indicators may lead to incorrect conclusions.FindingsCountries' public sector performance cannot be summarised using a single indicator because of inability to define “the public sector” and the disagreement on what it means for public sectors to perform.Practical implicationsDespite increasing demand and supply in policy circles for international public sector indicators, the existing ones are unreliable.Originality/valueThis paper extends the assessment of international public sector indicators beyond a mere technical evaluation.