bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐corporate retailer campaigns on the internet
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide an illustrative review of the internet campaigns being waged against a number of large corporate retailers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with a short history of anti‐corporate protest and this is followed by a brief outline of the dominance of large corporations within retailing. The paper draws its empirical material from anti‐corporate retail web sites on the internet.FindingsThe findings reveal that in some cases internet campaigns target the policies and behaviours of corporate retailers and in others specific retailers are being singled out for special attention. The campaigns address a wide range of issues including the environment and planning, impacts within local economies and communities, workers’ rights and working conditions and the power of retail corporations.Originality/valueThe paper provides an accessible review of the anti‐corporate retailer campaigns being waged on the internet and as such it will interest retail academics, retail employees, political representatives, planning officers and community and pressure groups.
Sourcing ethics and the global market
Authors: Pretious Mike , Love Mary 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper investigates purchasing ethics within the UK clothing retail sector in the context of structural changes in the sector and the growth of international sourcing as a necessary strategic tool to maintain competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the background to retailer interest in sourcing ethics and the development of codes of conduct to guide retail purchasing professionals. The primary research is an exploratory examination of the experiences of UK retail buying personnel working in the global market for garments, who are required to make decisions “on the ground” that reflect the ethical codes of their companies, yet who are also constrained by the need to make profitable sourcing decisions.FindingsThe conclusions assess what can be learnt from these experiences and offer suggestions for future research.Originality/valueThe paper is of interest to any retail academics, personnel and employees.
Services vs retail chains: are there any differences?
Authors: Perrigot Rozenn 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to review the differences between retailing and services in the particular context of franchised chains in order to highlight the main differences between retail chains and services chains.Design/methodology/approachThe existence of such differences is tested in the French context because its franchising sector is the most developed one in Europe as far as the number of chains is concerned. The empirical study deals with 530 chains among which 228 are services and 302 are retail.FindingsSome significant differences between services and retail chains are underlined in terms of age, plural form, franchising fees, franchising and advertising royalties, and contract length. Additionally to these significant differences, the new trend in franchising seems to consist in developing more services chains than retail chains.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has some limitations. The focus is on only one country: France. A multi‐countries study could be useful to confirm these differences or highlight other ones. Furthermore, a more precise classification about the sectors of activities could underline other differences.Practical implicationsThis paper can help the prospective franchisee to better differentiate the services chains and the retail ones, and better understand their particular features. Furthermore, the new franchisor can use these descriptive results to compare his/her practices with the average practices within the sector he/she is in, above all in terms of contract terms: franchising fees, franchising and advertising royalties, and contract duration.Originality/valueThis paper highlights differences between different kinds of franchised chains: retail vs services. These differences have not been underlined in previous research.
On the adaptation of Grounded Theory procedures: insights from the evolution of the 2G method
Authors: Lings Brian , Lundell Björn 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo articulate the interpretations and adaptations of Grounded Theory made within the 2G method, and the motivations behind them.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and conceptual approach reflecting on the authors' experience of having developed the 2G method.FindingsIdentifies six adaptations of Grounded Theory as being of particular interest. Five relate to method procedures, namely: developing a core category; coding interview data; exposing evolving theories to stakeholders; developing multiple concept frameworks; and inter‐linking concepts. The sixth relates to expectations on method users, and the tension between expertise relating to the phenomenon being analysed, and openness in interpreting the data.Research limitations/implicationsShows how Grounded Theory procedures have been adapted and used in IS methods. Specifically, the paper illustrates and makes explicit how a specific method (the 2G method) has evolved.Practical implicationsProvides insights for users of Grounded Theory (GT) and developers of IS methods on how GT procedures have been interpreted and adapted in previous and the authors' own research.Originality/valueProvides insights into how Grounded Theory (GT) procedures have been adapted for use in other IS methods, with insights from the authors' own experience of having developed the 2G method. Reflects on the use of GT procedures in a number of case studies related to tool evaluation. Identifies six areas in which specific interpretations or adaptations of GT were considered necessary in the contexts in which the studies were undertaken, and justifies these six departures from standard interpretations of GT procedures.
Interpreting e‐government and development
Authors: Ciborra Claudio 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to show, through the case of Jordan, how e‐government is difficult to implement, given the characteristics of the local administration, the socio‐economic context and the dynamics of the technological infrastructure. It also aims to ascertain more generally whether the marketisation of the state, embedded in e‐government, makes sense as the paramount approach to improve democracy and foster development.Design/methodology/approachDescribes how the Kingdom of Jordan, as a case study of an innovative and extensive application of e‐government ideas and models, provides a paradigmatic example of how ICTs are being introduced in economically less developed countries and identifies the risks of failure in implementation. Based on the empirical evidence provided by the case, examines the more general implications of e‐government and new public management in the transformation of the relationship between the state and citizen.FindingsThe transformation of citizens into customers is problematic, and the correlation between good governance and minimal state with development can hardly be demonstrated historically.Originality/valueThe paper puts forward a new interpretation centred on the newly established link between aid and security. In this light, e‐government appears to be one of the new tools for the rich metropolitan states to govern “at a distance” (through sophisticated methodologies and technologies) the potentially dangerous, weak, borderland states.
Improving software organizations: agility challenges and implications
Authors: Börjesson Anna , Mathiassen Lars 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to explore the impact of events in Software Process Improvement (SPI) environments based on a longitudinal study of a requirements management initiative at Ericsson.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the initiative from three perspectives – the improvement initiative, the targeted software practices, and the environment.FindingsSPI initiatives easily get interrupted, are side‐tracked, and progress slowly due to changing environments. While most practitioners are painfully aware of this, the SPI literature has so far only touched on the issue. Agility principles would have helped Ericsson respond more effectively to events that impacted the initiative. Development of agile SPI practices requires coordination and alignment with other initiatives to develop agile software organizations.Originality/valueSPI has been adopted by many organizations to help them to deliver quality software. However, its success is a matter of debate and this paper deals with the issues involved.
Antecedents to team member commitment from near and far
Authors: Powell Anne , Galvin John , Piccoli Gabriele 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper has two primary purposes: the first is to determine antecedents to commitment to a work team; the second to compare how antecedents to commitment differ between collocated and virtual teams.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected using 52 three‐member teams – 28 collocated teams and 24 virtual teams using graduate students from three countries.FindingsResults indicate that team work processes and member effort have a significant, positive relationship with trust in collocated teams, but results for virtual teams show that member efforts is not a significant predictor of trust. Comparing collocated teams and virtual teams, collocated teams had stronger relationships (compared to virtual teams) between member effort and trust, and between trust and normative commitment. Virtual teams had stronger relationships (compared to collocated teams) between work processes and trust, and between trust and affective commitment.Research limitations/implicationsAdditional studies of longer‐term teams are needed to see if results remain consistent. One form of commitment (continuance), in particular, can be studied in long‐term teams.Practical implicationsManagers of work teams need to firmly establish a foundation of trust to ensure commitment of team members. Managers of virtual teams should particularly organize and communicate work processes to be followed by virtual team members.Originality/valueLittle research has been conducted examining antecedents to commitment to the work team, as well as commitment to a work team when work is conducted using technology (e.g. virtual teams). This paper fills a void in these two areas.
Virtual teams in and out of synchronicity
Authors: DeLuca Dorrie , Valacich Joseph S. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of process improvement team member perceptions regarding the effectiveness of asynchronous e‐collaboration.Design/methodology/approachA field‐based, two‐phase canonical action research study was conducted at two different sites. Data were obtained from observations and interviews of all team members. Media synchronicity theory was utilized to hypothesize the interplay of media capabilities, task communication processes, and team functions.FindingsEight primarily virtual teams solved complex problems and provided feedback on the effectiveness of various communications media. The results support media synchronicity theory.Research limitations/implicationsMedia synchronicity theory provides an alternative explanation for studies both supporting and contradicting media richness theory. The teams in this study were newly formed. Further investigation of established teams and other contexts is warranted.Practical implicationsFor complex problem‐solving tasks performed by newly formed teams, communications media with low synchronicity (e.g. listserv, e‐mail, bulletin board) may be appropriate for conveyance of information; whereas media with high synchronicity (e.g. face‐to‐face, telephone) may be more desirable for convergence on shared meaning.Originality/valueAs geographic, temporal, and cost constraints move organizations toward virtual team work for increasingly complex tasks, research is warranted on effective utilization of available communication technology for solving business problems without face‐to‐face communication. This research paper examines the issue through an emerging theoretical lens, media synchronicity theory, and suggests a new proposition.
Durability of online teamworking: patterns of trust
Authors: Nandhakumar Joe , Baskerville Richard 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the findings of an in‐depth case study into virtual teamworking practices in a large petro‐chemical company.Design/methodology/approachBy drawing on the case study the paper offers a theoretical conceptualization of the development of commitment and personal trust relationships in a virtual teamworking context.FindingsThe paper argues that the durability of virtual teamworking depends largely on commitment and personal trust relationships, which may gradually dissipate over time without collocated, face‐to‐face social interactions. The virtual teamworking technologies alone may have limited scope in contributing to reproduction and reinforcement of commitment and personal trust relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on an investigation in one organization that used a set of virtual teamworking technologies, which have been constantly improving in terms of capabilities and usability. In a business context investigated in this paper, the team working was not continuous, and the level and the range of activities varied over time. Future research should seek to explore whether personal and abstract trust can develop through continued online interaction.Practical implicationsFindings indicate that virtual teams should seek to manage expectations of the use of such technologies in their interactions. Human relationships, rather than technologies are therefore important for nurturing both personal and impersonal trust relationships, which is vital for durable virtual teams.Originality/valueThis paper argues that the long‐term virtual teamworking without face‐to‐face social interactions leads to a gradual dissipation of personal trust relationships, and subsequently loss of impersonal trust relations.
Applied research and educational needs in food service management
Authors: Rodgers Svetlana 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to provide a better understanding of food service technologies, applied research and technical literacy needs in hospitality.Design/methodology/approachReviews the applied research in food services and the technical literacy needed to interpret and benefit from it.FindingsThe summary of research is provided in the subject areas identified by QAAHE (2000): food safety management, food quality management and product development; equipment and facility layout/design; operational planning and modelling; as well as market and consumer related aspects. Underpinning scientific disciplines and operational/ strategic benefits of the described studies as well as the three tiers in the educational pathways in food production are described.Practical implicationsThe research findings can be used as a source of competency‐building by practitioners and educators.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the main types of research and develops conceptual links between the scientific fundamentals of food service operations and industry practices.
Factors influencing productivity in small island hotels
Authors: Kilic Hasan , Okumus Fevzi 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on an empirical research study which investigated the factors influencing productivity in hotels in Northern Cyprus.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data was collected via a structured questionnaire from middle and senior managers of four and five‐star hotels in Northern Cyprus.FindingsAccording to the research findings staff recruitment, staff training, meeting guest expectations, and service quality are the main productivity factors in hotels; while crises, technology, marketing, and forecasting are ranked relatively low. It emerged from the findings that hotel managers in Northern Cyprus have a narrow view of productivity and follow a more input‐oriented approach to managing productivity.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the research findings and their discussions, this study provides several recommendations for future research in this area.Practical implicationsThe research results highlight the importance of training middle and senior managers about the importance of productivity and how they can follow output‐oriented productivity management strategies.Originality/valueThe literature on productivity management in small island hotels is limited. As being one of the first studies on this area, the research findings of this study are particularly valuable for practice and future studies.
The influence of positive and negative cues on restaurant food choice and food acceptance
Authors: Edwards J.S.A. , Meiselman H.L. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeFood servers are often in a unique position to influence what customers choose, which in turn may affect their enjoyment of that food. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the influence of positive and negative comments made by servers on food choice and acceptance.Design/methodology/approachCustomers using a public university restaurant were “assisted” in their food choice by a server making either a positive, negative or no statement as to the popularity of a selected dish. At the end of the meal, diners were then asked to rate the acceptability of the dish chosen using a nine‐point hedonic scale.FindingsResults show that only negative statements made by servers actually influence food choice but in all conditions, once a customer had chosen, acceptability of that dish was not affected.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was undertaken in a public restaurant where the servers are students. It could be argued that customers being aware of this responded accordingly, although there was no evidence to support this.Originality/valueThe service encounter is perhaps one of the most important elements that distinguish products from services, and it is here that businesses can succeed or fail. This paper contributes towards our understanding of that encounter.
Tuning into tensions at times of change
Authors: D'Annunzio‐Green Norma , Francis Helen 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present case study evidence of how managers in a contract catering firm made sense of an organisational change initiative that encouraged them to become self‐sufficient and display “entrepreneurial” behaviours in an environment where they were also expected to “comply” with new operating procedures aimed at strengthening central control.Design/methodology/approachUses 25 in‐depth interviews with a cross‐section of line and HR managers over an 11‐month period to uncover practical experiences of change and their attempts to constructively manage the tensions between the opposing dualities that arise from it. The paper draws on empirical research from an in‐depth case study of a leading multinational corporation in the contract catering sector.Findingsthe findings expose the pressures that managers faced in the reconciliation of the contrasting need to develop as entrepreneurs alongside an organisational strategy driven by cost minimisation and control. It provides an empirical example of the duality that exists in organisations between the quantitative need for discipline in managerial procedures at the same time as the organisation has to pay attention to the qualitative need for investment in human resources.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights to a relatively under‐researched yet significant sector of the hospitality industry – contract catering. It provides a vivid empirical account of the tensions that managers face in times of change and a practical illustration of the creative ways that managers found to deal with the contradictions arising from the change initiative.
Executive insights on globalization
Authors: Munoz J. Mark 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide an enhanced understanding of the changing business dynamics resulting from globalization, and offer hospitality managers in emerging locations strategies for success.Design/methodology/approachThe research was based on a descriptive survey conducted among 118 senior level travel executives in 35 countries. Based on the concepts furthered by Thomas L. Friedman, executive insights were gathered on the impact of globalization on business, technology, accounting and finance, psyche, and knowledge flows.FindingsResearch findings point out to the evolving business dynamics in a globalized environment requiring strategic operational adjustments by hospitality managers, specially those located in emerging locations.Research limitations/implicationsThough the research was conducted across several countries, the respondent number does not merit a solid basis for a generalized conclusion. Furthermore, as English was used in the survey questionnaires, respondent misunderstandings may have occurred. Being an exploratory study, a stronger theoretical foundation in future research will provide added benefit to the academic and business communities.Practical implicationsThe research points out to the need for greater awareness of the impact of globalization among hospitality managers in emerging locations. Furthermore, strategies need to be fine‐tuned in accordance with the evolving nature of globalization. The study identifies salient points that need to be considered.Originality/valueWith insights gathered from travel executives from around the world, and about one‐quarter of the respondents being directly engaged in hospitality management, strategic approaches presented are valuable to industry practice.