bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The magic of price‐ending choices in European restaurants: a comparative study
Authors: “Sunny” Hu Hsin‐Hui , Parsa H.G. , Lin Zhao Jin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to understand the price‐ending strategies in European restaurants and make practical suggestions to the managers.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from restaurant menus in three European countries. Results were compared with those of USA and Taiwan.FindingsThe price‐ending strategies of European restaurants are distinctly different from those of the USA and, interestingly, have more in common with those of Taiwan.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size is a concern. Data were limited to three countries. Inclusion of more European restaurants is highly desired, especially with the Euro as a common currency.Practical implicationsRestaurant companies could have better understanding of the impact of cultural differences, while implementing price‐ending strategies.Originality/valueThis paper presents a case where cultural differences are of significant economic value in setting restaurant menu prices. In Europe, dining out is considered more a cultural activity than a utilitarian participation. The historical roots of the usage of digit zero in a European context are presented here.
Measures of marketing performance: a comparative study from Spain
Authors: Eusebio Rossano , Llonch Andreu Joan , Pilar López Belbeze M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeDespite the importance of assessing business performance, there is limited research on the ways of measuring marketing effectiveness. Aims to redress this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper focuses on six categories of marketing effectiveness measures to compare the ways of measuring marketing performance in two groups of Spanish firms (Tourism and Hospitality firms and Industrial firms) in an exploratory study; and also studies the effect of business orientation (customer and competitor orientation) on the measures used to evaluate marketing performance.FindingsIt was found that consumer‐based measures have a leading role in the evaluation of marketing effectiveness in Tourism and Hospitality companies and customer orientation affects the importance of these consumer‐based measures.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is exploratory and subjective measures of business performance were used.Practical implicationsThe main implications are addressed to the Tourism and Hospitality managers for improving the ways of measuring marketing effectiveness.Originality/valueThis is a study of the measurement of marketing effectiveness in Tourism and Hospitality companies in comparison with the industrial counterparts.
The new customer‐centred business model for the hospitality industry
Authors: Kandampully Jay 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe objective of this research is to identify and present factors that are essential to support a customer‐centred business model that is theoretically sound and can be used for practical application in the hospitality industry.Design/methodology/approachExtensive literature that links both nascent theory and practice forms the framework of this study. This study examines recent transformational changes in the industry and the global market and provides direction for practising managers and theoreticians.FindingsThis research presents a three‐phase strategic orientation plan that provides both theoretical and practical direction for the hospitality industry, so as to effectively reorient the hospitality firm into a customer‐centred business.Practical implicationsThe ongoing challenges in the ever‐increasing competitive global market can be met by hospitality firms by adopting strategic directions proposed by the customer‐centred business model. This research provides a three‐step plan that can be used in any hospitality firm to reorient the organisation into a customer‐centred business. This research has identified factors that are essential to support hospitality firms to operate effectively within the new business model.Originality/valueThe three‐phase strategic orientation of the proposed business model is conceptually sound and contributes new knowledge to the present body of literature. It can also be used effectively in a practical setting. Hence this study provides a theoretical and practical contribution in terms of originality and value.
The use of management contracts by international hotel firms in Thailand
Authors: Panvisavas Veerades , Stephen Taylor J. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeSeeks to examine the extent to which management contracts used by international hotel firms in Thailand mirror those used in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe study builds on previous research carried out in the late 1990s that highlighted new developments in the content and operation of hotel management contracts in the USA. Using a series of semi‐structured interviews with Thai hotel owners/representatives and international hotel firm executives, the focus is on establishing current management contract practices in Thailand.FindingsThe use of management contracts in Thailand, in substantive terms, largely mirrors practices in the USA. There were some detectable differences that existed which appear to be due to the relative lack of experience of Thai owners in dealing with international hotel firms.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was essentially exploratory and was limited to a sample of management contracts representing around 20 per cent of all such contracts in Thailand. Future research should focus on examining the motivations of parties, methods of selecting and evaluating international hotel firms, and the specific issues parties confronted in implementing management contracts in Thailand.Practical implicationsAlthough at an early stage, this research suggests that Thai hotel owners need to gain greater knowledge of the practices of international hotel firms in other markets with a view to improving their bargaining power.Originality/valueThis study provides evidence of the influence of hotel management contract practices and trends in the USA on the relatively youthful hotel market of Thailand.
Delivering the message
Authors: Daun Winfried , Klinger Raffaela 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the ways in which premium hotel brands address the challenge of building and sustaining their value proposition and communicating the essence of this value to their customers.Design/methodology/approachThe article draws on commercial market research, published information sources and industry experience to identify the key issues that impact on the effectiveness of marketing communications.FindingsThe conclusion is that luxury hotel chains have worked hard to improve the effectiveness of brand management but that several key factors (such as market insight, differentiation, relative uniqueness) influence the long‐term effectiveness of the brand management approach.Research limitations/implicationsPractical measures for improving brand management practices are identified and explained.Practical implicationsThe key success factors are explained, with suggestions for implementation.Originality/valueThe paper draws on consulting experience and contains analysis and practical suggestions that are especially relevant to practitioners.
Making JIT retail a success: the coordination journey
Authors: Yew Wong Chee , Johansen John 
Published: July 2006

PurposeJust‐in‐time (JIT) retailers replenish continuously according to the consumer demand. Under unpredictable and seasonal consumer demand, it is essential to coordinate planning and responsiveness with the manufacturers. The purpose of this paper is to study the coordination journey between a toy manufacturer and a JIT retailer, and generates several theoretical propositions on coordination process, behaviours and strategies.Design/methodology/approachA one‐year case study to describe the unfolding coordination process between the toy manufacturer and JIT retailer. Rich case data is collected because the researcher is one of the manufacturer's project team members.FindingsThe coordination process followed some generic sequential stages – evaluating, deriving, offering, assessing and implementing of coordination strategies. Furthermore, the physical flow behaviours and the ordering behaviours are found interactively influencing each other. Especially, the speculative and risk‐averse ordering behaviours have created cyclical excess inventory and low shelf‐availability. Under such uncertain conditions, two counter‐productive coordination strategies were implemented. The two parties later realized several effective coordination strategies – accurate response, differentiated responsive, and coordinated responsive. Moreover, the responsiveness of the manufacturer was actually affected by the order behaviours of all other retailers.Research limitations/implicationsThere is generalizable limitation to generate theoretical propositions based only one case study on a dyadic toy supply chain.Originality/valueLow‐responsive supply for unpredictable and seasonal demand leads to irrational ordering and coordination behaviours, which create mismatch of supply and demand. This paper studies an alternate strategy – the JIT retailing. It includes the problems of coordination behaviours, some observed effective coordination process and strategies.
A model for designing multiple products logistics networks
Authors: Ma Hongze , Suo Chenxia 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study aims to provide a model for designing logistics networks with multiple products. In such a design model, it is important to determine the operation‐related parameters accurately.Design/methodology/approachAn iterative process is used to design a logistics network. First, a mixed integer‐programming (MIP) model is used to determine the configuration of the network. Then, based on the output of MIP model, an inventory‐planning model for multiple products is developed to decide the lot size and ordering frequency for each product at each node of the logistics network, and a vehicle routing model is used to find the shortest product delivery routes from wholesalers to retailers. After that, the operation‐related parameters are recalculated and updated, and the configuration of the logistics network is re‐optimized. Such process proceeds until it converges. By this iterative process, the operation‐related parameters can be determined more accurately.FindingsThe iterative process proposed in the paper possesses following advantages: determining operation‐related parameters accurately, and adapting to changing market quickly.Research limitations/implicationsA typical logistics network used to distribute multiple products is considered as target system to apply this model. This paper does not handle a real case study as an application example.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a modular design approach: different types of mathematics are used for different modules. The model developed in this paper is realizable as software tool in logistics management.
Linking financial performance to strategic orientation and operational priorities
Authors: Hoi Yan Yeung Jeff , Selen Willem , Sum Chee‐Chuong , Huo Baofeng 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to investigates the relationship of strategic choices of pure cost‐, pure differentiation‐, or a combination‐strategy on a composite measure of financial performance for third‐party logistics (3PL) providers in Hong Kong. In addition, it seeks to identify the importance of operations priorities underlying the respective adopted strategy, as well as the importance given to future competitive challenges for each strategy.Design/methodology/approachUses cluster analysis, ANOVA.FindingsLogistics service providers classified to follow different strategies report different financial performance, with companies adhering to the combined strategy of cost and differentiation performing best, followed by pure differentiation companies, which in turn outperform pure cost‐, commodity driven‐companies.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research may be widened to include customer, and not solely competitor, perceptions. Further studies could elaborate on technology adoption, information sharing, strategy formulation, operations practices, and benchmarking. Other studies could focus on the differences between high and low performers in terms of business performance, and the processes that enable low performers to become high performers; as well as comparing logistics strategies and practices between different countries.Practical implicationsThird‐party logistics providers, solely competing on cost and offering basic services only, need to differentiate to gain improved financial performance. Logistics companies can improve along multiple operational dimensions to achieve competitive advantage in the marketplace. Research identifies operational areas to be emphasized to drive strategy according to strategic orientation, as well as generic factors that will drive future logistics management in Hong Kong.Originality/valueLinking perceived financial performance to strategic choices of pure cost‐, pure differentiation‐, or a combination‐strategy for 3PL providers in Hong Kong.
Understanding collaborative supply chain relationships through the application of the Williamson organisational failure framework
Authors: Wilding Richard , Humphries Andrew S. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeWithin the supply chain the need for much closer, long‐term relationships is increasing due to supplier rationalisation and globalisation and more information about these interactions is required. The research specifically tested the well‐accepted Williamson's economic organisations failure framework as a theoretical model through which long‐term collaborative relationships can be viewed.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory research project was designed and carried out on a self‐selected census of 54 monopolistic relationships representing £575.8 m annual spend on equipment and associated services within the UK defence procurement organisation (a 10 per cent sample). Its aims were to understand the relationship dynamics within long‐term, sustained monopolies and to determine if generic success factors could be found to assist managers to break out of the essentially negative situation. A triangulated data capture approach was employed using both quantitative and qualitative methods from both the industry and MoD sides of each relationship and the research instruments concentrated on the five dimensions of the theoretical model with questions grounded in the literature.FindingsThe study demonstrated that the theoretical model could provide powerful insights into the research subject and especially revealed the important part played by co‐operation, co‐ordination and collaboration (C3behaviour) in reducing the inherently negative effects of close proximity and limited choice relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has used a narrow view through a specific theoretical model lens to achieve a broad understanding of business relationships within a single, albeit large, organisation.Practical implicationsManagers can reduce sources of frustration that generate negative behaviours by taking joint actions. Central to achieving this is C3behaviour where setting synchronised objectives, pursuing joint approaches to service and product delivery, lowering costs and risks and promoting measures to support the growth of trust appear to be the best ways of halting negative behaviour spirals.Originality/valueThe prime contribution of this exploratory research is the exposure of relationship dynamics within a large sample of long‐term, collaborative supply chain business dyads using an integrated application of Williamson's organisations failure framework.
Changes in performance under various lengths of review periods in a periodic review inventory control system with lost sales
Authors: Sezen Bülent 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study investigates the impacts of changing the length of review period on the performance of a periodic review system with lost sales under varying demand patterns by using simulation method.Design/methodology/approachThe simulation model has been built using a spreadsheet program and depicts a special case of several retailers supplied by a central warehouse. Simulation scenarios are created based on two factors: length of the review period, and product type in terms of the average and standard deviation of the corresponding product's demand distribution.FindingsResults obtained from the simulation model show that inventory performance is quite sensitive to the duration of review periods, and selecting the appropriate period length is largely dependent on the variability of demand. Specifically, relatively shorter review periods are required for products with high variable demand, while the inventory system can tolerate longer review periods if the product demand is less fluctuating.Originality/valueThe study provides some practical guidelines for the inventory managers regarding the selection of an appropriate length for a review period in a periodic review system with lost sales.
A content analysis of research approaches in logistics research
Authors: Spens Karen M. , Kovács Gyöngyi 
Published: July 2006

PurposeBased on a framework developed by Kovács and Spens, this paper seeks to assess the use of the three different research approaches in logistics research; discuss the use of different research methods within the three research approaches; find and discuss applications of the abductive research approach to logistics problems.Design/methodology/approachContent analysis is used in order to categorize the different research approaches. While content analysis commonly uses smaller units such as paragraphs, sentences, words or characters, this study used entire articles as the unit of analysis. The scope of the review encompassed five years (1998‐2002) of articles in IJLM, IJPDLM and JBL. A total of 378 articles was reviewed and categorized.FindingsThe findings of the study corroborate earlier studies regarding the main research approach used in logistics. Published logistics research is hypothetico‐deductive, with a strong emphasis on using survey methods. Nevertheless, inductive as well as abductive research is gaining importance. However, most logistics articles do not explicitly discuss the research process, nor the approach used. Therefore, a call for more explicit statements of the research approach is suggested.Research limitations/implicationsThe review of the articles is limited to three main journals in the field. A more comprehensive view of research approaches could be obtained by broadening the review to include also other types of research.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a framework and guidelines to researchers for explicitly discussing the research approach used in logistics articles.Originality/valueThe paper provides an overview of the research approaches used in logistics research.
Improvisation in service performances: lessons from jazz
Authors: John Joby , Grove Stephen J. , Fisk Raymond P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to establish the efficacy of jazz improvisation as a useful metaphor to understand and implement features that contribute to excellent service performances.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins by presenting services as performances that often require flexibility and adaptability in their enactment. It then offers the metaphor of jazz improvisation as a means to comprehend and communicate the dynamics of such flexibility and adaptability. Jazz elements are used to illustrate their application to service delivery issues.Practical implicationsSimilar to jazz, services deal with complex and real time delivery circumstances; this makes services prone to uncertainty at the service encounter. Lessons from jazz offer service managers guidelines for improvisation by each player in their ensemble that can enable them to adapt to customers and produce a coherent and cohesive performance.Originality/valueThe jazz improvisation metaphor offers a template and guidelines to comprehend and enact principles pertaining to adaptability in services contexts that may be useful for managers in designing service delivery and training frontline service employees.
Telephone surveillance in call centers: prescriptions for reducing strain
Authors: Varca Philip E. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine telephone surveillance in call centers and the role that job control plays in reducing the strain associated with the practice.Design/methodology/approachSupervisory practices influencing job control – a form of worker empowerment – were viewed by the study as a key variable mitigating the long‐standing relationship between telephone surveillance and work strain. As part of a field experiment, a sample of 163 service representatives completed a questionnaire measuring strain, perceived degree of surveillance, and job control.FindingsCorrelational and path analyses indicated that the strain associated with telephone surveillance could be explained by a loss of perceived control, even though service representatives had no direct control over the surveillance process itself.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings support previous research emphasizing the importance of task control during service encounters and suggest that supervisory practices that empower service workers may also reduce job strain. The immediate findings may be limited to the call center environment but recent research suggests that the control construct may be robust in other settings.Originality/valueThis project is one a few studies that outlines specific management practices that could reduce strain associated with telephone surveillance.
Numerical simulation of traveling bubble cavitation
Authors: Mathew Sunil , Theo G. Keith Theo G. Keith , Nikolaidis Efstratios 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose is to present a new approach for studying the phenomenon of traveling bubble cavitation.Design/methodology/approachA flow around a rigid, 2D hydrofoil (NACA‐0012) with a smooth surface is analyzed computationally. The Rayleigh‐Plesset equation is numerically integrated to simulate the growth and collapse of a cavitation bubble moving in a varying pressure field. The analysis is performed for both incompressible and compressible fluid cases. Considering the initial bubble radius as a uniformly distributed random variable, the probability density function of the maximum collapse pressure is determined.FindingsThe significance of the liquid compressibility during bubble collapse is illustrated. Furthermore, it is shown that the initial size of the bubble has a significant effect on the maximum pressure generated during the bubble collapse. The maximum local pressure developed during cavitation bubble collapse is of the order of 104 atm.Research limitations/implicationsA single bubble model that does not account for the effect of neighboring bubbles is used in this analysis. A spherical bubble is assumed.Originality/valueA new approach has been developed to simulate traveling bubble cavitation by interfacing a CFD solver for simulating a flow with a program simulating the growth and collapse of the bubble. Probabilistic analysis of the local pressure due to bubble collapse has been performed.