bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Customer value and switching costs in business services: developing exit barriers through strategic value management
Authors: Liu Annie H. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the concept of customer value and its role in building switching costs perceptions. The current research develops scales and empirically validates a typology of customer value for business services.Design/methodolgy/approachThrough an extensive literature review, qualitative interviews, and an empirical investigation, the current study identifies three facets of customer value for business services (i.e. economic value, relational value, and core value) and investigates their relationships with buyers' perceptions of switching costs. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to evaluate a measurement model and structural relationships.FindingsThe findings show that economic value and the value obtained from relational and support aspects of a service exert strong positive impact on customers' perceptions of switching costs and thus serve as barriers to exit. Although core service does not seem to have positive impact on switching costs, core value maybe a “hygiene” factor that may promote customers' switching if not properly managed.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study are generated from a single industry; additional studies in other industries may strengthen the generalizability of the proposed constructs and framework.Practical implicationsBusiness suppliers need to build exit barriers through co‐creating relational value. Through communications, suppliers may be able to monitor customers' desired value as a proactive action to anticipate changes and to influence positive changes in customer value.Originality/valueThe current study sheds some light on how supplier firms can enhance switching costs, and consequently raise exit barriers by better managing various aspects of customer value perceptions.
Obasanjo Presidential Library: to be or not to be?
Authors: Aghwotu Tiemo Pereware 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the planned project to create the first presidential library in Africa, the Obasanjo Presidential Library.Design/methodology/approachFocusing on public concerns and criticisms in the media, the obstacles that may prevent the Obasanjo Presidential Library from being completed are enumerated.FindingsWhile the Obasanjo Presidential Library is intended to record the President's activities, foster democracy and promote good governance, the methods used to raise fund to date have been controversial. There is widespread criticism of the donations raised for the library project, even though most people see the library as a worthy project to pursue.Originality/valueProvides an example of how even the most worthy project may be headed for failure if not handled properly. The general support for the presidential library may not be enough to see it to completion due to the controversial methods used to secure funds for the project.
Knowledge development, social capital and alliance learning
Authors: Ratten Vanessa , Suseno Yuliani 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to elucidate information on what creates the different types of knowledge.Design/methodology/approachIn the conceptual model it is argued that the concept of social capital provides an interesting view on the creation of market‐specific and firm‐specific knowledge.FindingsThe major finding from the paper is that knowledge is an important by‐product of an alliance forming process, a process commonly termed as alliance learning.Research limitations/implicationsBoth market‐specific and firm‐specific knowledge have implications on two main types of alliance learning, that of mutual and non‐mutual learning.Practical implicationsAlliance managers need to be aware that knowledge is a key driver as well as a beneficial outcome in the formation of alliances.Originality/valueThis paper examines how the different types of knowledge evolve and how these different types of knowledge impact upon alliance learning.
Health services management: what are the ethical dimensions?
Authors: Palfrey Colin , Thomas Paul , Phillips Ceri 
Published: June 2006

PurposeSets out to examine arguments that attribute a lack of an ethical dimension to the management function.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses the role of health service managers in the context of the NHS and the political and economic contexts in which they operate.Practical implicationsThe challenge faced by senior managers in the NHS, i.e. trying to provide high‐quality, accessible services and to remain within budgets, is recognised as formidable and ethically complex.Originality/valueEfficiency and choice can be compatible objectives but their achievement within the NHS is likely to be more difficult than political rhetoric might suggest.
From bureaucratic to post‐bureaucratic: the difficulties of transition
Authors: Josserand Emmanuel , Teo Stephen , Clegg Stewart 
Published: June 2006

PurposeModern bureaucracies are under reconstruction, bureaucracy being no longer “modern”; they are becoming “post” bureaucratic. Defining the post‐bureaucratic organization as a hybrid form provides insight into the intrinsic difficulties involved in the refurbishment of large complex organizations. The purpose of this paper is to examine these difficulties empirically.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the case of an Australian public sector agency, subject to “corporatization” – a metamorphosis from a strictly public sector outlook to one that was imputedly more commercial. It focuses on the transition from personnel management to strategic HRM in the HR function.FindingsA series of difficulties affected these changes: difficulties in inventing a new identity; differences in perception of that identity; organizational philosophy towards strategic HRM; unsuitability of extent networks; and identity conflicts. Two factors emerge as the core explanation for the difficulties encountered: the “stickiness of identity” and the difficulties associated with network development.Originality/valueThe paper outlines the difficulties experienced in the putative “refurbishment” of a large public sector agency as it made its way to “corporatization”.
A structurationist analysis of post‐bureaucracy in modernity and late modernity
Authors: Briand Louise , Bellemare Guy 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use case study evidence to show that post‐bureaucracy is less marked by a discontinuity in surveillance than by its displacement and intensification.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the complex changes that occurred at the International Development Research Center, a Canadian public corporation.FindingsFundamental clash of values is evident. The reform has brought about a “new order” which relies on a centralized model of governance. Moves towards the “post‐bureaucratic organization” have entailed intensified surveillance and produced a new structure of domination.Originality/valueThe paper argues that Anthony Giddens' theories of late modernity and structuration contain elements that explain the emergence of new organizational forms, their continuity and transformation.
The underground mall
Authors: Boyd Thomas Jane , Lee Okleshen Peters Cara 
Published: June 2006

PurposeA dynamic retailing format is emerging in metropolitan cities across the USA: the underground mall (UGM). The UGM is a place of trade where a cluster of socially networked buyers (i.e. potential customers) and sellers (i.e. retailers) meet face‐to‐face in a private setting (i.e. in the seller's garage or in a neighborhood clubhouse) for the purpose of trade. This study seeks to detail how this unique retailing format operates and examines factors influencing consumption within this gray market.Design/methodology/approachTwo theories were utilized in developing a framework for data collection: gray markets and market embeddedness. Data were collected via in‐depth interviews with 16 UGM shoppers. The data were analyzed and interpreted according to the protocol for phenomenology.FindingsA combination of diverse retailing and socialization benefits drives the gray market of the UGM. Retailing benefits include a wide variety of vendors and products, unique items, convenience, a personalized shopping experience, and a comfortable shopping context. Socialization benefits include strengthening interpersonal relationships and building connections within one's community.Research limitations/implicationsThis study makes an important contribution to the gray marketing literature. The findings illustrate that a combination of diverse retailing and socialization benefits, not price, drives this particular gray market.Originality/valueThis research is original to the gray market, market embeddedness, and retailing literatures within the field of marketing. The findings of this study suggest that consumer motives for shopping in the gray market of the UGM are more hedonic than utilitarian in nature.
The usage of third party logistics in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sadiq Sohail Mohammed , Saad Al‐Abdali Obaid 
Published: June 2006

PurposeWith competitive pressures placing an increasing dependence on the ability of organizations to deliver customer‐adapted products quickly and on time, logistics has been an area that has been subjected to investigation. While there is a growing evidence of organizations increasingly seeking to outsource their logistics activities, there have been few comprehensive studies on the outsourcing of logistics in the Middle Eastern region. The purpose of this paper is to examine the usage of third party logistics (TPL) services in Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical research is used to study the extent firms use the services of logistics companies; the time period these have been used; the decision‐making process for choosing contract logistics and its impact on the organization.FindingsResults based on the analysis of data relating to 496 firms in Saudi Arabia indicate that most of these users are satisfied with the services providers and has largely seen positive developments within the organization.Practical implicationsThe results provide managers with evidence supporting the benefits of logistics outsourcing. The study also contains useful information for the providers of contract logistics services on the most frequently used services.Originality/valueThis study makes a significant addition to literature on logistics outsourcing as little empirical research has been previously reported from Arab world and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia to establish linkages between organizations and TPL providers. Moreover, the results of this study will also serve as a future benchmark for the entire Gulf Cooperation Council region, as Saudi Arabia happens to be the largest country in the Middle East.
Application of numerical methods to study the effect of axial conduction in plates and flow channels on the performance of plate heat exchangers
Authors: Mehrabian M.A. , Sheikhzadeh G.A. , Khoramabadi M. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to predict the plate heat exchanger performance when axial conduction in plates and in flow channels are present and fluids' viscosities are temperature dependent.Design/methodology/approachThe approach to achieve the objective of the paper is deriving the governing equations and developing a computer program based on finite differences to solve them. The governing equations become dimensionless defining reference values and then discretized using FTBCS and FTCS methods. To solve the governing equations, the flow channel is divided into small elements in axial direction. Physical properties are constant for each element, while viscosity changes from one element to another one.FindingsThe effect of axial conduction in plates as well as in flow channels on temperature distributions, are studied individually and simultaneously. The program is run under four different conditions, namely: no axial conduction, axial conduction in the plates and in the flow channels, axial conduction in the plates only, and axial conduction in the flow channels only.In all the above cases, temperature distributions are achieved and characteristic curves are plotted. The numerical results are validated by comparing them with those published in an established reference carried out ignoring the effect of axial conduction, using the same plate geometry and flow details.Originality/valueThis paper gives valuable information and offers practical help to plate heat exchanger design engineer in order to choose the proper material for the plates as well as the right service and product fluids.
Solution of Navier‐Stokes equations by fourth‐order compact schemes and AUSM flux splitting
Authors: Mawlood Mahmood K. , Basri Shahnor , Asrar Waqar , Omar Ashraf A. , Mokhtar Ahmad S. , Ahmad Megat M.H.M. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo develop a high‐order compact finite‐difference method for solving flow problems containing shock waves.Design/methodology/approachA numerical algorithm based on high‐order compact finite‐difference schemes is developed for solving Navier‐Stokes equations in two‐dimensional space. The convective flux terms are discretized by using advection upstream splitting method (AUSM). The developed method is then used to compute some example laminar flow problems. The problems considered have a range of Mach number that corresponds to subsonic incompressible flow to hypersonic compressible flows that contain shock waves and shock/boundary‐layer interaction.FindingsThe paper shows that the AUSM flux splitting and high‐order compact finite‐difference methods can be used accurately and robustly in resolving shear layers and capturing shock waves. The highly diffusive nature of conventional flux splitting especially on coarse grids makes them inaccurate for boundary layers even with high‐order discretization.Originality/valueThis paper presents a high‐order numerical method that can accurately and robustly capture shock waves without deteriorating oscillations and resolve boundary layers and shock/boundary layer interaction.
Clearing the way for gender balance in the management of the UK financial services industry
Authors: Ogden Susan M. , McTavish Duncan , McKean Lindsay 
Published: June 2006

PurposeFemales now comprise just over half of the workforce in the UK financial services sector. This paper aims to report on the current position relating to factors that are facilitating and inhibiting women from moving into middle and senior levels of management within the financial services sector.Design/methodology/approachA comparative analysis of four case studies from a cross‐section of the financial services industry is presented, each compiled using interviews with male and female senior and middle managers, and gender‐defined focus groups usually of employees who are in the promotion pipeline.FindingsDespite progress in the case study organisations, both men and women concur that females encounter more barriers to career progression in the industry than men and that these relate primarily to a long hours culture and networking. This leads some women to exclude themselves from working in certain parts of the industry, such as corporate banking. Further, this aspect of the industry culture tends to permeate into areas of the industry where these activities are less important for fostering client relationships.Practical implicationsThe research implies that the industry needs to do more to make networking events and activities more gender neutral. Additionally, as more women move up the career pipeline, they should be encouraged to access networks that tap into their equivalent “female networks”.Originality/valueThe paper provides a current picture of managerial working life in the UK financial services industry and provides empirical evidence of the managerial work cultures within the sector.
Exploring parents' responses to their child's deliberate self‐harm
Authors: Raphael H. , Clarke G. , Kumar S. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeDeliberate self‐harm (DSH) is a serious public health problem and, although in the past research has focused mainly on the DSH patient, it is now recognised that parental involvement in the therapeutic process is beneficial. This study aimed to understand parents' concerns, expectations and experiences following an episode of deliberate self‐harm in young people in order to identify their support needs.Design/methodology/approachThis was a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. Data were generated primarily from face‐to‐face, in‐depth interviews with parents of young people who had self‐harmed and with health professionals directly concerned in the management of DSH patients.FindingsThe study suggests that an incident of DSH by their son or daughter is an extremely traumatic experience for parents. Parents reported being deeply distressed with feelings of helplessness, they had concerns regarding coping with their child on discharge from hospital and were worried about the possibility of future incidents. These anxieties were exacerbated by a perceived lack of information and support from some health professionals. These results suggest that parents need more support and if given this they might be enabled to better contribute to improving the long term prognosis for their child.Originality/valueThe information reported here may help health professionals to engage more fully with parents as they have a key part to play in the success of the therapeutic process. The findings could be used to increase awareness and understanding amongst health professionals and so facilitate the development of mutual trust and understanding between all parties involved in the therapeutic process.
How is your walking group running?
Authors: Kwak Lydia , Kremers Stef , Walsh Anthony , Brug Hans 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe present study sought to obtain a better understanding of the determinants that influence the adherence to individual walking groups.Design/methodology/approachThe study took place as part of the “Just Walk It” (JWI) programme of the Australian National Heart Foundation. The research model incorporated social environmental, physical environmental, cognitive and socio‐demographic factors. Participants (n=284; response rate 49.6 per cent) of the JWI programmme completed a survey, which measured environmental, cognitive and socio‐demographic factors. Exercise adherence was monitored over a period of 12 months. To identify the potential predictors bivariate correlation analyses and linear regression analyses were performed.FindingsSocial cohesion was identified as the sole predictor of adherence to walking groups, while cohesion was further associated with positive attitudes regarding physical activity. Furthermore, participants who perceived their neighbourhood as positive in terms of safety and friendliness were more likely to have a positive attitude toward exercising.Originality/valueThe present study indicates the importance of acknowledging the social environment in designing walking group interventions. This paper offers useful information for individuals designing interventions aimed at increasing physical activity.
Evaluating school‐based health services to inform future practice
Authors: Chase Elaine , Goodrich Rosalind , Simon Antonia , Holtermann Sally , Aggleton Peter 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the process and lessons learned from an evaluation of “Teen Talk”, a health drop in service at Kidbrooke, a state secondary school in Greenwich.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐pronged approach was adopted for the evaluation. This included a questionnaire survey of a sample of 180 pupils within the school; in‐depth discussions with 12 young people who had used the service; interviews with health and education professionals and parents; desk research including an analysis of costs and discussions with senior staff in other schools in Greenwich to determine the feasibility of replicating the “Teen Talk” model elsewhere in the borough.Findings“Teen Talk” is greatly valued by pupils and staff at the Kidbrooke and was seen to provide a unique service. The overall perception is that it provides good value for money. However, the evaluation identified important lessons in setting up and managing the project which can help refine the service and which have relevance for local and national contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper illustrates the advantages of embedding evaluation research in health service design and implementation, particularly when there is the potential of replicating service delivery models in other school settings.Originality/valueCreating safe and confidential spaces for young people to access help and advice on a range of health issues is by now well recognized as good practice. School‐based health facilities are a relatively new approach to young people's health promotion. Although the benefits of this type of provision are largely undisputed, to date, few such services have been evaluated.
Measurement of productivity and quality in non‐marketable services
Authors: Färe R. , Grosskopf S. , Forsund F.R. , Hayes K. , Heshmati A. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to model and compute productivity, including a measure of quality, of a service which does not have marketable outputs – namely public education at the micro level. This application is a case study for Sweden public schools.Design/methodology/approachA Malmquist productivity index is employed which allows for multiple outputs or outcomes such as test results and promotions without requiring price data with which to aggregate these outputs. It also allows one to account for inputs such as teachers and facilities as well as proxies for quality of the inputs (e.g. experience of teachers) and outputs. This model generalizes the basic data envelopment analysis (DEA) models – used successfully to measure performance in many educational applications – to the intertemporal case. A way of computing quality and quantity components of overall productivity is employed.FindingsThe case study is an application to the Swedish primary and secondary school system over the 1992 to 1995 period. It was found that quality “matters”, i.e. productivity growth changes when one accounts for quantity.Research limitations/implicationsThe data available implied that the specification is restricted to an intermediate production model, i.e. the output data only account for the intermediate outcomes of education like grades and promotions, but not the longer term outcomes related to success in the job market or higher education, which one proposed as a task for future research.Originality/valueThe indices which are computed at the micro level are of value for policy purposes (does investment in quality matter?) and in an evaluation context.