bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Who will be committed to an organization that provides support for employee development?
Authors: Maurer Todd J. , Lippstreu Michael 
Published: March 2008

PurposeA prevailing notion in the management development literature is that support for employee development by organizations is positively associated with organizational commitment by employees. This paper aims to examine whether learning and performance goal orientations of employees act as moderators of this effect. The authors hypothesized that support for development would have differential effects on commitment depending on the goal orientations of employees.Design/methodology/approachThe data were obtained in a sample of 651 employees from across the US workforce using a two‐wave internet survey sampling method.FindingsThe authors found that perceived support for development is positively related to commitment for some workers; however, individual learning and performance orientations act as moderators. For some individuals, support for development by an organization will not be associated with greater commitment and might even be negatively associated with commitment.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are self‐reported; however, methodological steps were taken to reduce risk of a negative impact on results.Practical implicationsThe notion that support for employee development enhances organizational commitment is widely accepted, and significant resources are sometimes devoted to leveraging development as a source of competitive advantage in recruiting and employee retention. The findings show the importance of understanding individual differences in this context because they may make a difference in how development affects commitment. Options are discussed for organizations in which learning and development are required and not all people are oriented toward learning.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates that it is important to understand psychological differences in employees to effectively understand and manage an employee development initiative to have optimal impact.
Business schools: a new sense of purpose
Authors: Hay Michael 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the purpose of the business school in light of the growing globalization of the business world.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the purpose of the business school, with views from the literature. It also presents views as to the purpose of the business school today.FindingsThe paper finds that the purpose of the business school is to create value in the forms of academic, personal and public or social value.Originality/valueThis paper has interesting information as to the purpose and role of business schools in the globalizing modern world.
A clear sense of purpose? The evolving role of the business school
Authors: Starkey Ken , Tempest Sue 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to question the purpose of the business school and its role in management education.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops an historical analysis of the origins, development and identity of the business school, reflecting the views of the business school's multiple stakeholders. The paper reviews traditional business school design and how this is driven by particular concepts of purpose and identity. It questions whether these concepts are sustainable in the light of current forces for change.FindingsThe paper identifies the current major design challenges facing business schools as knowledge, narratives and practices and argues for a new narrative of sustainable strategic management as a guiding force for future development.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the current knowledge challenges facing business schools and argues that business schools need to rethink their focus on “school” as well as “business”.
The globalization of business education: through the lens of semiglobalization
Authors: Ghemawat Pankaj 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a personal perspective on the extent to which business schools have globalized what they teach and to make content‐ and process‐related suggestions about how to make further progress.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a mixture of quantitative and qualitative/interpretative analysis.FindingsThe paper finds that rhetoric around the globalization of business education has greatly outrun the reality of curricular change and this problem seems unlikely to be solved until the craving for distinctively global content can be satisfied.Research limitations/implicationsSemiglobalization – the intermediate state of integration in which neither the bridges nor the borders between countries can be ignored – is proposed as a conceptual umbrella for organizing curricular change and in terms, of process, a two‐track‐approach, combining infusion and insertion, is recommended.Originality/valueBoth the conceptual and procedural recommendations of this paper are novel.
Technology and the business school world
Authors: Fleck James 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to consider the range of technologies currently affecting the business school world, and to draw out some of the implications and ramifications that we should bear in mind.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on insights from other analyses of technology development, the paper starts from a broad view of technology as including organisational and cultural aspects as well as the narrowly instrumental “hardware” aspects to analyse how technology is affecting how business schools will operate in the future.FindingsSeveral important general observations are argued for: first, technical elements can be used in different ways to realise a range of distinct business and learning models. Second, technology can be deployed either to sustain existing operations or to disrupt them in fundamental ways. And third, those running Business Schools can, and should, actively “shape” technology, as otherwise they shall by default become victims of its impact.Originality/valueThe paper reveals that, deans must ensure their schools actively explore the immense potential and the wide ramifications of the new technologies coming on stream in the context of increasing globalisation, rather than just waiting to adopt passively the technologies that become available. That is, they should become technology makers rather than merely technology takers. Nevertheless, deans should also remember that technology is always just the means to an end, and so they have to be clear about what their purposes (ends) actually are.
Are business schools studying and teaching the right things?
Authors: Ulrich Maerki Hans 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the importance of services as a subject for scientific research and teaching. Services represent the majority of the world economy but universities and business schools have not generally considered services to be an appropriate subject for scientific research and teaching. With the help of industry, universities and business schools need to bring together a variety of current academic disciplines, including engineering, statistics, management theory, and human psychology, to develop a formal, interdisciplinary curriculum around service science. It is imperative that we do this to drive much needed service innovation and to equip graduates for the jobs of tomorrow.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on first‐hand experience of working with over 50 universities from around the world which are developing service science as an academic discipline and research topic.FindingsThe paper finds that the number of business schools and universities running service science on their curriculum is on the rise. By being part of the Service Science, Management and Engineering (SSME) academic initiative, business schools and universities are enabling their graduates to benefit from the swiftly growing service sector and strengthening their linkages with business.Originality/valueThis paper sets out to inspire academic and business school leaders to find out more about SSME.
Ant colony optimization for finding medians of weighted graphs
Authors: Kaveh A. , Sharafi P. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeMedians of a graph have many applications in engineering. Optimal locations for facility centers, distribution of centers and domain decomposition for parallel computation are a few examples of such applications. In this paper, a new ant system (AS) algorithm based on the idea of using two sets of ants, named active and passive ants is proposed for the problem of finding k‐medians of a weighted graph or the facility location problem on a network.Design/methodology/approachThe structure of the algorithm is derived from two known heuristics; namely, rank‐based AS and max‐min ant system with some adjustments in pheromone updating and locating the ants on the graph nodes. The algorithms are designed with and without a local search.FindingsAn efficient algorithm for location finding, and the novel application of an ant colony system can be considered as the main contribution of this paper.Originality/valueCombining two different tools; namely, graph theory and AS algorithm results in an efficient and accurate method for location finding. The results are compared to those of another algorithm based on the theory of graphs.
Decision support tool for blank selection in workshop machining processes
Authors: Quintana G. , Ciurana J. , G‐Romeu M. L. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeNowadays there is a trend in industry to optimize processes through computerization. In the field of machining, computer assistance is available to design and describe the product, analyze and simulate its behaviour, describe the manufacturing conditions and generate the corresponding orders. These are the CAD, CAM and computer aided process planning systems. However, there are no computer applications for machining processes that offer assistance to determine the characteristics of the blank. This task is usually done by workshop operators, numerical control programmers, process planners or other professionals whose knowledge and, especially, experience allow them to carry it out. This paper aims to present a computer application that provides assistance to select the characteristics of the blanks used in machining processes.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology applied consists of studying the methods experts use to choose blanks, analyzing the variety of parts that are currently machined in the workshops, designing the application and then implementing and validating it.FindingsThe system developed calculates the characteristics of the blank and optimizes the decision according to the experience, knowledge and methods of the experts. This application can carry out calculations for any of the parts that are usually manufactured in a workshop. The solutions that the programme offers can be developed using current‐cutting techniques or the profiles that suppliers sell in the market. The paper includes a case study to demonstrate how the tool is used. Implementation of this computer application brings the present industry closer to production optimization and computerization of the processes (computer integrated manufacturing).Originality/valueThis is the first time the knowledge and the reasoning methods of experts have been analyzed and implemented in a computer tool that gives assistance to determine the characteristics of the blank.
The comparative body model in material and geometric nonlinear analysis of space R/C frames
Authors: Trogrlic Boris , Mihanovic Ante 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to present a new numerical model for the stability and load‐bearing capacity computation of space reinforced‐concrete (R/C) frame structures. Both material and geometric nonlinearities are taken into account. The R/C cross‐sections are assumed to undergo limited distortion under torsional action.Design/methodology/approachA simple, global discretization using beam‐column finite elements is preferred to a full, global discretization using 3D elements. This is more acceptable from a practical point of view. The composite cross‐section is discretized using 2D elements to apply the fiber decomposition procedure to solve the material and geometrical nonlinear behavior of the cross‐section under biaxial moments and axial forces. A local discretization of each beam element based on the comparative body model (i.e. a prismatic body discretized using brick elements, element by element, during the incremental‐iterative procedure) allows determining the torsional constant of the cross‐section under limited warping. The classical global iterative‐incremental procedure is then used to solve the resulting material and geometric nonlinear problem.FindingsIt has been noticed that, in case of a limited distortion of the cross‐section, the torsional constant of homogeneous (linear elastic) materials is greater than the one obtained from the Saint‐Venant theory. However, due to low‐tensile strength of concrete materials, the torsional constant decreases significantly after an early loading phase, primarily due to the lack of reinforcing flanges.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study does not cover the torsion analysis of R/C cross‐section with stirrups. Besides, the bond‐slip effect between concrete and steel reinforcement is not taken into account, nor is the local buckling of the beam flanges and rebar.Practical implicationsThis new numerical model has been implemented in a computer program for effectively computing the nonlinear stability and load bearing capacity of space R/C frames.Originality/valueThe authors believe that the comparative body model should bring a new approach to the solution of torsion problems with limited distortion of cross‐sections in material and geometric nonlinear analysis of space R/C frames.
Consumer ethnocentrism in the German market
Authors: Evanschitzky Heiner , v. Wangenheim Florian , Woisetschläger David , Blut Markus 
Published: March 2008

PurposeInternational marketing researchers have long been concerned with determining whether consumers are predisposed towards a preference for domestic products, as opposed to foreign products. The purpose of this paper is to assess such a domestic‐country bias (DCB) in the German market.Design/methodology/approachThis study empirically investigates DCB across six countries and 14 product categories in the Germany market. By so doing, it replicates an earlier study conducted in the UK. Ordered logit analysis was employed as well as multidimensional unfolding to present results.FindingsAs in the study conducted in the UK, there is in general a strong DCB in the German market. However, it differs largely across the 14 product categories. Results indicate that consumer preference rankings can best be explained by a combination of demographic variables and country‐of‐origin effects.Practical implicationsResults indicate that domestic firms in Germany can well rely on a safeguarding effect when marketing their products. At the same time, managers from foreign countries cannot rely on consumer ethnocentrism as a reliable indicator of the inclination of consumers to downgrade their products.Originality/valueThis study confirms some findings from the UK. However, results from Germany indicate that at least economic competitiveness of the country‐of‐origin plays a role in determining respondents' judgments. This study underlines the value of replication studies in cross‐cultural settings in particular.
Consumers' need for uniqueness: short‐form scale development and cross‐cultural validation
Authors: Ruvio Ayalla , Shoham Aviv , Makovec Brenčič Maja 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and validate cross‐culturally a short‐form, consumers' need for uniqueness (CNFU) scale. The length of the original scale (31 items) might have hindered its diffusion in research when questionnaire length and respondent fatigue are major considerations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses survey‐based data from Israel, Slovenia, and the Palestinian Authority and uses a combination of statistical techniques, such as EFA, CFA, and structural equation modeling.FindingsIn general, support was found for the cross‐cultural reliability and validity of the new, short‐form CNFU scale.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research can use the short‐form scale with additional confidence in its cross‐cultural reliability and validity.Practical implicationsFirst, since CNFU appears not to be culturally bound, marketers can identify cross‐country segments of high‐CNFU individuals and use standardized marketing campaigns to reach them. Second, marketers of unique products can use the antecedents identified in this study to develop and encourage CNFU. Third, the findings can be used to design advertising campaigns such as by emphasizing the social context of consumption of high‐uniqueness products.Originality/valueAn original and first presentation of a cross‐cultural validation of a parsimonious CNFU scale.
The impact of national stereotypes on the country of origin effect
Authors: Chattalas Michael , Kramer Thomas , Takada Hirokazu 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to advances a conceptual framework in which the impact of national stereotype dimensions on country of origin (COO) effects is explicitly modeled and decomposed.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes that the perceived warmth and perceived competence dimensions of national stereotypes underlie COO effects. The conceptual framework posits research propositions on the potential interactions of these dimensions with product type (such as hedonic versus utilitarian and high‐ versus low‐contact services), while the effects of consumer characteristics (such as cultural orientation, expertise, involvement, and ethnocentrism) are explored.FindingsThe Stereotype Content Model is a useful tool in exploring the relationship between national stereotypes and COO‐based evaluations as it represents a major theoretical advance in the systematic study of stereotype contents.Practical implicationsThe advanced conceptual framework holds significant practical implications for the international marketing strategies of corporations as well as nations.Originality/valueThis paper proposes an original conceptualization and testable research propositions regarding the relationship between national stereotype contents and COO‐based consumer evaluations of products.
Effect of brand extension strategies on brand image
Authors: Martinez Eva , Polo Yolanda , de Chernatony Leslie 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose and test a model that shows how extending a brand affects the overall brand image. The relations between the relevant variables in brand extension strategies in the UK and Spanish markets are analysed to determine if the brand extension strategies have the same effect on brand image.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was conducted in the UK and Spain using structural equation analysis. Two pre‐tests were conducted to select the brands and the extensions.FindingsResults show that the brand extension strategy dilutes the brand image in both markets. It is found that brand image before extension and fit has positive effects on brand image after extension. The concurrence between the models studied in the two markets suggests that UK and Spanish consumers respond similarly to brand extensions.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was only conducted in two countries. Researchers are encouraged to test the model in more countries.Practical implicationsResults suggest that a firm which has a good brand image before the extension will be less at risk when it launches a new product onto the market with the same brand name. Its best market will be those consumers who already know the brand's products and who at the same time perceive a better image of it. The firm should not forget that the closer the extended product is to its core market, the more positive will be its acceptance by consumers, which will translate into a better image evaluation.Originality/valueThe study analyses how extending a brand may affect the parent brand image in global brand.
An organizational learning model for vocational education in the context of TQM culture
Authors: Lam M.Y. , Poon Gary K.K. , Chin K.S. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to try to establish a relationship between organizational learning capability (OLC) and TQM culture (TC) based on a case study of a leading vocational education institution of Hong Kong, and to develop an organizational learning transformation model for vocational education in the context of TQM culture.Design/methodology/approachThe linkage between OLC and TC constructs is established and confirmed statistically by a structured questionnaire survey. Key TC constructs are then identified and prioritized using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based interview, focus group, and ethnographic study to formulate an empirical TQM culture based OL transformation model for vocational education. Finally, the validity and effectiveness of the model is verified through an actual implementation case.FindingsStrong positive correlation is found between the OLC and TC constructs, while shared vision, long‐term focus, and teacher involvement are identified to be the key TC constructs that can have significant impact on OLC in vocational education. It also confirms that rules orientation prohibits the creation of TQM culture, while innovative leadership does nurture its formation. An empirical TQM culture based OL transformation model for vocational education is formulated and subsequently tested through an implementation case. The result confirms that the model can effectively facilitate a transition of a traditional vocational education institution towards a learning organization for organizational excellence.Originality/valueAlthough the evolutionary development and theory supports for TQM and Organizational Learning (OL) are distinct, they appear to have more in common than they have in distinctiveness. However, there is little synergy developed between these two fields so far both in academia and industry. The paper establishes a theoretically informed and statistically confirmed organizational learning transformation model for vocational education in the context of TQM culture.