bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Model selection for direct marketing: performance criteria and validation methods
Authors: Cui Geng , Leung Wong Man , Zhang Guichang , Li Lin 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of competing methods and model selection, which are non‐trivial issues given the financial implications. Researchers have adopted various methods including statistical models and machine learning methods such as neural networks to assist decision making in direct marketing. However, due to the different performance criteria and validation techniques currently in practice, comparing different methods is often not straightforward.Design/methodology/approachThis study compares the performance of neural networks with that of classification and regression tree, latent class models and logistic regression using three criteria – simple error rate, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and cumulative lift – and two validation methods, i.e. bootstrap and stratifiedk‐fold cross‐validation. Systematic experiments are conducted to compare their performance.FindingsThe results suggest that these methods vary in performance across different criteria and validation methods. Overall, neural networks outperform the others in AUROC value and cumulative lifts, and the stratified ten‐fold cross‐validation produces more accurate results than bootstrap validation.Practical implicationsTo select predictive models to support direct marketing decisions, researchers need to adopt appropriate performance criteria and validation procedures.Originality/valueThe study addresses the key issues in model selection, i.e. performance criteria and validation methods, and conducts systematic analyses to generate the findings and practical implications.
Marketing in small hotels: a qualitative study
Authors: Moriarty Jane , Jones Rosalind , Rowley Jennifer , Kupiec‐Teahan Beata 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of marketing in small hotels specifically, and, more generally, to the area of SME or entrepreneurial marketing.Design/methodology/approachA deductive‐inductive approach based on interviews with 15 small hotel owner‐managers, supported by web site analysis and three in‐depth case study interviews, was used to provide a profile of marketing activities in small hotels in North Wales.FindingsThe application of Carson's levels of activity model to characterise and classify the marketing strategies and activities of the respondent hotels suggested that for these small hotels an additional category would be helpful in characterising marketing activities, inexpert marketing. On this basis, five of the hotels were in the non‐marketing category, eight in the inexpert category, and two in the implicit category; none were in Carson's sophisticated category. Further, any one hotel might fall into different categories on the basis of their engagement with different areas (such as marketing knowledge, or promotion).Originality/valueThese findings suggest that, whilst the search for a definition of entrepreneurial marketing is useful in articulating the difference between what SMEs do and marketing theory, there is also a need to recognise that there is a spectrum of different styles of and approaches to marketing adopted by different SME owner‐managers even within a specific sector, such that it is important not to neglect to develop models which help owner/managers, advisors, consultants and academics to understand the diversity in this sector.
Adoption of interorganizational system standards in supply chains
Authors: Yee‐Loong Chong Alain , Ooi Keng‐Boon 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis study aims to empirically examine the factors that affect the adoption of RosettaNet standards. The four factors examined in this study are partners' power, trust, products' characteristics, and government influence.Design/methodology/approachOriginal research using a self‐administered questionnaire that was distributed to 400 Malaysian electrical and electronics (E&E) organizations. The hypotheses were tested by employing binary logistic regression analysis.FindingsThe results show that partners' power, trust, and products' characteristics have significant and positive effects on the adoption of RosettaNet standards.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalisability of the findings is limited as the study focuses only on E&E industry in Malaysia.Practical implicationsOrganizations planning to adopt RosettaNet standards will be able to make managerial decisions based on the findings from this research.Originality/valueThe findings made a contribution in terms of creating an understanding of the influence of the adoption of RosettaNet standards. This study has filled previous research gap by advancing the understanding between the association of adoption factors and RosettaNet standards adoption.
Older workers' motivation to continue to work: five meanings of age
Authors: Kooij Dorien , de Lange Annet , Jansen Paul , Dikkers Josje 
Published: May 2008

PurposeLittle is known about the motivation for older workers to work and to remain active in the labor market. Research on age and motivation is limited and, moreover, conceptually diverse. This paper aims to address age‐related factors that influence the work motivation of older workers. More specifically, it seeks to examine how various conceptualizations of the age factor affect the direction and termination of the motivation to continue to work of older workers.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of age‐related factors and motivation to continue to work is the approach taken in the paper.FindingsResults from 24 empirical and nine conceptual studies indicate that most age‐related factors can have a negative impact on the motivation to continue to work of older people. These findings suggest that age‐related factors are important in understanding older workers' motivation to continue to work and that further research is needed to more fully understand the underlying processes that govern how these age‐related factors influence the motivation to continue to work.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the aforementioned findings, the paper was able to formulate a research agenda for future research, such as: a need for a meta‐analysis on age and motivation to determine the actual effect sizes, and additional theoretical attention to the underlying age‐related processes.Practical implicationsAge‐related factors identified in this study, such as declining health and career plateaus, should be addressed by HRM policies. HRM practices that could motivate older workers to continue to work include ergonomic adjustments and continuous career development.Originality/valueResearch on age and motivation is limited and conceptually diverse. This paper is one of the first studies to explore the relations between different conceptualizations of age and motivation.
The effects of retirement expectations and social support on post‐retirement adjustment
Authors: Anne Taylor Mary , Goldberg Caren , Shore Lynn M. , Lipka Phillip 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe aim is to examine the shifting effects of retirement expectations and social support on adjustment three and half and ten months post‐retirement.Design/methodology/approachFor the purpose of this study, the authors used a survey methodology. Expectations regarding retirement and social support were used to predict three facets of satisfaction post‐retirement; life satisfaction, retirement satisfaction, and social satisfaction.FindingsResults suggested that expectations consistently and significantly predicted satisfaction early and later in retirement. Social support was only a significant antecedent of retirement satisfaction at time 2, and had a non‐significant relationship to social and life satisfaction in retirement.Practical implicationsResults support the view that retirement expectations have a strong influence on retirement, life, and social satisfaction in the first year of an individual's retirement.Originality/valueThe paper's findings imply that interventions designed to create realistic expectations of the retirement experience may have a positive impact on adjustment.
Dealing with spam: more on climate change
Authors: Andrew Alex M. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeAims to focus on aspects of the menace of spam, or unsolicited messages by e‐mail, are treated, especially a service designed to stop spam at or near its source. A TV documentary asserting that global warming is not due to human activity is reviewed and shown to be unsound. A search facility that contributes to charity is introduced, as well as sources of health advice in periodic newsletters.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.FindingsCombating spam by the means described can be effective. The view that global warming is due to human activity is not seriously challenged, though there is room for difference of opinion about the imminence of catastrophe.Practical implicationsThe menace of spam can be mitigated by the means described. There can be little doubt that global warming is largely due to human activity.Originality/valueIt is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Modern system of mathematics and special Cauchy theater in its theoretical foundation
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Du Guoping , Gong Ningsheng 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to employ a different approach to show that the countable infinite sets are self‐contradictory non‐sets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the concept.FindingsThe concept of infinities in the countable set theory was discussed in Zhu et al. by employing the method of analysis of allowing two different kinds of infinities. What was obtained is that various countable infinite sets, studied in the naïve and modern axiomatic set theories, are all incorrect concepts containing self‐contradictions. In this paper, the authors provide another argument to prove the same conclusion: various countable infinite sets studied in both naïve and modern axiomatic set theories are all specious non‐sets. The argument is given from a different angle on still the same premise of allowing two different concepts of infinities.Originality/valueThe concept of Cauchy theater is introduced.
The inconsistency of the natural number system
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Du Guoping , Gong Ningsheng 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to use a third method to show that the system of natural numbers is inconsistent.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual approach is taken.FindingsWithout directly employing the concepts of potential and actual infinities, the authors show that the concept of the set N={x|n(x)}, where n(x)=def “x is a natural number” of all natural numbers is a self‐contradicting, incorrect concept.Originality/valueThe paper shows the system of natural numbers to be inconsistent.
Digital piracy of MP3s: consumer and ethical predispositions
Authors: Lysonski Steven , Durvasula Srinivas 
Published: May 2008

PurposeIllegal downloading of music has become an inexorable and rampant activity particularly among college students who have been little deterred by industry legal actions. The purpose of this research is to examine the present state of downloading and how ethical orientation and attitudes towards MP3 piracy impact such activities. The paper also aims to use ethical scenarios as a way of understanding the ethical reasoning in illegal downloading.Design/methodology/approachKey research questions are proposed that are related to illegal downloading. A sample of 364 university students was used to examine each research question. Statistical results are reported.FindingsThe results clearly show that downloading continues at a high rate today driven by a strong belief that it is not ethically wrong. Ethical orientation was found to be positively associated with awareness of the social cost of downloading, consequences of downloading, and ethical belief in downloading. Ethical scenarios show that ethical orientation is also associated with downloading activities and with stealing. Other results indicate that respondents believe that their peers are more prone to stealing music and downloading MP3s illegally. Fear of consequences does seem to have an impact on the propensity to download illegally.Practical implicationsThe paper contributes to inform industry representatives that appeals to ethics or guilt are not likely to deter illegal downloading measurably. The use of punishment for downloaders may have a short‐term effect but other (more positive) measures are required.Originality/valueNo research has examined downloading of MP3s in the manner developed in this paper. The paper contributes to a better understanding of consumer behavior among those who download. The results provide insight into a serious problem in the recording industry that is likely to persist in the distant future unless sound measures are developed.
Automated Generation of Card Catalogues: Experiences of the NIALS Library
Authors: John‐Okeke Rita 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share the experiences of NIALS Library in the use of computers in the production of catalogue cards. It also seeks to find out the experiences of other libraries in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the procedures for automated generation of catalogue cards in the NIALS Library. It used the questionnaire method to collect data from 24 participants at the recently held workshop on Technical Services in Law Libraries, 26‐28 June 2007.FindingsFound that most libraries in Nigeria use typewriters to produce catalogue cards. The use of computers in the generation of card catalogues is just beginning to emerge. OPACs are also relatively new as most libraries still operate card catalogue systems.Practical implicationsIt is expected that other libraries would benefit from the experiences of NIALS Library.Originality/valueThis is the first study on the automated generation of card catalogues in Nigerian libraries. The study should help libraries that face difficulties with the manual production of card catalogues in making a decision in favour of automation.
Quality of health care in the US managed care system
Authors: Guo Kristina L. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the issue of quality of care in the US managed care system and to compare state‐level policies and programs. Specifically, it aims to describe five states which are making the most quality of care improvements.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines the literature to identify states' care quality rankings. Additionally, five state case studies are presented to illustrate various programs approach to quality.FindingsThe paper finds that some states are better than others in their strategies to enhance quality of care. California, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota and Rhode Island are considered among the best. Thus, their programs are described.Research limitations/implicationsFrom a research perspective the study brings a renewed focus on various methods in which states invest to improve residents' quality of care.Practical implicationsFrom a practical standpoint, since quality of care is an important topic and interesting to all stakeholders in health care – policymakers, consumers, providers, and payers – readers can use the study's results to compare states' strategies and develop new ways to increase quality.Originality/valueThis study's value lies in the way it helps states to compare their performance over time and against other states as they make improvements to enhance quality.
Implementing QA programs in managed care health plans: factors contributing to success
Authors: Gross Revital , Ashkenazi Yael , Tabenkin Hava , Porath Avi , Aviram Alec 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that contribute to the success or failure of quality assurance programs implemented by Israeli managed care health plans.Design/methodology/approachAn in‐depth study of seven quality assurance programs was conducted, comparing successful with unsuccessful ones using the comparative “case study” method. Employing a semi‐structured questionnaire, 42 program directors and professionals in the field were interviewed.FindingsA number of factors associated with the programs' success emerged. Those external to the program included: ongoing management support, resource allocation, information system support and perceived financial benefit for the organization. Internal factors included: leadership, perceived problem's importance, laying the groundwork in the field, involving field staff in planning and implementation and staff motivation.Originality/valueThe study provides insights into ways to encourage the implementation of successful quality assurance programs in the special organizational context of managed care health plans. As the implementation relies heavily on data, one important precondition is the development of computerized information systems to facilitate ongoing data collection. It is also necessary from the planning stage to take into account organizational factors that affect success.
A framework of manufacturer‐retailer coordination process: three case studies
Authors: Yew Wong Chee , Johansen John 
Published: May 2008

PurposeTriggered by perceived inefficiency and inequality, buyers and suppliers coordinate with each other. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework of coordination process based on theoretical review and verifications from three case studies.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of three longitudinal and in‐depth case studies, which involved coordination processes between a toy manufacturer with three European retailers in one calendar year.FindingsThe three case studies provided three main observations. First, the coordination process followed some basic sequential activities: evaluation, derivation, offer and negotiation, assessment, and implementation. Second, the coordination processes deviated from this basic sequence with an interactive coordination cycles of assessment, re‐derivation, and re‐offer and negotiation (called inner‐helix) when there was disagreement. Third, closer mode of coordination, which involved joint evaluation and derivation of coordination solutions, reduced the numbers of iterative coordination cycles. These empirical findings verified the presupposed framework of coordination process.Research limitations/implicationsThree qualitative case studies may not be highly generalisable and multiple dyadic coordination processes may occur. However, the findings form a foundation for further understanding of the coordination process.Originality/valueThe proposed framework of the coordination process further expands the theories of inter‐organisational relationship and the inter‐organisational cooperative process. It also reveals that deliberate evaluation and derivation activities (and even jointly with other supply chain members) may significantly improve coordination.
Can distribution explain double jeopardy patterns?
Authors: Umit Kucuk S. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide clear insights into the influence of product availability, and thus distribution on double jeopardy (DJ) patterns, for frequently‐purchased products (FPP). This paper also aims to provide important strategies in order to maximize the efficiency of retailers' stocking decisions and manufacturers' branding efforts by discussing distribution dynamics in a set of experiments developed in light of related theoretical discussions.Design/methodology/approachThis study provides an in‐depth literature review of DJ, distribution, out‐of‐stock and consumer behavioural brand loyalty in many marketing and supply chain decisions. A practical simulation is developed to test the main hypotheses in the study in light of the theoretical discussion.FindingsThe study's results indicated that distribution might explain DJ patterns. In addition, distribution might create behavioural brand loyalty when FPP are widely available (excessive availability) in the market.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study provides a simulation structure and varying experiments, more field data about FPP might also enhance the study's results.Practical implicationsSmall brands can break their curse as indicated by the DJ phenomenon by focusing on distribution. Also, they might create some level of behavioural brand loyalty by being available everywhere in the market.Originality/valueThe impact of distribution on DJ has seldom been discussed in general terms previously, and has never been discussed and explored theoretically with specificity using experimental analysis. Therefore, this study provides the first evidence that distribution has a strong potential to explain the reasons behind DJ patterns and might create behavioural brand loyalty.
Understanding quality assurance: a cross country case study
Authors: Choon Boey Lim Fion 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the level of understanding between an Australian university and its offshore partner institution, on quality assurance. It attempts to highlight the dynamics of quality assurance policy implementation within and across institutions for an offshore degree.Design/methodology/approachThe study used interviews as the research method to gather data from the Business school of a university that is a major exporter of higher education degrees and its offshore business partner, a business school of a private university college in Malaysia.FindingsThe findings show that gaps exist in the current practices of quality assurance measures in Malaysia. In addition, top‐level management from both sides of the exchange believe that the university should bear the overall responsibility for quality assurance. However, the findings also reveal that such heavy reliance on the university for quality assurance might not be healthy, especially when the university's own policy implementation is suffering internal problems.Practical implicationsFor governments and various agencies the insights in the paper will be useful in creating better policy. At an institutional level, the findings will assist in the formulation and implementation of such policies.Originality/valueThis paper will be useful to stakeholders in the offshore education industry. It provides an insight into the regulatory and auditing practices commissioned by the government and highlights the various gaps and challenges in quality assurance policy.